Giragosian became ill and was hospitalized in Istanbul, where he had traveled last week for a meeting. It was learned that he had suffered a brain hemorrhage.
Giragosian was treated at Okmeydanı Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşçıoğlu Hospital, where he remained in intensive care for an extended period.
Giragosian died yesterday evening, September 19.
Giragosian, who also occasionally contributed articles to Agos, was an analyst frequently consulted for his views on regional issues. His death also caused great sadness among his friends in Turkey, whom he met frequently.
Nigar Göksel, Turkey Director of the International Crisis Group, wrote the following on social media:
“Throughout my 30s and 40s, we appeared together on countless panels across Western Europe, Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia; we debated issues concerning Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Although we disagreed on many issues, our paths always crossed again. There was always a foundation of mutual understanding between us, along with an assumption that the other person would always be there and remain part of the conversation.
I am deeply saddened that Richard died in Istanbul. I had assumed that he would always be there and that we would continue that dialogue. His absence leaves a huge void in the small world we shared for more than twenty years; at the same time, it creates a gap in my own personal history.
Rest in peace, Richard. Let me finish by borrowing the phrase you often used at the end of panels: ‘The conclusion we have reached is that there is no conclusion.’”
Emilio Cricchio of BBC Radio, who also served in Armenia for a period, shared the following message:
“I was deeply shaken to hear of the death of leading Armenian analyst Richard Giragosian. He took his work seriously and worked tirelessly to promote peace in the region; he was also very kind and had a wonderful sense of humor. May he rest in peace.”
A funeral ceremony will be held for Giragosian in Armenia.
Richard Giragosian was born on January 8, 1965, in Providence, Rhode Island.
He served as a consultant to the Asian Development Bank, the European Union Delegation to Armenia, the French Ministry of Defense, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the U.S. Department of State. His analyses were also published by organizations and publications including the European Council on Foreign Relations, Le Monde, The Moscow Times, and Turkish Policy Quarterly.
Giragosian moved to Armenia in 2006 and most recently served as director of the Regional Studies Center (RSC), an independent think tank operating in Armenia.
At Agos, we extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.
