The connection between the Armenian and Russian nations in various fields of cultural life became stronger after the adoption of Christianity in Russia. In the 12th century the books “Life of Gregory the Illuminator” and “Life of the Blessed Virgins” were translated from Armenian into Russian, and “Life of Boris Gleb” was translated from Russian into Armenian. Russian artist Flor took part in the mural painting of the temple of Ani; his fresco represented a cap of Grand Prince Vladimir Monomakh. In turn, Armenian artists participated in the decoration of Novgorod churches; the letters of the Armenian alphabet were engraved on the top of the sarcophagus of Yaroslav the Wise. On the whole, there were 22 Armenian inscriptions in the church of St. Sophia in Kiev.
The military ties between the countries also strengthened: in the 10th century, the Russian princes learned about the bravery of Armenian men and offered them the military service on special terms. In 1054, a Russian military unit took part in the battles against the Seljuks attacking Armenia.
The Mongol-Tatar Invasion interrupted the friendship between the countries. However, in the 14th century, the Armenian merchants become frequent and welcome guests in Moscow. I.A. Linnichenko wrote about the role of the Armenians in the life of Russia: “The most famous shopping centers in southern Russia owed their wide assortment, splendor and significance to the Armenians. Thanks to that fast, smart and savvy nation, the shopping centers in southern Russia became the intermediary between the merchants of the East and the West. Having the qualities necessary to carry out dangerous journeys to eastern countries - courage, weapons skills, direction finding, the knowledge of the oriental way of life and languages – the Armenians began the land trade between the East and the West. The trade route from Persia via the Caspian Sea to the White Sea was even called “the Armenian route”. Besides that, Russia engaged the Armenians in diplomatic service and important missions in the East. Thanks to the knowledge of the eastern languages, Armenians also worked as translators.
In 1670, merchant Grigor Lusik brought Alexei Mikhailovich a letter from Catholicos Petros in which he asked the king not only to welcome the Armenians arriving to the Russian land, but also to “provide support to all Armenians”. As it follows from the subsequent events, the eastern policy of the Russian Empire had already been defined. The essence of this policy was to create the European coalition against the Turkish threat, involve Persia in that coalition, and rely on the Christian nations: the Armenians and the Georgians in South Caucasus.
This policy was partially aimed to facilitate the resettlement of the Armenians in Russia. The immigrants received a lot of privileges: they were exempt from taxes and other obligations for many decades, and they were allowed to build churches. The Armenians could have self-government; they could live according to their laws and had their own courts.
The favorable policy of Alexei Mikhailovich was continued by his son. In 1695, in a letter to the Persian Shah, Peter required that all silk trade carried on by the Armenian merchants was directed to Moscow via Astrakhan, and "that the Armenian merchants were allowed to enter the country with the commercial goods without delay in the border towns". One of the articles of the decree on the establishment of the Senate (March 22, 1711) said: “Please the Armenians and make their life easier in order to stimulate new arrivals”. Peter's decree of May 1711 gave the Armenian merchants the same rights and facilities as the old contracts. At the request of the Armenians engaged in trade, the duties had to be paid not in the “border towns”, but only in Moscow. And for the first time the Armenians were allowed to import gems for free.
In the second half of the 15th century-the beginning of the 16th century the situation in the Near East changed dramatically. In 1453 the Turks occupied Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire ceased to exist. The Ottoman Empire took control of its lands, including Southwest Asia and the Balkans, and became one of the greatest powers of that time. Soon, the war broke out between the Ottoman Empire and Safavid Iran, which severely affected Armenia, because its territory, as a rule, was the battle scene of the fighting parties. In 1639, Turkey and Iran signed a peace treaty. According to it, Western Armenia was ceded to Turkey, and Eastern Armenia – to Iran. The Armenian people had to live under the severe foreign yoke.
Being divided between Turkey and Iran, the Armenian nation was in a difficult position – they were exposed to both the national and social oppression. That situation prompted the Armenian socio-political circles to seek liberation from the foreign yoke. In those searches the Armenian Church played the leading role. At the beginning, the Armenians tried to get help from European countries. For this purpose in the 15th-17th centuries they sent delegations which unsuccessfully appealed to the governments of European countries and the Vatican.
The strengthening position of Russia in the 16th-17th centuries and its increasing role in international affairs prompted the Armenian socio-political leaders to look for that external force which could contribute to the liberation of Armenia in Russia. It was also considered that the military and economic interests of Russia would require its improved performance in South Caucasus. Thus, Russia's foreign policy coincided with the interests of the Armenian people.
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