Christophor Araratov

Who was Christophor Araratov?

Christophor Araratov, also known as Khachatur Araratyan and Christophor Araratyan, was a career officer of the Russian Imperial Army. He was promoted to the rank of Major General of the Armenian army during its fight for independence during and after World War I. Araratov participated in the 1918 battles of Sardarapat and Karakilisa against Turkish invaders.

For having fought to establish the independence of the First Republic of Armenia, in 1937 during the Great Purge of Joseph Stalin, Araratov was arrested and executed on charges of nationalism. Following Stalin's death in 1953, the Soviet government began a period of rehabilitation, which was extended posthumously to many of the tens of thousands of Stalin's victims. Araratyan was rehabilitated and his awards were officially restored to him. His achievements were again acknowledged in history books.