In the last two centuries, in Armenian historiography, the issue of joining Eastern Armenia to Russia, due to socio-political, ideological, and sometimes simply due to propaganda expediency, was assessed differently. This event was rated from the greatest good for the Armenian people to the least of evils, down to evil. Joining Eastern Armenia to Russia and the subsequent processes of its historical fate convince us that Russian rule was objectively progressive for Armenia and Armenians.

KeywordsEastern Armenia Russia war joining historiography Leo Treaty of Turkmenchay significance N. Ashtaraketsi Kh. Lazaryan I. Paskevich autonomy kingdom “Armenian region” assessment good.

Long-term scientific and research activity of the distinguished historian and preeminent party and government leader academician Ashot Ionnisyan (1887-1972), can be divided into two stages: pre-Soviet and Soviet. One of the important areas of his historical and scientific researches was the coverage of centuries old liberation struggle of the Armenian people that is summarized in his valuable monographs. For obvious reasons, the Soviet Armenian historiography gave an exaggerated assessment to the Russian orientation of the Armenian people, such as fateful, critical, turning point, etc. From the point of view of historical science, A. Ioannisyan's opinion and assessment put forward in his works of the pre-Soviet period appear to be more balanced and reasonable, particularly, on the issues of the Russian orientation of the Armenian people in connecttion with the activities of Israel Ori (1659-1711).

KeywordsA. Ioannisyan Armenian people Russia Israel Ori orientation historiography assessment turning point “Excerpts” Peter the Great Ankeghakot Munich closing speech independence protector Minas vardapet indicator.

One of the important fundamental issues of Armenian historiography is the periodization of Armenian history, which undoubtedly contributes to the systematized presentation of the historical past of Armenia and the Armenian people, to the improvement of the level of scientific research and to the disclosure of historical truth. The rich written heritage of Armenian historiographers gives grounds to affirm that attempts to periodize the history of Armenia were undertaken from the very beginning.

Keywordshistoriographers and historians Khorenatsi Armenia periodization of history social system Chamchyan Alishan Leo Adonts.