Ruben Sevak

• Name — Rupen Chilingiryan (Sevag) Ռուբէն Սեւակ • Born — 15 February 1885 • Birthplace — Silivri, Ottoman Empire • Died — 26 August 1915 • Place of death — Çankırı, Ottoman Empire • Occupation — poet, prose-writer, and doctor.

Rupen Sevag received his elementary education in his birthplace at the Askanazian school. He then moved to Constantinople (now Istanbul) and studied at the prestigious Berberian School. He graduated in 1905 and went to Lausanne, Switzerland, to pursue studies at the medical school. He met there his future wife, Helene Apell. After graduating in 1911, he decided to go back to Constantinople in 1914 with his family. This decision would cost him his life. He was arrested on at the onset of the Armenian genocide on April 24, 1915, and killed on August 26, 1915.

Sevag's first poem was printed in 1905. Sevag is mostly known as a lyric poet. He also composed many love songs, highly acclaimed for their feeling and depth. His poetry was characterized by freshness and precision of language, and noted for its varying meter and its musicality. His poetry captures the history and essence of Western Armenian literature while creating a totally new genre.

Ruben Sevak was recorded at birth as Ռուբէն Չիլինկիրեան. He also worked under the name Ռուբէն Սեւակ. The authorities additionally record the headings Sevak, Ruben, Ruben Chilinkiryan, Ruben Hovhannesi Chilinkiryan, Chilinkiryan, Ruben Hovhannesi and Rupen Chilingiryan (Sevag). His recorded languages were Armenian and French.