AUGUST 8, 2020 MMirror-SpeirTHEror-SpeARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXXI, NO. 4, Issue 4646 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 IN BRIEF Israel Urged Massive Explosion Rips Through Beirut, Not to Sell Tekeyan School BEIRUT (AP, Zartonk) — Massive explosions Weapons to rocked downtown Beirut on Tuesday, August 4, flat- tening much of the port, damaging buildings and blowing out windows and doors as a giant mush- Azerbaijan room cloud rose above the capital. At least 60 peo- ple have been killed. YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia The Tekeyan School and Tekeyan Center were has called on Israel to put an end to damaged as well as Armenian institutions such as large-scale supplies of Israeli-made the Prelacy in Bourj Hammoud and the AGBU weapons to Azerbaijan used by the Demirjian Center and other institutions in Antelias.. latter in the Nagorno-Karabakh con- An Associated Press photographer near the port flict. saw people lying injured on the ground, and hospi- “Arms trade with Azerbaijan is fatal tals called for blood donations. because Azerbaijan never hesitates to Miles from the scene of the blast, balconies were use those weapons against civilian knocked down, ceiling collapsed and windows were infrastructure and the civilian popu- shattered. lation,” Foreign Minister Zohrab The cause of the blast was not immediately clear. Mnatsakanyan told the Jerusalem (@LARALUCYPHOTOGRAPHY] It came at a time when Lebanon is passing through Post newspaper in an interview pub- its worst economic and financial crisis in decades. lished on Wednesday, July 29. Houston/German Armenians Protest It also comes amid rising tensions between Israel “We will consistently pursue this and the militant Hezbollah group along Lebanon’s issue and it will always be an integral Against Azerbaijani Aggression southern border. part of our agenda both on bilateral Online video showed a column of smoke rising and multilateral platforms,” said from the port area from what appeared to be an ini- Mnatsakanyan. “Israel should stop tial explosion, followed by a massive blast that sent this deadly business with Azerbaijan.” By Garine Abrilian Germany’s Armenians up a mushroom cloud and a shock wave racing over Over the past decade Israeli the city. defense companies have sold, with Respond to Aggression Some local TV stations reported the blast was at the Israeli government’s blessing, bil- HOUSTON – On August 1, the Houston Beirut’s port inside an area where fireworks were By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach lions of dollars worth of advanced Armenian community held a protest against stored. The Mirror-Spectator website has a brief military hardware to Azerbaijan. Azeri aggression. The event was held in the Special to the Mirror-Spectator video of the exterior of the Tekeyan School. More The Azerbaijani army used some of Galleria district, a high-traffic area, to spread information will be posted when available. BERLIN — “Make dolma not war.” those weapons, notably sophisticated awareness as effectively as possible. That is the message that Haykanush anti-tank rockets and attack drones, Organizers and supporters from different Sechelyan transmitted on a poster dur- during April 2016 hostilities in backgrounds worked together to ensure the ing a demonstration in Hamburg, Nagorno-Karabakh. It also deployed Houston community was represented as a Germany on August 1. Israeli-manufactured drones against whole. The protest was a great success as the A member of an Armenian youth Armenian military and civilian targets Houston Armenian community joined collec- group, she was one of many in several during the recent deadly fighting on tively to support the Tavush region, Artsakh cities, who had come together to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. and Armenian soldiers on the frontlines. protest acts of violence against The Armenian military claims to Even though the day started off rainy and Armenians over the past ten days. have shot down or intercepted 13 gloomy, more than 40 attendees joined the see GERMANY, page 3 such unmanned aerial vehicles protest, holding signs, waving flags, passing (UAVs). It demonstrated some of their see DEMONSTRATIONS, page 16 purported fragments last week. The Defense Ministry in Yerevan went on to publicize a photograph of two Armenian officers standing next Young Artists Explore Identity to a SkyStriker “suicide” drone man- To Understand History ufactured by the Israeli company Elbit Systems. A ministry spokesman By Anaïs DerSimonian claimed that it was brought down by Special to the Mirror-Spectator an electronic warfare system. “Our military has neutralized BOSTON — A lot has happened in Armenia Azerbaijani weapons regardless of over the last couple weeks — Azerbaijan has their perceived origins,” waged a regional war during the COVID-19 Mnatsakanyan said when asked pandemic, firing on border villages, bombing a about the Israeli drones. PPE mask factory and threatening to bomb the Armenian nuclear power plant. Events like Tekeyan School of Beirut building (photo courtesy Armenia has long expressed con- Zartonk of Beirut) cern over Israel’s arms deals with this are hard to process for Armenians around Azerbaijan. The Jewish state appears the world; how could this happen? Where do Mask by Joanna Nanajian we go from here? What’s next? see WEAPONS, page 2 see ARTISTS, page 12 INSIDE Special Section Next Week on Anniversary of Bleak Yazidi Treaty of Sévres and Anniversary The Fate of Cilicia Page 4 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator will present a spe- cial issue next week in tribute to the centennial of the Treaty of Sévres as well as the anniversary of the INDEX French war for Armenian Cilicia. Armenia ...... 2 In addition, the special section will pay tribute to Arts and Living ...... 10 Mihran Damadian on the 75th anniversary of his Community News...... 5 death. On August 5, 1920, Damadian declared the Editorial ...... 14 independence of Cilicia as an Armenian autonomous International ...... 3-4 republic under French protectorate. 2 S ATURDAY A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenia Seeks to Offset ‘Turkish Threat’

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia counts on Russia’s sup- the agenda because they are about challenges facing the port in its ongoing efforts to counter a serious threat to its region and we need a common response to these challenges.” Several Activists national security emanating from neighboring Turkey, a Ankara has blamed Yerevan for the fighting that broke out senior Armenian official said over the weekend. at a western section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on Detained at Amulsar Armen Grigoryan, the secretary of the Armenian govern- July 12 and vowed to boost Turkish military support for Baku. YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — A group of activists ment’s Security Council, reaffirmed Yerevan’s serious con- In what appears to be a related development, Turkish and opposing the Amulsar gold mine operation were cerns over Turkey’s vehement support for Azerbaijan shown Azerbaijani troops began on July 29 joint military exercises in detained on Tuesday, August 4, as clashes erupted during and after recent deadly clashes on the Armenian- various parts of Azerbaijan. between them and police officers. Azerbaijani border. The Armenian Foreign Ministry expressed concern at the The defenders of Amulsar blocked the only road “Seeing that Azerbaijan is unable to keep the situation exercises before the Armenian military put some of its forces leading to the resort town of Jermuk after Lydian under control on its own, Turkey is trying to intervene,” on high alert. Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan said on July 28 Armenia removed their mobile cabins from the land, Grigoryan told RFE/RL’s Armenian service. “I think that this that Armenian army units as well as a Russian-Armenian mil- which the company claims is its own, at night. poses a serious threat to the region. It is also a challenge to itary contingent are “continuing to constantly monitor and The situation remains tense. Police officers urge the regional security architecture. The regional security archi- analyze” Turkish-Azerbaijani military activities “with all the activists to open the road, while the latter con- tecture has long been unchanged. Turkey is now trying to reconnaissance means” at their disposal. tinue chanting, “Amulsar will remain a mountain.” change it through its intervention.” Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counter- “We are fully prepared and will take steps to minimize this part Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the Armenian- [threat.]” he said. “We also have a lot of work to do in this Azerbaijani flare-up during a phone conversation on July 27. Peace-Keepers Sent to direction with our strategic ally Russia in order to prevent According to the Kremlin, Putin “stressed the importance of such changes in the region.” preventing any steps that could cause an escalation in ten- Kosovo Asked about Moscow’s reaction to the Armenian concerns, sions.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov similarly urged YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A peace-keeping unit of Grigoryan said: “The July incidents [on the border] coincided the Turks to exercise restraint. the Armed Forces of Armenia comprising 40 ser- with the coronavirus pandemic, and we have not yet been able Russia is allied to Armenia and has thousands of troops sta- vicemen departed for Kosovo on August 1 to carry to discuss the issue at a higher level. But these issues are on tioned in the South Caucasus state. out peace-keeping mission as part of an American unit, Ministry of Defense Spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan said. Another Fugitive “The members of the unit passed the coronavirus testing before leaving; all the results were negative,” Armenian ‘Given Safe she said. Haven in Russia’ Chief Architect of MOSCOW (RFE/RL) — A lawyer for Ruben Hayrapetyan said on July 30, Yerevan to Retire that Russian law-enforcement authori- ties have effectively refused to extradite YEREVAN (ARKA) — The chief architect of the wealthy businessman linked to Yerevan Artur Meschyan will quit his post when his Armenia’s former leadership and prose- term in office ends, Hayk Marutyan, the mayor of cuted on a string of criminal charges. the Armenian capital, told a press conference on Hayrapetyan left for Russia in March, Tuesday, August 4. more than a month before being first When appointed to the post in 2018, Meschyan indicted by Armenia’s Investigative said that he would stay in office for two years. Committee. Meschyan was born in 1949 in Yerevan. He is an The law-enforcement body claims he, architect, musician, composer, poet, singer and his son Rafik, and four other persons painter. He was the founder and the lead singer of kidnapped and systematically beat up in Apostles (1968 – 1979) rock band. 2016 the chief manager of a Tsolak Gabrielyan with his family at their new apartment He is the author of different architectural pro- Hayrapetyan-owned resort who alleged- jects, including Guest House and the new building of ly misused more than 52 million drams Matenadaran depository of old manuscripts in ($108,000) borrowed from a commercial Yerevan. bank controlled by the feared tycoon. 16th Wounded Veteran In 1989, Meschyan and his family, moved to Boston. In a separate criminal investigation, In 2005, Meschyan and his wife returned to Armenia. Hayrapetyan was also charged with Receives a Home in Artsakh abusing his former status as chairman Armenia, Artsakh of the Football Federation of Armenia STEPANAKERT, Artsakh – On July 31, the Tufenkian Foundation deliv- (FFA) in 2015 to privatize municipal ered the keys to a new home to the 16th beneficiary of the “Housing for Foreign Ministers Meet land in Yerevan at a knockdown price. Wounded Soldiers” program. Tsolak Gabrielyan, a 47-year old veteran who Hayrapetyan denied the accusations was wounded during the Artsakh Liberation War and again during various YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On July 31, Minister of through his lawyers. He told investiga- military operations on the frontlines, celebrated the delivery of his new Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh Masis tors he is unable to return to Armenia home in Shushi, Artsakh, that was originally purchased by the Tufenkian Mayilian met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the because of the coronavirus pandemic. Foundation and renovated with funds from his family. Republic of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan in The Investigative Committee dismissed Subsequent to the war, Tsolak underwent several surgeries as well as a Yerevan. the claim, saying that it believes he sim- rare type of cancer due to which he had his vocal cords removed. He has During the meeting, the two officials touched upon ply fled the prosecution. two sons, both of whom are currently serving in the Artsakh Defense Army. the situation, created as a result of the armed aggres- In late May, a Yerevan court agreed to “This is one of our most important programs because it not only emo- sion launched by Azerbaijan on July 12 in the issue an arrest warrant for Hayrapetyan tionally motivates our veterans, but expresses our appreciation to their ded- Tavush region of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, and four other suspects. The investiga- ication to our nation. We are extremely happy for Tsolak’s family, and we when it directly targeted the civilian population and tors launched an international hunt for hope that this house will symbolize the start of a new beginning, a new infrastructure of the border settlements. The foreign Hayrapetyan shortly afterwards. chapter,” stated Husik Sargsyan, the Tufenkian Foundation’s Artsakh ministers emphasized that another attempt by One of his lawyers, Amram Makinyan, Country Director. Azerbaijan to deliberately escalate tensions in the said his client has told him that Russian Once the Foundation purchased the house, Tsolak’s family sold its tiny conflict zone was a serious blow to the process of law-enforcement bodies have formally apartment and invested the proceeds in renovating their new home. peaceful settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh con- decided to stop searching for him. Since 2016, the foundation has helped 16 families of wounded veterans flict, once again demonstrating the open contempt of Makinyan said he is not yet aware of all across Artsakh. The majority of the beneficiaries had severe housing the Azerbaijani authorities for their international the official reason for that decision. He issues and no proper employment. This program is our way to show our obligations. In this context, the sides stressed the claimed that he also does not know deep gratitude to our veterans and soldiers. need to take active steps to deter the aspirations of whether the fugitive tycoon holds Azerbaijan for unleashing a new aggression and to Russian citizenship and therefore can- bring the authorities of that country to a construc- not be extradited to Armenia. tive path. The foreign ministers emphasized the A spokesman for Armenia’s Office of imperative of establishing international mechanisms the Prosecutor-General said it is now Israel Urged Not to Sell Weapons for the reduction of risks of tension in the conflict trying to verify the lawyer’s claims. The zone and for controlling the ceasefire regime. official, Gor Abrahamyan, said To Azerbaijan Masis Mayilian and Zohrab Mnatsakanyan reiterat- Armenian prosecutors have contacted ed the urgency of giving a new content to the secu- their Russian colleagues. WEAPONS, from page 1 “friendly” relationship with the Islamic rity cooperation between the two Armenian states. Hayrapetyan, 56, has long supported to have ignored those concerns so far. Republic despite its desire to improve In this context, they noted the need to develop the former President Serzh Sargsyan and This did not stop the current Armenian Armenian-Israeli ties. legal basis for cooperation in this area, taking into remains affiliated with the latter’s government from deciding last Incidentally, Defense Minister Davit account the overall security challenges. In this Republican Party. The once-influential September to open an embassy in Tel Tonoyan discussed the Armenian- regard, the sides highlighted the inadmissibility of a tycoon, notorious for violent conduct, Aviv. Azerbaijani border clashes on destabilizing policy in the region and the necessity of accused the current authorities of The move was hailed by Israeli lead- Wednesday with Iran’s ambassador and its resolute rejection. harassing him for political reasons after ers but criticized by some officials in military attaché to Armenia. According Newly appointed Permanent Representative of the being briefly detained by the Armenian Iran, a key foreign partner of Armenia. to Tonoyan’s press office, they specifi- Republic of Artsakh to the Republic of Armenia police in February. The police claimed The Armenian ambassador to Iran, cally spoke about Azerbaijan’s “use of a Sergey Ghazaryan also participated in the meeting. he was taken in for questioning on sus- Artashes Tumanyan, assured a senior large number of modern UAVs” and picion of illegal arms possession. Iranian Foreign Ministry official in June “the effectiveness of the fight against that Yerevan remains committed to its them.” S ATURDAY A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Armenia Bars Turkish Weapons Inspectors International News

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Citing The Armenian military said on despite not having diplomatic rela- “unprecedented” security threats Tuesday that it will be closely moni- tions and an open border. Neither US State Department emanating from neighboring Turkey, toring the Turkish-Azerbaijani drills country has accused the other of vio- Condemns Azeri Arrest Armenia on Wednesday, July 29, which will be held in various parts of lating the CFE. banned Turkish officers from inspect- Azerbaijan for nearly two weeks. By contrast, the Armenian and Of Opposition ing Armenian military bases and veri- Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan said Azerbaijani militaries have never fying Yerevan’s compliance with an Armenian army units as well as inspected each other in line with a BAKU (Armenpress) — The US State Department international arms control treaty. Russian troops stationed in Armenia gentlemen’s agreement dating back to this week urged the government of Azerbaijan to not It announced the decision as will use “all reconnaissance means” at the 1990s. Yerevan and Baku have arrest members of the opposition. Turkey and Azerbaijan began joint their disposal for this purpose. long traded accusations of exceeding The State Department urged Azerbaijan to refrain military exercises in the wake of the Armenia and Turkey have carried arms quotas set by the Cold War-era from violence and respect fundamental freedoms. It deadly attack by Azerbaijan on out mutual on-site arms inspections treaty. called on Baku to properly investigate the reports on Armenia starting July 12. violence and pressure by the police and hold the Signed in 1990 and revised in 1999, guilty ones accountable. the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Back on July 20, the US State Department com- Europe (CFE) places specific limits on Dink Foundation to Hold Conference on Hate mented on the human rights violations in the deployment of troops and heavy Azerbaijan. In a report the State Department also ISTANBUL — The Hrant Dink “usual suspects” once again. weapons from the Atlantic coast to touched upon this issue, stating that the Azerbaijani Foundation will hold an online After anti-racist protests in the Russia’s Ural mountains. Armenia, authorities are arresting opposition figures. The conference titled “International US in the aftermath of the police Georgia and Azerbaijan signed it after Department urged Azerbaijan to avoid using the Hate Speech and Discrimination murder of George Floyd, they were gaining independence. COVID-19 pandemic to silence civil society advocacy, Conference,” on December 11-12, embraced in many countries such Signatories to the treaty are opposition voices, or public discussion. 2020 in collaboration with as the UK, France, Brazil, and allowed to inspect each other’s com- Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Indonesia, protests, and debates pliance with the arms ceilings This conference aims to create a revolving around anti-racism, racial Femicide Still Rising in through random visits to practically space where the problems caused inequality and anti-discrimination any military base. Military inspectors by hate speech and discriminatory began to drive the global agenda. Turkey as 36 Women from Turkey and other NATO member discourse can be revealed and ana- Similarly, nation-states and their states have regularly visited Armenia Killed in July lyzed; moreover, country-specific citizens’ attitudes toward racism since the mid-1990s. The Armenian experiences, strategies, and acade- were challenged and discussed all ISTANBUL (Panorama.am) — At least 36 women Defense Ministry had first sent a mic studies for countering these around the world as were ques- were killed by men in Turkey in July, Ahval said, cit- group of CFE inspectors to eastern problems could be exchanged, and tions of race, history, and the ing a report released on Saturday by the campaign Turkey in March 2010. potential collaborations devel- importance of national symbols, group We Will Stop Femicide. The Armenian Foreign Ministry said oped. like statues. These global outbursts There were also 11 deaths of women that were it informed the Organization for In Turkey, as all over the globe, and debates have the potential to deemed suspicious in July, the group said on Twitter. Security and Cooperation in Europe discrimination against women, chil- guide many global anti-discrimina- According to the group’s figures, the number of on Wednesday that Yerevan has decid- dren, LGBTQI people, ethnic and tion efforts and discussions. femicides in Turkey rose compared to last month and ed to “suspend” Turkish inspections religious identities is too common. The need for creating a pluralist, year-on-year. In June, 27 women were confirmed of its armed forces. Political tendencies such as global- inclusive, and rights-based dis- killed by men in Turkey. In July 2019, 31 women In a statement, the ministry attrib- ly rising nationalism and populism, course in every field and sector is were confirmed murdered by men in Turkey. uted the move to Turkey’s “unilateral polarization, xenophobia, anti- becoming increasingly urgent. The report found that 11 of the women murdered support to Azerbaijan” and “unprece- refugee, and anti-migrant senti- Thus, this conference aims to fea- in July 2020 were killed by their husbands, five – by dented threats against Armenia” ments nurture and popularize dis- ture the works that analyze with all male partners, five – by men they knew, four – by ex- voiced following the border clashes crimination. This situation necessi- kinds of exclusionary discourses husbands, two – by former partners, two – by their that broke out on July 12. It also tates developing ways to counter and actions under the influence of fathers, two – by their sons and two – by other rela- pointed to the Turkish-Azerbaijani hate speech and discriminatory dis- the current status quo, Turkey, and tives. war games, saying that they “further course and raise awareness both also other countries, from a com- Five of the women were killed because of financial aggravate the situation” in the locally and globally. prehensive and critical perspective reasons, while thirteen others were murdered Karabakh conflict zone. The Covid-19 pandemic started and to seek methods for counter- because they wanted to divorce or separate, rejected “Any [further] military inspection in the winter of 2019 and reached ing them. men or because they wanted to decide about their conducted on the territory of a global scale in a couple of Civil society representatives, aca- own lives, ANF said. Armenia by Turkey … would adversely months; it did not increase only dis- demics, legal experts, occupational impact Armenia’s security interests crimination against the local organizations, media workers and and may jeopardize the security of its Chinese or Asian communities but journalists will be brought togeth- Azerbaijanis Plan Rally population,” read the statement. It also increased nationalism, xeno- er to create a common platform for indicated that weapons inspectors In front of Armenian phobia, racism, and anti-migrant discussion and inspire new acade- from other OSCE member states will sentiments and minorities against mic studies and other methods to be allowed to continue to visit Church in Tel Aviv refugees and migrants. Thus, they counter racism in the field at this Armenia. who are portrayed as the cause of conference. TEL AVIV, Israel (Public Radio of Israel) Turkey has blamed Armenia for the various unfavorable political devel- Those interest in participating — Azerbaijanis are planning a provocation in front of border clashes and vowed to boost its opments and as a threat against can apply through September the Armenian Church in Tel Aviv on August 9, blog- military and diplomatic support for social structures are associated 7. Only abstracts written in ger Alexander Lapshin warned this week. Azerbaijan. Yerevan has responded by with disease and stigmatized as English will be accepted. The blogger has shared the photo of an invitation accusing Ankara of trying to destabi- for a rally being distributed among the Azerbaijani lize the region. community in Israel. “Apparently, there has been an order from Baku to try to spread riots and attacks on Armenian church- es, shops and simply ethnic Armenians like it hap- Germany’s Armenians pened in Moscow,” Lapshin wrote in a Facebook post titled “Aliyev, hands off the church.” “I believe that in a democratic country any com- Respond to Aggression munity has the right to its opinion, to a peaceful demonstration, to declaring its demands. But the GERMANY, from page 1 fact that the Armenian church, not the city center or On July 23, an official car of the Armenian embassy was some square, has been chosen as a venue for the set ablaze in front of the diplomatic mission. In the days fol- demonstration is a direct path to provocation,” he lowing, a taxi agency and an Armenian shisha bar in Cologne says. were attacked; according to eyewitness accounts, 30 men Lapshin stresses that “you cannot touch religion, wearing black facemasks assaulted the site, throwing chairs you cannot make churches, mosques or synagogues a and tables through the glass windows before fleeing. All place for sorting things out and provocations.” signs indicated that Azerbaijanis were behind the acts of vio- “In the place of the Armenian community in lence, which came in parallel to Turkish-Azerbaijani military Israel, I would appeal to the Israeli police with a maneuvers on the Armenian border and escalated aggres- request to ban the rally in front of the Armenian sion by Azerbaijan. church in order to avoid an outbreak of violence motivated by religious intolerance. Christians and Muslims should not come face to face to sort things out, this is no longer democracy, but a direct path to chaos,” he adds. The blogger believes religious leaders in Israel should denounce the choice of the place for the rally, especially considering that Tel Aviv has always been a symbol of peaceful co-existence of Jews, Muslims and Christians. 4 S ATURDAY A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL Sixth Anniversary of Yazidi Genocide Marked

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Combined defeat of ISIS in Iraq in December 2017, rem- Committed by Daesh in Iraq (UNITAD), said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sources) — Iraq’s Yazidi community remains nants of the group have returned to their earli- that no counties “can be spectators” in seeking for Near Eastern Affairs Joey Hood said that he overlooked by the international community and er insurgency tactics, ambushing security accountability for those who perpetrated the was shocked to see Popular Mobilization Forces Erbil and Baghdad authorities six years on forces, kidnapping and executing suspected genocide and that minority communities in Iraq (PMF) flags in Sinjar during a visit last year and from the genocide, Yazidi survivor and Nobel informants, and extorting money from vulnera- “must have a right to protection and to justice.” was similarly saddened to hear about Turkish Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad said in a con- ble rural populations, particularly in the dis- warplanes targeting alleged Kurdistan Workers’ ference with UN officials on Monday, August 3. puted territories. Party (PKK) units in the district. “We have repeatedly pleaded to the govern- He called for locally-recruited police to be in ments in Erbil and Baghdad, as well as the Hearings on Yazidi Case charge of security, “not armed groups from international community to rebuild our home- Advocacy organization Yazda kicked off a some other location.” town [Shingal],” Murad said. “But after so many two-day conference on August 2 to commemo- In that vein, Director of the Assyrian Policy years we feel that the international community rate the anniversary by hearing from a range of Institute Reine Hanna called for a local force to and governments in Erbil and Baghdad aban- senior officials, humanitarian workers, be created along the model of the Nineveh doned us.” researchers, and survivors of the attack by ISIS Plain Protection Units (NPU) and criticized the In the summer of 2014, Islamic State (ISIS) militants. Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) for med- extremists swept across swathes of Syria and With security tenuous and swathes of the dis- dling in the district’s affairs. Iraq. In August that year, they attacked the trict’s infrastructure and housing still in ruins Nevertheless, Khidir warned that even well- Yazidi homeland of Shingal in Nineveh and riddled with unexploded ordnance, many meaning solutions from outside could in fact province, committing genocide against the Yazidis are reluctant to return despite encour- undermine the very Yazidi governance that ethno-religious minority. Hundreds of thou- agement from Baghdad, Erbil, UN agencies, and most of the panelists argued is necessary for sands of Yazidis fled from the militants, but not local groups. establishing stability in Sinjar. everyone escaped. More than 1,000 were killed While most of the keynote presenters spoke and 6,417 were captured by the militants, with in platitudes, other panelists pointed to the women and children sold into sexual slavery. harder edge of the situation, expressing frus- Armenian Leaders Offer Murad criticized the international communi- tration about the lack of progress after so many Condolences ty for ignoring the Yazidis, reminding them that years and sustained international attention. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan international community is helping ISIS to The theme of the commemoration, which was addressed the Yazidi community of Armenia on reach its “goal” in failing to help survivors. jointly organized by Yazda and the Zovighian the occasion of the Sinjar Genocide anniversary “We know Iraq is facing economic chal- Partnership, was “Bridging the Gap Between Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad on Sunday. lenges,” Murad said. “But there are tangible Terror and Humanity.” He issued the following message: ‘’Dear sisters and brothers of the Yazidi com- munity of Armenia, today we commemorate the anniversary of the genocide against the Yazidi people in Sinjar perpetrated by some terroristic organizations. Indeed, the tragedy that hap- pened with the Yazidi people is a heinous crime against humanity and the civilized world. We share your grief and sincerely express solidarity with you. “I wish the Yazidi community of Armenia, all the Yazidi families steadfastness and spiritual strength. As a consolation, always realize that in the homeland, in the Republic of Armenia, you have a safe and protected future and a wide field of progress.” Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan also issued a statement on the anniversary of the Sinjar massacre. “As a nation that survived genocide, we can- not stay indifferent upon witnessing the same crime being committed against any other peo- ple,” he said. “Today we join the Yazidi community of Armenia to commemorate the memory of their brothers and sisters who died in Sinjar Forced deportation of Yazidis from Sinjar (Ahval photo) six years ago, Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly Ararat Mirzoyan said in a and sustainable actions that can be taken into “Daesh perpetrated the most horrendous consideration to help Yazidis.” crimes against the Yazidi people to deprive “I ask the governments in Erbil and Baghdad them of their religious rituals and they will be to solve the security issues in Sinjar [Shingal], brought to justice,” Iraqi President Barham and keep helping the missing Yazidis,” Murad Salih said in his opening remarks, using the added. “Yazidis deserve support to rebuild, as Arabic acronym for ISIS. they cannot wait for another six years to recov- “I call on all political forces to overcome their er.” differences,” he added, referring to the political As of this month, 3,530 Yazidis have been res- disputes between the federal government, the cued or escaped ISIS, and 2,887 are still miss- Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and the ing, according to the Kurdistan Regional Nineveh provincial government, which several Government’s office documenting the genocide. speakers blamed for the lack of progress. Six years later, the vast majority of Yazidis Falah Mustafa, a senior foreign policy advisor continue to live in a protracted state of dis- to the President of the Kurdistan Region, called placement. An array of armed forces, including for increased international support for Yazidis the Iraqi army, Popular Mobilization Forces in Sinjar and for the KRG, which hosts just (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi) and PKK-affiliated under 1 million refugees and IDPs, while US groups have vied for control of Shingal, and Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller many deem it too unsafe to return home. announced the allocation of an additional "ISIS was responsible for this devastation but $500,000 in reconstruction funding. the rest of us are responsible for what we did or Other speakers focused on the experience did not do since we knew about it" human and continued suffering of the survivors of the Amal Clooney, left, with Nadia Murad (Bloomberg photo) rights lawyer Amal Clooney added on Monday. genocide. Clooney also explained that “no progress” “As an Yazidi girl, I experienced this genocide has been made in seeking international justice in all of its details,” said Yazidi Survivor for the crimes committed against the communi- Network member Farida Abbas Khalaf, before The bluntest remarks of the day were made Facebook post. ty, with no state offering to host international outlining a number of specific steps that should by Saib Khidir, a Yazidi member of the Council In January 2018, the Armenian Parliament trials. be taken by governments and humanitarian of Representatives, who called out all sides for unanimously passed a resolution recognizing “Survivors tell me that they cannot under- organizations, including prosecuting the perpe- shirking their obligations. the Yazidi Genocide. stand how six years after the genocide, the vast trators of the genocide, passing the draft “Every stakeholder is throwing responsibility The National Assembly also called on the majority of ISIS fighters can simply go on with women survivors’ law, increasing funding for onto another stakeholder. Erbil says the prob- international community to track down and their lives,” Clooney added. psychiatric treatment and infrastructure recon- lem is with Baghdad. Baghdad says the problem prosecute those directly responsible for the “Doing nothing is not only wrong, it danger- struction, and ending political disputes to is with Erbil,” he said. killings and “take measures to ensure the secu- ous because these fighters are not going any- ensure a stable security environment. “This is not serving the Yazidi community. rity of the Yazidi population.” where and their toxic ideology continues to Karim Ahmad Khan, who is the Special This is not showing love to the Yazidi commu- spread,” she added. Adviser and Head of the UN Investigative Team nity. If I love the Yazidi community, I should (Stories from Rudaw, NRT and Armenpress Although Baghdad announced the territorial for the Promotion of Accountability for Crimes provide them with services,” he added. were used to compiled this report.) S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community News

Three Grants Zabelle Chapter #12 Daughters of Vartan From Society for 2020 Announces Merit Armenian Studies Scholarship Recipients DETROIT — The Daughters of Vartan Zabelle Are Underway Chapter’s Merit Scholarship Program is in its 19th year. The group has awarded 60 Merit FRESNO — Despite the impact of the ongo- Scholarships totaling $56,700 and has been ing pandemic, the Society for Armenian Studies successful due to the generosity of the Detroit (SAS) has worked hard to expand its efforts to members of the Knights and Daughters of foster Armenian Studies through different ini- Vartan and friends. tiatives. Three existing and new competitive The Merit Scholarship Program is open to grants have been announced, with deadlines the children, grandchildren and great grand- scheduled for September. The first two are children of Detroit, Michigan’s Knights and open to students who are current members of Daughters of Vartan Nareg-Shavarshan Lodge the SAS. #6 and Zabelle Chapter #12 members. The Fall 2020 edition of the SAS Graduate The Daughter of Vartan value the importance Research and Conference Grants for M.A. and of recognizing the academic accomplishments Ph.D. students is underway. The amount of of Armenian college students. This year they grants will be up to $1,000 per applicant and awarded the Merit Scholarship for an under- the deadline is September 15, 2020. Paros Foundation work crew beginning the reconstruction of the kindergarten in graduate student to Tigran Terterian and a Applications can be made at https://society- Aygepar. Merit Scholarship for a graduate student to forarmenianstudies.com/resources/. Emily Rose Torossian. Due to the current restrictions on travel, The Daughters of Vartan were unable to applicants should also specify an alternative honor the recipients at their annual June din- plan if they request funding for travel. Funding Rebuilding Begins in ner, as it was cancelled due to Covid-19. They will also be available for research-related will honor them at a special dinner and intro- expenses (archival and duce them to the membership when they can library materials, et once again assemble safely. cetera). Communities Attacked Tigran Terterian is the These grants son of Commander Kazar have been and Marina Terterian and made possible By Azerbaijan the grandson of the late by the institu- Knight Kevork Terterian. tional support He is a student at the of twelve Paros Foundation Increases Funding University of Michigan pur- A r m e n i a n suing a Bachelor of Science Studies chairs, SAN FRANCISCO/ CHINARI, Armenia — Azerbaijan launched a vicious attack degree in molecular, cellular and developmental programs, centers, on Armenia on July 12, in violation of the ceasefire agreement. Over the next two biology. His goal is to further his education and libraries in the days, Azerbaijan launched artillery of various calibers at the Armenian civilian with a PhD and work in research. United States and abroad. populations of several communities within Berd Consolidated Communities of In addition to maintaining high academic stan- The Nina G. Garsoïan Graduate Research Armenia’s Tavush Region. The Armenian Armed Forces not only successfully dards, Tigran has an extensive work experience to Grant for Ancient and Early Medieval Armenian defended these areas, but captured a very important military post and has his credit. These include; his Eagle Scout Project History for M.A. and Ph.D. students has been destroyed tens of millions of dollars worth of Azeri artillery and drones. (raising money for an orphanage in Gyumri, recently launched. This grant of up to $1,000 These military victories, however, have come with a huge price tag. Five valiant Armenia), Hye Camp Counselor, research assis- will be awarded on an annual basis to a gradu- soldiers were killed and others along with a dozen villagers have been wounded. tant and shift leader at Little Caesar’s. ate student in the field. The deadline for this In addition, families in these villages have experienced material losses on their Tigran’s parents taught him about being year grant is also on September 15, 2020. homes and property. Several days ago, The Paros Foundation team joined Tavush Armenian through language, food, culture and Garsoïan is a world renowned Byzantinist Governor Hayk Chobanyan, Berd Consolidated Communities head Harutyun religion. He is proud to be Armenian but still he and Armenologist who was the dean of the Manucharyan, representatives of the Prime Minister's office, and local village rep- needed to feel comfortable outside the Princeton University Graduate School and resentatives to visit the Armenian community. He solved this issue in a the first holder of the Gevork M. Avedissian Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, mature manner. Tigran simply educated his Chair in Armenian History and Civilization at Aygepar and Chinari com- friends about Armenian life and they embraced Columbia University. The grant is funded by munities to assess the his heritage. Dr. Levon Avdoyan, who recently retired as damage and to strategize Emily Rose Torossian is the Area Specialist for Armenia and Georgia and coordinate the next the daughter of Elaine at the African and Middle Eastern Division of steps forward. Due to the Torossian and granddaugh- the Library of Congress. Avdoyan received extent of the damage and ter of the late Knight his Ph.D. from Columbia University in New needs of the border vil- Edward and late Daughter York in ancient and Armenian history under lages, Paros is increasing of Vartan Rosalie Torossian. the supervision of Garsoïan. its fund goal to $200,000; She is pursuing a career in The third grant addresses graduate stu- contributions and social work and is a gradu- dents and post-graduate scholars, both SAS pledges to date are in ate student at the University of Michigan. She and non-SAS members. It is designed to sup- excess of $120,000. The received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology port scholarship in the field of Armenian Paros Foundation’s from Michigan State University. Studies that focuses on racial matters with Emergency Recon-struc- Putting her passion into action is evident in the intention to encourage filling the gap of tion Fund will work to her work experiences. These include volunteer- research on race. Two grants of up to $500 not only make repairs to ing in assisting building huts in a remote village per applicant will be awarded. The deadline is these damaged homes, in Thailand, facilitating English classes in September 30, 2020. but, will make substantial Vietnam, legal and client advocate intern at a The SAS welcomes proposals for any improvements on them. domestic abuse shelter EVE (End Violent research project that grapples with the role In addition, funds will be Encounters), clinical resource specialist (New race has played in Armenian history across used to make other sub- Oakland Family Centers) and medical social time and space, and particularly examines stantial infrastructure Paros Foundation Staff join Tavush Governor Hayk work intern (Michigan Medicine Hospital). the impact of racial policies and racism on Chobanyan, Berd Consolidated Communities head It became apparent to her professor, Debra improvements within the Harutyun Manucharyan, representatives of the Armenian communities in the United States communities. Mattison, how Emily felt about her Armenian and/or explores the relations and entangle- Prime Minister's office, and local village representa- roots. “Emily developed her awareness and Through the support tives to visit the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, Aygepar ments between Armenians and Black com- received from donors and Chinari communities to assess the damage. rooted commitment to advocacy from the exam- munities in the United States. Researchers around the world thus ple of her grandmother who was herself a are highly encouraged to engage with the far, the Paros team has strong supporter of the preservation of the work of Black, indigenous, and other schol- already begun planning the reconstruction of damaged areas, while our local Armenian culture and Armenian charities in ars of color and with critical race theory. construction crews look forward to beginning the job of rebuilding their com- America.” Torossian had a close relationship Applications can be made at: https://society- munities. Work on rebuilding the Aygepar Kindergarten has already begun. with her maternal grandparents who not only forarmenianstudies.com/2020/07/28/society- Rebuilding of the houses will begin early next week in order to complete work cared for her after school, but also showed her for-armenian-studies-grant-on-race/. prior to winter. Let's work together to meet our new goal to rebuild the border what it is to “be an exemplary Armenian.” Emily For further information about these region. states, “I have heard the stories of trauma, loss grants, write to Bedross Der Matossian, at To contribute, please visit http://parosfoundation.org/project/emergency- and sacrifice that my great grandparents and [email protected]. reconstruction-fund/ great-great grandparents and many other Armenians endured. I want to honor their lega- cy through how I live my life and contribute to and have a positive impact on society.” 6 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS / OBITUARIES

west of Armenia, Gregory Areshian where we visited sev- eral sites, including Dashtadem Fortress The Legacy of a True Scholar in Aragatsotn, Saint Gevorg church in the village of Garnahovit, his doctorate from the Saint Petersburg State and the Marmashen University under Boris Piotrovsky, the By Armen Der Kiureghian monastery complex renowned scholar of Urartian civilization and near Gyumri. His long-time director of the Hermitage Museum. knowledge of these YEREVAN — On August 2, 2020, Armenia Professor Areshian was proficient in nine lan- monuments and lost one of its most distinguished scholars. Dr. guages, including Urartian cuneiform. archaeological sites, Gregory Areshian, Professor of History and A few years after our visit to his office in and his enthusiasm Archaeology at the American University of 1991, Dr. Areshian had a conflict with Vano in explaining their Armenia (AUA), succumbed to the COVID-19 Siradeghyan, who served as the minister of backgrounds to us virus in spite of all efforts by his doctors to save internal affairs in Levon Ter-Petrosian’s govern- were so profound him. I had the privilege of knowing him and hir- ment and was later charged with criminal con- that it is difficult to ing him as a faculty member when I served as duct. Dr. Areshian was forced to resign and imagine that he will the President of AUA. I feel a deep sense of loss leave the country. He settled in the United not be leading tours and sorrow upon his passing. States and soon started teaching, first at the anymore. He was 71. University of Chicago and later at the He taught in 14 US My first encounter with Dr. Areshian was in University of California, Los Angeles. In 2015, universities and col- the summer of 1991, when Dr. Mihran he decided to return to Armenia. I was elated to leges including the Agbabian and I were in Yerevan working to hire him as a Professor in the College of University of start the AUA. The Government of Armenia had Humanities and Social Sciences, a major gain California, Los offered us rent-free use of a massive building, for AUA. He completely devoted his attention Angeles, the which previously served as the Congress Hall of and time to teaching, research and service to University of the Communist Party. To formalize the transfer, the University. One very important and highly Armenian history both in style and content. California, Irvine, the University of Chicago, the we had to get the approval of the Deputy Prime appreciated service he rendered the University I had the privilege of many conversations University of Wisconsin, Platteville and Minister, who happened to be Dr. Gregory was organizing and leading tours to archaeo- with Dr. Areshian about history, archaeology, Amherst College. He is the author of more than Areshian. I remember being extremely logical sites for major donors to AUA. and AUA programs, particularly the need for 150 scholarly works published in five languages impressed by his impeccable English and by his He taught some of the most popular and strengthening Armenian studies courses. My in 12 countries. enthusiasm for our project. He quickly signed largest classes at AUA on topics related to his- colleagues and I also had the good fortune of Armenia has lost one of its most important all the necessary documents, but we stayed in tory and archaeology. Students loved his going on several tours of archaeological and scholars. His legacy will go on to live in the rich his office longer and talked about the impor- approach to teaching and how he engaged historical sites with him. The first one was to body of scholarly books and articles he leaves tance of bringing Western-style education to them in discussions. Every year he assigned Areni-1 cave in 2016, where the famous 6,000- behind and in the accomplishments of numer- Armenia. several of his students as “guides” during the year-old shoe and winery were discovered by a ous students and research associates he I met Dr. Areshian for the second time archaeological tours. The excitement of these team led by Professor Areshian and Prof. Boris inspired. May his light shine forever. around 2004, when Prof. David Stronach of the students — many of whom majored in fields Gasparian of the Institute of Archaeology and University of California, Berkeley, invited him other than humanities or social sciences — and Ethnology of the National Academy of Sciences (Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian is the Taisei for a seminar. At the time, Dr. Areshian was a their dedication to Areshian were palpable. I of Armenia. The second one was to Carahunge Professor of Civil Engineering [Emeritus] visiting professor and researcher at the Cotsen remember several students telling me that it or Zorats Karer (Armenia’s Stone Hinge) near Department of Civil & Environmental Institute of Archaeology at the University of was through Areshian’s courses that they truly Sisian, where his students were mapping the Engineering, University of California, and for- California, Los Angeles. A renowned archeolo- learned and appreciated Armenian history. tombstones and he intended to conduct exca- mer president of the American University of gist of ancient Iran and Iraq, Stronach had Areshian was concerned about the way histo- vations to better understand the origins of the Armenia.) extremely high opinion of Areshian’s scholar- ry was taught in schools and universities in multiple graves. The last one was to the north- ship. Areshian visited Berkeley again around Armenia. He believed that Armenian history 2010 for another seminar, this time upon the should be taught as a part of world history and invitation of Prof. Stephan Astourian and as the in the broader context of the history of other guest of the Armenian Studies Program. The nations. He criticized the current approach as presence of archaeology scholars from Berkeley “teaching Armenian history for Armenians Donation at the seminar again was a testament of the alone.” His students, some of whom had come high regard he enjoyed in that field. to AUA from other universities and had experi- The Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada gratefully acknowledges the Areshian received his bachelor’s and master’s enced history courses elsewhere, attested to his donation of $100 by Jerry and Annie Balikian in memory of Victor Varujan Ganjian for the ren- degrees from the Yerevan State University and innovative approach to the teaching of ovation of a classroom in the Berdzor Tekeyan School.

Harold Partamian

Pharmacist, Dedicated to Family and Church ARLINGTON, Mass. — Harold Partamian of Arlington, the son of the late Dickran and F UNERAL H OME Yeranig (Aghayan) Partamian, passed away on Giragosian July 29, 2020 at the age of 84, surrounded by James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC his family. Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors Harold is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gladys (Nahigian) Partamian. He was the father 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 of Mark Partamian of Arlington and Donna www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Partamian Kutzer and her husband Ken of Westwood; grandfather of Matthew, Ashley, and Haley Kutzer; brother of the late Anahid Zerdelian. He is also survived by his nephew Stephen Zerdelian and his cousin, Arthur Alexander. Nardolillo Funeral Home He was predeceased by his cousin Shakae Est. 1906 Shahinian of Wyckoff, NJ. In addition, he is survived by many cousins John K. Najarian, Jr. and extended family from New Jersey, Buenos Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Aires, and France. Harold was a graduate of Boston Latin 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 School and after his graduation from 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1957, he www.nardolillo.com served in the Army National Guard before beginning his career as a pharmacist. He was the former proprietor of Rawson where he and Gladys made their lifelong friends Pharmacy in Arlington where he served his they consider as family. community and created many lasting friend- He was also a member of the former Amvets Telephone (617) 924-7400 ships. Post 41 in Watertown and the Knights of Subsequently, Harold served as the executive Vartan. secretary of the Board of Pharmacy for the Among all his interests and achievements, he Aram Bedrosian Commonwealth of Massachusetts. was most happy surrounded by his family and He was the founding president of the grandchildren, listening and dancing to music, Funeral Home, Inc. Armenian-American Pharmacists’ Association, watching sports, vacationing in Aruba, and an organization very near and dear to his heart. cooking on the grill for his family. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and In addition to his career, Harold was an active MARION BEDROSIAN member of the St. James Armenian Church in current public safety measures, funeral services 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Watertown where he founded and chaired the will be private. A public celebration of life will WATERTOWN, MA 02472 annual golf tournament for many years and be held at a later date and will be announced. LARRY BEDROSIAN S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Bar Member Lucy Boyadjian Solimon Rises Living Become, High in New Mexico with Judicial Appointment LLC Is Teaching

Defender’s Office, and a private practitioner in impressed upon the Governor that, “Based on Leadership Skills By Armen K. Hovannisian, Esq. defense law firms, including her own firm. She the totality of our evaluation process, we is married to Justin Solimon who practices believe Ms. Boyadjian Solimon will continue, as To Young People Federal Indian Law in Albuquerque. she has demonstrated during her career, to be LOS ANGELES — It is rare enough for In June 2020, the Armenian Bar’s Judicial a devoted public servant to the people of New WESTON, Mass. — Living Become, LLC is Armenian-Americans to become judges in states Evaluation Committee (JEC), which is com- Mexico. We are confident that if given the addressing the lack social emotional based with sizable and long-established Armenian com- prised of the organization’s most experienced honor of serving as a member of the New learning and fulfilling the need with its munities stretching from California to Illinois to lawyers across the profession’s broad spec- Mexico judiciary, Ms. Boyadjian Solimon’s BECOME Summer Leadership Program. New York. It is another to welcome the judicial trum, met and conferred with Boyadjian courtroom will be a bastion where fair play, due BECOME, which stands for bold, energized, appointment of a deserving Armenian-American Solimon in a rigorous vetting process. The process, and the rule of law will prevail over all compassionate, open-hearted, mindful, in places where our tracks are more fresh and our JEC concluded that she embodied the else. She will exhibit compassion, empathy, and empowered education is led by co-creators communities less dense. unique, sought-after qualities that make her understanding to the litigants that appear Kristin Asadourian, is a social worker and a That is one way to highly qualified to serve as a judge with before her, qualities which are so critical today leadership coach, and Lindsay Quezada, a describe New Mexico. honor and distinction. Following the for our judiciary.” fifth-grade teacher. It helps students gain a On July 2, New Armenian Bar’s in-depth interview protocol, In explaining her own reasons to Grisham for greater understanding of what is important to Mexico Gov. Michelle the JEC Co-Chairs, Lucy Varpetian and Garo wanting to become a judge, Boyadjian Solimon them and what they value. This heightened Lujan Grisham appoint- Ghazarian, addressed a letter of unqualified explained, “For several generations, my family level of self-awareness results in an increase in ed Lucy Boyadjian support for Boyadjian Solimon’s appoint- has constantly been forced to flee and relocate self-confidence. BECOME was initially taught Solimon as Judge of the ment to Grisham. due to threats of war, violence, and instability in as an afterschool workshop at the Field Second Judicial District Varpetian and Ghazarian encapsulated the the rule of law. My grandfather lost most of his School in Weston. The after-school version Court, serving Bernalillo Judge Lucy findings of the evaluation committee, writing, family in the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and focused on helping students identify what County. Judge Boyadjian Boyadjian Solimon “We believe that Ms. Boyadjian Solimon will was forced to start a new family in Syria and they value in order to go out into their com- Solimon, a recent mem- maintain an excellent judicial temperament as Lebanon. When I was a six-year-old child, my munities and create an impact based on what ber of the Armenian Bar we have found her to be an active listener, mea- family emigrated from Beirut, Lebanon to Los is important to them. In the spring the pro- Association, was born and spent her early years sured in her responses, and even-keeled in her Angeles, California to escape the war. This in Lebanon, was raised and educated through demeanor. We also took note of and appreciate direct family history has instilled in me a deep college in California, and graduated from law her engagement in community and civic affairs, respect for the judicial system, both as a means school and entered the legal profession in New ranging from her provision of pro bono legal to prevent and deter crime and to promote fair- Mexico nearly thirteen years ago. For the past services to participation in New Mexico bar ness and protections offered under the two years, Boyadjian Solimon had been associations to her involvement with Native Constitution.” Enforcement Bureau Chief for the New Mexico American and Armenian organizations, as well The long and storied tradition of Armenian Workers Compensation Administration. as her support of various non-profit organiza- judges in America has opened a fresh new chap- Boasting a broad criminal law experience for tions. These activities reflect Ms. Boyadjian ter in a state whose nickname is The Land of both the prosecution and the defense, Solimon’s deep roots in her community and Enchantment. Lucy Boyadjian Solimon’s Boyadjian Solimon has also held the posts of commitment to its well-being.” appointment as a District Court Judge makes Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for Laguna Summing up its support for Boyadjian clear that New Mexico is, indeed, worthy of that Pueblo, assistant public defender in the Public Solimon’s appointment, the Armenian Bar endearing description.

Kristin Asadourian and Lindsay Quezada

gram moved to an online format and the self- discovery piece of the curriculum became even more relevant. “Leading the workshop online and focus- ing on the students and their ability to know themselves and what they value made sense. We are coaching them on how to make deci- sions, effectively communicate and self-advo- cate. Participants learn how to be advocates and change makers,” said Quezada BECOME provides students with the tools to self- manage and self-regulate within two- week sessions conducted over zoom daily. “Education is changing, there is a great need for social emotional learning. Teaching students how to manage themselves, time and task man- age, and self-regulate is just as important as teaching them math and English. Right now, helping young people find their voices, use them and step out healthy, aware and confident is nec- essary,” said Asadourian said. The workshop uses journaling, mindful- ness practices, exercises and online group activities to help increase self-awareness in the participants. Along with BECOME, Living Become, LLC has year around work- shops and offers personal development and leadership coaching to young people and adults. The organization is committed to addressing the social emotional needs of stu- dents to optimize overall mental health. It continues to develop curriculum to address the increase in stress, anxiety and depression in young people and believes BECOME is one way to ensure young people are receiv- ing the social emotional support they need. “Teaching young people to connect with their thoughts, actions and emotions and providing them with the tools to effectively communicate how they feel and what they think will increase their self-confidence and help to alleviate symptoms of stress and anx- iety as they pop up,” said Asadourian More information on the BECOME Summer Leadership Program is on the Living Become, LLC website. Visit www.liv- ingbecome.com for more information. 8 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS History of Gregory The Illuminator’s Sons and Grandsons

NEW YORK — The calendar of the he fled to the Taurus Mountains in Cilicia. Armenian Church singles out four members Arisdagés’ disciples took his body to the vil- of St. Gregory’s family — two sons and two lage of Til near Erzinjan and buried him grandsons — and assigns them a special day there. His grave was later shown within the of commemoration. This year it fell on confines of the Chukhdag Hayrabedats Vank August 1. (“The Monastery of the Twin Patriarchs”), The day of commemoration (according to which was still extant until 1915. the present calendar in force since 1774-75) St. Arisdagés is said to have presided as the falls on the Saturday before the Third Sunday chief bishop of Armenia for seven years. The of Transfiguration. Excluded from this group date of his martyrdom is calculated to have of saints are the rest of the members of the taken place at about A.D. 328. Gregorid family, namely Sts. Nersés the Great, Sahag the Parthian, Vartan and his St. Vrtanés daughter Shushanig. The latter are commem- The elder son of St. Gregory the orated on different days during the year. Illuminator chose to lead a secular life and got married while still in Caesarea. At a later St. Arisdagés time he was ordained a priest, either in While still a layman in Caesarea (Kayseri), Caesarea or Armenia. He and his wife’s desire Gregory and his wife Mariam had with two to have children, and their prayers to God sons, Vrtanés and Arisdagés. When Gregory towards this end, were answered only in an and Mariam parted, Arisdagés was still very advanced age. They had twins, Krikoris and young and in need of motherly care. Mariam Husig, who were reared in the Armenian St. Gregory the Illuminator took him with her to the convent she joined. court and given a solid education. He pre- Influenced by his early upbringing in the con- sumably lost his wife during the pontificate vent, Arisdagés entered the service of God at of his brother Arisdagés, and after the lat- in 338. He consoled the king, his magnates teachings forbade some practices of their an early age and became a hermit in the ter’s death Vrtanés himself was raised to the and soldiers for the devastating effect of the nomadic way of life — such as looting, pillag- mountains. He became renowned for his aus- episcopal throne of Greater Armenia. Vrtanés war. According to this ordinance, the com- ing, killing, coveting others possession — they tere way of life, attracting young disciples probably received episcopal ordination from memoration was to be repeated annually. He became disgusted and greatly angered. They who sought his company for pious instruc- his brother’s hand, since there is no reference also instituted a special canon for all those saw in Krikoris’ teachings a plot on the part tion. He was particularly versed in Greek let- in the historians to any ceremony of ordina- who should die for Christian Armenia, that of the Armenian king to stop their plunder- ters and philosophy. tion, either in Caesarea or elsewhere. they be commemorated “before God’s holy ing raids into Armenia. Krikoris was tied to Years passed, and when King Drtad (by St. Vrtanés’ activities as chief bishop of altar at that point in the liturgy when the the tail of a wild horse and driven over a now a Christian convert) learned that St. Greater Armenia were closely linked with names of the saints are enumerated, and plain. The bishop died as a result. His body Gregory had sired two sons in his younger those of the Christian kings of Armenia: first after them.” This commemoration was later was claimed by his followers and taken to days, he sent certain nobles to Caesarea to Drtad, and later his son Khosrov Godag (330- replaced with that of St. Vartan Mamigonian Amaras, which is located in present-day bring the sons to Armenia. (St. Gregory him- 337) and grandson Diran (337-344). Vrtanés and his 1,036 companions, which has been Karabakh. He was buried in the church built self had withdrawn to the wilderness to lead stood by the side of the kings during various celebrated every year up to the present day. by St. Gregory. At the end of the fifth centu- a solitary life.) At the time, Arisdagés was liv- Persian invasions into Armenia as well as dur- St. Vrtanés’ name is closely connected with ry, a crypt was built to house his grave. That ing in a hermitage; he initially refused to ing internal rebellions. As an active pastor he a contemporary non-Armenian churchman of structure is now located under the main altar leave his austere way of life and go to the continued the work of his father and brother. renown, namely St. Macarius, bishop of of the church of the Monastery of Amaras court of the king. Ultimately, he yielded to Despite the declaration of Christianity as Jerusalem (313-334). Macarius was one of the and is a place of pilgrimage. the plea of Christians not to refuse the pas- the national religion of Armenia and the fathers of the Council of Nicaea (325), The martyrdom of Krikoris took place toral work that lay before him. royal support that the church thereby responsible (with a few others) for drafting shortly before the Mazkut invasion of Upon the arrival of Arisdagés and Vrtanés, received, certain people of high position were the Nicene Creed, which we recite in church Armenia and the seizure of its capital city, King Drtad took them with him to look for not pleased with the new religion. Their dis- during the Divine Liturgy. It was during his Vagharshabad. That event took place in St. Gregory. Finding the saint in the wilder- pleasure led to serious repercussions. King tenure of office that the Church of the Holy a.d.335. Krikoris’ relics were discovered in ness, he begged Gregory to ordain his son Drtad, who had been responsible for the Sepulcher was built in Jerusalem. St. Vrtanés the latter part of the fifth century and were Arisdagés a bishop and take him as his assis- kingdom’s conversion, died at a ripe old age had the distinction of receiving a letter from buried in a newly built crypt, which is still tant. After his ordination, Arisdagés diligent- — but not of natural causes. Certain Macarius. The letter, originally written in extant, as stated above. ly pursued his pastoral work, preaching and Armenian princes in the service of the court Greek, is preserved only in Armenian and wiping out the vestiges of pagan customs and hastened his demise by giving him a poisoned bears the title: “To the Christ-loving and St. Husig traditions. cup to drink. From another version of the pious Chief Bishop Vrtanés and all the bish- St. Husig, the second son of St. Vrtanés, Arisdagés represented the Armenian story about King Drtad’s death, we learn that ops and priests of Armenia.” According to followed his father’s example by embracing Church at the Holy Council of Nicaea, which the anti-Christian princes collaborated with this docu¬ment, Vrtanés had sent certain secular life. Nourished by King Diran, he was met in A.D. 325 at the order of the Roman the King of Kings of Iran, and were instigat- priests to Jerusalem with specific ques¬tions forced into marrying the king’s daughter, Emperor Constantine. His name appears on ed by the latter to put him to death. While on about church traditions. In his answer, much against his will. He and his wife had the list alongside those of the 318 bishops a hunt, they shot Drtad with an arrow, and as Macarius dwells on various traditions and twin sons, Bab and Athenogenes. His inclina- who participated in that council. He returned the wounded king was recuperating from his practices that must be observed in the rite of tion towards a celibate life, however, alienat- to Armenia, bringing with him the canons of wound, they gave him a poisoned cup to baptism. ed his wife and invited on him the hostility of the renowned council. These canons are still drink. St. Vrtanés died in the third year of King the royal court. Their pressure was terminat- venerated in the Armenian Church and form Vrtanés himself almost fell victim to a Diran —340 AD. He was buried near his ed by his wife’s death, after which Husig the foundation of discipline and order in our scheme of a different nature. At the annual father in Tortan, and his grave was shown devoted himself to raising his children. In a tradition. commemoration in Ashdishad of St. John the inside the village church. dream, the Lord appeared to him and told After St. Gregory’s complete withdrawal Baptist and Bishop Athenogenes, as institut- him that from his children there “will be born from pastoral life and his demise, St. ed by St. Gregory, the chief bishop was cele- St. Krikoris other children, and they will be illuminators Arisdagés succeeded him as the chief bishop brating the Divine Liturgy, when two thou- The missionary work initiated by St. of knowledge and fonts of spiritual wisdom of Greater Armenia. As a pastor he surpassed sand mountaineers from Sasun converged on Gregory in the regions of northern Armenia, for the realm of Armenia.” the accomplishments of his father, as attest- the place, with the intent of assassinating Georgia and Caucasian Albania was not After his father’s demise, Husig was in line ed by the historian of the conversion of Vrtanés. The assassins were unconverted idol neglected by his successors. To this end, St. for the succession of the episcopal throne of Armenia. worshippers, instigated by certain magnates Vrtanés’ son Krikoris was raised to the epis- Greater Armenia. King Diran immediately dis- Arisdagés himself died as a martyr, and and particularly by the queen of Armenia, copal rank and appointed bishop of Georgia patched a delegation of thirteen high-ranking that is one of the reasons why he is consid- whom Vrtanés had formerly rebuked for com- and Albania at a relatively young age. The princes and dignitaries to accompany Husig ered a saint of the Armenian Church. The cir- mitting adultery. We are told that the hand of young bishop extended his missionary activi- to Caesarea. There, Husig was elevated to the cumstances of his assassination are not very God made the conspirators motionless until ties over a vast expanse of territory reaching episcopal rank. On his return to Armenia he clear. All we know is that, at some point in Vrtanés released them. Overwhelmed by the shores of the Caspian Sea. He established was met by the king and taken to the city of his career as chief bishop of Armenia, he had what had happened, the mountaineers heed- churches and evangelized among the peoples Ardashad, where he was officially enthroned. reprimanded a high dignitary named ed the admonitions of the bishop, and after and tribes under his care. Among the differ- Like his father and grandfather, he became a Archilaeus, who had been appointed gover- completing the period of penance set by him ent northern semi-barbaric nomadic tribes to wonderful pastor of his flock. nor of the province of Dzopk in western they were baptized. Subsequently the bishop whom he preached the gospel were the Husig’s woes began when he, as the Armenia. We are not told what Archilaeus withdrew to his paternal estate in Til, near Mazkuts, who were ruled by a line of upholder of the moral precepts of the church, had done to deserve Arisdagés’ reprimand, Erzinjan. Arshaguni kings related to the royal dynasty began to castigate the king and his magnates but he kept a grudge. When the bishop was St. Vrtanés is said to have ordained a spe- of Armenia. At first, the Mazkuts accepted for their unchristian behavior: they had on a pastoral visit in those parts, Archilaeus cial day of commemoration for the Armenian Krikoris’ instructions favorably and were engaged in immoral acts and had shed inno- met him on the road and slew him. In order forces under General Vaché Mamigonian, inclined to convert to Christianity. cent blood for political ends. Husig excom- to avoid arrest and prosecution for his crime, who perished in a battle against the Persians But when they learned that Christian municated them, forbidding their entry into S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS the church. Predictably, this invited on him and other foreign parts and to have convert- before the Third Sunday after Pentecost. actually due to King Arshag’s adherence to the royal court’s animosity. On one occasion ed many people to the Christian faith. He was That date, however, was arranged by the ordi- the religious policy current in imperial Rome. — a day of annual celebration when Husig, on also in charge of the graves and the posses- nance of Catholicos Simeon in the revised We know from the Western historical sources a pastoral visit to the western province of sions of the Gregorid family, and was atten- calendar he published in 1774-75. Originally, that all the orthodox bishops in the Roman Great Dzopk, was present at the palatine tive to keeping the memories of the saints of that feast fell on the Monday following the Empire were banished in 359, and Nersés was church in the royal fortress of Pnapegh — that family as well as that of King Drtad alive Fourth Sunday after Pentecost. obviously one of those bishops. King Arshag, King Diran arrived with his retinue and tried among the faithful. With the martyrdom of St. Husig and St. as a Roman ally, could not have kept on the to enter the church. Learning about their Since St. Husig’s two sons led secular lives Daniel, only Husig’s two sons, Bab and throne an orthodox chief bishop, when the arrival, Husig stepped out and cried aloud: and had no inclination to follow in the foot- Athenogenes, remained in line for the suc- Roman emperor himself was an adherent to “You are unworthy! Why have you come? Do steps of their ancestors, King Diran sent his cession to the throne of St. Gregory. But they the Arian heresy and had taken measures to not go inside!” Angered by this, the kings magnates to summon Bishop Daniel, now an were laymen and had no desire to become exile the orthodox bishops within his realm. attendants dragged him inside the sanctuary elderly ascetic tending to church affairs in priests. With the universal consent of the The Armenian historians of the fifth century and beat him with rods, shattering his bones. the village of Til, to assume the spiritual lead- Armenian bishops, they were forced against speak about St. Nersés’ with¬drawal from The servants of the church of Pnapegh car- ership of the Armenian people. He met the their will to be ordained deacons. As profes- office as a result of his objection to King ried the battered bishop, who was still alive, king in southwestern Armenia and rebuked sional soldiers, they showed no inclination to Arshag’s moral deprava¬tions and about his to his ancestral estate in Tortan. Unable to him and his magnates for their crimes. spirituality, and their worldly conduct con- exile at the order of the Roman Emperor recover from his injuries, Husig died there Enraged at Daniel’s outspokenness, the king vinced everyone that neither was suitable for Valens. and was buried near the graves of his father ordered his servants to strangle him, despite the position of chief bishop. Consequently, St. Nersés’ exile lasted for about nine years. and grandfather. His tomb was shown inside the contrary advice of his nobles. His body the episcopal throne of Greater Armenia was He reluctantly returned to the throne of his the church of Tortan. The martyrdom of St. was taken to the valley of Hatsyats Trakhd delegated to bishops from another family. ancestors during the reign of King Bab, Husig is dated to A.D. 344. and buried in the cell where he had lived as St. Nersés, the son of Athenogenes and Arshag’s son, and remained in office for four a solitary. St. Daniel was martyred in a.d.344; Pampish (presumably the daughter of King years. His return can also be explained by cir- St. Daniel the Syrian the Monastery of Gopa Sourp Taniel stood at Diran), was a courtier and the chamberlain of cumstances outside of Armenia. His years in The Feast of the Sons and Grandsons of St. that site until 1915. King Arshag II. He was married to a princess exile seem to concur with the duration of the Gregory the Illuminator includes the name of These five saints have been venerated as a named Santukhd and the couple had a son, banishment of the orthodox bishops in the St. Daniel the Syrian, though he is not an group at least since the end of the twelfth who later became the renowned Catholicos Roman Empire, and his return and reinstate- actual member of the Gregorid house. century. For it was at that time that Sahag the Parthian. St. Sahag in turn ment in office coincided with that of the Daniel had been one of St. Gregory’s pupils Archbishop Nersés of Lampron wrote a hymn became the grandfather of St. Vartan same bishops. and associates. St. Gregory himself had put dedicated to them (“The Canon of the Sons Mamigonian. Despite his secular background, St. Nersés’ relations with King Bab were him in charge of the province of Daron (the and Grandsons of St. Gregory the St. Nersés was a pious Christian. As a young cordial at first, but gradually deteriorated. modern Mush area), where he held the office Illuminator”). In the hymn he mentions the soldier he had spent some time in Caesarea The Armenian historians charge Bab with of “supreme justice” and looked after the saints by name, and devotes five stanzas to and had been “taught by spiritual teachers.” moral depravity and point to St. Nersés’ crit- church in Ashdishad, where the relics of St. briefly describing the merits of each one. His connection with St. Gregory the icism of the king’s lifestyle as the cause of his John the Baptist and Bishop Athenogenes This hymn is still chanted on the day of com- Illuminator invited on him the attention of all downfall. Yet the alliance between the rested. His titles — “overseer, law-giver, super- memoration of these saints. the magnates of Armenia, who held council Armenian king and the Roman Emperor visor and guardian of all the churches of with King Arshag and advised him to per- Valens, an adherent to the Arian heresy, sug- Greater Armenia” — and his ecclesiastical St. Nersés the Great suade Nersés to become the spiritual leader gests a religious basis for the friction rank as chorepiscopus (a bishop tending to St. Nersés, the grandson of St. Husig, is not of Armenia. Nersés, who was standing among between Bab and St. Nersés. The non-compli- the flock in the countryside, as opposed to a commemorated with the Sons and Grandsons the magnates in the royal assembly hall, fully ance of the orthodox Nersés to the bishop of a city or a district), indicate that he of St. Gregory. As a major saint of the adorned in ceremonial robe, refused to accept Arianizing tendencies of Bab would not have was a missionary who traveled from place to Armenian Church he has a special day dedi- the proposal, not deeming himself worthy of been tolerated for long. And so St. Nersés place. He is said to have preached in Persia cated to his memory, namely the Saturday such a high dignity. The assembly laughed at was poisoned at the king’s order. He died in his feigned arguments and the king literally 373 and was buried in Til, near the tomb of stripped him of his royal ornaments. He was his great uncle St. Arisdagés. A cathedral, immediately ordained a deacon and sent to built over the site of the graves, was Caesarea to receive episcopal ordination. destroyed in the seventh century. As the After being ordained a bishop by region changed hands over the centuries, the Archbishop Eusebius of Caesarea, Nersés exact site of St. Nersés’ grave was forgotten. returned to Armenia. His enthronement is His relics were discovered at the end of the said to have taken place in 353. Upon his thirteenth century and distributed between return, Nersés immediately undertook the the church in Erzinjan and the nearby village pastoral duties of chief bishop, renovating of Kee where the Monastery of Dirashén old churches, founding new ones and tending stood. Another monastery in or near Til, to the spiritual needs of his flock. Chukhdag Hayra¬bedats, also claimed to Christianity was still a new religion in have relics of St. Nersés. These relics were Armenia and many were still feeble in their discov¬ered in the second half of the thir- faith. The newly ordained bishop worked teenth century, prompting a renowned poet towards making the Armenians practicing of the time, Hovhannés Bluz Vartabed of Christians. To that end he held a church Erzinjan, to write the hymn called “The council of bishops in Ashdishad, introducing Canon of the Patriarch St. Nersés the Great.” a number of reforms. Secular regulations were set for the believers, and attention was Bishop St. Khat paid to make the beliefs of the church uni- St. Nersés is always commemorated with form. Instructions were formulated so that his associate Bishop Khat. Like Nersés, Khat, throughout the land almshouses and shelters a native of the village of Marak near Karin would be built for the poor, hospitals for the (modern Erzurum) was a married man and sick and leprosaria for lepers. The faithful had two daughters. He had been St. Nersés’ were urged to make the necessary provisions pupil and deacon. Ultimately he rose to the for the maintenance of these institutions. rank of bishop and was placed in charge of St. Nersés also became known for his other two districts, Pakrevant and Arsharunik. charitable works and his concern for moral Through the marriage of his daughters he purity as well as family life. He forbade exces- was associated with the noble Abahuni clan. sive mourning over the dead, upheld the During St. Nersés’ tenure, he was designated sanctity of marriage, and gave relief to wid- as supervisor of the poor and the charitable ows, orphans, captives and the poor. He shel- institutions founded by his mentor. The lat- tered in his own residence the blind and the ter, in his absence, entrusted him with the crippled, and always shared his meals with care of church affairs, naming him his vicar. them. He also tended to the needs of the Khat faithfully carried out his ministry. church as an institution by regulating the Like Nersés, Khat was also an adamant sup- liturgical services and the rites, establishing porter of orthodoxy against the royal court, monasteries and schools, and educating which adhered to the heretical teachings of young people who were later ordained Arius. For this reason, he was in conflict with priests. In short, he may be described as the the king, who tried to bribe him — to no avail, founder of Christian charity in Armenia and since Khat distributed the gifts bestowed on as the churchman who laid down for posteri- him among the poor. King Arshag had him ty the role of the Armenian Church as the driven from the royal camp and ordered his guardian of the Armenian people, not only in men to stone the bishop. The ordeal of a spiritual but also in social and educational painful death was spared to him thanks to his respects. Abahuni clansmen, related to him through St. Nersés also participated in the political marriage. One of his sons-in-law, Asurk, suc- life of his country. From 353 until 359, he ceeded to his episcopal rank and office, pre- was among King Arshag’s chief advisors. It sumably after his own wife’s demise. has been shown that in A.D. 358 St. Nersés Khat is not a martyr, but his sufferings at headed a diplomatic delegation to Byzantium the hands of King Arshag make him a con- that brought Armenia under the Roman fessor. sphere of influence and secured a period of (By the Very Rev. Krikor Maksoudian, adapted peace and prosperity for the country. This from his volume, The Holy Feasts of St. act, however, cost St. Nersés his throne. It is Gregory the Illuminator, St. Vartan Press, now quite certain that the saint’s exile was 2002).) 10 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living Overcoming Los Angeles AIWA Affiliate Announces Handicaps Recipient of Scholarship Awards The Story of Aimée LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Affiliate Rapin and Stepan Elmas of the Armenian International Association announces the six recipients of the Hasmik Mgrdichian Scholarship Awards. Each year By Artsvi Bakhchinyan awards of $5,000 each are presented to full- time California female students of Armenian Special to Mirror-Spectator descent, both under graduates and graduates, enrolled in accredited colleges and universities The name of the Swiss artists Aimée Rapin in the United States and abroad. It is encour- is unfamiliar to the general public. Yet her aging and heartwarming each year to receive name deserves to be known for a number of their applications and to learn of their scholas- reasons: first of all, as an artist in general and Poster for “Hate Among Us” tic achievements and goals for the future. secondly, and this is the most unusual and stu- The Hasmik Mgrdichian Scholarship Awards pendous fact about her, as an artist, be they was established in 2011 thanks to the contin- male or female, who drew with her toes as she ued generosity of Hasmik Mgrdichian, one of did not have arms. Armenian Producer the founders of the Los Angeles Affiliate. The Her works included portraits of children and Los Angeles Affiliate of AIWA take great pride adults in, nude beauties and exquisite features in her legacy to recognize and assist in the edu- that disclose the inner worlds of those cap- cation of Armenian women. tured on the canvas, as well as landscapes and Sergey Sarkisov's Film The 2020 Hasmik Mgrdichian Scholarships still-lifes, especially flowers, eye-catching color- were awarded to the following: ful images and masterly performed graphic •Ani Hakobyan, although born in Russia, works. It is hard to perceive that those highly Wins Emmy she has not lived there ever since and grew up artistic pieces and brilliant oil pastels were cre- in the United States. She received a BA from ated not by hand. UC Berkeley and will be entering her first year Aimée Rapin was born on February 14, 1868 LOS ANGELES (Armenpress) — In a virtual ceremony Sunday, July 26, the at the University of Southern California to pur- in Payerne, Switzerland, one of 12 children. National Association of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) awarded David sue a master’s degree in education. Her goal is Only she had a physical handicap. Aimée’s McKenzie the Emmy for Outstanding Directing Special Class for the critically to hold a position in the Ministry of Education father, Jules Rapin was an employment agent, acclaimed documentary film “Hate Among Us.” in Armenia. as well as an amateur artist and musician. In “We are very thankful that the Academy has given attention to this important •Helena Nicole Kevorkian is a graduate of 1872 the family moved to Lausanne where 6- subject that affects all of us,” said McKenzie. “I am honored that they recognized the AGBU Manoogian School. She will be year-old Aimée started taking painting classes this work so that hopefully it will bring more attention to this subject matter and attending the University of Southern with local university professor, M. Meyenbourg. shine a light on the terrible situation that hate generates among people.” California, Los Angeles, to pursue a degree in The next year the family moved back to Distributed by Associated Television International (ATI) and premiering on communications/public relations. Payerne. Aimée was 18 when her father passed Popstar! TV, “Hate Among Us” from executive producers David McKenzie, Dean •Mariam Khorenyan was born in Yerevan, away in 1880. Her mother, Adelie Rapin- Cain, Montel Williams and Sergey Sarkisov, tracks the origins of hate crimes and received her undergraduate degree from Quidort, who had happily married at 18 and against members of the Jewish faith as well as many others and the ultimate mur- the American University of Armenia. She became a widow at 38, had to bear the entire der of an estimated 6 million European Jews by the Nazi regime and its collabo- served as a volunteer in the Peace Corp in burden of supporting the large family on her rators that are still being exhibited by hate groups to this very day from Europe Tbilisi, Georgia. She will be attending New own. She had to keep the house and bring up to the United States and throughout the world. York University, pursuing a master’s degree in her children, one of whom needed special The film follows the family members of Mireille Knoll, an 85-year-old Holocaust Global Affairs. attention. survivor who was murdered in her Paris apartment in 2018 in an anti-Semitic hate •Tamar Nachian is a third-year student at Aimée was far from conventional, however, crime. The film also depicts unique perspectives on anti-semitism from all cultures the University of California, Santa Barbara. and she demonstrated a strong will power from and all faiths, from within historic Jewish neighborhoods in Europe, to the streets Her career goal is to pursue a degree in statis- early childhood and was a very easy-going of Charlottesville and Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue massacre. McKenzie’s tics and data science with an emphasis in youngster. She resigned herself to her physical direction told real stories of cur- biopsychology. state with a great deal of good-humor. rent survivors of violent anti- •Lilit Oganessian will be attending the Gradually, she learnt to do with her toes every- semitism to those of the University of California, Davis. She is a first- thing others do with their hands, from from Holocaust. Hate Among Us illus- year student in a PhD program in veterinary picking flowers to eating. She used to say that trates how renewed intolerance is medicine. Her goal is to eventually work at a the only thing bothering her was the necessity taking root in our communities, government agency whose focus is on issues to always wear a pelerine. institutions and universities, with associated with human relationship to animals. At 14 Aimée was sent to study at a boarding far reaching consequences •Zhanna Ter-Zakaryan, born in Yerevan, school in Lausanne. She continued with her around the world. received a baccalaureate from Li Po Chun drawing classes with her teacher, Meyerbourg. “It helps us to achieve our United World College of Hong Kong and a In 1884, Aimée Rapin moved to Geneva to live goal,” said Dean Cain, “which is bachelor’s degree in art history from the Art with her godmother Mrs. Kapt and to study at to shine a light on hate and help Institute of Chicago. She will be continuing the Art School. Mrs. Kapt was a well-educated educate people about the history her education at the Center of Socio-Legal woman, a widow without children, so she and the current growth of hate Studies at the University of Oxford. accompanied her beloved Aimée in all of her and anti-Semitism. We are very Nicole Nishanian, President of AIWA-LA stat- tours around the world. The young girl was excited about this recognition ed, “How inspiring it is to look at the dedica- never to be stopped by any difficulties: she and hope this brings more aware- tion of the Los Angeles Affiliate’s Scholarship would travel with or without her godmother to ness to this serious humanitarian Committee, specifically our Scholarship Chair, Italy, Spain, Holland, even to Morocco and crisis.” Lily Balian. These past months when so many Tunisia. Montel Williams agreed. of us are concerned with the pandemic crisis, At the Art School her teachers were Henri “When we set out to make Hate she has spent countless hours to communicate Héber (drawing), Huges Bovy (sculpture), and Among Us, we knew it was an with each of the applicants, collected their Elisée Mayor (ceramics). The greatest impres- urgent project. In these divided transcripts, personal statements and applica- sion though was made on the young artist by times, we have to remember that Producer Sergey sarkisov tions. Lily, your leadership is an inspiration. My eminent Swiss painter and draughtsman hate and bigotry are never the special thanks also to committee members Barthélemy Menn, a friend of Eugene answer.” Diane Cabraloff, Diana Hekimian, Hermine Delacroix, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot and “The response of the commu- Janoyan, Houry Aposhian, Cindy Norian, Jean Georges Sand. nity from this inhumanity proves that this topic is very important to many people Kelegian and Lysa Gregorian. Aimée received from Menn a number of as well as being very relevant,” states Sergey Sarkisov. “I do believe that Hate Lysa Gregorian, a member of the incentive prizes and twice the first prize: one Among Us contributes to the proper understanding and empathy that any kind of Scholarship Committee and the granddaugh- for sculpture and the other for the best por- national, racial or religious hate continues to be an existing danger and every ter of Hasmik Mgrdichian, stated, “Each year it trait. “You are an innate portraitist,” human, including humanity itself, can be a target.” is exciting to read about these exceptional Barthélemy Menn once told her. “Hate Among Us” is the second film from the producing quartet of McKenzie, women. Their successes and dreams inspire us. In 1888, Aimée Rapin had a great success at Cain, Williams and Sarkisov with their first being the also critically lauded docu- We appreciate their contributions to our the exhibition of Paris University. She started mentary Architects of Denial which shed light on the Armenian Genocide that is Armenian culture and human race. This is just receiving orders from Paris and London. still not fully recognized as of this day. That film was also produced and directed a glimpse of the future and it is going to be Despite the fact that she never organized a by McKenzie. exciting.” solo exhibition, Aimée gradually gained For further information contact AIWA-LA (at see HANDICAPS, page 11 [email protected]. S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING The Story of Aimée Rapin and Stepan Elmas

HANDICAPS, from page 10 together in Gustave-Adore littoral area in Geneva. recognition and appreciation in Europe. The Stephan Elmas greatly contributed to promoting well-known French art critic Pierre Thee charac- Aimée Rapin’s works, and the artist created sev- terized Rapin’s style in painting as “Verlain- eral portraits of Armenian musician. In 1922, type.” The celebrated French actresses Réjane deeply impressed by the tragedy befallen on her and Sarah Bernhardt wanted their portraits to beau’s people, Aimée Rapin produced her be painted by Aimée. “Armenia the Martyr” canvas, as well as two por- Incidentally, an American impresario in Paris traits of Elmas’s mother, Yepraxi Elmas. offered her $100,000 (at that time it was about Stephan Elmas died in Geneva in 1937. On half a million francs) to demonstrate her art in September 13 of the same year, Rapin wrote in the major American theaters and draw paintings her letter to Elmas’s biographer and friend, in 15-minute sessions. Naturally, an artist’s dig- philologist Hagop-Krikor Djerdjerian: “A pair of nity did not allow Rapin to make a display of her eyes was closed forever for this world, and the physical imperfection and make a show out of world has been changed for me... Yet, wasn’t it her art... the God’s blessing for me to have such a won- In 1882, Rapin finally settled in Geneva. Her derful friend by my side for more than 26 years?” fine-looking studio was on the sixth floor at Aimée Rapin was always a surprisingly strong, Necker Street 1. In 1896, Aimée Rapin received optimistic, cheerful and generous person with an an order from the Swiss Confederation to create incredible sense of humor. She was once at a one of her best portraits, “The Watchmaker,” party at the home of her brother, Ernst, who had presently in the Museum of Fine Arts Le Locle. seven children. She looked around with an ador- Every day Aimée would sit in front of the easel ing and delighted smile and uttered joyfully: and work diligently with her right foot to create “The more arms and hands in this family, the bet- paintings, one better than the one before. ter!” The fact of her unusual state induced many

Aimée Rapin and Stepan Elmas with their paintings

Aimée Rapin, Painting Without Hands. The text who is also the artistic director of the Stephan is written by the artist’s niece, Simone Rapin, a Elmas Foundation, the composer’s piano was poet and playwright. transported to Armenia and donated to the The Yerevan public is gradually getting famil- Museum of Literature and Art in Yerevan. Elmas’ iar with Stephan Elmas; Yerevan Conservatory companion in life, Aimée Rapin deserves to be has been hosting pianists’ contest in Elmas’s known among the Armenians too – a brave memory, and through the efforts of the French- artist, whose life and art is truly a unique exem- Armenian conductor Alexander Siranossian, plar of strong will and exceptional bravery...

Aimée Rapin painting

Her attractive face, good nature and great tal- tragic and in the same time, comical situations in ent made many men fall in love with her, but Aimée’s lifetime. Thus, for instance, she once Aimée preferred not to start a family. There was traveled in a train bound for Lausanne from a man, however, that was present in her life with Geneva and paying for her ticket, Aimée said the love and affection. ticket seller that he can leave the ticket with him, In the year 1911 she met Armenian composer as she cannot take it. On another occasion, a fire and pianist Stephan Elmas (Stepan Elmassian), startedin the building where Aimée used to live, her great love. Aimée was 43 at that time, and and the firefighters started taking people out of Elmas was 49. the windows with the help of a ladder. “Hold on A native of Smyrna, Stephan Elmas was born to my neck,” the fireman said. “I cannot,” Aimée into a wealthy family and had traveled to Europe said. “Don't be silly!” the fireman was got upset. at 15 to take lessons with Franz Liszt. From “But I do not have arms,” Aimée said. And then 1888 to 1908, Elmas performed solo piano the strong fireman put the woman on his shoul- recitals in nearly all the big cities of Europe. He ders and carried her down on his back. composed concertos, sonatas, romances, bal- Rapin’s works were exhibited in Paris, London, lades, mazurkas and waltzes which were pub- Berlin, Munich, Montreal and New York City. She lished in Paris and Leipzig. Many Europeans continued to work till the end of her life and called him “the Armenian Chopin.” passed away on May 8, 1956 in Geneva at the age Unfortunately, Elmas caught typhoid in 1887 of 88. She was buried in Geneva’s Plainpalais and went partially deaf. His health deteriorated cemetery, next to Stephan Elmas’s grave. substantially in 1915 when he learnt about the Aimée Rapin worked diligently throughout her Armenian Genocide. entire life and left for generations more than Perhaps it was the similarity in their destiny 3,000 unique pieces of art, kept nowadays at the that bonded them – the fate of armless artist and Payerne Museum. In 1996, the museum pub- “Armenia the Martyr” by Aimée Rapin that of a deaf musician. From 1914 they lived lished an illustrated book of her works, entitled 12 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Young Artists Explore Identity to Understand History

ARTISTS, from page 1 Armenian, Arabic and so many more languages. you, so use them. Demand justice for these vic- after my birth, Artsvashen was occupied by the For young diasporan Armenians living in the Being reconnected with my home, family and tims and actively dismantle any racist behaviors Azerbaijan military, forcing my family to flee... United States, the mental and emotional weight heritage brought back comfort I didn't realize I starting with your loved ones. Armenians have My father always told me that I was the last child of this recent conflict is only exacerbated by cur- was missing.” had the Genocide and should understand what of Artsvashen — of his hometown that he still rent public health and social tensions nation- A graduate of MICA (Maryland Institute it’s like to have your own innocent people mur- dreams to see someday. Growing up, I often wide. Despite recent “re-openings” across the College of Art) and resident artist at the dered and then be neglected.” demanded the details that surrounded the day I country, the U.S. has exponentially more Dorchester Art Project (DAP), Nanajian creates Talin Avakian was born. I wondered, what my mother felt, giv- Talin Avakian, a Worcester-born filmmaker, ing birth to her first child in the basement of the now based in New York, explores her multi- local hospital, while hearing the shootings from faceted identity through mainly fictional rendi- afar. I also wanted to imagine Artsvashen, tions for the screen. Each character she con- because I have actually never seen it in photos. ceives is in itself a work of art; her films provide My father's and my grandmother's stories fed a space to deconstruct minor social interactions my imagination.” and complex relationships with a magnifying Danielyan is entirely self-taught; she learned glass, amplifying character affects that are typi- how to capture images and narratives through a cally overlooked. Her work is nuanced, medita- desire to uphold her family, their villages, and tive and understated. the world around her. “I came to realize my deep desire to intimate- “My first camera was a Zenit, made in the ly follow characters through their journeys and Soviet Union. It took me a while to learn how to challenges of life. Following them (or creating use it properly, but as soon as I saw the first well- them) would bring me comfort as they were peo- exposed images, I couldn’t stop...I traveled to ple I could identify with and be inspired by,” said Armenia to take interviews and to photograph Avakian. “My work has always been very per- my grandmother’s house.” sonal, so naturally my identity seeps into my When Danielyan’s grandmother passed, she work. While not every character may be of realized how truly priceless her photographs Armenian heritage, the characters I write may were. experience similar struggles to that of an “I was left with a few video-interviews and Armenian diaspora, because that is the story I photographs I took of her, and of the surround- know.” ing villages. Eventually, I put the videos togeth- Still imagine from “Stained” by Talin Avakian Avakian is Armenian on her father’s side and er and created a short photo essay about my is well-known in the Armenian filmmaking and grandmother. When I showed the work to my arts communities. Besides hosting the family, I witnessed the power that storytelling COVID-19 cases and deaths than any other massive abstract charcoal pieces that are simul- Worcester Armenian Film Festival since 2013, could have on people. I will never forget the nation and concurrently, the Black Lives Matter taneously anthropomorphic and abstract. While Avakian also filmed and produced a series of silence after the video was over. I decided to con- movement continues to demand change at a sys- in the presence of one of her works, the viewer short documentary films about historic tinue my photographic journey.” temic level. feels small and eerily insignificant. Armenia. At just 19, Danielyan immigrated alone from Armenia’s diaspora has an expansive history “Recently, I've noticed a link between my “I consider myself mostly a fictional narrative Kazakhstan to the East Coast. Inspired by her of coping with trauma and tragedy through art. work and heritage, not through an aesthetic filmmaker, but in 2014 I was asked to travel to previous work documenting Armenian villages, Take Genocide survivor and visual artist Berj influence but through my experiences as an historic Armenia with a group of researchers to she hoped to pursue her dreams of becoming a Kailian for example — she was exposed to the Armenian immigrant from Lebanon and how I document the journey, our ancient churches documentary photographer. While Danielyan atrocities of war as a small child, and spent the have moved through this world. My most recent and the individuals we met (some of them, hid- holds a degree in international relations from rest of her life creating breathtaking works of art work undergoes a repetitive draw-and-erase pro- den Armenians) along the way. I created a few- Karaganda State University (Karaganda City, that not only provided her with a coping mech- cess. These continuous gestures are a mirror for anism, but also her art became an abstract por- all the moments that I have gained and then lost tal into Armenian history for the younger gen- control of my life.” erations. In addition to her charcoal pieces, Nanajian With the social and political upheaval both in also makes masks — the demand for which has Armenia and the States, let us take a look at naturally increased over the last five months. what three young female Armenian artists – “I was selling masks prior to COVID-19 as a who are distinct in their identities as well as hobby. I really enjoyed the aesthetics of masks their crafts – are doing to explore their identity and was selling them as fashion pieces with and to cope with the times. chains and designs attached. Once the pandem- Joanna Nanajian ic hit, the orders began coming in at large quan- Meet Joanna Nanajian, the Armenian artist tities and became my main focus within my art from Beirut (now based in Boston) who was practice for the past four months. This really recently accepted to the Fountainhead pushed me to come out with more designs; I Residency in Miami. Nanajian cites her back- began to incorporate more pearls, lace, and jew- ground and her unique struggle with identity in els. My masks are very influenced by traditional the States as formative in her journey as an Armenian head pieces. We're in this for a while artist. – might as well look cute and feel good when we “I immigrated to Boston from Beirut around wear our masks!” the age of 12 and didn’t go back for about 10 As a resident of the community-based DAP, years. I felt so detached from my home and my Nanajian takes social justice seriously. The heritage that I didn’t realize how confused I was recent social unrest due to the murders of until I finally went back,” said Nanajian. “Self- unarmed Black individuals — such as Breonna Local kids carrying spring water home. Chambarak, Armenia, 2015. From Lilit Danielyan’s understanding and acceptance is a lifelong jour- Taylor, George Floyd, Tony McDade, Ahmaud “Villagers” Series ney and your identity is just the beginning of it. Arbery, and so many more — has Nanajian Once I went back, it was as though everything using her platform as an Armenian artist to short films as a result, some of which continue Kazakhstan), she wanted to bolster her artistic finally made sense; I was greeted with the smell draw attention to the systemic racism in the to have a screening life as they are screened in credentials. Her first few years in the U.S. were of soorj in the morning and the voices of my States for her diaspora community. classrooms and festivals, used to start conversa- devoted to saving money so that she could study family yelling at each other in a mixture of “Your words have value to the people around tions surrounding themes of genocide and dis- photography at Smith College and develop her possession, erasure and urban development.” unique style, which she attributes in part to her On her mother’s side, Avakian is Black and inspirations: Agnes Varda, Parajanov, Fellini, Indigenous. When asked how the recent events Bergman and David Lynch, to name a few. surrounding The Movement for Black Lives has Danielyan’s transcendent black-and-white impacted her identity-heavy work, Avakian stat- images harken back to another era. For ed: “Honestly, I've felt hindered, as the recent Danielyan, her work is personal and nostalgic events of the world have left me feeling quite but as the viewer, we feel that too, as if the exhausted. While I'm grateful for my health, carefully constructed lens through which we safety, and job security, I've felt a sense of pres- view her work is as much a part of the art as sure to respond and be present for everything… the art itself. It feels as if we are transported It's been a challenge to balance my emotions, back to the collective Armenian unconscious; prioritize my mental health and dedicate the dili- we feel affection for her family members that gence and attention needed for my work - and are not ours but could be. We cherish her when I feel I have a handle on one thing, the memories in the Motherland that we never other thing pulls me. So all in all I've found that had but as American diaspora, we always wish it's been very challenging to prioritize my film we did. work, as much as I wish to pause everything to Now in Portland, Danielyan is involved in a work on it.” number of documentary projects, including doc- Lilit Danielyan umenting the faces and stories of Portland’s The black-and-white photography of Lilit refugee population, which is largely from Danielyan — an Armenian expat from Somalia. Kazakhstan who now resides in Portland, Maine “Recently, I began interviewing and pho- — is telling a story that demands to be heard. tographing the immigrant and refugee commu- “I was born during the Nagorno-Karabakh nity in Maine, and creating photo-essays. I was Joanna Nanajanian painting with charcoal conflict in a town called Artsvashen. Two days continued on next page

S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING

Recipe Calendar

MASSACHUSETTS AUGUST 12 — Wednesday, 10am Corner Celebrating What Unites Us! a virtual cooking series, a collaboration of City of Boston Age-Friendly Boston, OLDWAYS and Friends of Armenian Heritage Park to keep by Christine Vartanian us connected, coming together. Mexican Cuisine. Executive Chef Colton Coburn- Wood & Friends Cósmica Mexican Eatery in the Revolution Hotel, South End. To register Mouhamara via Zoom, email Walnut and Red Pepper Paste Spread (Mouhamara)* [email protected] This Walnut and Red Pepper Paste Spread (Mouhamara) is AUGUST 22 — Saturday, 9 am. Labyrinth featured in Dikranouhi Kirazian’s essential Armenian Vegan Walking: Connection between cookbook published in 2013. This definitive cookbook offers Movement and Wisdom. Facilitator: a world of new and rich vegan flavors, recipes and meals that Kristin Asadourian,founder, KA Coaching. will satisfy discriminating tastes and motivate readers to add The Labyrinth Walking Wellness Series is a their own culinary touches. Discover over 200 vegan recipes virtual program of Armenian Heritage Park for breakfast, soups, salads, main entrees, breads, desserts, in partnership with The Greenway and more—offered from Conservancy Fitness Program. For the link to the great tradition of register via ZOOM, email meatless Armenian [email protected] meals. Included are AUGUST 12 — Wednesday, 10am favorites like Stuffed Celebrating What Unites Us! A virtual Grape Leaves, Rice and cooking series, a collaboration of City of Bulgur Pilaf, Vegetable Boston Age-Friendly Boston, OLDWAYS and Medleys, Paklava, and Hearty Breads that come with carefully chosen ingredients and easy-to-follow Friends of Armenian Heritage Park to keep instructions. us connected, coming together. NEW ENG- Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Kirazian arrived in the United States in 1959, where she taught at Holy LAND CUISINE. Chef Annie Copps Dikranouhi Kirazian and her Cross Armenian Church in Union City, New Jersey. Married in 1962, she and her husband George set- Cookbook author, The Little Local Maine husband, George, at the San tled in San Diego, where they raised their three daughters. “My cookbook is a labor of love for my Cookbook and A Little Taste of Cape Cod. Diego Festival of Books in 2018. children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and for future generations, so they will always remem- To register via Zoom, please email ber their heritage. Armenian food is one of the most unique and traditional cuisines in the world. It is rich in flavor and uses cooking [email protected] skills and techniques dating back thousands of years. Armenian food is basically healthy, and many recipes are already vegan -- these are SEPTEMBER 9 — Wednesday, at 10am. simple, delicious recipes everyone can make and enjoy.” Celebrating What Unites Us! A virtual cooking series, a collaboration of City of INGREDIENTS: Boston Age-Friendly Boston, OLDWAYS and 2 cups walnuts, chopped Friends of Armenian Heritage Park to keep 1/2 cup red pepper paste (found in Middle Eastern markets) us connected, coming together. ARMENIAN 1/2 cup bread crumbs CUISINE. Lena Tashjian, Cookbook author, 1/2 cup olive oil recipe developer, writer, The Vegan 4 tablespoons fresh minced onions Armenian Kitchen Cookbook: Recipes and 2-3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses Stories from Armenia and the Armenian 2-3 tablespoons cumin Diaspora (2020); founder, Vegan Armenian 1/2 teaspoon dried basil Kitchen.com. To register via Zoom, please 1-2 tablespoons pine nuts (for garnish) email [email protected] 1/4 cup water SEPTEMBER 23 — Wednesday, at 10am Salt and pepper to taste Celebrating What Unites Us! A virtual cooking series, a collaboration of City of Boston Age-Friendly Boston, OLDWAYS and PREPARATION: Friends of Armenian Heritage Park to keep Chop walnuts in a blender or food processor. Add the bread crumbs, olive oil, minced onions, pomegranate molasses, red pepper paste, us connected, coming together. BREADS! all spices, and the water, and blend to combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Place in a serving dish and garnish with Andrew Janjigian. America's Test Kitchen pine nuts. Bread Expert. Editor, Cooks Illustrated. , To Serve as an appetizer with fresh vegetables, toasted pita bread, flat bread, or lavosh. Use as a spread in a sandwich or on lavosh with register via Zoom email grilled vegetables, roasted peppers, and cheese. Or as a condiment (or topping) for kebabs, grilled meats, and fish. Keep refrigerated in [email protected] an airtight container. OCTOBER 7 — 10am Celebrating What Makes about 2 to 2 1/2 cups. Unites Us! A virtual cooking series, a col- For this recipe, go to: laboration of City of Boston Age-Friendly https://armenianvegan.com/recipes Boston, OLDWAYS and Friends of Armenian https://www.facebook.com/pg/ArmenianVeganCookbook/posts/ Heritage Park to keep us connected, coming Armenian Vegan: A Pure Vegan Cookbook With 200+ Recipes Using No Animal Products by Dikranouhi Kirazian. To order, go to: together. NATIVE AMERICAN CUISINE Chef https://www.amazon.com/dp/1494365189/ref=cm_sw_su_dp Sean Sherman member of the Oglala Lakota tribe Cookbook author, The Sioux *Muhammara ("reddened"), mouhamara or mhammara is a hot pepper dip originally from Aleppo, Syria, found in Levantine and Turkish Chef Indigenous Kitchen - 2018 James cuisines. In western Turkey, muhammara is referred to as acuka. The principal ingredients are usually fresh or dried peppers, usually Beard Award for Best American Cookbook; Aleppo pepper, ground walnuts, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. It may contain garlic, salt, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and spices, co-founder, The Sioux Chef.com - 2019 and garnished with mint leaves. James Beard Leadership Award. To register via Zoom, email References: [email protected] https://armenianvegan.com/ https://twitter.com/armenianvegan?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/ArmenianVeganCookbook/ RHODE ISLAND https://georgekirazian.com/cook-book/ (under construction) AUGUST 7 — Friday, Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church Cultural Committee Presents Armenian Cultural Hour Online Concert, at 7:30 pm. Armenian Popular Singer Papin Poghosyan “My Songs for You” from previous page weeks. The village in which Danielyan was born on peace-building relationships. I will be focus- Whether or not you have a Facebook surprised how much this project helped me to is located in the Gegharkunik region, which bor- ing on this in my next art projects.” account, you can find the Livestream of the understand my own feelings as someone who ders Tavush — the region that has been under Danielyan takes comfort in looking forward event through the parish's Facebook page immigrated to the United States alone...In attack by Azeri forces since the 1994 ceasefire to a time when her documentary footage will at:https://www.facebook.com/armeni- Portland, when [Black Lives Matter] protests was broken on July 12, 2020. be a mechanism for telling the story of this anchurchprovidence/posts/336013995067 began, I was amongst the protesters. To me, “When I learned about the recent political moment. She hopes the images she has pro- 4206 there is nothing more beautiful than the feeling events between Armenia and Azerbaijan, I was duced – and continues to produce – will illu- of connection with one another. It’s crucial to devastated. I also realized how much I would minate this time in American and Armenian stand up for each other and embrace things that have wanted to be in Armenia right now, doing history for generations to come. For unite us.” documentary photography work. We don't need Danielyan, who knows first-hand the powerful LIKE US ON Danielyan’s community work in Portland has more useless wars that always result in enor- role that capturing images plays in preserving proven cathartic for her, especially in recent mous suffering. Instead, we need to concentrate history, it is only natural. FACEBOOK 14 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL Mirror Russian Base Casts Long Shadow Spectator On Armenia, Turkey its relations with Moscow. By Edmond Y. Azadian In his turn, President Erdogan has taken the initiative to call President Vladimir Putin. During their conversation Putin “has stressed the importance of preventing any steps that could EstablishedEstablishe d1932 1932 The threat of war continues to loom on Armenia’s border. The cause an escalation in tensions.” AnA nADL AD LPublication Publication battle in the Tavush region of Armenia was only one episode Once again, the issue of the Russian military base in Gyumri which may very well be followed by others. The Armenian side has become a topic of public discussion. Many anti-Russian is cognizant of the fact that it should not yet rest on its laurels. politicians underestimate the significance of that base. Analysts Armenia proved the battle-readiness of its armed forces. But like Levon Shirinyan and Armenian Parliament members like

EDITOR to what extent? President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has character- Arman Babajanyan and pundits like Varoujan Avetissyan (Sasna Alin K. Gregorian ized Armenia’s victory against Azerbaijan as a “punch well Tserer) and Tigran Zmalyan (European Party) are adamantly beyond its capacity,” which in strategic terms may be interpret- against the base. They try to suggest that Russia has set that ASSISTANT EDITOR ed as the victory by Armenia being the result of tactical assis- base on Armenian territory “to enslave us.” Aram Arkun tance from its strategic ally, Russia. However, they do not offer any alternative in case Armenia

ART DIRECTOR In today’s wars, drones have expanded the surveillance scope faces an existential threat. Marc Mgrditchian of armies. In this particular battle, the Azerbaijani army, which Granted, the base may be self-serving for Russia to maintain had boasted of its state-of-the-art military hardware, failed to its influence in the Caucasus region. In the meantime, it is a deploy them properly and thus the Armenian side downed 13 of deterrent against any Turkish threat. To defend its military base their drones, in addition to inflicting other critical losses. Moscow has to defend Armenia’s territory. Wars now rely more and more on advanced technology both In politics, there has to be a confluence of interest so that a SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: for weapons and surveillance systems, including satellite imag- major power is motivated to defend the weaker power. There is Edmond Y. Azadian ing, which is beyond Armenia’s reach. This is where an ally’s no free lunch. assistance can make the ultimate difference, and most probably In a recent interview, the director of a political and military CONTRIBUTORS: this is what Erdogan was talking about. analytical center in Russia, Alexander Khramchikhin, confirmed Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun From July 29 to August 10, the joint forces of Azerbaijan and the fact that the Russian base in Armenia is intended to contain Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, Turkey: “If a war breaks out between Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, Armenia and Azerbaijan, I am not Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian sure what position Russia may take,” the analyst stated. “But if the war CORRESPONDENTS: takes place in Karabakh, I know for Armenia - Hagop Avedikian sure that Russia will not intervene. I Boston - Nancy Kalajian repeat, the base is there to contain Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan Turkey. The base is part of Russia’s Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach geostrategic posture. Therefore, it is Contributing Photographers: meant to stop Turkey, the foreign Jirair Hovsepian intruder in the region.” Mr. Khramchikhin also believes that Turkey has introduced its forces into Azerbaijan to pressure Armenia psy- The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published chologically. But he believes that weekly, except two weeks in July and the first week of the year, by: Turkey at this time “cannot invade Armenia, because it will be stretching Baikar Association, Inc. its resources too far, as it is mired in 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 many other conflicts.” Telephone: 617-924-4420 We wished that it were true. FAX: 617-924-2887 Turkey’s involvement in many con- www.mirrorspectator.com flicts defines its behavior pattern. E-Mail: [email protected] Either it foments a crisis to intervene, For advertising: [email protected] Turkey are participating in war games on Armenia’s borders, as like it did in Syria, or it takes advantage of destabilized regions, well as in Baku, Ganja, Erlakh and Nakhichevan, in a very like Iraq and Libya to expand its empire. demonstrative way, using live ammunition. Following that logic, we cannot rule out the possibility that People in Armenia claim to have spotted Turkish warplanes Ankara precipitated the recent crisis between Armenia and within striking distance of Yerevan. Although the news was Azerbaijan to begin implementing one of its long held dreams. refuted by government sources, the intent of the Turkish side to Strategically, Armenia is at the mercy of enemy forces; SUBSCRIPTION RATES: scare Armenia is plain to see. Turkish armed forces are in mainland Azerbaijan and Political analyst Hagop Badalyan very stoically advises people Nakhichevan, which does not have a common border with the in Armenia to learn to live with the Turkish threat of war but mainland, but has a narrow border with Turkey, acquired after U.S.A. $80 a year not to be intimidated. a land swap with Iran in 1932. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan is back to his bellicose Armenian forces are no match for Turkey. Armenia must avoid Canada $125 a year mood, after his defeat in Tavush. He has refused out of hand the any direct confrontation with the Turkish army. But Yerevan has Other Countries $190 a year seven points proposed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and other sources that it can use in diplomatic forums. has called on Yerevan to withdraw its armed forces from Recently, Armenia’s representative Armen Babikyan raised Karabakh immediately, “before it’s too late.” the issue in Energy Intelligence, a publication of the Answering that threat, Armenia’s Defense Minister David International Atomic Agency, of Azerbaijan’s threat to bomb its © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Tonoyan has asked the rhetorical question as to “when would it nuclear power plant, Metsamor. On July 27, the issue was dis- Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA be too late as our armed forces are ready and waiting for the cussed at a Vienna conference, which characterized the threat and additional mailing offices. order.” as an act of state terrorism against Armenia. ISSN 0004-234X While this heated rhetoric is being spouted by all parties, Armenia has not weaponized its strongest argument, the fact tanks are pulling up on Armenia’s borders and warplanes are fly- of genocide. Only after some timid references by Foreign ing over them, raising the question as to whether Turkey will Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan did Armenia’s Ambassador to POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn attack Armenia. Latvia Tigran Mkrtchyan issue a strongly-worded statement that St., Watertown, MA 02472 Russia has taken Turkey’s moves very seriously and it has Armenians will not tolerate a second genocide. Other than the editorial, views and opinions advanced the date of its own war games, which were planned for Jews and Israel shout from the rooftops about the holocaust expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily September. It has been exercising currently on Azerbaijan’s bor- they have suffered. We can emulate them and try to score some reflect the policies of the publisher. ders, with the participation of 150,000 soldiers and nuclear war- political points. heads as a direct warning to Turkey’s moves. What makes everything even worse is that during this current On July 28, Defense Minister Tonoyan announced that situation, there is polarization in Armenia. Any responsible and Armenia’s armed forces have been put on high alert and that the rational leadership would seek internal stability, to withstand Russian-Armenian military contingent is “continuing consistent- the threats. ly to monitor and analyze” Turkish-Azerbaijani military activities The opposition and the government are equally responsible Copying for other than personal use or internal reference is prohibited without “with all reconnaissance means” at its disposal. for the ongoing divide in Armenia: the first for its irresponsible express permission of the copyright On the sidelines, however, a diplomatic charade is taking and destabilizing rhetoric, and the latter for its witch hunt in owner. Address requests for reprints or place. Despite its aggressive moves and stern threats, Ankara is rounding up perceived enemies. back issues to: trying to camouflage its intentions through diplomatic moves. Armenia needs calm, de-escalation and unity. That will not First, Ibrahim Kalin, President Erdogan’s spokesman, indicated be offered by Russia nor any other outside force. It is in the that Turkey is in Nakhichevan to support its ally Azerbaijan and hands of the leadership to steer the county toward calmer Baikar Association, Inc. assured the public that Ankara’s moves do not intend to harm waters. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

Armenia. Therefore, these negotiations are useless for the would be the loser, as negotiations are Azerbaijan’s only Armenian side. They are only carried out for the sake of giv- chance of getting some concessions from Armenia. ing the appearance to the international public opinion that Eventually, as the negotiations become frozen for a lengthy Armenians are not opposed to finding a peaceful, negotiated period, the Minsk Group of negotiators would pressure solution to the conflict. These negotiations are carried out Azerbaijan to agree to observe a total ceasefire if it wanted to My Turn more for propaganda purposes than for achieving concrete continue the negotiations. results. Regrettably, I could not convince President Sargsyan to By Harut Sassounian However, Armenia continues to carry out these negotia- agree to this peaceful approach. As a result the Azeri shoot- tions while Azerbaijan persists on using sharpshooters or ings continued during the negotiations while dozens of periodic attacks on Artsakh and Armenia proper to kill and young Armenian and Azeri soldiers were killed. Political Victory over Azerbaijan Is injure Armenian soldiers and civilians or damage Armenian Nevertheless, I was happy to read sometime after my meet- As Important as the Military properties. ing with President Sargsyan that he had announced on I have tried to bring this problem to the attention of October 24, 2017, during his lecture at the Armenian Victory Armenia’s leaders in the past. I discussed this issue several National Defense Research University, according to years ago with Armenia’s Defense Minister, Seyran Ohanyan. Mediamax Armenian news agency, that “You either negotiate While Armenians around the world have been justifiably I explained to him that Armenia should temporarily suspend or shoot, and we are ready for both cases.” He was also quot- focusing on the successes of the Armenian military over the negotiations with Azerbaijan while the Azeri side was ed as saying that the negotiations should be held only in case Azerbaijan during the three-day attack last month, the politi- shooting on Armenian soldiers. Armenia should announce to of mutual trust, built by adhering to ceasefire regime, while cal victory is just as important. the world that it believes in peaceful negotiations, but any provocations may block the process. If you win the war, but lose the peace, then you have not Azerbaijan continues to fire across the border. One cannot sit Unfortunately, President Sargsyan had announced only accomplished much. The best solution is to win the war and at the negotiating table while the other side is shooting at partially what I had suggested. He had left out the warning then draw a long-term benefit from that military success. you. You either negotiate or fight. You cannot do both at the to Azerbaijan that negotiations would be suspended the next Fortunately, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has pro- same time. The Defense Minister told me that this is a politi- time they shoot across the border. vided the best opportunity for Armenians to benefit from the cal decision which should be taken up with President Serzh Nevertheless, I believe that this is the right time for recent skirmish on the border between the two countries. Sargsyan. Ohanyan said that he was only involved in military Armenia’s new leaders to consider my suggestion, especially Aliyev recently fired his long-term Foreign Minister Elmar matters. since President Aliyev had stated that he does not believe in Mammadyarov for engaging in “meaningless” negotiations I then met with President Sargsyan and gave him the same “meaningless” negotiations. I was dismayed that Armenia’s with Armenia. This is the best thing that Aliyev could have explanation that I had given to his Defense Minister. I empha- Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan just announced that said from the Armenian point of view. If Aliyev is unhappy sized that I was not calling for the cancellation of the negoti- Armenia was ready to resume the negotiations with with the negotiations, Armenians welcome his statement. ations with Azerbaijan which would have left the wrong Azerbaijan, as if the attacks in early July had not taken place. We should remember that the on-going negotiations impression on the international community. I urged the The only time Azerbaijan would be deterred from carrying between Armenia and Azerbaijan, under the guidance of the President to announce that even though Armenia believes in out new attacks on Armenia and Artsakh, if it pays a heavy Minsk Group of mediators, are solely for the benefit of peaceful negotiations, Azerbaijan continues its warmonger- price both militarily and diplomatically. Just to carry on as Azerbaijan which expects to extract concessions from ing actions. The world would understand that negotiations usual, ignoring the attacks, would be counterproductive. It Armenia on the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) conflict. cannot be carried out under such circumstances. One can would simply encourage Azerbaijan to continue shooting and Armenians should not expect to gain anything from these either negotiate or fight, but not do both. Therefore, the shelling. negotiations. They have already accomplished what they want President of Armenia should announce that if Azerbaijan, In the meantime, Armenians both in and out of Armenia from the conflict with Azerbaijan by successfully liberating henceforth, shoots on the Armenian side, Armenia would sus- have to set aside their internal differences and make all the occupied territories of Artsakh. It is unrealistic to expect pend the negotiations for three months. If the Azeri shoot- efforts to strengthen the Armenian military. This is no time that Azerbaijan would someday acknowledge that Artsakh is ings persist, Armenia would prolong the suspension of nego- to engage in internal dissensions at a time when our enemies, an independent territory or a part of the Republic of tiations. Without any negotiations taking place, Azerbaijan Azerbaijan and Turkey, are testing our resolve.

need of reconciliation. There is real risk of conflict escalation between Turkey and Egypt, who support different sides in Libya’s civil war. The US Must Rein While all these front-line states are at-risk from Turkey’s aggression, Libya is a laborato- ry for Turkey’s malign foreign policy. During the first months of 2020, Turkey deployed up to 3,800 Syrian mercenaries to Libya. These mercenaries from the National Syrian Army, some allegedly drawn from al-Qaeda and ISIS remnants, are notorious for war crimes. They have beheaded opponents, raped women and girls, tortured and killed opponents. They are In Erdogan’s the dregs – the worst of the worst. Their deployment to Libya swung the tide in favour of the Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. Turkey’s actions are fuelled by geo- strategic and economic interests. Libya is an oil-rich country with energy assets coveted by War-Mongering foreign powers. Backing Farraj gives Erdogan influence over Libya’s energy sector. Since 2011, when Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi was ousted, Libya has been at war with itself. Libya has been divided for years between Farraj’s GNA and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar. Backed by Russia and the Gulf States, the LNA’s forces were on the verge of seizing Tripoli when Turkey and its mercenaries intervened. Having By David Phillips turned the tide, the GNA now vows to capture Sirte, the gateway to Libya’s oil fields, and the al-Jufra air base. ROCLAIMING “zero problems with neighbors,” former Prime Minister Ahmet Egypt, which backs the LNA, has pledged to defend Sirte. To this end, the Egyptian par- Davutoglu heralded a new era of Turkish foreign policy in 2013. However, liament authorized the deployment of troops “to defend Egyptian national security against Davutoglu and other stalwarts of the ruling Justice and Development Party criminal armed militias and foreign terrorist elements”. Recent developments pit Turkey (AKP) were eventually side-lined as Recep Tayyip Erdogan consolidated his dic- against Russia and the United Arab Emirates. Tensions could boil over into a full-blown war tatorship. without a ceasefire and international mediation. With Turkey’s economy collapsing, Erdogan is fuelling regional conflicts in order These are times when countries look to the United States for to distract Turks from his economic mismanagement. leadership. However, the Trump administration does not have a Instead of helping Turkey, the administration of US Libya policy. Its ambivalence and lack of leadership has opened the P President Donald Trump has turned a blind eye to space for ill-intended and self-serving powers to intervene. It is Turkey’s economic strife, democratic deficit, and understandable that the United States wants to avoid another nefarious role in the region. US OFFICIALS BARELY SAID A entanglement in the Middle East. But America’s neglect of Libya is Today, Turkey is engaged in multiple armed conflicts. another example of a situation gone awry when the United States Turkey invaded northern and eastern Syria, killing hundreds WORD WHEN TURKEY INVADED abrogates its leadership role in the Syrian Defense Forces, America’s ally against Islamic In each of the violent conflicts where Turkey is involved, the State (ISIS). Kurds, Armenians and Syriac Christians were tar- IRAQI KURDISTAN, THREATENING Trump administration has failed to lead. geted. Hundreds of thousands were driven from their homes in Trump gave Erdogan a green light to invade and occupy north- Afrin and communities east of the Euphrates River. AMERICAN TROOPS AND east Syria, betraying the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which In Iraqi Kurdistan, Yezidis in Sinjar and Christians in Zakho lost 11,000 fighters killed and 24, 000 wounded fighting ISIS. were victimized by Turkey’s bombing and occupation. Yezidis, OIL COMPANIES. US officials barely said a word when Turkey invaded Iraqi who barely survived a genocide by ISIS, now face persecution Kurdistan, threatening American troops and oil companies. from Turkey’s jihadist proxies. Forced conversion to Islam, rape And as Turkey provokes Greece and Cyprus, there is serious con- of women and girls, arbitrary arrest, torture, and ethnic cleans- cern whether the Trump administration would enforce Article 5 of ing are routine. the North Atlantic Charter in the event of a clash between treaty Turkish warships are plying the eastern Mediterranean to disrupt an agreement between allies. Egypt and Greece on an exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which will produce natural gas None of these problems are intractable if the United States uses diplomatic leverage to with Israel as a major beneficiary. address them. Regarding Libya, the US should call for a ceasefire and humanitarian access Mock dogfights regularly occur between Greek and Turkish war planes, as Erdogan ques- while endorsing a United Nations-led mediation. tions the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne that established Turkey’s current borders. Seizing islets US national interests are served by upholding sovereignty and international humanitar- in Greek territorial waters would be a major provocation and causus belli between NATO ian law. Trump’s fawning over Erdogan is inexplicable. Erdogan is a serial war-monger who allies. will continue his aggression until a punitive reprisal from the US Turkey recently encouraged Azerbaijan to launch cross-border attacks against Armenia. Much damage has been done. However, it is not too late to stabilize these conflicts. If With drones and missiles from Turkey, Azerbaijan is threatening to renew the conflict over Trump is unable or unwilling to do, his successor must. Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey has also intervened in Libya, where tribal and regional factions are in desperate (This commentary originally appeared on Ahval.com on July 29.) 16 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 8 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY Houston Armenian Protest Against Azerbaijani Aggression

(@LARALUCYPHOTOGRAPHY] DEMONSTRATIONS, from page 1 out fliers, and dancing. Numerous cars joined the simultaneous car-rally, honking, waving flags, and encouraging the protestors. Many of the car rally attendees were eventually inspired to attend the demonstration. The event was peaceful and powerful, as Armenian music reverberated in the busy intersection of Post Oak Blvd and Westheimer, in the Galleria. The Houston Police Department was pre- sent to ensure our safety, though no counter- protestors attended as in previous protests. No social media outlets were used, to mini- mize the possibility of additional aggression from Azerbaijani and Turkish groups. Masks were enforced throughout the entire duration of the protest as well for further safety pre- cautions from COVID-19. Several of the organizers were interviewed by journalists, who will now be covering the conflict between Armenia, Artsakh and

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Azerbaijan, as well as the role that we have, both individually and as a community, for this cause. Though we may not see the immediate results from protesting for peace with a small community like ours, when we as Armenians join small movements like on August 1, we add a link to the chain that has grown throughout the years which has become stronger, more resilient, and unbreakable. See the Mirror-Spectator’s website for clips of the Houston demonstration.

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