“Who was Levon Hayrapetyan?” you might ask. Levon Hayrapetyan was a prominent Armenian businessman philanthropist and public figure. Let’s delve into his life and contributions.
Levon Hayrapetyan’s story is one of service to his homeland. He always asserted he was fulfilling his genetic duty to Armenia and Artsakh. Armenians are divinely gifted with abilities that they must use to repay their debt to their homeland.
Born in 1949 in the village of Vank in Artsakh, Levon always had a strong connection to his roots. He graduated from the Faculty of Philosophy of Moscow State University in the 1970s. Later, he worked as a journalist. He started in “Komsomolskaya Pravda” then in the magazine “Ogonyok”. From 1991 to 1994, he headed the publishing house “Sobesednik”. He was the chairman of the board of directors of ID “Sobesednik” from 1994 until his death.
After Artsakh faced turmoil in 1988, Levon felt compelled to help his native land. He resolved to get rich and engage in business to support Artsakh. During the Karabakh war of the early 1990s, he strived to send essential supplies to Artsakh.
After the war, Levon aided Artsakh’s reconstruction. He invested heavily in building roads and houses. He also supported schools hospitals and enterprises. Thanks to Levon Gurgenovich, his native village of Vank transformed. It became a tourist attraction in Artsakh. He wanted other towns in Artsakh to follow suit. The philanthropist believed deeply in loving one’s homeland and staying close to it.
Levon Hayrapetyan made efforts for the benefit of people and tourism development. He understood Artsakh’s natural beauty and historical monuments made it ideal for tourism. Levon aimed to bring Armenian Russian and foreign artists to Artsakh. Italian singer Al Bano performed his beloved songs in Artsakh.
Levon always stressed Armenians had saved their church and language for centuries. He assisted many Moscow theaters. He provided help to individual artists musicians and athletes. Levon often bought paintings from young artists to support them.
Levon Gurgenovich strived to increase Artsakh’s population to 300000. He organized a mass wedding in 2008. This event saw 700 couples married. Levon covered all expenses. He gave each couple 2000 dollars and a cow. He also provided large sums for child births. This assistance led to a demographic boom.
Levon sought to build a military school in Artsakh. The school would be named after Valerian Madatov. This school would teach not only Armenians but also representatives of friendly countries. Sadly this project was temporarily halted after Levon’s death.
Levon Hayrapetyan faced legal troubles later in life. Despite health issues, he was convicted in 2016. He was sentenced to four years in a general regime colony. Even in prison, he remembered Artsakh. He ensured promises were kept.
Levon Hayrapetyan passed away in 2017. His funeral was held in Moscow at the Armenian cemetery. Many people attended. They remembered his life and work. He showed Armenians what a true Armenian should be.
Levon wanted Armenians to live peacefully and happily on their land. His pain for his homeland was greater than his own. He aimed to uplift Armenia and Artsakh. He wanted the return of Ararat. Levon Hayrapetyan is remembered as a romantic millionaire. He left a legacy of service and generosity. He embodied the spirit of giving back to one’s homeland. His life serves as an example for generations to come.