MAY 14, 2016 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVI, NO. 43, Issue 4437 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Israeli President Visits Arev’s Centennial Celebrated in Egypt Jerusalem Armenian HELIOPOLIS, Egypt – The concluding centennial ceremonies Patriarch for the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL) newspaper Arev took place on April 27 in the Goganian Complex in Heliopolis, a JERUSALEM (PanArmenian.net) — Israeli city founded by Nubar Pasha near Cairo. President Reuven Rivlin visited the Armenian In addition to the newspaper’s staff and correspondents, Bishop Church in Jerusalem’s Old City on the morning Ashot Mnatsakanyan, Primate of the Armenian Church in Egypt of May 9 and met with leaders of the Christian (and responsible also for Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Republic of community in Israel. He was welcomed by South Africa), Armen Melkonian, ambassador of the Republic of Armenian Patriarch Nourhan Manougian, Israel Armenia to Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Africa and Israel, ADL National News reports. and Armenian General Benevolent Union leaders, and the editors Rivlin visited the Armenian Patriarchate of of the Armenian newspapers Husaper and Jahagir were present. Jerusalem on May 9 to convey his greetings to Annie Boghossian-Tashjian served as the master of ceremonies. the leaders of different Christian Churches locat- The event began with the reading of an encyclical from Catholicos ed on the Holy Land. Prelates of the Dioceses of of All Armenians Karekin II and the greetings of Ambassador Armenia Apostolic, Greek-Orthodox and Latin Melkonian. Congratulatory letters from the Minister of the Churches were present at the meeting with Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia, the president of the Union of President Rivlin at the Armenian Patriarchate. From left, master of ceremonies Annie Boghossian-Tashjian, Berdj “The Nazi regime succeeded in its plans Terzian, Amb. Armen Melkonian, Alis Depoyan, Bishop Ashot Journalists of Armenia, and former Arev editors Edmond Azadian against the Jewish people as the world kept Mnatsakanyan, Garbis Yazedjian, Hagop Avedikian, Dr. Kevork and Avedis Yapudjian were read. Erzingatsian see AREV, page 4 silence and did not voice about the Armenian Genocide”, Nouvelles d`Armenie quoted Archbishop Manoogian as saying. He said he hoped that Israel would recognize the Armenian Genocide. Public Art, Immigrants and Labyrinths Celebrated at Heritage Park Rivlin stated that Israel has a moral obligation to recognize the first genocide of the previous the reconfiguration of the abstract struc- laboration with the Labyrinth Guild of New century, the Armenia Genocide, though he avoid- By Alin K. Gregorian ture at Armenian Heritage Park. England. Chiara Megighian Zenati was the ed using the term “genocide,” adding that “it is Labyrinth walking is a form of medita- facilitator, pacing the walkers and explaining impossible to ignore what happened.” Mirror-Spectator Staff tion. On May 7, every year, at 1 p.m., the to them what the day’s event symbolized. He said, “We are obliged to speak out about “World Labyrinth Day Walk as One at 1” The second part of the program was ded- facts, but not to deny them.” BOSTON — An unseasonably gusty and takes place, in which participants, walking icated to the reconfiguration of the dodec- He congratulated the Christians on May 9 and rainy day did not dampen spirits at a labyrinth, are asked to meditate on peace ahedron, the abstract sculpture at the park. the past Easter holidays, adding that human Armenian Heritage Park on Saturday, May and harmony. Globally, people in 23 coun- Architect Don Tellalian, the designer of the rights defense is a priority issue for Israel. 7. On that day, two programs took place at tries take part in the walks every year. sculpture, has laid out plans for 25 different the park: a joining in with World Labyrinth The program was sponsored by the arrangements, after which the cycle will Day and later a program to view and mark Friends of Armenian Heritage Park in col- start again. The reconfiguration — the pulling apart Heydar Aliyev’s Statue and recreation of a new form — is meant to In Baku Desecrated symbolize the immigrant experience, in see PARK, page 20 BAKU (Public Radio of Armenia) — Late in the German-Armenian Ties evening of May 9, the day before the birthday of former Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev, a statue dedicated to the father of the current Live On in Music president of Azerbaijan was covered with graffiti in a park in Baku, according to Meydan TV. By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach The new inscription read: “Happy Slave Day!” Special to the Mirror-Spectator The unknown author took the Azerbaijani phrase, “Gül bayraminiz mübarek!” and by WIESBADEN, Germany — When Bernhard Scheidt passed away in October changing the first letters of the first word com- last year, those closest to him thought long and hard about the most appro- pletely altered the meaning of the phrase from priate way to execute his estate. The “Happy Flower Day!” to “Happy Slave Day!” Sabine Meerwein German pianist and conductor, born in Flower Day is celebrated every year in Baku 1929 in Wiesbaden, had led a long and and other large regional Azerbaijani cities on the rich life in music, excelling as a stu- 10th of May to coincide with the birthday of the dent at the Detmold College of Music, The new configuration of the abstract sculp- former president Heydar Aliyev. and continuing with extensive studies ture at the Armenian Heritage Park Every year in preparation for the holiday, the under authorities like Theodore W. government spends tens of millions of dollars on Adorno, whose seminar in flowers from Holland, Italy, France, Turkey, Philosophy he attended at Frankfurt China and other countries. This has elicited crit- University. He studied Musicology Paylan Makes icism and contempt from civil society. with Gennrich und Schmitz, and Music Psychology with Prof. Albert News in Armenia, Wellek. He was also a philologist, having studied Classical Philology Turkey with the leading authority Prof. see MUSIC, page 5 ANKARA (Combined Sources) — A rally INSIDE was scheduled to take place on May 11 in Yerevan, in support of Garo Paylan, an Armenian member of the Turkish Parliament, whose assault was captured on Genocide videotape last week as he was speaking in the Turkish parliament. (See related editori- al on page 17.) Manuscript The rally was the raise awareness about his safety. Page 14 “Garo Paylan’s life is in danger. We want with this initiative to express our support to Armenian MP who endangering his life speaks about the Armenian Genocide and INDEX the protection of Armenians in Turkey. We Arts and Living ...... 11 are with Garo and will be consistent that his Armenia ...... 2,3 life will not be in danger. Therefore, we will Community News...... 6 apply to the UN Office in Armenia demand- Editorial ...... 17 ing them to alert Turkey to fulfill its obliga- International ...... 4,5 Bernard Scheidt’s notebooks and scores tions. After that we will send a letter to the see PAYLAN, page 20 2 S ATURDAY, M A Y 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia From WWII to Karabagh: President Congratulates Nation on Victory and Peace Day

YEREVAN — Armenian President Ambassador Presents Serzh Sargsyan paid tribute to the Credentials to Bulgarian Armenians who fought and achieved victory against Nazi Germany in World President War II as well as defended the indepen- dence of Nagorno Karabagh decades YEREVAN (Armenpress) —Ambassador of Armenia later in his message released on the to Bulgaria Armen Sargsyan presented his creden- occasion of Victory and Peace Day tials to President of Bulgaria Rosen Plevneliev on marked on May 9. May 10. “For our nation the Second World War After the solemn ceremony Plevneliev and was really a Patriotic War. Many of the Sargsyan engaged in a private conversation, during sons of our nation fought for the freedom which Plevneliev highlighted further development of of our Fatherland and its bright future. historically friendly relations between the two states. They fought at all fronts, at the battle field At the same time, he mentioned that both countries and at the home front,” Sargsyan said, as have still great potential for deepening their partner- quoted by his press office. ship in trade and economy. Plevneliev hoped that “Today, we pay tribute and express our Sargsyan will contribute his abilities and experience gratitude to the bright memory of our to further developing and expanding the relations heroic predecessors, hundreds of thou- between the two states. Expressing gratitude for the sands of whom fell in the struggle against cordial reception Sargsyan promised to make all pos- the evil. We also pay tribute and express sible efforts to give a new momentum to Armenian- gratitude to a sadly small number of veter- Bulgarian relations. Prospects of organizing high- ans who today stand with us.” level mutual visits in the near future were discussed “This holiday is dedicated not only to at the meeting. Sargsyan briefed him on Armenia’s the military victory but also to peace. foreign policy priorities, touching upon the issues of Along with other nations of the Soviet Nagorno Karabagh conflict settlement. Union, we paid dearly for the victory and earned peace. That victory had Western Armenians given us a historic chance to get back to our feet as a nation economically, cul- Group Ceases Dialogue turally, and politically. We know all too well the price of that victory.” With Turkish Authorities In his message Sargsyan also dwelled YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A member of the on the other memorable date marked National Congress of Western Armenians interna- by Armenians on this day and connect- tional organization, National Assembly MP Aragats ed with the national-liberation struggle Akhoyan, presented the statement adopted recently in Karabagh. during the recent session of the organization. “For us, May 9 was reconsidered and According to the statement, since March 2015, reassessed with the liberation of Shushi President Serzh Sargsyan and his cabinet members walk to Yerablur to pay tribute dialogue with Ankara authorities over the issue of in 1992. The cultural center of Artsakh to Armenian forces. restoring the rights of Western Armenians has (an Armenian name for Karabagh), ceased. The decision was made taking into account which for centuries had been spreading the hostilities committed against Kurdish, Alevi and light, education, science and arts, was other people living in Turkey, and the attacks and turned into a monstrous weapon hostilities unleashed by the Azerbaijani army in east- emplacement which was spreading ern and western parts of NKR and at Armenia’s bor- death and destruction all around. For ders. us, the liberation of Shushi was the The statement says official Ankara made inflam- matter of life and death; on May 9 we matory statements. Moreover, Turkish authorities repeated the heroic act of our fathers ignored the demands of the fourth Congress of and grandfathers and changed the Western Armenians to make comprehensive reforms course of the war.” towards the restoration of Western Armenians’ The Armenian president emphasized rights. Based on this, the members of the group that 24 years after that, in the four-day war came to the conclusion that Turkish President Recep against Azerbaijan in early April, the sons Tayyip Erdogan’s regime has adopted a pan-Turkist of the liberators of Shushi “repeated the mode and violated international law. heroic act of their fathers.” “This time, these were not the fidayi Armenian President units but regiments of the mature reg- ular army. They proved that each new Meets Philanthropists generation of the Armenian nation is ready to again and resolutely defend Paying tribute to soldiers defending the homeland From Argentina our security, peace, and rights. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President Serzh Sargsyan received a group of Armenian-Argentine philanthropists on May 7, who, with the cooperation of “Hayastan” All Armenian Fund, implemented charitable projects worth of total $3.5 million, the Wildlife Rescue Center Opens in Armenia president’s office reported. Sargsyan expressed his appreciation to the guests YEREVAN (PanArmenian.net) — The In the framework of the project a General Manager Ralph Yirikian. “If we for their patriotic activities and expressed his grati- official opening of the Wildlife Rescue memorandum of cooperation will be do not pay due attention to environ- tude. Sargsyan warmly recalled his official visit to Center (WRC) took place in Armenia’s signed between the FPWC, Armenian mental issues, we will leave a devastat- Argentina in July 2014, stating that he had an oppor- Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR), a pri- Ministry of Nature Protection and the ed planet to the next generations.” tunity to see how much respect exists towards the vately protected area managed by the Ministry of Emergency Situations The expert team of the Wildlife Armenians in Argentine, and what kind of high repu- Foundation for the Preservation of stating the parties’ interest and will- Rescue Center will include specialists tation they have in that country. Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC). ingness to collaborate for a coordinat- from the FPWC, WVS, the Ministry of Sargsyan said he believes that Armenia Street in The first temporary inhabitants of ed and professional management of Nature Protection and the Ministry of Buenos Aires can serve as a perfect example of the quarantine station — the first com- incidents involving wild animals both Emergency Situations. Armenian unity for many Armenian communities of pleted and fully equipped facility of the in Yerevan and Armenia’s provinces. The team will examine animals which the world. He emphasized the important role of WRC — will be the three lions rescued Earlier, a memorandum of coopera- appear to be in vulnerable situations Armenians of Argentina in the development and from Gumri Private Zoo by the joint tion was signed between FPWC and and/or become a threat as a result of strengthening of the Homeland since the indepen- commitment and concerted actions of WVS. FPWC’s General human activity. Depending on the par- dence of Armenia. the FPWC and Worldwide Veterinary Partner VivaCell-MTS has also ticular situation, the animals will be The president discussed the possibility of estab- Service (WVS). The construction of the announced its long-term support to provided with appropriate treatment lishing enterprises in the prospective fields of the quarantine station, as well as the food the project. A fully equipped emer- and care, and returned to wildlife country’s economy which will contribute to the state and care for the lions since they have gency vehicle was donated to the and/or transferred to international and the philanthropists in terms of new job openings been moved to the CWR has been fund- Center by VivaCell-MTS. wildlife sanctuaries. and attracting investments in the economy. The ed by the WVS. After undergoing the “When we learn to preserve nature The Wildlife Rescue Center will sus- Argentine guests said that every year they see posi- quarantine stage in Armenia the and not hinder the process of its regen- tainably be addressing issues such as tive progress in Armenia. lionesses will be transferred to Manor eration, we will have considerable damage to the wildlife by human inter- They expressed gratitude at the chance to discuss Wildlife Park for their initial United progress in flora and fauna conserva- vention, inappropriate conditions of the issues with the president. Kingdom quarantine before going to tion, also raising the level of conscious- wild animals in captivity and half-cap- their state of the art lion enclosure in ness about our responsibility for the tivity and cruel treatment and torture Peak Wildlife Park, UK. planet we live in,” said VivaCell-MTS of animals. S A T U R D A Y , M A Y 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Fresh Start for Gumri Families

GUMRI, Armenia — The Paros Foundation is pleased to announce that two families have become new home- owners through the Paros Foundation’s Purchase a Home project. The Agayan and Hakopyan families of Gumri were previously living in temporary shelters or domiks. In 2015, they were moved from these domiks into newly purchased apartments thus receiving a new start. To date, the Paros Foundation’s Purchase a Home project has made home ownership a reality for four Gumri families thanks to the generous support of our donors. “There are many families like ours. I wish they would be fortunate enough to receive a home also. It is most important to not lose hope,” said Kim Agayan on the night he and his family first learned they were chosen to

Paros representatives with the Aghayan family

be new homeowners. Agayan left Sumgait, Azerbaijan buildings. following the Sumgait pogroms and moved to Gumri. The Paros Foundation has partnered with the Shirak More tragedy followed when his apartment was Center, which identifies potential beneficiaries and destroyed in the 1988 Spitak Earthquake. He married, works closely with Paros to transition these families and he and his wife and three daughters lived in a into their new homes. Following a rigorous screening domik until two anonymous donors from California process to select the families, the Paros Foundation stepped forward and sponsored the purchase of a new staff identifies suitable homes in the newly constructed apartment. Mush 2 Neighborhood of Gyumri. Each home cost on Earlier this summer, the Hakopyan family of Gumri average $20,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and also received an apartment through the Purchase a includes upgrades to make sure they are well appointed. Home project. “Hakop Hakopyan and his wife both At a minimum, families must demonstrate that they have grew up in domiks following the Earthquake, and their the means to cover expenses associated with home own- two sons will not have to endure the hardships they ership. “We make sure to the best of our ability that faced,” said Peter Abajian, executive director of the families are in a position to maintain their new homes,” Paros Foundation. While the Hagopyan and Agayan explains Pete Abajian. Agreements are signed passing family stories have a happy ending, more than 2,700 ownership of the apartment to the chosen family, with The Hakopyan Family poverty-stricken families continue to live in horrible the stipulation that until their youngest child reaches conditions in temporary shelters and in condemned 18 years of age, the family cannot sell, rent or move.

NKR Ceasefire Seems to Be Holding YEREVAN (Combined Sources) ceasefire violations. According to report any casualties. They said Armenian the Common Graves in Stepanakert and — Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, those steps would create appro- troops keep the situation at the frontlines Shushi in Karabagh. Nalbandian received this week Ambassador priate conditions for the continuation of the under their control. Former Karabagh President Arkady Herbert Salber, the European Union’s negotiation process. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry Ghukasyan stated in Stepanakert: “There can Special representative for the South Despite sporadic gunfire the shaky truce said one of its soldiers was killed in a skir- be no concessions, especially unilateral ones. Caucasus and the Conflict in Georgia. reached in Nagorno-Karabagh after intense mish with Armenian troops on May 8. It also Our concessions depend on the behavior and Nalbandian briefed Salber on the harm fighting early last month largely held said that an officer of the Azerbaijani forces concessions on the part of Azerbaijan.” Azerbaijani aggression against Karabagh has through the long weekend that included May wounded in clashes with Armenians in early As for the prospects for resuming negotia- caused to the negotiation process and pre- 8-9 celebrations of the past war victories in April succumbed to his wounds in a Baku tions, Ghukasyan, who is Armenian President sented the efforts targeted at the elimination Armenia as well as in Azerbaijan. military hospital over the weekend. Serzh Sargsyan’s ambassador-at-large today, of its consequences. Earlier, a number of leading analysts and Speaking to media on May 9, Armenian said: “Of course, negotiations are always The EU Special Representative noted that pundits did not exclude that Azerbaijan, Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan described needed. And Karabakh should definitely act there is no military solution to the Karabagh which had been amassing its troops at the the situation at the borders as “relatively as a party in such negotiations.” conflict and added that “the European Union line of contact in Karabagh and at the bor- calm.” He said Azerbaijani forces get ade- He added, “in this conflict, these efforts supports the efforts of the Organization for ders with Armenia, would attempt to launch quate response to their violations of the will continue. Naturally, there will be meet- Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) a new offensive during the period of festivi- ceasefire. ings, talks on this matter. I think it will take Minsk Group targeted at exclusively peaceful ties. As Armenia marked May 9, the 71st place sometime in the near future.” settlement of the issue. Scores of soldiers were killed and wounded anniversary of allied victory in World War II Certain amassment of military hardware by The EU Special Representative mentioned on both sides in the worst fighting in in Europe and the 24th anniversary of the Azerbaijan has also been observed in recent that the issue has no military solution and Karabagh since the 1994 truce on April 2-5. liberation of Shushi during the first Nagorno- days at the Nakhijevan section of the the European Union supports the efforts of Loss of life continued around the Armenian- Karabagh war (1992-1994), there was no Armenian-Azerbaijani border, Koryun the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs for exclu- controlled region in sporadic skirmishes even shortage of statements from officials related Nahapetyan, head of the parliamentary com- sively peaceful settlement of the issue. after a verbal agreement on cessation of hos- to the recent escalation of fighting in the mittee on defense, national security and Nalbandian stressed that currently any pos- tilities reached between the parties to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict zone. internal affairs, told media at the National sible meetings could be aimed at the elimina- conflict. On that day, Yerevan and Stepanakert did Assembly on May 6. tion of the repetition of Azerbaijan’s aggres- Military authorities in Stepanakert and not hold festivities and parades, given the The official reportedly gave assurances sion against Nagorno-Karabagh of early Yerevan again accused Azerbaijan of a series fact that nearly a hundred families are now that the Armenian armed forces fully control April, and sought the unconditional imple- of violations of the ceasefire regime near still in mourning for those killed in the April the situation. mentation of the trilateral ceasefire and Karabagh and at the Armenian-Azerbaijani 2-5 clashes in Karabagh. ceasefire consolidation agreements of 1994- state border on May 7-9 with the use of Armenian leaders and senior public and (Stories from ArmeniaNow and Public 1995, which have no time limitations and the firearms of different calibers, as well as political figures visited Victory Park and the Radio of Armenia were used to compile this creation of a mechanism for investigation of grenade-launchers and mortars, but did not Yerablur military cemetery in Yerevan and report.) 4 S ATURDAY, M A Y 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Israeli Professor Charny Finds Process of Recognition Of Armenian Genocide Proceeding Brilliantly

Former ECHR President YEREVAN (Armenpress) — that the time has come when there is continuing with a desperate collective Completes Work on Bill Executive Director of the Institute on a basis for Armenians suing through psychology of guarding against being the Holocaust and Genocide in legal channels for reparations and not shamed as a nation and culture, and Criminalizing Genocide Jerusalem Israel Charny, a researcher only seeking recognition. add to those the dynamics in many an in Israel, has made significant contri- Do you think that the recognition organization in this world that fight Denial in France butions to the development of geno- of this genocide by the international against change of any entrenched cide studies throughout the world. community might force Turkey to idea. Ultimately, the denial makes the PARIS (News.am) — Former President of the Professor Charny gave an interview to face its history? It certainly won’t Turks look like fools – and fascists. European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Jean-Paul Armenpress on issues pertaining to hurt. The image and status of Turkey What role could the recognition play Costa has completed the work on drawing out the bill the Armenian Genocide and its denial. internationally is falling progressively, in the prevention of future genocide, criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial in Professor Charny, you have long in my opinion. However, who knows while we witness genocides and mass France, co-chairman of the Coordination Council of been a staunch advocate for the what the next developments in Turkey atrocities in Syria today? The more Armenian Organizations of France (CCAF), Murad recognition of the Armenian will be? To maintain his fascist con- human civilization establishes codes of Papazian, said. Genocide. What is your assessment trol, Erdogan has persecuted so many honest history and clear recognition of “Now we are already holding working consulta- of that process at the moment? The people on charges of revolting that acts of destruction, the better life could tions. By the end of the expert work, it will become process of recognition of the one can pray he himself will yet bring be on our planet —which tragically still clear whether we will be able to introduce this bill in Armenian Genocide has proceeded about popular resistance. acts like a psychiatric hospital that has the parliament or not. We must be sure that this bill brilliantly with outstanding – though As a genocide scholar how would spun out of control. will have a constitutional power,” Papazian noted, still incomplete — results around the you explain the phenomenon of You have also advocated for the stressing that they will complete this stage by the world. I think our efforts should con- denialism on the Turkish side? For recognition of the Armenian end of May. tinue, especially directed towards the me it is a mixture of motives — begin- Genocide by Israel, though it never French President François Hollande earlier raised two stubbornly disturbing countries ning with continuation of the very came true yet. How would you the issue on adopting a law criminalizing the denial of the USA and Israel. But I also agree dark motives (such as claims of ethnic explain this? What are the main rea- of the Armenian Genocide. with Harut Sassounian (editor-in-chief superiority) that made the genocide sons for Israel to refrain from the of the California Courier newspaper) to begin with that have not passed, recognition? Oh, dear God. Our shame EU-Turkey Meeting on as a country indeed continues and even deepens despite the fact that we Visa Free Regime have demonstrated overwhelming support for recognition of the Postponed Armenian Clergy Subject to Armenian Genocide in the Knesset, ISTANBUL (PanARMENIAN.Net) — A meeting also by our fine President Rivlin, and scheduled to be held in Brussels on Friday, May 13 Spitting Attacks in Jerusalem by the people at large. For example, between the ministers of Turkey and the European today’s Haaretz again publishes a Union was postponed due to AK Party’s emergency JERUSALEM (Haaretz) — When Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court Judge Dov prominent article calling for recogni- convention decision taken last week, the Daily Sabah Narek Garabidian, a Canadian of Pollock said: “The enforcement authori- tion of the Armenian Genocide, and I reports. Armenian extraction, moved to Israel to ties are unable to root out the phenom- have been informed by the electronic The EU meeting, to be attended by EU Minister study at the Armenian Orthodox theo- enon and do not catch the spitters.” newspaper Times of Israel that they and Turkey’s Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkır and logical seminary in Jerusalem, he never Pollock dismissed charges against will be publishing a piece by me Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, was delayed at thought he would have to endure harsh Johannes Maratersian, an Armenian protesting the sale of Israeli arms to least for a month. insults from passersby. divinity student, who was spit at by an an enemy of Armenia. The culprit in The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK For the past 18 months, Garabidian ultra-Orthodox man in May 2008 and our system is the government includ- Party) had announced Wednesday that it will hold an said last week, he has been spit at and responded by punching the man. ing the Foreign Ministry. And they emergency convention on May 22 after Prime cursed by ultra-Orthodox passersby in Pollock ruled that prosecuting a man remind me so clearly of the US State Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced he is stepping the Old City. who has been spit on for years as he Department’s deep resistance to help- down from his post. About a month ago he was spit at walks down the street in his clerical ing Jews in Europe during the Sources close to the EU said the ministers were to again, but this time, it hit his clothes. robes would contravene the principles Holocaust. (My bad luck is that these discuss Ankara’s roadmap and the steps it needs to Garabidian, a former football player, of justice. are the two countries in which I hold take to ensure visa exemption as well as the evalua- said: “I pushed the two young ultra- The Jerusalem district police respond- citizenship.) The realpolitik considera- tion of EU-Turkey relations. Orthodox men up against the wall and ed: “All complaints of mutual assault are tions of the Israeli government are of Bozkir was expected to travel to Strasbourg and asked, ‘Why are you doing this?’ They treated with the utmost severity. In the course the benefits of relationships Brussels next week to meet with EU leaders as well were really scared and said, ‘Forgive us, past, more than one case ended with with Turkey and Azerbaijan – both of as representatives from the political parties in the we’re sorry.’ So I let them go.” charges being filed and the deportation which in my opinion are untrustwor- European Parliament to explain Ankara’s reform When asked about the matter, of clergy involved in assault. As opposed thy, let alone that in a matter of geno- process and to voice concerns regarding the visa lib- Armenian clergymen said they had all to the situation about three years ago, cide I am convinced that moral princi- eralization process. been spit at, from the archbishop to the the frequency of spitting has declined ple should prevail over any realpolitik youngest of the divinity students. The dramatically.” interests. most recent incident was on Thursday Turkey Border Guards night, May 5, when a group of ultra- Kill Five Syrian Refugees Orthodox Jews got together to spit at the gates of the Armenian church. ISTANBUL (PanARMENIAN.Net) — A rights advo- However, the police found out about the Jerusalem Church Leaders cacy group claimed on Tuesday, May 10 incident and thwarted it by stationing that Turkish border guards have in the past two officers in front of the church. months killed five Syrians who were trying to cross Police say that in every case where a Mark Armenian Genocide into Turkey, and called on the country to investigate complaint is filed, the offender has been the reported use of excessive force by soldiers, the caught thanks to security cameras JERUSALEM (Public Radio of munity. Associated Press reports. installed in the Old City. Armenia) — A delegation of bishops and In his remarks, Patriarch Twal high- In a statement, New York-based Human Rights But in a verdict almost two weeks ago, priests of the different Churches of lighted how “all Christians are united in Watch accused border guards of shooting and beating Jerusalem visited the Armenian joy in the risen Christ.” A week after the asylum-seekers and at least one smuggler. It said that Patriarchate to extend Easter wishes to one hundred and first anniversary of five refugees — including a child — were killed and 14 the Patriarch and his community, the Armenian genocide, the Latin others were wounded in March and April. Arev’s Centennial the Latin Patriarchate of Patriarch assured his “Armenian broth- A Turkish Interior Ministry official denied that the Jerusalem reports. ers” of prayers for all Armenians facing incidents cited by Human Rights Watch had occurred Celebrated in Egypt The delegation, led by the Latin the “terrible situation of suffering that and insisted that the country, which is home to 2.7 Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop they endured and continue to endure, in million Syrian refugees, does not shoot at asylum- AREV, from page 1 Fouad Twal, was composed of the main certain countries.” seekers. The official cannot be named because of reg- Boghosian-Tashjian presented leaders of the Churches of Jerusalem The Patriarch did not fail to make an ulations that bar civil servants from speaking to jour- episodes from the rich history of the and the priests and pastors accompany- explicit reference to the genocide perpe- nalists without prior authorization. one-hundred-year-old newspaper, which ing them. Anglican, Lutheran, trated by the Turks, 101 years ago: “We Human Rights Watch also urged Turkey to reopen began under the editorship of Vahan Ethiopian, Coptic, Syriac, Melkite, recall the events of the genocide and its border to all Syrian asylum-seekers, saying Tekeyan. Then the keynote speaker, Roman Catholics and others met, greet- pray they will never be disregarded. Turkish border guards blocked thousands of fleeing Hagop Avedikian, spoke about the ed, and settled together in the elegant Sadly, though we are told never to for- displaced Syrians after their camps near the Turkish importance of Arev. Avedikian, editor of reception salon of the Armenian get, many do...” border had been attacked on April 13 and 15, AP the Yerevan newspaper Azg, had been Patriarchate. All the Jerusalem Speaking next, Manougian thanked says. invited from Armenia specifically for Churches have the tradition of meeting Twal and the present leaders of Turkey maintains that it has an open-door policy this occasion. After his speech, he pre- in the different bishoprics, in a warm- Churches, while recalling in turn how toward migrants, although new arrivals are rare. sented the Havadarim Masnakidutean hearted and fraternal ambience, the Paschal mystery constitutes the “Firing at traumatized men, women, and children [Faithful to the Profession] medal from exchanging greetings and good wishes heart of the faith of all Christians. fleeing fighting and indiscriminate warfare is truly the Union of Journalists of Armenia to during the two major liturgical feasts – Referring to the brotherly friendship appalling,” said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee Alis Depoyan, who for many years has Christmas and Easter. that unites the Churches, he mentioned, researcher at Human Rights Watch. worked for Arev. Depoyan’s newly pub- On behalf of all the Churches, the not without emotion, the “support and lished anthology was celebrated by Latin Patriarch has the privilege of assistance” given by the Latin Church means of a kinetzon ceremony in which delivering a short speech extending best and the Vatican during the genocide: “A the book was anointed with wine. Easter wishes to Archbishop Nourhan support that Armenians will never for- (Translated from the Armenian) Manougian, and to the Armenian com- get.” S ATURDAY, M A Y 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 German-Armenian Ties Live On in Music

MUSIC, from page 1 the conservatory, face is financial backing, to provide the Thierfelder at the Mainz University, and delivering a final teaching materials required. For music schools, this may be paper on Cicero’s Somnium Scipionis. manifest in the lack of instruments. In the case of the con- Schedit prepared for his career as a musician by studying servatory, it is musical scores that are extremely costly. So the composition, piano, choir conducting and orchestra conduct- hundreds of quality scores donated by Meerwein are most ing under Prof. Günter Bialas, Prof. Conrad Hansen, Prof. appropriate and highly appreciated. Given the close link Rudolf Thomas and Conductor Karl Elmendorff, respectively. between the German and Armenian musical traditions, it is Throughout his long career as a performing musician, he also fitting that the lion’s share of the scores are for works in accumulated a vast collection of musical scores, not only for the classical German repertoire, from Bach and Beethoven, to piano, on which he performed, but for ensembles and full sym- Brahms, Mozart, Schumann, Schubert, and so on, issued by phonic orchestras, which he conducted. traditional German music publishers, many of whom hold the The question for Sabine Meerwein, herself a professional copyrights for the original (Urtext) editions. In addition, there solo soprano and Scheidt’s long-term companion, was: to are works by leading French, Italian and Russian composers. whom should she bestow the valuable scores? Who or what On Navoyan’s suggestion, the conservatory has decided to institution might most benefit from such a gift, and at the place these scores in a section of the library named after same time, honor his achievements and memory? Bernhard Scheidt. On New Year’s Eve 2015, she happened to read an article But the reason why this estate ended up in Yerevan is a in the local newspaper, the Wiesbadener Courier, about the story in itself. Neither Bernhard Scheidt nor Sabine Meerwein Mirak-Weissbach Foundation and its work in Armenia, espe- have Armenian roots. Or rather, Armenian family roots. As cially in support of musical education for youth. She was espe- Meerwein explained when she first inquired about the foun- cially struck by the idea of developing children through the dation, her great-grandfather, Gustav Adolf Meerwein, was a transmission of great culture. She contacted the foundation Protestant pastor in Germany during World War I. Though it to ask whether it might be able to identify a worthy recipient is not clear to what extent he might have had personal con- of the scores. After several discussions with Armenian musi- tact with Johannes Lepsius, he was well aware of his efforts cians in Germany and, through the Armenian Embassy, con- to save Armenians. He knew Lepsius’s Report on the tact with the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory, it was Situation of the Armenian People, which had alerted German decided to make that institution the beneficiary. On March 30, Dr. Mher Navoyan public opinion to the genocide. In 1916, Lepsius had issued a a sealed palette containing the 350 pounds of scores was call for Germans to save Armenian orphans, essentially by pay- picked up in Wiesbaden and began its voyage overland by ing for their freedom and placing them in Christian foster fam- truck through Turkey and Georgia to Armenia. In the tradition of Komitas, the department head has worked ilies. Great-grandfather Meerwein had answered the call, even By the time my husband Michael and I arrived in Yerevan for years on compiling and editing traditional Armenian at the personal level. He pledged that, for every grandchild he for our annual visit, the shipment was waiting in customs for songs, which have been published in separate volumes accord- would be blessed with, he would finance the adoption of an the final bureaucratic procedures to be completed. On April ing to region of origin. She showed us several of the volumes, Armenian orphan and arrange for placement in a foster fami- 26, we visited the Conservatory, and later that day, the scores as well as a huge book with the musical notation system of ly. Sabine Meerwein estimates that up to nine Armenian chil- arrived at their final destination. Prof. Mher Navoyan, who Komitas. dren found homes this way. She said she was making the greeted us warmly at the Conservatory, was delighted. As he When we arrived in the office of Rector Shahen Shahinyan, donation not only in memory of Bernhard Scheidt but also in had written in various communications with the Berlin Navoyan showed him some of the bound volumes that we had memory of her ancestor. Embassy and with us, the Conservatory would be most grate- brought with us on the plane. These were a couple of collec- The other reason why she chose Armenia had to do with ful to have such material for instruction. tors’ items which had been in bad repair, due to age and had her own intellectual background. Though a professional Navoyan, who is chairman of the Academic Council, took us been rebound. They included works by Beethoven and singer, she also took degrees in German and Romance litera- on a tour of the music school, named after the famous musi- Mahler, among others, in beautiful editions. Shahinyan, who ture as well as Latin American Studies. Among the five to ten cologist and composer Komitas Vardaped. His presence is is a violinist, thanked us for the gift and wanted to know more books that most impressed her was Franz Werfel’s Forty Days everywhere. In the large entry hall, a huge bust dominates the about the foundation and the donor. My husband Michael of Musa Dagh, which showed that a person could take up the vast wall, and greets everyone who passes through the mon- explained that we were merely the messengers; it was Sabine cause of the homeland and in so assuming new responsibili- umental doors. In every room or corridor, as well as in the Meerwein who made the donation, and we arranged for the ties, develop new qualities. library, there are portraits of him gazing down at us. In the transportation and delivery. As she wrote in a short biographical sketch of Scheidt, “His library, we are shown the reams of musical scores that stu- We learned that the Armenian musical education system outstanding activity as a teacher lives on in numerous stu- dents can borrow for research or practice. Some are orga- has deep ties to the German system. Not only Komitas, but vir- dents in their public performances and concerts today. nized in special collections, named after the persons who have tually every Armenian composer visited and/or studied in Bernhard Scheidt’s legacy lies in the transmission and com- donated their libraries to the conservatory. All the works in Germany, establishing a tradition that goes back in time. In munication of the German and European interpretation tra- the library, whether scores or books, are catalogued both on the modern period, when Armenia was a Soviet republic, it dition, which he was able to pass on to his students, thanks index cards filed alphabetically in sturdy, traditional cabinets, had established 300 music schools, which exist to the present to his personal acquaintance with extraordinary artists like with pullout drawers, all made of wood, and in computers in day. These are schools where students go for individual Maria Callas, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Pablo Casals, Wilhelm digital form. There are separate rooms hosting the collections instruction, separately from the elementary or high schools Kempff and Pierre Monteux.” Now it may be added that he of recorded music, on CD’s, records and DVD’s; here students they attend. If one considers that the population is about 3 continues to transmit this tradition through the musical can come to listen to and view performances. million that represents a ratio of one music school for every scores of the works of great European composers, bequeathed A very special department is dedicated to ethnomusicology. 10,000 citizens! The problem that music schools, including to Armenian students in Yerevan.

Aleppo Fighting Rages as US, Russia Try to Revive Syria Truce

ALEPPO (Reuters) — Syrian government been in place since April 29, first around medical facilities.” and has been divided into government and forces and their allies fought insurgents near Damascus and northern Latakia and then in Visiting Paris, Kerry said a reduction of rebel-held zones through much of the con- Aleppo on Monday, May 9, and jets conduct- Aleppo, but there has still been fighting violence in line with the US-Russian joint flict. ed raids around a nearby town seized by between rebels and government forces. statement depended on field commanders as The Observatory said warplanes struck Islamist rebels, a monitoring group said, as The cessation of hostilities and local truces well as interested parties including the rebel-held areas of the city early on Monday, Syria’s military said a ceasefire in Aleppo was do not include Islamic State or al Qaeda’s United States. and rebels fired shells into government-held scheduled to be extended by 48 hours start- Syrian branch, the Nusra Front. “These are words on a piece of paper. They neighborhoods. ing on May 10. Asaad al-Zoubi, the chief negotiator for the are not actions,” he said. “We have a respon- Al Manar, the television channel of A recent surge in bloodshed in Aleppo, main Syrian opposition at the Geneva talks, sibility to make certain that the opposition Damascus’s Lebanese ally Hezbollah, said on Syria’s largest city before the war, wrecked criticized the extended Aleppo truce, telling lives up to this, and Russia and Iran have a Monday troops had destroyed a tank belong- the 10-week-old, partial truce sponsored by Al Jazeera television that such measures responsibility to make sure the Assad regime ing to insurgents and killed some of its occu- Washington and Moscow that had allowed served only to allow thousands of reinforcing lives up to this.” pants. UN-brokered peace talks to convene in troops to be sent from Iran, which is sup- Basma Kodmani, a member of the opposi- French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Geneva. porting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. tion High Negotiations Committee, expressed hosting a meeting in Paris of Assad’s oppo- The United States and Russia, which sup- Warplanes struck the town of Khan hope of a return to the Geneva peace talks if nents, said Syrian government forces and port rival sides in the civil war, said they Touman, southwest of Aleppo, the British- the US-Russian agreement is swiftly imple- their allies had bombarded hospitals and would work to revive the February “cessation based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights mented. refugee camps. “It is not Daesh (Islamic of hostilities” agreement that reduced fight- said. Rebels also fought government forces Russia’s military intervention last State) that is being attacked in Aleppo, it is ing in parts of the country for several weeks. east of Damascus, and jets hit the rebel-held September helped Assad reverse some rebel the moderate opposition,” he said. US Secretary of State John Kerry said all towns of Maarat al-Numan and Idlib. gains in the west of the country, including in The US-Russian joint statement said parties had to press the sides they back to Russia and the United States said in a joint Aleppo province. Moscow would work with Syrian authorities turn “words on a piece of paper” into actions statement they would step up efforts to per- But insurgents captured the town of Khan “to minimize aviation operations over areas to reinstate the truce. suade the warring parties to abide by the Touman last week, inflicting a rare setback that are predominantly inhabited by civilians Syria’s military high command was quoted ceasefire agreement. on government forces and allied Iranian or parties to the cessation.” by state news agency SANA as saying the “We have decided to reconfirm our com- troops who suffered heavy losses in the fight- Aleppo ceasefire would be extended by 48 mitment to the (ceasefire) in Syria and to ing. Several Iranian soldiers were captured in (Additional reporting by Lisa Barrington hours in the northern city beginning at 1 intensify efforts to ensure its nation-wide the clashes, a senior Iranian lawmaker said in Beirut, Geert De Clercq in Paris, Sylvia a.m. local time on Tuesday (6 p.m. ET on implementation,” they said. “We demand that on Monday. Westall in Dubai and Tom Miles in Geneva; Monday). parties cease any indiscriminate attacks on The city of Aleppo is one of the biggest writing by Dominic Evans and Peter A number of short-term local truces have civilians, including civilian infrastructure and strategic prizes in a war now in its sixth year, Cooney.) 6 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

AGBU WebTalks Start Alexander Korb Chosen A New Conversation For 2016-2017 Center for About the Armenian Advanced Genocide Genocide and its Legacy Research Fellowship LOS ANGELES — The 2016-2017 Center NEW YORK — In April, AGBU WebTalks Fellow at University of Southern California released a group of five short videos in honor of (USC) Shoah Foundation Center for Advanced the Armenian Genocide that explore its various Genocide Research will be Alexander Korb, phases and legacy. Ranging from historical pre- PhD, director of the Stanley Burton Centre for cursors to the contemporary ramifications of Holocaust & Genocide Studies at the genocide denial, the videos aim to provide new, University of Leicester and scholar of the innovative learning tools by making the Holocaust in southeastern Europe. research of preeminent scholars, thinkers and Korb will be in residence at USC Shoah writers accessible to the widest possible audi- Foundation in Los Angeles in spring and sum- ence. Future videos will incorporate other phas- mer 2017 and will give a public lecture about es of Armenian history — ancient and modern — his research during his stay. as well as special aspects of Armenian culture. Korb received his PhD in history from “Our goal with this group of videos is to edu- Humboldt University in Berlin and since cate and encourage a more informed interna- 2010 has been a lecturer in modern tional dialogue around topics in genocide stud- European history at the University of ies. We hope that these videos will be used not Leicester, UK. He has received research fel- only for self-instruction, but also in classrooms lowships from Yad Vashem, Simon and at community events to inspire a new per- Wiesenthal Institute in Vienna and Imre spective on discussions of genocide, offering Kertesz Kolleg Jena and has been published food for thought on how to grapple with geno- in a variety of peer-reviewed books and jour- cide in the decades to come,” said AGBU nals. Hundreds of people attended the unveiling of the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Central Board Member Lena Sarkissian. Foundation, Korb will conduct research for Sarkissian is also the director of program devel- the Armenian Community Centre of St. Catharines on Saturday, April 30, 2016, in St. Catharines, Ont. Maryanne Firth/St. Catharines Standard/Postmedia Network his upcoming book project, A Multitude of opment at the International Institute for Lethal Attacks: Collaboration and Mass Violence in Southeastern Europe, 1940-1946. The book will focus on the intersection between violent policies originating from the Armenian Genocide state and from local authorities, the transfer and flow of ideas, people and perceptions between states, and when and how mass vio- lence ends. Korb will focus on southern and Memorial Unveiled Eastern Europe, including Croatia, Serbia and Greece. “There were cases of ethnic cleansing and ST. CATHARINES, Canada (St. Catharines Standard) — One by one, carnations cases of civil war during the Second World War were carefully placed at its base. in eastern Europe of which the Holocaust The act was a showing of respect and moment of reflection for the some 200 formed a part,” people who attended the unveiling of the Korb said. “In Armenian Genocide Memorial in St. our book we By Marianne Firth Catharines Saturday. want to explore The monument, which stands in front how the of the Armenian Community Centre on Holocaust inter- Martindale Road, recognizes the massacre of 1.5 million Armenians a century ago twined with by Ottoman Turkish soldiers. The 1915 event is considered by many to be the first other cases of genocide of the 20th century. mass violence.” French-Armenian historian Raymond Kévorkian The new outdoor space bears special meaning and resonates with each member Korb hopes of the Armenian community, said Sevag Belian, a member of the center’s execu- that the Visual tive. History Archive Genocide and Human Rights at the Zoryan “(It) reminds us of our people’s resilience and perseverance, despite the hard- will help him get Institute, which collaborated with AGBU on the ships they faced,” he told the large crowd that gathered for a ceremony on the cen- a better sense of production of this group of videos. ter’s front lawn. the victims’ per- Alexander Korb AGBU WebTalks feature the insights of The memorial, created by Hamilton-based Jean Antikian, includes the names of spectives, both engaging, dynamic thinkers from around the the six provinces of Armenia, where most of the victims originated from, a flame Jews and non- world, speaking on a wide range of Armenian to symbolize the eternal memory of those lost, and is topped by a phoenix, sym- Jews. While historical records provide accounts topics. With these videos, AGBU WebTalks also bolizing the commitment of the Armenian people to rise from the ashes and live of violence from the point of view of the per- seeks to create a rich repository of knowledge again. petrators, it can be difficult for historians to and provide easy access to reliable information see MONUMENT, page 7 understand what was happening from the view- to meet the demands of an increasingly con- point of those who were persecuted without nected and visual world. resources like the Visual History Archive. French-Armenian historian Raymond “It is much more complicated to create a Kévorkian explains the political atmosphere and clear narrative of victim perspectives the events that preceded the Armenian because they differ so much from region to Genocide in “The Political Atmosphere region and town to town, or whether you Preceding the Genocide.” A combination of fac- were Jewish or Serb or Roma,” he said. “So tors — social and economic developments, the it will be complicated but very interesting to cultural renaissance of the Armenians just capture a narrative of victim perspectives on before World War I, their economic weight in the persecution.” the Ottoman Empire and finally their identity as After meeting Center director Wolf Gruner Christians and non-Turkish people caught in a years ago in the beginning of his academic struggle for political power — contributed to the career, Korb is looking forward to reuniting development of policies by the newly formed and collaborating with him and the rest of the Turkish government to drive them out of the staff at USC Shoah Foundation during his fel- new republic. Kévorkian adds his expertise with lowship. He’s especially interested in mining another video, “The Events of April 24, 1915,” the staff’s diverse academic backgrounds to in which he describes the night when Turkish gain insight into genocide studies as a whole. authorities arrested approximately 260 “I’m sure I will be able to learn from the Armenian intellectuals and political leaders. Center methodologically how to integrate the In “Defining an Undeniable Genocide,” legal Holocaust into a larger picture, which is some- scholar Hannibal Travis of the Florida times quite contested,” Korb said. “My feeling International University College of Law discuss- is that the Center is very experienced in not es the lack of accountability for genocide Members of the clergy blessed the monument. only comparing the Holocaust to other cases throughout the 20th century and the limita- but also to make meaningful comparisons of tions of international courts in providing pro- how the Holocaust is intertwined with other tection and deterrence. In the case of Turkey, cases of violence.” see WEBTALKS, page 9 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R URI Italian Professor Receives Genocide Charles Pinajian Receives Ellis Island Educator of the Year Award

Medal of Honor KINGSTON, R.I. — University of Rhode head of the Italian section at URI, Sama joined Island professor Catherine Sama teaches the University in 1997 after receiving her doc- NEW YORK — Charles Pinajian was recently awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Italian, but the Armenian genocide is also close torate in Italian Studies from Brown University. by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) for his exemplary service to to her heart. Under Sama’s leadership, URI now has one of both American and Armenian communities. In addition to supporting the Bergen For years, she’s been teaching an Italian lit- the largest Italian undergraduate programs in Volunteer Medical Initiative (BVMI), in New Jersey, which provides free primary care to erature class in which students study genocide the country. low-income working through the lens of Skylark Farm, a historical Bergen County residents novel about the Armenian Genocide by who do not have medical Armenian-Italian writer Antonia Arslan. insurance or the means Sama’s commitment to genocide education to pay for care, he has has now been recognized statewide, with the given sustained support Genocide Educator of the Year Award from the to many local charities, Rhode Island branch of the national Genocide among which are the Education Project. YMCA, local police agen- The site for the reception last month was fit- cies and volunteer fire ting — in front of the Armenian Martyrs’ departments, the Memorial Monument in the North Burial Armenian Tree Project Ground in Providence. Among the guests were and the Armenian Pauline Getzoyan, co-chair of the Rhode Island EyeCare Project. branch of the Genocide Education Project, He helped rebuild Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, and US schools in Armenia after Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse. the 1988 earthquake and (Esther Kalajian, an alumna of the University of gave financial support to Rhode Island, is the co-director of the Genocide educate clergy in Education Project in Rhode Island.) Armenia following Sama has been teaching the genocide- Armenia’s independence focused course since 2008 when she invited in 1991. He is probably Catherine Sama Arslan to URI as a visiting scholar. Students best known to the also study the Holocaust by reading the Jewish- Armenian community as Italian author Primo Levi’s memoir, Survival in Along with a certificate, Sama received $500 Deacon Charles or Auschwitz. to continue her genocide education. The Diratsoo, who has served During the class, Genocide survivors or stipend was made possible through the at the altar of St. Leon descendants of survivors meet with students to Armenian Cultural Association of America, Armenian Church of Fair talk about their experiences. In addition to Rhode Island chapter, and the Armenian Lawn, NJ for more than Getzoyan, speakers this year also included Martyrs’ Memorial Committee of Rhode Island. 50 years. George Aghjayan and Alice Goldstein. The Rhode Island branch of the Genocide At the encouragement “It’s one thing to learn about genocide from Education Project presents the award annually of President Ronald Reagan, NECO was established 30 years ago to celebrate people a book, or from the whiteboard in a classroom, at the April 24 commemoration of the who have contributed to American national identity while preserving the distinct values but it’s another thing entirely to talk to some- Armenian Genocide of 1915 to a teacher in the and heritage of their ancestors. They have been recognized for their service, talent, and one whose life has been affected by it,”said field of genocide education. support in improving the lives of others. Charles, along with his wife Grace, accepted Shay Spacco, of Tiverton, a student in the Between 1915 and 1918, up to 1.5 million this recognition “in remembrance of our parents’ courage sacrifice and fortitude in the course. “If more students, especially in high Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks. light of the Armenian Genocide.” school, got an opportunity like this, instruction Sama says she teaches the course to “make about genocide would seem less like a lesson these horrific historical events and their after- before a test, and more like a horrible reality math real, present and personal to students, that is part of human history, which should be and to encourage students to see connections important to everyone.” to current events and take a stand in helping to A professor of Italian and film media and prevent genocide from continuing to occur.” Armenian Genocide Memorial Unveiled MONUMENT, from page 6 ment, it has not earned a place at the table of civi- Also unveiled was a cross stone, meant to sym- lized nations.” bolize the connection of the Armenian people to The memorial also acts as a reminder of how the the Christian faith. Armenian community and its history has been St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik, one of sev- embraced in Canada, Belian said. eral local dignitaries who spoke during the cere- He called it “morally satisfying” to be able to ded- mony, called the memorial a reminder to all icate the monument to the genocide’s victims. Canadians to remain ever vigilant against atrocities Some of the first Armenian families to settle in St. that occur around the world. Catharines, which has one of the oldest Armenian “The monument will always be a beacon and a communities in Canada, were direct descendants of reminder that we need to stand together and never genocide victims, he said. forget.” Lucy Okajian and her three children were among While many nations, including Canada, have rec- the hundreds who attended the ceremony. ognized that the events from 1915 to 1923 amount- She feels it’s important that the next generation ed to a genocide, not all have followed suit. be informed about their heritage, she said. Belian said the country can begin to make things “I grew up Armenian and I want my kids to know right, through recognition and reparations. their culture, their history,” she said, adding they The Armenian community, he added, will contin- each attend the local Armenian school. ue to work to end Turkey’s denial. “I’m proud to be Armenian,” 10-year-old daugh- “Until Turkey recognizes these dark pages of his- ter Ariana chimed in, bringing a smile to her moth- tory and begins the substantive process of atone- er’s face.

Sevag Belian addresses the crowd during the unveiling of the Armenian Genocide Memorial at the Armenian Community Centre of St. Catharines. 8 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Dean of Gevorkian Seminary Guest Celebrant OBITUARY At Holy Trinity Armenian Church on May 15

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Very Rev. Dr. begin at 10 a.m., and conclude at noon. The ser- Haig Naccashian Garegin Hambardzumyan, dean of the mon will be offered in both Armenian and Gevorkian Seminary of the Mother See of Holy English. Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian, pastor of (1926-2016) Echmiadzin, Armenia, will be the guest cele- Holy Trinity Church, “encourages the faithful of brant and homilist on Sunday, May 15, at the the community to join us to witness Fr. Garegin Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Hambardzumyan’s Badarak and hear his mes- the AGBU Regional Committee, and sage.” By Hagop Vartivarian served as the secretary of the TCA Hambardzumyan was born in 1986, with the Founders Body. In 1966 and 1982 he par- baptismal name of Tatul, in the city of Kapan, ticipated in the assembly of the Writers Armenia. From 2002 to 2008, he studied at the MONTREAL — Haig Naccashian, Union of Armenia. In 1989 he moved to Gevorkian Seminary and was ordained a dea- teacher, writer and businessman, was born Montreal, Canada, and from 1977 to 1991 con by Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian on December in Beirut on June 30, 1926. After receiving served as secretary of the ADL Central 25, 2006. On July 17, 2009, Hambardzumyan his primary education in his birthplace, he Committee. was ordained a celibate priest by Archbishop went to the Armenian General Benevolent In Beirut, Naccashian published in 1979 Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of Union’s Melkonian Educational Institute the first volume of a collection of hunting the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). in Nicosia, Cyprus in 1937 for his sec- stories, Vorsorti ughinerov [Through the From 2010 to 2015, he continued his studies at ondary education. However, in 1944, he Hunter’s Paths]. He published the novellas Great Britain’s Sheffield University, while at the returned to Beirut as a result of World War Margeritayi ariudznere [The Lions of same time studying and lecturing occasionally II. Margarita] in 1981, Anavard badmutiun at Oxford University, earning a Doctor of He worked in the Armenian national [Unfinished Story] in 1984, and Srpazan Theology degree. During this time, he served as school of Amman, Jordan, from 1946 to dzrin dag [Under the Sacred Tree] in 1985. visiting pastor to St. Yeghishe Armenian 1948, and at the same time became one of His volume titled Aprigean andarnerun Church of London and the Holy Trinity the founders of the Amman Armenian mech [In the African Forests] was pub- Armenian Church of Manchester. He also estab- Athletic Union (AMM). The influential and lished by Sovedagan Krogh in the series lished a mission parish at Oxford University. In large Naccashian family was November 2014, Hambardzumyan was appoint- well known in Palestine and ed Assistant Director of the Department of Jordan for its substantial Christian Education in the Mother See of Holy educational, political party, Very Rev. Dr. Garegin Hambardzumyan Etchmiadzin, and in September 2015, Karekin literary and cultural work. II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Even after the occupation of Armenians, appointed him Dean of the Palestine and then Boston, 145 Brattle St. Gevorkian Seminary. Jerusalem, the imprint of the Hambardzumyan is visiting the United In November 2015, Hambardzumyan suc- Naccashians remained in States, having attended the annual Diocesan cessfully defended his thesis and was granted these two communities. Assembly held in Cleveland as a representative the rank of Vartabed by Bishop Vahan Haig, surrounded by his of the Mother See. The Divine Liturgy will Hovhanessian. political party friends and relatives, worked to bring youth into the ranks of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL) by means of the athletic union. ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS This later became a blessing D D S for the Amman Armenian community. Cemetery Monuments When he returned to Specializing in Beirut, he took the position Armenian Designs and Lettering of secretary in the first The diaspora, including Lebanon, is not our “final Educational Committee 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 of the Armenian General station,” and however difficult and distant it Benevolent Union appears, that dream as a pan-Armenian goal must (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com (AGBU) from 1948 to be found on our national-political itinerary like an 1951, and at the same alluring lighthouse lighting our path. time worked at the daily newspaper Zartonk as an – Haig Naccashian assistant editor to Kersam Aharonian, and in Vahe Vahian’s monthly Spiurkahay kroghner [Diasporan periodical Ani as an administrator. Armenian Writers] in 1982. In 1986 his He worked in the Armenian school of novella Tebi inknutiun [Toward Identity], F UNERAL H OME Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 1951 to 1958. which concerned Armenian national and Giragosian Then he became the representative of the social issues, was published in Beirut. James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC German pharmaceutical and chemical Later, again in Beirut, his collection of sto- Mark J. Giragosian company Bayer for the region. In this ries called Khjangar [Mosaic] was pub- Funeral Counselors capacity, he traveled throughout Ethiopia lished in 2009. 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 and Eastern Africa. During this period he In 1980, he won the TCA Haigashen www.giragosianfuneralhome.com also worked as a visiting teacher, and Ouzounian Literary Prize for his volume became one of the leaders of the Vorsortneri ughinerov. His final book, Ethiopian-Armenian community. He Perkahavak [Harvest] was published in became chairman of the Ararad Union Armenia in 2001. Telephone (617) 924-7400 there, and secretary of the Educational In 1979, he came to Boston for several Council. Together with several literary col- months in order to work as the secretary laborators he founded and edited the of the TCA of the US and Canada’s central Aram Bedrosian monthly collotype newspaper Piunig office, but returned to Lebanon, and only [Phoenix], which was published for approx- in 1989 finally settled in Montreal. Funeral Home, Inc. imately three years. He worked closely His frequent visits to Soviet Armenia with Haigashen Ouzounian, who was a allowed him to become familiar with the Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 dominant figure in the community. intellectuals there, who reciprocated by vis- In 1964, Naccashian returned to Beirut iting the Naccashian home in Beirut. Until MARION BEDROSIAN and became a commercial agent, while also his vision failed, he continued to write arti- 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN dedicating himself to literary, social and cles on patriotic and political themes and WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN political party activities and holding reminiscences in the ADL and independent responsible positions pertaining to these press. realms. He contributed to the ADL organs He married Sosi Torosian, who was a Zartonk, Arev, Baikar, and Nor Or, and the teacher in the AGBU’s Yervant Demirjian Tekeyan Cultural Association’s monthly School in Beirut, and an industrious mem- Shirag, He became a member of the edito- ber of the ADL woman’s club, as well as a rial staff of the latter and at the same time leader of the AGBU Antilias chapter. The for a period managed its administration. couple had two boys, Vahan and Shahe, as After serving as secretary of the ADL well as a daughter, Sevan, who continue in Regional Committee of Lebanon for a long the patriot path of their parents. time, he became its chairman from 1984 to Haig Naccashian passed away in 1989, and simultaneously directed the Montreal on May 3. Armenian Cause Committee. (Translated from the Armenian.) During this period he was a member of S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Heritage Cruise Presents Continuing Medical Education Program for Physicians, Healthcare Professionals

BOCA RATON, Fla. — The Armenian Columbia University. He is vice-chair of the they relate to Quality of Life issues in oral •Dr. Varduhi Petrosyan is Dean of the Heritage Cruise 20th Anniversary cruise is Department of Medicine for International health. Bagramian is a leader in many initia- School of Public Health, American University scheduled to sail on January 20 -29, 2017 Education and Research and Chief of the tives to improve the quality and delivery of of Armenia. Petrosyan received her PhD from departing from Miami, Fla. to Aruba, Metabolic Bone Diseases Program at dental health to Armenia. The program in Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School Curacao, Bonaire and Labadee. Columbia University Medical Center. which is a major national figure has not only of Public Health, Department of Health There will be a new program for the Bilezikian received his undergraduate train- delivered dental care to virtually all regions Policy and Management. She has a distin- upcoming Armenian Heritage Cruise for ing at Harvard College and his medical train- of Armenia but also educational programs guished record of research on public health health care professionals, who can obtain 10 ing at the College of Physicians & Surgeons. that teach children and parents the funda- issues in Armenia with particular emphasis continuing medical education credits for Over the past decade, attending lectures by renowned authorities Bilezikian has initiated in health care who have made major contri- a program of skeletal butions to improving education and increas- health in Armenia that ing the standards of health care in Armenia. has featured standing- These distinguished scholars will discuss room only symposia on their work in Armenia which includes initia- osteoporosis, leader- tives in health policy and management, osteo- ship roundtables at porosis awareness, delivery of eye and dental which the First Lady care. They will also lecture on the following has presided, and the topics: placement of bone den- •To provide the latest information on sitometers throughout nutritional, epidemiological, diagnostic and the country. The acqui- therapeutic aspects of osteoporosis sition of this technolo- •To identify tooth decay in children who gy has facilitated the don’t have access to dental care and under- evaluation of skeletal stand what measures can prevent and treat it. health which was previ- •Give insight into the visually impaired ously a great challenge. that are living in settings that do not lend He is also developing themselves to identification, treatment, and research programs in Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, Dr. John Bilezikian, Dr. Robert Bagramian prevention. collaboration with col- •To integrate knowledge of common pub- leagues in Armenia. lic health problems that affect populations at Bilezikian will summarize these activities as mentals of good oral health. upon the control of smoking and the con- large with preventative approaches to treat- well as provide an update on advances in the •Dr. Lawrence V. Najarian, graduated from tainment of tuberculosis. She has also made ing them. evaluation and management of osteoporosis. the University Of Pennsylvania School Of major contribution to issues related to the The Medical Program Committee includes: •Dr. Robert Bagramian is Professor of Medicine in 1982. He is senior attending sur- delivery of primary medical care, diabetes Dr. John P. Bilezikian, Chair; Dr. Raffy Dentistry and Dentistry Public Health at the geon, New York Eye & Ear Infirmary, Mount care, environmental health, and determinants Hovanessian, Honorary Chair, Maria Tavitian, University of Michigan. He received his DDS Sinai Medical Center, New York, clinical assis- of health disparities among vulnerable popu- Armenian Heritage Cruise Ambassador. degree from Temple University in 1960, and tant professor of ophthalmology, New York lations. Along with her duties as Dean of the The faculty members will include the fol- his MPH and DPH degrees from the School University-Bellevue Medical Center, and School of Public Health, Petrosyan continues lowing: of Public Health, University of Michigan. He President, Armenian American Health to serve as director of the Center for Health •Dr. John P. Bilezikian is the Dorothy L. served, until recently, with great distinction Professionals Organization (AAHPO). Under Services Research and Development. The and Daniel H. Silberberg Professor of as Dean of the School of Public Health at the the inspired leadership of Najarian, AAHPO Petrosyan’s lectures will focus upon public Medicine and Professor of Pharmacology at American University of Armenia His research has implemented a myriad of programs and health issues in Armenia with attention to the College of Physicians & Surgeons, has focused in the areas of epidemiology as missions to improve not only eye care in the major challenges of smoking and tuber- Armenia but many other health challenges. culosis in the country and other important Over two decades of continuous dedication public health issues. to the health needs of Armenia, AAHPO has Registration is through TravelGroup been there when it counts. He will discuss International plus an additional $299 for con- AAHPO’s many initiatives and successes over ference and CME fees. Visit its two decade-long record of outstanding www.ArmenianHeritagecruise.com accomplishments in Armenia.

AGBU WebTalks Start A New Conversation About OPENING FOR PRIVATE ELEMENTARY The Armenian Genocide and its Legacy SCHOOL PRINCIPAL - QUEENS, WEBTALKS, from page 6 followed over the ten years in which they lived the state’s denial of the Armenian Genocide to and worked in the country as foreign corre- this day contributes to the ongoing patterns of spondents, inspired their award-winning book NEW YORK human rights violations and economic and cul- Turkey and the Armenian Ghost. Here, they tural discrimination against its minority popu- touch upon the major themes of their book and Celebrating nearly 50 years as a pillar of the New York Armenian American commu- lations. the “ghosts” of hidden Armenians who have nity, Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) of Bayside, Queens, has earned Journalists and authors Laure Marchand, for- lived in the shadow of a government in denial a well-deserved reputation for academic excellence and for inspiring a love of mer foreign correspondent for Le Figaro, and of its past for the last one hundred years. Armenian heritage in her students. Combining the best elements of American educa- Guillaume Perrier, former correspondent for Le In “The Importance of Genocide tion with an added emphasis on Armenian Studies, the small classroom settings and Recognition,” attorney and founder of Doughty focus on individual abilities has allowed the dedicated staff of this private elementary Street Chambers, the UK’s largest human school to provide a nourishing learning environment for students in grades N-6. rights practice, Geoffrey Robertson explores the value of acknowledging the Armenian HMADS seeks experienced administrator for Genocide. He argues that recognition helps to position commencing August 2016. develop the study of genocides around the world and traces the legal concept of genocide, Qualified candidate should possess: pinning its classification to racial and/or ethnic •Exceptional leadership qualities and effective interpersonal and communication skills motives. Robertson also explains the distinction •Knowledge of current best practices and the ability to implement and support staff between the roles of lawyers and historians in professional development the study of genocide and emphasizes the responsibility of Turkey to provide reparations •Interest in supporting the school’s mission to provide an exceptional academic edu- to the families of victims of the Armenian cation for a diverse student body, while promoting knowledge of the Armenian lan- Genocide. guage, history and culture AGBU WebTalks debuted in January with five •Ability to work collaboratively with parents, School Board, auxiliary bodies and the videos, produced in partnership with the greater community to foster student success Zoryan Institute, an international academic and •Degree in Education, Educational Leadership and/or Administration, School International barrister Geoffrey Robertson scholarly center devoted to the documentation, Counseling or related field study and dissemination of material related to issues of universal human rights, genocide, dias- •Valid New York State administrative certification or equivalent poras and Armenia. Since February, videos on •Fluency in English with knowledge of written and spoken Armenian strongly pre- Monde, speak about their first encounter with art and music have been added and many more ferred Turkey’s hidden Armenian past upon their on a wide variety of topics are currently in pro- duction. Qualified candidates are invited to send a letter of interest, résumé, and copy of admin- arrival in Istanbul in 2005 in “The Armenian To learn more about the AGBU WebTalks istrative certificate to [email protected] by June 1, 2016. Ghost in Turkey.” The tensions that fueled Turkey’s first open and official academic debate series and to watch the videos mentioned of the Armenian Genocide and the events that above, visit www.agbuwebtalks.org. 10 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS United Providence Commemoration Features Entire Congressional Delegation, Barbara Merguerian

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — On Sunday, April 24, the Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Committee of Rhode Island commemorated the 101st Anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide at the Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Monument at the entrance to North Burial Ground, Providence, RI. The program opened with the presentation of the flags by the Homenetmen Scouts and with placing of wreaths by the ARS “Arax” and “Ani” Chapters, ARF, AYF, Homentmen, Hamazkayin and the Daughters of Vartan in front of the monument. Archpriest Rev. Gomidas Baghsarian and Rev. Kapriel Nazarian, Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Rev. Shnorik Souin, Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church, Rev. Dr. Ara Heghinian, and Reverend Hagop Manjelikian Armenian Evangelical Church performed a special service in memory of the 1.5 million Holy Martyrs who were canonized last year in Holy Echmiazin. The combined choirs from the Armenian churches and chorale sang our Armenian hymns under the direction of Konstantin Petrossian. The elected officials who were present each gave their messages. They were, Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, Sen. Jack Reed, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. David N. Cicilline and Rep. James R. Langevin and Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. All state and federal officials of Rhode Island are always actively working for the Armenian cause. They all expressed concern about Turkeys’ denial of the geno- cide and to what is happening in Artsakh Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Committee with Dr. Barbara J. Merguerian, (center standing) guest speaker of the day today. Former lawmaker and great supporter of Armenian causes, Aram Garabedian spoke and the committee thanked him for sponsor- Genocide and the Holocaust. This award Memory, Dignity, Justice organization, gave of Vartan and the Homenetmen Scouts. It ing the 12 busses to go to Times Square gath- includes a $500-stipend, which is made possi- her first person story of her grandparents was another heartfelt day and reminding us ering last year. ble through the donations of the Armenian and parents who were targets of the Azeri all to never forget our Holy Martyrs and sur- Pauline Getzoyan and Esther Kalajian who Martyrs’ Memorial Committee of RI and the torture and losing their lives and home start- vivors and what the Turkish Ottoman gov- represent the Genocide Education Project, Armenian Cultural Committee of Rhode ing in 1918 and then again in 1988 in ernment did to our people. Rhode Island branch, announced the 2016 Island . Sama accepted her award and Sumgait. They seek justice for the Baku com- The Armenian Martyrs’ Committee also Genocide Educator of the Year. She is Dr. brought several of her students to see our munity. sponsored its 18th Annual Armenian Youth Catherine Sama, a professor at the University event and learn more about the Armenian A beautiful rendition of Dle Yaman was Day on April 19, at Egavian Cultural Center of Rhode Island. She teaches a class each Genocide. (See related story on Page 7.) played on the duduk by David Gevorkian. during school vacation week. Getzoyan gave year to students about the Armenian Emiliya Bagdaasarian representing Guest speaker was Dr. Barbara J. information about the Genocide Education Merguerian of Wellesley, Mass. She is a his- program. Margaret Chevian presented a torian, writer and editor. She is co-founder of power point about her trip to Jerusalem in Armenian International Women’s January. Jane Zobian and Hasmig Phillips Association, a past president and directs its provided materials for a craft class where the Armenian Women’s Archives. A native of children mad braided placemats of felt show- Cranston, RI, and a graduate of Cranston ing how rugs are made. High and Brown University, she earned her A session was also held where the four cler- Masters’ Degree and doctorate in Modern gy each spoke to a group of students. European History from Harvard University. Raffi Rachdouni gave a hands on demon- She has taught at Tufts, Yerevan State stration of reading music notes and then University and California State University, playing them on a recorder and learning the Fresno. She is former editor of the Armenian song Gagavik. After a short practice, the stu- Mirror-Spectator newspaper and of the dents all played the song together while Journal of Armenian Studies. She serves on singing and dancing to that song. Lunch was many boards is currently on the board of also provided free of charge to everyone. Armenian Museum of America and the The Ararat Association helped fund this Armenian Cultural Foundation. program. The Honor Guards for the day included the Armenian Masonic Degree Team, the Knights –Joyce Yeremian

Connecticut Commemoration

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — Armenians from throughout central Connecticut gathered in West Hartford on April 20, to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Providence Concert Remembers Martyrs

PROVIDENCE — On Saturday, April 16, a commemoration of the 101st anniversary at of the Armenian Genocide was held at Saints Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church. The pro- gram, called “Legacy of Our Martyrs” took place in the sanc- tuary and featured many patriotic songs depicting the strug- gles of the Armenian people. The Armenian Chorale of Rhode Island performed under the direction of Konstantin Petrossian with Mari Panosian, piano accompanist. The soloists was Gohar Manjelikian, mezzo-soprano, Sarkis Yepremian, tenor, David Gevorkian, duduk, Ken Kalajian, guitar. The Kontakion Orhnootiunn Sharagan (hymn) of the Holy Martyrs of the Genocide, Hrashtasan hymn in the 8th tone, was performed by Dn. Gary Alexander, music edition by Konstantin Petrossian. Father Shnork Souin, pastor of Saints Sahag and Mesrob Church offered the closing remarks and led all in the Lord’s Fr. Shnork Souin Prayer.

Gohar Manjelikian Gary Alexander David Gevorkian and Ken Kalajian

Hamparian, Costa and Tarkanian Featured at Fresno Flag-Raising Event

FRESNO — The bells of Sardarbad continue just cause. Generations, know thy self from the to ring for the people of Artsakh, said National battlefield of Sardarabad. From the battlefields Chairman Raffi Hamparian of the Armenian of Sardarabad — Karakillisa, Bash Abaran — to National Committee of America, sounding the the hills of Hadrut and Marduni and Ashkeran alarm against the ever present danger of Azeri and Shahumyan, those bells have never aggression. Hamparian spoke before a crowd of stopped ringing….We must respond to those several hundred as part of the Central Valley’s bells. We must not be deaf to them.” Flag Raising and Armenian Genocide Hamparian began his speech by reciting the Commemoration at the Fresno City Hall. names and ranks of seven fallen Armenian sol- In linking Armenia’s heroic stance against diers from the recent conflict. In direct refer- the Ottoman military in 1918 to this year’s ence to the atrocities committed by Azeri forces Four Day War initiated by the Republic of against Armenian civilians and military, he Azerbaijan, ANCA director drew a verse from punctuated each name by affirming, “He died the well-known battle hymn Sardarbad. to prevent another Armenian Genocide. He “Ring the bells. Call forth the brave to this died for me and for you.” To conclude his powerful address, Hamparian urged the continued activism of the community by recall- ing the words of Martin Luther King “A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.” “So let us as an Armenian people stop letting people ride our backs. Let us stand straight for the Armenian Hamparian (L) and Congressman Jim Costa (R) at Tehlirian Monument. nation. Stand straight for Armenia. Stand straight for Artsakh. Stand straight for the diaspora. And if we do short-term reaction, says Costa, She also sang the US and Armenia national with love, faith, unity, conviction, pas- “Turkey still wants to become part of the anthems as the flags were raised. Astghik sion, vigor, determination, solidarity, European Union. Why? Because countries do Ajamian and Kevork Ajamian gave their heart- persistence, you and I will get what we what is ultimately in their best interests. When felt renditions of Sardarabad and Aghunik, so richly deserve. And that my friends we finally have the courage as a nation—the respectively. is justice.” congress and the president—to actually say the Fresno County Supervisor Debbie Long-time Armenian supporter words Armenian Genocide that while Turkey Poochigian served as the emcee of the event, Congressman Jim Costa also spoke at will be upset, they will follow by doing what is which was attended by numerous local officials the event. The Fresno-born legislator in their best interests.” and leaders of the Armenian community. remarked on the commonly-stated Attorney and congressional candidate Danny Members of the Sassoun Chapter of the response by US State Department Tarkanian shared his family’s tragic experiences Homenetmen Scouts and Fresno High School officials that US recognition of the during the Genocide and acknowledged the Junior ROTC raised the colors. Genocide would upset its ally the recent passing of two prominent Armenian- Prior to the flag raising, a march was held Republic of Turkey, commenting that Americans—businessman Kirk Kerkorian and from the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic such views amount to thinly-veiled his father and basketball coach Jerry Church to Fresno City Hall. Following the excuses rather than well-reasoned Tarkanian. He, too, ended his message with an event, Hamparian and Costa together laid a long-term policy. As one instance, mul- appeal for activism by stating “Speak-up and do wreath at the monument of Soghomon tiple resolutions by the European something, otherwise evil will flourish.” Tehlirian at the Massis Cemetery to honor the Union calling on Republic of Turkey Members of the Ohannessian family per- survivor and avenger of the Genocide. to recognize the Genocide have been formed various musical selections. Hygo The events were sponsored by ANCA – ANCA National Chairman Raffi Hamparian routinely condemned by the country’s Ohannessian accompanied by local clergy lead Central Valley, which has held the flag raising high-level officials. In spite of such the audience in Hayr Mer to open the event. ceremony since 2004. 12 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Disabilities Professionals from Armenia to Visit Boston

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Five young profes- countries and Americans dedicated to Institute for Community Inclusion, Boston with disabilities in our area,” stated Alisa sionals from Armenia will be in Greater showcasing US values and democratic insti- Center for Independent Living and numer- Stepanian, CYSCA Program director. Boston May 22-29 to participate in a grant tutions. The program aims to give the par- ous other organizations and individuals. Over the past 28 years, CYSCA has hosted program focused on inclusion of people with ticipants first-hand exposure to economy Presentations at the various meetings more than 21 professional development pro- disabilities hosted by the Cambridge-Yerevan and policy in the US. planned by CYSCA will engage the partici- grams, 10 school partnerships/student and Sister City Association (CYSCA). They will be A key goal of the program is to develop pants in disability issues, showing how they teacher exchanges, environmental programs, accompanied by a facilitator who will assist leadership capability of young professionals can become community leaders in a society school aid projects, business/entrepreneur- them in orientation with customs and tradi- in disability organizations by engaging where inclusion can be beneficial, especial- ship training, and numerous cultural and tions in the US. them with American counterparts. CYSCA ly in Armenia. The participants are from humanitarian assistance projects for Armenia. Funding support will be provided by the has designed a program of visits/meetings various backgrounds and were selected by For more information about the OW program Open World Leadership Center, a legisla- with various organizations/individuals in Open World and vetted by the US Embassy. contact Alisa Stepanian at tive branch agency which administers the the Greater Boston area, including the “We look forward to meeting these out- [email protected] or Jack Medzorian at Open World program. The Open World pro- Perkins School for the Blind, State standing young professionals and introducing [email protected] or about CYSCA gram conducts exchanges that establish Committee on Disabilities, City of them to local counterparts to help them www.cysca.org. lasting professional relationships between Cambridge disability departments, develop their skills and gain knowledge and Open World supports Congressional out- the up-and-coming leaders of Open World University of Massachusetts Boston understanding of issues facing individuals reach to their counterparts abroad.

Turkish Caucus Member Donna Edwards Defeated in Primary Armenian Assembly WASHINGTON — Turkish Caucus Member Sussman, an extraordinary amount of money Confirms Board Slate Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD) was for an outsider to pump into the race. defeated in Maryland’s Democratic Senate pri- Sussman was previously married to Rep. At Annual Meeting mary by long-time supporter of Armenian Chellie Pingree (D-ME), who traveled to issues, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), report- Turkey in April 2013 and met with former WASHINGTON — The Armenian of Assembly ed the Armenian Assembly of America. Turkish President Abdullah Gul and other of America convened its annual Trustees meet- According to OpenSecrets.org, Edwards has high-ranking officials as part of an eight-mem- ing in Boca Raton, Fla. last month. The received thousands of dollars from Turkish ber Congressional delegation trip to Turkey, Trustees confirmed the Board slate presented PACs, and was supported by the “Ten paid by the Turkish Government. by the Board of Trustees Nominating Thousand Turks PAC” in her race against Van In addition to Turkish PAC money, Edwards Committee, which consisted of Lisa Kalustian Hollen to become the democratic Senatorial participated in a Turkish Coalition of America along with Assembly Secretary Oscar Tatosian candidate to replace outgoing Sen. Barbara (TCA) funded trip to Turkey in April of 2011, and Board Member and Life Trustee Lu Ann Mikulksi (D-MD). In fact, the Daily Sabah where she attended the Second Annual Turkic Ohanian, was confirmed. Co-Chairmen Anthony reported that the Turkish lobby has given American Convention. Rep. Donna Edwards, Rep. Chris Van Hollen Barsamian and Van Krikorian, Assistant more than $26,000 to Edwards in order to Last year, the Office of Congressional Ethics Secretary Lisa Kalustian and Talin Yacoubian defeat Van Hollen from becoming the succes- (OCE) and the House Committee on Ethics were elected to a four-year Board term. sor to Mikulski, noting “Van Hollen is a strong found that Congressional travel to Azerbaijan since 2008, repeatedly violating House rules The Assembly’s Board of Trustees include supporter of Armenian and Greek issues and Turkey was “not funded exclusively by the and possibly federal law.” Anthony Barsamian (MA), co-chairman; Van whereas Edwards is a member of the Turkish entities disclosed on travel forms submitted to In a letter to Attorney General Loretta Krikorian (NY), co-chairman; Hirair Hovnanian Caucus.” the Committee on Ethics.” According to an Lynch, the Assembly asked for further investi- (NJ), chairman emeritus; Carolyn Mugar (MA), Edwards’ campaign also received $2.1 mil- investigation by USA Today, Turkish groups gation of potential illegal activities from U.S. president; Robert A. Kaloosdian (MA), vice lion in PAC support from the founder of a “secretly funded as many as 200 trips to groups tied to foreign organizations in Turkey chairman and counselor; Edele Hovnanian (NJ), Connecticut-based hedge fund, Donald Turkey for members of Congress and staff and Azerbaijan. vice president; Bianka Kadian-Dodov (NY), trea- surer; Oscar Tatosian (IL), secretary; Lisa Kalustian (CA), assistant secretary; Aram Gavoor (DC); Alex Karapetian (NY); Raffi AGBU Toronto Hosts Literary Evening with Maral Boyadjian Kassarjian (CA and Armenia); Lu Ann Ohanian (MA); Toros Sahakian (NJ); Joyce Stein (CA); TORONTO — On April 14, AGBU Toronto Annie Totah (MD); and Talin Yacoubian (CA). — with the participation of the Armenian Mark Momjian (PA) will continue to serve as Association of Toronto and the Bolsahay Solicitor. Cultural Association — hosted a conversa- Yacoubian, the newest member of the tion between Salpi Ghazarian, the director Assembly’s Board of Trustees, has been active- of the Institute of Armenian Studies at the ly involved in the Armenian American commu- University of Southern California, and nity in Southern California for many years. She Maral Boyadjian, the author of the award- has been a long-time member of the Assembly’s winning novel As the Poppies Bloomed. The Southern California Regional Council. She was conversation between the two sisters appointed as the Chairwoman of AGBU touched on family history with vivid recol- Western District in 2015 and served as the co- lections of growing up with their maternal chair of the Armenian Genocide Centennial grandmother, a Genocide survivor. Commemorative Committee responsible for During the event, the audience learned planning and organizing the “March for about the mythical village of Salor, as Justice” where 160,000 people turned out in Boyadjian summarized the first chapter of Los Angeles last April. Yacoubian also serves on her novel. She also described her five years the boards of AGBU Hye Geen and Armenia of research, writing, publishing and distrib- Fund. ution, with a goal of completing As the “Talin’s skill as a leading advocate, both pro- Poppies Bloomed in time for the 2015 cen- fessionally and within the Armenian communi- tennial commemoration of the Armenian Maral Boyadjian signed after the event. ty, will greatly enhance our Board of Trustees,” Genocide. As the Poppies Bloomed said Barsamian and Krikorian. “We would like When asked about her inspiration for the to thank out-going Board Member Rachel book, Boyadjian explained: “My daughter Kaprielian for her dedication to the Assembly’s came home from college one weekend and work and congratulate Rachel on her recent said ‘Mom, my friends don’t know about the appointment as the U.S. Department of Health Armenian Genocide.’ That’s when a light and Human Service’s Regional Director for bulb went off in my head and I decided right Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New then and there that I was going to write Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont,” that book — something anyone could read, Barsamian and Krikorian added. something interesting yet informative, Yacoubian received her Bachelor of Arts in where the characters live and breathe and Economics from Pomona College and her Juris stay with you long after the last page has Doctorate from the George Washington been turned.” University in Washington, DC. Yacoubian is a She also made reference to the scenery partner and founding member of Yacoubian & and the people she encountered in the vil- Powell, LLP and was recently appointed to lage of Sassoun, on which she bases the vil- serve as a Civil Service Commissioner for the lage of Salor. Describing her experience in City of Glendale. Sassoun, Boyadjian said: “I wept when I saw “I am very proud of the good work that the hills and fields just as I had imagined them. Armenian Assembly of America has been doing, Even the hues and tones of the deep red soil especially in Washington for the last 44 years,” were as I had known they would be. It was Yacoubian said. “I look forward to working with the very earth my grandfather had walked Maral Boyadjian and some of the guests at the program the Assembly’s dedicated board, staff, and mem- on.” bership,” she added. S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

Pianist Kariné Poghosyan Hundreds Attend In Premier Performance (COURTESY OF DAVIDIAN MARIAMIAN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION) At Southern Connecticut Genealogy University Conference in NEW YORK — Armenian-American pianist Kariné Poghosyan performed a premier con- Watertown cert on Saturday, April 30, at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) in New WATERTOWN — On the weekend of April 9- Haven. Poghosyan’s recital, inspired by folk 10, for the first time an Armenian Genealogy songs and titled “Folk Inspirations,” began Conference was held in Watertown, with Edvard Grieg’s Three Selections from Massachusetts at the Armenian Cultural and Lyric Pieces – To Spring, Minuet: Vanished Educational Center (ACEC). More than 300 Days and Wedding Day at Troldhaugen – fol- people attended the two-day conference, some lowed by Three Hungarian Rhapsodies by coming from as far as Great Britain and Franz Liszt. Poghosyan also featured a work by Vancouver, Canada. Komitas Vardapet, the revered Armenian com- The program began Saturday with a welcome poser, playing his rarely heard Six Dances for by the three conference organizers, Tracy Piano from 1906. The program ended with Rivest Keeney, Mark Arslan and George three movements from Stravinsky’s Aghjayan. Keeney, creator of the Armenian Petrouchka – Danse Russe, Chez Petrouchka, Parents & students visiting the “Armenia: An Open Wound” exhibition Genealogy Facebook Page, led the first presen- and La Semaine Grasse. tation covering the sources most commonly Dr. Craig Hlavac, associate professor and available to genealogists in the United States. Chairperson of the Department of Music at She used real cases in highlighting the impor- Southern Connecticut University said, tant information that can be gleaned from the “Poghosyan’s performance was as powerful as sources. Her talk supplied an important foun- it was musical; she was aptly able to convey the ‘Armenia: An dation, especially for those just beginning their emotions of the family tree research. repertoire with The next presenter, Mark Arslan, gave back- precision and ground on his family research and its evolution finesse. Her inter- Open Wound’ into becoming the Armenian Immigration pretations of this Project. Initially devoted to immigrants from complex music Keghi, the website has become an extensive were nuanced database for all immigrants to the United and clearly Guided Tours Available for Exhibition at States. Arslan gave examples of the ways to demonstrative of search the databases as well as link individuals her deep under- Brand Library & Art Center to various records. He also explained how oth- standing of the GLENDALE — The Armenian American Museum announced there will be a week- ers can help in transcribing records. history of these Vahe Tachjian, the director of important works. ly guided tour available for the “Armenia: An Open Wound” exhibition currently on view at the Brand Library and Art Center. The exhibition marked its opening cere- Houshamadyan.org, spoke of the project’s aim Kariné Poghosyan Kariné is a true to “reconstruct Ottoman Armenian town and virtuoso – it is mony on April 16, and will be on display until June 11. Weekly tours will be offered on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. on a walk-in basis. village life.” He gave examples of important clear she is a ris- memory items that supply important context, ing star in the piano world.” The “Armenia: An Open Wound” exhibition explores early Armenian civilization Johnes Ruta, Independent Curator of New and livelihoods in the Ottoman Empire and prepares viewers to gain deeper insight Haven’s Azoth Gallery, also commented, into the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Through survivor testimony and modern-day pur- “Kariné Poghosyan’s premier performance at suits for justice, the exhibition aims to empower visitors to take responsibility on Southern Connecticut State University on behalf of all those who have been, and continue to be affected by genocide. In addi- Saturday (April 30) brought elegance to the tion to honoring victims and commemorating the Armenian Genocide, this exhibition grand piano at Charles Garner Recital Hall. presents the unique contributions of Armenian Genocide survivors who settled in True to her immense talent and power-filled Mexico during the early 20th century, and the international Armenian diaspora com- style, dressed in a gorgeous white ball-gown, munity who have collectively grown to embody the concept of global citizenship. Poghosyan’s performances of each piece were The City of Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Department partnered with the inspired, creative, and visionary interpretations Armenian American Museum to present “Armenia: An Open Wound,” an exhibition of four works by Grieg, Liszt, Komitas Vardapet curated by the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia [Museum of Memory and Tolerance] and Stravinsky. The common thread of her in Mexico City. selections seems to reflect and visualize the The Brand Library & Art Center is located at 1601 West Mountain St. landscape of her own Armenian origins, some- Student groups, schools, and community organizations are encouraged to reserve how conveying to the mind’s eye the beautiful appointments for guided tours in advance to ensure the availability of a tour guide. topography and soul of mountains, hills, val- Armenian language tours are also available by request and must be coordinated by leys, plains and towns. In her selections from appointment. Email the Armenian American Museum for all requests [email protected]. Vardapet’s Six Dances for Piano, by this some- Tracy Rivest Keeney, left, and Mark Arslan what unfamiliar composer to the West, Kariné All guided tours are free and open to the public. portrays terrains of lyricism and sublime mys- tery.” particularly for genealogists. He also explained Poghosyan has been praised for her ability to how people can help expand the project. get to the heart of the works she performs. She Afterward, both Houshamadyan and Project made her orchestral debut at fourteen playing Save, one of the sponsoring organizations, had Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, and her booths were conference attendees shared their solo Carnegie Hall debut at 23, and has since own photographs, family trees and other mem- gone on to win numerous awards as well as per- ory items, as well as learn more about these two forming in some of the world’s most presti- important Armenian institutions. gious concert halls. Recently, she helped orga- Following lunch, Luc Baronian, a linguistics nize the “Requiem and Resurrection” concert professor at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, in commemoration of the 95th Anniversary of spoke of the importance of the books, periodi- the Armenian Genocide at the Saint Vartan cals and other information contained in the Armenian Cathedral in New York. During the records of the compatriotic unions. Using the 2014-15 season, Poghosyan made her examples of Gurin, Ourfa, Albustan and Washington D.C. debut, in addition to her Gesaria, Baronian detailed early census records, Toronto, Canada debut where she gave the hand-drawn maps, post-genocide lists of vil- Canadian premiere of Alan Hovhaness’s Piano lagers around the world and survivor memoirs Concerto Lousadzak. Other performance high- to highlight the richness of material for geneal- lights included solo recitals in Montgomery, ogists. New York, and Richmond, Virginia, as well as The final speakers for the day were Janet performing Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto Achoukian Andreopoulos and Stephen with the Greater Newburgh (NY) Symphony. Kurkjian. Andreopoulos supplied a brief expla- Poghosyan’s musical studies began in her nation of the different DNA tests and the com- native Yerevan, continuing at Romanos Davidian Mariamian Educational Foundation representatives, students, and parents visit- panies that offer them. Kurkjian and ing the exhibition Melikian College and the Komitas State Andreopoulos then told the story of how a DNA Conservatory. She got her doctorate from the test helped one woman identify her Armenian see PREMIERE, page 14 see GENEALOGY, page 15 14 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Original Manuscript of Armenian Genocide Whistleblower Discovered in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO — When a cousin of The Mugerditchian family lived in comfort Diana Hekimian’s in San Francisco men- and prestige in Diyarbekir, Turkey, until World tioned that she had found an old manuscript War I began and Alice, her mother and siblings in the basement of her apartment building were forced to flee. They attempted to stay alive two months ago, Hekimian didn’t know what in Kharpert (Harput) until finally deciding to to think. escape through the mountains of Dersim and Then she saw the manuscript. With its faded into Russian-controlled Erzincan. Thomas type, handwritten notes, and photographs Mugerditchian was still in Diyarbekir when he taped to the pages, “it looked like a very impor- wrote his report and later served as a diplomat tant document,” she said. So, she brought it to in Egypt. The family was finally reunited in the Armenian Film Foundation for help figur- California in 1921. ing out what it was. The Diyarbakir Massacres and the Kurdish Hekimian, a founding member of the Atrocities is significant because it was one of Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance and board the first written reports of violence committed member of the Armenian International against Armenian men, women and children in Women’s Association, had actually just stum- May 1914 leading up to the beginning of the bled upon an original copy of one of the earli- Armenian Genocide in 1915, said Carla est reports of the 1915 genocide in Garapedian, board member of the Armenian Armenia: The Diyarbekir Massacres and Film Foundation. The acts of violence and per- Kurdish Atrocities. It was written by British secution against innocent civilians that Pro-Consul Thomas Mugerditchian and pub- Mugerditchian describes provide clues that a lished in 1919. genocide was about to begin. Carla Garapedian, left, shows the Mugerditchian manuscript to USC Shoah Foundation writer Robin People all over the world can get a personal “You don’t suddenly attack a population,” Migdol, center, and Diana Hekimian glimpse into Mugerditchian’s life through the Garapedian said. testimony of his daughter, Alice Mugerditchian Mugerditchian’s report is based on his own Shipley, which is integrated into the Visual personal observations as well as accounts from dered civilians. In 1983, Shipley wrote her own memoir, We History Archive as part of the University of four other witnesses. Mugerditchian compiled his report, made Walked, Then Ran, about her family’s story of Southern California (USC) Shoah Foundation’s The book’s content is truly harrowing. four carbon copies (one of which is Hekimian’s) survival. Hagopian interviewed her for his col- Armenian Genocide testimony collection. The Mugerditchian describes babies being thrown and sent it to the US State Department. It was lection of Armenian Genocide survivor and wit- testimony was originally filmed by documentar- off bridges, entire village populations published in 1919. In 2013, it was translated to ness testimonies in 1985. ian J. Michael Hagopian and collected by the marched off into the desert and massacred, English from the original Armenian; it can be Hekimian hopes to donate the manuscript to Armenian Film Foundation. and rivers flowing red with blood from mur- purchased on Amazon. an Armenian cultural institution or museum. Pianist Kariné Poghosyan In Premier Performance At Recipe Southern Connecticut University PREMIERE, from page 13 She is currently based in New York where Manhattan School of Music under Arkady she teaches at Manhattan School of Music. Aronov, completing her D.M.A. in a record- She will be performing her “Folk Corner breaking two years with a thesis on Aram Inspirations” program featuring the music of Khachaturian’s works for piano. Grieg, Liszt, Komitas Vardapet and Her CD, “Khachaturian Original Piano Stravinsky on Sunday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at by Christine Vartanian Datian Works and Ballet Transcriptions,” was New York City’s DiMenna Center (located at released in April 2015 on the NAXOS label to 450 West 37th Street). rave reviews. Most recently, Poghosyan was This program will be given as part of the Summer Turkey Salad with Lemon interviewed by radio host David Osenberg Project 142 Concert Series. For information and heard on his award-winning program visit www.project142.org. Dressing “Cadenza” aired and webcast on WWFM.

INGREDIENTS 4 cups fresh turkey breast, diced 4-6 cups mixed greens, spinach, endive, Bibb or Romaine lettuce, washed, torn roughly FRIENDS OF ARMENIAN CULTURE SOCIETY 2 large stalks celery and tops, finely chopped 1 medium red or green apple, peeled and diced 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans 1/2 small red onion, diced finely 1/2 medium red or yellow bell pepper, diced finely 1/2 cup scallions or green onions, chopped 1/4 cup parsley, minced 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries 1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried sage (to taste) 1/2 teaspoon Kosher or sea salt 1/4 teaspoon black or white pepper Paprika Roasted red peppers, fresh sliced beets, sliced avocado and red grapes as garnish

Lemon Dressing INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups plain white or Greek yoghurt Juice of one large lemon 2 tablespoons buttermilk or milk 2 tablespoons tahini 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1 large garlic clove, mashed 1/2 teaspoon each lemon zest, minced parsley and celery salt Olive oil Edvard Pogossian PREPARATION: Mix all dressing ingredients in a blender until smooth about 1-2 hours before serving; cover and refrigerate. Boston PopsCELLO Orchestra Assemble salad ingredients in a bowl and toss with some of the dressing. Serve salad Keith Lockhart open-faced on your favorite toasted sourdough, rye, ciabatta, hard rolls or pita bread. Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with roasted red peppers, sliced beets, sliced avocado, and red grapes. Serve extra dressing on the side, if desired. CONDUCTOR (Add more olive oil or lemon juice if dressing is too thick) Serves 4. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016 AT 8 PM *Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee, Sunset and Cooking Light SYMPHONY HALL, BOSTON Magazines, and at http://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/ *For Christine's recipes that have been published in Sunset and Cooking Light Magazines, go to: http://www.myrecipes.com/search/site/Datian FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION, Thank you. PLEASE VISIT: WWW.FACSBOSTON.ORG S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING

Armenian Genocide Reparations Study Group, Author: Stories Can McCalpin gave an insightful and firm address on the importance of reparations to the process of Raise Awareness of healing. “You can’t repair something that you’ve never The Armenian acknowledged,” McCalpin said. “And part of the problem with denial is that it gives the power to the denier to essentially say ‘this thing never hap- Genocide pened.’ We have to wrestle that power away to say not only did the genocide occur, but those who have suffered continue to suffer.” By Josh Rizkalla The night began with a prayer by the Rev. Aved Terzian of Worcester’s Church of Our Savior, fol- lowed by a welcoming by Worcester State Provost WORCESTER (WSU News) — Author Chris Lois Wims. Bohjalian recently spoke to a supportive crowd in In a proclamation dedicating the event, commemoration of the 101st anniversary of the Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty touched on the From left, WSU’s Henry Theriault, George Aghjayan, WSU President Barry Maloney, WSU Provost Armenian Genocide at Worcester State Lois Wims, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, the Very Rev. Sahag Yemishyan, Rev. Aved Terzian, need to “stay awake and vigilant” to the dangers University. His passionate remarks made it clear Jermaine McCalpin, Patricia Marshall and Chris Bohjalian of history repeating itself. He also offered praise that a century later, Armenian descendants still to the guests for speaking with truth and justice feel the pain and frustration of Turkey’s refusal to in mind before awarding them both a key to the acknowledge the event. his novels. His 2012 New York Times bestseller, ately and powerfully than ever before,” Bohjalian city. The Very Rev. Sahag Yemishyan of Holy Bohjalian described the resounding impact of The Sandcastle Girls, follows a granddaughter said. Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Worcester his travels through western Armenia while show- learning more about her heritage through the By remembering the past, Bohjalian hopes to led the closing prayer. ing the desperate state of once revered churches, love story of her grandparents following the find a brighter tomorrow to honor the estimated Event organizer, WSU Professor of Philosophy which now stand as forgotten relics. A 1,000-year- Genocide. After a failed attempt to get a 1.5 million people who died during the Genocide. Henry Theriault, PhD, was pleased with the event old church on Akhtamar Island in Turkey sits van- manuscript about the genocide published, suc- Referring to 1915 and 2016, Bohjalian said “all and what it meant to the community. dalized and riddled with bullet holes after being cess came when he realized he did not need to of us must live with one foot in both years.” “Chris Bohjalian and Jermaine McCalpin com- used as a shooting range during World War II. write for Armenians, but “for my fans who could “The fact is, we are still here, we are alive; bined for a truly landmark event. Each gave cut- In spite of the challenges the sovereign state not find Armenia on a map.” Turkey failed,” he added. ting-edge speeches that together set an impor- faces, Bohjalian encouraged the crowd by describ- He continued to stress the importance of shar- Also speaking at the event was Dr. Jermaine tant agenda regarding the Armenian Genocide in ing meetings with bright students at rural schools ing these stories as a way to make the injustice McCalpin, who is praised as a leader in the dis- the post-centennial era,” he said. “Worcester that “are facilities that we would be proud to have known. cussion on reparations for Armenia as a means State has demonstrated once more in a pro- any of our own children attend.” “While so many of our ancestors’ voices were for justice. A professor at the University of the foundly meaningful way the depth of its commit- The author shares the Armenian experience in still, the descendants are speaking more passion- West Indies in Jamaica and a member of the ment as a public university to its own students and the broader community. “This surely means a tremendous amount to Armenian students at Worcester State and Armenians from Central Massachusetts and beyond,” Theriault added. “On a personal note, I am truly proud of my university and the signifi- cant role it is playing in an issue of global concern and with great geopolitical consequence.” The remarks “not only provided new ways of thinking about the future of Armenians and other groups victimized by mass violence, but both [speakers] emphasized that the route to that better future requires going through the past to address the outstanding harms of the mass vio- lence,” he said. In addition to being sponsored by several Worcester State groups, the event also was spon- sored by the Armenian Church of Our Savior, Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian Church of the Martyrs, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian National Committee of Central Massachusetts, and the Knights of Vartan, Ashavir Lodge No. 2.

Hundreds Attend Genealogy Conference in Watertown

GENEALOGY, from page 13 father. Andreopoulos walked the audience through step-by-step the process and methods she used to unearth the previously unknown father. The final two hours on Saturday were devoted to networking and actual research. More than 12 vol- unteers from nearby Family History Centers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped attendees with their own family research. In addi- tion, the village origins of conference attendees was divided into 12 regions and throughout the day photographs were taken of attendees with origins from each of the regions. DNA kits from Family Tree DNA were also made available at a discount. The day-long program was video-taped by Roger Hagopian, well-known local filmmaker (“Destination Watertown: The Armenians of Hood Rubber” and “Memories of Marash”). The videos are available through the NAASR youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdRrck- rS7HnGUf-ec6nX_g5g6QXISfIJ). A slide-show of photographs taken by Ken Martin is also available on-line (http://westernarmenia.weebly.com/arme- nian-genealogy-conference-2016.html). On Sunday, co-sponsors Project Save, the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) and the Armenian Museum of America (AMA) opened their doors to conference participants to learn more about their missions, extensive collections and the way they can be used by genealogists. Hamazkayin Boston and the Tekeyan Cultural Association also sponsored the conference. Given the tremendous success of the program, future conferences are currently being planned for other locations. 16 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

“One-time” numbers will be sold on the night of dinner; MASSACHUSETTS special offer: purchase five “one-time” numbers for $20, save $5. For further info, contact the Holy Trinity Church MAY 14 — Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston con- office, 617.354.0632. tinues its 30th anniversary celebrations with a night MAY 27 — 65th Annual Armenian Night at the Pops, of song and dance with beloved singer Arabo Ispiryan, Featuring Boston Pops Orchestra, Keith Lockhart, direct from Armenia. Don’t miss out on this night of pure Conductor; presenting Edvard Poghossian, cello. Armenian entertainment. Come and celebrate with us as Presented by Friends of Armenian Culture Society. we sing and dance all night with Arabo. Generous appe- Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave., Boston. For tickets and tizers (mezze) will be provided. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. information, visit facsboston.org To be held at St. James Armenian Church, Charles JUNE 20 — The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, 465 Mt, Auburn Tournament sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian Church Street, Watertown. Tickets are available by calling Apo at of Greater Boston at the Marlborough Country Club, 339-222-2410 or Hagop at 617-780-6295. VIP table seat- Marlborough; Monday, 9:30 a.m., registration; 11 a.m., ing at $100/person (includes 1 free drink/person and a “Shot Gun.” Join us for a day of golf, as a sponsor or just bottle of champagne for the table); Premium table seat- for dinner. Details to follow. For further information, ing at $75/person (includes a bottle of champagne for contact the Church Office, 617.354.0632, or the table); General seating: $65. Please reserve your tick- On May 14 at 7:30 p.m, the Sayat email [email protected]. ets early. Nova Dance Company of Boston will SEPTEMBER 10 — Sayat Nova Dance Company of MAY 14 – Presentation and Illustrated Talk by Dr. present an evening of song and dance Boston 30th anniversary gala. Hagop Martin Deranian on the life and legacy of with singer Arabo Ispiryan of SEPTEMBER 18 — Sunday Afternoon at the Park. For Armenian American pioneer and philanthropist Hagop Armenia, at St. James Armenian families and friends. Armenian Heritage Park on the Bogigian. Remarks by Drs. Barbara Merguerian & Robert Church’s Charles Mosesian Cultural and Greenway. Boston. 2-4 p.m. All are invited. Mirak. Saturday at 4 p.m. Organized by Armenian SEPTEMBER 30 — OCTOBER 2 — 25th Anniversary Cultural Foundation with co-sponsors National Youth Center, 465 Mount Auburn St., Celebration. Armenian International Women’s Association for Armenian Studies and Research, Watertown. For tickets, call apo at Association. Charles Hotel, Cambridge. Armenian International Women’s Association and 339-222-2410. OCTOBER 22 — Armenian Friends of America presents Amaras Art Alliance. 441 Mystic Street (Route 3), Hye Kef 5, a 5-hour dance, 7 p.m. to midnight with buf- Arlington, MA Reception and book signing to follow the fet; Andover Windham, 123 Old River Road, featuring event. musicians Onnik and Ara Dinkjian, Johnny Berberian, Mal MAY 15 — The Armenian Museum of America is host- Barsamian, Jason Naroian and Paul Mooradian, with pro- ing the opening reception for a new exhibition: “The historical interpreter Patricia Perry. Following the pro- ceeds benefiting area churches. Advance tickets before Spectrum of a Legacy” featuring artwork by Ani Babian gram, there will be an afternoon tea, refreshments and Sept. 1 @ $55, call either John Arzigian, (603) 560-3826; at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at a reception raffle prizes. First Baptist Church, Gordon Hall 111 Park Sharke Der Apkarian, (978) 808-0598; Lucy Sirmaian, following the opening. This exhibition opening is free Ave. Worcester. Parking and entrance in rear of Church. (978) 683-9121, or Peter Gulezian, (978) 375-1616. and open to the public. Watertown Square. Tickets are $20. Checks made out to Daughters of NOVEMBER 15 — Thank You Reception for All May 15 — Annual Meeting & Program, Armenian Vartan. Mail reservations to Elizabeth Orsi 128 W Supporters of Armenian Heritage Park. Armenian International Women’s Association. Presentation by Millbury St. Sutton Ma. 01590 or call 508-865-9432 Cultural and Educational Center. Watertown. 7:30 p.m. Anaide Nahikian, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, “The email [email protected] by Wed. May 18. Please During the evening, supporters will receive the Armenian Challenges and Opportunities of Humanitarian Efforts in include name(s) on check. Heritage Park Commemorative Book, which will acknowl- the Face of International Conflict.” 2 p.m. Business MAY 21 — Book Tour Schedule for Armenians of the edge all supporters in the category of giving that com- Session; 3:30 p.m. Program; 4:15 p.m. Reception. Open Merrimack Valley. Authors E. Philip Brown and Tom bines all their contributions since the campaign’s incep- to the public. Armenian Cultural Foundation, Arlington. Vartabedian are embarking on a presentation tour and tion. Deadline for first time supporters and for support- Info: 617-926-0171; [email protected]. book signing of their new book. Vermette’s Market, 6 ers to increase their contribution is September 22. MAY 18 — Chefs Party for Our Park! Benefit for Pond St., Amesbury, 10-2, book-signing only Contributors are tax-deductible as allowed by law. All Armenian Heritage Park’s Ongoing Care Royal Sonesta MAY 22 — Sunday, 2 p.m., the Armenian Museum of supporters are invited. Hotel Boston, Cambridge. Celebrate with Boston’s Top America (ALMA) and the Composer’s Union of Armenia NOVEMBER 19 — Armenian Women’s Welfare Chefs, presenting signature dishes inspired by parents, are proud to present a concert: Anmorats Yerker- Association will hold its 40th annual luncheon/auc- grandparents or mentors for you to taste while you mix, Unforgettable Songs. The concert, dedicated to the tion. Oakley Country Club, 410 Belmont St., Watertown. mingle and support a great cause. Advance Reservations 90th anniversary of composers Alexander Ajemyan and Details to follow. only. To be acknowledged in the Evening Thank You, Khachatur Avetisyan, will feature the voices of Nouné DECEMBER 18 — Candlelit Labyrinth Peace Walk, please respond by May 6. To receive an invitation, please Karapetian, Michael Calmés, Knarik Nerkararian, and Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway, Boston. 5-6:30 email your name and email address to Garo Nichanian, accompanied by Nuné Hakobyan on p.m. All are invited. [email protected] piano. Maestro Konstantin Petrossian will serve as Music MAY 20-21 — Armenian Memorial Church Annual Fair Director for the concert. Light refreshments will be (rain or shine) On Friday evening, May 20, from 5 pm to served at a reception following the opening. This event is NEW YORK 8 pm, the Church will be serving its delicious kebab din- free and open to the public. The concert is made possi- JUNE 4-5 — Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Mher ners and selling exquisite desserts. The entire fair will be ble by a contribution from the Dadourian Foundation. Megerdchian Theatrical Group presents the AGBU open on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Meals MAY 26 — Annual Spring Dinner and Drawing spon- Satamian Theater Group from LA, in “Funny will be served all day starting at 11:30 am. Features sored by the Friends of Holy Trinity 1000 Club, 6:30 Money,” (in Western Armenian). Written by Ray Cooney. include an Armenian delicacies table, a variety of vendors p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Holy Translated and Directed by Krikor Satamian. Saturday, and sale of household merchandise at bargain prices. At Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. June 4th, at 8pm and Sunday, June 5th at 4pm at Oradell the Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Ave, Open to all. You don’t have to be a member of the 1000 Elementary School, 350 Propect Avenue Oradell, NJ Watertown. For more information, call (617)-923-0498 Club to join us for a losh kebab and pilaf dinner, $9.99 07649. Tickets: $35 & $50. For tickets please call: Marie MAY 21 — Saturday 1:30 p.m. Daughters of Vartan per person; tickets on sale at the door. Regular monthly Zokian (201) 745-8850, Talar Sesetyan Sarafian 201-240- will present “The Great American Songbook” with raffle drawing at 8 p.m. plus 5 additional cash prizes. 8541, or Missak Boghosian 212-819-0097.

Ararat-Eskijian Museum to Present ‘The Cut’ Followed By Conversation with Screenwriter

MISSION HILLS, Calif. — The Martin, the film provides a vivid por- New York,” among many others. In his “Most Fascinating Women” and syndi- Ararat-Eskijian Museum presents the trayal of the Armenian Genocide latest and most personal collaboration, cated “Extra,” along with videos that award-winning movie “The Cut,” fol- through the heart-wrenching saga of “The Cut,” he says, ”We tried to tell have earned multiple Telly and other lowed by a conversation with screen- one family. It highlights the continu- the truth and that is all it is.” Martin awards. Ani was an anchor at Horizon writer Mardik Martin, moderated by ing struggle to regain lost hope in the is also a professor at USC’s School of Armenian Television for a decade. She independent producer Ani face of overwhelming destruction. Cinematic Arts. From Baghdad to recently returned from Historic Hovannisian, on Sunday, May 15, at 3 Martin, a close friend and colleague New York to Hollywood, Martin’s trek Armenia with footage and stories to be p.m., at the Sheen Chapel, 15105 of Martin Scorsese, is among the most has been legendary. featured in her upcoming documen- Mission Hills Road. accomplished screenwriters in Ani Hovannisian has produced sto- tary film, “The Hidden Map.” Directed and written by acclaimed American film history. He is hailed for ries for many television shows, includ- The event is dedicated in honor of Turkish director Fatih Akin with his work in classics including “Raging ing FOX’s “Medical Miracles” specials, Onnik K. Kouyoumdjian, a patron of Mardik Martin Armenian screenwriter Mardik Bull,” “Mean Streets” and “New York, TLC’s “How’d They Do That?,” CBS’s the museum. S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror A Hero of Our Time

member of the pro-Kurdish HDP Party, to which Paylan belongs, Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian shouted, “You don’t belong in these lands. You have usurped and destroyed the civilizations of the Greeks, Armenians and Assyrians. You may kill me but I have to tell the truth.” The title of this column is borrowed from Russian writer What they could not do on April 24, they did on May 2, with Mikhail Lermontov’s novel, which takes place in the Caucasus. gusto. The scene had to be captioned: “Turkish democracy in However, the hero of our time, Garo Paylan, has nothing in com- action.” EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 mon with Lermontov’s protagonist, Pechorin, who is a self-doubt- The fight broke out in a parliamentary committee approving a An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication ing Byronic figure. draft legislation to lift the immunity of the HDP parliamentarians. Incidentally, many Russian writers have been fascinated by the In addition to the caption under the brawl in the parliament, it is Caucasus, if not necessarily by the people living there. In addition worth adding the State Department comment to highlight the to Lermontov, Leo Tolstoy’s novel, Haji Murad, is about absurdity and irony of US policy. According to the US State Department spokesman John Kirby: “well, again, as a parliamen- EDITOR Chechnya. But more notorious is Alexander Pushkin’s character- Alin K. Gregorian ization of the Armenians in his Erzurum memoirs, predating tary democracy, Turkey has well established democratic proce- Admiral Mark Bristol, stationed in Istanbul as US High dures in place that will determine who has immunity and what cir- ASSISTANT EDITOR Commissioner, undoing in his reports what US Ambassador to cumstances that can be lifted and how it is going to be — how it’s Aram Arkun the Ottoman Empire Henry Morgenthau had been documenting going to be lifted.” After German Chancellor Angela Merkel kowtowed to Erdogan, ART DIRECTOR about the Armenian Genocide. Marc Mgrditchian Now, out of the blue, an Armenian hero has emerged in Turkey, bribing him with six billion euros to take back Syrian refugees in many ways contradicting the typical Istanbul Armenian, who and resume accession negotiations with the European Union, it through brutal experience has learned to be extremely cautious seems it is now Foggy Bottom’s turn to bow before the Turkish and conservative in word and deed. For Istanbul Armenians, for tyrants. example, traditional Armenian political parties are toxic entities The attack on Paylan was a burst of ethnic hatred. SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: and they refuse to go near them. “It is crystal clear that they were targeting me,” said Paylan Edmond Y. Azadian Following the experience of the Genocide, their characters have after the brawl. “Many MPs attacked me in a planned manner. I been shaped by Kemalist rule, during which history textbooks was targeted and got kicked and punched around 100 times in 20- CONTRIBUTORS: spewed venom against Armenians. That character has also sur- 30 seconds. Afterwards, they spoke racist words and hate speech Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun vived the punitive Wealth Tax period, the September 6 pogroms against me. At this point, we can talk about the fact that I am Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana and constant police surveillance. Therefore, to survive or to live Armenian, because the speeches are hate speeches directly relat- Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, more comfortably, they have to sidestep their ethnic identity. ed to my Armenian identity. What they can’t digest is this: A per- Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, son of Armenian identity reveals their lies and stands upright. Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian Garo Paylan shatters that mold as journalist Hrant Dink did before him, at his own peril. Ever since entering the Turkish par- They want to see Armenians obeying them. I, as an Armenian, CORRESPONDENTS: liament as part of the HDP party, Paylan has waged an unrelent- putting up a fight for rights, have been targeted and subjected to Armenia - Hagop Avedikian ing battle for human rights and Armenian rights. To be fair, all a lynching attempt.” Boston - Nancy Kalajian three ethnic Armenian members of Parliament, in the ranks of dif- Garo Paylan, Selahattin Demirtas and the entire HDP Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian ferent political parties, have been uncompromising on Armenian Parliamentary faction symbolize the hurdle to Erdogan’s brutal Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach issues. march towards absolute power. Therefore, he has been engaged in a two-pronged battle; the first one is a campaign of atrocious pro- Contributing Photographers: One of Paylan’s battles was about the seizure of St. Giragos Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian Armenian Church in the city of Sur, in Diyarbakir. He asked the portions against the Kurdish population, through mass murder prime minister the reason and mass resettlement. for the “immediate expro- The other dimension of priation” of a total of his policy is legislative The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published “6,300 pieces of property.” action to deny parliamen- weekly, except two weeks in July and the first He also requested clarifica- tary immunity for any leg- week of the year, by: tion as to “whether the islator who is deemed to Baikar Association, Inc. decision to expropriate have defied his authority. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 them affects the On May 9, Amberin Telephone: 617-924-4420 Armenian, Assyrian and Zaman, a respected jour- FAX: 617-924-2887 Chaldean Churches.” nalist in the West, wrote, www.mirrorspectator.com The reasons behind this “In recent months, E-Mail: [email protected] inquiry were many. In a Washington has been For advertising: [email protected] very short period, St. bending over backwards Giragos, after its renova- to accommodate Turkey. tion, had become an attrac- … Washington has said lit- tive and inspirational sym- tle if anything about the bol for hidden Armenians gross human rights viola- in Turkey, who began to tions opposition lawmak- SUBSCRIPTION RATES : reclaim their roots. But in ers insist were committed the broader picture, the by Turkish security forces government seems to enter- as they flush out PKK U.S.A. $80 a year tain a secret plan of resettlement. As Diyarbakir has become a militants embedded in neighborhoods in the mainly Kurdish hotbed of Kurdish activism, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has towns and cities in southeast Turkey.” Canada $125 a year launched a wholesale war of extermination and resettlement. Many This carnage repeats the scenario of Rwanda where genocide Other Countries $190 a year Syrian refugees have been brought to the area. was being perpetrated and President Clinton looked the other Prominent Turkish historian Taner Akçam is quoted in the New way, only to apologize to the victims’ families in Kigali after he York Times as stating, “Solving ethnic and religious strife through was out of office. It looks like Mr. Obama will be on the same trail demographic engineering is a policy of the Turkish government of political expediency. © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator that goes back well over a century. The latest developments in On his way to absolute power, Mr. Erdogan ousted even his Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Sur need to be viewed through this framework.” staunchest ally, Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu. Referring to and additional mailing offices. Also, Erdogan seems to have learned Lenin’s strategy in that political maneuver, Metin Guncan writers: “There was also ISSN 0004-234X reverse; one step forward and two steps backwards. After return- the resignation of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who Mustafa ing some of the confiscated properties to the Armenian commu- Akyol describes as ending up being a ‘slight nuisance’ for nity to gain kudos from the European Union, suddenly the policy Erdogan’s bid for absolute power.” Akyol writes, “The only way POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The has been reversed to confiscate other properties. Davutoglu ‘betrayed’ Erdogan was that he tried to be relatively Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 The next episode in Paylan’s crusade took place in the Turkish moderate and less authoritarian.” Incidentally, Davutoglu was the architect of Ankara’s Syria pol- Other than the editorial, views and opinions Parliament on April 21, where he waved pictures of 15 Armenian expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily members of the Ottoman Parliament who were murdered in 1915. icy, which has become an absolute debacle. reflect the policies of the publisher. And then, he asked the government to retrieve their remains and Now that the next prime minister designate has become give them proper burials, befitting their status. Erdogan’s son-in-law, Berat Albayrak, the stage is set for a dynas- While this act of defiance was taking place in full view of the tic sultanate. cameras, the vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate, Bishop Aram The next stage of Erdogan’s march to power is the reshaping of Atesian, was peevishly reading Erdogan’s duplicitous statement at the parliament, which will lift the immunity of the opposition Copying for other than personal use or the church about “our common pain,” reaffirming the official pol- members to put them in jails and take over the vacated seats by internal reference is prohibited without icy of the government that if Armenians were killed during World his own party members. Eyyup Doru, the HDP representative in express permission of the copyright War I, Turkey also suffered, therefore we are quits, as if Europe, warned that this move could lead to a civil war. The move owner. Address requests for reprints or Armenians were responsible for the casualties of war. will deny the representation of Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, back issues to: The last spectacle took place on May 2, in the Parliament again, Yazidis, Alevis and other Christians in the parliament — a repre- when Paylan was attacked by AKP party members. The scene was sentation which was hailed in the EU as Turkey’s “democratic Baikar Association, Inc. awful. Erdogan’s partisans, dressed in suits and ties, emerged out progress.” 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- of their chairs like wild animals to attack Paylan, while another see HERO, page 18 1509 18 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

woman, or someone who just doesn’t agree with what is hap- infamous article 301, which claims to protect “Turkishness” pening in the country. If you happen to tick more than one even though nobody knows what exactly that means, has re- Elif Shafak: box, life is even harder. The list goes on and on. Diversity has emerged. been stifled. Freedom of speech has been abandoned. An There are three major dangers: an absolutist monopoly of “ideology of sameness” dominates the land. That ideology is power; the total collapse of the Turkish-Kurdish peace pro- shaped by Turkish nationalism, Islamism and authoritarian- cess; and the loss of secularism. Recently the parliamentary It Is Hard to ism blended with machismo and patriarchy. The tension in speaker, Ismail Kahraman, came up with a horrifying propo- politics penetrates all aspects of daily life. sition: “Secularism shouldn’t take place in the new consti- Turkey is no longer simply politically polarised. It is now tution.” Secularism was the one principle that separated bitterly divided into two planets: those who support and will Turkey from other parts of the Middle East. It made the Be an continue to support the president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, country relatively more liberal, more open, more diverse. no matter what; and those who are, for a variety of reasons, And the recent talk by some AKP members about develop- against him. The president, who is theoretically above polit- ing a religious constitution is alarming — particularly for ical parties and strictly neutral, is in truth, anything but. women, who need to uphold secularism more loudly and Erdogan is the most divisive politician in Turkey’s modern wholeheartedly than men because they have more to lose in Armenian in political history. an Islamic fundamentalist regime. Befittingly, Bayan Yani, a A full, unconditional obedience to the leader is expected humour magazine produced by an all-female staff, and from AKP members. There isn’t even the slightest trace of whose title means “the seat next to a woman on public trans- inner-party democracy. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s portation,” drew a cartoon of a Turkish Marianne leading Turkey announcement surprised everyone. He said his resignation the people with the caption: “Long live secularism!” was not a choice, but rather “a necessity.” It is no secret that Hikmet Çetinkaya and Ceyda Karan, two veteran journal- his successor will be someone fully approved and controlled ists from the daily Cumhuriyet — one of the last remaining by Erdogan, who will even further consolidate his power. alternative voices in the media — have been sentenced to Eventually, Erdogan wants to change Turkey into a presi- two years in prison for reprinting Charlie Hebdo cartoons. By Elif Shafak dential regime with a monopoly of power. During their trial Islamist slogans were chanted in the court- What little opposition exists is fragmented, scattered, and room. The sentence profoundly shocked Turkey’s Amid the political turmoil in Turkey this week, culminat- demoralised. Since the Gezi Park riots three years ago, peo- democrats. Today, in Reporters Without Borders’ world ing in the prime minister’s announcement that he’ll stand ple have been increasingly and systematically intimidated. press freedom index, Turkey ranks 151st of 180 countries. down within days, it was Oscar Wilde who became the sub- On average, every four days someone is being sued in In the past we had a solid tradition of black humour. ject of a heated debate in the Turkish parliament. A member Turkey for insulting Erdogan — almost 2,000 people since he Politics was always rough, but it was OK for the people to of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) said he became president. Among them are artists, journalists, car- laugh at politicians. Not any more. Recent research shows wanted to quote a line from Wilde. A deputy from the rul- toonists, academics, even students for Facebook comments. that only half of Turkey’s people think it OK to criticise the ing AKP party objected to the idea of citing someone who Over the years, as Turkey’s media has been curbed, social government publicly. When Angela Merkel allows German was neither Muslim nor Turkish. “Do you not have any media has become more politicised. Now that too is heavily comedians to be sued by Erdogan, it is a clear message to examples from this culture, this civilisation?” Yet another monitored. Turkey tops the countries demanding content Turkey’s democrats: “You are all alone.” AKP member confused the Irish author with the Oscars, to removal from Twitter. So what happened to the Turkish model we used to be so which a female HDP deputy, Burcu Özkan protested: “It’s Everything is shifting in Turkey — and very fast. We Turks hopeful about? That unique blend of western democracy, Oscar Wilde. He is not an award, he is a man!” live with a feeling of “what now?,” knowing that every day secularism and majority-Muslim culture and pluralistic soci- When they are not debating Wilde, MPs are busy exchang- something new happens. As the country slides backwards, ety is today empty rhetoric. Even the EU, to which we Turks ing blows. During a discussion to strip them of their immu- what we have in our hands is not a democracy but a crude once so aspired, has turned into a political game. nity — a deliberate amendment that might lead to the trial form of majoritarianism. The central components of democ- However, Turkey has millions of beautiful people who – and incarceration of Kurdish MPs — Garo Paylan, an racy — such as separation of powers, rule of law, freedom of though deeply depressed, demoralised and lonely — are glob- Armenian deputy, was kicked, punched and subjected to speech — are all but broken. ally connected and ahead of their government. And that hate speech by several AKP members. Paylan said: “What Murat Belge, a well-known academic and columnist, was quote in parliament which fell on deaf ears? It was about the they can’t digest is this: a person of Armenian identity put on trial for insulting the president. Academics who vulgarity of power. reveals their lies and stands upright.” signed a peace petition criticising the government’s actions It is hard to be an Armenian in Turkey. Or a Kurd, or in southeast Anatolia have been slated in pro-government (Elif Shafak is the author of 14 books. This column orig- an Alevi, or gay, or a conscientious objector, or a Jew, or a media. Some have lost their jobs. Four were imprisoned. The inally appeared in the Guardian newspaper.)

Recognize the Genocide that Happened — and the One Now Beginning

ers — march up to the Eternal Flame of 1915 hell-bent design developed over the years to bic rhetoric domestically and in foreign By Raffi K. Hovannisian and lay flowers every April 24. wipe out not only Karabagh but Armenia in affairs, but it would help along the way if the But even Yerevan, this year, was a difficult toto, renders a negotiated settlement no Republic of Armenia itself, naturally among place to be on April 24. Because the minds of longer possible, and it is imperatively time for the first to recognize, put its own democratic I no longer know what to do on April 24 — Armenians were elsewhere. They were drift- the international community to take a stance house in order, rooting out the corruption of or where to go. This is the day Armenians ing a couple hundred miles southeast — in equivalent application of international law its own authorities, systemic fraud and falsi- across the globe commemorate the genocide where, even as we commemorated the victims and, yes, in pursuit of guaranteeing strategic fication, stolen elections and political prison- in 1915 that destroyed the Armenian people of the Armenian Genocide, the groundworks security interests. ers. and its homeland of thousands of years. of a new genocide against us were being laid. The United States, Europe and their part- This is a complicated issue indeed; let us Those killing fields, the homes of my grand- A lot has been written about Nagorno ners to the east and south must officially rec- not pretend otherwise. But on the verge of a parents, are located in historic western (Mountainous) Karabagh, or Artsakh; people ognize the Mountainous Karabagh Republic new genocide this April, let us also not mince Armenia — now eastern Turkey. But a centu- have different opinions of it. But the simplest within its constitutional frontiers. It is no words and find pretext for inaction. ry later, this very region has erupted in all-out and most irrefutable narrative is this: For as less deserving of recognition, under the 1933 Armenians living peacefully in war. Turkish forces are on the offensive again, long as we know, since the ancient Armenian Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Mountainous Karabagh were murdered this this time, Armenians having been eliminated, kingdoms, Mountainous Karabagh has been Duties of States, than Kosovo, East Timor, April. They will be murdered again. Do you against an empowered Kurdish majority. For an Armenian cultural cradle. Even when Josef Eritrea or South Sudan. recognize a genocide when you see it? an Armenian, it is a difficult place to travel to Stalin and his Bolshevik entourage, in order It gives no consolation that Azerbaijan is a on April 24 — to assert our memory amid the to placate nationalist Turkey, unilaterally blatant clan-based dictatorship or that official (The op-ed was published in Foreign Policy bombshells and havoc of another people’s transferred these lands from Soviet Armenia Ankara is in the throes of realizing xenopho- Journal on May 6, 2016.) national struggle. and subjected them as an autonomous In Washington earlier this April, I was tak- region to Soviet Azerbaijani rule in 1923, ing several meetings with the Department of Mountainous Karabagh — unlike State and at other offices. As it is known, offi- Nakhichevan to its west — managed to keep cial Turkey still denies that genocide was ever its majority Armenian population. A Hero of Our Time committed. And it expects its “strategic part- As the USSR collapsed and the people of ners,” such as the United States, not to call it Artsakh voted by lawful referendum to HERO, from page ?17 by that name. declare their own independence from “The plenary session will handle the issue on the 16th of June. If passed, 46 (out of 59) In the past week, respected national news- Azerbaijan, Baku in turn unleashed all-out HDP deputies will lose their immunity and will be imprisoned. If this happens, the already papers shamefully published Turkish ads war — and lost. As sovereign Armenia’s for- intense conflict in the Kurdish region of Turkey will further escalate into a civil war that denying the Armenian Genocide. Denialist eign minister, I helped launch the peace pro- will cause the displacement of millions,” Doru warned. billboards went up, too. And in his address cess in Helsinki in March 1992. Erdogan has extended the concept of terrorism to include academics, journalists, inde- this April, President Obama called the events Twenty years later, this April, Turkey-allied pendent statesmen, in short, whoever opposes his ascendance to the throne of the sultan. of 1915 everything but “genocide.” You can Azerbaijan launched its largest campaign of In an obvious violation of its own values, the US Administration is buying Erdogan’s see why Washington, too, is also a difficult racist aggression since the Russian-brokered version of “terrorists” and depending on “Turkey’s own democratic procedures” to see place to be on April 24. ceasefire that had been signed in 1994 the purges carried out in Ankara. So I decided to return to Yerevan, Armenia, among Azerbaijan, Mountainous Karabagh, The West created a monster and now is forced to play by its brutal rules. for April 24. To be clear this is modern-day and Armenia. For four days, Azerbaijan’s Paylan, Demirtas and their colleagues are ready to face punitive measures. That is the Armenia — just a sliver of the great homeland drones and helicopters bombed peaceful price they are willing to pay for their beliefs. It may sound ironic that after being openly which survived 1915, was absorbed into the Christian Armenian civilians. Soldier and vil- attacked in the parliament, jail could be a safer place for Paylan. Had Hrant Dink been Soviet Union, and eventually declared inde- lager alike were taken captive and, ISIS-style, jailed, perhaps he would be alive today. pendence in 1991. This is the Armenia, whose beheaded alive in such inhumanity that even Garo will stand tall in prison and out of prison like Nelson Mandela did. foreign minister I was and whose flag I raised transcends the definition of a war crime. He will stand tall for the 15 Armenian parliamentarians in the Ottoman era. He will at the United Nations. Here millions of From Stepanakert, the capital of stand tall for all the dead and the living because he truly is the hero of our time. Armenians and their guests — this year Mountainous Karabagh, I can now report the George Clooney, Charles Aznavour, and oth- following. Azerbaijan’s belligerent conduct, a S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

leaders and MPs were made powerless, and their claims to lengthy and courageous remarks, Paylan was repeatedly solve issues through democratic processes became redun- interrupted by taunts and threats from AKP MPs. dant, the Armenian and Assyrian peoples suffered great mas- On May 2nd, as a parliamentary committee met to strip sacres by decree and were evicted from the ancient lands opposition members of their immunity from prosecution, where they had lived for thousands of years.” Paylan was kicked and punched over 100 times by Erdogan’s My Turn Paylan dared to raise the shameful legacy of the Armenian AKP members during a 10-minute all-out brawl. Paylan Genocide which persists to this day in Turkey: “Look at the described the assault as “a premeditated lynching because of By Harut Sassounian names of Talat Pasha, Jemal Pasha, and Enver Pasha. In his Armenian heritage.” 2,500 places in the country, streets were named after them. After the attack, when HDP members walked out of the Today, unfortunately, we walk in streets named Talat Pasha. hearing, the committee voted to approve the AKP proposal Erdogan’s Thugs in Parliament Can you imagine going to Germany and Berlin today and to lift the immunity of pro-Kurdish HDP MPs. This inflam- Beat up Armenian & Kurdish MPs walking in streets named after Hitler and Goebbels? Would matory measure is expected to be approved by Parliament such a thing be acceptable? Well, in 2,500 places in our coun- shortly! Most Kurdish members along with Paylan will then Kicking and punching are becoming a daily routine in the try, we walk in streets and avenues named Talaat Pasha.” be arrested on trumped-up charges. Most probably Erdogan Turkish Parliament. Whenever Armenian or Kurdish During his remarks, Paylan recited the names and dis- plans to announce new parliamentary elections, hoping the Members of the Parliament criticize the government, they played enlarged photographs of several Armenian members AKP will win additional seats vacated by the HDP, giving him are viciously attacked by a gang of MPs from Erdogan’s rul- of the Turkish Parliament, including Krikor Zohrab, who enough votes in Parliament to amend the Constitution and ing Justice and Development Party (AKP). were arrested on April 24, 1915, and brutally murdered. The establish a powerful autocratic presidential regime. In recent days, AKP Parliamentarians have hurled insults Armenian MP fearlessly proposed that a parliamentary com- Meanwhile, Paylan’s fate seems to be sealed! He will either and physically assaulted Garo Paylan (an Armenian) and mittee be formed to investigate the circumstances of their serve a long jail term or suffer the same tragic fate as Ferhat Encu (a Kurd) who represent the opposition Peoples’ deaths, identify those responsible for their murders — those Armenian journalist Hrant Dink who was assassinated in cold Democratic Party (HDP) in Parliament. who ordered their killings and actually carried them out — blood by Turkish extremists in Istanbul on January 19, 2007! Paylan delivered an unprecedented speech in the Turkish locate where their bodies were buried, rebury them with All people of goodwill around the world must raise their Parliament on April 21, 2016. After greeting the deputies in appropriate funeral services, and restore their dignity. Not voices in condemnation of Erdogan’s increasingly despotic Armenian, by saying “Parev tsez,” he boldly continued: surprisingly, Paylan’s proposal was rejected by the majority rule. It is ironic that Paylan, who was lamenting the killing “Once World War One began on April 24, 1915, Armenian of Parliament. of Parliamentarian Krikor Zohrab a century ago, may end up intellectuals, opinion leaders and parliamentarians were, After expressing his respect for the memory of the per- dead himself, unless the international community issues a unfortunately, the first to be arrested…. Although they had ished Armenian members of the Turkish Parliament in 1915, serious warning to the Turkish government to take the immunity, they were arrested and taken to Ankara, Ayash, Paylan concluded his speech with traditional Armenian strictest measures to ensure the safety of the Armenian MP. Urfa and Diyarbekir, and on the way, the deputies were mur- words of condolences for the departed: “Asdvads irents hokin Regrettably, nothing seems to have changed in Turkey in the dered by bandits. Of course, after the community’s opinion lousavore” (May God enlighten their souls). Throughout his last 100 years! The US and the Armenian Genocide: Myths and Realities

article entitled “Armenians are sent to perish in introduced the term genocide, which received allows the federal government to show the By Areg Galstanyan the desert,” which introduced extracts from the legal force after the adoption of Genocide Armenian community that the issue of geno- reports of American and European diplomats. Convention. From that moment, Armenian cide will not be silenced, and on the other hand During the whole period of 1915-1923 the New communities around the world began to strug- to avoid any conflicts with Turkey. Every year on April 24, Armenians all around York Times published more than a hundred gle for the international recognition of the In general, Turkey is quite sharp and sensi- the world commemorate the victims of the articles about the mass cleansing of Armenians. Armenian Genocide as a crime under interna- tive to any attempts of political recognition of Genocide committed by the Young Turks in In general, it is important to note that the arti- tional law. However, the United States came out the Armenian Genocide. Ankara has repeatedly 1915-1923. For now the Armenian Genocide is cles that appeared in American newspapers, of World War II with the status of a superpow- canceled military transactions and joint eco- recognized by more than 20 states and various emphasized that mass killing of Armenian peo- er whose interests went far beyond the nomic projects. Such a strategy has always had governmental and non-governmental organiza- ple was a purposeful policy conducted by the American continent. President Harry Truman benefits. In 1985, when the Senate considered tions. However, on the eve of the anniversary Young Turk government. made the inclusion of Turkey and Greece to the another resolution on the Genocide, the Armenian people anticipate Washington’s Nothing has changed since then: the leading NATO, which automatically turned Ankara into Turkish government threatened to withdraw speech. More than a million of Armenian American media every year publish articles and a strategic ally of the US in the Cold War from the purchase of 11 Boeing aircraft. After Americans wait to hear the United States call- stories about the Armenian Genocide. The against the Soviet Union. This very circum- this statement, influential lobbyists of Boeing ing the events of 1915 a genocide. But statistics provide the following figures: in the stance did not allow the White House to recog- in Congress blocked the adoption of the President Barack Obama used the Armenian period of 1993-2015 the Washington Post, the nize the genocide politically. Armenian resolution. In addition, pro-Turkish term “Mets Yeghern” again, which means a New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Moreover, the Armenian issue has become a lobbyists paid campaign against Democrat can- “large massacre”. This statement caused out- Tribune and Boston Globe published over 700 serious tool of pressure against Ankara. When didate Mike Dukakis, who is of Greek origin. rage in Armenia and among the Armenian com- articles, the CNN channel showed a little more in 1974 the Turkish army invaded Northern Turkish President’s visit to the United States munities worldwide. The leading American- than 400 plots related to the Armenian geno- Cyprus, the Congress initiated the considera- after the Republican President George H.W. Armenian organizations are still fighting for the cide recognition issue. Due to the active cover- tion of the Armenian Genocide for the first Bush suggested to the governor of California, US recognition of the Armenian Genocide. But age from such respected publications, the time. Clearly, they acknowledged the political George Deukmejian, to run as vice president what is recognition and what will follow it? American public has been able to obtain objec- risks, so the process of political recognition was was also a notable event. Turkey was seriously For many Armenians “recognition” implies tive information about the events of 1915- not brought to its logical end. Despite a tempo- afraid that America reconsiders its foreign poli- restoration of the historic and moral justice. In 1923. rary cooling of relations, America needed to cy priorities in the Middle East. Moreover, the this case, recognition is a purely humanitarian The second component of the recognition is restore relations with Turkey. Firstly, the Soviet Union’s announcement of the restruc- issue. Indeed, the civilized world must have a on the political plane. Historically, from the Islamic revolution in Iran led to the loss of a key turing policy, marking the actual end of the clear position on the various crimes against very beginning the United States was informed US ally in the region. Secondly, the military Cold War, automatically created such a geopo- humanity. This means it is necessary to have that the decision to destroy the Armenian pop- coup in Turkey resulted in coming to power of litical situation in which Turkey’s importance as strong opinion with respect to the past and cur- ulation was politically motivated. It is sufficient General Kenan Evren, who announced the an outpost for the US to counter Soviet expan- rent crimes and condemn any acts of genocide. to note that US Ambassador Henry country’s readiness to integrate into the sion decreased significantly. Such an alignment Do the United States deny the mass extermina- Morgenthau sent more than a hundred letters Western community. meant that the Armenian lobby had an oppor- tion of the Armenian people in the Ottoman to Washington in which he stressed the Nevertheless, an important achievement was tunity to bring the issue of Armenian Genocide Empire? The answer is obvious: no. planned and targeted nature of Armenians, the announcement of April 24 a day of remem- recognition to its logical conclusion. And even Since 1915, the US government and the Greeks and Assyrians extermination. brance. Since then, American presidents every defeat of Dukakis and Deukmejian’s refusal to Protestant Christian missions in the Ottoman Documents, letters and transcripts prepared by year come out with an official message to the become Bush’s running mate did not calm the Turkey provided significant assistance to the the American diplomats later formed the basis Armenian people. Some breakthrough was Turkish side. Meanwhile, the Armenian Armenian population. Moreover, it is by the of most of the Armenian Genocide resolutions observed during the presidency of Ronald Diaspora was in a kind of political euphoria, decree of President Woodrow Wilson that the worldwide. Reagan, who had close ties with the Armenian hoping that Washington would review its rela- largest fund was established in support of Another crucial fact is that the United States Diaspora from the time of his governorship in tions with Turkey. Christian peoples of the Middle East. In that dif- was the first to recognize the independence of California. In the very first year of his presiden- However, Turkey has played an important ficult period, Congress supported the White the first Armenian Republic, and President cy, Reagan demonstrated support for Armenian role for the United States during the Gulf War House’s decision to liberalize immigration poli- Woodrow Wilson took over the role of an arbi- American community in the international (1991), the operation in Afghanistan (2001) and cy that allowed many Armenians to find refuge trator on the issue of the Armenian-Turkish recognition of Genocide. In his proclamation on the Iraq war (2003). From 1991 to 2013 all in America. The leading US human rights and border. We shall recall that none of the mem- April 22, 1981, Reagan officially used the term attempts to hold Genocide Resolution in non-governmental organizations repeatedly bers of the League of Nations, except for “Armenian genocide.” That statement was made Congress have failed. The most significant addressed the topic of Armenian Genocide by America, wanted to accept a mandate over on a day of remembrance of the victims of the achievement was the adoption of resolutions publishing reports, holding seminars and orga- Armenia. In fact, Wilson’s document is the only Holocaust and President Reagan, listing crimes 106 and 252 at the level of the Committee on nizing conferences. one which takes into account the objective against humanity, said about Armenian Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. It is impossible to deny coverage of genocide interests of the Armenian side. In addition, Genocide. The process of recognition of the It is important to note that since the early 2000 issue in the American media. Even in 1857, the Congress opposed the participation of the offi- Genocide at the state level began since 1982. To both the Congress and presidential candidates edition of the Putnam’s Monthly Magazine, cial delegation from the United States in the date, the resolutions on Genocide have been used the issue of the Armenian Genocide not known today as “Reader’s Digest” published an Lausanne Conference, where the one-sided adopted by 43 states so far. To some extent the only to win the support of Armenian- article by a historian Peter Hughes, who spoke solutions for Turkey were adopted. The Speaker smooth adoption of resolutions on the Americans, but also to attract financial in detail about the depressed state of of the House of Representatives, Nicolas Armenian Genocide at the state level is a kind resources of various Armenian funds and orga- Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. In August Longsovur, was able to convince the majority of of compensation for the absence of federal law. nizations. Thus, the Armenian issue was active- 1915, the New York Times published an article members of Congress to oppose Senator According to the US Constitution, legislation at ly used in 2000 by Republican Bush and in titled “Armenian horror” in which it was report- Hamilton Levy’s initiative to join the Treaty of the state level is advisory in nature and does 2008 by Democrat Barack Obama. Realizing ed that Turks and Kurds kill Armenians. A few Lausanne. not reflect the official US position on a partic- weeks later, the same newspaper published an In 1943, the Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin ular issue. On the one hand, this situation see MYTHS, page 20 20 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Paylan Makes News in Armenia, Turkey

PAYLAN, from page 1 Pro-Kurdish party lawmakers walked out of the meeting liamentary immunity and tried then “the people” could form UN Office in Armenia: we should remind the UN about its following the brawl, which left one legislator with a dislocat- a new parliament. mission and enforce it make its member states to adopt and ed shoulder and a second with a bloodied nose. Demirtas’s controversial remarks came at the HDP parlia- fulfill the mandatory obligations by the UN,” the organizing Video filmed by legislators inside the committee room mentary group meeting held at Parliament on Tuesday, group’s post on Facebook said. showed lawmakers throwing water bottles at each other and where he claimed that the proposal aims to liquidate the Concern for his safety has also been raised in the US. The engaging in fistfights. One legislator jumped into the fight HDP. Armenian National Committee issued a call to action to raise from a table top and another was awareness about his safety through the State Department, seen kicking an opponent. and Human Rights Watch, as well as by writing to the US Pro-Kurdish legislator Mithat Embassy in Turkey. Sancar was heard saying the party The US Embassy in Turkey responded to the letter by the “would not be part of this theatre Armenian National Committee of America Executive Director that is being staged” before he and Aram Hamparian. The Embassy officer said that they are his colleagues left the meeting. aware that Paylan was one of a number of parliamentarians The amendment, which still needs injured after fighting broke out during a recent debate in to be approved by the full assembly, Turkish Parliament. was proposed by the ruling party “We share your concern about the need for all persons liv- after Turkey’s president, Recep ing in Turkey whatever their religious, ethnic, or national ori- Tayyip Erdogan, accused the pro- gin, to be able to voice their views freely without fear of Kurdish People’s Democratic party threat and reprisal. Our annual Human Rights Report (HDP) of being an arm of outlawed describes in great detail the United States government’s Kurdish rebels and repeatedly called ongoing concerns about the patterns of discrimination, hate for their prosecution. speech, attacks, and other issues faced by all of Turkey’s The move comes amid a surge of minorities. The United States government has consistently violence in Turkey’s southeast after raised these concerns with the government of Turkey in both a fragile, more than two-year-old public and private channels, and we will continue to engage peace process with the rebels col- A scene from the attack last week the government of Turkey to underscore the need to provide lapsed. Hundreds of people, includ- equal protection to any citizen facing specific threats, regard- ing close to 400 security force mem- less of their ethnic and religious identity,” the response let- bers, have died in the renewed fight- “The Parliament is [a representation of] the will of the peo- ter reads. ing, which has also displaced tens of thousands of people and ple; we will defend this. If our friends are arrested, if they are The incident, which has been capture on video, took place left some towns and districts in ruins. stripped of their deputy rights, no option will be incon- on May 2. The issue at hand was stripping members of the The HDP, which backs Kurdish and other minority rights, testable for us. People form parliaments, not parties, and the pro-Kurdish HDP Party, of which Paylan is a member, of their denies accusations that it is the political arm of the outlawed people can form multiple parliaments if they wish to do so. If parliamentary immunity. Ultimately, the parliamentary com- Kurdistan Workers’ party (PKK). It has called on the govern- they wish to bring this issue up, then this group, [of] 59 peo- mittee approved the contentious ruling-party proposal to ment to end security forces’ operations in the south-east to ple, will stand by its people. The people, the public would be strip legislators of their immunity from prosecution. It was resume peace efforts. able to do whatever they wish to do and we would not stand during this debate, while Paylan was speaking that he was The party’s two co-leaders, Selahattin Demirtas and Figen in the way of our people. Defending the will of parliament attacked. Yüksekdag, face possible prosecution for making statements does not mean defending the will of the Justice and The proposed constitutional amendment, which could pave last year in support of calls for Kurdish self-rule in south-east- Development Party (AK Party),” Demirtas said. the way for the trial of several pro-Kurdish legislators on ter- ern Turkey. ror-related charges, was cleared by the committee late on In response, Demirtas vowed that if its deputies charged (Stories from Armenpress, the Guardian and Daily Monday. with aiding the PKK terror organization were stripped of par- Sabbah were combined to compose this report.)

The US and the Armenian Public Art, Genocide: Myths and Immigrants Realities And Labyrinths MYTHS, from page 19 the futility of political recognition, the Celebrated at Armenian lobby put forward a resolution on the “Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act,” Heritage Park which did not require the recognition of the very fact of Genocide. The text of the new bill PARK, from page 1 comes from the fact that the United States which people leave their lands and many times and at all levels of government has create new lives for themselves and recognized the Armenian Genocide. The text of contribute to the state. It is a trib- the resolution begins with an appeal to the US ute to the immigrants that have President to reconsider approaches to the made Massachusetts what it is now. Armenian-Turkish relations, taking the full Nanore Barsoumian, editor of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and its Armenian Weekly, welcomed all current effects by the Republic of Turkey as a those present. She also offered basis. remarks about the monument and Thus, it can be summarized that the attitude its symbolism, as well as the impor- of the US authorities to the issue of the tance of the Armenian Heritage Armenian Genocide lies in both the humanitar- Park for the community. ian and political planes. The US provided sub- Next, Lucas Cowen, public art stantial assistance to the Armenian people in curator for the Rose Kennedy the period from 1915 to 1930. Moreover, the Greenway, spoke of the organiza- historical documents and letters of American tion’s efforts to integrate more pub- diplomats of that period formed the basis of lic art into the Greenway. numerous pieces of legislation on the recogni- ABOVE: From left, archi- Finally, Alin K. Gregorian, editor tect and designer of the tion of Armenian Genocide around the world. of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, abstract sculpture at the Now few people in America doubt the fact that offered her personal experiences as Armenian Heritage Park, the tragedy of the Armenian people is a prime an immigrant and the changes she Donald Tellalian, example of genocide. However, at the political sees in the Armenian community in Armenian Mirror- level the recognition of the Armenian Genocide Editor Alin K. the state as well as the difficulties Spectator de jure faces serious obstacles. Firstly, the fed- she encountered upon arrival from Gregorian, public art eral government at different time periods did Iran. curator of the Rose Kennedy Greenway not want to irritate Turkey, which played an All those present enjoyed warm important role in shaping US foreign policy Conservancy Lucas cups of tea from MEM Tea and pas- Cowen and strategy in the Middle East. Secondly, the issue Armenian tries from Eastern Lamejun Bakers. Editor Nanore Weekly of genocide for the American authorities was a The annual reconfiguration is Barsoumian. (Matt Conti political club which was often used to force funded by the Charles G. and photo) RIGHT: Lucas Turkey to adhere to a particular foreign policy Doreen Bilezikian Fund, an Cowan, Public Art line. endowed fund of Armenian Curator, Rose Kennedy (Areg Galstyan, PhD, is a Russia-based con- Heritage Park. Greenway Conservancy tributor to the magazines The National The program was part of (Matt Conti photo) Interest, Russia in Global Affairs and Forbes.) ArtWeek Boston.