Constructive Relativities: Deconstructing the Idea of Eastern Europe in Armenian Sources
The research challenges the prevailing narrative of Eastern Europe, unravelling the complex interplay of cultural dynamics and alternative perspectives from Armenia. Inspired by scholars like Larry Wolff and Edward Said, the research aims to transcend Western paradigms that have long overshadowed Eastern Europe. The central question driving this exploration is: How did Armenians, with their unique vantage point, define and shape the meaning and borders of Eastern Europe within the broader European context?
The research meticulously examines the »European Division«, scrutinizing historical, ideological, and geopolitical factors. It delves into the nuanced Armenian perspective, analysing pre-modern and early-modern records. Methodologically rich, the study uses discourse and narrative analysis and taps into unique sources like travel accounts, merchant handbooks and geographies.
This exploration seeks to address historiographic asymmetry, offering a comprehensive understanding of Armenia's role in shaping the narrative of Eastern Europe. By challenging established narratives, it enriches regional studies, beckoning readers to contemplate a paradox: Is Eastern Europe Eastern because the West designates it as such, or does it bear an inherent Eastern essence? »Constructive Relativities« promises to be a transformative endeavour, shedding light on Eastern Europe's contours through the lens of Armenian sources, and inviting a re-evaluation of established perspectives.