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Founder

Dikran Izmirlian and his wife cutting the ribbon at an opening ceremony
Dikran Sarkis Izmirlian
DIKRAN SARKIS IZMIRLIANDikran Sarkis Izmirlian was born on September 4th, 1926 in Khartoum, Sudan, the fifth child of Marie and Sarkis Izmirlian. He was educated at Victoria College, in Alexandria, Egypt, from 1932 to 1945. He then travelled to the United States to attend college and in 1948 graduated cum laude in Economics from the University of Illinois. He then enrolled at Harvard Business School and earned a Master’s in Business Administration.

Dikran Sarkis Izmirlian was an accomplished global investor and philanthropist. For over 75 years, he was the driving force behind the ongoing building and growth of the Izmirlian family businesses which date back to 1902 in the Sudan. Mr. Izmirlian successfully established a wide-ranging group of businesses in commodities trading, manufacturing, financial markets, and substantial real estate holdings across the world.

In honor of his parents and his heritage, Mr. Izmirlian established the Izmirlian Foundation in Armenia with the simple aim of “helping to preserve a nation.” During its approximately 30 years of presence in Armenia, the Izmirlian Foundation has launched diverse initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, tourism, and economic development. Thanks to his generosity the Izmirlian Foundation has helped tens of thousands of Armenians.

He is the recipient of the highest title of Armenia – the National Hero, the highest award — the Medal of the Fatherland and the highest order of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church— the "Knight of Holy Etchmiadzin".

Sarkis Izmirlian receiving the National Hero of Armenia award from President Vahagn Khachaturyan
Sarkis Izmirlian receiving the National Hero of Armenia award from President Vahagn Khachaturyan

Upon his passing Karekin II, SUPREME PATRIARCH CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS, said “The late Dikran Izmirlian was an extraordinary individual, possessing a heart of integrity and humility, a spirit of kindness and readiness to serve, vast knowledge and experience, and unwavering love for his nation and Church. He passed in the Lord, having rendered noble and memorable service.”

The Prime Minister of Armenia noted “Since Armenia's independence, Dikran Izmirlian has been a vivid example of expressing love for the Republic of Armenia through his initiatives” while the President described Mr. Izmirlian as “the worthy son of the Armenian people” and said “The activity of the great philanthropist was an unequivocal manifestation of love for the Republic of Armenia, for which he deservedly earned the title of National hero of our state, as well as received many high state awards and, of course, the gratitude and respect of our people. The memory of Dikran Izmirlian will always live in the heart of the Armenian people.”

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