California State University, Fresno Armenian Studies Program Non-Profit and Armenian Students Organization U.S. Postage 5245 N. Backer Ave. M/S PB 4 PAID Fresno, CA 93740-8001 Permit No. 262 Change Service Requested FRESNO, CA HYE SHARZHOOM th Armenian Action FA|

May 2013 Vol. 34, No. 4 (122) Ethnic Supplement to The Collegian Armenian Studies Program 25th 98th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Annual Banquet Held March 17 Commemorated by Students at Fresno State De n i s e Al t o u n i a n , An d r e w Es g u e r r a , Ta m a r Ka r ka z i a n , a n d Em m a Sh a l j y a n St a f f Wr i t e r s

April, although a sad month for Armenians, is a time that highlights the strength of Armenians across the world, both in Armenia and in the Diaspora—young and old. It is in April that Armenians come together to commemorate the Armenian Genocide and this year the Armenian Community came together for a series of events.

The Armenian Students Artashes Frangulyan Photo: Students and faculty at the Armenian Studies Program 25th Organization was active in raising The Annual Armenian Genocide Commemorative event on awareness in the community, but Annual Banquet held on March 17. Photo: Artashes Frangulyan April 24 drew a large audience to Fresno State. especially on the Fresno State a m a r a r ka z i a n T K was students, highlighting their campus. The Associated Students, Wednesday, April 24, the event the silent protest, ASO members Ed i t o r successes and their importance in Inc. partially funded the April 24 brought together both Fresno held different posters and signs the future. Retiring Fresno State activities. State students and the Armenian they have made especially for this It has been over a quarter of President Dr. John Welty was One of the main events for the community. An added element this event. a century since the Armenian recognized at the Banquet for his week was the Annual Armenian year was a silent protest at noon, A large audience had gathered Studies Program established the twenty-two years of service to the Genocide Commemoration in immediately preceding the main tradition of an Annual Banquet. So University. the Free Speech Area. Held on commemorative event. During Se e Ap r i l 24 Pa g e 8 it seemed fitting that the Armenian Armenian Studies Program Studies Program held its 25th Coordinator Professor Barlow Karabagh Representative Avetisyan Visits Fresno Annual Banquet to celebrate this Der Mugrdechian began the milestone, on Sunday, March 17, evening by introducing the special Ma r i n e Va r d a n y a n guests, faculty, and friends of the at the Fort Washington Golf and St a f f Wr i t e r Country Club. The focus of the evening Se e ASP Ba n q u e t Pa g e 7 February 20, 1988, marks a Author Chris Bohjalian on Best- moment in Armenian history when the people of Armenia and Selling “The Sandcastle Girls” Karabagh utilized their willpower to protest and demand the independence of Karabagh from Azerbaijan and its unification with Armenia. That date gave birth to the Karabagh Liberation Movement and was the first drop of the ripple effect that continues to touch the lives of Armenians until today. This year marks the 25th Photo: ASP Archive ASP Photo: anniversary of the Karabagh L. to R.: Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Kevork Ajamian, Ma- Liberation Movement, and to rine Vardanyan, Mr. Robert Avetisyan, Hagop Ohanessian, mark the occasion the Fresno Emma Shaljyan, Dr. Sergio La Porta, Lauren Chardukian, Mi- State Armenian Studies Program, chael Rettig, and Lilit Grigoryan at the lecture on Karabagh. in collaboration with the Armenian National Committee the Karabagh movement. Prof. development, due to obstacles by of America, Central California Der Mugrdechian then introduced the Azerbaijani government, and Chapter, organized a lecture by Avetisyan, who has served as

Photo: Raffi Mouradian the Armenian culture and history L. to R: Lauren Chardukian, Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, the Permanent Representative the Karabagh Representative in were endangered. Chris Bohjalian, Marine Vardanyan, and Michael Rettig. of the NKR to the United States, Washington, D.C. since 2009. When the Karabagh began Robert Avetisyan. The event Avetisyan discussed the years to legally call for unification Su r e n Og a n e ss i a n between an American nurse and took place on March 22, 2013, of conflict with Azerbaijan, with Armenia, in February of St a f f Wr i t e r an Armenian engineer set against in McLane Hall, Room 121, with beginning from the early 20th 1988, hundreds of miles away in the backdrop of the Armenian representatives for Congressmen century following the collapse of Sumgait, Azerbaijan, the Azeris Can a NYTimes Bestselling Genocide in 1915. The story is Devin Nunes and Jim Costa in the Russian Empire, after which organized a pogrom against the novel raise awareness about the told through the eyes of their attendance. Azerbaijan claimed Karabagh. Armenians. “The Armenian Genocide and be entertaining? The granddaughter, Laura Petrosian, To begin the evening, Karabagh was recognized as part minority was murdered and answer is yes, and Chris Bohjalian, who tries to piece together their Armenian Studies Program of Armenia in 1921, but Joseph subject to inhumane tortures— author of The Sandcastle Girls, history. Coordinator Barlow Der Stalin later changed this decision just for being Armenian,” stated visited Fresno State on April 14, Bohjalian is the author of sixteen Mugrdechian welcomed guests. and placed Karabagh under Azeri Avetisyan. 2013, to share just how he wrote novels, including New York Times Paul Jamushian, on behalf of the administration. Over the years, Following a referendum in such a novel. ANC, stressed the importance of the Armenians in Karabagh The novel is about the romance Se e Bo h j a l i a n Pa g e 7 informing a broad audience about faced challenges in economic Se e Av e t i s y a n Pa g e 7 2 Hye Sharzhoom May 2013 Armenian Studies Program Book/Video/CD Archival Gifts California State University, Fresno Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Prof. Sergio La Porta, and Armenian Studies Program the Armenian Studies Program would like to thank the donors, authors, and publishers for the following books, periodicals, videos, Fall 2013 Schedule of Courses and archival gifts, either offered personally, or to the Program. Course Units Time Day Instructor Mr. & Mrs. Tsolag Abdalian, Morley, Perth, Australia, for a copy of • Arm 1A-Elementary Armenian 4 10:00A-11:50A MW B Der Mugrdechian The Heart of the Poet: Private Letters by Vahé-Vahian (Beirut, (Class #72200) Lebanon: Sipan Printing, 2012). 766pp. In Armenian. Letters written by the noted poet Vahé-Vahian have been collected in this • Hum 11-Hum Baroque/Modern 3 2:00P-3:15P TuTh S La Porta volume. (Class #72634) Robert Avetisyan, Special Representative of the Republic of General Education-Arts & Humanities, Area C1 Karabagh to the United States, Washington, D.C., for three • Arm S 20 -Arts of Armenia 3 9:00A-9:50A MWF B Der Mugrdechian videos on Karabagh: “Karabagh: A Hidden Treasure,” “A Video (Class #73052) Guide to Karabagh,” and “The Ordinary Genocide: February 1988-Sumgait.” General Education-Arts & Humanities, Area D3 From the estate of Jack H. Boghosian, Fresno, traditional Armenian • Arm S 10 -Intro Arm Studies 3 11:00A-12:15P TuTh S La Porta clothing and accessories, in honor of his father, Avedis Boghosian (Class #72201) and his family, from Aydin, Turkey. Upper Division Armenian Studies Courses Chris Bohjalian, for a signed copy of his NYTimes Bestselling novel, • ArmS 108A-Arm History I 3 9:30A-10:45A TuTh B Der Mugrdechian The Sandcastle Girls (Doubleday, 2012). 320pp. Bohjalian’s sweeping historical novel on the Armenian Genocide. (Class #72202) Cochran Fellowship Program participants, Armenia, for various General Education-Arts & Humanities, Area IC books in Armenian on Armenian history and culture. The Cochran • Arm 148-Masterp. of Arm Culture 3 2:00P-3:15P MW S La Porta Program Fellows were in Fresno for a two-week agricultural (Class #73111) training program, organized by Dr. Bill Erysian of Fresno State. • Arm 148-Masterp. of Arm Culture 3 3:30P-4:45P MW S La Porta Bob Der Mugrdechian, Clovis, California, for a copy of his book, Memories of People and Places (Clovis, CA, 2012), 256pp. In (Class #75814) English. The author has written 144 shorts stories about Armenians in the Central Valley of California and about general life in the For more information call the Armenian Studies Program at 278-2669 Valley. or visit our offices in the Peters Business Building, Room 384. Agop J. Hacikyan, Montreal, Canada, for three of his books: The Get a Minor in Armenian Studies. Check on requirements Lamppost Diary (Northampton, MA: Interlink Books, 2011), for the Minor in Armenian Studies in the 2013-2014 catalog: 270pp.; The Young Man in the Gray Suit (Northampton, MA: http://www.fresnostate.edu/catoffice/current/armstudhd.html Interlink Books, 2013), 248pp.; and A Summer Without Dawn (Northampton, MA: Interlink Books, 2010), with Jean-Yves Soucy, 546 pp. The Lamppost Diary is a historical novel based and the Armenian Genocide of 1915. A Summer Without Dawn is HYE SHARZHOOM a story based on the Armenian Genocide, while The Young Man in the Gray Suit is the sequel to A Summer Without Dawn. Dr. Robert Hewsen, Fresno, for a copy of The Origins of the Armenian FA|

VCC members gathered at and eventually the journey to Hye Sharzhoom is an ethnic sup- the Charlie Keyan Armenian California. plement of The Collegian, fund- Community School on Thursday, Fresno simultaneously grew ed by the Associated Students, March 14, to enjoy a delicious as both a city and a region with and is the newspaper of the Armenian meal and to learn the contribution of the growing Fresno State Armenian Students more about one of the Valley’s Armenian immigrant community. Organization and the Armenian most prominent groups, the The city of Fresno was Studies Program. Articles may Armenians. Professor Barlow Der incorporated in 1885, some four be reprinted provided Hye Shar- Mugrdechian, Coordinator of the years after the first Armenians zhoom is acknowledged. Hye Photo: Denise Altounian Photo: Denise Armenian Studies Program, gave had already settled there. Many Sharzhoom welcomes prose, Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian at Keyan Armenian School. a talk entitled “From Armenia to Armenian immigrants settled in poetry, articles and other mate- De n i s e Al t o u n i a n The Valley Cultural Coalition California: The Odyssey of the Fresno and quickly established rial from its student readers. For St a f f Wr i t e r (VCC), a local non-profit Fresno Armenians (1881-2013),” small businesses and found further information concerning organization, has taken on the about the history of the Central themselves very successful in the newspaper or the Armenian The San Joaquin Valley is task to both preserve and build Valley Armenian community. the agricultural industry. Today, Studies Program contact us at: lucky to be home to a melting pot appreciation of all cultures in The audience was enthusiastic Fresno is home to one of the last Armenian Studies Program of distinct cultures. Immigrants Central California, in an effort to to learn about the journey of the remaining Armenian Diaspora 5245 N. Backer Ave. PB4 from all over the world, including improve the quality of life. Their Armenians to California, one of communities that has significant Fresno, CA 93740-8001 the Armenians, have settled mission is “dedicated to ensuring many cultural groups highlighted involvement in agriculture. Telephone (559) 278-2669 • here to become the backbone the health of the arts and cultural in the monthly VCC series. Those in attendance left with a FAX (559) 278-2129 of its success. One of the most community through advocacy, Der Mugrdechian covered better understanding of the history hhttp://www.fresnostate.edu/ important missions we have is to communication, cooperation, and and culture of the Armenian- the initial phase of Armenian artshum/armenianstudies/ preserve these rich cultures. collaboration.” immigration to the East Coast, American community of Fresno. May 2013 Hye Sharzhoom 3 Dr. La Porta Discusses “Networks of Knowledge” Dr. Haroutyunian Gives Talk on in Talk About 12th-14th Century Armenian Culture Genocide in Translation in March St a f f Re p o r t Ru z a n Or k u s y a n St a f f Wr i t e r The interconnectivity of the world is a characteristic of our The power of translation is age of globalism. While the pre- the ability to overcome cultural modern period did not witness barriers and make history and an intensity of interaction memories available to a global comparable to our own, it audience–this was the central nonetheless was interconnected. theme of Dr. Sona Haroutyunian’s On April 16, Dr. Sergio La Porta, (University of Venice, Italy) Haig and Isabel Berberian Chair second lecture in the series “The of Armenian Studies at Fresno Theme of the Armenian Genocide State, explored some of the areas in Literature, Translation, and of interaction between Armenians, Cinema.” Turks, and Georgians in the 12th The lecture, given by Kazan Dr. Sona Haroutyunian through 14th centuries. He also Visiting Professor Haroutyunian Photo: ASP Archive demonstrated how Armenians on March 14, 2013 at Fresno State,

Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian a global readership that has led were able to maintain a distinct explored the role of translation in to international awareness of the cultural identity despite their Dr. Sergio La Porta, center, with students at the ASO table. the history and evolution of the Armenian Genocide. lacking political sovereignty in of a number of Islamic dynasties, arts. Armenian Genocide, highlighting In countries such as Hungary, Greater Armenia and their being and changed the demographics Finally, Dr. La Porta examined the greater global attention and where the Armenian Genocide dispersed throughout the Middle of the area. Dr. La Porta also how Armenians in Greater understanding that translation is not recognized, readers of East. emphasized that we cannot look Armenia and the dispersion has brought to the Armenian the novel were appalled by the Dr. La Porta’s lecture, entitled for hard boundaries between were able to maintain a distinct Genocide. events described in the novel, “Networks of Knowledge: states in twelfth and thirteenth common identity. He noted that Dr. Haroutyunian expanded and bewildered by the fact Communication and Identity in centuries. Rather than clean lines, the same routes that brought non- the definition of translation to that these events were never 12th-14th c. Armenia,” focused he said, “we should imagine a Armenians and Armenians into encompass a series of events. mentioned in their history books. on three topics: picturing series of points with radiating contact, also brought Armenians “Thinking about the contribution Dr. Haroutyunian also provided Armenia, vectors of intercultural spheres of influence.” These from different parts of the of literature in raising awareness a stunning visual representation contact, and the identification points were urban centers such dispersion into communication. about the Armenian Genocide,” of the novel’s journey as it of community markers. In the as Ani, Erzurum, and Erznka to He pointed to sacred sites along she said, “what I have asked traveled across the globe and was first part of his lecture, Dr. La mention a few. the routes that were places of myself is if literature is the translated into fifteen languages. Porta discussed the conquest Dr. La Porta then explained exchange between Armenians immediate step after the historical As the Armenian translator of of the Armenian kingdoms of how trade routes connected these from different areas. He also event. According to me, it is Skylark Farm, Dr. Haroutyunian the Bagratuni and the Arcruni points and that a variety of people remarked upon the efforts of not. The historical event comes explained her own experience in by the Byzantine Empire. The traveled along them. He suggested the Armenian Church to try to first. What then follows is the translating the genocide novel. Byzantines in turn were defeated that these interconnections stop a loss of cultural identity. translation of that event in the The task was intensely emotional. by the Seljuk Turks in 1071 and fostered the development of a In particular, he focused on how minds of the survivors, i.e., their She described waking up in the Byzantine power in Armenia ‘hybrid’ culture. By this term, Dr. a core of texts helped form a memory and interpretation of the mornings and feeling the duty to collapsed. The destruction of La Porta explained, he meant “that common intellectual tradition event. Then, memory becomes make the stories of the characters the Armenian kingdoms by a political, economic, and social among Armenian scholars. This the subject of oral history making known. She even felt ashamed Byzantium, followed by the language and culture emerged that tradition, he said, was later the intergenerational transmission to take breaks to eat while the Turkish invasions helped remove was comprehensible to everyone influential in the construction of possible. The oral history comes characters of the story starved in an important element of the in the region, regardless of faith an Armenian national identity. into the minds of the writers of the deserts of Anatolia. All the Armenian population from the or ethnicity.” He then provided Dr. La Porta’s lecture brought memoir and fiction, then there characters were talking to her, region to other parts including examples from contemporary new light to the interconnectivity comes the literary translation crying to be heard. Cilicia, caused the establishment historical texts, inscriptions, and of cultures. and finally, the filmmaker, if Despite these and other Aftandilian Speaks on “Trans-Generational Trauma” such a story makes it to this step, challenges, Dr. Haroutyunian comparison, the subject of trans- translates the text in order to kept her promise to complete generational trauma has been render the film as she or he has the translation before the movie explored extensively among interpreted or translated the story. release in 2007. More recently, children of Holocaust survivors, In effect, we have here different she translated Arslan’s second with more than 500 articles and layers of translation upon novel, Road to Smyrna, which books written about the subject, translation—to use memoirist only exists in the Italian and while in the Armenian context, it Gunter Grass’s term, with this Armenian editions. is a relatively new field. theory we are ‘peeling the Dr. Haroutyunian’s lecture and For both Holocaust survivor onion.’” the heartbreaking passage from parents and earlier for Armenian These different layers of Road to Smyrna read in Armenian Genocide survivors, children translation upon translation are and English, captivated the were a representation of survival. what enable personal memories audience, leaving many yearning Survivor parents had high and written words to take wing for more information. Some of expectations for their children— and reach a greater audience. the audience remarked how it often treating them as substitutes To illustrate her thesis, Dr. was regrettable that there was no for the relatives who perished and Haroutyunian gave a detailed Arabic translation of the novel. communities that had been wiped account of the translation history Dr. Haroutyunian explained of Antonia Arslan’s Skylark Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian out. Armenian Genocide survivors that an Arabic translation was L. to R.: Dr. Sergio La Porta, Kevork Ajamian, Lilit Grigory- tend to be over-protective of their Farm. The novel is a historical in progress and that a Turkish an, Emma Shaljyan, Lauren Chardukian, Gregory Aftandil- children, and want to ensure their narrative that has carried the translation has been completed, ian, Hagop Ohanessian, Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Marine Var- security and protection. Genocide beyond its historical but has never been published. danyan, and Dr. Sona Haroutyunian. According to Aftandilian, facts and enriched it with new The lecture was enjoyable the children of the Armenian shades. As in many novels, the and engaging, and emphasized Em m a Sh a l j y a n on how World War II impacted Genocide bear a burden, but at the historical dimension of Arslan’s the key role translation plays St a f f Wr i t e r second-generation Armenian- same time they want to learn more novel is introduced through in transmitting the culture and American identity. about what their parents have conversations, character building, history of a people. In a way, it Middle East specialist Gregory The advent of World War gone through and to rediscover and other literary techniques. But also urged attendees to record their Aftandilian was a guest of the II brought the memory of the their roots. the real power of the novel is own memories and experiences, Armenian Studies Program on Armenian Genocide to the The second-generation’s that it has surpassed the borders as these may one day be valuable Thursday, April 4, when he forefront within Armenian- efforts to seek recognition of the of Italy, its birthplace, accessing historical resources. presented a talk on “Trans- American families, as survivors Armenian Genocide in the 1970s felt special, because an obligation as possible, from the trauma. Generational Trauma: The Impact of the Genocide had to send their can be traced, in part, to the was placed on them, directly or They didn’t want to burden their of the Armenian Genocide on the sons off to war, with all of the trans-generational trauma of the indirectly, to bear the hopes and child with the vivid descriptions Second Generation.” anxieties that entailed. Genocide that they experienced aspirations of the survivors—not of what they had gone through. The focus of Aftandilian’s Aftandilian interviewed World as children of survivors. only for the family, but also for By sharing his research, presentation was on how the War II Armenian-American Research on the children the Armenian people as a whole. Aftandilian presented new Genocide affected the offspring veterans and found that the of survivors found that many Within some Armenian insights into this fascinating topic of the Genocide survivors. He topic of returning home, was children of Armenian Genocide families, the Armenian Genocide of survival, and presented new became interested in this subject more emotional than the topic survivors were named after the was not discussed and others tried information about the long-term while he was writing a paper of their combat experience. As a murdered relatives. These children to shield their children, as much impact of the Genocide. 4 Hye Sharzhoom May 2013 Congratulations Graduating Seniors and Armenian Studies Minors for 2012-2013 Rita-Marie Costanian What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event? Social Work My favorite class was Armenian 148, Masterpieces of Armenian Culture. I took this class Minor in Armenian Studies with my sister and it was so much fun learning about the many folktales and stories we read. The authors were so creative, and it was just another reason for me to be even more What did you value most from your experiences proud of my culture. in the Armenian Studies Program? What are your plans after graduation? I valued learning about the history of my culture. I plan on becoming very successful in the world of advertising and giving back to those Being Armenian has made me who I am today, in need. I will also continue to be involved within the Armenian community and dedicate and I truly enjoyed and appreciated having the more time to it. opportunity to further my education about my heritage. Hagop Ohanessian What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, MA in History activity, or event? ASO President My favorite Armenian Studies class was Armenian Studies 20, Arts of Armenia, because I gained What did you value most from your experiences knowledge about Armenian church architecture, in the Armenian Studies Program? manuscript painting, and artwork that I had never learned about before. It has helped me appreciate who I am as an Armenian What are your plans after graduation? and it makes me feel proud of being Armenian. The After graduation I plan to attend USC to receive my Master’s Degree in Social Work. Armenian Studies courses have helped shape my Do you have any advice to incoming students? Armenian identity and culture, Enjoy your time at Fresno State because it will fly by. What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event? Lauren Hoekstra Being active in the Armenian Students Organization, Exercise Science and going to Armenia with Professor Barlow and other students in the Program. What encouraged you to take an Armenian What are your plans after graduation? Studies course? My plan after graduation is to enter law school in My grandparents, as well as close family members the fall. encouraged me to take Armenian Studies classes. Do you have any advice to incoming students? As a freshman, my close family friend Debbie Get involved in the Armenian Studies Program by taking courses and becoming active Cloud told me it would bring me closer to the leaders in the Armenian Students Organization. It is the best thing that happened to me, Armenian community and teach me about my and it will be the same for you. heritage. What did you value most from your experiences Tamar Karkazian in the Armenian Studies Program? Business Administration- I learned so much about my culture and in doing Sports Marketing Option so found so many close friends that I share an ASO President, Public Relations Officer Armenian connection with. There is nothing like Hye Sharzhoom Editor that Armenian connection and what better way to find it than through knowledge. What did you value most from your experiences What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event? in the Armenian Studies Program? My favorite Armenian studies class was the Armenian language class. I really enjoyed What I valued most from the Armenian Studies learning the alphabet, reading the script, and being able to share that with my grandparents. Program was being able to take something I learned It has been such a joy and a blessing to be able to share my involvement in the Armenian in an Armenian Studies course, and share it with Studies Program with my grandmother, Charlotte Kasparian. those around me through ASO and Hye Sharzhoom. What are your plans after graduation? My plans after graduation are to become an I loved the fact that we had many opportunities to example of health and wellness for all of my generation. I am currently in the process get involved with our culture outside of class. of opening and managing an exercise studio with my mother, called “The Bar Method,” What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, where I will be instructing full time. Come and join me for a therapeutic workout! activity, or event? Although there was a lot I enjoyed, I have to say Phillip Der Mugrdechian being able to work on Hye Sharzhoom was probably my favorite part of the program. Being History able to share the successes of the Armenian Studies Program with others was great. Minor in Armenian Studies What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I will move to Los Angeles with my sister and start marketing in the What did you value most from your experiences Sports Industry. I am still trying to decide whether to work at the collegiate or professional in the Armenian Studies Program? level. I loved learning the Armenian language, as well Do you have any advice to incoming students? as gaining a more in depth look at Armenian Fresno State has a lot to offer, so find something you love to do and get involved with it. culture and history. What was your favorite Armenian Studies Mounah Saksouk class, activity, or event? Psychology By far, the best part of my experience in the Minor in Armenian Studies Armenian Studies Program was actually traveling to Armenia for a study abroad course. It was a What encouraged you to take an Armenian truly amazing experience that I will never forget. Studies course? What are your plans after graduation? I was encouraged to take an Armenian Studies I plan on continuing my education in the field of course by a few Armenian friends that I made history. back home in Los Angeles. I wanted to learn the Do you have any advice to incoming students? Armenian language in order to communicate with Try to branch out and experience new things, such as the Armenian Studies Program. them. You won’t regret your decision. What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program? Tania Kasparian My experiences taking Armenian Studies courses Mass Communications and Journalism, has made me value the rich and historical culture Advertising of Armenia, the Armenian people, and the Minor in Armenian Studies Armenian spirit of unity and survival. What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event? What encouraged you to take an Armenian My favorite Armenian class would have to be Masterpieces of Armenian Literature. Studies course? Reading excerpts from various literary works and poems broadened my perspective and The beauty of my race, culture, and religion, as introduced me to new knowledge. Also, Dr. La Porta made the class very interesting. well as my thirst to learn more about it was what What are your plans after graduation? got me to take an Armenian Studies course. My plan after graduation is to pursue a Masters degree in International Relations. What did you value most from your experiences Do you have any advice to incoming students? in the Armenian Studies Program? My advice to incoming students is to get engaged in your courses, educate yourself outside Armenian Studies has given me a great amount of the classroom about important topics you find interesting in class, and participate in the of information about Armenia and its people that guest lecturer presentations. You will truly find an minor in Armenian Studies exciting. I wasn’t aware of. It has also helped me answer the many questions I had about my unique people Photos: Cary Edmondson, University Photographer that I can now share with my children and those and Barlow Der Mugrdechian around me. May 2013 Hye Sharzhoom 5 CineCulture Series Features Film ValleyPBS Screens “Orphans of the Genocide” “The Son of the Olive Merchant” Al e e k Ka r ka z i a n St a f f Wr i t e r

“Knowledge is power”—this idea was the driving force behind the creation of the documentary “Orphans of the Genocide.” Motivated by this powerful concept, ValleyPBS (based in the San Joaquin Valley) screened the film on Thursday, April 18, bringing together the director of the film, Bared Maronian, actor Ken Davitian, and Armenian Studies Program Coordinator Barlow Der Mugrdechian. Leslie Davis, from the ValleyPBS development office, hosted the Archive ASP Photo: evening broadcast. L. to R.: Host Leslie Davis, flamenco guitarist Vahagni, Prof. Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian “Orphans of the Genocide” Barlow Der Mugrdechian, director Bared Maronian, and ac- L. to R.: Larry Rattner, Matieu Zeitindjioglu, Prof. Mary Hu- tor Ken Davitian, joined together for the April 18 Fresno pre- sain, and CineCulture Club President Narek Avetisyan. incorporates interviews with Armenian orphans to tell the story miere of the documentary film, “Orphans of the Genocide.” u z a n r k u s y a n R O and cinema is the best medium of 150,000 Armenian children The goal was to have the film air nationally on PBS. St a f f Wr i t e r for doing this.” who were left parentless as a the experiences of [these innocent we learned of the film and watched “The Son of the Olive result of the Genocide. Researcher children] were universal. Any it, we felt that he told the story Documentary and fairytale, Merchant” chronicles Anna Missak Kelechian’s findings child of that age, in that situation, beautifully, in a way that would film and animation–the different and Mathieu Zeitindjioglou’s about the site of an Armenian would have felt the same.” really compel our community to genres piece together to paint a honeymoon to Turkey and orphanage located at the present Actor Davitian decided to get watch and support it.” startling truth of Turkish denial their search for the truth about day Antoura College near Beirut, involved in the screening of the The live screening and and revisionism regarding the Mathieu’s Armenian heritage and Lebanon, where 1,000 Armenian film to help spread “...awareness fundraising effort was just the Armenian Genocide. Mathieu the Armenian Genocide. With a Genocide Orphans had lived and information. Knowledge is initial phase of the project. Zeitindjioglou’s movie “The simple camera, the couple travels and were forcefully converted power… If this film does well Maronian’s goal is to have Son of the Olive Merchant” throughout Turkey, questioning and “Turkified” during W.W. I., here, it will air in many other “Orphans of the Genocide” air on was screened as part of the and discussing with people inspired the documentary. markets, letting people know different PBS stations in various CineCulture film series and class they meet about the “Armenian Robert Fisk, an award-winning what really happened to the cities across America, exposing on Friday, April 12, and was problem,” careful not to provoke journalist, whose article “Living Armenians. And I believe there is more and more people to the co-sponsored by the Armenian controversy by using the word Proof of the Armenian Genocide” a very large correlation between plight of the Armenian orphans. Studies Program. “Genocide.” In addition to the was published in 2010 by The what happened to the Armenians, After the film has reached the A large audience of three honeymoon footage, the film also Independent, was also interviewed what happened to the Jews, and end of its screening lifespan, hundred was in attendance includes additional interviews in the documentary. every other ethnicity. So, if as Maronian plans to send a free at the Peters Educational with historians, news footage, About three years ago, a civilization, we can say ‘We DVD of the film to as many Center auditorium to welcome historical documents, and an after reading an article about are going to stop you if you do university or museum libraries, filmmaker Zeitindjioglou, who animation that tells the story of Kelechian’s research, filmmaker something like this,’ that would and humanitarian organizations had flown in from Paris to be Mathieu’s ancestors. Bared Maronian was motivated be a lot.” as possible, in order to keep present at the Fresno premiere. By presenting the stark truth, to start working on a 20-minute Valley PBS was the first station spreading the information about Prof. Mary Husain, who teaches “The Son of the Olive Merchant” documentary about these orphans. to air “Orphans of the Genocide.” the Armenian orphans. the CineCulture class, introduced not only educates the audience After an abridged version of this According to ValleyPBS President Through the passion, the director, explaining the about the Armenian Genocide, documentary was nominated for and CEO Paula Castadio, “We dedication, and commitment of importance of screening such but more importantly, it provides an Emmy, Maronian realized there were fortunate because the people like those involved in a film. The CineCulture club a unique, yet unpleasant glimpse was potential for a bigger project filmmaker came to us… The the screening of “Orphans of the is headed by President Narek into Turkish culture that highlights and created a nearly two-hour reason he came to our door is Genocide” and in participating in Avetisyan. Turkish ignorance and denial of long version of the documentary. because of our concentrated other Commemoration Events, the The film underscores Martin the Armenian Genocide. With Maronian’s goal was to enable Armenian population here. He knowledge of what the Armenians Scorsese’s quote, “Now more its passion, the movie motivates viewers to understand “the human wanted to premier his show for experienced during the Genocide than ever we need to talk to each Armenians and non-Armenians experience of those orphans. the very first time in a place that can be used to create a better other, to listen to each other and Although they were Armenians, would be responsive to it. When world for all of humanity. understand how we see the world, Se e Ci n e Cu l t u r e Pa g e 7 Dr. Haroutyunian Concludes Lecture Series with “The Theme of Genocide in Cinema” Ta t e v i k Ho v h a n n i s y a n that the genre the filmmakers medium was trying to cultivate, St a f f Wr i t e r chose to use was important the limitations of each and, as the as well, and explained how a audience witnessed, how all of The Armenian community different film genre would have them brought greater attention to has been learning quite a bit created a different kind of viewing the historical phenomenon of the about the effects of translations experience. Armenian Genocide. this spring semester, as Dr. Sona “When we ask about the effect Dr. Haroutyunian concluded, Haroutyunian (University of of a film, we are dealing with the “I would like to extend my Venice, Italy), the 10th Kazan rhetorical and artistic purposes of sincerest thanks to the Armenian Visiting Professor of Armenian the film, i.e. we are probing into Studies Program for inviting me Studies, has shared her knowledge the film’s skopos or purpose with to teach and lecture at Fresno in a three-part public lecture series regard to audience. Cinema is an State, and to my students who on “The Theme of Genocide excellent tool to raise awareness with their enthusiasm made my in Literature, Translation, and about the Armenian Genocide lessons a living experience. Cinema.” to large audiences,” said Dr. My warmest regards also to Dr. Haroutyunian concluded Haroutyunian. the hundreds of Armenian and her series on Wednesday, April When the Taviani brothers non-Armenian audience members 10, with a presentation focused Artashes Frangulyan Photo: were shooting the film in 2006, who attended my public lectures, on “The Theme of the Armenian Dr. Sona Haroutyunian, center, with students after her con- they wanted to see their movie organized by the Armenian Genocide in Cinema.” cluding lecture on Thursday, April 10. circulated through Italian schools. Studies Program, the Department Dr. Haroutyunian discussed similar to that of the novel, but in the historical event. The Dr. Haroutyunian stated that the of Linguistics at Fresno State, the dramatized version of Antonia that as directors they had the limitations and strengths of the goal was accomplished as the the USC Institute of Armenian Arslan’s genocide narrative, right to editorialize and to insert film adaptation are evident in the film is now shown in eighth grade Studies, the AGBU Fresno, the Skylark Farm, directed by the material not found in the book. selection of passages from the classrooms, when the students Women’s League of the Charlie Taviani brothers, and co-produced “This is quite normal,” novel, the cinematic treatment of learn about World War I. Keyan Armenian Community by Italy, Spain, Belgium, France explained Dr. Haroutyunian, those passages, and the omission Dr. Haroutyunian stated School, and by the Keyan and the European production “because even if it originates from of passages. The production of the that the purpose of her three Armenian School. company Eurimages. a novel, the filmmaker translates film itself is a translation within public lectures was to analyze I am indebted to them for all The Taviani brothers asserted film with their own perception itself.” the different effects that each the discussions and the detailed that the film was to be a freely (translation) of the fiction. The To illustrate her points, Dr. medium (literature, translation, comments and exchanges, which inspired version of Skylark Farm, goal is to awaken curiosity, Haroutyunian screened several cinema) has on the experience of have given me new insights for with the plot being relatively interest, and even engagement scenes from the film. She stated its readers and audience-what that my further research.” 6 Hye Sharzhoom May 2013 14th Annual Armenian Film enough to where those who were “The Armenian in America” Festival Attracts Large Audience just being born when it started are the help of his navigation system, now fighting in it. The women of and with his laptop and camera in Armenia are the unsung victims tow. He captured and documented of the war. the testimony of an Armenian Metzarents, directed by existence in well-populated areas, Hayk Hambartsum, featured the along with locations where there story of a struggling Armenian- are only a handful of Armenians. American actor named Vahag. The book takes one on a While practicing to play the role photographic journey throughout of poet Misak Metsarents in a America to learn of the historical play, he starts to grow more and presence of Armenians and more distant from his Korean- their influence in establishing American girlfriend Hanna, a landmarks, landscapes, and fellow actor. Playing Metzarents historical sites. causes Vahag to reconnect with The statue of Gomidas in his roots, and in the process, to Detroit, Michigan, the first begin to question what it means Ma r i n e Va r d a n y a n Armenian Apostolic church built to be happy, and whether or not St a f f Wr i t e r in America, in 1890, in Worcester, his relationship with his girlfriend Massachusetts, the Armenia Town Photo: ASP Archive ASP Photo: is working out due to the growing The words “Wherever we Hall founded in 1856 in Juneau Film director Hayk Hambartsum, center, with students. rifts between the two of them. reached, wherever we went, County, Wisconsin, and the Su r e n Og a n e ss i a n nearly ruining the meal they had Director Hayk Hambartsum everywhere we left an indelible Soghomon Tehlirian monument in St a f f Wr i t e r prepared. Through the experience discussed why he made the film trace,” by the Armenian poet Fresno, are only a few examples though, the young girl manages and explained that the film had Paruyr Sevag are proven true by of sites presented in the book. On Friday, March 8, a to appreciate her family a little been inspired by real life events, Stepan Partamian, in his latest On the last page of his large audience attended the more. such as his being in a relationship book The Armenian in America. captivating book, Partamian leaves 14th Annual Armenian Film Next was a short film directed with a non-Armenian, and In the United States, where the a short message for his readers, Festival, considered a favorite by Arshak Zakaryan called The reconnecting with his Armenian Armenian Diaspora consists of “Next is the world.” Having by many Armenian Studies Woman, which centered on heritage through acting. He more than a million Armenians, the completed the documentation Program supporters. Held on the conflict felt by a widowed came across the poems of Misak Armenian people have definitely of The Armenian in America, the Fresno State campus, the single mother in Armenia, whose Metzarents while researching left their mark throughout the Partamian is moving on to a festival showcases little-known only son is about to enter the another Armenian writer, country. larger project, creating a similar independent films produced Armenian army to serve in the Yeghishe Charents (who in turn On April 7, 2013 television host photographic documentation in Armenia or by Diasporan Karabagh army. She had already was responsible for exposing and researcher Stepan Partamian of The Armenian in the World, Armenians. lost her husband and brother in Soviet Armenians to Metzarents’ paid a visit to Fresno, to present which he plans to release in 2015, Funding for the Film Festival is the Nagorno-Karabakh War, and work). his new book The Armenian in in honor of the 100th Anniversary provided through the Thomas A. is understandably worried that This year’s Film Festival America, which features nearly of the Armenian Genocide. Kooyumjian Family Foundation. she will lose her son too. The featured strong and thought- 600 breathtaking and insightful This year the Festival had a film is a snapshot of the lives provoking pieces throughout, and photographs documenting special guest, Hayk Hambartsum, of many Armenian women in it has become one of the most Armenian landmarks, institutions, director of Metzarents, who Armenia today, and a testament endearing yearly events put on by and signs in America. Colorful answered questions after the to a conflict that has gone on long the Armenian Studies Program. photographs display the history screening of his film. 14t h A n n u a l A r m e n i a n Fi l m Fe s t i v a l -Af t e r Wa t e r Th e r e i s Sa n d (2012) of Armenian-Americans and My Mother’s Voice, is a (USA, Ar m e n i a ), Director: Saro Varjabedian; Ar a g i l , Th e Wh i t e St o r k the footprints Armenians have documentary featuring the (2010) (Ar m e n i a ), Director: Shirak Kojoyan; Ar m e n i a n Ac t i v i s t s No w ! left in this nation throughout the harrowing tale of Genocide Bi r t h o f a Mo v e m e n t (2012) (USA, Ar m e n i a ), Director: Robert Davidian; many years. Flipping through the survivor Flora Munushian, Th e Ep i p h a n y (2012) (USA), Director: Ella Hatamian; Me m o r y Wi t h o u t book, you can find photographs mother of the film’s director Kay Bo r d e r s (2012) (USA, Ar m e n i a , Az e r ba i j a n ), Director: Mehmet Binay; of Armenian landmarks such as Mouradian. Munushian lived in Me t z a r e n t s (2012) (USA), Director: Hayk Hambartsum; Mi d Ni g h t churches, schools, cemeteries, Hajin, Turkey, until 1915, when Fi s t Fi g h t (2012) (USA), Director: Robert Nazar Arjoyan; My Mo t h e r ’s o i c e o a r r o m o m e businesses, and street signs, each the Armenians were deported. V (2012) (USA), Director: Kay Mouradian; S F F H (2009) (Ca n a d a ), Director: Lorne Shirinian; Vo y a g e t o Am as i a (2011) (USA, with its own caption. When stopped at a camp near Archive ASP Photo: Ar m e n i a , Tu r k e y ), Directors: Randy Bell and Eric Hachikian; Th e Wo m a n Driving alone across America, Aleppo on the way to Deir Zor, Stepan Partamian (2012) (Ar m e n i a ), Director: Arshak Zakaryan Partamian visited 45 states with She eventually traveled to Boston to marry a man she knew only from a photograph, in hopes of Eench Ga Chga a better future. The film and the Ta t e v i k Ho v h a n n i s y a n • St a f f Wr i t e r story are deeply moving, and Kay Mouradian not only serves Why do you think recognizing the Armenian Genocide is important? as a voice for her mother, but Aram Hajian Alik Pilavian of all victims of the Armenian Senior Sophomore Genocide. Major: Business Major: Liberal Studies After Water There is Sand, Administration, Finance directed by Saro Varjabedian, is It is important to recognize the a film where Armenian identity The Armenian Genocide needs to Armenian Genocide because is illustrated through the tale of be recognized globally, because of not only has there been 98 years Tamar, an 80 year-old widow the definition assigned to the term of denial, but those who were who travels to Armenia with genocide by the United Nations. killed were our ancestors. The her daughters to fulfill her late The definition is applicable to what 1.5 million that were killed are husband’s longtime goal—to take happened to the Armenian people the reason why we have this drive a family photo in front of Mt. in 1915. By not recognizing what to keep going and never give up. Ararat. The story becomes not Knarik Kazaryan happened in 1915 as Genocide, Marine Vardanyan I think it is extremely important just one about the grief a widow Junior Turkey has shown the rest of the Sophomore to educate as many people as we feels for the loss of her husband, Major: Biology world that it is possible to avoid Major: Public Health can about what happened to our but the grief that Armenians feel consequences for actions that are people. By educating ourselves, for the loss of their homeland, Recognizing the Genocide illegal globally. We have all heard of the saying as well as others, we will one just out of reach. is the least the world can do “history repeats itself.” I believe day achieve what we have been The Epiphany-An Armenian towards the affirmation of such this is especially true when fighting for. We will never forget Christmas Story is a short film a crime. What would it be like great humanitarian tragedies are nor will we back down. directed by Ella Hatamian. The if Turkey had succeeded in ignored or when the severity of film follows a wealthy Southern the complete extermination of the events is understated. Every Californian Armenian family the Armenians? All the great violation of human rights deserves whose turn it is to host an Armenian Armenian contributors, famous recognition and reparation. If we Christmas party. The film is told artists, builders, scientists, recognize the Holocaust and the through the eyes of their teenage doctors, and many more, would Bosnian Genocide, why then, daughter, who would much rather not have existed. I can’t fathom do we not recognize the first be at a party with her friends than the thought. Until we all choose Genocide of the 20th century? be stuck at a family get together. to think likewise, Armenian It is a tragedy that denial of the However, chaos ensues during or non-Armenian, we will be Genocide continues to spread the the preparation for the party, with accomplices to the denial. message that yes, you can get a series of unfortunate accidents away with such heinous crimes. May 2013 Hye Sharzhoom 7 Thank You Annual Fund Donors Bo h j a l i a n , Fr o m Pa g e 1 (received as of April 26, 2013) bestsellers The Double Bind, The Night Strangers, and Midwives, Sponsors Sossie Djabrayan which became a number one Dr. Ani Ketabgian Dr. Alexander Grigorian bestseller and was chosen for Brian & Janalee Melikian Roberta L. Hagopian Oprah’s Book Club. Bohjalian Supporters Charles Jamgotchian graduated from Amherst College Dr. M. Wayne Alexander Hagop & Knar Manjikian in Massachusetts, and currently resides in Lincoln, Vermont. Mr. & Mrs. Jack Bousian John P. Proudian Fresno was Bohjalian’s ASP 25th Annual Banquet Donors first stop on a tour launching Table Sponsors-Dianne & Arnold Gazarian the paperback edition of The Sandcastle Girls. His talk was Benefactors-Alice & Berge Bulbulian, Mrs. Herbert cosponsored by the Armenian Lion Patrons-Nerces Leon Dermenjian, Bob Der Studies Program, the Armenian Mugrdechian, Varouj & Lena Altebarmakian Friends-G. National Committee, of America, Photo: Raffi Mouradian Franklin Antoyan, Pat Sevoian, Triple X-Selma Chapter and publisher Doubleday. Sponsors-Patricia Peterson Hansen, Nancy R. Kolligian, Bohjalian’s lecture, held in a L. to R.: Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Chris Bohjalian, packed Leon and Pete Peters and Marine Vardanyan in front of the Saroyan Theatre. Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Jackie Manselian Mr. & Mrs. Archie Educational Center Auditorium, him to write what he calls “the more of a documentary than a Zakarian, Mary Zoryan Supporters-Lucille Apcar, focused on his childhood, his most important story I will ever story. And at the time he was Harriet Boghosian, Bill Bohigian, Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, travels in the Middle East, and write.” writing it, Carol Edgarian’s Rise Jirair Ketchedjian, Andrew Merzon just what had inspired him to Bohjalian is the grandson of the Euphrates was released, craft such a gripping story about Armenian Genocide survivors causing Bohjalian to conclude ASP Ba n q u e t , Fr o m Pa g e 1 the Armenian Genocide. who had immigrated to America. that the world already had a Writing The Sandcastle Girls His father was Armenian and his beautifully written Armenian university. He welcomed everyone was, for Chris Bohjalian, a mother Swedish; paradoxically Genocide narrative and didn’t affirming the significance of rediscovery of his soul. In doing however, he learned more about need his. this event that annually brings research for the novel he embarked his Armenian heritage from his Bohjalian didn’t make another together faculty, community, and on a tour of Armenian landmarks mother than his father, spent his attempt to write a genocide novel students. of the Middle East, visiting entire life striving to integrate for 17 years, until his friend Dr. Sergio La Porta then shared Lebanon and also Armenia. He himself into American culture. Khatchig Mouradian encouraged some of his experiences at Fresno was particularly moved when His mother loved her in-laws him to. This time, settling on the State for the past four years, visiting Anjar, Lebanon, where however, and became enamored idea of weaving a romance into emphasizing how important the the refugees from the Musa Dagh with Armenian culture. Another the history, Bohjalian was much interaction with students was. resistance resettled. major draw to his Armenian more successful, and the novel He then thanked the community On a mural painted at one of heritage from an early age has found an audience with people for their continued support of the Photo: James Ramirez their cathedrals was the phrase was, unsurprisingly, the food. who never heard of the Armenian Armenian Studies Program. Matthew Karanian “Let them come again, we are After purchasing an Armenian Genocide and would be hard- Dr. Vida Samiian, Dean of the up, Karanian had little knowledge still the mountain.” Bohjalian cookbook that contained stories pressed to even find Armenia on College of Arts and Humanities, of Armenia, but rediscovered interpreted this as saying no and anecdotes along with recipes, a map. emphasized the strength of the it in 2001, realizing that it had matter where we go on this Bohjalian had his first urge to Bohjalian said that some Armenian Studies Program, changed significantly. Turning planet, Armenians everywhere try and tell the story of what people told him that he was pointing out that it is one of the his focus to students, he advised will always be a part of “the had happened to his ancestors in “losing his mind” and that no one strongest programs on campus, them that the best way that any mountain,” be it Musa Dagh or 1915. would want to read it. and that it is the first Program of them could help Armenia was Ararat. Bohjalian’s first attempt at Fortunately, this was far at the university to receive an by being the “best you can be,” As Bohjalian put it, “These two creating an Armenian Genocide from the case, in part thanks endowed chair. because “Everyone has something mountains are an inseparable part narrative in 1993 was, in his to powerful marketing from “The two faculty of the to contribute to Armenia.” of the geography of the Armenian words, “a train wreck.” He said Armenian organizations such as Armenian Studies Program As the evening was coming to soul.” It was inspiration from that it lacked a gripping plot and the ANCA and the AGBU. work as hard and as extensively an end, three graduating students, that phrase which, in part, helped engaging characters, and was as eight faculty members, involved in various aspects of the teaching, doing research, and in Armenian Studies Program, were Ci n e Cu l t u r e , Fr o m Pa g e 5 revealing the nature of Turkish eventually move to France, but he engagement with the community. asked to share their thoughts and alike to find the Armenian within revisionism. The animation and his descendents were forever We have phenomenal faculty in experiences for the past several them and fight the injustice of detailed the story of Mathieu’s forced to carry the name of those every respect and that is why the years. Mounah Saksouk, an denial. paternal grandfather, who escaped who killed their people. Armenian Studies Program has international student, explained There were scenes that were the Genocide by changing his While a documentary, “The been so successful.” Speaking that she got involved with the difficult to watch, such as that last name to a Turkish one. In Son of the Olive Merchant” was a about community involvement, Armenian Studies Program showing beautiful Armenian his disguise, he was able to Se e Ci n e Cu l t u r e Pa g e 8 Dr. Samiian said, “Without because of her love of culture, churches turned into stables. Av e t i s y a n , Fr o m Pa g e 1 your [community] participation, and that through the various There were clips that showed Fresno was not only to celebrate the Program could not be as Armenian courses, she learned some Turks completely denying 1988, and attacks by Azerbaijan, the 25th anniversary of the successful as it has been.” that her culture and the Armenian the Genocide, and in addition, the Karabagh War began, with Karabagh Liberation Movement, Fresno State President Dr. culture were more similar than saying that the Armenians young soldiers, along with but to also share with the audience Welty shared his optimism about different. were the perpetrators, and volunteers from our own Central the years of adversities and the future of the university, Hagop Ohanessian, a graduate that the Armenians committed Valley, joining the fight to accomplishments experienced. with its outstanding faculty and student, shared his experiences, Genocide against the Turks. It defend their land. The war had a Mark Samoulian, who visited administration. “I am deeply particularly as President of the was disturbing to find out that devastating effect on Karabagh, Artsakh in 2012, commented appreciative of the time you Armenian Students Organization. the Turkish government has but the people of Artsakh “Attending the NKR lecture have invested in working with He enjoyed the relationships, warped the history of Armenian (historical name for Karabagh) with Robert Avetisyan was truly me, but also committed to what organizing events, and noted how and Turkish relations, and what have since recovered, bringing a privilege. It felt good to be you believe in. Thank you for being involved helped him keep is more, it displays these lies about progress and development updated and informed about news your investment in the Armenian in touch with his roots. in museums and history books. that can be seen today. and current events within our Studies Program and in the The final student to speak was These museums and history The constant threats and beautiful Karabakh.” University. The Armenian Studies Tamar Karkazian, who explained books portray Armenian victims aggression from Azerbaijan have Avetisyan spoke of NKR’s Program is the top Program in how she had become involved, as as Turkish victims, giving a false not been successful in disturbing history, modern-day conditions, the United States, and with your President of ASO, and as editor voice to those who will never the positive direction in which and then responded to various support it will continue to serve of Hye Sharzhoom, because she speak again. Karabagh is now heading. questions from the eager students for years and years.” wanted to represent her culture One man interviewed in the Avetisyan explained the great audience. During his presentation, Guests were then transported to and her people well, in both the movie did not admit to Genocide, advances that are taking place in Avetisyan was also awarded a Armenia by Matthew Karanian’s Armenian Studies Program and to but claimed killing the Armenians the region. NKR is now exploring plaque from Congressman Costa, featured talk on “Armenia’s the greater community. was necessary to protect the new economic opportunities and with the Congressman’s statement First Travel Guide: A Creative Saving the best for last, the Turkish families. But if this is is developing its infrastructure. on the 25th Anniversary of the Journey.” Karanian explained Armenian Studies Program so, then why kill millions of The country now is able to Liberation Movement. how he had come to write professors closed the evening Armenians, women, children, and provide about 70% of its own Avetisyan concluded by the travel-guide Armenia and by recognizing the more than elderly? electricity. With many projects reemphasizing the perseverance Karabagh, emphasizing the fact forty students in attendance, The movie, although personal underway, such as a high-end of the people of Karabagh and that he and photographer Robert congratulating them on their and passionate, provided an hotel in Stepanakert, the Republic invited everyone to visit the Kurkjian focused on the modern efforts. As students received objective view. When interviewing of Karabagh has demonstrated beautiful region. aspects of Armenia. They wanted their awards, one could see the Turks, Mathieu and Anna hid their that their goals can be achieved, “The sincerity you’ll meet in their travel-guide to be original, excitement and joy on their sentiments, and with persistence, despite its hostile neighbor. Artsakh is unique to only this balanced, and honest. Growing faces. poked and prodded for the truth, Robert Avetisyan’s visit to piece of land.” 8 Hye Sharzhoom May 2013 on April 24, a Flag Raising at ASO’s theme for their City Hall in the morning, and the commemorative activities this Community Commemoration later year was “Hands on Human in the evening, taking place at the Rights,” to emphasize the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational importance of getting involved Church. For the hundreds in with getting justice. And this attendance, they heard messages group of students did just that.

of the importance of remembering Archive ASP Photo: our past without allowing it to The theme for the week of hinder our future. The sermons April 24 was “Hands on Hu- reminded the audience of what man Rights.” a strong and thriving people the Armenians are. While the Genocide is a significant part of the past, the Armenian people have never allowed it to impede their progress and success. As Photo: ASP Archive ASP Photo: Pastor Ara Guekguezian so Students participated in a “Silent Protest” at noon. Archive ASP Photo: poignantly stated, the memory of ASO President Hagop Ohan- Ap r i l 24, Fr o m Pa g e 1 attendance placed flowers on the 1915 will always be in our hearts, essian addressing those by 1:00PM to participate in the model of the Armenian Martyrs however it must never entangle gathered on April 24. main commemorative event. Prof. Monument. us, but instead inspire us.

Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the ASO also raised awareness The special guest keynote Archive ASP Photo: Armenian Studies Program briefly earlier in the week with an speaker for the evening was ASO Vice-President Marine welcomed the audience and gave informational table on Monday, former United States ambassador Vardanyan. remarks about the significance April 22, in the Free Speech to Armenia, John Marshall Evans. number of performances by each of the Genocide. ASO President area of campus. They passed out Mr. Evans served as ambassador of the organizations. Hagop Ohanessian then followed brochures, as well as answered to Armenia from 2004-2006, ASO members recited a poem with his thoughts about the questions by students. before he was forced to leave his by Paruyr Sevag, “We are Few in Genocide. On Tuesday evening, April position early, as a result of his Numbers, but We are Armenian.” Archive ASP Photo: The Charlie Keyan Armenian 23, the ASO screened the outspokenness on the issue of The students added a visual Students from the Keyan Ar- Community School students sang documentary “The River Ran Genocide, and his willingness to element, by creating an large menian Community School “Bidi Gnank” (We are Going), Red,” by J. Michael Hagopian, characterize the events of 1915 Armenian flag as they recited. performed two songs. and “Hye Enk Menk” (We are which was then followed by a as Genocide. Ambassador Evans Armenian). Their enthusiasm and night vigil. This film captured the gave the audience an insight on the County Board of Supervisors Pass passion, along with the choice of testimony of Genocide survivors current status of the Republics of Resolution Recognizing Karabagh songs, emphasized the sentiment that the Armenians had survived the Armenian Genocide. Three ASO members, Knarik Kazaryan, Lilit Grigoryan, and Benjamin Tanielian, read from the personal testimonies of eyewitnesses to the Genocide and from the words of U.S. officials who had commented on the Genocide. For those who were just learning about the Genocide, this part of the program showcased the historical aspects and provided evidence about the atrocities. The Arax Armenian Dancers of Fresno, led by Zar Der

Mugrdechian, followed with a Archive ASP Photo: Photo: ASP Archive ASP Photo: traditional Armenian dance. On Tuesday evening, April 23, students held a vigil. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors passed a resolu- Following concluding remarks from around the globe who had Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, tion recognizing the independence of Karabagh and also by ASO Vice-President Marine been witness to the horrors. as well as his thoughts on the recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Fifth from left is the Vardanyan, ASO members Immediately following the future of Genocide recognition. Consul General of Armenia, Grigor Hovhannissian. Next to Kevork Ajamian, Tatevik showing, those gathered solemnly On Sunday, April 20, Armenian him center, is Supervisor Andreas Borgeas, author of the Hovhannisyan, Ruzan Orkusyan, walked from the Industrial youth groups in Fresno, the resolution, with students and faculty from Fresno State. and Emma Shaljyan sang “Garun Technology building to the Free Armenian Youth Federation, i n e u l t u r e r o m a g e of Armenian and Turkish relations A” (It is Spring), accompanied Speech Platform in silence. Homenetmen, and ASO organized C C , F P 7 personal journey for the director. will never mend, but at least “The by Aramais Orkusyan playing a commemorative event at Holy His voyage did not lead him to Son of the Olive Merchant” can the guitar. This Komidas piece Community Events Trinity Armenian Apostolic absolute truth, but rather to the begin to educate everyone about was appropriate, as those in Two other events took place Church. The program included a discovery that truth is subjective these issues, motivating even and understanding who is right non-Armenians to ask questions, HYE SHARZHOOM and wrong is difficult. One expand their knowledge, and thing remained clear, as long as fight alongside the Armenians for NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT revisionism continues, the scars justice. Thank You Donors Hye Sharzhoom is sent without charge to thousands of people throughout the world. Edward Alexander Bethesda, MD Although there is no subscription fee, we urge readers to support our efforts with Lucille Apcar Mariposa donations of any amount. This request has assumed a special importance because of Richard Asadoorian Antioch increased mailing costs. David Sarkis Barsamian Pasadena Dick Boyajian Fresno Mike & Barbara Bujulian Kingsburg Yes, I would like to support the Hye Sharzhoom mailing expenses with a donation Karl DeKlotz Fresno of: $ in memory of Jim Sweeney Joyce Toroian Grialou San Mateo Name: in honor of our mother, Virginia Toroian Martha Hananian North Andover, MA Paul Jamushian Fresno Address: City: State: Zip: Marguerite & Grace Kazarian Fresno Lillian Mardikian South San Francisco Please make checks payable to Armenian Studies Program and send to: Edward & Gloria Medzian Hillsborough Armenian Studies Program George & Mary Parigian Winnetka Leo & Marlene Pilibosian Fresno California State University, Fresno Mrs. Azad Rayyes Fresno 5245 N. Backer Ave PB4 Edwin Sadoian Fresno Fresno CA 93740-8001 Patricia Sevoian Fresno in memory of Mike Vartanian