the Armenian Mirrorc SPECTATor Since 1932

Volume LXXXXII, NO. 5, Issue 4697 AUGUST 21, 2021 $2.00 Armenian Soldier New RI Law Creates Killed in Latest Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission Shoot-Outs Along PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A new law sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Kislak and Azerbaijani Border Sen. Gayle L. Goldin will create a per- (RFE/RL) — An Armenian manent commission to promote and con- serviceman was killed in what the coun- tinually improve genocide and Holocaust try’s Defense Ministry describes as an- education in schools. other provocation by Azerbaijani forces The legislation (2021-H 5650A, 2021- at the heavily militarized state border. S 0840A), which passed the General In a report on Monday, August 16, the Assembly July 1 and was ceremonially Ministry said Vahan Tatosyan, a 46-year- signed into law by Gov. Daniel McKee old senior non-commissioned officer, was later in July, formalizes a commission to fatally wounded by a sniper at the Yeraskh implement a 2016 law introduced by Sen- section of the border with ’s ator Goldin and House Majority Whip western exclave of Nakhichevan in the Katherine S. Kazarian to require public morning. schools to teach students about genocide “The Armenian Defense Ministry and the Holocaust. shares the grief over the loss and express- Tatevik Sargsyan, Chief Operating Officer of the Aznavour Foundation, with one “Given the hate and bigotry that is com- es support to the family, relatives and col- of the grant recipients mon in public discourse today, it is espe- leagues of the killed serviceman,” it said, cially important to educate students about claiming that Azerbaijan also suffered the incredible damage that prejudice and losses as a result of “retaliatory actions intolerance have caused throughout his- taken by the Armenian side.” Beyond First Aid: tory. The best way to ensure our future The Azerbaijani side has denied any re- generations never repeat these actions is sponsibility for the death of the Armenian The Aznavour Foundation’s Grant to Wounded Soldiers Program to teach them about the impact the Holo- serviceman. caust and other genocides have had in our Later, on Monday evening, the Arme- By Cristopher Patvakanian world. Learning about our past provides nian Defense Ministry said that another Special to the Mirror-Spectator perspective on current world events. Armenian soldier, 19-year-old private It is also an opportunity for people to Arman Hakobian, was killed by fire YEREVAN — The Aznavour Founda- learn from one another about experienc- opened by in tion has always been committed to sup- es of oppression,” said Senator Goldin, the Gegharkunik section of the border. It porting a stronger , during times of whose grandparents fled eastern Europe said Armenian forces returned fire, kill- both peace and strife. The legendary chan- to Canada during the pogroms. Those of ing at least three Azerbaijani soldiers and son singer Charles Aznavour was a cham- her family members who were unable to pion of efforts to provide humanitarian aid wounding at least one. Veterans at their contract signing cer- escape died in either the pogroms or the dating back to the 1988 earthquake, when Earlier on August 16, the Armenian De- emony for grants from the Aznavour Holocaust. he led a worldwide fundraiser and creat- fense Ministry also reported an attempt by Foundation Said Kislak (D-Dist. 4, Providence), Azerbaijani armed forces to advance at ed the renowned Pour toi Arménie song “So many Rhode Islanders’ families are the Syunik part of the Armenian-Azerbai- to help the victims from Spitak. As such, war, direct aid and short-term support was from communities that have been im- jani border, particularly in the area of Sev it comes as no surprise that the Aznavour a priority for the foundation, as it collected pacted by genocides. Listening to each Lich (Black Lake). Foundation created programming to assist and transported over 175 tons of human- other’s stories and learning about those The Defense Ministry said that the with the humanitarian crisis during and itarian aid to Armenia and Artsakh. Chief diverse histories will help us see the hu- Azerbaijani side suffered at least one following the 2020 Artsakh war. of Operations at the Aznavour Foundation see SOLDIER, page 4 During the most urgent period of the see AID, page 4

Portantino: ‘I Am Proud of My Friendship With the Armenian Community. That’s Part

Of Who I Am.’ From left, Sen. Gayle L. Goldin, Rep. By Ani Duzdabanyan-Manoukian GLENDALE — When I moved to Califor- Rebecca Kislak, Pauline Getzoyan, Special to the Mirror-Spectator nia years ago, it was in time for the elections Barbara Wahlberg. Marty Cooper for different political offices. While the Ar- and House Majority Whip Katherine menian community members were doubting whether this or that fellow member will S. Kazarian. Getzoyan represent the community’s interests the best, one non-Armenian name was getting top manity in one another and build stronger marks on the ballot: Anthony Portantino. communities. This bill will establish a In the case of Anthony Portantino, that devotion was anything but usual. I even commission to provide support to our ed- thought that he might have Armenian ancestors (you know, that’s how it ends in most ucators and raise awareness of genocides cases with us). But it turned out that Senator Portantino, whose ancestors are that have affected Rhode Islanders and from Italy, learned about when he was a child growing have shaped our communities’ histories.” up in New Jersey. His mother was the one who somehow Under the bill, the Holocaust and Geno- see FRIENDSHIP, page 10 cide Education Commission will gather see EDUCATION, page 9

ARMENIA CONNECTICUT VERMONT ’s Pastor in Dutch-Armenian A Vegetable US to Raise Support Garden? Food for Church, Artsakh Defends Bellator For the Soul Refugees, Armenia Middleweight Title Page 3 Page 7 Page 16 2 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

ARMENIA news from armenia Karabakh Will Never Be Armenian Government Seeks To Intensify A Part of Azerbaijan, Says State Minister Coronavirus Vaccination Drive (PanAR- YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — In a bid to ministered in the last month. Armenia ended its universal mask man- MENIAN.Net) — Artsakh (Na- stimulate a more active vaccination drive Referring to official statistics, Prime date in June and now requires that citizens gorno-Karabakh) State Minister employers in Armenia may be required to Minister Pashinyan reported a 35-percent wear face masks only in closed public spac- Artak Beglaryan has said that Art- demand Covid-19 vaccination certificates increase in the weekly number of new coro- es. sakh will never be a part of Azer- or negative test results every two weeks navirus cases, noting a growth dynamics. In July, the Armenian government ex- baijan. On August 16, he weighed from their employees beginning on October Pashinyan reportedly said that the analy- tended the coronavirus-related legal quar- in on a recent interview by Azer- 1, the country’s health authorities have said. sis of the statistics shows that the coronavi- antine regime for another six months. This baijani President Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan de- rus situation in Armenia is getting tense and legal regime allows the authorities to in- who said only 25,000 people have scribed the current coronavirus situation that control over the observance of anti-ep- troduce pandemic-related measures as re- returned to Karabakh after the war in Armenia as “quite tense” as she spoke idemic rules should be tightened. quired. in late 2020. “Lies don’t become during Monday government consultations truths by repeating; Artsakh/Kara- on the subject hosted by Prime Minister Ni- bakh now has 120,000 population, kol Pashinyan. not 25,000,” Beglaryan tweeted. Armenia’s Ministry of Health said in the “Artsakh will never be a part of morning that 256 people had tested positive Azerbaijan, forget it.” Beglary- for the coronavirus during the past day and an noted that Karabakh expects a seven patients died from Covid-19. clear reaction from the internation- Overall, nearly 235,000 coronavirus cas- al community to Aliyev’s confes- es have been identified in Armenia since the sion that Azerbaijan was the one to beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, launch the war on September 27, with over 4,700 deaths caused by the dis- 2020. ease. Avanesyan said that at this moment Ar- Lake Sevan Water Use menia has 10 medical establishment treat- ing Covid-19 patients. According to her, of Bill Passes Parliament 929 hospitalized patients, 483 are in heavy YEREVAN (Armenpress) — condition and 100 are in critical condition. The government-backed bill on As quoted by the government’s press allowing authorities to use more office, the minister said that a growth water from Lake Sevan amid a dynamics is being currently observed drought passed parliament at first in the vaccination process. So far, Ava- reading by 64-19-1. The current nesyan said, the number of vaccinations law allows to use up to 170 million against Covid-19 in Armenia has exceeded Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan gets the COVID vaccine in Armenia (Eurasianet. cubic meters from the lake which 220,000, of which about 100,000 were ad- org photo) is an important source for irrigation water. Authorities want to increase the annual maximum volume to 245 million cubic meters for this Armenia Reaffirms Support For India’s Territorial Dispute With Pakistan year. YEEVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia has because of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. direct involvement in the 2020 war in Na- UK’s Boris Johnson reiterated its support for India over its de- Along with Turkey, Pakistan openly sup- gorno-Karabakh. cades-long territorial dispute with Pakistan ported Azerbaijan during last year’s 44-day Pakistan, however, has been involved in Reiterates Support for and expressed gratitude to New Delhi for war in Nagorno-Karabakh in which nearly a series of joint military drills with Azer- Peaceful Settlement of NK its “targeted statements” regarding the Ar- 7,000 people were killed. The war resulted baijan and Turkey since the end of the Conflict menian-Azerbaijani conflict. in reestablishing control over seven armed conflict. “Armenia has always supported India in districts around the disputed region and India angered Azerbaijan in May when YEREVAN (Armenpress) — the issue of Jammu and Kashmir,” acting capturing two districts of Soviet Azerbai- it described Baku as a transgressing side Prime Minister of the United King- Foreign Minister Armen Grigoryan said in jan’s former mostly Armenian-populated during border tensions with Armenia and dom of Great Britain and Northern remarks on August 15 during an event in autonomous region proper. called on it to “pull back forces immediate- Ireland Boris Johnson on August Yerevan dedicated to the 75th anniversary Like Ankara, Islamabad has denied any ly and cease any further provocation.” 17 sent a congratulatory message of the independence of India. to Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of the latter being appointed Prime “At the same time, we appreciate the tar- Minister of the Republic of Arme- geted statements of the Indian authorities nia. In it, he declared, “The United regarding the Azerbaijani-Turkish aggres- Armenian Soldier Killed in Latest Shoot-Outs Kingdom deeply values our bilat- sion against Artsakh (the Armenian name eral relationship and shares your for Nagorno-Karabakh), the transfer of Along Azerbaijani Border vision for a sustainable economic foreign terrorist fighters to the region, as well as the encroachments on the Arme- SOLDIER, from page 1 Aliyev again urged Armenia to sign a and democratic future for Armenia. casualty during the skirmish, while there peace treaty with Azerbaijan by which the Your recent parliamentary elections nian borders,” Grigoryan added, according to his press office. were no casualties on the Armenian side. two neighboring South countries demonstrated the Armenian com- Official Baku denied any casualties on would recognize each other’s territorial in- Grigoryan also spoke about an existing mitment to building strong demo- the Azerbaijani side in that incident, but tegrity as well as open transport corridors “untapped potential” of bilateral relations cratic foundations. I was pleased reported a ceasefire violation in the Na- — a railroad and a highway — for Azer- with India, including “political, security, to send UK electoral observers to khichevan part of the border, placing the baijan to be connected with its exclave of military, economic, business, cultural, and build confidence among voters, responsibility on the Armenian side. Nakhichevan and further to Turkey via Ar- educational cooperation.” and we remain committed to pro- The latest escalation at the Arme- menia’s southern Syunik province. viding ongoing practical support India’s Ambassador to Armenia Kishan nian-Azerbaijani border comes amid in- for your reform programme.” He Dan Deval and a member of the Indian Earlier, on August 12, Armenian Prime tensifying claims by Baku about cease- Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Arme- added that he hoped to see Pashin- parliament, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, attend- fire violations by Armenian forces in yan in Glasgow for COP26 in No- ed the event. nia was ready to engage in talks on reopen- Nagorno-Karabakh where Russian peace- ing transport links between the two states vember this year. As for the Kara- The predominantly Muslim-populated keepers were deployed after last autumn’s and to embark on a demarcation of the bakh situation, he said, “I would region of Jammu and Kashmir is a territory 44-day war in which Azerbaijani forces border. He again insisted, however, that like to reiterate my strong support that has been claimed by both India and Pa- reestablished control over all seven dis- Azerbaijani should first withdraw from Ar- for a fully negotiated, sustainable kistan since the partition of India in 1947. tricts around the disputed region as well as menia’s border areas. and peaceful settlement of the Na- After a 1972 agreement that followed an chunks of Soviet Azerbaijan’s former au- gorno-Karabakh conflict under the Indo-Pakistani war, India has controlled tonomous oblast proper. Baku has ruled out such a withdrawal, auspices of the OSCE [Organiza- nearly two-thirds of the region. In an interview with CNN Turk televi- saying that its troops took up new positions tion for Security and Cooperation In 2019, Indian Prime Minister Naren- sion on August 14, Azerbaijani President on the Azerbaijani side of the frontier. in Europe] Minsk Group. After the dra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government Ilham Aliyev claimed that under the terms On several occasions earlier Pashinyan 2020 conflict, the United Kingdom stripped the region of its semiautonomous of the November 9, 2020 ceasefire bro- also rejected Azerbaijan’s demand for a was the first country to provide status, annulled its separate constitution, kered by Armenia must not de- “corridor,” stressing that the Russia-bro- humanitarian support through our and split it into two federal territories. ploy troops within Nagorno-Karabakh. kered ceasefire deal commits both sides to work with the ICRC [International Armenia has no diplomatic ties with He further stated that Russia should not reopening transport links and has no refer- Committee of the Red Cross].” Pakistan, which refused to recognize Ar- rearm Armenia which lost much of its mil- ence to any specific transport link with the menian independence in the early 1990s itary hardware in last year’s war. status of a corridor through Syunik. Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 3

Abovyan’s Pastor Zohrabyan on US Trip to Raise Support for Church, Artsakh Refugees and Armenia

Aid to Refugees Today By Aram Arkun their children to a new school. Mirror-Spectator Staff Zohrabyan estimates that there are more than 20,000 To counter this, Zohrabyan said they provided free refugees from Artsakh still living in Armenia, with a transportation via bus to and from public school. Fur- TEWKESBURY, MA — Vazgen Zohrabyan, the pastor large number of them living in the province of , thermore, he said, “School is not enough for them. They of Abovyan City Evangelical Church, is visiting the Unit- in which Abovyan is located. Some live in hotels in the need some fellowship, which is why we bring them to our ed States this summer. He and his church helped refugees resort town of . They are mostly women and building and take them to some sites in the countryside.” from Artsakh who had reached Abovyan during and after children, along with elderly men. Most of the younger Some of the children have lost one or even both parents, the Artsakh war at the end of 2020. Zohrabyan is giving men, Zohrabyan said, are serving in the army in Artsakh and are suffering from serious post-traumatic stress dis- talks and sermons about the situation in Armenia and Art- orders. sakh in various parts of the United States, and part of his The afterschool program provides the children with trip is in collaboration with Mission Eurasia. food, free of charge, and even gives them food boxes for them to take to their parents. There are five days of classes Abovyan City Evangelical Church during the week, including on English, home economics, Though his church, and a recently established NGO Bible study and Armenian literature and language. Teach- called MIAK (Manukneri inknazarkatsman yev arajen- ing English, Zohrabyan said, was a priority in order to tatski kentron [Child Development and Progress Center]), give the children an alternate source of information be- Pastor Vazgen has spearheaded efforts to help refugees sides Russian media. from the recent Artsakh war. The Abovyan church had Bibles were printed for children in both Armenian and sent a few youth as missionaries to preach in Artsakh English, with illustrations and in a very simple language, and they returned right before the 2020 war broke out. to be used to teach English and at the same time religion. As noted in a March article this year in the Mirror-Spec- About 25,000 copies were printed. There were also Bibles tator (Mission Eurasia Brings Humanitarian Aid and printed for adults. Evangelism to Artsakh War), the church hosted refugees The children are from time to time taken on field trips in its own building as well as helped find places for many to historic Armenian sites like , Geghart or Sevan, more in hotels, restaurants and private homes in Abovyan as many of them, Zohrabyan said, don’t know much about during the war. The number reached around 2,000 in this Pastor Vazgen Zohrabyan (photo Aram Arkun) Armenian history or religion. The children also get to small city not far from the Armenian capital of Yerevan, play games together and have fun. Zohrabyan’s wife is in and the organization Mission Eurasia, headquartered in now or working in construction there, renovating apart- charge of these programs, and they will continue after a Tennessee, stepped in to help. ments. Others are in agriculture. one-month break in August. Zohrabyan related that throughout the war, he repeat- The government of Artsakh is trying to encourage refu- Their summer camp program in Abovyan hosted about edly told the refugees, “You are safe here. You are secure. gees to come back by building them new houses for free, 300 refugee children in July, and benefited from the help The frontline is so far away from here.” Yet one night, on as is the government of Armenia and various Armenian of a team from sister evangelical Armenian churches in October 1, 2020, during a church meeting at night, sud- organizations. At the same time, as negative incentive, Lebanon. denly the city was under attack by a drone or rocket from the Armenian government limits the amount of support it provides the refugees remaining on its own In Artsakh territory, Zohrabyan said. In addition to working with refugees in Armenia, the This puts the refugees in a very difficult Abovyan church group also tries to keep in touch with situation, as they fear what will happen if Russian forces leave Artsakh in four or five years. This is particularly true, he said, for refugees from Hadrut, who lost their homes and property in Artsakh to Azerbaijan. The refugees are not living comfortably in Ar- menia due to the abovementioned reason. Consequently, some have left to Russia, as they know the language and many have relatives there, Zohrabyan said, though in Russia, the path to assimilation is very short. Emigration to Russia is also a great temptation for youth in Armenia in general, he added. Zohrabyan’s church and NGO try to Don Parsons, at left, with Pastor Vazgen Zohrabyan encourage the return of the refugees, but (photo Aram Arkun) Zohrabyan stresses that most of them re- main very anxious due to the uncertainty of those who returned to Artsakh. Most are in Stepanakert. the future status of Artsakh. He exclaimed, Zohrabyan said, “I encourage them, telling them, we re- “The main thing is not financial – it is psy- member you. Any time you wish, you can visit Armenia. chological. Sometimes I ask myself, okay, I Know that you have so many families here. Don’t worry am encouraging them to go back, but what — if you need any help, we will come and stand by you.” if they face another war in the future. But From time to time, the church sends them supplies and then, what if they don’t go? This is our land at Christmas, it sent Christmas gifts. Zohrabyan said that and we have to protect it. I spent two years recently, a group of young people from the church went to of my own life protecting Artsakh through Artsakh to visit them. my military service, so this is very dear to MIAK is trying to establish a bakery in Stepanakert me.” similar to the ones it has in Armenia, but is having diffi- Zohrabyan and his church members visit culty finding suitable free space there, due to the crowd- the nearby refugees from time to time, and ing in the city with an increased population from lost ter- bring them bread and other supplies. They ritories like Hadrut and Shushi. Rent for an apartment has Bread distributed to refugee children from Artsakh work with the children, and sometimes risen to almost the same price as in Yerevan. However, bring their own youth on these visits to provide Zohrabyan said, in general, the returning refugees get suf- Azerbaijan. Zohrabyan said people speculate that the fuel friendship and Christian fellowship. ficient support in Artsakh from various governmental and tanks underneath Abovyan may have been a target. Through MIAK, which is supported by Mission Eur- nongovernmental groups and there is enough food. The refugees became anxious again and for many days asia, several bakeries were established in Armenia, which Zohrabyan said he would like to create a branch of on end, Pastor Vazgen had to try to reassure them that use refugees from Artsakh as workers and provide free MIAK to work with children in Stepanakert, in addition they were safe, yet even he was nervous. He said his bread to other refugees. The church and MIAK help pay to the bakery, with the support of Mission Eurasia. children were in the church building during the incident. for utilities expenses (gas and electricity) for some of the Fortunately, the Armenian armed forces intercepted the refugee families in Armenia. Mission Eurasia rocket or drone and neutralized it. The main focus now of the assistance by MIAK and the Don Parsons, ministry director for unreached peo- In all, Zohrabyan summarized, his church and support- church is the children of the refugees, through afterschool ple groups for Mission Eurasia, is accompanying Pastor ers were able to help more than 12,000 families get food education and summer camp. Zohrabyan explained that Vazgen on the first leg of his US trip. When asked about supplies, and they also provided spiritual support when- most of the refugee families are not motivated to send what forthcoming work Mission Eurasia is planning with ever possible. Many of these families have already left their children to school, as they lost everything and are Zohrabyan and MIAK in Armenia, he exclaimed, “We Armenia to return to Artsakh and the church building it- in shock. They do not know how long they will remain continue to support their work in every way, including self no longer hosts refugees. where they are now, and don’t see the benefit to sending see SUPPORT, page 4 4 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

ARMENIA Pastor’s US Trip to Raise Support for Church, Artsakh Refugees and Armenia SUPPORT, from page 3 Zohrabyan Finds His Calling and gan studying through distance learning at and Lenoir City in Tennessee, including at summer camps and educational programs. Keeps Going Global University, based in the Pentecostal Mission Eurasia headquarters and at Bap- This fall, we will launch some more train- Zohrabyan was born in Yerevan in 1981. tradition and located in Springfield, Mis- tist and Pentecostal churches which have ing, in particular training young people When he was in a summer Pioneer Camp, souri, and received a bachelor’s degree in been involved with Mission Eurasia. Some from the ages of 18 to 30 in a variety of dif- at the age of nine, his life was changed af- theology from it. of the sermons are available online already, ferent leadership roles in life; most partic- ter a visiting Armenian missionary from Fluent in Armenian, Russian and En- and he gave an interview to Moody Radio ularly how to be an intentional Christian in France gave him a Bible for children. He glish, he has translated a secular society (in the broad sense), and related, “I grew up in an atheistic family. many works, and au- being an intentional believer in Christ and My grandparents, my mother and my fa- thored his own Arme- living for him in the midst of your busi- ther didn’t believe in God, so I never heard nian-language volume, ness, doctoring, or life in general.” about it. This was my first experience with Kez hamar huys ka [There Parsons added, “The foundation of all Christianity.” His parents saw the book and Is Hope for You], pub- that training is the word of God. That is the took it away from him, saying this is not lished in 2016. He has his only solid truth that there is. …If people for children, but it had already changed own blog: https://vazge- have a purpose to live outside themselves, his life. Ever since then, he prayed that he narseni.com/. would have the chance to meet that mis- Among his interests, sionary again and thank him. Zohrabyan said, “I have Several decades later, Pastor Vazgen a passion to reach the was preaching in at the big- Hamshen [Hemshin] Ar- gest Armenian Evangelical church there, menians because they are and as he introduced himself, he related left alone and forgotten, this story. He noticed the local pastor was and many Armenians are affected. The pastor approached him after not even aware of them. his sermon and asked him whether it was I was in and in August, 1990 at Tsaghkadzor, and when had some contacts with Zohrabyan affirmed that it was, the pastor priests there. I noticed Supplies distributed to a refugee family hugged him, began to cry, and said that he some Turks used to come was the missionary. and visit the church during the liturgy, and in Nashville on August 16. Zohrabyan went to Yerevan State Uni- that some of them had gotten baptized by Zohrabyan said that he would be inform- versity after high school to get a degree this Armenian priest. I asked the priest, ing his East Coast audiences about Arme- in international relations (1998-2004). He who was my good friend, and he said they nia and its problems, and involve them in said, “It is helpful because I travel a lot. I were from Hamshen. Some are Christians the process. He said that they so far ap- traveled to Turkey and I used to travel to and others Muslims, but many speak Ar- peared interested, especially after hearing .” He has also traveled in much of Eu- menian and understand us.” He added that that Armenia is a Christian nation. Parsons rope and has been to the US several times for some reason, the Armenian government observed that people don’t really even prior to his current trip. has no policy concerning them, perhaps out know where Armenia is, or that there are Refugee children from Artsakh Zohrabyan became a pastor and found- of fear of Turkey. close to 200 million Muslims in the region enjoying their summer thanks to er of Abovyan City Evangelical Church surrounding its territory. activities organized by the Abovyan in 2003, while still a student, after he In the USA Zohrabyan is doing fundraising on this City Evangelical Church and his wife were invited for bible study Mission Eurasia invited Pastor Vazgen trip not only for his Abovyan church but in Abovyan, but he then went to serve in for the first 12 days of his current US trip, also for the MIAK NGO. He said, “Every- then everything else falls into place.” the army of the Republic of Armenia from after which on August 17, he is scheduled where I go, I tell people about my nation, Pastor Vazgen pointed out that the Arme- 2004-2006. There he founded a newspa- to visit Armenian Protestant churches in my history, and my country, and motivate nian educational system started with the bi- per and library. While still in the army, in Los Angeles with which he is in touch. them to come and visit Armenia. If we ble in Mesrob Mashtots’ time, when it was 2005 he began to translate the theological Traveling with his family, he went first have many tourists in my country, this will necessary first to translate it into Armenian works of Derek Prince into Armenian, and to New York in early August, and then produce a good income and also safety. If with a new alphabet for the Armenian lan- in 2006 became a director of Derek Prince to Nashua, NH, where he gave a sermon you have tourists from America there, then guage. He said, “Christianity thus brought Ministries and its representative in the at Trinity Baptist Church. He went on to the American government will also be in- education to Armenia. We need to perhaps Caucasus region for its publishing, print- give several sermons and had meetings terested in Armenia’s stability.” go back to our roots now.” ing and distribution work. In 2009, he be- in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga,

The Aznavour Foundation’s Grant to Wounded Soldiers Program AID, from page 1 of Armenian veterans was as important as the young men’s desire to take back control pursue a musical education and establish his Tatevik Sargsyan explained that after the their physical and mental well-being. She of their lives after the war. own recording studio in the future. immediate crisis, the organization recog- said that “through months of cooperation, So far, seven grants have been awarded, Among the other business ideas proposed, nized the important reality that, as she posed we realized that by the end of their reha- while several more will be provided in the the most popular category was agriculture, it, if “we really want to help those deprived bilitation cycle many young men become future. However, the call for applications is with ideas ranging from bee farming to of basic livelihood means, we need to ask extremely anxious about their future and closed and there is a substantial waiting list smart greenhouse initiatives. Three agricul- ourselves ‘How will they carry on once our the future of their families. For many, war of high-quality projects eligible for financ- tural projects have already been funded and mission is over? Have we created a strong led to various disabilities, which did not ing. To secure financing for the remaining many more are in the waiting list. enough base for their long-term prosperity?’” permit them to go back to the work they applications, the Aznavour Foundation has Other projects that the Aznavour Founda- This led to the creation of the Grants to used to perform before the war.” Further- partnered up with fundraising platform tion has financed include the creation of a Wounded Soldiers program. The project more, while in rehabilitation, many young AYO! to give agency to those who seek to photo atelier, the manufacturing of laces and aims to help volunteers who were injured men shared their hopes, dreams, and vision contribute to this initiative. The stories of braids, and a woodworking shop. Sargsyan or/and disabled during military service or/ for their future post-recovery. “Basically, beneficiaries are available on their website, noted that they “welcome all ideas and be- and hostilities through a grant to create their the veterans themselves inspired this proj- www.weareayo.org, where donors can con- lieve that this approach allows us to inspire own businesses. This program is a collabo- ect and nudged us in the right direction!”, tribute directly. war veterans to pursue entrepreneurial ideas ration with the Support to Wounded Soldiers Sargsyan explained. One of the grant receipts was 20-year-old in all fields and spheres.” NGO, which supports not only the physical Grant specialists from the Aznavour Leo Baghdasaryan. Originally born in Step- The projects currently funded will be im- and mental rehabilitation of gravely wound- Foundation, in partnership with the Sup- anakert, Artsakh, Leo moved to Yerevan at plemented in four different regions of Ar- ed soldiers but provides all types of avail- port to Wounded Soldiers NGO, are directly the age 10, and dreams of becoming a well- menia and include three urban and four ru- able support to war veterans. In addition to a involved in the consultations with soldiers known composer. In his own words, Leo ral locations (including border settlements). grant of 5,000 Euros, the initiative includes interested in the initiative. Both guide vet- says that “Music is the only thing through The Aznavour Foundation hopes that with professional consulting, training throughout erans through the application process and which I can express myself.” future projects they will be able to further the implementation of the business idea, provide further support in all steps of proj- When the war began, he was already extend coverage to more towns and villages and monitoring of the business. ect implementation. Furthermore, external serving in the military for his mandatory in both Armenia and Artsakh. “This supervision measure allows us to business consultants are involved, depend- service, and on the second day of the war Given the clear demand and importance make sure that the grantee is supported not ing on the specificities of a given project, was moved to the frontline near Hadrut. of the program, Sargsyan stated that “once only during actual groundwork, but also the to help shape the idea and secure long-term Later he was moved to Martuni, where he the current projects are fully financed and operation stage. This is crucial for the sus- sustainability. was wounded on November 4. He received ongoing, we consider launching the second tainability of any entrepreneurial idea, since The call for applications was open for ap- injuries to his hand from shrapnel. call for applications.” The new businesses the first year is usually the most challenging proximately a month and resulted in the sub- After treatment, Leo was able to get back have only been in operation for periods of for any new business,” Sargsyan added. mission of over 400 applications. Sargsyan to music again and even composed a song, times ranging from two to six months, but Sargsyan noted that the foundation real- said she believes this exemplifies the “true 44, which is dedicated to the Artsakh war the foundation expects to record the first ized the social and economic rehabilitation potential of the initiative” and showcases and its martyrs. With the grant, Leo plans to tangible results in the near future. Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 5

INTERNATIONAL International News

Turkey Says It Welcomes Armenia Eyes Infrastructure Taliban Statements Since They Seized Control ANKARA (Reuters) — Turkey is in talks with all parties in Af- Cooperation with Iran ghanistan, including the Taliban, and views positively the messages By Artur Manukyan Iran to the Black Sea via Armenia and Geor- ichevan exclave. of the Islamist militants since they gia, with Bulgaria and Greece set to serve Azerbaijan wants this connection link to took control of the country, Foreign YEREVAN — As Armenia seeks to de- as gateways to the European Union from be a corridor over which it will have sover- Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on velop a new national security framework there. During a visit to Armenia in May eign rights. Armenia opposes that concept, August 17. Cavusoglu was speak- following the defeat in the 2020 Artsakh 2021, speaking about bringing the Persian arguing that its sovereignty over its own ing a day after Turkish security War, relations with Iran could play an in- Gulf-Black Sea International Transport territory cannot be compromised. Current- sources said Ankara had dropped creasingly important role. Corridor back to life, Iran’s Minister of ly, most transport to and from Nakhichevan plans to guard and operate Kabul The two neighbors have longstanding Roads and Urban Development Moham- and the rest of Azerbaijan travels through airport following the withdrawal of ties and a strategic partnership that in- med Eslami expressed Iran’s interest in Iran. Thus, travel through Armenia would other NATO forces from Afghani- cludes a natural gas pipeline critical for the expanding auto and rail communication reduce Azerbaijan’s dependence on Iran. stan because of the chaos which ac- diversification of Armenia’s energy needs. with Armenia and potentially being In contrast, the Persian Gulf-Black Sea companied the Taliban victory. The The Iranian section of the 141-km pipeline, involved in the construction of the southern infrastructure project is in line with the in- sources told Reuters Turkey was which became operational in 2007, runs parts of Armenia’s North-South highway. terests of both Iran and Armenia. Crucially, instead ready to provide technical from to the Armenia-Iran border; Iran views Armenia as a natural transit it has the potential to serve as a lifeline for and security assistance if the Tali- the Armenian section runs from Meghri to route to the Black Sea region and ultimate- Armenia. As the project has both economic ban requested it. “We are keeping Kajaran. ly to European markets. As seeks and security dimensions, it is possible to up dialogue with all sides, includ- Developing and strengthening strate- to make progress toward the relaxation argue that it would increase cooperation ing the Taliban,” Cavusoglu told gic ties with Iran is crucial, taking into of international sanctions, parallel efforts and strengthen regional security. This is in reporters on a visit to Jordan. “We consideration that Armenia has closed are also underway to develop this route. the interests of all potential participating view positively the messages that borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Ar- Iranian policymakers are believed to seek countries, and is also arguably the best way the Taliban has given so far, wheth- menia cooperates with Iran in the fields of alternatives to existing Azerbaijani and to guard against future attempts to destabi- er to foreigners, to diplomatic indi- transportation, environment, healthcare, Turkish corridors, and are eager to counter lize the South Caucasus region. viduals or its own people. We hope agriculture, science, education and culture, efforts by Moscow and Ankara to margin- The future of the Persian Gulf-Black Sea to see these in action as well.” including interregional cooperation. De- alize Iranian influence in the region. Both International Transport Corridor depends spite not yet gaining momentum, the es- Russia and Turkey consider Iran a regional on a number of geopolitical factors. The tablishment of the Meghri Free Economic competitor and are motivated not to see it Iranian economy is currently facing ma- 4.5-Magnitude Earthquake Zone in 2017 on the Armenian-Iranian bor- strengthen its position in the region. jor challenges due to the ongoing impact Hits Armenia-Georgia der seeks to lay a foundation to strengthen One of the core objectives of the Persian of international sanctions, but the prospect Border Area economic ties with Iran and simultaneous- Gulf-Black Sea International Transport of sanctions relief remains. If sanctions are YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN. ly address the socio-economic challenges Corridor initiative is the strengthening of relaxed or removed by the Biden adminis- Net) — A 4.5-magnitude earth- of Armenia’s Syunik region. commercial and economic ties throughout tration, Tehran would have access to signif- quake struck the border area be- Although Armenia is one of the shortest the region. In addition to the internation- icant funds to finance construction works tween Armenia and Georgia on Au- options for connecting Iran to the Black al transit function, the corridor would also tied to the corridor. gust 16, the Armenian Ministry of Sea, Armenia has not been able to realize lead to standardization and improvements The lifting of sanctions would also open Emergency Situations reports. The its potential to become a transit country of management and warehousing func- the door to a further deepening of Arme- tremor happened at a shallow depth since gaining independence. The Persian tions. It would help facilitate a remarkable nia’s own engagement with Tehran. Sanc- of 10 kilometers below the surface. Gulf-Black Sea International Transport change in road safety standards across the tions have long served to limit the scope of It has not caused any damage, but Corridor, which has been under develop- region, improving efficiency. cooperation with Iran, but the removal of was felt by many people as light ment for years, is currently being actively Recent changes in the geopolitical cli- this obstacle would provide new impetus vibration in the area of the epicen- discussed. Armenian officials are engaged mate make this initiative significantly for Yerevan and Tehran to intensify their ter. Faint shaking was felt in certain in negotiations with Iran, Georgia, Bulgar- more feasible. Following the 2020 Artsakh ties. The ambitious plans for a major trans- communities of Shirak, Lori and ia and Greece over plans for the landmark War, the trilateral statement signed by the port road would necessarily form a central provinces of Armenia. infrastructure project. An agreement is ex- leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia part of any negotiations on a strengthening pected in the near future that could form stipulates the unblocking of economic and of the strategic relationship. the basis for strategic intensification of Ar- transport links in the region. According Russian Envoy Visits menia’s bilateral ties with Iran in particu- to the terms of the agreement, Armenia is Hotspot on Armenian- lar. The blueprint for the project envisages obliged to facilitate unimpeded transport (This article originally appeared in EVN Azerbaijani Border construction of a transport corridor from links between Azerbaijan and its Nakh- Report [evnreport.com] on August 10.) YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN. Net) — Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin on Au- gust 17 visited a number of bor- der checkpoints in Yeraskh, Ararat Russia Accuses Azerbaijan of Violating province, the Russian Embassy reports. Kopyrkin has met with the Armenian and Russian border Ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh guards of the Federal Security Ser- vice (FSB) of Russia in Armenia. By Ani Avetisyan explicitly blamed one side for violating Armenian soldiers have been taken cap- Visiting one of the outposts, Kopy- the ceasefire. tive, with three remaining missing. rkin and his family laid flowers at MOSCOW (Open Caucasus Media) Wednesday’s clashes were previous- Armenian officials have expressed in- the bust of border guard A.P. Ko- – The Russian Ministry of Defense has ly reported by the Nagorno-Karabakh creasing frustration with a perceived lack ryakov, who died when fighting accused Azerbaijani forces of violating Defense Army, which said that combat of response to the clashes from Russia saboteurs who had infiltrated from the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh as UAVs were used by Azerbaijan forces. and the Russia-led Collective Security Turkey in 1948. tensions between Armenia and Azerbai- On Thursday, the Defense Army re- Treaty Organization (CSTO), of which jan continue to rise. ported that Azerbaijani troops had at- they are a member. Azeri Shooting at Border “Over the past 24 hours, one ceasefire tempted to cross the line of contact in the By contrast, the European Parliament, violation has been recorded. On August east of Nagorno-Karabakh. GEGHARKUNIK, Armenia — the United States, and France all called 11, 2021, at 07:29 and 07:58, the Azerbai- Azerbaijani authorities have respond- On August 16, at around 18:10, for Azerbaijan to withdraw its troops. jani armed forces carried out two strikes ed by accusing Armenia of deploying the subdivisions of the Azerbaijani using strike-type quadcopters [drones] more troops to Nagorno-Karabakh and During a visit to Armenia on 10 Au- Armed Forces once again resorted on a position of the armed formations of of “committing a provocation.” gust, the General Secretary of the CSTO, to provocations, firing from various Nagorno-Karabakh,” the ministry said in Since the end of the war, isolated clash- Stanislav Zas, did concede that the clash- caliber firearms on the Armenian a statement on Thursday, August 12. es have continued to take place around es along the border were a “threat to positions in Gegharkunik province. Since the end of the Second Na- Nagorno-Karabakh and along much of Armenia” and to other CSTO member Armenian serviceman Arman Ha- gorno-Karabakh War brought the de- the Armenian–Azerbaijani border. countries. He added that the CSTO hoped kobyan, born in 2002, received a ployment of Russian peacekeepers to the According to Armenia, since late May for a non-violent solution to the issue. fatal gunshot wound as a result of region, clashes have continued to take several hundred Azerbaijani soldiers Armenian Defense Minister Arshak an intense firefight. According to between Armenian and Azerbaijani forc- have advanced their positions into Arme- Karapetyan responded that Armenia was the Armenian Defense Ministry, es. However, Thursday’s statement was nia proper. The clashes have resulted in in favor of peace, but that “our patience the Azerbaijani military suffered at the first time Russian authorities have casualties from both sides and at least six is not inexhaustible either.” least three casualties and wounded. 6 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

INTERNATIONAL

Artist Archi Galentz Marks a Half Century with What He Loves Best: Art

By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach — If you are an Armenian artist liv- Special to the Mirror-Spectator ing in the German capital and you are about to turn 50, how should you celebrate the occasion? Archi Galentz has decided to mark the event with an exhibition of a special kind. Among the working titles he considered were “The First 50” and “Stages of For- mation of the Midlife Crisis of an Arriereguardist,” but the show was not to be a ret- rospective. Another possible name was “My Spasm,” to indicate (the artist explains in a brochure prepared for the event) “the process of giving birth to this brainchild of mine in the form of a personal exhibition of my most important projects.” But the final title chosen was “Private Club” — not an exhibition like others, but a discreet gathering, a private function for friends and associates to come together, because the moment is not like any others, and not only due to the pandemic. There is a broader context. Galentz writes that “it is inappropriate to celebrate loudly and brightly at the moment when your homeland self-destructs and dissolves in dreams of hidden potentials and obvious allies that can be revived by the magic spells of prehistoric ancestors.” This, however, is not the theme of the exhibition. Unlike pre- vious shows, here there are no works with maps of Armenia, imaginary maps, or those of the historic homeland, no visions of a national republic. The context has changed. He feels fettered by the “complete bankruptcy of governance and, even worse, civil society and intellectual thought.” But, despite the lack of viable alterna- tives for building a new society, the artist refuses to turn the beautiful gallery into “a wailing wall.” Instead, the friends and colleagues attending the birthday gathering will see eight projects from different creative periods still inhabiting Galentz’s thoughts and ac- “Red Banners” by Archi Galentz tivity. They are works of the past but continue to live. One installation, “Survival Kit,” incorporates drawings and paintings by other artists, Achot Achot, Silvina Der and Theater in Yerevan and three years later began attending classes as a visiting Meguerditchian and Nishan Kazazyan. It was first shown at the Belgrade Museum of student at the University of Arts in Berlin, then completed his studies for a master’s Contemporary Art in 2005 in an exhibition titled “Situated Self. Confused, Compas- degree in 1997. His first solo show took place in Berlin in 2000 and since then he has sionate and Conflictual.” Another work, “Not Red Banners,” begun in 2003, studies been active as a freelance artist and curator. In 2008 he founded the artist-run space the phenomenon of color transformations in silk fabrics in purple, orange and red, InteriorDAsein in Berlin, which has promoted cooperative art projects with Russia which oscillate depending on the viewer’s perspective. There are also photographic and Armenia, and, with Andreas Wolf, co-founded Wolf & Galentz gallery there in works, for example a 2002 printout of a “Distant View on Kremlin,” one of a series 2019. In 2012 he received the Arshile Gorky medal from the Armenian Ministry of of images of the city made through a camera oscura. A smaller room hosts figura- Diaspora Affairs. He has taken part in over 80 group exhibitions, curated over 20 tive compositions (“Painting is the queen of visual arts,” writes Galentz), and they exhibitions since 2000 and held numerous solo shows. include mystical compositions referencing antiquity. “The Flaying of Marsyas” is a At 50, Archi has remarked, one usually begins to look back in time. But he “feels piece he has been working on for six years. like a beginner who’s dreaming of having his own atelier, so he can finally start Archi Galentz was born in 1971 in Moscow, into a family of Armenian artists. painting.” After attending schools in the Russian capital, he entered the State University of Arts Best wishes for the next fifty!

Syrian Homes, Businesses Destroyed in Turkish Capital amid Rising Anti-Immigrant Sentiment

By Amberin Zaman army of children on public transport. We to the left-leaning online news portal Sol want on its own soil. Since 2016, the Euro- have become a minority in our own land,” Haber was filmed amid the wreckage of his pean bloc has been giving Turkey billions ANKARA (Al-Monitor) — Mil- complained Serap Ozturk, a pro-secular home in Altindag, saying, “I will have to of dollars to help with the maintenance of lions of Syrians who found shelter in housewife from Istanbul’s Goztepe district. leave because they said they would come Syrian refugees. Turkey from the violence that has raged Ozturk says she votes for the main op- back. They will come back to steal.” They are now being joined by a grow- in their country since the start of the civil position Republican People’s Party (CHP). Yildiray Ogur, a columnist for the mildly ing number of Afghans as they flee Taliban war there in 2011 are now facing growing Scenting the public mood, the party has in oppositionist conservative Karar newspa- forces. Between 500 to 1,500 Afghans are hostility from their Turkish hosts amid a recent months cynically played on the pub- per lamented the Syrian’s plight, tweeting, thought to be slipping into Turkey via Iran sharp economic downturn exacerbated by lic’s fears to squeeze Erdogan and the AKP. “He opened a shop, learned Turkish, is sup- daily. Those numbers are set to rise as the the COVID-19 pandemic. The brewing The CHP leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, has porting his family, is paying taxes. … Why Taliban continue to capture large swaths of resentment toward an estimated 3.7 mil- vowed that once in power he will send the do you want this man to return to his coun- territory from government forces. The Tali- lion Syrian refugees turned violent in the Syrians back home within two years. try. Why is he being held responsible for a ban claimed to have wrested Kandahar and Turkish capital of Ankara on Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Omer Celik took murderer’s crime? There is only one name Herat, the second- and third-largest cities August 11, as hundreds of locals chanting aim at Kilicdaroglu on Thursday. “Com- for this groundless unease: racism.” respectively, Thursday. slurs swarmed to the working-class suburb petition is of course necessary in politics. Political scientist Nezih Onur Kuru, who Now, “ has a plan to bribe Tur- of Altindag and embarked on a vandalism But divisive and polarizing hate speech can is studying public sentiment toward Syrian key to keep refugees from Afghanistan spree, overturning cars, shattering win- never be construed as competition,” Celik refugees, noted that anti-Syrian violence in away from Europe. Estimates shows that dows and looting shops said to be owned tweeted. He added that Turkish security Altindag, which is home to large numbers there is a risk of 500,000 or a million Af- by Syrians. forces were in full control of the situation of unskilled and impoverished Syrians, is ghan refugees [coming],” Kilicdaroglu At least 76 people were detained in con- and that Yalcin’s killers had been appre- “neither new nor surprising.” claimed July 25. Austrian Prime Minister nection with the rampage, which was trig- hended. Celik urged the public to “not suc- Places like Altindag, which have sprung Sebastian Kurz lent credence to his claim, gered by the death of an 18-year old Turk- cumb to provocations targeting our nation- up on the periphery of large cities, draw a telling the German newspaper Bild on July ish man, Emirhan Yalcin. The teen was al unity.” steady stream of unemployed Turks from 26 that Turkey was a “more suitable place” stabbed in a brawl between Syrian refugees Ankara police said individuals who had the countryside as well, making it a tinder- to host Afghans than either Germany, in Altindag, a stronghold of President Re- allegedly helped stoke violence against the box. Kuru said he had recorded 246 sep- Austria or Sweden. cep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Develop- Syrians through social media were among arate incidents of violence against Syrian Erdogan dismissed the claims in an in- ment Party (AKP). those being held in custody. refugees since 2011. terview with private broadcaster CNNTurk Turkey has long been lauded for hosting Many Turks have said they felt shame In the early days, the government’s usage on Wednesday, asserting that Turkey was so many Syrians, making it the largest refu- and horror upon seeing the hate being of the term “guests” resonated favorably not a “roadside inn” for illegal migrants gee-hosting country in the world. Refugees showered on the Syrians. Turks shared pho- with the Turkish public but over time, as and that reports about the influx of Afghans account for 5% of its population of roughly tographs of a Syrian boy who was wounded it became apparent that many of the Syrian were exaggerated and that over half a mil- 83 million. by the mob. guests are here to stay, attitudes hardened. lion foreign nationals were prevented from Turkish patience is beginning to run thin “Let us not surrender ourselves to in- Kuru’s research suggests that no more than entering the country illegally last year. An- amid rising joblessness, spiraling inflation humane ideologies such as racism and a quarter of Syrian refugees say they want kara says it will build a 295-kilometer-long and a pervading sense that the country is fascism,” tweeted a user who goes by the to go back. (183-mile) wall along the Iranian border to being invaded, foremost by Syrians, even handle @Enveryan in typical commentary. Erdogan’s sporadic reminders that Tur- prevent human trafficking and other illegal as Turkish forces occupy big chunks of Others pushed back, insisting they are key has spent as much as $50 billion on activities. and are accused of being invaders by not against refugees but against “uncon- them and occasional hints that they may be the Syrian regime. “The educated ones go trolled migration.” granted Turkish citizenship haven’t helped. (https://www.al-monitor.com/origi- to Europe and we are left with the detri- Syrians are gripped with fear and some Nor has the European Union’s perceived nals/2021/08/syrian-homes-businesses-de- tus — savages who spread their legs wide, believe their assailants are motivated by treatment of Turkey as a holding pen for stroyed-turkish-capital-amid-rising-an- pick their noses and talk loudly with an greed. An unidentified Syrian speaking Syrians and other refugees the EU doesn’t ti-immigrant#ixzz73l4pclbj) Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 7 Community News Regional Experts Dutch-Armenian Underscore Russian Gegard Mousasi Appeasement and Defends Bellator Surrendered Armenian Middleweight Title Agency as Key Factors UNCASVILLE, Conn. (ESPN) In 44-Day Catastrophe —Dutch-Armenian mixed martial artist Gegard Mousasi’s near-per- By Viken Araz fect run as a Bellator MMA middle- FAIR LAWN, N.J. — On Wednes- weight continued on Friday, August day, June 30, St. Leon Armenian 13, as he defended his 185-pound (84 Church hosted a virtual forum titled, kg) championship against “A Master Plan? Russo-Azeri Strate- in Uncasville. gy for Armenian Pacification.” Mousasi (48-7-2) earned a TKO The event examined Russia’s role finish at 2:07 of the third round, via in the 2020 Artsakh War and across unanswered strikes on the ground. the South Caucasus in order to shed The 36-year-old veteran weathered an light on what is happening, what is at early, grappling-heavy approach from stake, and where Russian and Arme- Salter (18-5) before dominating him nian interests diverge on fundamental from top position in the second and issues. third rounds. The event was jointly sponsored The fight headlined by the Ararat-Eskijian Museum, Ar- Bellator 264 inside Mohegan Sun menian Bar Association, Armenian Arena. Democratic Liberal Party-Ramga- A former NAIA national wrestling vars, Armenian Network of Amer- champion, Salter went for broke in ica—Greater NY, Daughters of the opening round with takedown at- Vartan-Sahaganoush Otyag, Justice tempts. He did manage to get Mousa- Armenia, Knights of Vartan-Bakra- A Master Class si down, but appeared to wear him- douny Lodge, National Association self out in the process. Mousasi was for Armenian Studies and Research clearly the fresher of the two after the (NAASR) Calouste Gulbenkian opening five minutes, and easily im- In Music for Holy posed his will the rest of the way. Foundation Lecture Series on Con- temporary Armenian Issues, and “I didn’t want to put myself at risk Saint Leon Armenian Church. [in the first round],” Mousasi said. Martyrs Church “We were still fresh, not slippery, not sweaty. I didn’t want to give him my BAYSIDE, N.Y. — The installation of a new Rodgers Organ at Holy Martyrs back. I felt I was pushing his head Church in Bayside, NY, became an occasion for choir members and accompanists to down and I knew that conditioning benefit from a “Master Class” in Armenian Church music. was on my side. I’m stronger than Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, the Eastern Diocese’s Sacred Music Instructor (and a virtu- people think. Maybe I look skinny, oso organist in his own right), visited the Bayside parish on Sunday, August 8, to join parishioners for badarak and meet afterwards with the choir, in the company of pastor Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan. During his discussion of ways to enhance the beauty and musicality of the liturgy, Lilit Gevorgyan, Armen Kharazian Fr. Kiledjian stressed the critical role of the choir — which not only engages with the priest and deacons on the altar, but also sets a serene, meditative mood for the The discussion, which was record- worshippers. ed and may be viewed at https://bit.ly/ He also addressed practical issues of vocal performance, explaining techniques of StLeonEvents, was moderated by Ara breathing that would produce stronger, richer tones in the singing voice. Fr. Kiledjian Araz. Panelists included Lilit Gevor- shared his expertise in conducting, and led practice exercises for select pieces. gyan, security and political analyst at Many of his insights sparked animated discussion among the participants. Gegard Mousasi (photo courte- IHT, and Armen Kharazian, a former “Hayr Sourp taught us there is no such thing as ‘sad’ Armenian Church music,” sy of MMA Fighting) diplomat and principal attorney at said Maral Jamgochian, who serves as one of the organists of the parish.“It should be Kharazian Law. joyful and celebratory—and ultimately transformative. He said that the altar servers, but I’m a lot stronger physically. I just The discussion probed the 44-day choir, and organist are a channel to change the lives around them.” put my pressure on him and hurt him catastrophe and its aftermath within She added: “Throughout the class, Hayr Sourp’s delightful sense of humor and love with punches.” a wider context of Russo-Armenian for our church music touched everyone’s heart.” A former champion in multiple relations and shifting geopolitical The purchase of Bayside’s new organ was made possible by a donation from Juliet organizations, including Strikeforce, currents across the South Caucasus. Jamie Gregorio in memory of her mother, Lucy Jamie. Fr. Kiledjian helped the parish Mousasi has compiled a record of Gevorgyan and Kharazian discussed select a suitable instrument of the church: a technologically advanced Rodgers organ 6-1 since he signed with Bellator in the alignment of Russian and Azer- see ORGAN, page 10 2017. Prior to his arrival in the Bella- baijani interests behind Azerbaijani tor cage, Mousasi was one of the top state-building and economic region- middleweights in the UFC, and was al initiatives, to the detriment of Ar- well on his way to earning a title shot menian sovereignty both in Artsakh in that promotion before accepting an and the Republic of Armenia. The offer with Bellator. discussion came at a critical time for He is a two-time middleweight Armenia and the diaspora, as Araz champion for Bellator. He won his underscored, “It is critical that our first belt in 2018 and defended it community better understand the once, before losing a grappling-heavy contours of a world where Russian matchup to Rafael Lovato Jr. The and Armenian interests might diverge Dutch champion reclaimed his title on fundamental issues and the degree by defeating former welterweight to which racial hatred or the occupa- champ last October. tion and further pacification of Art- Diocesan Sacred Music Instructor Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, pastor Fr. Abraham Mousasi expected to face undefeat- sakh coincide with—but are not the Malkhasyan, and parishioners of Holy Martyrs Church (Bayside, NY) stand in ed No. 1 contender Austin Vanderford sole drivers of — Azeri aggression the choir loft of the church sanctuary alongside their new Rodgers Organ, a (11-0), who was in attendance, in his and policy.” gift of Juliet Gregorio in memory of her mother, Lucy Jamie. Pictured above next defense. Gevorgyan poignantly emphasized (l-r): parish council chair Greg Saraydarian; choir members Robert Haroutu- “He’s a legend in the sport,” Van- the causal relationship between Ar- nian, Anjel Tahmisyan, Hilda Sheshedian; Fr. Kiledjian; Fr. Malkhasyan; choir derford said. “I thought he went in menia’s diplomatic isolation and director Carol Loshigian, choir member Tamar Kayserian, and organist Maral there and took care of business. I’m over-dependence on Russia for its Jamgochian. (Missing: choir director Ruthann Drewitz; organists Nevart excited to get out there and test my- see APPEASEMENT, page 9 Dadourian and Karen Smaldone.) self.” 8 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

COMMUNITY NEWS St. Mark’s Annual Armenian Fest Returns; Features Authentic Armenian Cuisine, Music SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — St. Mark Armenian Church’s Annual Ar- menian Festival that has become a favorite in the Greater Springfield area will return to the church grounds on Sunday, September 5 from 12 noon to 5:30 p.m., 2427 Wilbraham Road in Springfield. The parish’s biggest event for over 25 years will feature delicious hot meals, a live Armenian band, dancing, authentic Armenian and International pastries, Armenian coffee, and more. The St. Mark Armenian Festival draws hundreds of patrons from Springfield and surrounding suburbs that enjoy great food, entertain- ment and a wonderful social atmosphere. Everyone is welcome to be a part of the culture and enjoy all that is offered. St. Mark’s parish priest, Father Nigoghos (Nicholas) Aznaviourian, will be giving tours of the church at the Festival, and will explain the Armenian Apostolic faith and its history for those interested in learning more. This year, patrons can pre-order their favorite Armenian baked goods on the parish’s website, stmarkarmenianchurch.org, through August 25. Pre-ordered baked goods will be available to pick up on Fest day, and baked goods will also be available for sale at the bake table. Scenes from picnics at St. Mark’s Armenian Church A new treat that has become a festival favorite, Soorj, or Armenian coffee, will be available at this year’s Fest. The International booth will feature a variety of savory and sweet treats. There will also be a cultural booth. St. Mark’s very own instructional cooking DVD, featuring pa- rishioners demonstrating how to make traditional Armenian delicacies, will also be available for purchase. Last year, St. Mark held a drive-thru Fest-to-Go in lieu of their tradi- tional festival due to COVID-19. The parish looks forward to being able to host members of the community on their church grounds once again. All proceeds from the Fest benefit the ministries of St. Mark Arme- nian Church. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, and dona- tions can be made through the donate button on the church website, stmarkarmenianchurch.org. More information about the Fest can be found on the Facebook event page, on the church website, stmarkarme- nianchurch.org. Admission to the festival and parking are free. The event will be held rain or shine (there will be plenty of seating under the tents). St. Mark is located at 2427 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. St. Mark Armenian Church is located at 2427 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. For more information visit www.stmarkarmenianchurch.

Obituary

ed States. She was also the executive as- Rose Krikorian sistant to the Honorable G. Joseph Tauro, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court Assistant to State Supreme Court Chief Justice of Massachusetts until Justice Tauro’s re- tirement. WATERTOWN — Rose Krikorian died mother and sister, where her family hosted From 1975, until her retirement in 1989, peacefully at home at age 96 surrounded many dinner parties for her friends. Rose served as the executive assistant to by her friends and dedicated caregivers on Rose was proud of her Armenian heri- the Honorable Edward F. Hennessey, Chief August 9, 2021. tage. She and her family were benefactors Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. Rose She was the daughter of the late Panos and active members of St. Stephen’s Arme- was greatly admired and respected by the and Arisdine Krikorian. She was prede- nian Church in Watertown. judges on the Supreme Judicial Court and ceased by her brother, Harold, and her sis- Rose spent her entire career in public was beloved by the many law clerks who ter, Sybil. service, first having served as an assistant served the court. The law clerks were her Rose was born in Watertown and grad- to Elliott Richardson, then United States extended family. She never missed a law uated from Watertown High School. For Attorney for the District of Massachusetts clerk’s reunion. Rose was known for her many years, she lived in Belmont with her and later the Attorney General of the Unit- sophisticated style, humor and class. On Rose’s retirement in 1989, Massa- chusetts Lawyers Weekly penned an edito- rial entitled, “A Rose By Any Other Name ….” It read, in part, “Many of us at the bar have known for years who really has been responsible for the smooth sailing of the ship of justice through the rough waters of the commonwealth. Rose. She efficiently and modestly guarded the door to the cor- ner lobby for all those years and did so in Funeral services were held at Saint Ste- such an effective manner that no one ever phen’s Armenian Church, 38 Elton Avenue, was offended and no one ever believed that Watertown on Wednesday, August 18. the chief did not think his opinion was im- Arrangements were made by the Aram portant enough to be heard.” Bedrosian Funeral Home. Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 9

COMMUNITY NEWS Regional Experts Discuss Key Factors In 44-Day Catastrophe APPEASEMENT, from page 7 Turkey has become an independent player particularly the US, to build a new nuclear a result of the war, but the reality is it will security and economic interests and the and it is so independent that it is ready to power plant, Armenia rejected opportuni- have to surrender what it still has if we con- current security crisis facing Armenia to- defy the US and NATO, it helps to keep the ties to partner with Western companies like tinue with the same flawed strategy.” day. Gevorgyan pointed out that the Rus- West at bay in regional conflicts”. Stron- Cisco who wanted to help Armenia estab- Gevorgyan and Kharazian will expand sia-propped security status quo was failing ger bonds between Moscow and Baku lish secure communication and networks on this discussion in a follow-up event, prior to the 44-day war — something that should be of grave concern to Yerevan. etc. …, any reasonable country would have “Part II: Crisis in Armenia’s Russia-On- was further exposed during and after the This warming relationship emphasizes the seized on these opportunities but we didn’t ly Security Doctrine.” The event will take fighting. importance of Armenia regaining its agen- because we didn’t want to get the Russians place on Wednesday, August 25 at 7:30 Armenia’s over-dependence on Russian cy that it has surrendered to the Russians mad and face repercussions from them, so p.m. (Eastern) on Zoom and will be broad- security measures could be attributed to following years of diplomatic isolation and we pleased them by giving them our agen- cast on YouTube. Topics to be discussed its miscalculated desire to appease Rus- reducing an over-dependence on Russian cy and the Russians were complicit in help- include Key Armenia-Russia security, de- sia, often times sacrificing its own agency preventative security measures that have ing the Azeris take Artsakh.” fense and border protection treaties; col- in the process, for fear of a Russian back- failed to live up to Armenia’s expectations. Kharazian also blamed Armenia’s dip- lective security arrangements under Rus- lash that would threaten Armenia’s security Kharazian elaborated on Armenia’s lomatic isolation and its failure to build sia-led military bloc CSTO; the application and economic interests. While Gevorgyan urgent need to regain its agency and de- an equitable relationship with the West as of Armenia-Russia security treaties during noted that Armenia’s tendency to appease scribed how the country found itself in this a driving force behind the lack of support the 44-Day War; consequences of the 2016 Russia has beyond a doubt contributed to precarious position. Kharazian touched Armenia received from Western powers in transfer of air defense capabilities to Rus- the dire predicament the country faces to- upon countless missed opportunities that the 2020 Artsakh War; he pointed out that sia; Armenia-Russia border protections day, she also underscored that Armenia has would have helped Armenia build up in- Armenia even failed to request military as- treaties and Azerbaijan’s creeping annex- found itself on the wrong end of a shift in dependent capacity, as well as failed poli- sistance from the West during the war. This ation of Armenian territories; Armenia’s regional power dynamics. cy choices that deprived it of one, such as is consistent with Armenia’s track record of future under the “Russia-centered” secu- Gevorgyan identified the 2008 Georgia handing over secure government telecom- denying itself the critical capacity required rity doctrine and finally what can be done war as a turning point in Russo-Azerbai- munications to the Russians in the mid- to build agency. to mitigate current risks and manage future jani relations, as Russia sought to cement to-late 1990s. Kharazian stated, “We gave Kharazian added valuable insight on how crises its position and influence in the Caucasus. up incremental parts of our agency and Armenia might go about regaining its agen- To register on Zoom for Part II: Crisis The shift in the power dynamics has also core competences. We gave into Russian cy, he stated that, “If we are to get out of this in Armenia’s Russia-Only Security Doc- resulted in growing cooperation and an pressure to not build an Iran Armenia gas situation Armenians need access to knowl- trine with regional experts Gevorgyan alignment of interests between Russia and pipeline with a large enough diameter that edge and modern technology not found in and Kharazian, go to https://bit.ly/Diverg- Turkey in regards to Azerbaijan. Gevorg- would have served a regional purpose, we Russia, but in the West. Armenia continues ing-Interests-Part2. To watch live on You- yan noted, “Russia is happy to deal with surrendered ownership and management of to rely on a flawed understanding that if it Tube, go to https://bit.ly/StLeonEvents at the West so long as the West is represented the nuclear power plant, declined multiple keeps pleasing Russia it will be able to res- 7:30 PM ET on August 25. For more infor- by Turkey… in the eyes of the Russians, opportunities from international partners, cue what it wasn’t forced to give away as mation, contact Ara Araz at ara@edrcorp. New RI Law Creates Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission EDUCATION, from page 1 and disseminate Holocaust and genocide information, work with the Department of Education to update and promote statewide Holocaust and genocide education pro- grams, and promote public awareness of issues relating to Holocaust and genocide education. “As hate crimes have been rising in our own country over the last few years, it’s particularly important that students are taught about the catastrophic atrocities that have been committed when the seeds of hate are planted,” said Representative Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence), who cosponsored this bill. All eight of her great-grandparents are survivors of the . “My family’s own history involving the Armenian genocide has shown me that these events in history should never be forgotten. It is important that our children recognize and understand how such terrible events can occur in so- ciety, and more importantly, how to stop them from happening.” Sen. Thomas J. Paolino (R-Dist. 17, Lin- coln, North Providence, North Smithfield), a cosponsor of the Senate legislation, also lost family in the Armenian genocide. “My relatives have a keen understand- ing of how hate and bigotry can escalate to reverberate through generations,” Sen- ator Paolino said. “It is important that we educate society on the warning signs of genocide. Learning the history about these atrocities and how to prevent them will best protect our future.” Rep. Nathan W. Biah Sr. (D-Dist. 3, Providence), who fled Liberia in 1991 at age 20 to escape a war in which genocide occurred, is also a cosponsor. “I have experienced the horrors of geno- cide firsthand. It’s a very tragic fact that genocide continues around the world today. Our students are citizens of the world, and need to understand the impacts of genocide on their brothers and sisters wherever it oc- curs,” said Biah. 10 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

COMMUNITY NEWS Portantino: ‘I Am Proud Of My Friendship with the Tekeyan Cultural Association, Inc. Armenian Community FRIENDSHIP, from page 1 Nikol Pashinyan, in a context formalizing Dr. Nubar knew about the Near East Relief and the a “positive economic relationship.” When Armenian Genocide and she passed all her asked about his comment and whether he knowledge to Anthony as well as about still thinks the same way considering the Berberian 2021 New Jersey native son President Woodrow latest developments, Portantino answered Wilson. diplomatically. He carried all these memories with him “War is the worst thing that can happen Annual Awards when he moved to California in 1999 and to a people. I don’t think anybody hasn’t was elected to the La Canada City Coun- been deeply affected by that. But as you Dr. Nubar Berberian, intel- cil. After that, one thing led to another. He and I walked around GiniFest [Portantino was invited to a Genocide commemoration was referring to the and lectual, journalist, activist event at the Sisters’ Academy, a private Spirits Festival on July 25] to see the en- and editor of many ADL Armenian school in Glendale. Some of trepreneurs, the Armenian businesses both- the Armenian community members at the based in Armenia and here in California, I daily newspapers for more event were from New Jersey. “That’s how think on that economic vitality there is a than 50 years passed away I started to get involved in the community. sense that everyone has to help the Arme- One relationship led to another. Arda, who nian economy. I think there is continued to at the age of 94 in Novem- works for me now, I met her father at that be that endearment.” meeting. It’s been a wonderful relation- Portantino has been invited to and vis- ber 23, 2016. In his will, Dr. ship; people say welcome, you say wel- ited Armenia and Artsakh three times. Berberian directed his Trust come back!” Portantino said. “I’ve loved it, from the food to the people! Portantino represents California’s 25th It breaks my heart what happened in Art- Fund managers to appro- State District starting 2016 after winning sakh,” he said. priate awards every year to the race against Los Angeles County Su- He remembers when the last time he was pervisor Mike Antonovich. Public educa- in Shushi with the Glendale City Coun- college students of Arme- tion, mental health and gun control are the cilmember Ardy Kassakhian and the High priorities that his office has been focusing Commissioner of Diaspora Affairs of Ar- nian descent worldwide who major in either Interna- on for years. menia Zareh Sinanyan. They “crashed” a tional Law or Political Science. Along with hosting the Armenian Select wedding at the , Committee in his district, Portantino sup- met with the bride and groom and took ported the Armenian community through pictures with them. “And to think that that various legislations, securing funds and as- cathedral is now desecrated, it breaks my ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS sistance, condemning violence and spread- heart,” Portantino added with noticeable ing the awareness about the Armenian sadness. 1) Eligible recipients are college students of Armenian descent Genocide. On June 1 Senator Portantino In 25th Senate office’s five employees who major in either International Law or Political Science. signed a memorandum of Understanding are Armenian. “Beyroutsy, Hayastanci and with the Governor’s office and Impact Hub Bolsahay,” Portantino said, proudly using 2) Applicant must be enrolled in a full-time graduate program Armenian Social Innovation Development the Armenian he learned at the Glendale in a fully accredited college or university in the world. 3) Applicant must provide all of the information requested on the application form. 4) Applicant must submit a copy of his or her most recent college transcript. 5) Applicant is to include a small head and shoulders self- portrait. 6) Application could be received by requesting from [email protected]. 7) Applicants should submit applications electronically (via email) to: [email protected]. 8) The deadline of receiving the applications is September 15, 2021. 9) The administrators and managers of the fund will vote the qualified winners in October, 2021 based on the merits of each applicant. The shelf with all Armenian and Armenia related stuff at the district office of the Senator Portantino 10) The winner or winners will receive their awards in November, 2021 Foundation to establish a Trade and Ser- Community College by taking special 11) Winning applicants are not eligible to apply again. vices Desk in Armenia. classes for non-Armenians. How did it “Coming out of what happened in Arme- happen? “I hire talented people,” he said. 12) This announcement is published in Armenian, English, nia (Senator is adamant to use the Arme- On a more technical note, he underlined French and Spanish. nian name Hayastan) for the last four years the importance of having Western and both politicly and also with the war, it’s im- Eastern Armenian speakers in the office. portant that California and Armenia have a “That’s the single biggest piece of the puz- Watertown, MA, July 15, 2021 good partnership. There is a mutual bene- zle, to make sure that we speak both dia- fit: we share democracy, we have nearly a lects while working with Armenia, Artsakh million of citizens of Armenian heritage in and the diaspora,” added the senator. California, so many of our business leaders Friendship with Armenians certainly of the church,” said Maral Jamgochian. have businesses there and here.” Senator couldn’t avoid one of the most important A Master Class in Music “It’s a beautiful enhancement to our cele- calls it symbolic and also a complimentary components: food! ORGAN, from page 7 bration of badarak and our spiritual life.” relationship. “I eat all the food from hummus to Kh- in the company’s “Inspire” series, with a As the Eastern Diocese’s Sacred Music Portantino was one of many who em- inkali!” exclaimed Portantino, “Friday wide array of sounds options, volume con- Instructor, Fr. Kiledjian welcomes all man- braced the new government in Armenia night I am going to eat at Raffi’s, I’ve done trols, recording and playback features. ner of inquiries about Armenian Church in 2018. He commented earlier about “ex- take-outs from Khinkaly [House], and I “It creates a depth of sound that power- music. Contact him via email at frmami- citement” and “optimism” in Armenia un- love the lentil soup at Carousel,” he said. fully reverberates through the entire space [email protected]. der the leadership of the Prime Minister continued on next page Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dr. Nerses Kopaylyan To Discuss Armenia’s ‘Democratic Resilience Amidst Security Crisis’ FRESNO — Political scientist Dr. Nerses Kopalyan will speak on “Dem- ocratic Resilience Amidst Security Cri- sis: Armenia’s Political Climate after the 2020 Artsakh War” at 7 p.m. (Pacific time)/10 p.m. (Eastern time) on Thurs- day, September 2. The presentation is the first of the Fall 2021 Lecture Series of the Armenian Studies Program and will be an online presentation. The consequences of the 2020 Artsakh War produced two expansive modes of crises in Armenia, one specific to the country’s security architecture, and the other specific to domestic political sta- bility. The latter was primarily resolved through the 2021 snap Parliamentary elections, as the incumbent party in pow- The Karbi Tekeyan School with a statue of Vahan Tekeyan er, led by acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, dominated the electoral field and secured, to the surprise of many, a parliamentary majority. What accounts Sirop and Maro Bedrosian Support Renovation of for the electoral success of Prime Min- ister Pashinyan’s Civic Contract Party, Tekeyan School Cultural Hall in Karbi, Armenia considering the security and political crisis that matured under the tenure of KARBI, Armenia — The Vahan Tekeyan the Pashinyan administration, and how School of Karbi, Armenia, is in the process of did a Prime Minister, whose Govern- renovating its cultural hall, where students pres- ment lost a war and a faced formidable ent their educational knowledge throughout the and well-financed opposition, manage year to their parents and relatives, as well as the such an electoral success? Utilizing poll- population of the village. This is the only cultural ing data conducted prior to the elections, hall in this village, where the inhabitants primari- including disaggregated data on regional voter outcomes, as well as conceptual models borrowed from the political cul- ture literature, a multi-tiered explanato- ry framework will be provided that ad- dresses these salient issues. Further, the current consolidation of political power by the Pashinyan administration will be assessed through the lens of Armenia’s continued security crises that is being perpetuated by Azerbaijan’s irredentist policies. 2021 graduates of the Vahan Tekeyan School of Karbi, Armenia Kopalyan is an assistant pro- fessor-in-resi- a similar gesture of renovating the hall and buying new chairs. dence of polit- The plaque at the Karbi Tekeyan School stating Maro Bedrosian not only serves as treasurer for the Central ical science at Tekeyan Cultural Association Sirop and Maro Board of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States the University Bedrosian Hall and Canada (TCA), but also has been the project director since of Nevada, Las its inception in 2001 of the TCA Sponsor a Teacher program, Vegas. His fields ly work in agriculture. Sirop and Maro Bedrosian of Houston, which supports the teachers and staff of four Tekeyan Schools of specialization Texas, decided recently to support the renovation of this essen- in Armenia, plus a fifth school in Berdzor, Artsakh, which fell include interna- Dr. Nerses Kopalyan tial hall once again. to Azerbaijani forces during the recent 44-day Artsakh war. tional relations, They are purchasing 120 new chairs for it as well as spon- This program provides extra incentive to educators to not em- geopolitics, political theory, and philos- soring its renovation. In 2004, the school, located in Aragatsotn igrate and continue in their jobs despite difficult economic cir- ophy of science and he has conducted District, named its cultural hall after the couple when they made cumstances. extensive research on polarity, super- power relations, and security studies. He is the author of World Political Systems from previous page Street, which triggered many non-Arme- After Polarity (Routledge, 2017), the He added he thought it was import- nian Glendalians to express their anger co-author of Sex, Power, And Politics ant that he is willing to learn everything through social media, newspapers and (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016), and co-au- about the Armenian community. And the any other outlets they could find. Al- thor of Latinos in Nevada: A Political, community never ceases to teach him most the same mood prevailed after the Social, and Economic Profile (2021, Ne- back. groundbreaking ceremony of the Arme- vada University Press). His current re- “Let me show you something,” he nian American Museum in downtown search concentrates on geopolitical and said, inviting this writer to approach the Glendale. great power relations with an emphasis special shelves in the office where ev- Portantino said he found the roots of on Eurasia. He has done extensive work erything is about Armenians: on the top this kind of predisposition even deeper. on political developments in Arme- shelf is a photo of the Genocide monu- “For the last four years we had a leader nia prior and subsequent to the Velvet ment in Yerevan, in front of it there is the in the White House who was very po- Revolution, has authored several policy symbolic art work of Mount Ararat. He larizing, who legitimized hate speech papers for the government of Armenia, then shows the sign of the Pasadena Ar- and demonized people. The impact that and has served as an advisor to the gov- menian Genocide Memorial and a white the Trump administration has had on the ernment. Most recently, he undertook a cap with a picture of Pope Francis from rhetoric has been poisonous. The demo- polling project in Armenia, conducting a his visit to Armenia in 2016. nization of the immigrants started in the pre-election survey on the 2021 Parlia- “I was there, you know,” he said, and White House,” he noted. mentary snap elections. moved to the other room where the col- Portantino is confident that the remedy The Zoom Registration Link is: lection of photos shows his travel to Ar- to confront the “top down anger” is to be https://bit.ly/armenianstudieskopalyan menia and Artsakh, and his participation a “good neighbor”. “I am proud of my For information about upcoming Ar- in Armenian events. friendship with the Armenian communi- menian Studies Program presentations, He then speaks about the renaming of ty,” Senator adds, “That’s part of who I Photos of the Senator featuring his work visit https://fresnostate.edu/armenian- Maryland Street in Glendale to Artsakh am.” with the Armenian community studies. 12 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator Arts & Culture Documentarian Sophie An Armenian Chahinian Is Making Triptych Retraces A Film About Robert Longo and Spending The Past — a Time by the Pool Nostalgic Look at NEW YORK (Artnet) — Sophie The Genocide and Chahinian, a filmmaker and the founder of the Artist Profile Archive, Family History which produces documentaries on By Christopher Atamian contemporary artists for museums Special to the Mirror-Spectator and galleries (David Salle and Mar- nie Weber have been among the sub- NEW YORK — This second jects), has the kind of art-filled abode experimental video collaboration many of us dream of. And what better among artists Aram Bajakian, Kev- place to spend time than in a well-ap- ork Mourad and Alan Semerdjian pointed home? comprises a poem by Semerdjian ti- We caught up with Chahinian about tled “Writing about It Again” about how she spends her relaxation time, his grandfather, while Mourad deftly what she’s working on next, and what sketches in pencil drawings about she’s always got the fridge stocked the Armenian past, set to an original with. haunting musical composition by What are you working on now? Bajakian. I am the founder of the Artist Profile All three parts of this triptych were Archive, a multi-media platform that composed independently and meant produces short documentaries on con- to carry equal weight. temporary artists. We just launched As Semerdjian narrates his poem, a new video on Modernist Virginia the video shows Mourad creating Jaramillo for her first solo museum scenes that are erased and recreated exhibition at the Menil Collection in in order to illustrate the history of the Houston. I’m also working on new Armenian Genocide, which affected short films on Marnie Weber and the families of all three artists. Alexandra Grant, as well as a longer The trio first collaborated in 2020 format documentary on Robert Longo on another historically-based work to accompany his exhibition “A His- titled “Grandchildren of Genocide,” tory of the Present” opening at East a composition by Semerdjian and Hampton’s Guild Hall on August 7. Bajakian, titled “The Serpent and It’s Friday night and your favor- The Crane” and cover art by Mourad. ite restaurant is packed. What’s Photography by Sara Barcaroli for Sehnsucht Atelier Fucina Series A once-in-a-lifetime event ensued your backup plan? as the album and video garnered Takeout from 1770 House in East hundreds of thousands of views/ Hampton. You might think as a fine plays when Kim Kardashian and Serj dining option they don’t do takeout, Tankian both tweeted about it to their but they do, and it’s fantastic. The fans. Here in this second, ten-minute chilled pea soup is perfect on a warm Aline Derderian summer night and their burgers are the best in town. It’s Sunday and your calendar is ‘Defining My Roots Is Both Simple completely clear. How do you spend your morning? And Difficult’ Tennis and then lounging over iced coffee by the pool with my partner in By Artsvi Bakhchinyan YEREVAN/ — Dancer and choreog- ALL: art, love, and life. To me, there’s Special to the Mirror-Spectator rapher Aline Derderian was born in Marseille. no better way to refresh and recharge Graduating with a BA (with honors) in perfor- before the week ahead. mance design and practice from the Central Saint Martins University of the Arts in You’re on a desert island and , Derderian spent a year in Paris studying dance. In 2016, she received the Le- you can only stream one TV series. verhulme Grant for the Arts enabling her to pursue her path for an MFA in the choreog- What do you choose? raphy program at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Many trips to the I could watch forever The Planet United States and Armenia created a vivid wish to connect her performance art back- Earth series by Sir David Attenbor- ground, Armenian roots and postmodern dance influences in order to develop a choreo- ough. It is so beautifully shot and so graphic process that questions and challenges the archetypal female dancing body as a educational, reminding us that our catalyst for contemporary feminine performance writing and cultural survival. natural surroundings are an endless Currently on her third year of a PhD thesis at Rennes 2 University supervised by source of fascination and inspiration. Marie-Noëlle Semet-Haviaras, Derderian is exploring innovative ways to envision a What is your favorite part of feminist historiography of dance through the lens of postmodern choreographer Anna your house and why? Halprin, Southern California feminist activist performance art pedagogy, and Arme- Kevork Mourad by Sterling Batson Our living and dining room is a nian female artists in diaspora. light, bright and airy space where we An associate lecturer at Central Saint Martins from 2016 to 2020, Derderian taught work, family history and personal hang most of our art, which is all by as an associate lecturer/tutor in set design for dance and choreography at the occasion biography intersect in both obvious artists known to us. One of the best of modules such as Dance Lab or Design for Dance in collaboration with Rambert and subtle ways. parts of running the Artist Profile Ar- School of Contemporary Dance & Ballet, Central School of Ballet and London Studio There’s talent here in droves, chive is building relationships with Centre. Aline currently choreographs, dances and performs with the company Consen- mind you. Bajakian is a guitarist and so many incredible artists, like Rob- sus & Aline Derderian, she founded in 2014 and teaches choreography on the Fine Arts composer who has toured with the ert Longo, Shirin Neshat, and many department of Rennes 2 University. Dance works include performances for Bouchra likes of Lou Reed and Diana Krall. more. I feel so lucky to get to wake Ouizguen, Mette Sterre, Anatalovi Vlassov, Scatter Dance Company, Dimitra Petsa Mourad is a performance/visual art- up to such beautiful works each and and Corinne Lansell, among others. ist and member of the famed The Silk every day.- Aline, you both dance and direct, also design costumes for your choreography. Road Ensemble, while Semerdjian is What three things is your kitchen This is something that female dancers often do. Have you ever heard about a male an award-winning writer, musician, always stocked with? dancer who designs his own stage costumes? and educator. The present collabora- A myriad of cold brew coffee op- Absolutely. When entering Central Saint Martins’ Performance: Design & Practice tion is inspired in equal parts by Ger- tions, Iacono Farm eggs, and a bottle BA course, I had the chance to be immersed in an environment where the majority of man writer Heinrich Boll’s notion of Billecart-Salmon rosé champagne. students shared a common interest in both set design/costume making and performing that “the artist carries death with him I can’t wake up without coffee, an arts regardless of our gender. For my peers and I the creation of a choreographic piece like a good priest his breviary,” by omelet makes an easy meal in a pinch and its efficacy always relied in how these design factors interacted with our dances Armenian Genocide recognition, and see DOCUMENTARY, page 14 continued on next page see TRIPTYCH, page 15 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 13

from previous page Sun) or “Kanayk” (Women). How much clear that it was not a trial to recreate a course leaders when I moved to London, and the dancers’ physicality. Saul Nash, your Armenian inspirations and heri- piece I missed fragments of, but a result of and these people became a sort of artistic Londoner break-dancer and choreographer tage shape your artistic image? what I have imagined could be the content family whom I am still in touch with and for example, ended up joining a fashion My Armenian heritage has a major im- of that solo filled with my own imagery, that I can reach out to whenever I need ad- course that allowed him to mix his per- pact on what I guess can be defined as my references and beliefs. vice or expertise. forming background to his menswear fash- artistic aesthetic. It started quite early on ion interests. He now owns his own brand, at Central Saint Martins, while creating Last year you organized a digital collo- You once wrote: “I now believe in the SSAN, and gets to choreograph the presen- “L’antigonie” and sort of increased since. I quium entitled “Dancing Beyond Mem- idea that we as people cannot contrive tations of his collections. am yet not entirely sure whether my social ories: Armenian Women, Cultural Heri- our true essence or fragility: they are and cultural concerns influenced that fact tage and Corporeality (South Caucasian both things you cannot learn: the roots.” Jasper Winn says that dancing is all but it definitely became conscious while approaches creative practices).” How Please tell us about your roots. about wordless communication. But oral studying at Trinity Laban where Tony did it go? I was born in Aubagne (southern France) speech seems to be often present in your Thatcher, my research supervisor, subtly The colloquium was a very long process. to an Armenian father and a French moth- work. When does body language become made me realize how present it was in what It was intended to take place at the Univer- er. I have always been very attached to the not enough? I was saying, the way I looked, my influ- sity of Chicago Center in Paris who support- Armenian side of my family spread across I am all up for multisensorial works. ences and what I was choreographically ed my project, mixing performances, film France, Armenia and California. France to Therefore, I believe that oral speech can experimenting with at the time. screening and research communications. me is very much connected to childhood. be very effective in adding up layers to the The sanitary crisis made us decide to go for Defining my roots is both simple and dif- wordless content of a piece, or in adding Your choreographic tribute to “The a digital format that eventually gave us the ficult since I believe that the family you up elements that the body does not say. Prophetess by Anna Halprin,” the re- opportunity to gather panelists from Arme- belong to and the one you choose are key In “Jacket of Memories (Or how to hold cently-deceased American postmodern nian heritage or with an interest in Armeni- to whatever you decide to undertake and the dulcimer),” Jean Ritchie’s voice over choreographer, is entitled “Hayastan anness across six different time zones. This the choices you make. When my grandfa- teaches how to play the dulcimer referring Dancer. But we hear an Armenian song would have otherwise been impossible. I ther Kevork passed away 10 years ago, I to technical words about the body parts so- at the end, while most of the choreog- was so moved by the quality and generosity felt he left me without knowing everything licited such as how to seat or use our fin- raphy reminds one of the movements of the artists, scholars as well as the coordi- I should and this sort of created my wish gers. Spectators find themselves confused of whirling dervishes. So where is Ha- nating team. This event gave us the chance to deepen up my understanding of Arme- between what the dance is trying to com- yastan? to reflect on the differences and similarities nianness. On the other hand, spending 10 municate and what they are hearing which This tribute to Anna Halprin was made between diasporic and extra-western artistic years of my life in the United Kingdom had I believe creates a surreal grid of lecture while looking at how can a dance heritage problematics whilst celebrating Armenian most definitely influenced me in numerous depending on what aspects of the piece you are focusing on while watching. To me, the use of verbal elements can be as essential as the design, they can equally structure the trajectory of the dance both for the per- formers and the audience. In Kanayk’, the Armenian phrase that is being shout, works more as a feminist manifesto that contrasts with the extremely slow pace of the piece.

Few dancers combine theory and practice. What are your main interests in choreology? Dance theory helped me to better un- derstand what it is that I wanted to say through my choreographic practice. My mainly British academic experience in the arts trained me to understand research as a support to articulate a performing prac- tice that is theoretically rooted. This drove me to push the main features of my pieces further and most importantly, to be able to address these same topics to a universal au- dience. I do not want to create work that only matters to me, or my collaborators. If someone tells me after a show that the com- plexity of the subject took over the poetic it aimed to convey, I instantly question how I could have been more direct without los- ing the essence of the idea I wanted to ex- press. That is when theory comes into play and supports in again contextualizing your concerns in a wider range of passed works, historical facts, sociologic issues … Jacket of memories (or how to hold the dulcimer) (2017), photography by Izzie Capper My impression is you offer gender and identity issues in your work. For be celebrated without visual traces of the historical, literary, artistic references that ways either artistically, culturally and as a instance, in “Jacket of Memories (Or original work. “The Prophetess” is one of inspired some of our works. I was and still mixed-heritage woman. how to hold the dulcimer)” a male danc- Halprin’s first solos she created in 1947 on am very much attached to the fact that this er wears an Armenian headdress and a music by Alan Hovhaness, “Mihr” (An- colloquium could be the starting point for a Always being inspired by your Arme- plaits. It is beautiful, but how is this jus- cient Armenian Fire God). It only has a few female collective bridging choreographers, nian heritage, I think it is time to initiate tified? pictures and a 30-second footage shown dancers, artists and theorists around the top- a project in Armenia, where we have a Throughout my MFA research and cur- in Ruedi Gerber’s biopic “Breath Made ics of South Caucasian heritage, corporeal- proper soil for innovative choreography. rently with my PhD thesis, I am looking Visible” as visual documentation. These ity and the different ways these parameters I actually did in October 2015, on the at how in the late 1960s American women resources actually show her performing a can be addressed through visual and per- occasion of the Yerevan Performing High artists-teachers developed pedagogic tools whirling Sufi dance that encapsulates her forming arts. Fest. We were performing “L’antigonie” for young female art students to express wish to connect the sacred and the earth with Consensus at the National Chamber their femininity and issues through creative through movement. Also this particular Becoming a dancer and musician is State Theatre. I got to spend several weeks practices. In “Jacket of Memories (Or how technic resonates in me, and my dance in often a family tradition. Does this apply in the city and this only made me want to to hold the dulcimer),” I was very much in- many ways. Halprin explained on numer- to you? come back as soon as possible and create terested in questioning how what you wear ous occasions how spirituality was at the Absolutely not. None of my parents, site specific work. It also was the idea be- as well as when and where, affects your ev- core of her practice and how the memories grandparents or siblings has anything to do hind the wish to connect with Armenian eryday physicality. Putting that reflection in of watching her grandfather at the syna- with an artistic field. It is going to sound artists and scholars while curating Dancing mirror to the gendered codification of folk gogue inspired her to become a dancer. My tacky, though I strongly believe that this Beyond Memories colloquium last year. I dances made me want to explore whether tribute was performed with a particular in- has forced me to work as hard as I could to digitally met Hasmik Tangyan who played this worked both ways. As in, can the dance terview she gave about faith, what it meant fight for my dreams. For example, I under- an essential role in introducing me to other and its interprets affect what their costumes to her and how this intertwined with her art stood very early on that I was going to have choreographers and I am forever thankful and in the case of Armenian headdress and as a soundscape mixed with Hovhaness’s to move from Marseilles after my A-levels we managed to make this happen despite plaits suggest, in terms of cultural tradi- piano. I gave it the title “Hayastan Dancer” if I wanted to open up professional per- the sanitary situation. So I would most tions and collective imagery. for that; the solo concluded a bigger project spectives, as the city did not offer much definitely love to initiate a creative project that was “Karmir Arév (Or the sun reddens opportunities culturally speaking back in in Armenia and everything seems to point Some your projects have Armenian at night)” and that had to do with Armeni- the days. I also was very lucky to cross in that direction for the next two coming titles, for instance, “Karmir arev” (Red anness and identity quest. I wanted to make path with amazingly inspiring lecturers and years, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. 14 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

ARTS & CULTURE Two World Premieres by Composer Hayg Boyadjian Performed in Argentina ROSARIO, Argentina — On August 7, Hayg Boyadjian of Lexington, Mass. Two the Rosario Chamber Ensemble of Rosa- chamber compositions received their world rio, Argentina University presented, under premiere and were written for the Rosario the direction of Marisol Gentile, a virtual ensemble, Reflections for flute, clarinet, concert with no audience due to the criti- bassoon , guitar, violin, viola, cello, and cal pandemic condition in Argentina. The double bass and Mysterium for flute, clari- concert is available on YouTube and other net, bassoon, violin, viola cello, and double internet outlets. bass. Also on the program was Boyadjian’s The ensemble is dedicated to performing Cancion de Cuna (Lullaby) for guitar solo. modern compositions, especially of living The concert included also works by Doug- composers. las DaSilva’s (New York) Feliz Cumpleano The August 7 concert included three 2021 and El Tragico Regreso a la Milonga; works by Grammy nominee composer Leandro Ariel Mantinan () Tres Ragas Op. 49 b and Marisol Gentile’s (Argentina) Ginei and Carpi. Boyadjian has written about his compo- sitions the following, “the music of Mys- terium (Mystery) is mostly concentrated in the low register of the of the seven instru- ments that often play long held notes giv- ing a sense of suspension, it is a piece that deals mostly with somber moods. Reflec- tions, by contrast, is a piece that moves at a faster pace, the set of notes or chords, as the tile says, are reflections of each other, as examples, a high note or notes, a chord or chords get reflected in a low notes or chords, like two balls bouncing in opposite direction. “A note or notes, a chord or chords be- come reflected like on a mirror. Like two balls, one goes up while the other comes ArgentineConcert 8-21 down. Having eight instruments bouncing A&L notes or chords at different speeds or in- tervals the piece receives an animated or Captions: almost chaotic end result. But at the end 1-4 Photos from the virtual concert of the piece the eight instruments agree in short staccato chords to join together and leave the mirror out of the picture.”

Documentarian Sophie Chahinian Is Making a Film about Robert Longo and Spending Time by the Pool DOCUMENTARY, from page 12 know both of the artists through the Archive happen” — which is a longwinded way of acquired over the past year? What’s the (Iacono Farm in East Hampton has the just adds to the feeling I get when I engage saying never give up. And the worst is, if worst? freshest eggs ever), and you never know with their works at home. you don’t know how you’re going to mone- The best change is that I now actually use when you might have an occasion to cele- What’s the best advice you’ve ever re- tize something, don’t even get started. Paths my home office to work (mostly at night and brate! ceived? And the worst? have an organic way of revealing them- when it rains), and the worst is that I work The art world can be all-consuming. The best advice I’ve received is, just be- selves if you are committed and have pas- too much from the kitchen island, complete- How do you create boundaries for your- cause something isn’t happening on your sion for what you do. ly taking it over — mostly because it has a self? timetable doesn’t mean it’s not going to What’s the best change in habit you’ve view of the garden. By delegating to the A-Team: Matt Hin- dra and the wider team we work with at the Artist Profile Archive. We’re so passionate about what we do and are communicating constantly but also know that rest is essen- tial to fueling our own creativity. What’s your favorite work of art in the house and why? All of the art in our house is my favorite! But right now, I really am loving “Parrots” (2020) a sublime work by Austin-based artist Troy Brauntuch, whose artist profile we’re hoping to launch later this year. We also have an exquisite assemblage “Prone” (2020) by Sheree Hovsepian. They are on either side of a door and they complement each other very well in terms of how simply gorgeous and ethereal they are. Getting to

Artist Sophie Chahinian (Photo by Rob- ert Longo. Courtesy the Artist Profile Archive.) Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 15

ARTS & CULTURE An Armenian Triptych Retraces The Past — a Nostalgic Look at The Genocide and Family History Calendar TRIPTYCH, from page 12 of Armenian existence. In its most acute On-line Events & Programs by 2020’s Forty-Four Day War in Art- (nationalistic) form it dreams of a new sakh. This work seems somehow more “restored” Greater Armenia. In its more MASSACHUSETTS personal than its predecessor, describing benign form it wallows in the longing for both the general memory and erasure of this past — the diasporan in Glendale or The Armenian Heritage Park is hosting a series of events this summer. the genocide and its many orphans/vic- Paris who recreates a culture that is a kind August 22 at 7:30pm UNDER THE BLUE MOON Meet & Greet Enjoy Black tims, and more specifically Semerdjian’s of projected common phantasm or dream. Sea Salsa Combo RSVP [email protected] family. Topics include the historical towns “Restorative nostalgia,” writes Boym September 9 at 10am CELEBRATING WHAT UNITES US! All About Grains, that the poet has not yet visited, marches “stresses nóstos (home) and attempts a virtually with Oldways RSVP [email protected] that he imagines but cannot quite fathom, transhistorical reconstruction of the lost September 19 at 2pm SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT THE PARK! Meet & Greet as well as the long process of cataloguing home. Reflective nostalgia thrives inálgos , Enjoy Hye Guys Ensemble RSVP [email protected] his grandfather’s many paintings. At one the longing itself, and delays the home- AUGUST 21-22 — Armenian Church at Hye Pointe Picnic Two Day Event. Satur- coming — wistfully, day 12 – 5 pm and Sunday 12-5 pm. Live music on Sunday with the fabulous ironically, desperately. Jason Naroian Ensemble. Menu includes Lamb Shish, Losh & Chicken Kebab, Restorative nostalgia Kheyma, Pastries and Beverages. Cash raffles and cooking demonstrations does not think of itself for Armenian Lavash & Jingalov Hatz. Air Conditioned Hall. Bring your lawn as nostalgia, but rather chairs for sitting outside. For more info visit www.hyepointearmenianchurch. as truth and tradition. org or call (978) 372-9227. 1280 Road, Haverhill Reflective nostalgia NEW JERSEY dwells on the am- bivalences of human AUGUST 22 — Ardashad Tahlij and Shooshanig Otyag of the Knights and longing and belong- Daughters of Vartan (Philadelphia Chapters) annual TAVLOO TOURNAMENT ing and does not shy AND PICNIC on Sunday, 3 to 6 p.m., Battlefield Park, 100 Hessian Avenue, away from the contra- National Park, New Jersey 08063. Cost is $15 (kids under 12 free) – register dictions of moderni- through our secured PayPal account: PHILLYKOV5 @ GMAIL.COM or con- ty (while) restorative tact Gerald Najarian ([email protected] 609-933-3990) or Gabrielle Mer- nostalgia takes itself anshian ([email protected] 856-725-2260). Battlefield Park is dead seriously. Re- a beautiful waterfront park with walking trails and playgrounds for the chil- flective nostalgia, on dren. This event helps us publicize our charitable and service endeavors in the other hand, can be the local and national Armenian communities. ironic and humorous. NOVEMBER 13 — Save the Date: Saturday. 12 Vocations, Fulfilling the Promise Alan Semerdjian by Luke DeLalio It reveals that longing of St. Nersess Seminary. Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of St. Nersess and critical thinking Armenian Seminary and the vocations of the first 12 priests who graduated point, the narrator says “I know it seems are not opposed to one another, just as af- from St. Nersess and St. Vladimir’s Seminaries and were ordained. This is old-fashioned”: and indeed this is well- fective memories do not absolve one from the first in a series of events to recognize the alumni of St. Nersess, both trod territory. But the approach here is compassion, judgment, or critical reflec- ordained and lay, who are in service to the Armenian Church, in any capacity. different. Mourad’s delicate pencils and tion.” The celebratory dinner will be held at the Old Tappan Manor in Old Tappan, Bajakian’s sensitive slightly off-key mu- I would argue that “An Armenian Trip- N.J. For more info, go to www.stnersess.edu. sical composition combine to create an tych” represents a most compelling version RHODE ISLAND oddly compelling and highly artful piece. of reflective nostalgia. It posits both a deep Close your eyes for a bit and simply lis- love and reverence for Armenian culture, AUGUST 21 — Saints Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church, 70 Jefferson St, ten, and the mesmerizing quality of the while realizing from the start in the poem Providence, ARMENIAN FESTIVAL “Picnic” 12:00 – 6:00 pm Featuring: The composition and Semerdjian’s deeply title that this respect for the artists’ shared Mugrditchian Band, Greg Krikorian - Oud and vocals, Kevin Magarian - Guitar felt verse sinks into you. For Semerdjian Armenian past is inherently nostalgic. Or and vocals, Arthur Chingris – Dumbek, Special Guest Artist: Mal Barsami- truth — or the lack of an on Clarinet, Live Music, Dancing and Delicious Foods. Performance by it — is the central is- the Nazali Dance Group, Mister Twister, the Balloon Man, Variety of Pas- sue to understanding try available at the Festival. Pre-paid orders to be made at: https://tinyurl. past and present both: com/2021STSAHFest Or order by calling the church at: 401-272-7712. Order “Sorry, indecipherable By Wednesday, August 18 to Guarantee Meals code. Oh truth, where is your hide? Why must we seek you in the debris?” The poem ‘Daylight After a Century: Dr. George Djerdjian’s Collection of decries the past while describing one man’s Photographs of Pre-1915 Ottoman Life’ Screening and Discussion longing to understand BELMONT, Mass. — The National what his grandparents Association for Armenian Studies and experienced in 1915 Research (NAASR), the Ararat-Eskijian during the deporta- Museum, the Armenian Institute (Lon- tions — and how his don), and Project SAVE Armenian Pho- grandfather in particu- tograph Archives present a screening of lar was able to recover the video documentary “Daylight After a from such a tragedy. Aram Bajakian by Emma Joelle Century: Dr. George Djerdjian’s Collec- Meanwhile Mourad tion of Photographs of Pre-1915 Ottoman sketches an original, historical Armenian as Aleksandr Stevic concludes in his es- Life” and discussion with author George door, which serves as an entry point into say Intimations of the Holocaust from the Jerjian, grandson of Dr. George Djerdjian, Semerdjan’s memory of his grandfather, Recollections of Early Childhood: “Nos- on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at 1 p.m. as well as into Armenian memory in gen- talgia, in other words, serves not only as a (Eastern)/10 a.m. (Pacific). The program eral. An Armenian manuscript — a tradi- mechanism for working through traumatic will be accessible live on Zoom (registra- tional symbol of the culture is included as memories, but as a catalyst for a critical tion required) and on NAASR’s YouTube a symbol that crosses time and place both. examination of the past.” A critical exam- Channel. Like many works that deal with the is- ination of the past and here, one that also George Djerdjian Dr. George Djerdjian (1870-1947) took sues at hand, An Armenian Triptych is al- open new avenues — artistic or otherwise 240 photographs of his hometown of Arab- dria, Egypt, where it stayed for almost 50 most by necessity nostalgic. As the cultur- — for others to follow. kir and his college town of Erzerum be- years. Then it moved with descendants to al theorist Svetlana Boym has pointed out Armenian Mirror-Spectator read- tween 1900 and 1907, of which only about Khartoum, Sudan, where it stayed for 20 nostalgia involves a relationship between ers can view the video for free un- 100 survive. These photographs capture years, then onto London, England, for 30 personal memory and collective history. til August 31, 2021 at: https://vimeo. the way of life of a people that within a de- years, and then to Washington, D.C., for One might argue that the Armenian gaze com/407827624 and listen to a discussion cade would become extinct in their home- about 10 years. Now this collection of pho- itself is inherently nostalgic — it not only of a private screening with the artists land for over 3,000 years. tographs has finally been exposed to day- takes in the genocidal event (and attendant through The Armenian Institute of London For more than a century, these photo- light after a century of darkness. intergenerational trauma), but also looks at https://www.armenianinstitute.org.uk/ graphs were stored in a grey steel box, For more information contact NAASR back to an imagined past or Golden Age news-text/armenian-triptych. which migrated from Arabkir to Alexan- at [email protected]. 16 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator ARTS & CULTURE A Vegetable Garden? Food for The Soul

(Award-winning author Chris Bohjalian was a columnist for Gannett’s Burlington Free Press where the following story ran on May 17, 2015. He graduated from Amherst Col- lege and lives in Ver- mont with his wife and daughter. This sto- ry was also posted on The author’s garden May 20, 2015 at Chris’ website: https://chris- Moreover, I wouldn’t say I approach gardening with bake at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes. Do not butter bohjalian.com/a-vege- a Zen-like serenity, but only because I approach noth- the baking pan because the triangles are already buttered. table-garden-food-for- ing with a Zen-like serenity. Still, I grow a little calmer Triangles may be made in sets of eight for freezing in the-soul/) than usual in the garden, I become a little less intense. I a plastic container — first in wax paper and then alumi- take an almost parental pleasure in nurturing the plants num foil. as they grow, and the work is never a chore. By Chris Bohjalian And I know that I enjoy the garden most in the first *Cooking tips from Aunt Rose Mary regarding phyllo half of the summer, before the lettuce has gone to seed dough: “Do not plan to prepare the triangles for at least Why garden today? and the first cherry tomatoes are ready to pop into my two to three whole days. From the supermarket to re- Note the verb. In your mind’s eye, conjure a backyard mouth. After all, by August, despite our ministrations frigerator or from the freezer, once the dough is in your vegetable plot. Imagine activity and effort. Visualize and care, the garden will start to look a little ragged and refrigerator, turn the box over every three or four hours stooping. Lifting. Tilling. Seeding. Planting. Watering. unkempt. By late September, when we are pulling the to a different side. All four sides for two or three days. Weeding. Thinning. (I abhor thinning. I haven’t the heart last of the carrots and the beets from the soil, it will look Why are you doing this? The dough inside is frozen. The to rip from the soil the small, fragile leaves that will downright terrifying. The tomato plants will be dangling dough is paper thin. Once you open the dough you better become lettuce or carrots or beets.) There are more — from the cages like the tentacles of dead man o’ war jel- be ready to make about 42 triangles and do nothing else. many more — words that buttress that single verb, “gar- lyfish on the beach. The box may tell you to cover with a slightly wet towel. den,” but you see my point. There is a lot of work before But then we will put the garden to bed for the winter Don’t. Sometimes there are rips and holes. You can use you get to harvesting. Savoring. And (yes) eating. and allow it join a world that all around it is growing the melted butter to paste it together.” Moreover, I imagine if I added up the costs of my quiescent. The parallels with our lives are, for better or wife’s and my vegetable garden, it would not be a profit- worse, inescapable. Chris Bohjalian is the #1 New York Times bestselling able venture. The rototilling, seeds, manure, pots, toma- So why do we garden? Because it connects us to that author of 22 books. His work has been translated into 35 to cages, fertilizer, and hay alone might cost more than very world and reminds us on some level that we are a languages and three times become movies. He is the if we had bought the same vegetables at a farm stand part of it. Because it feeds our soul as well as our stom- author of his latest novel, Hour of the Witch. His oth- or grocery store between July and October. But even ach. Because, pure and simple, it makes us happy. er novels include the New York Times bestsellers Flight if that’s not the case, when you factor in the hours and Attendant, Midwives, The Sandcastle Girls, The Guest hours of our labor, our vegetable garden can’t possibly Aunt Rose Mary Muench’s Boeregs Room, and The Double Bind. Hour of the Witch is a tale make fiscal sense. Admittedly, Bohjalian happens to be a vegetarian and is an historical thriller set in 1662 Boston — inspired by And yet neither of us can imagine a summer without could live on cheese boeregs, kadaif and tahn. Here is the first divorce in North America for domestic violence it. The same, I am sure, goes for all of our neighbors in his Aunt Rose Mary Muench’s treasured recipe for Ar- — and America’s original witch hunt. the center of Lincoln, Vermont. Most of us have vegeta- menian cheese boeregs that is one of his favorite foods. ble gardens, and many of us have some combination of “My Aunt Rose Mary is a daughter of a survivor of the Hour of the Witch reviews include: blueberries and strawberries and raspberries, too. Armenian Genocide, and a granddaughter of survivors The irony in my case is that I grew up loathing all of the Hamidian Massacres,” said Chris. “Hour of the Witch is historical fiction at its best… In- vegetables except petit peas from a can and corn on the “Over the years, this recipe has changed a lot. It is sightful and empathetic… Thick with details as chowder cob. I’m not sure I ever ate fresh vegetables other than a combination of Armenian and Greek flavors, and it’s is with clams… handled with great skill and delicacy. corn until the summer I was 18 years old, when the wom- been like that for over 25 years and probably more, but The book is a thriller in structure, and a real page-turn- an who would become my mother-in-law taught me that it always tastes the same way when I make it…and my er, the ending both unexpected and satisfying.” -- Diana peas didn’t actually come from a can. family enjoys it very much,” says Aunt Rose Mary.* Gabaldon, the Washington Post Book World Consequently, I had never gardened (there again is that verb) until my wife and I moved to Vermont in our Ingredients: “Harrowing...In the hands of a master storyteller like early twenties. My wife did not have to drag me into the 1 pound phyllo dough (in two packaged sheets inside Bohjalian, [Hour of the Witch] is an engrossing tale of effort kicking and screaming, but I remember watching or one full sheet) a woman who insists upon the right to navigate her life, our neighbor Clark Atkins — who had to have been well 1 pound Muenster cheese, chopped and the consequences when she does..” -- Danielle Trus- into his seventies by then — as he used wooden planks to 1 pound melted butter soni, the New York Times Sunday Book Review walk a pretty serious rototiller off the back of his pickup, 1 package farmer cheese and thinking how I might have seriously underestimated 2 eggs “Bohjalian does an admirable job of bringing his nu- how much work this garden might be. 3-8 oz. packages chopped defrosted spinach, with liq- merous players to life in all their complexity. Mary, so But I have never regretted it. I know my wife feels uid squeezed out mistreated by her milieu, begins to wonder if she may the same way. Gardening is much like biking for me. 2 onions, chopped and sautéed in olive oil with one indeed be possessed. HOUR OF THE WITCH -- part My mind wanders and I find myself solving problems. large utility spoon until limp courtroom thriller, part psychological suspense novel -- Think of that great expression, “the shower principle.” I 1 large utility spoon of flour holds a reader’s rapt attention all the way to its startling first heard the term from the fictional Jack Donaghy on 1 tablespoon salt conclusion.” -- Tom Nolan, the Wall Street Journal the now defunct sit-com, “30 Rock.” How does Donaghy 1 tablespoon black pepper define it? “The shower principle is a term scientists use For more information, go to: to describe moments of inspiration that occur when the Preparation: brain is distracted from the problem at hand — for exam- Except for phyllo dough and the butter, mix all ingre- https://chrisbohjalian.com/ ple, when you’re showering,” Donaghy explains. I have dients together thoroughly in a medium bowl. The fill- https://chrisbohjalian.com/hour-of-the-witch/ certainly corrected flaws in whatever book I am writing ing should be ready the minute you are ready to make https://bookoftheday.org/hour-of-the-witch-chris- while gardening, and understood some of my characters the triangles. bohjalian/ a little bit better. Place finished triangles on a nonstick baking pan and continued on next page Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 17

ARTS & CULTURE

As of 2017, the Bay Area’s Santa Clara and San Benito counties combined had just 696 acres of apricot orchards remaining, down from their peak of 8,800 acres in the 1940s. “The season for apricots is mainly from early May to August. Ap- proximately 85 percent of the U.S. crop comes from California and 15 percent Recipe from Washington -- so you can consider them a west coast treat. Fresh apricots are q petite, round fruits that are pale yellow to bright orange in color, depending on the by Christine variety and how ripe they are when picked,” adds Lisa. Lisa’s Apricot Blackberry Kuchen recipe is featured in her cookbook and comes Vartanian together in a few minutes. It makes a colorful show of these peak of summer Corner fruits. “Cornmeal gives this Austrian coffee cake a slightly sandy texture. Fresh apricots and blackberries share the limelight in a delicious morning or mid-after- noon snacking cake,” she adds. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) butter, to grease the baking dish 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 large egg 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted 5 fresh, ripe apricots, halved and pitted 10 large fresh blackberries 2 tablespoons sugar

Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F, and position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal, and baking powder. In a small bowl, beat together the egg, brown sugar, buttermilk, and melted but- ter until blended. Add to the flour mixture, stirring until evenly moistened. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Press the apricot halves, cut side up, decoratively into the batter. Place a blackberry in the center of each apricot half. Bake until the cake feels firm when pressed gently and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool 15 minutes. Apricot Blackberry Kuchen from Before serving, loosen the edge of the cake from the cake pan with a small, sharp knife and invert the cake onto a plate. Place the serving platter over the cake For the Love of Apricots bottom and gently invert the cake onto the platter. Sprinkle with sugar and serve warm or at room temperature. For the Love of Apricots: Recipes and Memories of the Santa Clara Valley by Serves 8. Lisa Prince Newman is now in its second edition and available online at forth- eloveofapricots.com. Lisa grew up in Saratoga, California, a village tucked away For this recipe, go to: https://www.losaltosonline.com/special-sections2/sec- in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where her family was living farm tions/food-a-wine/60394-apricot-blackberry-kuchen to table “long before that term was invented, when the landscape was still dotted with bountiful orchards.” In her cookbook, she tells the amazing story of apricot For the Love of Apricots: Recipes and Memories of the Santa Clara Valley is farming history in the Santa Clara Valley while sharing enticing and fruit-focused available at fortheloveofapricots.com as well as select farm shops, history mu- recipes. “This colorful and seums, and independent bookstores. Order today at: http://fortheloveofapricots. unique cookbook will satisfy com/ your love of apricots through over 60 recipes that begin with Published by Prince of the Orchards Publications, 2020, 178 pages breakfast and end with desserts Food Photography Copyright © 2018, 2020 by Jessica Yager Photography and cocktails. These recipes Orchard Photography Copyright © 2018, 2020 by Eric Larson use apricots in every form: fresh, dried, preserved, and For Lisa’s food blog, go to: http://fortheloveofapricots.com/category/the-blog/ liqueurs so you can enjoy the wonderful taste, brilliant color, See her informative interview about how “The Valley of Heart’s Delight” trans- and health benefits of apricots formed to Silicon Valley at: http://fortheloveofapricots.com/in-the-news/ all year long,” says Lisa. “I have loved apricots for as References: long as I can remember. They http://fortheloveofapricots.com/about/ color my fondest memories http://fortheloveofapricots.com/2017/06/the-apricot-capital-of-the-world/ of growing up in Saratoga. In http://fortheloveofapricots.com/2016/05/apricot-creations-in-the-studio-win- the 1960s, orchards still ex- ter-photo-shoot/ tended in every direction, and https://mailchi.mp/ediblemontereybay.com/06302020#recipe as a child, I assumed they al- San Francisco Bay Area author and food blogger Lisa Prince Newman https://www.ediblemontereybay.com/blog/apricot-heaven-by-lisa-prince-new- ways would. Today this area man/ is known as Silicon Valley, the https://www.sanjose.com/2018/05/23/book-for-the-love-of-apricots-pairs-his- world’s greatest engine of innovative technologies. But not long ago it was a mag- tory-recipes/ ical landscape known as the Valley of Heart’s Delight,” says Lisa. https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2020/03/20/authors-apricot-obses- “The Valley of Heart’s Delight flourished for 100 years, from the California sion-has-roots-in-saratoga/ Gold Rush until World War II, with family farms spreading across 125 square https://www.facebook.com/RockyTopFruit/posts/apricot-blackberry-kuchen- miles. Then, as now, the area enjoys coastal cooling through its northern border cornmeal-gives-this-austrian-coffee-cake-a-slightly-san/2258513350884893/ with the San Francisco Bay and inland warmth from the protective Coast Range Mountains that frame it to the east and west. Blessed with some of the richest Connect at: topsoil in the world and a nearly year-round growing season, the Valley of Heart’s https://www.facebook.com/FortheLoveofApricots/ Delight was unique for its agricultural productivity and fruit orchard production.” https://www.instagram.com/loveapricots/ California once boasted 18,600 apricot orchard acres, but agriculture and hous- https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/fortheloveofapricots/ ing priorities shifted dramatically, with apricots getting the short end of the stick.

from previous page pop_book_1 https://www.facebook.com/ChrisBohjalian For Audio Features, listen to Chris: https://chris- See: My Proud Pilgrimage to My Homeland — and Our https://twitter.com/ChrisBohjalian bohjalian.com/audio-features-listen-to-chris/ Line in the Sand (July 4, 2021) at: https://chrisbohjalian. https://www.instagram.com/chrisbohjalian/ To order, go to: https://chrisbohjalian.com/hour-of-the- com/my-proud-pilgrimage-to-my-homeland-and-our-line- https://mirrorspectator.com/?s=chris+bohjalian witch/ in-the-sand/ For Chris’ other books, go to: https://www.amazon.com/ Copyright 2021 © Chris Bohjalian. All rights reserved. Chris-Bohjalian/e/B001H9VY80/ref=dp_byline_cont_ Also: (Contributed by Christine Vartanian Datian) 18 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

COMMENTARY the Armenian Mirror SPECTATor Editorial Since 1932 Kremlin’s Strategic Tilt Favors Armenia For several tangible reasons, the political actions came to play a political role. For example, US Am- pendulum in Moscow is swinging back in bassador Lynne Tracy vacationed in Syunik, which has been An ADL Publication favor of Armenia. There are many signals targeted by Azerbaijan on a regular basis recently. That was and political statements which need to be followed by Russia’s Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyr- analyzed to chart a pattern that indicates a kin vacationing in the Armavir region and visiting the Russian The First English Language movement in the right direction. forces stationed there. Armenian Weekly in the Armenians who have favored and be- These visits were followed by that of Iranian Ambassador United States By Edmond Y. lieved in Russia’s friendship for the last two Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri — accompanied by the country’s Azadian centuries were beginning to get frustrated in military attaché Colonel Bahman Sadeghin — who declared Editor view of Russia’s inaction in the face of exis- that the Iran-Armenia border is the red line for Tehran. This Alin K. Gregorian tential threats in the past year. announcement brought Tehran out of its equivocation in the No matter how authoritarian Russia may be, it could not face of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. During the 44-day MANAGING Editor fail to understand Armenia’s democratic election’s message war, even Iran’s Supreme Spiritual Head Ali Ahmad Khame- Aram Arkun this spring. Former President Robert Kocharyan’s sound de- nei had praised Azerbaijan’s Islamic forces for conquering Art Director feat during the last election cycle was a rebuke to Russia by their “rightful” territory. Mark (Mgrditchian) McKertich the Armenian populace. Kocharyan unabashedly symbolized Soon, however, they realized their mistake: Azerbaijan’s the pro-Russian policy, and there was even talk that after an conquered lands broadened Israel’s surveillance capacities SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST eventual Kocharyan victory, the road would be paved toward and Turkey’s military presence in Shushi and Nakhichevan, Edmond Y. Azadian the formation of a state bringing into a federative structure with the avowed intention of dismembering Iran along de- Russia, Armenia and Belarus. mographic fault lines, helped them see in which camp their Staff Writer President Vladimir Putin, in the aftermath of the disastrous interests lay. Harry Kezelian III Azerbaijani victory over Armenia, had declared that any party All these developments present an opportunity of which Contributors failing to fulfill its obligations undertaken in the November 9 Armenia’s foreign policy establishment may take advantage. Christopher Atamian, Florence Avakian, tripartite ceasefire declaration would be committing suicide. Even before Armenia acted to reap dividends from these Taleen Babayan, Artsvi Bakhchinyan, But as time passed, that suicide pact was relegated only to developments, Moscow read the handwriting on the wall and Raffi Bedrosyan, Christine Vartanian Armenia, as Azerbaijan Datian, Dr. Arshavir Gundjian, Philippe refused to release Armenian Raffi Kalfayan, Ken Martin, Gerald POWs, began border conflicts Papasian, Harut Sassounian, Hagop with Armenia and above all, Vartivarian did not sign the mandate to allow Russian peacekeeping REGIONAL forces on its soil. CORRESPONDENTS Since the November 9 cease- Los Angeles: Ani Duzdabanyan- fire, Armenia has been under Manoukian, Kevork Keushkerian, intense pressure to acquiesce Michelle Mkhlian to Russian demands in Yerevan: Raffi Elliott allowing Azerbaijan to join the Berlin: Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Paris: Jean Eckian Eurasian Economic Union San Francisco: Kim Bardakian (EEU) structures. But Ankara : Maydaa Nadar dampened Moscow’s hopes in ensnaring Azerbaijan within Photographers its zone of influence. Jirair Hovsepian, Ken Martin Instead, Azerbaijan signed an agreement to station Video correspondent Turkish military base on its Haykaram Nahapetyan soil to counter Russian presence in the region and with the Shushi Declaration last month, The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is laid the foundations of a published weekly, except two weeks in federated state with Turkey. July and the first week of the year, by: While Russian Defense Min- Baikar Association, Inc. ister Sergey Shoygu was bragging about the Russo-Turkish signaled a turning point in its policy. Thus, the first salvo came 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA agreement in the Caucasus, Ankara was stabbing Moscow in from Konstantin Zatulin, the head of the Eurasian Integration 02472-1509 the back by arming Ukraine with Bayraktar drones which had Committee in the Russian Parliament. He made a private vis- Telephone: 617-924-4420 defeated the Russian armaments in the recent Karabakh war, it to Armenia on August 4-5 to gauge the popular sentiment. FAX: 617-924-2887 while additionally joining Ukraine to help snatch Crimea from Upon his return, he announced: “Armenia is experiencing its www.mirrorspectator.com Russia’s grip. most difficult times. We will be betraying ourselves if we fail E-Mail: [email protected] These were the successive moves that brought to bear Rus- to help Armenia.” For advertising: [email protected] sia’s frustration with the Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem. That was followed by the visit of Stanislav Zas, secretary Russia was trying to win over Azerbaijan at Armenia’s ex- general of the CSTO. We need to remember that when Ar- pense. However, as Russia’s frustration with Azerbaijan was menia had appealed to Zas a few months ago about the in- Subscription rates building up, Europe began to court Armenia openly. The suc- cursion of 1,000 Azerbaijani soldiers around Sev Lake, Zas U.S.A. $80 one year cessive visits of European Union representatives to the region had dismissed it as an insignificant border skirmish. This time Canada $125 one year and the offer of 2.6 billion euros to build up Armenia’s infra- around, Zas had a different message for Armenia’s leaders. Other Countries $200 one year structure, along with 500 million euros allocated for the de- According to him, “The current tensions fell adversely on Ar- velopment of Syunik, the most vulnerable region of Armenia, menia’s security and the security situation in the CSTO zone suddenly enhanced Armenia’s strategic position for the ma- of responsibility in general.” © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator jor powers. The planned upcoming visit of French President Zas also stressed that “one of the CSTO’s key priorities is Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, Emmanuel Macron, with the clear intention of intensifying to ensure sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member MA and additional mailing offices. efforts by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in states.” ISSN 0004-234X Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group to lead peace negotiations, con- Before meeting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Zas had trary to Azerbaijan’s determination and Russia’s reluctance, met with Armenia’s new defense minister, Arshak Kara- created a diplomatic storm in the Caucasus. In addition to the petyan, who had reprimanded him by saying, “We were wait- Postmaster: Send address French initiative, the foreign ministers of Romania, Lithua- ing for you here last May.” changes to The Armenian nia and Holland visited Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, Incidentally, it was Karapetyan who gave the order to the Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount demonstrating Europe’s intention to return to the Caucasus. Armenian forces to shoot back at the anytime Auburn St., For a long time, on all occasions when Azerbaijan instigat- they crossed the borders. Indeed, someone, somewhere had Watertown, MA 02472 ed a cross-border provocation, the Minsk Group co-chairs, given the green light to the new minister of defense to be more Russia, France and the US, issued warnings to both sides, assertive. Up until recently, Pashinyan’s order was not to re- Other than the Editorial, views calling for restraint. However, for the first time, the European taliate against Azerbaijani provocations, so as not to provide a and opinions expressed in this Parliament, the United States and France called for Azerbaijan pretext to Baku to wage a new war. newspaper do not necessarily reflect the policies of the to withdraw its troops. For the first time, the Russian Ministry of Defense accused publisher. In addition to these diplomatic moves, some symbolic see TILT, page 19 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 19 COMMENTARY

My Turn their way to Azerbaijan and beyond. Turkey Banned Armenian 3) Turkey does not obstruct the flights of foreign airlines that travel to or from Armenia over Turkey, probably not to trigger a retaliatory ban by the Overflights; Why Didn’t governments of these airlines. 4) Armenia and Azerbaijan do not travel across each other’s air space even Armenia Reciprocate? though there has been no formally-registered ban by either country. by Harut Sassounian I just became aware that the government of Turkey Armenia’s Civil Aviation Committee told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty banned Armenian aircraft from overflying its air space that it “is not in a position to challenge the Turkish ban in international avia- as of a year ago. This was disclosed earlier this month by Hetq.am website’s tion bodies. The Armenian Foreign Ministry did not clarify whether it has dealt investigative reporter Vahe Sarukhanyan. with the matter.” Regrettably, the CAC did not explain why it is not willing I was surprised to hear this news. How could it be that the Turkish govern- to challenge Turkey’s ban of Armenian overflights. This is a major failure by ment banned Armenian-registered planes from flying over its air space and no Armenian officials. Armenian official has bothered to inform the public? Even more surprising, Despite the negligent attitude of the Armenian government regarding the a whole year after Turkey took such a hostile action, particularly during the protection of Armenia’s national interests, Turkish airplanes, of their own voli- recent war, the Armenian government did not reciprocate by banning Turkish tion, avoided flying over Armenia during the Artsakh War, preferring to carry flights over Armenian territory. their soldiers, military equipment and the Islamic Jihadist terrorists to Azer- The last Armenian plane Turkey allowed to overfly its skies was on August baijan over the skies of the Republic of Georgia. 29, 2020. Beginning on Sept. 9, 2020, Turkey banned all Armenian flights from There are many such examples of the negligence and incompetence of Ar- its skies. Interestingly, this was shortly before the joint Azeri and Turkish at- menian officials leading one to wonder if there is a functioning government in tack on Artsakh. Turkey subsequently rejected Armenian overflight requests Armenia. Two successive Foreign Ministers of Armenia have resigned since last on Sept. 18 and 25, 2020 and on March 19 and 23, 2021. fall. They could not accept the amateurish behavior of Prime Minister Nikol Hetq’s reporter contacted Armenia’s Civil Aviation Committee (CAC) to in- Pashinyan who unilaterally made all decisions on foreign policy without con- quire if Armenia and Turkey had placed restrictions on their mutual airspace sulting his Foreign Ministry. during and after last year’s war. “The CAC responded that Turkey has not More surprisingly, after Pashinyan’s reappointment as Prime Minister, he published any air navigation information (NOTAM) [Notice to Airmen] ban- has yet to appoint a new Foreign Minister, even though he is required to form ning the entry of Armenian-registered aircraft into its skies.” In other words, the cabinet of ministers within five days of his appointment, a deadline that has Turkey refused Armenian overflight rights without registering any formal ob- passed long ago. The Foreign Ministry’s spokesman clarified that the five-day jection. Thus, Turkey added a ban on air travel to its land blockade of Armenia. requirement applies to the appointment of two-thirds of the ministers, not the In response to a question from Hetq on whether “Armenia had banned the entire cabinet. However, the spokesman failed to explain why Pashinyan has entry of Turkish national aircraft, and if not, why not, the CAC replied that it managed to appoint all the other ministers, but not the Foreign Minister. One has not imposed any restrictions in accordance with Article 9 (b) of the Chicago would think that, given Armenia’s critical situation after the war, appointing a Convention on International Civil Aviation, stating that every Member State Foreign Minister would have been one of his top priorities. of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) cannot discriminate Since Pashinyan has ignored the input of the previous two foreign ministers, against the use of its airspace.” This is somewhat incorrect. Article 9(b) states I suggest that he simply appoint himself as Foreign Minister in addition to that countries can restrict the use of their air space “on condition that such being Prime Minister. Furthermore, since the Prime Minister has been run- restriction or prohibition shall be applicable without distinction of nationality ning the government single-handedly, he should also get rid of the remaining to aircraft of all other States.” How is it legal for Turkey to ban Armenian air- ministers, establishing a one-man rule. All three branches of the government crafts and not legal for Armenia to do likewise? — executive, legislative and judiciary — are in the hands of the Prime Minister. I have been tracking the flight paths of various planes originating from The President of the country has no decision-making powers. He is a nominal Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey on the website “flightradar24.com,” which leader, a figurehead. The Parliament, with a majority composed of Pashinyan’s shows all flights around the world. I have made four interesting observations: political party, is basically a rubber stamp body which simply carries out his 1) No Armenian-registered plane has flown over the territory of Turkey in wishes. The judiciary is also under the heavy influence of the Prime Minister. the last 12 months as result of the Turkish ban. Thus, there is no separation of powers, one of the key tenets of a democratic 2) Turkish Airlines, however, regularly fly over the Armenian air space on government.

thousands of Armenian lives forfeited, tens of millions Kremlin’s Tilt Favors Armenia of dollars and three decades of collective Armenian TILT, from page 18 Lessons for Armenia effort undone as the stormtroopers of the Caspian Dic- Azerbaijan of violating the ceasefire in Karabakh as tensions tatorship unfurled their flag in Shushi’s newly-reno- between Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to rise. And Artsakh from vated town hall a mere eight months prior. The most significant meeting took place between the min- But upon revisiting the question, I like to think that isters of defense of Armenia and Russia, Karapetyan and perhaps the lessons of Afghanistan should reverberate Shoygu. Karapetyan described the situation along the Ar- Afghan Debacle among Armenians in subtle, yet non-negligible ways. menian-Azerbaijani border, emphasizing the importance of Despite the circumstances, historical underpinnings, Russia’s mediation. He added, “Armenia’s patience is not By Raffi Elliott and geopolitical stakes being widely different, the out- inexhaustible.” As I watched footage of Taliban fighters entering come of “America’s longest war” in Afghanistan does The Russian minister responded that Russia is ready to the vacant presidential palace in Kabul from my liv- provide round-about answers to questions that Arme- assist Armenia in modernizing and reforming Armenia’s ing room in Yerevan on Sunday, swiping through my nians have been reeling over since last autumn’s war. armed forces. “The Russian 102nd Military Base stationed smartphone, I came across a post on the r/armenia I’ve identified four such lessons: in Armenia is well-equipped and is a guarantor for stability.” subreddit entitled: “What can we learn from the Tal- Resting on Our Laurels That statement was reassuring since the Russian military iban?” I rolled my eyes as I tossed my phone onto the In a July 28 piece for Foreign Policy magazine base was assumed to guarantee Armenia’s borders, but it had couch, sighing at the prospects of yet another feeble which now reads as laughably aged, columnist Anchal failed to act in the past. attempt to weave associations between Armenia and Vohra insisted that fears of an imminent collapse of Mr. Shoygu presented a symbolic gift to his Armenian a far-off current affairs issue where there was none. the Afghan state were overblown. Hailing the capabil- counterpart — a sword for Armenia to defend itself and then But that was three days ago now. In the mean- ities of the western-trained and equipped Afghan Na- the two ministers reached a number of important agreements time, that question somehow managed to cling to my tional Army, the veteran journalist argued that the line on the forthcoming cooperation. thoughts. In the space of eight months, I witnessed, in of battle was “far more balanced than most outside ob- It is already being put in place as an airlift of Russian ar- real time, the fall of two important cities which held servers seem to believe.” She also pointed to the remo- maments has arrived in Armenia. such significance to me both as an Armenian anda bilization of militias by famed warlords Abdul Rashid Arming Armenia with modern weapons also serves Rus- Canadian. Dostum, Karim Khalili and Ahmad Massoud (Son of sian self-interest. As Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev refuses I was still learning to walk and talk when Shushi was the legendary Mujaheed Ahmad Shah Massoud) –– to sign the mandate on Russian peacekeeping forces, he holds liberated in 1992. While I have since visited Shushi known for having defeated both the Soviets in 1989 Russia hostage to be ousted any time. A formidable fighting dozens of times since then — the last time being mere and the Taliban in 2001 — as evidence of mounting force in Armenia equipped with state-of-the-art technology days before its capture — the other city, I have never resistance against their onslaught. will provide a strategic alternative for Russia. The moment set foot in. If Kabul has changed hands four times in Within days of the piece going to print, Kabul had Aliyev disinvites the Russian peacekeepers, he might face my lifetime, the start of my adulthood, like many oth- fallen yet again, Khalili reappeared in Taliban cap- the enhanced Armenian forces. Despite Armenia’s defeat, ers of my generation, really started on October 2001, tivity and Dostum had fled into Uzbekistan. Only the the country has the most competent fighting force in the re- when the Afghan capital was liberated as part of NA- young Massoud appears to be fighting on, rallying gion and most probably would have defeated Azerbaijan’s TO’s Operation Enduring Freedom. The Foreverwar those willing to fight the Taliban to his stronghold in army one more time had the latter not been reinforced by that followed over the next two decades has become the Panjshir Valley. forces from Turkey, Pakistan and Syrian jihadists and Israeli such a ubiquitous presence on the political, cultural and The fact that such legendary commanders who had war technology. professional definition of my generation that its sudden literally brought down empires would be routed so The Armenian army carried the war in this disadvanta- end feels…uncomfortable. completely in a mere two decades is as shocking as geous situation and caused more casualties than it incurred. Yet I couldn’t help wondering whether the sacrifice it is telling. While there are many complex tribal and At this time, all these processes are in their developing of 150 fellow Canucks, and 3,350 other Coalition ser- strategic matters that are particular to Afghanistan, it’s stages. The challenge for the country’s foreign policy estab- vicemen and women was worth it as the Taliban rolled hard not to draw parallels between these Afghan war- lishment is to navigate through them skillfully and extract into Kabul, seemingly reversing 20 years of effort. In lords and the brilliant Armenian generals of yester-war maximal strategic benefits for Armenia. much the same way, we soured at the thought of the see LESSONS, page 20

20 Saturday, AUGUST 21, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

equipped, and coordinated by the most ef- fective military powers on the planet does Lessons for Armenia and Artsakh from Afghan Debacle make me wonder if the conclusion that LESSONS, from page 19 moralizing blow to the floundering Afghan But the future of Armenia should not be technology wins wars may be premature. — the very same generals who would live Army, President Ashraf Ghani’s escape a half-assed effort. We’re either committed Out of context, the success of the Taliban to see their legacies undone within a mere proved the final nail in the coffin. It should to moving Armenia’s status from survive to strategy may be puzzling military analysts 26 years. come as no surprise that the corrupt klepto- thrive, or we’re not. To achieve these goals, and observers alike. But in battlefields scat- Just like their Afghan counterparts, crats who diverted millions of international Armenia needs our funds, yes, but it also tered across the Middle East, examples of the victors of Armenia’s 1988-94 Da- aid money over their decades of rule over needs our trust, and above all, us. small, ill-equipped militias giving the most vid-and-Goliath struggle against the Azer- post-Taliban Afghanistan had an exit strat- Technology Doesn’t Win Wars sophisticated militaries in the region a run baijanis helped themselves to the spoils. egy. While such a complete structural col- When the Turkish-built and piloted for their money are not hard to come by. Is- They appointed each other to high-ranking lapse did not happen in Armenia, rumors Bayraktar drones first appeared in the skies raeli strategists still struggle to explain their government posts, built opulent mansions were ripe of high-ranking officers leaving over Artsakh last September, they did more blunders against Hezbollah in 2006. Seven overlooking Yerevan and Stepanakert, and their posts, and certain generals having than spread havoc on the battlefield. They years into the Yemeni Civil War, a coalition accumulated vast amounts of wealth, pow- fueled private jets ready on the tarmac at also shattered a long-held conceit among of wealthy Gulf States has yet to subdue the er, influence, and girth, while the military Zvartnots to take their families to Russia the Armenian public that brave, patriotic scrappy Houthi insurgency. Despite boast- and state apparatus they helped create suf- or whichever Schengen country they had men armed with the duty to defend their ing NATO’s second largest military, Turkey fered from chronic neglect. The Azerbai- quietly received dual citizenship from or homes would outmatch any foe. Such mis- has scored few gains in its four decades-long janis would never fight back, they insisted, opened bank accounts in. placed trust in the martial abilities of our struggle against the PKK. as the history of Armenia’s 1994 victory It’s no secret that Armenian officers and warrior-culture blinded us to the danger Clearly, technological advantage alone was mythologized to the point where it had government officials have accrued large posed by a decades-worth of an increasing- does not determine the course of wars. become a foregone conclusion in our col- investments in property, business interests, ly sophisticated military build-up across While personal bravery, sacrifice, Elan, lective memory. But much like the Taliban, and other assets abroad over the years. the Line-of-Contact. and patriotism do play a role, they are no the Azerbaijanis bid their time, regrouped, Some might question the commitment of Yet if the war revealed one thing, it’s substitute for strategy, discipline, diploma- and tried again as Armenia’s superpower such people to a cause as important as the that the bravery of underequipped, and cy, and logistics. protector stood idly by. Generals and pol- physical defense of their nation when such poorly commanded militias is insufficient Closer scrutiny of the Afghan National iticians attempted to replicate the strategies escape routes remain an option to them. to deflect drone strikes, or sustain military Army’s performance (or lack-there-of) pro- of 1994 across the battlefields of 2020 with But officers and politicians should not be operations in a 5th generation battlespace vides an answer to another “what-if” sce- predictable (in hindsight) results. the only ones expected to have skin in the where the enemy enjoys the advantage of nario oft-presented by Armenian armchair Last year, Armenia learned the hard way game. It is not uncommon for Armenians to integrated command and information lo- generals since the war. Those speculating that it could not afford to rest as its enemies apply for, and receive second citizenships gistics. as to whether the course of last autumn’s brooded. as a “security guarantee” while repats oc- But a lightning offensive by fighters in war would have been altered had the Ar- Skin in the Game casionally hesitate to apply for Armenian sandals packed on Toyota pickup trucks menian military establishment invested in If news of Dostum’s flight proved a de- Citizenship to avoid conscription. armed with AKs against an enemy trained, a particular anti-aircraft system, picked drones over traditional aircraft or any one of the Wunderwaffen often suggested on the internet are missing the point. Weapons are tools, and tools are only as good as their users and the tasks they’re suited for. Much of the sophisticated ma- chinery that the ANA inherited from Coa- lition Forces lay idle in warehouses for the Taliban to seize because the ANA lacked personnel who could read or write, let alone trained to survive or operate these systems. So could a full battery of Pan- tsir-SM medium-range surface-to-air mis- sile systems, as some claim, theoretically defeat Bayraktars? Probably. If we ignore the exorbitant operational cost involved, the probability of success depends heavily on crew training and the development of appropriate defensive doctrines suited to their capabilities. Thus taking sophisticated weapons into a warzone does not, a victory make. This isn’t to downplay the urgent necessity for the Armenian Armed Forces to modernize their capabilities in a cost-effective manner. Graveyard of Empires “Afghanistan is the Graveyard of Em- pires,” President Joe Biden said of US troop withdrawal as he addressed the nation on Monday. This old aphorism, long (mis)used in reference to the failure of a succession of foreign powers to control the patch of mountains at the heart of Central Asia. Yet, it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to apply that same adage to Armenia as well. For a nation whose wars have all been fought and lost (As Saroyan put it), it has managed to endure. While the Neo-Assyri- an, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Sovi- et Empires now exist only in the annals of History, Armenia definitely remains a liv- ing, breathing sovereign state in the mod- ern world. If this past serves as any indica- tion for the future, it shall outlive current enemies as well. If there is one way in which the people of Armenia may see eye-to-eye with the Taliban is that the resilience of Mountain people, combined with resolve around a shared goal and patience proves impossible to overcome. As the saying goes: They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds. (Raffi Elliott is a Canadian-Armenian political risk analyst and journalist based in Yerevan, Armenia. As a correspondent for the Mirror-Spectator, his focus is so- cioeconomic, political, business and diplo- matic issues in Armenia.)