Aspects of Primordialism in the Perspective of Armenian Studies

It has long been observed that written history is in many ways a process of painstaking selection, leading to the rejection and loss of some events, while others are carefully preserved and turned into symbols of primordial identity. Thus, historians’ perceptions of their countries’ pasts often reflect primarily modern ethnic constructions extrapolated from grey antiquity. This makes it necessary to emphasise those historical processes or events that are capable of awakening national pride in the hearts of fellow tribesmen. Historical narrative is a filigree process of selection, where some events fade into the shadows and others, like gems, become symbols of original identity. This selective approach inevitably leads to a distorted historical picture, where events that do not fit into the contemporary national mythology are silenced or reinterpreted. History thus becomes not just a reflection of the past, but a powerful tool for building and strengthening cohesion. This process requires critical reflection and constant revision in order to avoid historical science becoming a propaganda tool. In this regard, the role of historians goes far beyond simply collecting and systematising facts. They become arbiters of sorts to weigh up different interpretations, uncover hidden motives and offer a multifaceted view of the past. Academic science should remain a space for dialogue, not a battlefield. Only such an approach can preserve history from manipulation and preserve its value as a source of wisdom and learning.