Nikolai Tokarsky`s name is closely connected with the study of the history of architecture, an individual who has a great input in this field.
Tokarsky was born in 1892 in St. Petersburg. He was lucky enough to get acquainted with Armenia archeological sites early in 1900’s, when during the first World War Tokarsky reaches the Caucasian front. Back in 1915, working as a nurse in the village province Taik Prince, he was measuring and photographing the temple in his spare time. A year later came into contact with the head of the Tbilisi archaeological expedition of Ani, Nicholas Marr. Get acquainted with the young man, Marr encourages him to work in Ani archaeological expedition. Already in 1916, as an architect, Tokarsky works in Ani. He is involved in measuring of several monuments. In the expedition was also involved t still young, but one of the best archaeologist`s Orbeli, who in later years was Tokarsky`s best friend, manager and consultant.
For study Tokarsky comes to Armenia, resulting again in 1925 and in 1923 published the work “Preliminary Report about 1923 tour in Armenia”. The report, which was authored by a preliminary study of some important monuments of Armenian architecture (Avan Ptghni, Bjni and Noraduz churches Hayravankn and Sevan), was his first contribution to the study of the architectural heritage of the Armenian people.
Nikolai Tokarsky in the second half of 1930, as worker of State Hermitage Museum and the Institute of Material Culture of the USSR, several times came to Armenia. He managed the restoration and renovation of monuments of Akhtala and Hovhannavank.
In archaeological expedition led by Joseph Orbeli in the summer of 1936, he was an architect, participating in archaeological excavations of the medieval Amberd, performs castle`s transfer and rebuild of the monument. His research was published both in Italy devoted to the monuments of architecture and the book “Pages of the history of architecture.” In subsequent years, he also participated in excavations in Dvin and Karmir Blur.
In 1941, Nikolai Tokarsky assume the post of deputy chairman of Armenia’s historical monuments, which ran until April 1945. While working in committee he learnt about the treasures of architecture, Tokarsky referred to the comprehensive study.
In 1945 he transferred to the newly established Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR. Over the years, the results of the survey N. Tokarsky of the “Ancient Architecture of Armenia” bulky monograph.
Returning to Leningrad, he does not cease to engage in the study of the history of architecture.
1957-1963 Ph.D. dedicated scientist came to Armenia. In 1963, at the age of 71, climbing Mount. Burglars waterfall and he persistently searched and discovered previously unknown pieces of Armenian architecture. As a result of this work was published in two monographs, “Waterfall”, “Waterfall and Voghjaberd”. During those years, he was able to realize his old dream. New research results published his monograph edited and re-edited, “Armenian architecture in IV-XIV centuries” which received the degree of Doctor of Arts.
N. Marr special assignment of deceased members of the expedition Ani thoroughly examine the so-called “underground city”, document and describe the cave dwellings, tombs, churches, monasteries and other buildings. With the help of a detailed study and documentation of their memories and photo-rich materials N. Tokarskun managed to enrich scientific literature about Ani and made another solid research.
N.Tokarsky`s contribution to the training of personnel is invaluable.
Great devotee of architectural merit was judged deservedly. In 1939 he was awarded the “Badge of Honor” medal, medals, in 1961 the honorary title of Honored Worker of the Armenian SSR Art. N. Tokarsky was first awarded in 1972 T. Toramanyan prize.
Some of the Nicolay Tokarsky`s archives stored in the funds of ” Protection service”NCSO .
