During the Great Patriotic War, Armenian cultural figures actively participated not only in rear-front efforts but also shared in the life of the front lines. Through their creative work, personal example, and direct presence, they played a significant role in inspiring the people, fostering patriotism, and providing psychological support to the fighters.

The war was a nationwide front, and Armenian writers were involved in the struggle from the very first days. More than 40 Armenian writers and literary critics fought on the front lines as ordinary soldiers, commanders, correspondents, and newspaper editors. Several frontline publications played a significant role, including Red Soldier, For the Homeland, Fight for the Homeland, and Battle Banner. Writers not only reported news there but also created inspiring works, articles, and poems. Young poet Tatul Huryan died during the defense of Sevastopol. His patriotic lyrical poetry became one of the symbols of wartime poetry. Many valuable literary works were created during the war years, including Deranik Demirchian’s Vardanank (an unfinished historical epic symbolizing the spirit of national resistance), Atom Yergati’s King Grandfather, Nairi Zaryan’s poems Ara the Beautiful and Voice of the Homeland, stories and novels by Hrachya Kochar, as well as works by Hamo Sahyan, Gevorg Emin, Sero Khanzadyan, Shahen Tatikian, Gurgen Boryan, Vakhtang Ananyan, and others. Many writers not only wrote about the war but also personally participated in combat operations. Famous Armenian participants of the Great Patriotic War include Hamo Sahyan, Hrachya Kochar, Gevorg Emin, Mkrtich Sargsyan, Shahen Tatikian, Vakhtang Ananyan, Sero Khanzadyan, Gurgen Boryan — and the list goes on endlessly.

Although the war was a severe ordeal, Armenia continued its rich cultural life even during those difficult years. In 1942, the Yerevan Musical Comedy Theatre was founded (now known as the H. Paronyan Musical Comedy Theatre), and in 1944, the Theater Institute was established to train a new generation of actors and directors. Documentary films highlighted the heroic deeds of Armenian divisions fighting on the front lines. Hayfilm produced patriotic films, the most notable of which was David Bek (1944), directed by Hambardzum Khachanyan, starring Hrachya Nersisyan in the lead role. Various ensembles from Armenia performed at the front to boost soldiers’ morale, including the State Song and Dance Ensemble led by Vano Altunyan, the choir under Aram Merangulyan, the State Jazz Orchestra of Armenia conducted by Artemi Ayvazyan, and the incomparable singer Arev Baghdasaryan, who frequently took part in frontline concerts.

Armenian music experienced a flourishing period during the war years, producing a number of magnificent works. Aram Khachaturian is considered the most prominent composer of that era. His symphonic work Captain Gastello and theatrical music were performed both on the home front and at the battlefront. The works of Mesrop Mastaryan and Edvard Mirzoyan also stood out with themes of military heroism and patriotism. Notable pieces include Grigor Yeghiazaryan’s Song of Hatred, Vazgen Talyan’s Red Army, Ashot Satyan’s Song of the Fighter, Artemi Ayvazyan’s General Baghramyan, and Aram Satyan’s Homeland. The Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre continued its activity even during the hardest days. Under the baton of Mikael Tavrizyan, Dmitri Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony, Leningrad, was also staged. During the war years, Armenian cultural figures not only continued their creative work but also served as bearers and promoters of the spirit of national resistance. Their efforts became a weapon of patriotism, inspiration, and unity both on the home front and the battlefield.