THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF OF THE ARMENIAN YOUTH FEDERATION WESTERN UNITED STATES FALL 2012 Contributors:
Nora Kayserian David Arakelyan Sanan Haroun Hovhaness Mkhitaryan Razmig Sarkissian Verginie Touloumian Kevork Tutunjian Lucy Dishoian Serouj Aprahamian Armen Manuk-Khaloyan
Layout & Design: Raffi Semerdjian
Editor: Gev Iskajyan
Haytoug is published by the Armenian Youth Federation - Western US and distributed free of charge within the community for those who strive for the national, social and economic liberation of the Armenian people.
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www.Haytoug.org ThroughoutEDITORIAL our history, the life of the looks away. They are often times kept current servicemen, to the tragic mur- Armenian soldier has been one of dif- jobless because the injuries they sus- der of Vahe Avetyan at the hands of an ficulty and resilience. From Avarayr to tained in the Artsakh war have left them oligarch’s henchmen paint a worrisome Sardarabad to Shushi, our heroes have handicapped. All while a government picture of the treatment of our nation’s fought and defended our very exis- who was founded on their sacrifice brave men and women. tence. They have fought with the ideal offers little to nothing in terms of the that no Armenian should be oppressed care they need. The current struggle of With Azerbaijan hinting at war on a and no Armenian land should be oc- our servicemen and women has left a regular basis, glorifying an ax-murderer cupied. Warriors defended our culture deep stain among the Armenian nation. and continually violating the ceasefire, and religion for centuries, fedayis Today, more than ever, we must stand there is no better time than now to rescued countless lives and organized with our soldiers. loudly proclaim that we stand with our resistance during the genocide, volun- freedom fighters. teers fought for liberation in Artsakh, We must make sure that the Armenia and throughout all the struggles have they struggled to defend is governed by We must be soldiers for our soldiers. proven that no force, no matter how the ideals that have existed for millen- We must be soldiers for our cause and great or malevolent, can defeat prin- nia. Those who served are the embodi- our nation. Yet our fights are not con- ciple and determination. ment of freedom, honor, and sacrifice. fined to a battle field but rather against those who try to tarnish everything our Today, with socio-economic troubles Our nation cannot survive and thrive heroes have fought to defend. There compounded by physical injuries, the when the most honorable among us is no question that the new genera- state of our freedom fighters from yes- have been cast aside into the shadows, tion stands ready to defeat any of our teryear is in need of change. Many have neglected and even killed. Stories of in- nation’s enemies, both external and been left without the healthcare they jured veterans of the Artsakh liberation internal. desperately need while the government movement, to stories of crimes against
FALL 2012 HAYTOUG 1 WITH OUR The Armenian Youth Federation has proclaimed 2012 as the Year of the Armenian Freedom Fighter. The AYF Western Region Chairperson, David Arakelyan, explains the reasons behind that decision and shares his experiences of interactions with azadamardiks in Armenia.
The history of our people is a tale liberation of Artsakh, which was able Shushi was the new Vartanank, the of survival and victory against great to defend itself through the tremen- new Sardarabad for the generation odds and powerful enemies. From dous sacrifice of its people and the of our parents and it stands as one Vartanank to Sardarabad, the Ar- uncompromising stand of Armenians of the most glorious pages of the menian people have shown that our worldwide against the genocidal Artsakh Liberation struggle. Every determination to live on the land of policy of the Azeri government. year in May, the celebratory parades our ancestors cannot be shaken even in Yerevan and Stepanakert mark this by the mightiest of the foes. Over the This year, we are marking the 20th an- important victory and send a clear course of the centuries, we have had niversary of the Liberation of Shushi, message to our enemies that our to prove that determination to those perhaps the most important victory military - the only guarantee of our who aimed to destroy our culture and of the war, which ultimately enabled existence - is capable of defending our country. Most recently, an ex- the independence of Artsakh and our country and our people. istential struggle was waged for the ensured the survival of its people.
2 FALL 2012 HAYTOUG SOLDIERS What remains in the backdrop of the ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan those who protect our country have military fanfare and the loud speech- and the constant threat of renewed the respect they deserve and receive es of government officials are the hostilities. The recent events on the the treatments they need for wartime stories of those who fought and bled border prove that we must have wounds and injuries. Without that, for the liberation of Artsakh. With all a strong military with high morale our ability to respond to another the pride that the Armenian political in order to ensure the security of possible aggression from Azerbaijan establishment takes in the victory in Armenia and Artsakh. That, in turn, significantly weakens, exposing our this war, these same politicians have requires having a society where country to new threats and new dan- failed to take proper care of gers. And we know all too well those who risked their lives and that a failure to properly defend sacrificed their health to give us our borders will have detrimental a free Artsakh. Obviously, this consequences for our people is not the only area where the and our statehood. efforts of our government have not been sufficient to address Under these circumstances, the existing problems. But from the Armenian youth has an im- the many stories of neglect and portant role to play in filling the betrayal by the state, the story void left by the government. We of our freedom fighters is the are the generation that enjoys most embarrassing and painful an independent Armenia and a one. free Artsakh, which would not have been possible without the This state of affairs is especially sacrifice of our freedom fighters. dangerous given the ongoing It is our turn to rise to the oc-
FALL 2012 HAYTOUG 3 casion and honor these heroes, tell just the AYF, but all Armenians, in the the unbearable red tape that makes their stories, learn from their deeds homeland and in the Diaspora alike, getting medical help through govern- and help them in their time of need. and I encourage everyone who is ment programs nearly impossible. We should not forget that these guys reading these words to join the effort were not much older than we are (and and become a part of the solution to I vividly remember the trip to Hrazdan many were even younger) when they those problems. (in the Kotayk province) to visit Ar- left their homes and took up arms to men Begyan, a young man in his late protect our country. They have had The fact that those problems ex- 30’s who was just 19 years old when to live with the consequences of that ist and they are deep and serious he joined the newly formed Armenian decision ever since, having been became very obvious to me when I Armed Forces and went to the front deprived of many things that the rest visited Armenia earlier this year. This lines. Having fought in Karvajar and of us take for granted. Showing ap- short trip - the first one I took since Mardakert, Armen was wounded and preciation and support is the least we leaving Armenia 20 years ago - left a spent a long time in snow and cold can do for those who have sacrificed lasting impact on me and reinforced prior to being rescued by his fellow so much for us. the urgency and the importance of soldiers. As a result, he lost mobility this campaign. The people I met – in both of his legs and is now con- That is the main reason why the the individuals who helped our nation fined to a wheelchair. I found him and Armenian Youth Federation has in the time of need – are now in need the remaining three members of his proclaimed 2012 as the Year of the of help themselves, some confined family in the living room of his small Armenian Freedom Fighter. During to a wheelchair, others unable to see apartment. The family cannot afford the course of the year, we have orga- due to severe eye injuries and many to heat the entire home, so they eat, nized a number of events to educate others incapable of finding work be- sleep and live in that one room. Ar- the public about the problems faced cause of various health impairments. men needs expensive treatments by the azadamardiks and to raise As most of Armenia’s population, and post-surgery rehabilitation, but funds to assist them in solving their these men (and women) live in homes obviously cannot afford any of that: health issues. What we have accom- built during the Soviet era which his monthly pension is barely enough plished so far, though significant, is have not seen any repairs since the to cover the cost of food. not sufficient to make the impact we country became independent. Many want to make on the lives of freedom have no jobs and the ongoing eco- Even in his situation, the proud sol- fighters in Armenia and Artsakh. This nomic problems are compounded by dier is not asking for charity. I was is an issue that should concern not the physical pain from injuries and surprised to hear that he actually
4 FALL 2012 HAYTOUG wants to get a special car, which he during my trip. Towards the end of and admiration that I developed can use to work and take care of both our conversation, his friend asked towards these individuals during his family and his medical needs. It is for help in paying for MIkayel’s the course of my visit. At the end of a shame that he has not been given chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the our interviews, I asked each of them this opportunity by his own country, cancer had spread too far and wide whether they would choose to do the but we have taken on his cause by then, and it was too late to stop its same thing if they had a chance to and want to help this azadamardik destructive work. Mikayel Apresian go back in time. The answer that I become an independent member of passed away shortly after my return invariably received was a unanimous the society, something which is very to the US. and an unwavering ‘Yes.’ Despite challenging in Armenia for people the years of neglect, pain, suffering, with mobility issues and something Mikayel’s death is a testament to the and deprivation these people are still that Armen wants more than anything urgency of the situation. Our freedom the soldiers that our nation can count else. fighters have endured enough in the on in the time of need. They are not battlefield and they deserve a better just a part of the story of our glorious In the city of Charentsavan, I met treatment from all of us. Most of past; they can and will be the writers Hamlet Vartanian. He is known by them, unwilling to discuss their medi- of the story of our future. everyone in the small town because cal needs, were more concerned (or of the deformation of the eye (a scary picture) that was caused by the war-time wounds. In 1993, he was actually treated for leg injury and got a blood infection as a result of the unscrupulous ‘care,’ which caused a damage in his nerve and resulted in the shift of the pupil of his eye. The condition is not only uncomfortable since Hamlet lives in constant pain and under the close scrutiny of the local kids, but also dangerous for his overall health. He has waited for 15 years to start living a normal life, to have a family and build a better future for him and his mother. That will not be possible unless we all show our support to this azadmardik.
I had a particularly inspiring encoun- ter with a man named Mikayel Apre- sian, who was a commander of the ‘Artsakh’ military unit during the war. When I walked into his small one- bedroom apartment in the suburb of Yerevan, a gray-haired man in his 70’s as it seemed to me, disappointed) by It is up to all of us, me and you, to (or so it seemed; in fact, he was only the simple lack of attention from the help them write that story. We owe 57) slowly approached me, breath- authorities and the public at large. it to them and to ourselves to give ing heavily and with great difficulty. They neither complain about their these people the chance to have Mikayel had a distinguished military conditions nor demand too much normal lives as a way of expressing career, and in both his actions and from people around them. More of- our deep gratitude for their service to his speech, one could see the once ten than not, we use this modesty as our nation and the gift that they have charismatic commander who led his an excuse to ignore their needs until given to our generation – the gift of a men towards many victories. I spent one day it is too late to do anything. free and independent Artsakh. That a long time talking to him about the As an Armenian, I am ashamed that gift must be cherished and preserved war, his comrades, and his life since we have to deal with these problems so that we can add new victories to he retired. Mikayel did not want to a generation after the war, but I also the liberation of Artsakh and make talk about his condition, which, as know that if we do not do something our shared dream of a free, indepen- I found out, was already hopeless: about this issue today, tomorrow dent and united Armenia a reality in he had been diagnosed with cancer. might be too late. our lifetime. With a weak voice interrupted with severe coughs, he told me some of The last thing I wanted to share about David Arakelyan the most memorable stories I heard my trip is the deep feeling of respect
FALL 2012 HAYTOUG 5 WOMEN’SIN THE ARTSAKH WAR STRUGGLE In all societies, the discrimination women experience during and after armed conflict stems from a traditional understanding of gender roles. The Armenian society, deeply entrenched in patriarchy, is no different. The perception of women as nurses, wives and mothers is the norm, whereas men are cast as aggressors and soldiers. Although women in the struggle for Artsakh’s liberation originally entered the war effort as nurses, it wasn’t long before many of them grew impatient of their limited roles and began to take up arms.
Varduhi Gevorgyan, who was awarded with no choice but to accept her. She said, “At History often fails to recognize the con- the Battle Cross Medal for her participation first, I was the only female in our group; I tributions of women. Women who have in the war, said: didn’t know there was a woman’s group in exercised power, determined the course the city. Later, when they came to Shushi, of events, and fought for our rights and our “I swore on the grave of my first com- we joined forces. It’s one thing when you’re peoples are often forgotten. Women’s roles mander and a good friend of mine from alone with men, it’s another when there are in the war should be honored and particu- childhood that Karabakh [Artsakh] will be women with you.” larly respected due to all the hardships they freed. Our people must live in peace. Back faced as a result of their courage. Just like then, Gayane Arakelyan and I spoke to During this time, women fell victim to cor- their male counterparts, they too had the Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan asking his permis- ruption and bribery, solely based on their next generation in mind when risking their sion to create a female unit. After receiving gender. Anoush Ter-Taulian, a diasporan lives for their homeland. We must now ask approval, we posted the announcement. A Armenian living in Artsakh since 1994, re- ourselves – what have we done and what few days later, we already had twenty-eight counted the stories of young women who will we do to carry on the legacy of women volunteers. Eighteen of them were sent to a gained or retained posts in return for giving like Varduhi Gevorgyan, Gayane Arakelyan, training center, and eight girls were ready to in to the sexual advances of army leaders Garineh Danielyan, or Anoush Ter-Taulian? go into battle. and generals. Others, on the other hand, were forcibly summoned to a newly-built Nora Kayserian Now, we can proudly say that the female mansion to face severe punishments for unit was not inferior to the male unit in any refusing these advances. In one case, an Danielyan, G. (2008). Personal interview sense; sometimes we even surpassed entire family from Martakert fled Artsakh to with T. Aghabekyan. them. Sometimes, they wanted to be like avoid the consequences of refusal. us.” Kasbarian, A. (2001). Challenging the Order Gen. Samvel Babayan, Karabakh’s De- or Reconfirming It? Reflections on Nation- Women who wanted to join their male com- fense Minister and Commander-in-Chief alism and Gender in the NagornoKarabakh patriots in the trenches met resistance. Men (1994-2000), is the man responsible for Self-Determination Movement, 1988-1995. wouldn’t allow them to join fighting units and these developments and credited with Doctoral Dissertation, Rutgers University, tried to convince them not to fight. Garineh provoking a culture of machismo and cor- New Brunswick, New Jersey. Danielyan, a freedom fighter, explained that ruption in the military. As a result, women’s although the men tried to convince her, efforts to break down barriers and achieve Ter-Taulian, A. (2001, January). Personal to stay at home she wouldn’t budge. She gender equality— during and after the war interview with A. Kasbarian. IN THE ARTSAKH WAR IN THE ARTSAKH was so stubborn that they eventually had —were threatened.
FALL 2012 HAYTOUG 7 That Which is Worth Fighting For: An Interview with Roger Kupelian HAYTOUG: Can you tell us a little about R.K.: Just my background. Every coun- like and what drove you to such lengths Fugitive Studios? What exactly does it try of my childhood ended up mired in to document what was going on there? work on and how did it come about? civil war or open conflict: Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Ancient and Soviet Armenia R.K.: I just needed to see for myself ROGER KUPELIAN: Fugitive Studios etc. Also, the best and worst of people what was going on. It was my last year Entertainment is a production com- comes out during conflict, which of college and I sold my film equipment pany and Invader Digital Visual Effects heightens the drama in storytelling. and bought the latest video camera for is the visual effects arm. They have It’s what I have seen and experienced the trip. My family’s historic experi- different mission statements but con- but, thankfully, it has not scarred me ences had something to do with it too. verge when the time is right. beyond what art can’t repair. (One grandpa was a fedayeen and the other a photographer, at the time of H: A good segment of the stories and H: In 1994, you traveled to the frontlines the Medz Yeghern). Bottom line, I saw projects you have worked on deal with of the war in Artsakh and documented a lot of lip service and very few people themes of armed conflict and fight- the story of men and women who put actually willing to help. That’s as true ing for freedom. What fundamentally their lives on the line to liberate their today as it was then, by the way. draws you to tell such stories? homeland. What was that experience
8 FALL 2012 HAYTOUG H: Having spent time directly in the their countrymen) is crucial. Some feel trenches with the freedom fighters of those stories are more legendary than Artsakh, how important would you say factual but then again, legends are it is for the community to stand by the more valuable to a culture than mere side of our soldiers, whether during facts that inspire nothing. Legends and times of combat or peace? Myths are based on facts, and they embody Truths. R.K.: Very important. They walk our talk. It’s that simple. We complain of H: Where does the East of Byzantium all these little silly things and they have project currently stand? Can you tell us dealt with some big things, and it only about any recent developments? takes a trip down to that region to see its importance. R.K.: The first graphic novel, WAR GODS, is rolling out and the project as H: In your latest project, East of Byzan- a whole is involved in the recent Mel tium, you delve into late antiquity with Gibson developments. the historic “Battle of Avarayr” and developments surrounding Armenia’s H: Where can people go to find out struggle to survive as the first Christian more about your work and show their nation. What are some of the main les- support? sons from this historic battle that stand out to you and what do you think we R.K.: They can hit rogerkupelian.com R.K.: Being someone who is ready to can draw on as a people today? and also like East of Byzantium on sacrifice for the freedom of your own Facebook. Also our www.eastofbyzan- tribe should extend to the freedom of R.K.: Always surrounded, but holding tium.com site is being revamped with every tribe. I’ve lived in many places our ground. Faith, hope and respect addresses of stores that are selling the around this planet, and the human for our ancestors. But more than book. need for freedom, connection, and that, learning from the past to inform self-worth and dignity is a common the present. Even with all the debates H: Is there anything you would like to value. Any jackass can shoot a gun, around some of the facts of Avarayr, add or speak on regarding your work but a system of values around which the basic story of how they persevered or this issue’s theme of the freedom you are ready to sacrifice is a lifestyle against all odds and finally got what fighter that we didn’t address in these that builds character. And oh yes, keep they wanted from the Persians (and questions? your sense of humor. TO THOSE WHO WITH THEIR DARING LIVES MOCKED THE GRIM DEATH AND PROUDLY RADIATED LIGHT ON OUR BLACKENED LIVES
It was you, who on the thistly and In the midst of the superb divi- quiet forests and dreary pits of the crimson road towards freedom, sion and colossal battle, on your valleys, whose last lament was lost turned into reality our most admi- open and pale foreheads hung the within the storm, whose bones the rable and daring dreams. hopeful gaze of the deprived, the soil is now absorbing with a sob. unfortunate. It was you, who from the peaks of To you all, with tears of worship and behemoth, defiant cliffs plunged Your iron martial vigor disturbed admiration, to that bloodied ideol- into the people’s suffering sea the malice, foolish keystone and ogy that numerous generations which was swollen and boiling aroused the emotion of freedom have embraced with fondness with storm under your feet. on tortured souls. and now thanks to you lustrously shines on our bleak horizon. It was you, who in times of oppres- And now, O excellent, oath taken sion and suffocating panic in the giants, kneeling before the altar of Glory, to you. dark, illuminated the path for the Freedom, I offer you your blood- confused and abandoned souls stained dreams. Avedis Aharonian with the shine of your ardent eyes. And to you, anonymous and miss- On the Road to Freedom Glory, to you. ing warriors, heroes fallen in the Translation by Sanan Haroun
10 FALL 2012 HAYTOUG ՆՐԱՆՑ՝ ՈՐՈՆՔ ԽԻԶԱԽ ԿԵԱՆՔՈՎ ԴԱԺԱՆ ՄԱՀԸ ՀԵԳՆԵՑԻՆ ԵՒ ՀՊԱՐՏ ՄԱՀՈՎ ՄԵՐ ՍԵՒ ԿԵԱՆՔԻՆ ՓԱՅԼ ՏՈՒԻՆ
Դուք էիք՝ որ Ազատութեան հսկայական պայքարի մէջ Ձեր հառաչանքները մրրիկների հետ տատասկոտ ճանապարհին ցա- բաց ու գունատ ճակատներին են տարւում, որոնց ոսկորները ւոտ ու բոսոր մշուշի մէջ ամենից կախուած մնացին բոլոր զրկու- հողմերն են լիզում հեծեծալով։ մեր գեղեցիկ, ամենից խիզախ ածների, բոլոր դժբախտների երազները հիւսեցիք։ յուսացող հայեացքները։ Ձեզ բոլորիդ, պաշտամունքի եւ հիացմունքի արցունքով եւ Դուք էիք՝ որ ըմբոստութեան Ձեր երկաթ բազուկների գոռ Ձեզնով այս վսեմ, այն արիւնա- ժայռերի բարձրութիւնից գա- հարուածները չարիքի խօլ կա- ներկ Գաղափարին, որին հավէժ՝ նետուեցիք ժողովրդի մարները դղրդեցին եւ տան- այնքան սերունդներ փարել են մեծ տառապանքի ծովը, որ ջուած հոգիների մէջ ազա- խանդաղատանքով եւ որ ահա ուռած ու մրրկածուփ եռում էր տութեան յոյզերը փոթորկեցին։ Ձեր շնորհիւ փայլփլում է մեր Ձեր ոտների տակ։ մռայլ հորիզոնի վրայ։ Եւ այժմ՝ ո՜վ հոյակապ, ուխ- Դուք էիք՝ որ բռնութեան ու տուած հսկաներ, Ազատութեան Փա՜ռք Ձեզ։ արհաւիրքի խեղդող խաւարի խորանի առաջ ծնրադիր՝ Ձեզ մէջ Ձեր բոցավառ աչքերի եմ նուիրում Ձեր արիւնով Աւետիս Ահարոնեան փայլով մոլորուած ու լքուած ցօղուած այս կարմիր երազները։ հոգիների ուղիները լուսաւորեցիք։ Ազատութեան Եւ Ձեզ, ո՜վ անանուն ու կո- Ճանապարհին Փա՜ռք Ձեզ։ րած մարտիկներ, լուռ ան- տառներում եւ մռայլ ձորերում Հոյակապ բաշխումների ու ընկած հերոսներ, որոնց վերջին
FALL 2012 HAYTOUG 11 STAND WITH US FIGHTING A COLD WAR ON BEING A SOLDIER DURING PEACETIME Most of us will not give the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The reasons we give to not join the armed forces will vary in validity, but a time will always come when some of us are forced into physical conflict for the sake of oth- ers. During those sad and unfortunate times when might makes right, pens become less valuable and history is written in blood. Yet, the times after war and tragedy are precisely when great philosophies are forged, during the aftermath and digestion of what has occurred.
14 FALL 2012 HAYTOUG I HAVE NOT PARTICIPATED IN ANY FIGHTS, “BUT I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE TAKEN HALF A STEP THAT HASN’T BROUGHT ME TO YOU, I START AND END WITH YOU, LIKE A CIRCLE.”
The time that followed the culmination of Students’ Associations, the Armenian Na- WWII saw a revival and evolution of many tional Committee of America, the Armenian - PARUYR SEVAK philosophies: Jean Paul Sartre brought the Youth Federation and other organizations humanity. On the cosmic scale, all human rebirth of existentialism; J. Robert Oppen- is very motivating — yet most of the drama, tragedy and conflict seems petty heimer saw himself “become death” after American-Armenian population is out of the and anthropocentric. In 1969, we went to his work on the Manhattan Project; the Ge- loop and apathetic to the current and future the moon and discovered the Earth, yet on neva Conventions sought to have humane welfare of Armenia. The community leaders our pale blue dot we continued to kill for our wars in the future (if such things exist); and, in America and in Armenia must nurture an imperfect thoughts and opinions on life. We of course, the Cold War was born. active populace and a rich marketplace of must not forget that we are humans first ideas. We must elect officials unafraid of and Armenians second, although humans Today, Armenia seems to beg for a renais- being wrong — officials who are not con- have not yet collectively evolved to care sance and a revolution. The country has servative or reluctant to change because about one another globally. Our genes are been independent for over twenty years of their ego and image to uphold. In our most common within family first, culture and, aside from the Artsakh War, the great- search for the truth, we must not forget that second and finally in people from other est threats to our nation have come from we can only seek it and never posses it. We ethnicities. Charity starts at home, and so within. The Armenian people have slowly must humbly defend our opinions with the our most precious and grueling fights must allowed an oligarchy to take control — an knowledge that we may be wrong. Above come from within. oligarchy that no longer feels the need all, we must respect others who seek to to even mask itself as a democracy. An find the truth, and distrust all who claim to The ways in which you choose to serve our authoritative government that preaches have found it. culture are many, but to do so is imperative. democracy yet does whatever it wants is A stagnant culture is built from stagnant a government that fears the power of the We as a people are not unique in our chal- individuals who resist change because of people. Armenian politicians no longer lenges. Countless other societies have fear, bigotry and ignorance. Paruyr Sevak, have that fear because even the greatest been conquered, enslaved and discrimi- speaking of Armenia, once said “I have not philosopher cannot overcome tank shells nated against. We are not unique, but that participated in any fights, but I have never in and bullets. The people’s responsibility is does not diminish the amount of blood and my life taken half a step that hasn’t brought to stay involved in government and create suffering our ancestors have endured for me to you, I start and end with you, like a an atmosphere that welcomes critical us to still be here. The thought of losing all circle.” The resources are in front of us and discourse, debate and conflict. Kings are feeling provokes a great deal of emotion, the demand for bright ideas is strong; all mortal, but ideas are not. because to lose life is to pay the highest that needs to be done is to start walking price. And to learn nothing from those who towards the truth – while never forgetting The enthusiasm and nationalism that we gave all to death and abandon our memo- road we travelled. have seen in America through Armenian ries of them is to commit treason against Hovhaness Mkhitaryan
FALL 2012 HAYTOUG 15 An Insult to Service: Continued Abuse in Armenia’s Military
Of the 228 Armenian soldiers who died Military officials called it a suicide when complained to them about being harassed between 2007 and 2011, only 32 were Lieutenant Artak Nazarian turned up dead by one of his officers shortly before the al- killed as a result of ceasefire violations on in the July of 2010. Nazarian’s family, on leged suicide. the frontline with Azerbaijan. The remain- the other hand, heatedly claimed that ing 196 were non-combat deaths, largely a their son was either murdered or driven to Earlier this year, Paylak Shahnazarian result of hazing, bullying and human rights suicide by abuses. Forensic reports came was killed in a Kabarakh military base by abuses within Armenia’s military. back showing Nazarian had suffered Khachatour Sargsyan, after Shahnazarian injuries on his face and body hours before reportedly cursed at Sarsgyan for hazing Let that sink in for a moment. his death. On July 28 of that same year, him in his sleep with toothpaste. a soldier stationed in Karabakh went on For all we say about Azerbaijan to the east a shooting spree killing two lieutenants, Despite all of these senseless murders, and Turkey to the west, today’s biggest three privates and, finally, himself. Shortly Seyran Ohanian, Armenia’s current De- threat to the lives of Armenian soldiers after, on August 17, Junior Sergeant fense Minister, believes he is doing a fine may, in fact, be us. Haroutiun Vardanian shot Junior Sergeant job of improving human rights conditions Arsen Chobanian. in the army. Although this problem has plagued the Armed Forces of Armenia since its forma- When Vartan Sevian was found dead in a Since his appointment to the position in tion 19 years ago, human rights abuses southeastern Armenian military unit dur- 2008, he has set up a board of human within the world of the military have espe- ing the August of 2011, military officials rights activists, doctors, and psychologists cially been a topic of media scrutiny since claimed that he had committed suicide to critically assessed the way soldiers are the summer of 2010, when within the span after finding out his girlfriend had married treated and has arrested dozens of officers of two months almost 10 soldiers died in another man. Sevian’s family said he did in abuse cases. The Defense Minister and non-combat related shootings. not even have a girlfriend, and that he had his aides argue that the fact that they are
16 FALL 2012 HAYTOUG even criminally pursuing or arresting per- petrators of abuse is a huge step forward compared to past administrations. They add that the numbers of non-combat deaths are actually decreasing.
The families of these dead soldiers and hu- man rights activists are far from impressed. Human Rights Watch’s 2012 World Report and the United Nation’s 2012 Human Rights Committee report both cited military abuses in their assessments of ongoing problems within Armenia. Human rights advocates claim the Defense Minis- try is not doing enough to prevent the root causes of these problems and are putting pressure on Armenia’s government to reform the military.
Artur Sakunts, head of the Vanatdzor office of human rights group Helsinki Citizens practices and encourages a taboo on criti- finger of treason at all individuals brave Assembly, told reporters in January, “While cism. Voices of dissent are often cast as enough to speak out against these human the Ministry of Defense invested significant treacherous, given that Armenia’s volatile rights abuses, the military establishment resources to redress the situation, we still neighbors create a fundamental need for is the true traitor to Armenia for allowing do not see any real change. They haven’t a strong military. these conditions to exist and to persist. become transparent, the level of secrecy remains the same, alerts about corruption A major shift to the military’s censorship With Karabakh’s peace mediation efforts risks are not considered duly, and so on.” came in September of 2010 when a by the international community entering Youtube video surfaced, recorded on a its umpteenth year of stalemate, and Dedovshchina, Censored Critique and cell phone, showing an army officer abus- Azerbaijan’s war rhetoric increasing as What’s at Stake ing two young conscripts. In the video, a fast as its military budget, the unfortunate pot-bellied officer, whose back is to the reality is that Armenia is far from a future Dedovshchina, or “the grandfather sys- camera, pulls the first soldier -- hardly of assured peace and stability. The reason tem,” is considered by many as the root 18-years old -- by the ear and begins to Armenia won the war against Azerbaijan cause of ongoing abuses in Armenia’s repeatedly slap him across the face. The was because the army was united, pas- Armed Forces. Although most armies haze soldier silently takes the abuse, while the sionate and ready to fight for its lands. newer recruits, dedovshchina became an second young soldier submissively stares The grim truth is that if these non-combat extreme system of ritualized bullying in the at the ground, reluctantly waiting for his deaths continue and the military refuses Soviet military that came out of the 1960s turn to be beaten. The video added to the to enact serious reforms to combat this and was practiced in Armenia’s Soviet growing outrage over the non-combat internal war, then there is no way an army army. deaths and challenged the taboo on cri- full of demoralized, harassed and abused tique of the military. soldiers will win a war against anyone else. Under dedovshchina, conscripts are split Razmig Sarkissian into ranks depending on their length of But this tide of public discourse is being service. New soldiers are subject to orders stifled again by the government and and humiliation by the oldest ranking sol- military establishment. Hovhannes Ishkha- diers, known as “grandfathers.” Many suf- nian, a 24-year old author living in Yerevan, fered intense beatings by “grandfathers,” is currently under official investigation and which sometimes resulted in death. For faces 2 years of jail time for three stories he some young soldiers, dedovshchina be- published in his latest book. The stories, Sources: Gayane Abrahamyan of Eurasia. came too intense to handle, causing them which have prompted numbers of Yerevan net; Rodric Braithwaite of Open Democ- to mutilate themselves or commit suicide book stores to pull his work from their racy Russia; Irina Hovanissian, Suren ― a story that sounds all too familiar. shelves, allegedly defame the military. The Musayelyan and Naira Bulghadarian of stories in question deal with the two years Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; and Issues such as these, which unnecessar- he spent in the army, describing what a Armenia Now. ily make life unbearable for the soldiers terrible, lonely and depressing place it can dedicating their lives to Armenia, need be for a young conscript… The mentioned Youtube video can be to be discussed openly in the public to found under the title, “Բանակի իրական truly be confronted. However, the military Silencing dissent is not going to solve the դեմքը”. has traditionally been secretive about its military’s problems. Though they point the
FALL 2012 HAYTOUG 17 ANA RIDDLE ENIGMA WRAPPED IN MAKINGAN SENSE ENIGMA OF THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH IMBROGLIO
On February 20, 1988, the regional soviet Karabakh conflict and how it became one of communist leader, Nariman Narimanov, (council) of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autono- the most enduring legacies of the breakup had renounced in November of that year — mous Oblast’ (NKAO) adopted the follow- of the Soviet Union. To make any sense of admittedly, in less than sincere terms — his ing resolution: it, one has to revisit the tumultuous period country’s claims not only over, Nagorno- of 1917—21, when domestic convulsions Karabakh, but also Zangezur (Syunik) and Welcoming the wishes of the workers of the led to the dissolution of the Russian Empire Nakhichevan3, the Soviets selected the Nagorny Karabakh Autonomous Region to and the subsequent independence of the Caucasian Bureau (Kavburo), a committee request the Supreme Soviets of the Azer- three republics: Armenia, Azerbaijan and kept under the watch of Soviet Commis- baijani SSR and the Armenian SSR to dis- Georgia. With the melting away of the cen- sariat of Nationalities, Joseph Stalin, to play a feeling of deep understanding of the tral Russian administration, the three South adjudicate a final settlement. In a split 4-3 aspirations of the Armenian population of Caucasus republics found themselves decision July of 1921, the Kavburo chose Nagorny Karabakh and to resolve the ques- at odds over who was to assume control to leave Nagorno-Karabakh in Soviet tion of transferring the Nagorny Karabakh over what region, including Nagorno- Azerbaijan, a decision guided by any com- Autonomous Region from the Azerbaijani Karabakh (Mountainous Karabakh) and bination of reasons ranging from placating SSR to the Armenian SSR, at the same Lower Karabakh (collectively referred to an Azerbaijani populace still unenthusiastic time to intercede with the Supreme Soviet as Karabakh). Armenia laid claim to former to embrace Soviet rule, to demonstrating of the USSR to reach a positive resolution Russian provinces of Kars and Elisavetpol a gesture of good faith to Mustafa Kemal’s on the issue of transferring the region from (where Karabakh lay), whereas Azerbaijan’s Nationalists in Turkey, for whom the Sovi- the Azerbaijani SSR to the Armenian SSR. 1 territorial pretensions envisioned a vast ets had pinned high hopes of spreading the state that stretched from the Caspian Sea socialist revolution in Muslim world. As a Couched in a relatively dull and formal lan- in the east all the way to the Black Sea in probable form of concession to the Arme- guage that was so characteristic of official the west, leaving a rump Armenian state nians in 1923, Nagorno-Karabakh’s status Soviet announcements and declarations, with its center at Yerevan2. The Armenian was upgraded to that of an ‘autonomous the framers of the resolution believed they community of Nagorno-Karabakh shared oblast’. It was accorded with a token level were exercising their right to secede from little desire to join Azerbaijan and the same of autonomous governance, though actu- the Azerbaijan SSR and place the NKAO could be said about the Muslim inhabit- ally left to the whims of Baku4. under the jurisdiction of the Armenian ants’ attitude toward becoming citizens of SSR. But while some hoped and indeed the Armenian republic. But as words failed Over the next seventy years, then, the expected to see such a peaceful transition to accomplish compromise, fighting and NKAO saw its Armenian population dwindle in early 1988, the declaration of the NKAO massacres erupted, pitting the Armenian from an overwhelming 94% to almost 75% would prove to be the first volley fired in a and Muslim populations of the region as the Azerbaijani population rose. The So- conflict that would embroil the region and against one another and culminating in the viets did attempt to instill a deeper sense of the two former Soviet republics, and give destruction of the city of Shushi in March friendship among Armenians and Azerbai- way to a war that resulted in the deaths of 1920 after a failed Armenian uprising. janis and were in some respects success- tens of thousands. ful. Intermarriage was common and some In 1920 Russia returned to the Caucasus in the region still yearn for a return to the My aim here is not so much to advocate for in the guise of the Bolsheviks and brought seemingly more predictable and easygoing one side or another, but to provide to the both countries into its orbit. Soviet Russia times of the Soviet period. In reality, the reader with a brief outline and explore some also assumed the burden of resolving the differences between the two peoples were of the more salient aspects of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict. Although the Azerbaijani only papered over by the central authorities
18 FALL 2012 HAYTOUG and harmonious relations were maintained efforts to preserve the integrity of the union threat which current President Ilham Aliyev at a superficial level. The presence of a through the form of a loose confederation, of Azerbaijan makes on a regular basis). commanding figure largely prevented on April 3, 1990 Gorbachev introduced the the outbreak of interethnic fighting. But Law on the Procedure for Solving Issues The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict thus does similar to how the death of Tito triggered of Secession of a Soviet Republic from not lend well to any simple solutions. The Yugoslavia’s unraveling of Yugoslavia, the USSR, where under Article 3 the right unfortunate reality is that, with perhaps the the diminishment of Soviet central power to secede was extended to autonomous exception of Czechoslovakia in 1993, the helped facilitate the fall of the USSR. When regions inside the union republics7. alteration and new demarcation of borders the reformist Mikhail Gorbachev became is rarely an affair that is settled without the new secretary general in 1985, Arme- Yet it was not until September 2, 1991 that violent conflict. This does not necessarily nians saw an opportune moment to press the NKAO finally declared its indepen- mean that the options for the Armenians their case on Karabakh. It was in the spirit dence in accordance with the guidelines and Azerbaijanis involved have been nar- of perestroika and glasnosts, Gorbachev’s set out in the April 3 law. Azerbaijan had rowed down to the continuation of the liberalizing policies that cautiously encour- declared its independence on August 30 status quo and the renewal of hostilities. In aged criticism of the system, the regional and this is worthy of some attention. When the end, all parties involved in the dispute council of the NKAO issued its declaration, the NKAO eventually issued its declaration will have to take into consideration the giving way to popular demonstrations in of independence it did not indicate spe- aspirations of the other in order to reach a Yerevan and Stepanakert, NKAO’s capital. cifically from which entity it was seceding deal that will not only be viewed as just, but from: the USSR or a nominally independent as viable to ensure peace for the region for But on what legal grounds had the regional Azerbaijan (and differing views of interpre- the generations to come. council based its decision on? The Soviet tation of this act do exist)8. But it was an constitution, revised and amended in 1977, attempt to sidestep an obstacle: the notion Armen Manuk-Khaloyan was itself a confusing document that could of union with Armenia was dropped and plausibly be used to support the arguments the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) of two opposing parties. Article 72, for what chose instead to act under the principle of 1 Published in Sovetsky Karabakh, Feb. 21, 1988, as it was worth, conferred all the union repub- self-determination. Space here does not cited and translated by Thomas de Waal, Black Gar- lics with the “right freely to secede from allow for even a cursory evaluation of the den: Armenia and Azerbaijan through Peace and War the USSR.5” Article 78, which Azerbaijan diametrically opposing principles of self- (New York: New York University Press, 2003), p. 10. and Moscow invoked to reject the regional determination and territorial integrity, which 2 Richard G. Hovannisian, The Republic of Armenia: council’s decision, on the other hand stipu- are frequently invoked by both sides nowa- Volume II, From Versailles to London, 1919-1920 lated that the “territory of a Union Republic days to support their arguments. What is (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1982), pp. may not be altered without its consent,” clear, however, is that by December 10, 191-95, maps 4 and 5. and could only be carried out through mu- 1991, when Nagorno-Karabakh held the 3 Nagornyi Karabakh v 1918-1923 gg.: Sbornik tual agreement of the states concerned6. requisite referendum on independence — Dokumentov i Materialov [Nagorno Karabakh in 1918-1923: Collected Documents and Materials], ed. Armenia’s Supreme Soviet gladly accepted boycotted by the local Azerbaijanis — it Vardges A. Mikayelyan (Yerevan: Armenian National union with the NKAO, while Azerbaijan’s passed by a 99.9% margin. The Armenians Academy of Sciences Press, 1992), pp. 600-02. rejected it outright. And so, the region’s had opted for a future that did not envisage 4 Throughout the course of the Soviet Union’s his- fate remained in a state of flux. Massacres being a part of Azerbaijan. tory, Armenians in the enclave and Armenia itself of Armenians by Azerbaijanis in Sumgait in repeatedly tried to raise the question of union to February 1988 and Baku in January 1990 What entailed was a three-year long war the authorities in Moscow in a series of letters and undoubtedly sowed more discord than that resulted in the NKR obtaining de facto petitions, but these were largely ignored and fell on deaf ears: The Artsakh File: Documents and Facts anything else, ensuring that a peaceful independence from Azerbaijan (as well of the Region of Mountainous Artsakh, 1918-1921, compromise would remain far in the offing. capturing a vast swath of territory falling ed. Gerard J. Libaridian (Cambridge, Toronto: Zoryan outside of the former NKAO’s borders), but Institute, 1988), pp. 42-52. From 1988 to 1990, Moscow did undertake not attaining a permanent peace agree- 5 “Constitution (Fundamental Law) of the Union of a number of steps to break the impasse: the ment. The question of Nagorno-Karabakh Soviet Socialist Republics,”
FALL 2012 HAYTOUG 19 MARTIAL TRADITIONS The Armenian people have had a long history of military prowess. From ancient times, the Armenians were famous for their cavalry, which was used not only by our kings to de- fend the country’s borders, but also by our neighbors, including the Roman and Persian Empires. The Byzantine military elite was largely composed of Armenian generals and commanders, many of whom waged wars against their ancestral homeland. During the Bagratuni kingdom, the use of iron became widespread and allowed for the maintenance of the Ayrudzi (cavalry), which was one of the strongest military forces in the region. With advances in technology, heavy fortifications became an important element of the defense system for both the Bagratuni capital of Ani and the Cilician Kingdom. From the latter era, a number of castles and fortresses still stand as a stark reminder of the past military glory. In the Ottoman and Russian Armies, the Armenians also played an important role. During the early stages of the Turkish rule, Armenians were the core of infantry archers units, which used composite bows and arrows to fight the enemy. Of course, the fedayi movement in the 19th century saw the rise of a number of great commanders, whose names will be forever remembered by the Armenian people. Some of the greatest military leaders of Armenia received their training in the Russian Army, by serving the czars in their eternal quest to expand the Empire’s sphere of influence. A few of those individuals played a great role in the liberation struggle of the Armenian people and the establishment of the First Republic. The World War II and the Artsakh Liberation struggle gave us a plethora of new heroes, once again proving that the Armenians are not only great merchants and artists, but also a courageous people with strong martial traditions.
Tigran the Great (95BC – 55BC) Under Tigran’s rule, Armenia reached its greatest territorial extent, with the ’king of kings’ personally heading the armies in battles against the Cappadocians, Syrians, the Kingdom of Pontus, the Parthian and Roman Empires. Tigran’s military skill, strategic plan- ning, and capable cavalry enabled him to craft stellar victories in the battlefield until the joint attacks from Romans and Parthians combined with the betrayal of his own son forced him to acknowledge Roman protectorate over Armenia. Though he was deprived of most of his conquered lands, Tigran proved that the Armenians are a force to be reckoned with and a nation that cannot be easily subjugated by even the most powerful enemies. Ashot Yergat (914 – 928AD) After the martyrdom of his father, King Smbat, at the hands of Arab conquerors, Ashot secured the support of the Byzantines, and for six years, fought to drive the enemy out of Armenia and consolidate the Bagratuni lands under his control. Ashot was also able to quell internal rebellions headed by his brother and father-in-law, ultimately receiving the title of the Shahanshan (“King of Kings”) from the Arabs. Ashot was then forced to fight a war on two fronts, with both the Byzantines and the Arabs resuming their attacks on Armenia in 922 – 923, but he was ultimately able to put an end to the invasion and reinstate his authority over the country despite the fact that the enemy armies were twice as large as the Armenian forces. King Ashot received the nickname of “Yergat” (“Iron”) for his military skills and the ability to successfully fight off his multiple foes. Garegin Njdeh (1886 – 1955) Having gained experience in the Balkans Wars of 1912, General Garegin Njdeh played an instrumental role in the defense of Kara- kilisa in May of 1918 by inspiring the population to take up arms against the Turkish invaders and organizing the local resistance movement. His heroic stance against both the Turks and the Soviets in Zangezur in 1920 allowed for the inclusion of that strategi- cally important region into the Soviet Armenia, thus ensuring that Armenia would not be encircled by Turks and Azeris. Njdeh’s uncompromising struggle and devotion to his people and his national philosophy of “Tseghagron” have earned him the reverence of generations of Armenians and secured him an important place in the pantheon of Armenian heroes.
20 FALL 2012 HAYTOUG MARTIAL TRADITIONS
Andranik Ozanian (1865 – 1927) Another hero of the Armenian Liberation Struggle, General Andranik earned the affection of the people of Mush for protecting the locals against the incursions and the pillage of the Turkish and Kurdish military bands. His participation in the Battle of Holy Apostles Monastery and the Second Sassoun Resistance made him an object of veneration of Armenians and a source of trepidation for both local Turks and Kurds. Andranik commanded the Armenian Volunteer Units on the Caucasus Front during World War I, and valiantly fought against the Turks in Nakhichevan, Syunik and Artsakh in 1918. He is considered to be one of the greatest heroes of the Armenian Fedayi Movement and his memory has been eternalized by the Armenian people in multiple songs and poems. Hovannes Bagramyan (1897 – 1982) One of only 42 marshals of the Soviet Union and the first non-Slavic commander of a Front during World War II, Hovannes Ba- gramyan had participated in the Battle of Sardarabad prior to becoming one of the key military commanders of the Soviet Army. He was a great strategist, whose advice and skill allowed for the successful execution of a number of military operations against the Nazi German Armies. For his contributions to the victories in S. Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic, Bagramyan was twice awarded the title of a Hero of the Soviet Union. He played a key role in securing the victory of the Soviet Army against the Nazi forces and is considered to be one of the greatest Armenian military commanders of the 20th century. Arkady Ter Tadevosyan (1939) The name of the legendary commander Arkady Ter Tadevosyan is synonymous with the victory at the Battle of Shushi (May 9, 1992), which was the turning point of the Artsakh Liberation struggle. The Mountain Fox (a nickname he received in Afghanistan) first joined the “Sasuntsi Davit” detachment to protect the border villages of Armenia against Azeri shelling and later devised the operation “Wedding in Mountains,” which succeeded in bringing Shushi under Armenian control. After the war, the Hero of Artsakh, Arkady Ter Tadevosyan played an important role in the formation of the Republic’s Army and is currently training specialists for the Armenian Armed Forces.
FALL 2012 HAYTOUG 21 .COM