The role of history education in the construction of Armenian identity

Abstract

The role of history education in shaping perceptions of collective identity is significant enough in Armenia. This research aims to show how history education influences the construction of national identity. Particularly, the focus of this study is on history textbooks intended for use in Armenian secondary schools as well as on the method used by the teachers while teaching history. On the one hand, it is important to find out how religious and national dimensions are presented in history textbooks and how the perceptions of historical events and figures are converted into collective Armenian identity. On the other hand, methods used by teachers while delivering history-related content may, to a different extent, influence pupils’ perceptions of historical past and Armenian identity as a whole. The study is unique since the existing literature in this field mainly covers the dimensions of Armenian identity or Armenian historical memory as a whole without paying much attention to where those dimensions are being taught first and how those dimensions are delivered in Armenian public schools, particularly during history classes.