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Richard Giragosian, director of the Regional Studies Center (RSC), an independent think tank based in Armenia, died in Istanbul Saturday after suffering a brain hemorrhage during a visit to the city.
Giragosian had traveled to Istanbul the previous week for a meeting before falling ill and being taken to Okmeydani Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu Hospital. He remained in intensive care while undergoing treatment but died on the evening of Sept. 19.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on Jan. 8, 1965, Giragosian moved to Armenia in 2006 and most recently headed the Regional Studies Center.
Over the course of his career, he served as a consultant to institutions including the Asian Development Bank, the European Union Delegation to Armenia, the French Ministry of Defense, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, or OSCE, and the U.S. Department of State.
His analysis also appeared through organizations and publications including the European Council on Foreign Relations, Le Monde, The Moscow Times and Turkish Policy Quarterly. Giragosian occasionally contributed articles to Agos and was frequently consulted for his views on regional developments.
Nigar Goksel, Türkiye director of the International Crisis Group, recalled sharing panels with Giragosian for more than two decades across Western Europe, Türkiye, Armenia and Georgia, often in discussions on Türkiye, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Although they frequently disagreed, Goksel said their discussions were built around mutual understanding and an expectation that their dialogue would continue.
Emilio Cricchio of BBC Radio, who also served in Armenia, said he was deeply affected by Giragosian's death, describing him as a serious, tireless analyst who worked for peace in the region and was known for his kindness and sense of humor.
A funeral ceremony for Giragosian will be held in Armenia.
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