# Shirak State University named after Mikayel Nalbandian > university in Armenia **Wikidata**: [Q15632112](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15632112) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirak_State_University) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shirak-state-university-named-after-mikayel-nalbandian ## Summary Shirak State University named after Mikayel Nalbandian is a university in Gyumri, Armenia, established in 1934. Originally founded as a pedagogical institute, it was renamed in honor of Armenian poet and public figure Mikayel Nalbandian. The university serves as a key higher education institution in northern Armenia. ## Key Facts - Founded in **1934** as Leninakan Pedagogical Institute - Renamed Shirak State University in **2016**, reflecting earlier name changes including Gyumri State Pedagogical Institute - Located in **Gyumri**, Armenia, with coordinates **40.83°N, 43.8311°E** - Named after **Mikayel Nalbandian**, 19th-century Armenian writer and nationalist - Official website: [https://shsu.am](https://shsu.am) - Formerly known as: - Leninakan Pedagogical Institute (until 1949) - M. Nalbandyan State Pedagogical Institute of Leninakan (1949–1991) - M. Nalbandyan State Pedagogical Institute of Gyumri (1991–2016) - Received the **Order of the Badge of Honour** - Operates Monday to Friday from **09:00 to 18:00** ## FAQs ### Q: What is Shirak State University named after? A: Shirak State University is named after Mikayel Nalbandian, a prominent Armenian poet, educator, and political activist of the 19th century. ### Q: Where is Shirak State University located? A: The university is located in Gyumri, Armenia. Its address includes postal code 3126, and its geographical coordinates are approximately 40.83°N, 43.8311°E. ### Q: When was Shirak State University founded? A: The institution was originally founded in 1934 under the name Leninakan Pedagogical Institute. It has undergone several name changes before becoming Shirak State University in 2016. ## Why It Matters Shirak State University plays a critical role in Armenia’s educational landscape, particularly in the northern region of Shirak. As one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the country, it contributes significantly to teacher training, scientific research, and cultural preservation. Named after Mikayel Nalbandian—a symbol of Armenian national identity—the university also carries historical and symbolic weight. It supports regional development by offering accessible higher education and fostering intellectual growth outside Yerevan. Additionally, its evolution from a pedagogical institute into a full-fledged university reflects broader trends in Armenia's post-Soviet educational reform. ## Notable For - Being among the **oldest universities in Armenia**, founded in 1934 - **Multiple institutional name changes** aligned with political and administrative shifts in Armenian history - Recognition through the **Order of the Badge of Honour**, awarded for contributions to education - Hosting a diverse set of academic programs across faculties such as humanities, sciences, and education - Strong presence on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, indicating active engagement with students and alumni ## Body ### History and Evolution Shirak State University originated in 1934 as the **Leninakan Pedagogical Institute**, focusing primarily on teacher training. Over time, the institution evolved both academically and administratively: - **1949**: Renamed **M. Nalbandyan State Pedagogical Institute of Leninakan** - **1991**: Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it became the **M. Nalbandyan State Pedagogical Institute of Gyumri** - **2016**: Elevated to university status and renamed **Shirak State University named after Mikayel Nalbandian** This renaming honored Mikayel Nalbandian, whose legacy in Armenian literature and nationalism continues to inspire the institution. ### Institutional Identity The university holds multiple identifiers used in global academic databases: - **ISNI ID**: 0000000417991293 - **ROR ID**: 04k0ww995 - **GRID ID**: grid.501692.9 - **KISTI ID**: K000195605 - **Freebase ID**: /m/0ywxqs9 - **OpenStreetMap Node ID**: 5582679609 These IDs facilitate international recognition and integration within scholarly networks. ### Location and Operations Located in **Gyumri**, Armenia’s second-largest city, the university operates at the following coordinates: **40.83°N, 43.8311°E**. Its physical location places it at the heart of the Shirak Region’s academic life. The university maintains regular office hours from **Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM**, according to Spyur data updated in May 2025. ### Digital Presence Shirak State University actively engages digitally via: - Website: [https://shsu.am](https://shsu.am), available in Armenian - Social media accounts: - Instagram: [@shirakstateuniversity](https://instagram.com/shirakstateuniversity) - Facebook: [ShirakStateUniversity](https://facebook.com/shirakstateuniversity) - Twitter/X: [@Shirak_Uni](https://twitter.com/Shirak_Uni) (followed by ~20 users as of April 2020) These platforms provide updates on events, student activities, and institutional news. ### Academic and Cultural Significance As part of its mission, the university emphasizes academic excellence and cultural continuity. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs spanning various disciplines, including education, natural sciences, and humanities. Alumni are categorized under "[Category:Shirak State University alumni](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Shirak_State_University_alumni)" on Wikimedia Commons, highlighting its long-standing contribution to Armenian academia. In addition, the university received the **Order of the Badge of Honour**, recognizing its service to education and society in Armenia. This award underscores its enduring impact beyond local boundaries. ## References 1. [Source](http://shsu.am/) 2. GRID Release 2019-02-17 3. [Source](https://www.spyur.am/am/companies/shirak-state-university-named-after-m-nalbandyan/1348/)