"My experience with the professors of the Department of Oriental Studies made me realize that science can also be engaging." ISEC graduate Tiruhi Bayburdyan

Tiruhi Bayburdyan is an MA graduate in Oriental Studies of the 2022-2024 academic year at the International Scientific-Educational Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia (NAS RA). We dived into her professional education, research, and the opportunities provided by the Center.

-Where did you obtain your bachelor's degree and in what field?

"I hold a bachelor’s degree is in Journalism. From 2003 to 2008, I studied in the Department of Journalism at the Faculty of Culture at Yerevan State Pedagogical University. After getting married, I took a professional break, but later resumed my work in Journalism with a focus on politics. I have worked for various television channels and news websites."

-Why did you decide to pursue your master’s degree in Oriental Studies at ISEC?

"After the 44-day war, it became quite challenging to cover the complex and contradictory situation in our region. The opinions of experts were not sufficient for me to understand the events occurring in the region, so I decided that I needed to learn on my own. However, I had not yet determined where and in what field to study. It was in May when I came to the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia to conduct an interview with an outstanding specialist, and that interview became pivotal in my decision-making skills. Immediately after the interview, I decided that I definitely needed to study at the International Scientific-Educational Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. My friends and family members only learned about my decision after I was admitted. Many of them navigated me through other ways to acquire new knowledge, as pursuing academic education while juggling children, family, and work would be challenging. However, I had already made up my mind, and I was adamant about my decision."

-How has the education contributed to your professional growth?

"Today, I definitely believe that studying at ISEC was one of the most important decisions of my life. Although my primary goal was to acquire new knowledge and to apply to Journalism, the reverse happened—I was obsessed with my new field. Thanks to the professors of the Department of Oriental Studies, I realized that science can also be engaging."

"I would like to highlight an important aspect: ISEC is a student-centered institution. It fosters an engaging and approachable atmosphere that allows for raising various questions and issues, discussing them, proposing your own solutions, and being confident that your voice will be heard."

-What is the scope of your master's thesis, and what is the significance of the chosen topic?

My master's thesis addresses the migration of Turkish tribes in the South Caucasus from the 11th to the 18th centuries. The chronological framework encompasses the period from the mid-11th century to the end of the 18th century, influenced by the influx of Turkish elements due to Seljuk campaigns, and the 18th century, considering the geopolitical situation at the beginning of the 19th century and the changes resulted in the ethnopolitical and ethnoreligious landscape.

The topic we selected with my academic supervisor was both intriguing and highly relevant. In my thesis, we explored over thirty Turkish tribes' origins, distribution, movements, and toponymic issues, and examined the extent of their impact on the formation of the Azerbaijani people and ethnos. We also addressed the false theses in Soviet-Azerbaijani historiography. Additionally, the topic holds significant importance from the perspective of Armenian studies, as it includes an analysis of Armenian sources on the "Turk" element, their movements, and perceptions of Turks.

-What are your upcoming plans and goals?

I have many plans and goals, which I am working to achieve step by step. I would like to note that starting in September, I will be studying at the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) in Paris. In the near future, I aim to pursue my further education in a doctoral program.

The Public Relations and Career Department of ISEC of the NAS RA