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Vahakn DadrianAmerican professor of sociology
Date of Birth: 26.05.1926
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Genocide Research
- Controversies
- Sexual Harassment Allegations
- Later Work
- Honors and Recognition
Early Life and Education
Vahakn Dadrian was born on May 26, 1926, in Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey to Armenian parents. His family emigrated to the United States in 1947, and Dadrian became a naturalized citizen in 1961.
He initially studied mathematics at the University of Berlin before switching to history at the University of Vienna and, later, international law at the University of Zurich. Dadrian earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago in 1954.
Genocide Research
Dadrian's research focused primarily on genocide, particularly the Armenian Genocide. His work was groundbreaking in that he utilized multilingual sources and conducted extensive archival research in multiple countries. He was recognized for his scholarship with an honorary doctorate from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the Movses Khorenatsi Medal from the President of Armenia.
Controversies
Dadrian faced criticism from some scholars, including Gunther Lewy, who challenged his findings on the Armenian Genocide. Dadrian defended his work against Lewy's allegations of bias and questionable scholarship. Mary Schaeffer Conroy also criticized Dadrian for alleged inaccuracies and selective use of sources.
Sexual Harassment Allegations
In 1991, Dadrian was dismissed from the State University College at Geneseo amid allegations of sexual harassment. He was accused of kissing a student on the lips after she helped him hang a poster. Dadrian contended that they had hugged and that the student had kissed him on the cheek. An arbitrator ruled that Dadrian's actions constituted sexual harassment.
Later Work
Despite the controversy, Dadrian remained an active scholar. His latest project was a translation of the Turkish military tribunal records of 1919-1920 relating to the Armenian Genocide. He continued to publish articles and speak on genocide and human rights issues.
Honors and Recognition
Dadrian was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including:Honorary doctorate from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia
Movses Khorenatsi Medal from the President of Armenia
Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation grant
Presidential Award of Armenia "for Significant Scientific Contribution to the International Recognition of the Armenian Genocide"
