Hrachya Qochar

Hrachya Qochar (Gabrielyan) (1910–1965) is an Armenian writer, publicist, first national prizewinner of Armenian SSR (1967, for "The Nahabed" novel), member of writers' union of USSR (since 1934)։

He was born in Ghouliboujagh village, Bagrevand countryside, Western Armenia, which is located at the foot of Mount Nebad. On the way of immigration, his mother has died, and in 1918, his father, who was known as leader Kocho and has fought in Andranik's brigade. By escaping the massacres, which were organized by the turks, he had gone to Eastern Armenia, along with his villagers. He had been a shepherd, pitman in Alaverdi mine. Then, he had moved to Yerevan and accepted at the philological faculty of the Yerevan State University.

The first story, "Khaje" has been published in 1931, in "Nor Oughi" monthly-magazine. In 1934, he has edited the "Rya Taza" Kurdish newspaper. In 1939, after receiving party penalty, he has left unemployed, then Mardiros Saryan has set him in Historical Statues' Saving committee, which is headed by him. He had toured by feet and investigated the situation of the Armenian monasteries and chapels, and recapitulated those works in the "Album-Director of Goris and Sisian". In 1941–1945 he has served in the USSR army, participating in World War II. In 1942, The Born of Heroes is published, and after a year "On the Day" war stories and collections. In the stories of front, "The Sister of the General" story, which has been printed in 1945 for the first time, in "Pravda" newspaper. Then, this story has been translated into 24 worldwide languages, has included in Soviet Armenian programs. Qochar has created "The Children of Big House" novel with two parts. In the latest years of his life, he has printed the "White Book", where "The Nahabed", "The Yearning" and "Euphrate's Bridge" are the best novels of the writer.

He has been the secretary of the Armenian Writers' Union (1946–1951), editor of "Soviet Literature" monthly-magazine, editor of "Vozni" humorous speech (1954). Qochar has written the scenario of "Rainbow of North" cinema-movie (Hayfilm, 1961). His creations have translated into Russian and other languages. He has died in Yerevan.

• "Red Star" Prize
• National Prize of Armenian SSR for "The Nahabed" novel