Yerevan Seminar Highlights Alexander Saroukhan’s Legacy in Strengthening Egyptian–Armenian Cultural Diplomacy

The Institute of Oriental Studies in Armenia hosted a landmark event on June 29 titled “Between Two Homelands: Alexander Saroukhan and the Power of Public Diplomacy,” marking the first initiative of its kind dedicated to the Armenian-Egyptian cartoonist and political caricature pioneer Alexander Saroukhan and his enduring cultural legacy.

The event, which drew wide participation from Egyptian and Armenian diplomats, historians, journalists, researchers, and public figures, also welcomed representatives of the Armenian diaspora in Egypt and national Armenian institutions. Among the attendees was Saroukhan’s granddaughter, Silvia Nerdean-Baladian.

The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. Gohar Iskandaryan, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, who emphasized the importance of academic and cultural initiatives in promoting international cooperation and knowledge exchange. She highlighted the institute’s growing focus on public diplomacy in recent years as a key pillar of its scholarly mission.

Dr. Arax Bashaian, Head of the Department of International Relations at the institute and the event’s initiator, described Saroukhan as a “cultural bridge” between Armenia, Egypt, and the wider Arab world. She stressed that the objective of the initiative was not only to recognize him as a founder of political caricature in Egypt but also to position him as a model of public diplomacy and soft power. Bashaian added that his legacy deserves greater recognition within Armenia, comparable to the longstanding appreciation he enjoys in Egypt.

Egypt’s Ambassador to Armenia, Amal Afifi, alongside former Armenian Ambassador to Egypt Ruben Kharapetyan, delivered remarks underscoring the depth of historical relations between the two countries and the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation across cultural and academic fields. Kharapetyan also reflected on efforts made during his tenure in Cairo to promote Saroukhan’s artistic heritage.

A central highlight of the event was a presentation by Saroukhan’s granddaughter, Silvia Nerdean-Baladian, who shared personal family memories and detailed key milestones in her grandfather’s artistic journey, his connection to Soviet Armenia, and the challenges of preserving his cultural legacy.

Renowned Egyptian historian Mohamed Refaat El Imam examined Saroukhan’s prominent place in Egypt’s cultural history, noting that he enjoyed both official and popular recognition during his lifetime. He highlighted that Saroukhan was granted Egyptian citizenship in 1955 under President Gamal Abdel Nasser in recognition of his artistic contributions. El Imam also noted that Saroukhan continued his political and artistic work during the presidency of Anwar Sadat, including illustrations reflecting major political transformations and the October War.

Egyptian writer and broadcaster Safaa El Naggar, host of the television program Atyaf on Al-Hayat TV, and filmmaker Essam Nagi discussed Saroukhan’s role in shaping Egyptian public consciousness. They noted that while his work was deeply rooted in Egyptian society, it also contributed significantly to Armenian cultural heritage and helped strengthen ties between the two peoples.

Hakob Makdiss, representing the Nasser International Leadership Program in Armenia, highlighted the importance of soft power in Armenian–Egyptian relations, describing Saroukhan’s legacy as a powerful example of how individuals can build bridges between cultures and foster mutual understanding.

Armen Mazloumian, Head of the Armenian National Committee in Egypt and a prominent Armenian-Egyptian public figure, expressed gratitude to institutions in both Armenia and Egypt for supporting the event. He praised the Institute of Oriental Studies for its role in advancing bilateral cultural relations and deepening the concept of public diplomacy between the two countries.

At the conclusion of the seminar, Vahe Baladian, Chairman of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate Council in Egypt, presented commemorative gifts to Dr. Iskandaryan and Dr. Bashaian in recognition of their efforts in organizing the event.

Organizers also acknowledged the support of Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Armenian Embassy in Cairo, as well as the contributions of Sona Tonikyan of Yerevan State University for providing continuous Arabic–Armenian interpretation throughout the proceedings.

Participants concluded that Alexander Saroukhan remains a unique example of an intellectual who successfully used art as a tool for cultural dialogue, adding that his legacy continues to inspire cultural diplomacy and strengthen friendship between Armenia, Egypt, and the wider Arab world.