Sad news

ariel · 19th November 2018, 04:38 PM

Several days ago Dr. Emma Astvatsaturyan, a pioneer of academic research of Caucasian weapons, passed away.

Her magisterial book “ Weapons of Caucasian nations” was published in 3 editions, she also wrote the first and the only systematic books on Turkish and Daghestani weapons. Regretfully, none of them were ever translated from Russian.

She was an inspiration to a multitude of younger weapon historians in the former USSR who continued to unravel the histories and the mysteries of fascinating and immensely important martial traditions of the Caucasus, the land of perpetual wars, unsurpassable heroism, chivalry and culture. The land where weapons were an organic part of everyday life .

Her contributions became the cornerstone of that process and all Caucasian weapon researchers owe a debt of gratitude to this small shy elderly woman.

May her memory be for a blessing.

Kubur · 19th November 2018, 04:44 PM

It's very sad indeed
I have her book on Ottoman weapons, one of the best ever, with such nice drawings.
My sincere condoleances
Kubur

Jim McDougall · 19th November 2018, 06:13 PM

Beautifully written tribute Ariel, and well describes the profoundly important contributions this wonderful lady gave us over all these years, opening the doors to learning on the weaponry of the Caucusus and others.

While these as you note were regrettably not translated from Russian, the good fortune for those of us as non speakers has been that scholars and writers such as Kirill Rivkin and yourself filtered her knowledge and work into books and material that is in English.

Her works and study thus will stand as her legacy and gift to us all.
May she rest in peace, and our gratitude to her reigns always.

TVV · 19th November 2018, 08:09 PM

May she rest in peace. I will always be grateful for her works on Caucasian and Ottomans arms, which were among the first on these subjects.

Oliver Pinchot · 20th November 2018, 05:17 AM

Yesterday, Emma Astvatsaturian passed away at age 89 in Moscow.
She established the typologies used in researching Caucasian arms & armor in the 1960s and 70s; these remain valid to the present.
She researched and administered the Caucasian Arms Collections of the State Historical Museum, Moscow, and was widely published. Her most notable work is ORUZHIYE NARODOV KAVKAZA. Virtually every time we refer to Caucasian arms, we quote her. She will be remembered for her great contributions to the field.

Հանգչիր խաղաղությամբ
Светлая ей память

Ian · 20th November 2018, 06:29 AM

Ariel and Oliver:

We have two threads on the same subject. I have merged them under the first one by Ariel. I hope that is OK with each of you.

She will be sadly missed and appreciated for her many contributions.

Ian.

19th November 2018, 04:38 PM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Sad news Several days ago Dr. Emma Astvatsaturyan, a pioneer of academic research of Caucasian weapons, passed away. Her magisterial book “ Weapons of Caucasian nations” was published in 3 editions, she also wrote the first and the only systematic books on Turkish and Daghestani weapons. Regretfully, none of them were ever translated from Russian. She was an inspiration to a multitude of younger weapon historians in the former USSR who continued to unravel the histories and the mysteries of fascinating and immensely important martial traditions of the Caucasus, the land of perpetual wars, unsurpassable heroism, chivalry and culture. The land where weapons were an organic part of everyday life . Her contributions became the cornerstone of that process and all Caucasian weapon researchers owe a debt of gratitude to this small shy elderly woman. May her memory be for a blessing.

20th November 2018, 05:17 AM	#5
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 457	In Memoriam Emma Astvatsaturian Yesterday, Emma Astvatsaturian passed away at age 89 in Moscow. She established the typologies used in researching Caucasian arms & armor in the 1960s and 70s; these remain valid to the present. She researched and administered the Caucasian Arms Collections of the State Historical Museum, Moscow, and was widely published. Her most notable work is ORUZHIYE NARODOV KAVKAZA. Virtually every time we refer to Caucasian arms, we quote her. She will be remembered for her great contributions to the field. Հանգչիր խաղաղությամբ Светлая ей память Last edited by Ian; 20th November 2018 at 09:42 PM. Reason: Spelling

19th November 2018, 04:44 PM	#2
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	It's very sad indeed I have her book on Ottoman weapons, one of the best ever, with such nice drawings. My sincere condoleances Kubur

19th November 2018, 06:13 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,951	Beautifully written tribute Ariel, and well describes the profoundly important contributions this wonderful lady gave us over all these years, opening the doors to learning on the weaponry of the Caucusus and others. While these as you note were regrettably not translated from Russian, the good fortune for those of us as non speakers has been that scholars and writers such as Kirill Rivkin and yourself filtered her knowledge and work into books and material that is in English. Her works and study thus will stand as her legacy and gift to us all. May she rest in peace, and our gratitude to her reigns always.

19th November 2018, 08:09 PM	#4
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,625	May she rest in peace. I will always be grateful for her works on Caucasian and Ottomans arms, which were among the first on these subjects.

20th November 2018, 06:29 AM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,203	Ariel and Oliver: We have two threads on the same subject. I have merged them under the first one by Ariel. I hope that is OK with each of you. She will be sadly missed and appreciated for her many contributions. Ian.