On January 23, 2026, the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) hosted a presentation of the book “The Armenian Diaspora in the Middle East: Historical, Religious, Political, Cultural, Media, Educational and Social Activities”, authored by leading advisor Lala Khalilzada.

In his opening remarks, AIR Center’s Chairman of the Board Farid Shafiyev noted that since 2019 the Center has been publishing analytical research on the activities of the Armenian diaspora in various regions of the world, particularly in France, Argentina, and Russia, with a focus on their organizational structures and their ability to influence state institutions.

Addressing current issues related to the establishment of the Peace Council, Farid Shafiyev stated that the Armenian diaspora has taken a destructive position on this matter. He noted that the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has openly expressed dissatisfaction with the Armenian government’s decision to join the Peace Council, demonstrating the diaspora’s efforts to influence this process.

AIR Center’s Board Member Javid Valiyev stated that the Armenian diaspora has strong organizational structures primarily in three major regions: Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. He emphasized that Armenian churches and cultural organizations have transferred experience gained in one country to others. According to him, one of the main reasons for the expansion of Armenian organizations’ activities is their exemption from legal accountability due to the absence of statehood. These organizations have frequently become instruments of third parties, and following the normalization of relations among major powers, have shown an increased tendency toward more destructive activities. He also pointed out that instances of violence have been observed not only against Azerbaijan and Türkiye, but also within internal Armenian groups.

Head of the Department of the History of Arab Countries at the Ziya Bunyadov Institute of Oriental Studies Farda Asadov, highlighted that the book’s methodological approach, structured format, and systematic presentation of materials significantly enhance its academic value. He added that the study also examines the integration of Armenian diasporas into the societies of their host countries and their influence on the development of national consciousness.

The author of the book, AIR Center’s leading advisor Lala Khalilzada, stated that the study analyzes the historical background, key political, social, and cultural activities, spheres of influence, and potential capacities of the Armenian diaspora in five Middle Eastern countries where Armenian communities are most widespread: Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan.

She noted that a key focus of the research is the media activity of the Armenian diaspora. In this context, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of books, magazines, and newspapers published by Armenian communities in the aforementioned countries, focusing especially on propaganda campaigns directed at Arabic-speaking audiences during the Karabakh war and narratives related to the so-called “Armenian genocide.” The study draws on sources in Arabic, Turkish, English, Russian, Armenian, German, and French.

The publication serves as an important source for researchers studying the Armenian diaspora and for those interested in the history and future of Azerbaijan’s relations with Arab countries.