Diana Agabeg Apcar

Born in Rangoon in 1859 to an Armenian family with roots in Iran, Diana Agabeg Apcar grew up in a far-reaching diaspora world and later settled in Yokohama, Japan. There she became known not only as a writer, but also as a tireless advocate for Armenians during a time of crisis.

She wrote books and articles in English that introduced Armenian history and suffering to international readers. During and after the Armenian Genocide, she worked to help refugees and used her connections and public writing to press for support.

Apcar is especially remembered for her diplomatic service: in 1920, during the brief life of the First Republic of Armenia, she was appointed honorary consul in Japan. That made her a pioneering figure in Armenian diplomacy and one of the earliest women known to hold such a post.