FEBRUARY 24, 2018 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVIII, NO. 31, Issue 4526 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Turkey Summons Sargsyan Marks 30th Exile and Waiting Anniversary of Transformed into Film Dutch Chargé Karabakh Movement D’Affaires Over YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President of Armenia Through the Work of Serzh Sargsyan issued a message on Artsakh Genocide Motions Revival Day and the 30th anniversary of the Tamara Stepanyan Karabakh Movement, on February 20. In his speech, Sargsyan congratulated the peo- AMSTERDAM and ANKARA (Combined ples of Armenia and Karabakh. PARIS – Filmmaker Tamara Stepanyan is a true Sources) — Turkey summoned the Dutch “On February 20, 1988 the extraordinary sitting representative of the new generation of diasporan chargé d’affaires to Ankara on Saturday, of the regional council of Nagorno Karabakh adopt- Armenians. Born in Soviet Armenia, and speaking February 17, to express its unhappiness ed a decision which expressed the will of the Eastern Armenian with a pair of proposed bills that would see Artsakh people to free self-determination. Three and Russian, she the Netherlands recognize as genocide the decades ago all Armenians joined Artsakh’s fair By Aram Arkun moved with her fami- 1915 killing of as many as 1.5 million demand and fight. Today we celebrate the 30th Mirror-Spectator Staff ly to Beirut, Lebanon Armenians. anniversary of this historic turning event which when 11 years old The four Dutch governing parties have was declared by the Republic of Artsakh as the after the breakup of expressed support for two proposals in the Artsakh Revival Day.” the Soviet Union. She grew up and lived there for lower house of parliament by the conserv- “February 20, 1988 was the moment of unity, 20 years, learning Arabic, Western Armenian, and ative Christian Union party which are due determination and national awakening of the English. Then she moved to France and learned to be debated in Armenian people. Azerbaijan responded to the French. Naturally her experiences shaped her the upper house peaceful and legal steps of our people by massacres worldview and films. in the coming organized in Sumgait and other places. … We were Stepanyan said, “I think exile takes a lot from us, weeks. One recog- forced to wage war. The war initiators were confi- but at the same time it gives a lot. It is a richness. I nizes the deaths dent that they have a great advantage, by eliminat- think I am very rich for having lived all this pain of as genocide and a ing Armenians and depopulating Artsakh, they will living in exile.” She left her grandparents, school second calls for a close the Karabakh issue quickly and permanently. and friends in Armenia to adapt to a very different Dutch official to From the distance of three decades today we can environment. She went to an Armenian school attend the coun- confidently state that the Karabakh Movement called the Yeghishe Manougian College, in Dbayyeh try’s formal geno- saved hundreds of thousands of lives. The (Metn district) to the east of Beirut. cide remembrance MP Joël Voordewind Armenians of Artsakh, having the support of all see STEPANYAN, page 16 day on April 24. Armenians, managed to overcome this difficult A majority of experience with honor.” MPs backed a campaign by Christian He continued, “We unconditionally respect the Union MP Joël Voordewind. fundamental human rights because for the The bills risk further souring relations ‘The Last Inhabitant’ Armenian people freedom and human dignity are between Turkey and the Netherlands. absolute values. Long live the Republic of Armenia! The relationship between the Long live the Republic of Artsakh!” Netherlands and Turkey is already tense, Comes to New Jersey since the Netherlands refused Turkish ministers access to the country to cam- Macron, Trudeau to paign for a 2017 referendum that gave President Tayyip Erdogan more power. Participate at By Taleen Babayan Talks to repair relations between the Francophonie Summit Special to the Mirror-Spectator two countries have broken down and the Netherlands on February 5 officially YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The final list of par- recalled its ambassador to the country. ticipants of the La Francophonie Summit in FAIR LAWN, N.J. — The East Coast pre- Nearly a dozen other EU countries have Yerevan is not complete yet, Deputy Foreign miere of filmmaker Jivan Avetisyan’s “The passed similar resolutions to that pro- Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan told reporters on Last Inhabitant,” based on a true story set posed in the Netherlands. French lawmak- February 20. But, he added, “The participation of in a Nagorno-Karabakh village, was ers officially recognized the Armenian the leaders of two very important Francophone screened on Friday, February 16, at St. deaths as genocide in 2001. countries – France and Canada – is certain.” Leon Armenian Church. Director Jivan Avetisyan and Nareg Voordewind said the Netherlands In a January 24 interview with L’Express, With original music by Serj Tankian, Hartounian should take a stand as the home of the President Serzh Sargsyan said that as a result of the film, which explores the friendship institutions of international law in The the summit “we will be able to present Armenia to between an Armenian and Azeri man who Hague. “We are acknowledging history,” the whole world. We will do our best for it to have deal with their own family problems dur- and was screened at the Venice he said. “That is not the same thing as great success. Take into consideration that almost ing the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, International Film Festival. casting aspersions as Turkey has done half of the world’s states will be in Yerevan, mainly won the Best Feature award at the Ara Araz, who organized the event towards the Netherlands.” at the level of heads of state and heads of govern- Scandinavian International Film Festival see SCREENING, page 10 see SUMMONS, page 5 ment,” the president said when asked what signifi- cance the summit will have for Armenia. The summit is scheduled to take place in October War of Words Over Karabakh in Yerevan. INSIDE MUNICH, Germany (RFE/RL) — “If there was no policy of over Nagorno-Karabakh. A minor kerfuffle broke out “If there was no policy of between Armenia’s president and ethnic cleansing of Armenia ethnic cleansing of Armenia an Azerbaijani diplomat during a against Azerbaijan, then panel discussion at a high-profile against Azerbaijan, then probably today, Armenia Tracing security conference in Germany on probably today, Armenia could have benefitted from February 17 as the two men trad- those projects,” said the ed accusations over Azerbaijan’s could have benefitted from diplomat, Sadi Jafarov, Stolen Art breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh those [energy] projects” invoking an accusation that region. Baku frequently levels at Page 13 The sharp words came during a Sadi Jafarov Yerevan. Munich Security Conference event First Secretary, Azerbaijani Embassy, Berlin Jafarov also denounced focusing on nations “in-between what he called the “occu- Russia and Europe” that featured pation” of Nagorno- INDEX Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Moldovan Prime Karabakh by Armenia. As Jafarov packed both commentary Arts and Living ...... 13 Minister Pavel Filip, EU enlargement commissioner Johannes and questions into his turn at the mic, the host of the panel Armenia ...... 2,3 Hahn, and Russian lawmaker Konstantin Kosachyov. — Ian Bremmer, founder of the Eurasia Group political risk Community News...... 6 When the panel moved to questions from the audience, a consultancy — intervened in an effort to let Sargsyan reply. Editorial ...... 18 first secretary at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Berlin suggest- “We don’t have time,” Bremmer said, though Jafarov man- International ...... 4,5 ed to Sargsyan that Armenia could have played a role in aged to finish his question. regional energy and transport projects if not for the standoff see BERLIN, page 5 2 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenia, Russia Hail Armenian Military Delegation Departs for Soaring Bilateral Trade Moscow YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Major General Tiran YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Prime products to the Russian is rapidly Russian investors should capitalize on Khachatryan, deputy Chief of Staff of the General Minister Karen Karapetyan and a visit- growing,” he said in his opening that. He also called for Russian invest- Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia, head of the ing Russian government member remarks publicized by Karapetyan’s ments in a free economic zone which tactical department of the general staff, departed to praised on Tuesday, Feburary 20, a fur- press office. was set up on the Armenian-Iranian Moscow last week, the defense ministry said. ther sizable increase in Russian- Russian-Armenian trade plummeted border in December. During the visit the Armenian delegation will par- Armenian trade which reached a new in 2015 following a sharp depreciation “We are ready to create comfortable ticipate in the negotiations on preparations for the high last year, according to official sta- of the Russian ruble which hit conditions for Russian capital in upcoming Search, Partnership and Indestructible tistics. Armenian exporters hard. But with the Armenia,” added the prime minister. Brotherhood military exercises within the framework Armenian government data show Russian currency subsequently rallying Karapetyan visited Moscow as of the February 19-22 Collective Security Treaty bilateral trade rising by just over 26 against the U.S. dollar and the euro, recently as on February 16-17. The Organization (CSTO) Combat Brotherhood 2018 tac- percent to $1.7 billion in 2017 on the Armenian exports to Russia soared by Armenian government said ahead of tical strategic joint drills. The delegation will also back of an almost 45 percent surge in 51.5 percent in 2016. his visit said he will meet with participate in the discussions on the 2019 joint Armenian exports to Russia. The latter Sokolov said that Armenia’s mem- “Armenian and Russian business cir- readiness plan of CSTO bodies and the list of 2025 thus remained the South Caucasus bership in the Russian-led Eurasian cles” to discuss with them “ongoing joint actions. state’s leading trading partner. Economic Union (EEU) is a key reason and prospective projects.” The govern- Karapetyan cited these figures at the for the sharp gains recorded in 2016 ment has issued no further statements start of a regular session in Yerevan of and 2017. Tariff-free access to the mar- on the trip. Sargsyan Hosts Members a Russian-Armenian intergovernmental kets in Russia and other ex-Soviet The Armenian premier has been commission on economic cooperation. states making up the trade bloc is also strongly backed by Russia’s wealthiest Of Supreme Spiritual He chaired it together with Russian making Armenia more attractive to for- ethnic Armenian businessman, Samvel Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov. eign investors, he said. Karapetyan (no relation), ever since he Council Sokolov also noted the record-high Karapetyan stressed in that regard took office in September 2016. The bil- YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President of Armenia amount of Russian-Armenian trade that Armenia also enjoys preferential lionaire tycoon has pledged to invest Serzh Sargsyan on February 20 at the Presidential recorded in 2017. “We are happy that trade regimes with the European hundreds of millions of dollars in Palace hosted the members of the Supreme Spiritual the volume of shipments of Armenian Union and the United States and that Armenia’s energy sector. Council, the highest governing body of the Armenian Apostolic Church, whose members are taking part in the session of the Supreme Spiritual Council in the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin February 20 to 23. UWC Students Will Propose New Humanitarian Projects The President of the Council is Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and the chairmen are the DILIJAN, Armenia — Applications for donors, the two other finalists, educator with over 20 years of working Armenian Patriarchs of Jerusalem and Istanbul. the 2018 Aurora Humanitarian Project Waterford Kamhlaba UWC (BraveGirl experience in various fields, the AHP is Sargsyan welcomed the members and highlighted for UWC Schools and Colleges are now project) and UWC Mahindra College probably the best project that I have the importance of the decisions of the council. being accepted. The project, a partner- (Kriya Iron project), also received ever had the privilege of being a part “I always remember that the Armenian Apostolic ship between the Aurora Humanitarian $4,000 each towards the further devel- of. It made a massive impact on me and Church is the oldest ever-existing and constantly Initiative and UWC (United World operating structure in the Armenian reality and dur- Colleges), encourages UWC students to ing this period the Armenian Apostolic Church just design projects aimed at creating posi- had an irreplaceable contribution in all spheres of tive change in communities surround- our people’s life. Having such an experience, of ing UWC schools and colleges. It is course, I am convinced that you always take steps open to all 17 UWC schools and col- that are perceivable and acceptable for our people. I leges worldwide. The winning group am confident you see that the world is rapidly devel- will be awarded a $4,000-grant toward oping, and during this period there are also opportu- their project’s implementation. nities in line with challenges. Of course, in order to “We are committed to motivating be able to use these opportunities for the benefit of students to care about the communi- our state and people, we need to counter those chal- ties in which they live and try to bring lenges. I am sure the steps taken by you are directed positive change around them,” said for this purpose.” Veronika Zonabend, founder of UWC The catholicos presented the issues that will be in Dilijan, Armenia. “Our aim is not discussed at the first session of the Supreme only to alert UWC students and alumni Spiritual Council this year. to the urgency of specific humanitarian issues but to motivate them to go deep- er, take responsibility, and propose French-Armenian solutions through innovative and eco- Filmmaker Working on nomically, socially and environmentally sustainable approaches.” Artsakh Project This is the second year of the Aurora Finalists and Selection Committee members of 2017 Aurora Humanitarian Project Humanitarian Project for UWC for UWC at the Aurora Dialogues. May 27, 2017, UWC Dilijan, Armenia. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — French-Armenian film- Schools and Colleges (AHP). Fifteen of maker Arnaud Khayadjanian , whose film, “Stony the then 16 UWC schools and colleges Paths,” was named as the best documentary in the participated in the first year. The pro- opment of their respective projects. it is something that I will always cher- Armenian Panorama competition of the 13th Gold ject proposals addressed a broad and “Being AHP finalists was a truly ish,” said Kate Doyle, faculty advisor to Apricot International Film Festival, is going to shoot diverse range of humanitarian issues incredible experience - very few young the BraveGirl from Waterford a movie about Artsakh. identified near their schools and col- people can say that they discussed Kamhlaba UWC SA. In an interview, Khayadjanian said he hopes to pre- leges and often proposed close collabo- humanitarian issues such as the Proposed projects must address a sent the film to the public until the end of 2019. rations with local communities. refugee crisis and education with some concrete humanitarian concern identi- “’Artsakh’ is a feature film about love, war and “The Aurora Humanitarian Project of the most successful business owners fied by the project team which is rele- freedom. At the moment I’m looking for funding in for UWC Schools and Colleges chal- in the world. The Aurora Prize itself is vant to the UWC school or college’s Armenia and France. Last year, I had the honor to lenges UWC’s diverse student body to far more than the normal humanitarian geographic location and propose con- make a documentary about people of Artsakh. I was think about concrete ways to make award,” said Ravindra, a team member crete steps to reduce it in or eliminate so fascinated by the bravery and the cheerfulness of positive, meaningful and sustainable from UWC Robert Bosch College. it. Projects must be student-initiated people. Despite their unstable situation and the trau- change in the world,” said UWC “I think the most important thing I and student-led. Each UWC school or ma of the past they are standing proudly. I was also International’s Executive Director could say is that AHP encouraged us to college can only nominate one project very impressed by the dynamism and modern mind of Jens Waltermann. “It encourages our put more thought into BraveGirl, to to the AHP. people from all generations,” he said. students to put the UWC mission for create a structure and a timeline, and The three short-listed finalists will be The film will tell the stories of several characters, peace and sustainability into con- most importantly to visualize the selected based on their creativity, sus- and by this choice, the filmmaker says he can talk crete action through selfless leader- impact it could have. It’s the vision of tainability, quality of research, impact, about several topics solidarity, humanism, patrio- ship, initiative and teamwork - and what BraveGirl could become that commitment, self-reflection and format. tism, friendship, mourning and cultural heritage. gives them the chance to learn from inspired all our efforts, and I think - I The finalist teams will have a chance to Khayadjanian was born in 1987 in Valence, some of the most well-regarded hope - that through AHP more people present their projects during the France. In 2014, Khayadjanian adapted a French humanitarians.” will realize it’s possible to turn their Aurora Prize Weekend on June 8-10 in play by Laura Desprein into a short film entitled After a highly competitive selection visions into reality,” said Ike, a member Armenia. The winning project will be “Bad Girl,” which has been viewed 1.3 million times. process, three teams were chosen as of the BraveGirl team from Waterford announced after the presentations and The film was shown in 23 international festivals. Last finalists and UWC Robert Bosch Kamhlaba UWC SA. will be awarded USD $4000 towards summer, he directed “We Are Our Mountains.” College was announced as the winning “I would like to encourage students the further development and funding team in 2017 with their DoGood pro- to apply for AHP as the chance for of the project. ject addressing the refugee crisis. learning through the entire process are Further information is available at Thanks to donations from anonymous incredible. I can honestly say that as an www.auroraprize.com or UWC.org. S A T U R D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Youth Center in Gyumri First of its Kind in Caucasus

GYUMRI, Armenia — The Youth House: Open Youth Center in Gyumri will be the newly established youth Center in Gyumri. Being the first of its kind in the Caucasus region, it will serve the young Gyumri community with the integrated, empowering and innovative framework of Open Youth Work. At the “Youth House”, young people between the age of 13-18 years old will enjoy tailor made activities that are free of charge. It will offer for example, English language classes, courses on media and com- puter literacy, guidance in study choice and specialization, and many more activities. Above all, the young people will be empowered to design their own initiatives and activ- ities, and possibly even their own businesses. In the presence of professional youth workers, local and international volunteers, the young people will learn to enhance their self-esteem, to develop social skills and to promote further civic engagement. The Gyumri Youth Initiative Center NGO (YIC), the author of the idea and concept of the Center, has secured the premises of the “Youth House” as the in-kind contribu- tion of Gyumri municipality for 10 years. It is situated in one of the most deprived dis- tricts of Gyumri, in the middle of neighborhoods where many families still live in “domics,” metallic or wooden container homes without basic access to util- ities and decent life conditions. In this neighborhood, and other neighborhoods in Youth Center beneficiaries Gyumri, the legacy of the earthquake of 1988 is still very visible. Almost 30 years after this devastating event, young people with their families are still living in “temporary shelters”. Most of the “domic” districts are situated in the remote neighborhoods of Gyumri, far away from social services or social or recreational facilities. Facing poverty and social exclusion on a daily basis, the young people have no hopes or aspirations about their future. The low quality of education, which an average Gyumri family can afford, curtails their chances even further. Consequently, it is inevitable that young people end up unemployed or in low-paid jobs, falling into a pattern of poverty. There is a need to improve the quality of life of socially marginalised Gyumri youth. Therefore the YIC has undertaken the opening of the “Youth House”, to bridge the gap between the lack of a stable, support- ive environment and personal development and non- formal learning possibilities. Once established, the cen- ter will target those young people of the remote neigh- borhoods who have weakened or severed family and social ties, spend most of their time on the streets and are inclined to show deviant behaviors. Currently the project is supported by the Gyumri municipality (the premises, esti- mated worth $25,000) and through the Strong Civil Society Organizations for Stronger Armenia program of the European Union ($53,000). But the young people of Gyumri need even more support. The center needs an additional $9,000 for co-financing the reconstruction and Center running costs in its first year. Be part of the Youth House project, visit https://www.generosity.com/community-fundraising/youth-house-open-youth- A room inside the center, above left, and the neighborhood of the Youth House, above Center-in-gyumri/x/17671534. Criminal Inquiry Launched into Yerevan Council Brawl

iated with her party have been unable to park By Ruzana Stepanian their car there since the February 13 incident. The Yerkir Tsirani leader also said that the municipal administration is refusing to clean YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenian law- their room. She further demonstrated purport- enforcement authorities have formally launched ed evidence of staffers playing cards in another a criminal investigation into last week’s violent room during their working ours. clash between opposition and pro-government Moments later, the head of Mayor members of Yerevan’s municipal council. Markarian’s press service, Artur Gevorgian, told The incident occurred during a session of the reporters to leave the building. “No journalist council chaired by Mayor Taron Markarian on has the right to enter the municipality building February 13. Two female councilors affiliated and move around it without our special permis- with the opposition Yerkir Tsirani party were sion, even if Mrs. Postanjian can escort you to confronted by their pro-government colleagues the room allocated to her faction,” he said when they tried to hand Markarian glass con- before telling police officers to usher them out. tainers filled with sewage collected from a dam- Postanjian as well as Arayik Harutiunian of aged sewer pipe in the city’s Nubarashen dis- the Yelk alliance, a more moderate opposition trict. They called the foul-smelling substance a group represented in the Yerevan council, “gift” from Nubarashen residents. accused Markarian of arbitrarily restricting The two sides scuffled and shouted insults at media coverage of the municipal authorities. each other. Yerkir Tsirani’s Marina Marina Khachatrian of the opposition Yerkir Tsirani party is confronted by pro-government members “This is illegal because they thereby restrict Khachatrian, slapped a male councilor repre- of Yerevan’s municipal assembly, 13 February 2018. the work of the city council,” Harutiunian told senting the ruling Republican Party (HHK) RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). after being jostled by him. The latter slapped He said Yelk has repeatedly appealed to the her in response. Khachatrian and two other A police spokesman, Ashot Aharonian, said on which was witnessed and filmed by many Markarian’s staff but has still not received any Yerkir Tsirani members, including the party Monday that a criminal case has been opened in reporters. written rules of conduct for journalists or other leader Zaruhi Postanjian, were then physically connection with the incident under Criminal In what appears to be a related development, citizens visiting the building. forced to leave the council auditorium. Code articles dealing with hooliganism and officials from the Mayor’s Office on Monday The mayor, meanwhile, met with municipality Postanjian sent a “crime report” to the assault. He said the police have sent the case to stopped Postanjian from showing a group of lawyers and press officers later in the day to Armenian police. The police also received a sep- another law-enforcement body, the Investigative journalists around the municipality building instruct them to propose ways of “regulating arate complaint from the municipal administra- Committee, for further investigation. and an adjacent parking lot reserved for the work of media” in the building. It was not tion which blames the outspoken oppositionists It was not immediately clear which side is Yerevan officials and council members. immediately clear what kind of restrictions he is for the violence. risking prosecution for the high-profile incident Postanjian and the two other councilors affil- planning to impose. 4 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Tillerson Is Trying to Defuse Tensions With Turkey, but the Rift May Be Too Deep EU to Provide 17M Euros Afrin is noncontiguous with the force. Tillerson had to quickly dial To Armenia for Reforms By Joshua Keating much larger area to the east controlled back that announcement to placate YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Justice Minister Davit by the Syrian Democratic Forces in Turkey, to the point that it’s not entire- Harutyunyan on February 20 told those assembled at cooperation with the US military. The ly clear what these troops will be a press conference that human rights protection is a ISTANBUL (Slate) — Both Barack US has worked closely with the SDF, doing now that the fighting against significant agenda issue in the Armenia-European Obama and Donald Trump have really the most effective fighting force ISIS is starting to wrap up.) Union cooperation. wanted to get along with Turkish against ISIS in Syria. American Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar “The 2017 2019 action plan under the national President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. authorities have, unconvincingly, al-Assad is more than happy to watch strategy of human rights protection was approved in There was a time when Obama claimed that the Kurdish fighters in his rivals, the Turks and the Kurds, 2017. The program was developed as a result of close described his relationship with Afrin have no connection to their fighting each other while the US is cooperation with the civil society,” he said. Erdogan as one of the closest and allies, even though most SDF com- caught right in the middle. The minister said the EU will provide 17 million most trusting of any world leader, manders come from the YPG. The US It’s hard to see how this Syrian knot euros in assistance to Armenia to deal with five sec- before rifts over Syria, Turkey’s drift has done little to interfere with gets untangled, and it’s not even the tors having to do with human rights. During a period toward authoritarianism, and other Turkey’s Afrin incursion, but the prob- only issue dividing the US and Turkey. of five years, the fund will be used for “improvement issues strained the relationship. lem is that Turkey has threatened to Turkey continues to demand the extra- of the electoral system, prevention of torture, gender Trump has continually lauded sweep east along the border to dis- dition of Fethullah Gülen, the exiled equality, fight against discrimination and protection Erdogan as a friend, even congratulat- lodge the Kurds from the town of cleric that Erdogan’s government of children’s rights,” he said. ing the Turkish leader after Erdogan Manbij, Syria, where US forces are also blames for the 2016 coup attempt, and won a controversial referendum stationed. This could put US and to criticize the trial of a Turkish expanding his powers, even as overall Turkish troops in direct conflict. banker accused of evading Iran sanc- Putin, Erdogan Expected US–Turkey relations have deteriorated Erdogan has vowed that US troops tions. The US, meanwhile, is demand- sharply. that stand in Turkey’s way would ing that Turkey release U.S citizens To Meet in Early April Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was receive an “Ottoman slap.” and government employees arrested as MOSCOW (Armenpress) — Russian President in Ankara, Turkey, last week trying to The Turkish government proposed part of Erdogan’s wide-ranging crack- Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep repair relations that he admits have this week that the US and Turkey down since the coup. These include an Tayyip Erdogan are expected to meet in early April reached a “crisis point.” Tillerson met could jointly deploy forces in Manbij, American pastor whom the Turkish in Turkey, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir for 3½ hours with Erdogan on as long as the YPG withdrew from the government appears to be using as a Bozdag said, RIA Novosti reported on February 20. Thursday, February 15. In an unusual area. Tillerson said that joint working bargaining chip for Gülen. With “The talks between Turkey, Russia and Iran on break with protocol, he wasn’t accom- groups would be set up to address Michael Flynn no longer available Syrian settlement continue. On March 14 a meeting panied by an American translator nor troop deployments. to whisk him away in the dead of with the participation of our foreign ministers will be note taker, with Turkey’s foreign min- This is something of a break- night, the Gülen crisis also seems far held in Moscow. A trilateral meeting with the partic- ister serving as translator. through, but the underlying issue from a resolution — the US govern- ipation of Iran will be held in Astana on March 16”, The biggest flashpoint at the remains: Turkey is unwilling to toler- ment has found the evidence against the Turkish deputy PM said, adding that the meeting moment is Syria, where Turkey is ate a semi-autonomous Kurdish region the cleric unconvincing — and of Putin and Erdogan is planned to be held in early angered by US support for Kurdish controlled by the YPG on its border, Erdogan does not seem likely to let April in Turkey, but the exact date is still unknown. fighters that it considers terrorists. and the Pentagon is not going to stop the issue go. After that, as expected, Russia-Turkey-Iran summit Last month, Turkey launched a cooperating with the one Syrian ally The mistrust runs deep, and not just on Syria will take place. ground incursion into the border that can put up a formidable fight between the governments. A poll enclave of Afrin, Syria, to dislodge the against ISIS. (The latest crisis started released by the Center for American Kurdish militia, the YPG, which it in January, when the US military Progress this week shows 83 per- Armenian, Lebanese views as the Syrian branch of the announced American troops would be cent of Turks expressing an unfavor- PKK, the Kurdish militant group that’s staying in areas liberated from ISIS to able opinion of the United States. It’s Presidents to Meet been battling the Turkish government work with local forces — i.e., the Kurds, going to take a lot more than a few YEREVAN (Armenpress) — At the invitation of for decades. mainly — to establish a border security meetings to bridge this divide. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, President of Lebanon Michel Aoun was scheduled to arrive in Armenia on an official visit on February 21, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. During the visit the Lebanese President was sched- uled to meet with the top leadership of Armenia – Polish PM Seeks Dialogue with Israel on ‘Difficult History’ the President, the Parliament Speaker and the Prime Minister. Aoun was also to meet with Catholicos of Holocaust is unfounded.” The two Mazurek, insisted that Morawiecki All Armenians Karekin II at the Mother See of Holy By Monika Scislowska prime ministers agreed to work “told the truth that is difficult for the Etchmiadzin. At the end of the Armenian Lebanese together to soothe the intense feel- Israeli side to accept.” high level talks at the Presidential Palace. ings in both their countries. “There is no need to apologize for WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s In a sign of the tension between the telling the truth,” Mazurek said. prime minister said Sunday, February two nations, someone painted black In his tweets Sunday, Morawiecki Transliterated Letters 18, that dialogue with Israel about swastikas, expletives and the word sought to elaborate on what he was the Holocaust is necessary and would “murderer” on the entrance to trying to say. Demonstrate False serve as a warning to prevent such Poland’s Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israeli “The Holocaust, the genocide of Jews Portrayal of Armenians “exceptionally terrifying” crimes from police said Sunday. They have committed by Nazi Germans was an happening again. launched an investigation. extremely terrifying crime. In these ter- ISTANBUL (Armenpress) — As result of studying Mateusz Morawiecki tweeted his Morawiecki made the criticized rible times, there were individuals transliterated (Turkish written in Armenian letters) thoughts after a telephone conversa- comment as he was responding to an among all nations, who were ready to letters, Turkish historian Sukru Ilicak showed that tion with Israeli Prime Minister Israeli journalist’s question about the make gestures of the greatest mercy,” the official Turkish historiography doesn’t reflect Benjamin Netanyahu. The call was new Polish law, which criminalizes the Polish prime minister said. the true picture about Armenians who lived in the prompted by a comment the Polish falsely blaming Poles for Holocaust “And unfortunately, there were also Ottoman Empire, Gazeteduvar reports. politician made that equated Polish crimes that were committed by Nazi individuals, who by collaborating with Ilicak researched the family letters belonging to collaborators in the Holocaust to Germany during its occupation of Nazi Germans, showed the darkest the Kojayan family from Kayseri. The letters were alleged “Jewish perpetrators.” Poland. The journalist said his par- side of human nature,” he wrote. written in Turkish, but in Armenian letters. “The The remark, given Saturday at the ents’ families were reported to the Earlier in the day, Morawiecki official Turkish historiography depicts Armenians as Munich Security Conference, reignit- Nazis by Polish neighbors and asked spokeswoman Joanna Kopcinska said monsters with weapons in their hands who swore an ed a weeks-long diplomatic dispute if he would be charged if he had relat- the prime minister’s response to the oath to kill Turks, who were rising against the state. over Poland’s new law prohibiting ed the story in Poland. journalist’s question was “by no The official historiography says that Armenians are some statements about the “Of course it’s not going to be pun- means intended to deny the guilty for what happened to them. The study of these Holocaust. The law reflects the cur- ishable, not going to be seen as crim- Holocaust.” letters however, shows that this is false and that rent Polish government’s approach to inal, to say that there were Polish per- The spokesman for Polish President Armenians are real people in real life, they also get World War II history, which focuses petrators, as there were Jewish perpe- Andrzej Duda said the strong reac- ill, love, hate, get concerned over collecting food sup- on Poland’s suffering and heroism. trators, as there were Russian perpe- tion in Israel “should not be ignored” plies for the winter, make efforts for giving their chil- “Dialogue about this most difficult trators, as there were Ukrainian, not but also attributed it partly to inter- dren education and repaying debts,” he said. history is necessary, as a warning. We only German perpetrators,” nal political tensions in that country. Harutyun Kojayan and his son Karapet left for the will conduct such dialogue with Morawiecki said in response. The spokesman, Krzysztof Lapinski, US in 1912-1913 to work and later returned home . Israel,” Morawiecki wrote on Twitter. The president of the World Jewish said Morawiecki’s reply was in The Kojayans maintained correspondence with their Jewish leaders in Israel and else- Congress, Ronald S. Lauder, issued a Poland’s interest and meant to family members back in their village. In 1915 the where condemned Morawiecki’s com- statement demanding an “immediate explain the new law. correspondence stopped, and it wasn’t until 1918 ment as anti-Semitic. Sunday’s tele- retraction and apology” from Poland. Poland’s government says the law is when they received a letter again, notifying them phone conversation was the second Lauder said that putting Jews in the needed to protect Poland from being that their entire family has been massacred. The let- one that Morawiecki and Netanyahu same category as the other nationali- slandered for crimes committed by ters were discovered when the US-based descendants had in three weeks in connection to ties was “nothing short of an attempt Nazi Germans that took place during of the Kojayan family began to be interested in their the new law. to falsify history that rings of the very the 1939-45 occupation and to make roots. Netanyahu’s office said he told worst forms of anti-Semitism and the wartime suffering of Poles clear to Morawiecki that “a comparison Holocaust obfuscation.” the world. Poland lost six million citi- between the activities of Poles and The spokeswoman for Poland’s con- zens during the war, half of them the activities of Jews during the servative ruling party, Beata Jews. S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL Turkey Releases Reporter for Top German Lawmaker in Security German Newspaper, Jails Row with Turkey at Munich Meeting Three Others for Life BERLIN/MUNICH (Reuters) — A row broke out on Sunday, February 18, between a leading German politician of Turkish origin and Turkey’s delegation at the Munich ISTANUBL (Reuters) — A German reporter release “shows that talks aren’t futile.” Security Conference, with the lawmaker being given police protection after what he detained in Turkey for more than a year was But she noted that others, including several said was a tense encounter with Turkish bodyguards. released from jail pending trial, even as six other Germans, remain in Turkish custody. Cem Ozdemir, co-leader of Germany’s ecologist Greens until late last month and a journalists and newspaper employees were sen- “We know that there are other, perhaps not so critic of Turkish President tenced Friday to life imprisonment by a Turkish prominent, cases of people that are in Turkish Recep Tayyip Erdogan, court. jails and we hope they’ll enjoy a quick legal said he was given protec- Deniz Yucel, a correspondent for the German process and the rule of law too,” she said. tion at the conference daily Die Welt, was detained as part of a Turkish Turkey’s state-run news agency reported that a after police told him government clampdown on civil society in the court ruled Yucel should be set free pending a Turkish security, staying wake of a failed coup attempt in 2016. trial, after approving a prosecutor’s indictment in the same hotel, had The 44-year-old, who has both German and seeking between four and 18 years in prison for accused him of being a Turkish citizenship, was arrested in Istanbul on the journalist for “engaging in terrorist propa- “terrorist.” Feb. 14, 2017, on terrorism and propaganda ganda” and “inciting public hatred and enmity.” “(The police) told me charges that he denies. His case and that of five Mathias Doepfner, the chairman of Die Welt’s there was a problem with other German citizens still held in Turkey for publisher Axel Springer, said the company was Turkish security, that they had pointed out that a terrorist, or a member of a terrorist organization, was staying (in the hotel) — so me,” Ozdemir told reporters after returning to Berlin. He said that when he checked into his Munich hotel on Friday, Turkish bodyguards had cast ner- vous looks and pointed at him. On Saturday morn- ing, a group of officers from the Bavarian police Cem Ozdemir were outside his door to protect him, he said. Munich police said in a statement they gave protection to a number of people at the conference, including Ozdemir, but could not confirm what Turkish delegates may have Deniz Yucel after being released from prison said about him. Welt am Sonntag newspaper reported that the Turkish delegation to the conference was staying at the same hotel as Ozdemir. what Germany considers political reasons badly “endlessly relieved that Deniz Yucel can finally be Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu adamantly denied that Ozdemir had soured relations between the two countries. free after more than a year in detention.” He been targeted in any way, and accused the former leader of the environmental Greens German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed added that the case underlined the importance of party of trying to disrupt German-Turkish relations. his release Friday, saying she was happy for Yucel press freedom and the need to continually defend “This is not true. It’s fabricated,” Cavusoglu told reporters on the sidelines of the and his family “who had to endure a very difficult it. annual conference. “This is outrageous.” year of separation.” Turkey’s official Anadolu Agency reported that He said he had checked with Turkish security whether anyone had been identified A picture tweeted by lawyer Veysal Ok showed a court in Istanbul sentenced six journalists and as a possible terrorist, adding: “They said, ‘no, it’s not true’.” Yucel outside jail embracing his wife. newspaper employees accused of involvement in Cavusoglu said Ozdemir had played up the issue because he was “losing ground” at Germany’s foreign minister later told reporters a 2016 coup attempt to life prison terms Friday. home, adding: “I think that’s why he did it – to be more visible, to (get) some atten- that Yucel was on his way to an Istanbul airport They include Ahmet Altan, the former editor-in- tion.” and can “freely leave Turkey.” chief of Taraf newspaper, his brother, journalist The episode came after a Turkish court freed a German-Turkish journalist on Friday Minister Sigmar Gabriel said the court and academic Mehmet Altan, and prominent jour- pending trial after indicting him for alleged security offences - a move which promised appeared to have set no conditions on Yucel’s nalist Nazli Ilicak. to lead to an easing of tensions between the NATO allies. release, and insisted it didn’t result from any kind The journalists were accused of links to U.S.- Ozdemir last year called Erdogan “a hostage-taker” after Ankara detained two fur- of deal between Berlin and Ankara. based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom ther German citizens, taking the total then to 12. “I can assure you there were no agreements, no Turkey blames for the July 15, 2016, failed coup. Greens lawmaker Claudia Roth told Reuters: “It is clear what the problem in Turkey quid pro quo and no — as some people call it — Gulen denies the accusation. is, and that is that anyone who dares to criticize Erdogan’s politics is immediately deal in this case,” Gabriel said. The defendants were charged with attempts branded a terrorist. If Cem Ozdemir is a terrorist, then I am probably one as well.” Merkel, who met Thursday with Turkish Prime against Turkey’s constitution and membership in Minister Binali Yildirim, said the reporter’s a terror organization.

War of Words over Karabakh Turkey Summons Dutch Chargé BERLIN, from page 1 Yerevan, Armenia’s southeastern Syunik tual “return of Azerbaijanis to their historical Sargsyan thanked Jafarov for the question province and the area around Lake Sevan lands.” D’Affaires before saying that Azerbaijani’s leadership when he addressed a pre-election congress of Aliyev has repeatedly made similar state- needed to “sober up” and “give up on their his Yeni Azerbaycan party on Thursday. That, ments in the past. In 2014, for instance, he SUMMONS, from page 1 unrealistic expectations” concerning Nagorno- he said, is a “strategic goal” of his regime. stated that Baku will eventually gain control The proposals by the conservative Karabakh. Armenia condemned the statement, with of not only Karabakh but also parts of the “fas- Christian Union Party are due to be debat- “You want to live freely. I assure you, the President Serzh Sargsyan saying it shows that cist” Armenian state which he said had been ed in parliament in the coming weeks. people of Karabakh want to live freely, too,” Baku is not committed to a compromise solu- created on “historic Azerbaijani lands.” (Reports from Dutchnews.nl and Sargsyan said. “They want to live in their his- tion to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Russian, US and French mediators may Reuters were used in this story.) torical land.” “Reports about Azerbaijani President Ilham have referred to the Azerbaijani leader’s latest He defended a 1991 referendum in Nagorno- Aliyev’s speech at a congress of the ruling claim when they urged the parties to the Karabakh to secede from Azerbaijan as a “civ- party have certainly been seen in Moscow,” Karabakh conflict to avoid “inflammatory ilized” and legitimate expression of popular the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, statements” after wrapping up their latest will, adding that no one can “break the will of Maria Zakharova, said on Thursday, February regional tour on February 11. the Armenian people.” 15. “We are well aware that Azerbaijan’s rela- Aliyev will be seeking a fourth term in office During a speech at the UN General tions with neighboring Armenia are extremely in a snap presidential election slated for April Assembly in September, Sargsyan accused tense. The comment in question will clearly 11. The ballot will be held two days after Azerbaijan of committing “a number of war not help to reduce the tensions.” Sargsyan completes his second and final pres- crimes” against civilians and “prisoners of The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry rejected idential term. Sargsyan is tipped to become war” in 2016. the Russian criticism on Friday. A ministry prime minister immediately after Armenia is Days prior to this incident, Azerbaijan’s spokesman, Hikmet Hajiyev, said it runs count transformed into a parliamentary republic President Ilham Aliyev again publicly declared to Russia’s “strategic partnership” with later in April. that Yerevan and other parts of Armenia are Azerbaijan. Aliyev and Sargsyan pledged to intensify the “historic Azerbaijani lands,” but was criticized Hajiyev was quoted by Azerbaijani media Karabakh peace process when they last met in by Russian officials. saying that Aliyev did not lay any territorial Geneva in October. Their foreign ministers Aliyev pledged to “return Azerbaijanis” to claims to Armenia and only spoke of an even- held follow-up talks in December and January. 6 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Philadelphia Celebration Nick Pittman, Peace To Honor Armenian Corps Volunteer in Assembly Trustees Peter And Irene Vosbikian Armenia, Speaks at WASHINGTON – The Armenian NAASR Assembly of America has announced an evening of celebration in honor of two of its guiding figures, Peter and By Judith Saryan Irene Vosbikian on Saturday, April 28, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The evening’s entertain- BELMONT, Mass. — It wasn’t just the ment will feature Kevork Artinian and Armenian delicacies Nick Pittman tasted at his his Band. friend Laura Zarougian’s house while growing Peter Vosbikian was on the Board of up in Cambridge that led him to consider Directors from 2000 to 2006 and Armenia for his Peace Corps service, but they served as chairman in 2002 and 2003. definitely came to mind. It was also the chal- He was on the Board of Trustees and lenge of learning a new language and alphabet the Executive Committee from 2007 and discovering a new part of the world, as he through 2009. During his Detroit Armenian musicians donated their time to the Nor Keghi fundraiser. explained in his talk, “Grassroots Development Chairmanship, Vosbikian encouraged in Rural Armenia: Challenges, opportunities, more delegations of public policy mak- and Lessons Learned,” as part of the National ers and mission trips to visit Armenia Association for Armenian Studies and Research and Artsakh, especially for young (NAASR) and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Armenian Americans. He was motivat- Kef Time Keghi III Series on Contemporary Armenian Issues, held ed to expand the Assembly’s govern- at NAASR on January 18. ment relations team and increase par- Most people don’t realize that Peace Corps ticipation at advocacy conferences to Benefits Kindergarten volunteers can now express a preference for build a stronger, better-informed and where they want to serve and apply for an open- active grassroots network. ing. A graduate in economics from Reed “Having served alongside Peter on In Nor Keghi, Armenia College, Pittman arrived in Armenia in spring the Assembly’s Board, we are espe- cially proud to honor Peter and his wife Irene for their life-time commit- DETROIT — A project to benefit school children in Nor Keghi, Armenia was ment to the Armenian people. The launched just days after four years of spirited community work to fund class- Assembly is fortunate to have had the room renovations achieved this past December by the Nor Keghi Association, benefit of their passion, dedication, an organization of Detroit Armenians who and generosity throughout the years,” trace their roots to the old Keghi province in Assembly Co-Chairs Anthony By Mitch Kehetian Turkish occupied Western Armenia. Barsamian and Van Krikorian stated. The project’s successful funding goal was “We look forward to honoring this topped at Kef Time Keghi III as more than wonderful couple and family in 300 Armenians dined on the legendary staple Pagharch grain meal Keghetzis Philadelphia later this year,” they in the ancestral homeland survived on during the freezing winter months that added. swept through the mountainous Keghi region. Peter and Irene are both avid phil- An elated Richard Norsigian, president of the Nor Keghi Association, said “We anthropists, and are strong support- topped our fund-raising goal because the Keghetzi community and friends from ers of the Armenian Sisters Academy all four Metro Detroit Armenian Churches as well as compatriots from through- out the United States joined our effort,” adding “the association’s board remained dedicated to achieve success — and we did.” The attending clergy from the four Churches opened the evening program with a prayer of blessing for the project’s success. The initial project was to renovate the multipurpose room at the Arakelyan Kindergarten in Nor Keghi, Armenia, for use by the students as well as by the Nick Pittman at NAASR parents and community for various activities. The renovation also includes the immediate order of new 2016 and jumped into intense language and auditorium-type chairs, work training. audiovisual equipment, After a stint in Sarnaghpyur, he settled in and a piano. The renovat- Margahovit in Lori Province in northern ed multipurpose room Armenia as a community and youth develop- will serve the needs of the ment volunteer and worked closely with a small current 30 students and grassroots NGO that focuses on youth empow- the 30 additional kinder- erment. There are a total of 70 Peace Corps garten-age children now Volunteers in Armenia, all of whom work in Peter and Irene Vosbikian waiting for enrollment. rural areas or secondary cities such as Gyumri Norsigian visited Nor and Vanadzor, Pittman explained. Roughly one Keghi last fall to confer in Radnor, PA, located in a suburb of third are youth and NGO development volun- with local and state offi- teers, and two thirds teach English as a Foreign Philadelphia. cials on the needs for the Members of the organizing commit- Language (TEFL) volunteers. school improvements. He After the mandatory three-month home stay tee include Assembly Board Members The Pagharch is brought into the salon. said other improvements after training, most volunteers move into their Alex Karapetian and Bianka Kadian in the project also include Dodov, and Celeste Ayjian, Jake Der own housing and work with local partners to hallways, doors and stair- develop and implement projects. Peace Corps Hagopian and Silva Santerian. well repairs. “We look forward to reconnecting Volunteers are welcomed in rural Armenia since In addition, the Nor Keghi Association’s project will be monitored until its they increase opportunities for personal with the Philadelphia community, as completion by the Paros Foundation, which is headquartered in Berkeley, Calif., well as throughout the tri-state area advancement by bringing valuable skills, such and maintains field offices in Armenia. as English-language education and organiza- and beyond. As an Armenian Norsigian also praised local and state officials in Armenia for welcoming the Assembly intern alumnus, I am excit- tional training. Young people in these commu- support of the project by “Armenians with a DNA link to historic Keghi and now nities are eager to get a good education and ed to gather everyone for an enter- embracing Nor Keghi.” The naming of Nor Keghi formally known as Pazmavan taining evening where we can enjoy participate in programs the Peace Corps offers was proclaimed on February 12, 1962. in conjunction with local organizations. Many the accomplishments of the Assembly. As Kef Time Keghi III was winding down after an evening of singing and danc- It is an honor to work alongside such of these enrichment programs emphasize cre- ing, the 28 Detroit Armenian musicians who had donated their services and had ative thinking, including the English-language a great group of people on the Host been taking turns to provide music throughout the night at St. John Armenian Committee for what promises to be an writing contest held each year called “Write Church Cultural Hall all took to the stage together to put on a musical show On.” unforgettable night,” Karapetian said. that rocked the hall as throngs of young celebrants cheered while taking pic- To learn more about the Pittman emphasized that Armenia is rich in tures with their cell phones. human resources although limited in financial Philadelphia Celebration, visit the see KEGHI, page 7 Armenian Assembly of America or physical resources. The lack of paying jobs Facebook Page. for villagers across the rural landscape often leads to seasonal migration to Russia. see PITTMAN, page 7 S A T U R D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenia Fund USA Launches ‘Generations Society’

PARAMUS, N.J. — Armenia Fund USA guests the opportunity to learn about Armenia Fund USA’s offices to engage in which offers medical training seminars. announced recently the launch of its new Armenia Fund’s projects in Armenia and conversation, read from newspapers and “We would like to educate the community “Generations Society,” an initiative with the Artsakh, while expanding their networks. books in our library and meet new friends or about our mission and programs and invite dual objective of familiarizing the public with Geared toward all generations and ages, reconnect with old ones,” said Executive them to join us, while also creating a chance the projects of the non-profit humanitarian “Generations Society” will have both an Director Lisa Stepanian. “Our space here is for everyone to come together,” said organization and to open its doors in an afternoon session, which will serve coffee not only to learn about Armenia Fund pro- Stepanian. effort to create a community of collaboration and stimulating conversation, and an evening jects, but to also discuss current events and During the “Generations Society” dates, and networking. get together featuring live music, wine and what’s happening here in our community and which will be held every third Thursday of The first gathering, slated for Thursday, cheese. in our homeland.” the month, community members will receive March 15, in its Paramus offices, will give “I want to welcome our community to In recent years, Armenia Fund USA has an overview of the work being done while spearheaded projects in connecting with the Armenia Fund USA net- the fields of medicine, work and the greater Armenian community education, housing and in order to cultivate relationships to benefit infrastructure. Among their professional and personal lives. the accomplishments is The program will rotate monthly with a dif- the complete reconstruc- ferent agenda, ranging from lectures to cul- tion of the Tchaikovsky tural activities to mentoring programs, with Music School in Yerevan, its main focus on strengthening community where more than 600 stu- both in the Diaspora and in the homeland. dents are enrolled to The first session of “Generations Society” study music and earn a will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the quality education; second from 7 to 9 p.m. at Armenia Fund Martuni Regional USA offices, 594 Valley Health Plaza. Hospital, which provides Jazz singer Mariam Vardanyan, a graduate medical care for over of the Tchaikovsky Music School and Yerevan 25,000 Armenians in the State Conservatory, will sing selections from Martuni Region of her repertoire at the evening gathering on Artsakh; Arstakh March 15. (www.youtube.com/watch?v=U- Housing Project that 2SbojwHdM) No RSVP necessary. Free park- accommodates shelter for ing available. the neediest families and For more information visit www.armenia- Guests gather at the Armenia Fund USA offices in Paramus, NJ during a recent event. the HyeBridge fundusa.org/ Telemedicine program, -Taleen Babayan Dr. Hayk Demoyan to Discuss Modern Identity and Memory Politics Of the Armenian World AT NAASR

BELMONT, Mass. — Dr. Hayk Demoyan will ‘Homeland.’ At the same time, the institutional- give a talk titled “Between Realism and ization of Artsakh as a separate political entity, Mythology: Modern Identity and Memory contrary to the initial policies of unification and Politics of the Armenian World” on Thursday, merging, as well as the development of parallel March 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the National diasporas, create further challenges. Association for Armenian Studies and Research Demoyan is the director of the Armenian (NAASR) Center, 395 Concord Ave. The pro- Genocide Museum-Institute in Yerevan, gram is sponsored by the NAASR / Calouste Armenia, a position he has held since 2006. In Gulbenkian Foundation Lecture Series on 2017-18 he is a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the Contemporary Armenian Issues and is open to Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies the public. at Harvard University. He is the author of 12 In this presentation Demoyan will analyze books, including The Armenian Genocide: Front and discuss modern aspects of identity and Page Coverage in the World Media (2014, in memory politics in Post-Soviet Armenia and the Armenian, English, Russian, and French), Armenian Diaspora, taking particular note of Foreign Policy of Turkey and Karabakh Conflict the manipulation and instrumentalization of (2013, in Russian), Armenian Sport and history and historical markers — old and new Gymnastics in the Ottoman Empire (2009, in symbols, heroes, historical events, etc., — as well Armenian) and Western Media Coverage of the as their reinterpretation and (mis)representa- Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict in 1988-1990 (2008, tion. in English), as well as some 40 academic arti- For a long time such questions were consid- cles. ered as taboo within the official rhetoric of both For more information about this program, Hayk Demoyan the Armenian state and some diasporan circles, contact NAASR at [email protected]. which tended to downplay existing antagonistic and opposing attitudes and to assert a kind of Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora triple unity. In fact, in different diasporan circles there are contra- Nick Pittman, Peace Corps Volunteer in Armenia, Speaks at NAASR dictory views towards Armenia and its status as PITTMAN, from page 6 ing on mental and emotional health for opportunities to volunteer in Armenia. In In less than a year, Pittman had mas- local girls. The curriculum included yoga, addition to Peace Corps, he described tered one of the biggest challenges — lan- journaling, and seminars focused on team- many ways to volunteer, chief among them Kef Time Keghi III Benefits guage acquisition. Today, he not only building, business development and entre- Armenia Volunteer Corps, which accepts Kindergarten in Nor Keghi speaks Armenian very well, he reads poet- preneurship, artistic and creative expres- people of all ages, and Birthright Armenia. ry in Eastern Armenian and delights in sion and environmental responsibility. An He has also worked in Armenia with US- KEGHI, from page 6 humorous Armenian sayings. A popular important phase of the project is follow up, based nonprofits like the Armenia Tree In saluting the musicians who dedicated their one he shared with the audience was, which includes a monthly club for camp Project. In addition, mentorship programs participation, Norsigian said “The closing with “Don’t die donkey, spring will come,” participants to review what they learned are springing up, including a new all the musicians on stage and the cheering which, depending on tone of voice, can and check in with each other on their Armenian General Benevolent Union crowd easily topped any Super Bowl half time mean what you’d expect, that there is no health, and a monthly seminar at which the (AGBU) program of cooperation between show. Abreek Detroit musicians. We thank you. need to worry, or can mean the exact oppo- participants share skills and practices from the Diaspora and Armenia called Bridges The children of Nor Keghi thank you.” site, that something like the bus you are the camp with other village youth. for CSOs. A review meeting to determine the Nor Keghi waiting for will never come. The Peace Corps has also developed pro- The positive response to the talk at Association’s future role in Armenia will be held Last June, Pittman was one of the lead- grams targeted for boys including TOBE NAASR showed the importance of presen- at a later date by its Board. ers of a project called Border to Border, (Teaching Our Boys Excellence). The tations like this, offering ways for the Whatever that course of direction, the words founded several years ago. Groups of vol- Internet has made communications much Peace Corps in Armenia to connect with of the legendary William Saroyan rang loud unteers, a mix of Peace Corps and local easier for remote villages and can now be the Diaspora and for the Diaspora to learn and clear at Kef Time Keghi III. In a salute to youth, hike across Armenia taking different used to teach organizational skills and col- about connecting directly with Armenia. Armenians for their survival after the Genocide, routes and stopping along the way to teach lect data to evaluate the effectiveness of To learn more about Pittman’s experi- Saroyan etched an everlasting tribute in which classes focused on healthy living to youth. these programs, he said. ences with Peace Corps in Armenia and to he said ... “Go ahead, burn their homes and He and his organization also initiated a Pittman inspired the audience, as was read more of his favorite Armenian sayings churches, send them into the hot burning four-day camp in Margahovit named GLAD, evident during the question-and-answer about donkeys, check out his blog at desert to die but whenever two of them meet Girls Leadership and Development, focus- session, when several people asked about (https://nickinarmenia.wordpress.com/) again see if they won’t pray and sing again.” They did at Kef Time Keghi III. 8 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Armenia Tree Project and Paros Foundation Launch Strategic Partnership in Rind Village

NEW YORK — An enthusiastic crowd of environmental education to the students and Armenia Tree Project (ATP) and Paros create new green spaces around the school Foundation supporters gathered at the pop- for the benefit of the children.” ular Almayass Restaurant in November to The sold out benefit event in New York cre- kick off a strategic partnership. The two ated a terrific environment for socializing organizations are teaming up to improve the and featured the beautiful voice of Hooshere, primary school in Rind, a village in Armenia’s who performed and was one of the lead orga- southern wine region of Vayots Dzor. nizers. Guests were able to bid on several “The central element of this new partner- silent auction items that were donated to ship is capitalizing on the strengths of the benefit the Rind school including items from two organizations,” explains ATP Executive Michael Aram, Eileen Karakashian, Director Jeanmarie Papelian. “Paros has a Tufenkian Artisan Carpets, Zorah Wines,

From left, Anthony Barsamian, Ambassador of Armenia to the United Nations Zohrab Mnatsakanian, Carolyn Mugar, Roger Strauch and Peter Abajian

Strauch. “On behalf of the Paros excel. “Look at their faces. Look at their con- Foundation and ATP, we would like fidence,” he exclaimed while pointing to a to thank the organizing committee photo of them in classroom. “Let’s support composed of Anahid Ugurlayan, these organizations to give these kids the Hooshere Bezdikian, Lisa Sarajian, opportunity to do great things!” and Nicole Vartanian for making this As a result of the generous support of the event such a huge success,” empha- guests, Paros will completely renovate and fur- sized Strauch. “We’re excited about nish the school’s kitchen and cafeteria, which this partnership and hope this pro- will allow the school to prepare hot meals for ject is the first of many in Armenia. the children. ATP is planting more than 550 The hard work and dedication shown trees and shrubs at the site, and introducing its by our committee was instrumental “Plant an Idea, Plant a Tree” environmental in the success of the event and very education curriculum at the school. The tree much appreciated.” planting was initiated the day after the New From left, Hooshere Bezdikian, event co-host, Jason Sohigian, ATP deputy director ,and Anahid Ugurlayan, This project will bring about pos- York benefit event, with the remainder of the event co-host itive improvements for the more work scheduled for 2018. than 1,700 people that call Rind The two organizations will report on the their home. Armenia’s ambassador progress of this project as it proceeds in the proven expertise in renovating schools and World’s First Wines and Simon Ardem. to the United Nations Zohrab Mnatsakanian coming months. To learn more or to support creating a clean, healthy atmosphere for stu- The event was attended by ATP founder delivered a moving appeal, urging people to either organization, visit www.armeniatree.org dents to learn and grow. ATP will provide Carolyn Mugar and Paros founder Roger give the kids of Rind Village a chance to or www.parosfoundation.org

OBITUARY Felice Takakjian-Bedrossian Noted Pianist and Teacher GiragosianF UNERAL H OME James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Mark J. Giragosian LIVERMORE, Calif. — Felice Takakjian- bachelor’s degree in music education from New Funeral Counselors Bedrossian, concert pianist and pedagogue with York University in 1948 and an Artist Diploma 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 a long and distinguished career, died peacefully from New York College of Music in 1949. She www.giragosianfuneralhome.com on February 11 at age 91. Successful debuts at served on the faculty of the New York College Weill Hall in 1949 and Town Hall in 1953 of Music from 1950-1960, of Syracuse launched her on a concert career that took her University from 1960 to 1963, and of Molloy through North America, Central America, College from 1971-1980. Europe, and Japan under Columbia Artists. She She was a champion of contemporary com- Telephone (617) 924-7400 served as Goodwill Ambassador to Germany in posers, and her premieres of piano works of the 1953 and to Japan in 1959, with her recitals Armenian-American composer Alan Hovhaness Aram Bedrosian earned critical acclaim. She also served as one of the organizers of the Funeral Home, Inc. Khachaturian Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Competition in NY, which helped to launch MARION BEDROSIAN the careers of distin- 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN guished, Armenian WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN concert artists. She married in 1960 and continued teach- ing privately in her stu- dio in Freeport, Long Nardolillo Funeral Home Island until her reloca- tion to California with Est. 1906 her husband, Paul, in John K. Najarian, Jr. 2013. Her specialty Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director was teaching piano pedagogy, and her lega- 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 and lecture programs broadcast over Radio cy is felt and continued 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Free Europe and Radio Liberation. by her many piano students. A native of Oceanside, NY, and graduate of She is survived by her husband, Paul, and www.nardolillo.com Oceanside High School in 1944, she earned a son, Peter, of Livermore, CA. S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Rep. Sherman Secures Treasury Secretary Commitment To Pursue US-Armenia Double Tax Treaty

WASHINGTON — US Treasury Secretary action, the Treasury Department would ded- Framework Agreement (TIFA) in 2015, the of a new double tax treaty. Steven Mnuchin, during Congressional tes- icate 28 hours (the number of ANCA has worked closely with a broad A US-Armenia Double Tax Treaty would timony earlier in February before the US Congressional signatures collected to date) range of legislators to encourage the establish a clear legal framework for House Financial Services Committee, to negotiating this agreement. Secretary Department of Treasury to negotiate a new investors and individuals that have business agreed – in response to direct questioning Mnuchin replied in the affirmative, noting: US-Armenia Double Tax Treaty. In activities in both jurisdictions, preventing by Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA) – “Yes, I can commit the 28 hours.” September 2017, the ANCA joined with double taxation and facilitating the expan- to commit Treasury Department officials to “We are grateful for Congressman Paul Korian and Peklar Pilavjian, leading sion of economic relations. It would also pursue a new US-Armenia Double Tax Sherman’s policy expertise and persistence US investors in Yerevan’s Marriott hotel, for help reinforce the friendship of the Treaty, a long-overdue bilateral accord that in securing the support of Secretary a series of Capitol Hill and State American and Armenian peoples, anchoring will remove barriers to the growth of US- Mnuchin for a mutually-beneficial US- Department meetings making the case for Armenia to the West, and providing Yerevan Armenia economic relations, reported the Armenia Double Tax Treaty,” said ANCA an updated compact. Internationally with greater strategic options and indepen- Armenian National Committee of America Chairman Raffi Hamparian. “We look for- renowned Tufenkian Artisan Carpets; dence in dealing with regional powers. (ANCA). ward to the Treasury Department moving Triada Studio, the Armenia-based creator of The US has double tax treaties with many Rep. Sherman was joined by Rep. David forward with this accord, a long-term ANCA the Apple Design Award-winning small countries, including Estonia, Jamaica, Valadao (R-CA) in collecting the priority that will – by removing the threat of Shadowmatic Game; and PicsArt, the Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, and Slovenia. Congressional signatures of their House col- double taxation – eliminate a major barrier Yerevan and San Francisco based makers of Armenia has double tax treaties with many leagues on a letter to Secretary Mnuchin in to the growth of the US-Armenia economic one of the most popular photo-editing, col- advanced countries, including Austria, support of the Tax Treaty. He referenced the partnership.” lage and drawing apps, are among the many Belgium, Canada, China, France, Italy, the legislators in his question to the Secretary, In the wake of the 2015 signing of the firms urging the lifting of barriers to US- Netherlands, Poland, Russia, and the United asking whether, in response to their calls to US-Armenia Trade and Investment Armenia trade through the implementation Kingdom.

Young Offender Unit Opens at Middlesex Jail and House of Correction

BILLERICA, Mass. – The Middlesex Sheriff’s Koutoujian with the Vera Institute of Justice. outcomes for individuals and communities. restoration, and healing,” said Alexandra Frank, Office has formally begun a groundbreaking The MSO is the first local jurisdiction in the “With the launch of this unit, we are reimag- Senior Program Associate at the Vera Institute new initiative designed to reduce recidivism country to engage Vera as part of its Restoring ining corrections,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. of Justice. “Our work through other jurisdic- amongst young adult offenders in the New Promise Initiative, which partners with state “We are pursuing a better, more effective tions participating in Restoring Promise has England’s most populous county. and local corrections agencies to transform liv- approach to the way we deal with the individu- already demonstrated that reimagining the The young offender unit is a result of a col- ing conditions for incarcerated young adults als in this critical population with a goal of not approach to interacting with incarcerated laboration initiated by Sheriff Peter J. across the country in order to produce better just reducing recidivism, but setting these indi- young adults results in sustainable change for viduals on a path to a more successful and ful- people who live and work in prisons and jails, filling life.” as well as their families and communities. We’re The new PACT (People Achieving Change so pleased to build on this and support Together) program is specially designed for indi- Middlesex Jail & House of Corrections as they viduals aged 18- to 24. The name was coined seek to provide meaningful opportunities for by MSO staff members who will work in the young adults to be successful.” unit. The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office also engaged The first group of PACT participants moved Lowell-based UTEC as part of the new initia- into the repurposed space at the Middlesex Jail tive. The MSO and UTEC have been working and House of Correction on February 5, with a together since 2012 to provide reentry support second group expected to move in later this for young adult offenders returning to the month. Programming in the unit will be specif- Greater Lowell area. ically geared towards addressing issues impact- “Research on young adult justice has surged ing young adult offenders. in recent years. The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is As part of a review of the Commonwealth’s the first local jurisdiction to put some of these justice system in 2016, the Council of State findings into action, and we’re glad to bring Governments Justice Center (CSG) found 18-to UTEC’s experience to their unit,” said UTEC 24-year-olds released from Massachusetts cor- Executive Director Gregg Croteau. “This is an rectional facilities have higher recidivism rates important opportunity to innovate for young than older offenders. CSG reported 52percent adults here in Middlesex County, and to estab- of those released from houses of correction and lish a model that can be adapted by other part- 56 percent of those released by the department nerships too.” of correction were re-incarcerated within three In preparation for the unit’s opening, the years. MSO and Vera undertook an exhaustive plan- Nationwide, 18- to 24-year-olds comprise 10 ning and implementation process. The process percent of the population, but account for 21 included data collection, collaborative onsite percent of all individuals admitted to adult pris- research, immersive three-week training for ons each year. Additionally, young adults make staff and visits to the Cheshire Correctional up 28 percent of arrests and people in jail, and Institution – the first department of correction 1 out of 5 people in a prison or jail are between facility to join the Restoring Promise Initiative. the ages of 18-24. “I want to thank our partners for their “With the opening of PACT, Sheriff incredible support and our staff for embracing Koutoujian, Special Sheriff [Shawn] Jenkins, this shift,” said Koutoujian. “We know we’re and the team at the Middlesex Jail and House making history with this initiative, but it’s the of Corrections are transforming the current cor- future we’re focused on – the future of the rectional culture away from punishment and young men in our custody, their families and isolation, and towards equity, accountability, our communities.” 10 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Artsakh Movement Marks 30th Anniversary

er and conductor Karén Hakobyan, who played Sharing his story as a By Taleen Babayan classical and jazz selections from Komitas, Diasporan Armenian on Gershwin and Kapustin. the ground in Artsakh Special to the Mirror-Spectator Serving as the master of ceremonies, Artsakh during the war, Hratch Fund member Alex Sarafian reflected on his Kaprielian, who was ini- experiences in the late 1980s when the move- tially involved in help- SADDLE RIVER, N.J. — The 30th anniversary ment for autonomy began to unfold. Sarafian ing raise funds, spoke of the Artsakh Movement brought together 75 provided a historic sketch of the turbulent about his eye-opening supporters and community activists for a recep- times as protests in Armenia and Artsakh experience in the tion and presentation benefitting the Artsakh gained momentum and the consequential need region. Fund of the Armenian Cultural Association of emerged for weapons, ammunition, vehicles “I first arrived in June America (ACAA), hosted at the home of Greg and fuel during the ensuing war as well as aid 1992 and there were and Meline Toufayan on Sunday, February 11. for the countless refugees, which were funded four of us in a small Organized by the ACAA of New Jersey, the by the greater American-Armenian community. truck,” recalled gathering served as an opportunity to reflect “Whenever we are faced with a dire situation Kaprelian, a business- on the origins of the movement, which emerged or calamity, we man and chairman of have always come the Board of the together to help,” Artsakhbank. “All of a said Sarafian. sudden, we were in a “This is what hap- war.” pened with the During the battles, he A r t s a k h remembered how they Movement when found four brothers and Pianist Karén Hakobyan A m e r i c a n - a grandmother who Armenians from were stranded and all the organiza- despite the gunfire and road closures, they said it was a “time of major cooperation.” tions and from all found a way to safely arrive in Stepanakert. “There is no question the people in Artsakh corners of the “That was the day we lost Martakert and lost truly benefited by the work done here by all world helped the many of our men,” he continued solemnly, refer- these organizations and groups to help build cause.” ring to the Azeri capture of the largest town in infrastructure,” said Sarajian. “That’s why we Setting the the region on July 4, 1992. “I said I would are here to continue that work.” tone for the rather die here than anywhere else.” Zaven Khanjian, chairman of the Armenian evening, Sarafian Richard Sarajian recalled how quickly the Missionary Association of America, recounted a noted that the American-Armenian community mobilized humanitarian trip to Armenia when for the first evening’s speak- upon learning about the first demonstrations in time he heard, through the radio, that the ers “will share Stepanakert and the subsequent pogroms Parliament in Stepanakert had declared union Hratch Kaprielian stories today that against Armenians in Sumgait. between Artsakh and Armenia. have become part “In 1988 there was no Internet, no cell “It was a moment of reckoning and really of our oral histo- phones, no email blasts,” said Sarajian, former made an impression on my mind,” he said. on February 13, 1988 during the first demon- ry.” ARF Eastern Region Central Committee Chair. Along with the AMAA, he soon entered strations in Stepanakert that called for the In his welcoming remarks, community leader “But in less than 24 hours of the first pogrom, Artsakh in the early 1990s with humanitarian majority Armenian-populated lands to be trans- James Sahagian, active with the Artsakh Fund we began demonstrations at the Soviet Mission aid and started camps, schools and after-school ferred to the jurisdiction of the Soviet Republic and a member of ARF Dro Gomideh, said that in New York City.” centers. He recalled one momentous day when of Armenia. Over the last three decades, funds over the past 30 years, “there has been a con- He observed the unity of the churches and the roads were closed in Martakert and were raised not only for the war with tinuation of our national aspiration to live inde- organizations that came together for demon- Gandzasar so they had to take an alternative Azerbaijan in the 1990s but to continue pro- pendently and to live freely.” strations, numbering up to 3,000 people out- route through the mountainous roads and vil- viding aid to citizens, particularly in the border Sahagian also elaborated on the importance side the Soviet Mission to pass on messages to lages. villages. of advancing towards the mission of “surviving then-leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail “Nowhere in my life had I seen such beauti- The program opened with a cocktail hour and thriving, economically, politically and mili- Gorbachev. With the onset of the tragic earth- ful nature,” said Khanjian. and a musical performance by pianist, compos- tarily.” quake in Armenia a few months later, Sarajian “We have a free and independent Artsakh and our top priority as a nation should be to sustain the people and populate the land,” said Khanjian. “A safe and secure Artsakh is a safe and secure Armenia.” ‘The Last Inhabitant’ Comes to New Jersey Reporting from Artsakh as a freelance jour- nalist during the war, Antranig Kasbarian spoke SCREENING, from page 1 the event, Avetisyan shared the latest devel- different communities, there has been back- about the effects of the Artsakh Movement on along with the support of multiple Armenian opments of the film, including its recent lash from the Azeris, who “have done their the Armenian community, for him personally, community organizations, introduced the acceptance into the Shanghai Film Festival. best to create obstacles and try to discredit and for the Armenian nation. filmmaker, who was present, and remarked on The universal themes of family and friend- myself and the cast,” said Avetisyan. The cast, As the editor of the Armenian Weekly in the the importance of the evening’s film as the ships appeal to all people, noted Avetisyan, he said, which is made up of an international 1990s, Kasbarian spent nights translating news Armenian community reflects on the 30th who elaborated on the friendship of the two background of Greek, Persian, Lithuanian that arrived from Armenia’s news agency but he anniversary of the Nagorno-Karabakh move- main characters, one Armenian and one actors, “are part of our cause and are on the wanted to become more immersed in the cause. ment. Azeri, who have been longtime friends in the right side of justice.” “I was accustomed to being active from afar,” “This is a special film and a special anniver- village of Khachmach (in Nagorno-Karabakh’s All of Avetisyan’s films center on Nagorno- said Kasbarian, “But I really thirsted for on-the- sary,” said Araz. “Thirty years ago the Askeran region). As the Armenian-Azeri war Karabakh, his birthplace, including his spot involvement.” Nagorno-Karabakh movement was launched escalates in the early 1990s, the Azeri tries to upcoming “Gateway to Heaven,” which That thirst led him to Artsakh for periods of on the world stage capturing everyone’s help his Armenian friend and his sick daugh- received support from the evening’s ticket time between 1990 and 1993. attention and served as a watershed moment ter, who was abused by Azeri soldiers, escape proceeds. His previous films include “Broken Kasbarian remarked that up to the late for the Armenian nation.” their village and find safety. Childhood” and “Tevanik,” the latter screened 1980s, the community was divided along politi- Araz thanked the co-sponsoring organiza- “Regardless of their religion or color, you at St. Leon three years ago. cal and church lines, but Artsakh was “one of tions and highlighted the work of each, par- see two human beings and their similar mis- Born in Khachmach, where “The Last the instrumental moments to bring our com- ticularly the Armenian Wounded Heroes sion,” said Avetisyan. “What they want to do Inhabitant” was filmed, Avetisyan’s family munity together.” Fund, which provides first aid kits for the sol- is save the life of this girl so there is a humane moved to Gyumri when his father was “We finally got beyond the labels and got to diers who defend Nagorno-Karabakh, noting element in the film.” appointed head of a textile factory there. At know each other and realized what brings us that half the deaths that occurred during the He pointed out “as much as you try to the age of 7, he and his family experienced the together is stronger than what divides us,” said four-day war in April 2016 could have been destroy and kill the enemy, you may also need tragic earthquake there. Their mother badly Kasbarian, a trustee of the Tufenkian avoided if they had had proper medical kits. him for preservation.” Throughout the film, injured, they returned to Nagorno-Karabakh Foundation. He also touched upon the work of the both men turn to each other to give comfort in 1989, but the war began soon after. He emphasized the significance of lending Naregatsi Art Institute and Tufenkian and assistance to one another. “He lived in basements to find haven from aid not only during times of crises but to also Foundation in Nagorno-Karabakh, illustrat- Remarking on the friendship during a com- the bombs,” said Hartounian. “These trau- focus on long-range development work, which ing Diasporan support in the conflicted plex time in Armenian-Azeri relations, matic experiences had an incredible impact on ACAA has been working on during peacetime. region. Hartounian highlighted Avetisyan’s ability to the filmmaker and are deeply rooted within “There is a need for wounded soldiers, dem- Following the screening of the film (in “tap into the Azeri psyche,” revealing another him.” ining and safeguarding the liberated territories, Armenian, with English subtitles) which dimension to the film. A reception followed the discussion and which are the most historically ancient brought to life the atrocities of war and ethnic While the story doesn’t conclude with a gave guests the opportunity to share in con- Armenian lands,” said Kasbarian, noting that cleansing, a discussion took place where definitive ending, Avetisyan said it’s “left up to versation about the film. Co-sponsors of the there are fourth-century Armenian churches in guests interacted with the director and your imagination and interpretation” but did event included St. Leon Church, the the Lachin Corridor, which provides a passage explored the nuances and layers of the film. say that there is “nothing coincidental” in the Tufenkian Foundation, SR Socially Relevant between Armenia and Artsakh. “Without the Nareg Hartounian, founder of the Naregatsi film. Film Festival, AGBU Ararat, the Armenian Lachin Corridor, Artsakh becomes an island.” Art Institute and a long-time supporter of “The Last Inhabitant” has been shown in Wounded Heroes Fund, the Naregatsi Art Kasbarian spoke about the current efforts Avetisyan’s work, served as the translator. various countries, including Iran, Lebanon, Institute, the Daughters of Vartan being made to resettle and develop the strate- After thanking everyone in attendance Italy, Sweden and Greece, among others. Sahaganoush Otyag and the Knights of gic borderlands of Artsakh, which “require mas- along with the organizers and supporters of While it has been received positively in many Vartan Bakradouny Lodge. sive investment in resettlement and economic development so it can never be given back or negotiated again.” S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Sevan Bıçakçı Documentary Movie presented in Washington, DC.

WASHINGTON — On February 19, The DC ater actor, placed Sevan under the apprentice- Independent Film Festival presented the documen- ship of Hovsep Catak in the Grand Bazaar of tary “Sevan The Craftsman” at the Carnegie Istanbul. After serving four years of apprentice- Institution of Science. A small number of local ship, his master died. However, he had learned Armenians attended the screening of the movie. a great deal about jewelry design and crafts- The film presents the life of Sevan Bıçakçı, an manship. He then opened a workshop in order Armenian jeweler, from his early days as an to serve bigger manufacturers as a freelance apprentice to receiving international awards jewel designer. He worked on his first collection from Honk Kong to London and Las Vegas. for a year before unveiling it in the global mar- Of Armenian descent, Bıçakçı was born in ket in 2002. 1972 in Istanbul, Turkey. His nickname is “the His jewelry designs reflect the Byzantine and King of Rings.” Ottoman styles. Some of Bıçakçı’s famous clien- At the age of 12, his father, who was a the- tele include Catherine Zeta-Jones, Elizabeth

Sevan Bıçakçı with one of his fans, Brooke Shields

Hurley, Celine Dion, Liv Tyler, Mariah Carey, ceptualizing each design, they are made with Brooke Shields, Angie Harmon, Kim Raver, impossibly perfect, minute details balanced with Halle Berry, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, vast beauty. Each piece of his jewelry is a col- Michelle Monaghan and Tory Burch. laboration of painters, calligraphers, engravers, Michelangelo once said, “I saw the angel in micro-mosaic masters, sculptors, and gem set- the marble and I carved until I set him free.” ters. The documentary is produced and direct- From left, Vartiter Marashlian, Alice Ors, Hrip Sivaslian, St. Mary Armenian Church Parish Council This is the other-worldly gift of Sevan Bıçakçı. ed by Umran Safter, who was present and President Onnig Sivaslian, Rakel Chubuk, director Umran Safter, Kevork Marashlian, Sona He creates an alternate universe in each one of answered audience questions. Bakirci,Clara Andonian and Shenny Fahrali his precisely, intricately and exquisitely hand- made rings, bracelets and pendants. After con- Queens Woman Arrested for Running Visa Fraud Ring

By Christopher Barca

QUEENS, N.Y. (Queens Chronicle) — A Rego Park woman was indicted earlier in February in federal court for allegedly running a visa fraud scheme in which she smuggled Armenian nationals into the United States, charging them thousands of dollars in the process. According to U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Richard Donoghue, 47- year-old Stella Boyadjian — an Armenian-born, naturalized American citizen — was arraigned on February 14 on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, 10 counts of visa fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, two counts of money laundering and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Two alleged co-conspirators, one from California and the other from Armenia, have also been hit with many of the same charges. According to the complaint against her, Boyadjian and the two other defendants allegedly recruited Armenian nationals and helped them obtain P-3 visas, which allow for- eigners to temporarily travel to the U.S. to per- form, teach or coach as artists or entertainers under a program that is “culturally unique.” None of the people Boyadjian recruited, how- ever, were performers. Instead, she helped obtain fake dance certifi- cates and had them pose for photos in tradi- tional Armenian dance garb to make them appear more legitimate during visa interviews. She also allegedly coached them on how to answer questions that would be posed by immigra- tion officials and created posters of fake Big Apple Music Awards Foundation shows — complete with dates, times and venues — to serve as proof. According to the criminal complaint and her LinkedIn page, Boyadjian is the CEO of BAMAF, a nonprofit Central Asian cultural per- formance and talent promotion organization founded in 2010 and based in Queens. In return for her services, Boyadjian alleged- ly charged each recruit between $3,000 and $15,000, in addition to charging extra fees when it came time to extend the fraudulently obtained visas. Donoghue’s office did not announce how much prison time she is facing. 12 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

SPONSOR A TEACHER IN ARMENIA AND ARTSAKH

Since its inception in 2001, TCA Sponsor A Teacher Program has raised $642,900 and reached out to 6,427 teachers and school workers in Armenia and Karabakh. These are the donors for the year 2017, Donation from Canada are in Canadian dollars.

Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian Fresno CA $25.00 TCA Detroit Chapter Bloomfield Hills MI $2,000.00 George & Hasmig Mandossian Burbank CA $200.00 Robert Ajemian Fund-Mr. Detroit, MI $2,500.00 Hagop & Sylvia Nazarian Ranc Palos Verdes CA $200.00 Peter Sarkseian Berjouhie Long Fresno CA $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Herman Hintiryan Oak Park MI $500.00 Dr. Berjouhi Koukeyan Duarte CA $200.00 Suzanne Hagopian West Bloomfield MI $200.00 Zaven P. Berberian LaCanada Flt CA $200.00 Michael Avsharian Ann Arbor MI $25.00 Alice S. Mazmanian Pasadena CA $160.00 Evereg Fenesse Educational Society Novi MI $800.00 Jack & Eva Kalfayan San Mateo CA $100.00 Knights of Vartan Farmington Hills MI $600.00 Krekor Tchakian Canoga Park CA $200.00 Arsen Terjimanian Polytherm Varoujan & Elizabeth Gostanian Woodland Hills CA $50.00 Testing & Cons. Clawson MI $200.00 Sona Minakian La Mirada CA $100.00 Noreen Masropian Howell MI $500.00 Vahe & Roozan Varteressian/ Emma Sogoian Bloomfield Hills MI $200.00 Avanessian Pacific Palisades CA $200.00 Sarah Dergazarian Midland MI $400.00 Luther & Arda Derian Los Angeles CA $200.00 Kathryn Ossian Pleasant Rdg. MI $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Leon Yengoyan San Jose CA $200.00 James Derian Oxford MI $150.00 Alexander & Deborah Grigorian Ranc Palos Verdes CA $100.00 Mr. & Mrs. Howard Atesian Bloomfield Hills MI $500.00 Rosemond & Arthur Muncheryan San Francisco CA $200.00 Margaret Aranosian Gattis Concord NH $500.00 Dennis & Mary Papazian San Jose CA $100.00 Nazik & Oski Sesetyan Paramus NJ $200.00 Alec & Zovi Ekmekji Los Angeles CA $100.00 Denis & Anne Orlando Freehold NJ $200.00 Kevork & Silva Keushkerian Pasadena CA $400.00 Martha & Richard Saraydarian Englewood Cliffs NJ $160.00 Ronald Nazeley Los Angeles CA $400.00 Jane Gahanian Hastings Wayne NJ $50.00 Sunday School ACHR Newington CT $200.00 Mary I. Gueyikian Marlboro NJ $200.00 Alice A. Norsigian Wethersfield CT $200.00 Nurhan & Victoria Becidyan Paramus NJ $200.00 Alice A. Norsigian Wethersfield CT $200.00 Hagop Vartivarian Englewood NJ $160.00 Mary Abrahamian New Britain CT $200.00 Mark & Christine Badach Wyckoff NJ $200.00 Mathew & Lisa Natcharian Avon CT $200.00 Raffi & Sossy Shekookian Tinton Falls NJ $200.00 Margarethe R. Mashikian Pomfret Center CT $500.00 Raffi Allaverdi Hackensack NJ $200.00 Michael Ohanian Pompano Beach FL $1,000.00 Dr. J.A. Gulekjian Englewood Cliffs NJ $200.00 Berj A. Gueyikian Lincolnwood IL $200.00 Dr. Lucy B. Borke-Adams Medford NJ $400.00 Zabelle N. Vartanian Belleville IL $50.00 Armen & BrendaShahinian Franklin Lakes NJ $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Giragosian Homer Glen IL $25.00 Lucy V.Soovajian Union City NJ $250.00 Mariam Tatosian Evanston IL $200.00 Ara & Rose Akian Belleville NJ $100.00 Anna Marie Norehad Glenview IL $200.00 Hagop Isnar Haworth NJ $100.00 Heratch O. Doumanian Chicago IL $400.00 Sonia Hachigian Schenectady NY $100.00 Dennis A. Corrigan Arlington Hts. IL $400.00 Robert Mihran Mooradian Troy NY $320.00 Karen Demirdjian Skokie IL $400.00 Nayda Voskerijian New Hyde Park NY $100.00 Alice Madanyan Palos Heights IL $175.00 Robert Mihran Mooradian Troy NY $400.00 Vahe Derian Bloomingdale IL $200.00 Joyce Haroutunian Sea Cliff NY $100.00 Ara & Sonya Hacet Prospect KY $1,000.00 Alice Emirzayan-Costes Staten Island NY $600.00 Mel & Judy Menasian Methuen MA $150.00 Fr. Karekin Kasparian White Plains NY $200.00 Sonia Iskandarian Watertown MA $200.00 J. Mardirossian White Plains NY $100.00 Anoush Y. Balian West Newton MA $200.00 Z. Ken Derian Huntington Station NY $150.00 Dr. & Mrs. Charles Garabedian Shrewsbury MA $300.00 Michael & Michelle Norehad Bay Village OH $1,000.00 Varoujan & Elizabeth Ganjian Belmont MA $200.00 Alice Karabian Philadelphia PA $25.00 David Boyajian Belmont MA $20.00 Hrant & Arlene Jilozian Broomall PA $200.00 Jack & Eva Medzorian Winchester MA $100.00 Mayis & Jemiq Seapan Landenberg PA $200.00 Vahe & Anni Bedian Ashburnham MA $200.00 Jacob & Ruth Harpootian East Providence RI $200.00 James Kalustian Arlington MA $200.00 Robert Ouloosian & Family Cranston RI $100.00 Lucie A. Aghdamlian Arlington MA $200.00 Zohrab & Arpine Tcholakian Houston TX $200.00 Ozcan Jewelers Inc. Boston MA $200.00 Sirop & Maro Bedrosian Houston TX $400.00 Mary I. Omartian Springfield MA $100.00 Karekin Jelalian Vienna VA $320.00 Mariam Kochakian Methuen MA $200.00 Rita Balian Arlington VA $250.00 Carolyn F. & Paul A. 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White Lawrence MA $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Hratch & Annie Torikian (Montreal) $160 Harry & Hripsime Parsekian Watertown MA $400.00 Mr. & Mrs. Avedis and Sima Bahlawanian (Montreal) $160 Dr. & Mrs. Nishan Goudsouzian Winchester MA $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Avedis and Arsho Djihanian (Montreal) $160 Jean Shapazian Waltham MA $100.00 Mrs. Sonia Boulos (Montreal) $160 Anonymous Waltham MA $60.00 Mr. Hovhannes Boyadjian (Montreal) $160 Ted Touloukian S. BostonMA $200.00 Mrs. Aida Baghjajian (Montreal) $160 Mary Omartian Springfield MA $160.00 Mrs. Luisa Fazliyan (Montreal) $160 Sonia Iskandarian Watertown MA $200.00 Mrs. Nina Arabian (Montreal) $160 Peter & Charleen Onanian Weston MA $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Kevork Tutundjian (Toronto) $160 Michael & Kathleen Casey Andover MA $10.00 Mr. & Mrs. Vahran and Rakel Salibian (Toronto) $160 Herman & LauraPurutyan Concord MA $100.00 Dr. Isabelle Basmadjian (Toronto) $160 Emma Sogoian Bloomfild Hts. MI $200.00 Mrs. Suzanne Benlian (Toronto) $160 Diana Lee Khachaturian Farmington Hills MI $400.00 Miss Taline Baltayan (Toronto) $160 Armenian Renaissance Association Walled Lake MI $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Gary & Alice Armen (Vancouver) $160 13 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living New Volume by Taner Ara Sarafian Akçam Focuses on Armenian Genocide To Speak about ‘Smoking Gun’ Vasbouragan WORCESTER — For more than a century, Turkey has denied a role in organizing the Armenian Genocide. Book In his new book, Killing Orders: Talat Pasha’s FRESNO — Ara Sarafian, director of the Telegrams and the Armenian Genocide, Turkish London-based Gomidas Institute, will present historian and Clark University’s Prof. Taner a lecture titled “Van 1915: The Great Events Akçam, has identified the “smoking gun” proving of Vasbouragan” on Friday, February 23, at Turkey’s involvement in organizing the Armenian 7:30 p.m., in the University Business Center, Genocide. While decades of scholarly research has Alice Peters Auditorium, Room 191. The pre- decisively established the systematic annihilation sentation is part of the Spring Lecture Series of Armenians, the scarcity of direct evidence has of the Armenian Studies Program. The Leon allowed the Turkish government to persist in its S. Peters Foundation is a co-sponsor of the denial up until now. event. Akçam uncovered the original telegram from Van 1915: The Great Events of the trials, in an archive held by the Armenian Vasbouragan is the most detailed report on Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Until recently, the what happened to Armenians in the Ottoman smoking gun was missing. The story begins in province of Van in 1915. It was published in 1915 in an office in the Turkish city of Yerevan in 1917 and remains one of the most Erzurum, when a high-level official of the important works ever published on the Ottoman Empire punched out a telegram in Armenian Genocide. A-Do [Hovhannes Ter secret code to a colleague in the field, asking for Martirosian] personally interviewed eye-wit- details about the deportations and killings of nesses, described key incidents in harrowing Armenians in eastern Anatolia, the easternmost details, and gave a sober analysis of what had part of contemporary Turkey. happened. He pinpointed April 16, 1915 as Later, a deciphered copy of the telegram helped the beginning of genocidal attacks against convict the official, Behaeddin Shakir, for plan- Armenians. ning what scholars have long acknowledged and However, A-Do also related how Armenians Turkey has long denied: the organized killing of were not passive victims and defended them- up to 1.5 million Armenians by the leaders of the Author Tasoula Hadjitofi selves in many places, most notably in the city collapsing Ottoman Empire, an atrocity widely of Van and Shadakh. Much of this book is a recognized as the 20th century’s first genocide. blow by blow account of the actual fighting Akçam is an internationally recognized human that took place. rights activist and was one of the first Turkish A-Do’s report also covered the formation intellectuals to acknowledge and openly discuss Author Traces Theft of the Armenian Genocide. Akçam, described as “the Sherlock Holmes of Armenian Genocide” in a New York Times article Christian Art in Cyprus in in April 2017, made these landmark discoveries in a private archive. He argues that the documents Wake of Turkish Invasion he has uncovered remove a cornerstone from the denialist edifice, and definitively prove the his- NEW YORK — A nation’s cultural cleansing is a destruction of its history, a toricity of the Armenian Genocide. “rape of its culture,” stated Tasoula Hadjitofi, on Friday, February 2, to an over- “Successive Turkish governments have gone to flow crowd at the Zohrab Information Center of the Armenian Diocese. great lengths to ensure that evidence of the intent Hadjitofi was born in Famagusta, Cyprus, now occupied by Turkish forces for to extinguish the Armenian people could not be more than four decades, related her spine-tingling story of orchestrating one of the located,” said Akçam. “These findings are ‘an most riveting European art trafficking earthquake in the field of genocide studies.’ They stings since World War II. She has will make it impossible for the Turkish By Florence Avakian meticulously detailed her engrossing Government to continue to deny the Armenian 40-year detective work in her newly Genocide.” released book, The Icon Hunter: A Dirk Moses of the University of Sydney, Refugee’s Quest to Reclaim Her Nation’s Stolen Heritage. Australia, says the book is “essential reading for The art sleuth was introduced by Zohrab Center executive director, the Very all those interested in Genocide and Human Rev. Daniel Findikyan who called her book “a memoir of entry into the interna- Rights Studies.” tional art trafficking of icon antiquities from the monuments and monasteries of Akçam holds the Robert Aram and Marianne Cyprus, belonging especially to the Orthodox Christians.” These precious relics, Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar Chair many which were disfigured and partially destroyed, have now been restored and in Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark’s Strassler returned to Cyprus, including a priceless 14th-century Armenian manuscript Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. An gospel. Ara Sarafian internationally recognized human rights The author used a Power Point demonstration to illustrate what she called the activist, Akçam was one of the first Turkish intel- “most beautiful island in the Mediterranean — Cyprus.” She emotionally related lectuals to acknowledge and openly discuss the how she, at the age of 14, and Armenian Genocide. He has lectured widely and of a provisional Armenian government dur- her family, were forced to flee in ing the Russian occupation of this region, published numerous articles and books, translat- 1974 when Turkey invaded and ed into many languages. as well as the great exodus of Armenians to occupied 40 percent of the the Caucasus when the Russians withdrew. His previous book, The Young Turks’ Crime island, including her “beloved” Against Humanity: The Armenian Genocide and In his presentation at Fresno State, histori- home city of Famagusta. an Sarafian will introduce A-Do’s work in its Ethnic Cleansing in the Ottoman Empire (2012), “I woke up to the sound of was co-winner of the Middle East Studies broader historiographical context, before planes roaring, and bombs focusing on some of the critical details at Association’s Albert Hourani Book Award and exploding,” she related. “Many one of ForeignAffairs.com’s “Best Books on the hand. His presentation will include pho- of my classmates were raped tographs, maps, and diagrams that bring A- Middle East.” and killed. During the invasion, Akçam’s many honors include the Hrant Dink Do’s work alive. my mother was kneeling and Sarafian is an Armenian historian specializ- Spirit of Freedom and Justice Medal from praying for three days. I saw war the Organization of Istanbul Armenians and the ing in the late Ottoman Empire and modern through the eyes of a child. Turkey. He was a founding director of the Hrant Dink Freedom Award from the Armenian Bar Where was the United Nations? Association (both in 2015); the ‘Heroes of Justice Gomidas Institute and is its current director. Where were the British and the He has edited and written critical introduc- and Truth’ awarded at the Armenian Genocide Greeks who had once occupied Centennial commemoration in May 2015. The tions to several of the institute’s publications. the island? Where were the Van 1915: The Great Events of Diocese of the Armenian Church of America American cowboys?” (Eastern) recognized him as a Friend of the Vasbouragan will be available for sale at the She went to England, work- presentation. Armenians in 2016. In May, he will receive the 2018 ing to pay for her studies, and Outstanding Upstander Award from the World The lecture is free and open to the public. eventually became a successful Free parking is available in Fresno State Lots Without Genocide organization. see HUNTER, page 15 Killing Orders: Talat Pasha’s Telegrams and the P6 and P5. Armenian Genocide, was published by Palgrave For more information about the lecture Macmillan. visit www.fresnostate.edu/armenianstudies. 14 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Barbara Erysian’s Movie Tells Story of Armenian Genocide, Grandmother’s Survival

creation was a challenge, fulfilling the dramatic “Who Will Remember” hit its first snag, so experience on a film set was watching the reen- By Andrew Westrope needs of a screenplay without compromising the Erysian suggested making a short film — a proof- actment of a murder, found it eye-opening. reality of the story that inspired her in the first of-concept to persuade investors to pay for a fea- “It’s a lot of fun, but sad to watch at the same place. She also wanted to respect why the story ture. Freedman and Erysian had budgeted the time, because it really happened,” she said. “I feel AUBURN, Calif. (Auburn Journal) — Barbara resonates without leaning too hard on timeli- feature version at $14 million, but a 15-minute like more people need to know what really hap- Erysian has lived with the story since before she ness. short they could finance themselves for about pened back then … how many people got killed, was 10 years old. “There’s a lot of animosity still between the $13,000. how women were treated, the kids, the men.” She doesn’t remember the first time she heard Turkish people and the Armenians, because to it, but the details — a man buried alive, children this day the Turkish government denies that Write Global, Shoot Local Lessons from History orphaned and starving, a global migration to there was a genocide,” she said. “It was impor- To assemble the crew Max Freedman tapped One of the ironies of Alice Zerahian’s story is escape the extermination of 1.5 million fellow tant to me through this process to not make it Stephen Chollet, a two-time Emmy Award-win- that she lived into her 90s, got Alzheimer’s dis- Armenians — never left her. political — to genuinely make it just her story.” ning video producer in Chico who then recruited ease and forgot everything in the end. But she Erysian, a Granite Bay resident, heard the most of the talent behind the camera. survived the genocide to tell the tale, and her story from her grandmother Alice Zerahian The Pitch Chollet has done a little of everything, from granddaughter has spent much of the past four many times growing up. It was autobiographical, Every summer, writers descend on The Great independent films and shorts to documentaries, years contemplating why it’s so important to and always ended with a plea: “Tell your children. American PitchFest in Los Angeles to woo pro- commercials and corporate videos. But besides remember. Tell your children’s children. Never forget.” ducers and investors with their dream projects. It being an opportunity for work, he said, the pro- “This movie is told from the perspective of a Now 55, Erysian knows she is descended from was there that Barbara Erysian saw her window. ject intrigued him. It was a learning exercise, as young girl and her little brother who survived, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, in which Having spent the better part of two years on writ- he didn’t know much about the history of the and I keep asking myself two questions: one is, the Ottoman Empire targeted a religious minori- ing and research, she flew to Los Angeles in Armenian Genocide, and he liked that it was a why did she survive, or how did she survive that ty for annihilation by executions, death marches 2015 with a completed draft. dramatic short film with a documentary quality genocide … and why me?” she said. “Why do I and other brutal tactics between 1914 and 1923. The title was simple: “Who Will Remember.” to it, like recreating history. feel so compelled … to tell this story?” Taking her grandmother’s plea to heart, she has The pitch was quick, by necessity, limited to “It’s a true family story, and we’re bringing A diminutive figure at 5’1”, perhaps Erysian launched into a years-long process of turning about five minutes. The audience each time was that to life,” he said. “(It’s about) bringing some relates to her grandmother in that respect. At Alice Zerahian’s story into a movie. tired, having listened to who-knows-how-many awareness to that — as the name of the film says, least she marvels at the girl’s mettle in surviving love stories and pipe dreams that day. But where ‘Who Will Remember.’ I think it’s an important what millions of others did not. But Erysian Old terror, new headlines seven producers passed, an eighth, Max project.” never really found the answer to “why me,” save Alice Zerahian immigrated from Armenia to Freedman, had a vision. Unable to shoot across the globe due to bud- a few spiritual insights that amounted to, “It Massachusetts in the early 1920s and then “I work intuitively, so I was struck positively get constraints, Freedman, Chollet and their doesn’t really matter.” Though she’s not a screen- moved to Fresno, where Erysian remembers about it. I heard probably 50 or 60 five-minute crew found what they needed in and around writer, or “Hollywood,” or even fluent in spending time with her on holidays and week- pitches that day,” Freedman said. “I saw Barbara Erysian’s home in Granite Bay. They recruited Armenian, she believes an important story was long summer visits. As a math professor at Sierra approach my table with her grandmother behind actors from Los Angeles, the Bay Area and handed to her by her grandmother, and she’s College since 2004, Erysian hadn’t had much her, which was impossible since her grandmoth- Merced, shooting nine scenes in two days at doing something with it. occasion to revisit her grandmother’s story until er had long ago deceased, but I could visualize three locations in January 2018: in Erysian’s She hopes to see the short film completed by she saw TV reports of ISIS activity in 2013, and her grandmother … (Barbara) just said really house, at Folsom State Park (the north shore April 24, in time for a premiere at the Capital it stirred something in her memory. clearly to me what the story was, and I instantly can pass for a desert, as Erysian pointed out), Christian Center’s commemoration of the geno- “I felt that people should know somehow, and got it. It just clicked. For whatever reason, it was and on an impromptu set in La Belle Vie in Old cide. understand, this persecution is not a new thing somewhat magical, I think.” Town Roseville. “When 1.5 million people are killed for the rea- — that this has been going on in that region for More than just a producer, Freedman, 73, is a They also consulted Armenian members of His son (of) their particular culture, religion or eth- a very long time,” she said. “As a child I did not Los Angeles-based filmmaker who makes his House Ministries Armenian Church in Rancho nicity, and killed in violent and barbaric ways, I even understand what (my grandmother) was own movies through MFM Productions, the pro- Cordova to be sure the costumes, props and don’t think that it’s good as a human race for us telling me, but she would tell me the story repeat- ducing arm of his filmmaking and publishing other details were accurate. The church gave a to ignore those events or deny that they hap- edly, and it laid on my heart. Four years ago, I company. Instantly sold by Erysian’s pitch in blessing for the project on Jan. 7, and members pened,” Erysian said. “I think people should just realized that (sharing it) was something I 2015, he spent most of the ensuing two and a were present for some of the filming. Lusine know about those events, so we can learn from needed to do.” half years refining Erysian’s original script. Aleksanyan, a member of the church whose first them.” Hoping to reach the widest possible audience “The first thing I did was read the script, and and being skeptical that a book would do it, she I was amazed that someone who teaches math set about writing a screenplay. Erysian had never for a profession for 30 years could achieve such attempted such a thing before, so she started poignancy the first time out,” he said. Belmont Public Schools’ Asadoorian researching in earnest — not only history, but Eventually the script scored a rare “recom- screenwriting and storytelling. mend” rating from Slated, a professional script- Around her grandmother’s story she had to analysis company, as opposed to “consider” or Honored for Arts Programs populate an entire world of missionaries, sup- “pass.” BELMONT, Mass. (Belmont Citizen-Herald) — Belmont Public Schools’ Director of Visual porting characters, soldiers and antagonists with The next step was to budget and raise money and Performing Arts Arto Asadoorian was honored with an Award of Excellence by the their own backgrounds and struggles. The act of for the project. As with most films, that’s where Belmont Council on Aging on January 25. The award recognizes Asadoorian for the intergenera- By Joanna Tzouvelis tional programs his department’s staff and stu- dents have organized for seniors throughout the year such as parent/teacher chorus and Balakian to Go on Lecture Tour in US parent/teacher band, the Belmont High School Jazz Collective concert, BHS Madrigal Singers caroling, the BHS Chamber orchestra and the Senior Dance. NEW YORK — Starting with his reading and “It’s a real honor to accept the recognition on behalf of the work that our department talk at the University of Kansas on Thursday does, the teachers and students do. It’s gratifying to know that it’s appreciated when we February 23, Pulitzer prize winning poet Peter send students to the Beech Street Center to perform,” said Asadoorian. Balakian will be reading, lecturing, and meet- He said it is beneficial for students as well to be part of the intergenerational programs. ing with students at colleges and universities Superintendent John Phelan, Town and libraries in the coming months. Balakian’s Administrator Patrice Garvin and other appearances include Georgia College, the Selectman Adam Dash were present for Associated Writer’s Programs Convention in the award ceremony. Phelan thanked Tampa, San Jose State University, Bucknell Asadoorian’s wife and two children University, Worcester State University, and the because he knows how much Arto is Katonah (NY) Poetry Series. out of the house for these programs. The following is a list of his appearances: “Your dad’s a big deal. Thank you for February 23: University of Kansas, Hall sharing your ‘big deal’ dad with the Center, 7:30 p.m. whole town,” he said. March 7: Georgia College, 11 a.m. Poetry Asadoorian is a saxophonist, wood- Reading; keynote lecture 5 p.m. wind specialist and composer. He grew March 8-9: AWP, Tampa Convention Center, up Shrewsbury but visited Belmont March 8, 3:15; March 9, Noon often while growing up because his April 5: Bucknell University, Janet Weis mother is from Belmont and his grand- Endowed, reading, 7 p.m., Stadler Center parents lived in Belmont. He recalls April 12: San Jose State University, Reading, being a young musician sitting next to Hammer Theatre, 7 p.m., older players. April 26: Worcester State University, lecture “As a young musician you feel like a and reading, 11:30 a.m. hot shot when you’re playing, then you June 3: Katonah (NY) Poetry Series, Katonah Peter Balakian sit next to an 85-year-old saxophonist Library, 4 p.m. reading who has been practicing for 60 years Balakian is the author of many books includ- and realize you keep getting better at it Arto Asadoorian (Belmont Citizen-Herald photo) ing the Pulitzer Prize winning Ozone Journal, Constance H. Rebar Professor of the the longer you do it,” he said. and Black Dog of Fate, winner of the Humanities in the department of English at PEN/Albrand Award. He is the Donald M and Colgate University. S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Knights Organize Youth Festivity with Recipe Elie Berberian on Eve of Times Square FORT LEE, N.J. — Hundreds of Armenian- American youth will gather once again in a show Corner of solidarity on the eve of the Times Square Armenian Genocide Commemoration for a remembrance event held on Saturday, April 21, at by Christine Vartanian Datian City Perch here. Singer Elie Berberian will make a special appearance. This annual event, sponsored by the Knights Eggplant Appetizer with Garlic Tahini and Mint and Daughters of Vartan, is now in its fourth year and unites Armenian youth and young profes- sionals from the New York metro area to observe INGREDIENTS the Armenian Genocide and also have a chance 1 large eggplant, washed, cut into 1/4 inch slices to network and spend time with their fellow 3-4 tablespoons tahini Armenian peers. 4 cloves garlic, mashed “As the next generation we need to make sure 1 1/2 cups plain white or Greek yogurt (more to taste) we have a strong presence every year in Times 1/2 medium cucumber, chopped or diced Square to commemorate the Armenian 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint Genocide,” said Jirair Khorozian, a member of Juice of 2 large lemons (more to taste) the Knights of Vartan. “By hosting this event the Sea or Kosher salt, red pepper, black pepper, and dried herbs to taste day before the commemoration, we’re able to Olive oil spread the word and gain enthusiasm for all of us Finely chopped tomatoes, green onions and flat-leaf parsley as garnish Elie Berberian Chopped fresh basil and mint as garnish to be present in Times Square.” Olives, lemon wedges, roasted peppers, Armenian lavosh or pita bread, and sliced An integral member of that next generation is cheese Elie Berberian, who has succeeded in connecting with his generation of Armenian youth while also oration on Sunday, April 22, 2018 from 2 pm to PREPARATION: honoring the musical traditions of the past. 4 pm in Times Square, where noted politicians Lightly brush eggplant slices with olive oil and choice of dried herbs. Grill for 5 Berberian himself encourages all Armenians to and elected officials will pay tribute to the mar- minutes on each side until eggplant is cooked and skin is charred or bake in a 400 play a part in their cultural preservation. tyrs of the Armenian Genocide and also speak of degree oven until eggplant is browned and tender. Remove eggplant fårom grill or “Every nation outside of its roots is suffering,” recent developments regarding recognition. oven and set aside. said Berberian in a recent interview. “There has “We are fortunate to inherit such meaningful In a blender or food processor, combine the tahini, garlic, yogurt, cucumber, to be more effort. Instead of saying “it’s dark,” and influential events such as the Times Square mint, lemon juice, salt, red pepper, and black pepper with some olive oil until light a cultural candle in your house. Wherever Commemoration,” said committee member ingredients are smooth. Adjust seasonings, adding more lemon juice or olive oil to you walk, let flowers bloom.” Taleen Babayan. “It’s our duty now to show gain the taste and consistency desired. The evening will feature music, drinks and food strength in numbers and come together in har- Chop or mash eggplant slices, add to the blender or food processor, and blend along with camaraderie and dialogue. The mony and conviction.” until ingredients are well mixed. Add more lemon juice, olive oil, or salt to taste. Knights and Daughters of Vartan, an interna- The event will be 8 p.m. to midnight at City Cover and chill for 1-2 hours before serving or serve at room temperature. tional organization that has been sponsoring the Perch (2023 Hudson Street). Visit 100yearsand- Place eggplant mixture in a bowl and top with chopped tomatoes, green onions, Times Square Commemoration in New York City beyond.eventbrite.com for tickets and more infor- and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil, if desired. Serve with olives, lemon wedges, since 1985, welcomes the attendance of all mation. roasted peppers, Armenian lavosh, pita bread, sliced cheese, and chopped fresh Armenians at the youth event and the commem- -Taleen Babayan basil and mint. Serves 4-6. *Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee newspaper, Sunset magazine, Cooking Light magazine, and at http://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/

Celebrants from last year’s event.

Author Traces Theft of Christian Art in Cyprus in Wake of Turkish Invasion

HUNTER, from page 13 trip to Cyprus. “I used my cultural heritage as entrepreneur, and started a family. Her life’s my right to go home. I walked into the crystal work of becoming the “art Sherlock” was just clear sea to see my city, now destroyed and beginning. During the Turkish occupation of empty, even though Turkish soldiers were Cyprus, hundreds of churches were desecrated pointing guns at me. I shed all my 40 years into and destroyed, and thousands of religious icons that water.” were stolen, sold or destroyed. Greek place Hadjitofi and her assistant Dr. Marina names were changed. Mkhitarian have established the “Walk of “In every war, there is the pillaging of histo- Truth” non-governmental organization, in ry of a country or region. Greed, power and efforts to continue the work of tracking down money dominate. It has been so from the earli- and preventing the art smugglers, war profi- est times of mankind and it continues today,” teers and terrorists who today are continuing to she said. “There is no greater loss than one’s steal countless cultural from artifacts from vul- culture,” she stated. “Every penny that I have nerable war-torn countries, including Syria, earned is to be used to chase, find and retrieve Iraq, Afghanistan, and several African nations. the icons around the world.” “The Walk of Truth gives me a platform to During her intensive work, she worked close- continue the idea that culture can be what con- ly with Archbishop Chrysostomos I of the nects us, not what divides us. The cultural his- Orthodox Church of Cyprus, as well as Dutch tory of the world belongs to each of us which is art dealers, Canadian sellers and German detec- why we must all contribute to protect it,” she tives and police, at times forced to play “cat and declared with emphasis. mouse.” She was targeted by art traffickers. At the reception following her presentation, Fearing for herself and her family’s life, she attendees lined up to have the author sign her finally had to pay for private security. book. All proceeds from the sale of “The Icon The four-decades-long journey finally all cul- Hunter” will benefit the Walk of Truth NGO minated in the dramatic and climactic arrest of which raises awareness and rallies govern- Turkish art trafficker Aydin Dikmen by ments, political figures, museums, and cultural Interpol, leading to the recovery of $60 million organizations in stopping art trafficking and of stolen icons and other treasures from protecting cultural heritage in war torn coun- Cyprus, and from around the world. tries and areas of conflict. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK During a robust question-and-answer session, The Icon Hunter: A Refugee’s Quest to the speaker detailed more of the history of Reclaim Her Nation’s Stolen Heritage is avail- Cyprus, and emotionally spoke of her return able on Amazon. 16 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Exile and Waiting Transformed into Film Through the Work of Tamara Stepanyan

STEPANYAN, from page 1 have said that it is long and slow, but that is Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, the title short fiction narrative shot completely in a In the beginning, it was quite difficult. Aside the voyage to which I am inviting you. It is as character Edmond Dantès is framed for a train. She intended it to be a meditation on from the issue of languages, she said, “All my if I give you my hand and say, ‘come, do you crime he did not commit and unjustly sen- lost love. friends were asking, are you Tashnag [adherent want to accompany me on the street.’ Every tenced to prison in the Chateau d’If, an island Stepanyan said that of her work so far, this of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation]? film has its own rhythm. I also follow my own fortress from which no political prisoner could film “is the most special to me, I think, Are you Hnchag [adherent of the Social interior rhythm because I am a very instinctu- escape. Stepanyan explained that this visit was because the process was so insanely interest- Democratic Hnchagian Party]? I said, what the al person.” her idea. In the Soviet Armenian education ing. It was not at all a classical way of writing hell is that? I am just Armenian. They asked me, She said that though this film was about system, it was obligatory to read this novel (in a film. It was a lot of thinking, experimenting, are you Homenetmen or Homenmen Armenians, it was not only about Armenians, translation). So all the Armenians were inter- trying, talking, doing, writing, erasing, and the [Armenian sport associations affiliated respec- but about what is happening in the world ested in this prison and Stepanyan arranged process, I shot over four nights int eh train, tively with the two aforementioned political par- today. And it is not only about the refugee cri- the visit when she had a team of cameramen and, I don’t know…it was a way for me to ties]? I answered, I don’t know. They said, oh, sis, but, she said, “really to approach from the ready (normally she prefers to film alone, breathe. I was going through a very difficult you are Homenmen then; you are a traitor…I interior the human feeling of what it means to using digital equipment). time in my personal life.” In the end, she said, remember I went home crying.” wait. How do we wait? In this waiting, what do Much of the dialogue is in Armenian, as the “I felt I had come out of an expedition to the It was not all bad. She said, “There were also we lose? What do we gain?” refugees often remain with each other. North Pole, or something as unique.” nice kids who were supportive and She said that she does not intent to explain, Funding for the film came from the region The film also opened a lot of new paths for helpful…This kind of openness to other cul- but rather to give an opening to create some around Marseille, and the region in the south her. She explained, “First of all, because of this tures, religion, race made me somebody who I civility about what is happening in the world. where her producer comes from. Though film, I met my husband. And secondly, in am. I gained a lot. My trips, my searching [for] She said that it is not so much about giving a Stepanyan works in France, she is also is still Armenia, I won an Oscar for the best short, homes, because something that is important message to the world, but rather about sensi- considered a filmmaker of the Arab world and in a way, it was my way to enter the cine- for me is to establish home where I am. I real- matographic world.” ize that I was 11-years-old when I lost my Stepanyan is working on two new projects. home. Since then, I am searching for a new “The things I see, I read, I hear…lead to docu- one. I guess I can say I found it here.” mentary ideas,” she said. One is a film on a far- Stepanyan grew up surrounded by art, as her away village in Armenia, and the effects of sea- parents were both artists, and her mother a cel- sonal emigration. The other fictional narra- list. Her mother’s cousin or “uncle,” Edgar tive, she said, “is about how much we know Baghdasaryan, himself a filmmaker, provided the person we love, and how far we can know her first introduction to cinema. Stepanyan the person we love.” It too is connected with said, “I was 6 years old when he made a film Armenia, as a voyage film, but it is also about called “Khagher” [Games]. I acted in it. We were death. Both films are French productions, all children and it was a war film. We were all with French producers. warriors, prisoners. … I was really fascinated by Though she generally works alone, she is the ambience — the light, the darkness, the mys- also very loyal to her collaborators. Part of it terious world that cinema could create. The also is, as she said, “I am a control freak.” In moment that he would say silence, and action, her first films, she worked with Cynthia Zaven, he was entering into another dimension, anoth- an Armenian-Lebanese composer who com- er world. I did not want him to say cut, because posed music for her short film “Embers,” her it would become so dull.” first documentary. She said, “I trust the peo- By coincidence, a museum dedicated to film ple I work with. I know what I want. I know director and artist Sergei Parajanov was next Cynthia would do something great.” While door to Stepanyan’s house, and she grew up “Those from the Shore” had ready-made playing in this museum with all the dolls and music from Charles Ives that fit well, but Tamara Stepanyan other objects he had created. At the time, Cynthia also composed for “February 19,” in Stepanyan admitted, she did not know who he which music has an important role. Stepanyan was or his cinema. She went to his funeral at the said, “I had talked with her the whole night age of six because her parents were great admir- tivity. In other words, though there is a political because of her years in Lebanon, and so she about the film. I left in the evening, and in the ers of his. However, Stepanyan said, “In some element in her work, it is not in a direct way. also received funding from Arab sources, morning she came to me and gave me a disk, unconscious way, it had a great effect on me.” Stepanyan first became aware of Armenian including the Doha Film Institute of Qatar. In and said, there is your music.” She had com- She studied communication arts at the refugees in France when she happened to see its turn, the film, she says, is an open one. She posed all through the night. American University of Beirut, with an empha- tent dwellers in Lyon near the train station. placed an Arabic poem in the film, for exam- She said that she has the same relationship sis on radio, television and film, and made sev- She said, “I was very affected. I did not know ple, because it is universal. with her cinematographer, Tamam Hamza, a eral films there, including “The Needle” and that people lived in the streets. In France Aside from Parajanov, Stepanyan’s Syrian who used to live in Armenia but now is “The Last Station.” Trips to participate in the there are a lot of people who are homeless.” Armenian influences include Ardavazt in Canada. Stepanyan said, “Sometimes I Busan International Film Festival in South And when she heard the children speaking Peleshian. She said, “There is something very don’t even tell my cinematographer what I Korea in 2007, and in the Den Danske Armenian, she said, it was so painful. She said, Armenian in me. At the same time, there is want — he just knows.” Her producer brought Filmskole exchange program in Denmark in “I needed to find out why these people were something very international. I moved so him from Canada to France to work with her, 2012 had an important effect on her. there. Then, as the subject grew deeper in me, much and grew up in so many cultures and and she will ask for him again in Armenia, as In Beirut Stepanyan was studying fiction I needed to know how they endure it.” languages and literatures.” well as for Cynthia and her editor. Stepanyan narrative in the classic sense, but friends per- She went to Marseille to shoot the film, and However, at present, Stepanyan said, “I am said, “It is a family, and this relation, this is a suaded her to go to the documentary film pro- some organizations there helped connect her very sad to say that I don’t think there is an value for the film. It is teamwork.” gram in Denmark because it was extraordi- with Armenian refugee families. For her, she Armenian school of filmmaking. If there is, I Making films is more a passion than a job for nary. She said, “It is true that it changed my said, “The beauty of documentary filmmaking am very sad to say that it is very poor and Stepanyan. Musing, she said, “For me, cinema life… it really changed me because there I is a kind of dialogue created between me and mediocre, though there are some very talent- is almost a sacred art form. I look at it as some- understood that cinema is cinema…What is these people. It is something we share for life. ed filmmakers.” When people start to do films, thing very precious and important in my life...It important is to say is that it is something that These relations are constructed and they stay. they leave the country, and there are so few takes time. It takes time, like good cooking, to comes from inside…Look at what is inside you They invited me into their lives and I invited professionals left to teach in Armenia, largely slowly choose the ingredients and cook.” and then think of how you want to express it. them into my life.” because of the low incomes. Boston-area residents can see Stepanyan’s The form will come later.” She filmed for over a year and a half, Stepanyan explained further that “Arts have “Those from the Shore” on Sunday, March 11 Her new film, “Those from the Shore” [in because she said that to understand waiting, a very tiny place in Armenia. If you are a busi- at 3:30 p.m. at the third annual Global Cinema French titled “Ceux de Rivage”] which will be she needed time to observe these people. Her nessman, and have a shop, then you have a Film Festival at the Studio Cinema (376 shown soon in the Boston area, can be con- filmmaking process is based on a lot of impro- good income, and even if you work as a secre- Trapelo Road in Belmont). There is a possibil- sidered one of its fruits. Stepanyan said that visation. She said that she writes a film three tary, you have a better salary than a professor ity that Stepanyan may be present to discuss though it is a documentary, there are fictional times. “First I write the film on paper, then I in a university. It is absurd.” her film in person. elements in it. She said, “I like to explore this write the film through shooting, taking in all Stepanyan says that Armenian themes Award-winning documentarian Raouf Jacob thin line between the two. It is about issues the improvisations, and then I write in edit- remain close to her heart, and she continues explained why the festival chose to show this that bother me, that want to get out. My lan- ing,” she said. She developed this method of to think much about Armenia. She said, “I cry film: “‘Those From The Shore’ is a timely and guage of exploring is cinema.” It is an 84- working on her own. a lot about Armenia. It is my country, my lan- urgent piece that speaks directly to the mil- minute black-and-white film in French and The film has many visual references to the guage, my literature.” Her parents, she felt, lions of immigrants and refugees around the Armenian, which she co-wrote with her hus- sea and to waves. Stepanyan said, “For me, the were the two biggest lovers of Armenia she globe seeking asylum in places near and far. band, Jean-Christophe Ferrari. “Those from sea brought Armenians to Marseille a hundred has ever seen, and now she has transmitted The director uses her lens to create an obser- the Shore” is a slow moving and melancholy years ago after the Genocide. Boats brought this love of Armenia to her daughter, who is vational study of the human condition when documentary portraying the travails of a Armenians to Marseille. For me, today, the sea four years old, she said. “Films,” she we are forced to remain still, as we live group of Armenian immigrants to France. is bringing a lot of immigrants from every- exclaimed, “are my way of remaining in con- between different worlds, between two lives; Tellingly, the only use of color in this dark film where in the world.” This sea is not just blue tact with my homeland. I want to fight for it in moreover, as we live in a hostile world. From a is in a brief section of reverie about the native and lovely. It can, Stepanyan said, turn black my own way. I don’t fight with arms…my arms technical standpoint, ‘Those From The Shore’ villages of some of the immigrants. and deaf. The Armenians who go to the shore are my films.” is a cinematic contribution that showcases the When asked about the tempo and length, are waiting, meditating and expecting. Armenia, Stepanyan said, has been support- ongoing evolution of the documentary form. she responded, “Of course I could have cut A visit by the Armenian refugees to the ive within its means of her work. There is a cin- Carefully composed and beautifully pho- this film down to 60 minutes, but then it Chateau d’If resonates symbolically. In the ema center fund which gave most of the tographed, it is a piece of visual art that sim- would have been massacred...Some people 1844 French adventure novel The Count of money for her prior film, “February 19,” her ply makes us care.” S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

tor of the Women’s Support Center, Armenia. Advance MAY 5 — Saturday, Kentucky Derby Watch Party, Fun MASSACHUSETTS RSVP required Email [email protected]. This and festivities to support Armenia Tree Project, At the ele- fundraising event is sponsored by the Friends of the WSC. gant/historic Gore Place in Waltham. Details to follow MARCH 1 — The Armenian Memorial Church of Donations to the WSC will be made via the Tufenkian MAY 5 — Save the date! Annual Meeting, Armenian Watertown will hold its annual Lenten kufte supper Foundation and are tax-deductible. Learn more at International Women’s Association (AIWA). Details on Thursday evening, at 6:30 p.m. in the church hall. www.womensupportcenter.org. to follow. Contact: [email protected] or 617- Gourmet dinner features the delicious home-made lentil MARCH 18 – Book Presentation by Adrienne G. 926-0171. kufte, salad and Syrian bread. The popular tahine bread, Alexanian, Forced into Genocide, Memoirs of an MAY 11 — Welcome His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme also homemade, will be the dessert. This special dinner Armenian Soldier in the Ottoman Turkish Army, Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, to always attracts a full house. Tickets are $18 for adults Sunday, 12:30 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Celebrate with Rev. Father Mampre A. Kouzouian on the and $10 for children 10 and under, and will be available Hall, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood. at the door or by calling the church office at 617-923- 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. This book is a riveting mem- Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 0498. 32 Bigelow Ave., Watertown. oir of Yervant Edward Alexanian, an eye-witness to the Brattle Street, Cambridge. Hrashapar Service in the MARCH 4 — 2:30 p.m.: Hasmik Khalapyan, “Women’s massacre and dislocation of his family and countrymen in Sanctuary followed by a Celebration in the Charles and Activism During the Western Armenian Renaissance, Ottoman Turkey during WW I, while he served as a con- Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall. Details forthcoming. 1860-1914” at the NAASR Center, Sun., 395 Concord script in the Turkish Army. Reception and Book Signing to APRIL 14 — Saturday, St. James Great Gatsby Gala! A Ave., Belmont, MA. Presented by the Armenian follow Presentation. All are welcome! Log onto Roarin’ 20s Celebration! Live Jazz & Armenian Music, International Women’s Association (AIWA) and the http://www.htaac.org/calendar/event/527/ for further Passed Hors D’oeuvres, Mezza and Dessert Stations and National Association for Armenian Studies & Research information. more. St. James Armenian Church – 465 Mt. Auburn (NAASR). The program is open to the public. MARCH 22 — 7:30 p.m.: Siobhan Nash-Marshall, “The Street, Watertown, 8 p.m., Tickets $100. Purchase online Contact: [email protected] or 617-489-1610. Sins of the Fathers: Turkish Denialism and the at www.stjameswatertown.org or MARCH 8 — 7:30 p.m.: Hayk Demoyan, “Between Armenian Genocide,” Thursday, at the NAASR contact [email protected]. Realism and Mythology: Modern Identity and Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont. The program is open Memory Politics of the Armenian World,” Thursday, at to the public. Contact: [email protected] or 617-489-1610. WASHINGTON, DC the NAASR Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont,. The pro- MARCH 23 — Sirusho - Live For the First Time In gram is sponsored by the NAASR / Calouste Gulbenkian Boston! Friday. A World Music Award MARCH 16 — The Cultural Committee of the Sts. Sahag & Foundation Lecture Series on Contemporary Armenian nominee, Sirusho combines Armenian traditional instru- Mesrob Armenian Church presents new and exclusive Issues and is open to the public. ments with modern compositions. This is Sirusho’s first screening ARMENIAN FILM FESTIVAL “THE NATION’S Contact: [email protected] or 617-489-1610. concert in Boston and she will perform with SNDC. PAST & PRESENT” Presented in English. In Egavian Cultural MARCH 8-11 —The Global Cinema Film Festival of Sponsored by the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston. Center, 70 Jefferson Street, Providence, RI 02908. Donation Boston (GCFF) announces its 2018 Official Selections. 8 to 10.30 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass. $ 10, Friday, at 7 pm - “Our Yerevan – Capital of Armenia” The 3rd annual global event will be held at the Studio Ave., Boston. For tickets visit www.berklee.edu (Matenadaran, Museums, Cascade, Ani Plaza hotel, modern Cinema, 376 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA. Festival kicks APRIL 11 — A recap on the status of the documentary architecture, Vernisazh,… ) off on March 8, at 6 p.m. with Red Carpet Event and film project “Neighbors in Memory,” accompanied by a screenings until 10 p.m. Film screenings will continue panel of community members shedding light on the state RHODE ISLAND from Friday, March 9, through Sunday, March 11, 2018 of Armenian-Turkish relations as they live and witness it. from 12 to 11 p.m. For info visit @ www.worldwidecine- Wednesday, 7 p.m., Capitol Theatre, 204 Mass. Ave., MARCH 10 — Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Benefit theatrical maframes.com. [email protected] Arlington. Screenings, discussions and refreshments. For presentation for the teachers of Knights of Vartan MARCH 11, 2018 — “Jazz and Art for YerazArt” on more information: [email protected] School in Armenia. Taleen Babayan’s “ Where Is Your Sunday, 5 p.m., at Anoush’ella Saj Kitchen, 35 W Newton APRIL 21 - MAY 13 — Off-Broadway production by Pan Groom? II” At Northern Virginia Community College, St., Boston. More information will follow. Asian Repertory Theatre of Joyce Van Dyke’s play, Annandale Campus, Ernst Community Cultural center, MARCH 13 — Armenian Business Networking (ABN) “Daybreak:” the lyrical story of two Armenian women 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Tickets $30. By Winter Business Networking event, Tuesday, 6:30 friends, survivors from 1915, who are transported with credit card go to paypal.me/DaughtersofVartanUS or call p.m., the Sheraton Commander in Cambridge. Stephen their families into the 21st century future. Starring Takuhi at (301) 219-4041. Demirjian guest speaker from The Achieve Institute Lorraine Serabian as Victoria. Performances at the shares methods on creating greater personal and work Beckett Theatre, 410 W. 42nd St., New York, Tuesdays life success. This event is free of charge. RSVP: armenian- through Sundays; weekend matinees; discount tickets for Calendar items are free. Entries should not be longer [email protected] seniors, students and groups. For tickets and informa- than 5 lines. Listings should include contact information. MARCH 16 — Program to combat domestic violence in tion: Telecharge: www.telecharge.com or call (212) 239- Items will be edited to fit the space, if need be. A photo Armenia, Papken Suni Agoump, 76 Bigelow Ave., 6200. Or contact the theatre: [email protected], may be sent with the listing no later than Mondays Watertown, 7 to 9 p.m. Maro Matosian, executive direc- (212) 868-4030. at noon.

Chilingirian-Bagratuni-Hakobyan Trio to Perform at Fresno State

FRESNO — Violinist Levon Chilingirian of Fresno State, the Thomas A. Kooyumjian a versatile force on the international musical will be joined by cellist Suren Bagratuni and Family Foundation, and the Orpheus scene. Since his Carnegie Hall debut at the pianist Karén Hakobyan in a concert to be Chamber Music Ensemble. age of 17, he has been performing in major held on Friday, March 2 at 8 p.m. in the This concert brings together three of concert halls in Armenia, Argentina, Mexico, Concert Hall on the Fresno State campus. today’s most prominent Armenian musicians: Germany, France, Japan and the United The concert, part of the Philip Lorenz violinist Chilingirian, cellist Bagratuni, and States. Memorial Keyboard Concert Series, is co- pianist/composer Hakobyan. These three col- The trio will perform Haydn’s Trio in C sponsored by the Armenian Studies Program leagues have received international acclaim Major, Hob.XV:27, Beethoven’s Trio in B-flat for their activities as performers, Major, Op. 97 “Archduke” and Babadjanian’s pedagogues, competition jurors, and recording artists. Chilingirian is the founder of the Chilingirian Quartet and also a pro- fessor and Chamber Music Artist in Residence at the Royal Academy of Music and professor of Violin and Chamber Music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, both in London. Bagratuni was the winner of the Levon Chilingirian silver medal at the 1986 International Tchaikovsky Competition while still a student at Trio in F-sharp Minor. the Moscow Conservatory. He has General tickets for the Concert are avail- gone on to a distinguished interna- able for $25 per person, for seniors $18 per tional career as a soloist, recitalist person, and students $5 per person. Ticket and chamber musician. He is cur- reservations for the Concert may be made by rently professor of cello at Michigan calling the Armenian Studies Program. State University. Tickets may also be purchased online at Suren Bagratuni Armenian-American pianist and Karén Hakobyan the following website: http://www.keyboard- composer Hakobyan has emerged as concerts.com/special-events.aspx. 18 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Armenia’s Voice and Concerns Spectator Reverberate in Europe

Netherlands of taking that initiative with election considera- By Edmond Y. Azadian tions in mind. A case in point is the vote which was taken last week in the EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 Israeli Knesset, which debated and then defeated a motion on While Armenia is undergoing an internal political transfor- the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication mation, it has to preserve its international relations and project For some time now, relations between Israel and Turkey have its voice and concerns in international forums. There is no peace become strained. Perhaps, the administration of embattled on Armenia’s borders nor in Karabakh. Soldiers and civilians Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu decided to send a signal to continue falling victim to ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan. Turkey to improve their relations. EDITOR No justifiable reason nor explanation was offered as to why It is common practice to use third-party issues to send mes- Alin K. Gregorian Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev decided to hold a snap pres- sages or to settle scores between adversaries. Armenia’s presi-

ASSISTANT EDITOR idential election in April rather than its normal time in October. dent was certainly referring to those opportunities in his speech, Aram Arkun It is obvious that whenever those elections are held, the Aliyev where he laid out broadly Armenia’s foreign policy. He made a dynasty’s rule for perpetuity is a foregone conclusion. reference to Helsinki final act where the principles of Karabakh ART DIRECTOR resolution are enshrined, namely the right to self-determination Marc Mgrditchian In the course of the election campaign, the New Azerbaijan Party held its sixth congress to feature its new and old candi- and preservation of territorial integrity. He cautioned diplomats date, Aliyev. It was not enough to hear the Azeri president’s con- not to separate those principles for the sake of convenience. tinued bellicose comments threatening to solve the Karabakh conflict through force; he raised the ante at the said congress by further SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Edmond Y. Azadian extending his territorial ambitions to Yerevan, Zangezur and Sevan, which he claimed had CONTRIBUTORS: been historic Azeri lands and that it was Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun Baku’s “strategic goal” to regain those terri- Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, tories. He was reading from a prepared text Diana Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, and thus his comments could not be con- Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, strued as a slip of the tongue in a heated Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian moment. CORRESPONDENTS: After a backlash to this outrageous claim, one member of parliament representing the Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Boston - Nancy Kalajian New Azerbaijan Party, Rasim Musabekov, New York/New Jersey - Taleen tried to reinterpret Aliyev’s claim to mean the Babayan return of Azeri people to their homes in those Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach territories. It was an awkward justification, Contributing Photographers: especially when the counterpart of the claim Jirair Hovsepian was absent. Indeed, if ethnic Azeris wish to return to their homes in Armenia, how about the fate of Armenians who were expelled from Baku, Sumgait and Ganja during the pogroms The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published committed by Azerbaijan? weekly, except two weeks in July and the first Aliyev certainly meant what he said because week of the year, by: his rhetoric needed that tenor for his domestic Baikar Association, Inc. audience. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 This new escalation of warring words was Telephone: 617-924-4420 interpreted in contradictory ways in Armenia. FAX: 617-924-2887 Many tried to dismiss it as election propaganda www.mirrorspectator.com but others took it very seriously and began sug- E-Mail: [email protected] gesting strategies to counter the rhetoric. Some For advertising: [email protected] even believed that since Aliyev has been refer- ring to Yerevan, maybe Azeri forces are pre- pared to attack from Nakhichevan, reinforced by Turkish forces. Some hawks in Armenia even recommend a He took also the opportunity to expose the recent territorial preemptive strike before the Azeri forces have made a move. ambitions of Azerbaijan, which he called “delirium,” and invited In this day and age, strategic planners have to take into con- the world community to react to that kind of arrogance. “When SUBSCRIPTION RATES : sideration the domino effect of their actions. Europe is silent in view of those outrageous claims, they may In any war scenario, Armenia needs to keep in mind the have dire consequences,” he warned. Turkish factor. During the first conflict, Turkey was not part of He also referred to the Berlin Wall, which fell even as Turkey’s U.S.A. $80 a year the equation. Besides, first and foremost, Yerevan needs a nod blockade of Armenia has continued. Armenia, he said, expressed from Moscow, as Armenia cannot face the combined forces of its good will by signing protocols to normalize relations with Canada $125 a year Azerbaijan and Turkey on its own. Neither can it fight a war Turkey, but Turkey reneged by bringing in last minute precon- Other Countries $190 a year without at least the strategic participation of Russian forces. ditions since the latter had been hoping that Armenia would It was perhaps this sudden development in the Caucasus that never agree to go forward. For all practical purposes, the proto- precipitated President Serzh Sargsyan’s trip to Munich to par- cols are dead because Armenia cannot wait forever for the rati- ticipate in the security conference in that city. For many years, fication of the protocols by the Turkish parliament. © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Armenia’s participation has not been on the presidential level. The entire exposé by Sargsyan was crafted in a conciliatory Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA In the introductory segment of his speech, Armenia’s presi- and constructive tone, not to give the impression that Armenia and additional mailing offices. dent stated that being situated at the crossroads of major pow- was at the gates of Europe airing its grievances. The president ISSN 0004-234X ers offers challenges and opportunities. He was certainly refer- also outlined Armenia’s positive role as a bridge between the ring to the tensions existing in general between the European Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union. Armenia’s Union and Turkey and in particular between Germany and participation simultaneously in both structures has not ham- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The pered cooperation; on the contrary, it has spurred industrializa- Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn Turkey. Last year, Turkey’s arrogance vis-à-vis Germany helped St., Watertown, MA 02472 the passage of historic legislation in the German Bundestag rec- tion and modernization in the region. He intimated that currently Armenia is in negotiations with its Other than the editorial, views and opinions ognizing the Armenian Genocide. Simultaneously, a side show expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily also emerged when the Netherlands decided to consider two res- partners to build a transit corridor between the Persian Gulf and reflect the policies of the publisher. olutions in the parliament. One recognizes the Armenian the Black Sea. Once that project is complete, it will serve not Genocide, while the other makes mandatory the participation of only participants but all countries in the region, he said. a Dutch government representative at the Genocide commemo- He concluded his remarks by stating the cooperation between ration in Armenia. the EU and EEU is in the interest of all parties. Currently the Middle East and Caucasus are reshaping and Copying for other than personal use or This, of course, angered Ankara, leading Turkey to recall its internal reference is prohibited without top diplomat from Amsterdam. The ritual has to be repeated shaping, it is time for Armenia to pursue its place in the world express permission of the copyright every time a country recognizes the Armenian Genocide, only assertively. owner. Address requests for reprints or for relations to revert back to normal. While soft-peddling in Europe and for that matter, on the back issues to: While Armenians overestimate their lobbying efforts regard- world scene, the country is building and modernizing its armed ing resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide, we should forces to forestall another blitzkrieg from Azerbaijan. Baikar Association, Inc. not underestimate Turkey’s role in forcing its opponents to retal- Armenia is exercising President Roosevelt’s advice by talking 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- iate and to hit where it hurts most. Turkey accused the softly and carrying a big stick. 1509 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

Empire, Erdogan effectively concedes that today’s Turkey is media outlet shows President Donald Trump receiving an responsible for the actions of the Ottoman Empire. In other “Ottoman slap” by President Erdogan. Furthermore, Reuters words, the Republic of Turkey, which inherited the Ottoman quoted Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu stating that Empire’s assets, also inherited its liabilities. Washington was backing the YPG [Kurdish forces in Syria] To confirm his allegiance to the Ottoman dynasty, Erdogan because it shared the same “Marxist, communist, atheist” ide- My Turn attended a ceremony earlier this month to mark the cente- ology. nary of the death of Sultan Abdulhamid II, the “Red Sultan,” Professor Alfred de Zayas, an international law expert, By Harut Sassounian who has been rehabilitated by the current government. explained in an essay titled, “The Genocide against the Erdogan conveniently ignored the fact that the Red Sultan Armenians 1915-1923 and the relevance of the 1948 had ordered the killing of 300,000 Armenians from 1894 to Genocide Convention,” that a successor state is responsible Erdogan Admits that Turkey Is the 1896 — also known as the Hamidian massacres. for the crimes committed by its predecessor regime. ‘Continuation’ of the Ottoman “The descendants of one of the last Ottoman sultans are to Moreover, a state that is a continuation of a previous entity is be given Turkish citizenship, ending almost a century of out- even more responsible because there is no difference between Empire cast and ostracism,” notes the Times’ article, which continues: the two, as admitted by Erdogan two weeks ago. “Abdulhamid II ruled from 1876 to 1909, and was much In addition, in his study Alfred de Zayas quoted Professor For many decades, Turkish officials have outright denied maligned in Kemal Ataturk’s modern Turkish republic for his M. Cherif Bassiouni: “In international law, the doctrine of the occurrence of the Armenian Genocide. In recent years, authoritarianism, anti-Westernism and clampdowns on the legal continuity and principles of State responsibility make a however, some Turks have made the excuse that today’s media. Yet, in the era of President Erdogan he has been reha- ‘successor Government’ liable in respect of claims arising Turkish Republic is not responsible for the genocide, since it bilitated. A television series, ‘Payitaht,’ which depicts the life from a former government’s violations.” De Zayas concluded was committed by the Ottoman Empire — a defunct state. of Abdulhamid in glowing terms, has been lauded by Mr. that “the claims of the Armenians for their wrongfully con- With this pretext, the issue is no longer whether genocide Erdogan as essential viewing for Turkish youths to find out fiscated properties did not disappear with the change from was committed or not, but who is responsible for it. Those about their country’s history… ‘We see Sultan Abdulhamid II the Sultanate to the regime of Mustafa Kemal.” who use this justification, claim that the Republic of Turkey as one of the most important, most visionary, most strategic- Finally, Professor de Zayas affirmed that “the principle of is neither the successor nor the continuation of the Ottoman minded personalities who have put their stamps on the last responsibility of successor States has been held to apply even Empire, but a new and separate state. 150 years of our state,’ Mr. Erdogan said. ‘We should stop see- when the State and government that committed the wrongs This argument has gradually grown weaker as Turkish ing the Ottomans and the Republic as two eras that conflict were not that of the ‘successor State.’ This principle was for- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan began speaking and acting with one another.’ Abdulhamid died in 1918 and at celebra- mulated, inter alia, by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in as an Ottoman Sultan. tions for the centenary this week, Turkish foreign minister the Lighthouse Arbitration case.” Two weeks ago, the Turkish leader made matters worse for Mevlut Cavusoglu said that he would personally oversee the President Erdogan, by affirming that today’s Republic of his country when he, according to the Times of London, granting of citizenships to the family.” Turkey is the continuation of the Ottoman Empire, has inad- asserted that “modern Turkey is a ‘continuation’ of the Arrogantly, Erdogan then warned that U.S. soldiers in vertently admitted that Turkey is responsible for the genoci- Ottoman Empire — a direct contradiction of [Mustafa Kemal] Northern Syria would soon receive the “Ottoman slap,” dal, territorial, and economic damages caused by the Ataturk’s ideology, which cast the Imperial era as backwards, according to Reuters. He was “referring to a half-legendary Ottoman Empire to the Armenian people. Erdogan’s confes- stale, and to be discarded and forgotten rather than celebrat- Turkish martial move that involves a potent open-palm hit, sion should be presented as evidence when demands ema- ed.” resulting in a one-hit knockout or even skull fractures and nating from the Turkish Genocide of Armenians are submit- By stating that Turkey is a “continuation” of the Ottoman death.” An illustration published by a pro-Erdogan Turkish ted to the World Court.

is employed to define the geographic origin of ethnic groups children of the survivors of the Genocide, the generation of and, as such, “social origins that are foreign to the host soci- those whose lives were worn out in the orphanages.” What Is ety.” The geographic element has a largely objective basis, but In the 21st century, the perceptual and functional under- is also partly subjective. standing of identity is changing, especially for an ever mobile In the Armenian case particularly, on one hand, there are a and globalized Armenian Diaspora. Here, it is important to host of assumptions on identity and “politically correct” defi- make a conceptual distinction between “Armenian identity” — ‘Armenian’ nitions, expectations and interpretations of “who is an the ascriptive aspect described above — and “Armenianness” — Armenian;” on the other, new self-defined and actualized the cultural aspect — which at times are used interchangeably. “Armenian identities” are prevalent among post-genocide third One could compare Armenian identity to an “ethnic passport,” and fourth generation Armenians spread around the world. which one possesses to be identified with a group or a coun- These include, for example, not only hyphenated Armenians try; it is granted, acquired or self-claimed. In Armenian (American-Armenian, Lebanese-Armenian, Russian-Armenian, However, Armenianness is what one does with that ethnic etc.), but also percentile-Armenians (half, quarter, 1/8 passport, how far and deep one travels into the “Armenian Armenian, etc.) and, recently, the more openly discussed cate- world” or into a world made of “things Armenian” — that is, gory of “Islamized Armenian” identity. the process by which one finds venues, opportunities, causes Identity? or reasons to actualize the wishes, desires, feelings, and think- In short, identity is not a fixed notion; it is an evolving con- ing that are driven by one’s sense of identity. Put in another cept depending on the social, political, and cultural environ- way, identity is the structure (the hardware), Armenianness is ment, among other aspects, in which Armenians find them- the agency (the software). While all Armenians who are or By Hratch Tchilingirian selves. For instance, the case of the Armenian communities in claim to be Armenians are fully Armenian, some Armenians the Middle East provides a glimpse of the fact that identity choose to “travel” or explore more than others into the construction, preservation and extension are not only a mat- “Armenian world.” As such, Armenian identity “cannot be HE DEBATE on “Armenian identity” has a long ter of internal group self-definition, externalization and inter- described exhaustively” and “in its totality,” like Foucault’s history and is an ever-evolving discourse, espe- nalization. In the Middle East, identity is also imposed from a concept of “archive of a society, a culture, or a civilization,” — cially in the Diaspora. At least in the last 100 variety of sources that include state and social structures, that is, the systems of enunciability, functioning, formation years since 1915, along with efforts to build com- political processes and religious-cultural conditions. On one and transformation of events or things. munities in dispersion, there have been hierar- hand, identity markers for both the majority host society and The distinctions between various types of Armenianness are chies of identity and canonical approaches to def- the minority communities are state-defined, socially construct- not absolute, for instance, between traditional and symbolic initions of “Armenian,” especially as articulated, ed and objectified. On the other, what might be termed the Armenianness, as Anny Bakalian, in her seminal study of rationalized and promoted by elites, institutions ‘soft othering’ of Christians and other non-Muslim groups by Armenian Americans, suggests. However, there are differences T and political parties in the Diaspora and in state and religious discourse reinforces the ‘differences’ and in perceptions, emphasis and expectations. The traditionalists Armenia. This essay is not a study of identity per se, but about ‘incompatibilities’ of the ‘others’ in the mind of the larger soci- advocate that speaking Armenian and being immersed in eth- one of the aspects of identity – the “Armenian” bit of it. ety. nic subculture are essential preconditions of “being Definitions of ethnicity encompass “all ascriptively-based Generally Arab states impose, for instance, a national cur- Armenian.” Conventionally, the Church, political parties, vol- group boundaries, including based upon race, religion, lan- riculum on Armenian or minority schools and draw socio-polit- untary associations and other collective structures have guage, and/or region.” Generally, scholars argue that “charac- ical (and legal) boundaries around non-Muslim communities. defined the structural parameters of Armenian identity and teristics such as religion, language and region are viewed as The state grants citizenship and a passport to an ethnic or reli- have advocated an essentialist form of collective expressions of ascriptive rather than cultural because they are typically gious “other,” yet limits or bans careers in high level civil ser- Armenianness. In this thinking, Armenian identity is an defined for purposes of ethnicity,” which refer to ethnic lin- vice for minorities. The imposition of ethnic-religious identity ascribed status, that is, if one is born of Armenian parentage eage and ancestral customs rather than current practices or is also systemic, overriding individual choice. For example, or has “Armenian blood,” they are automatically considered a locality of a person or a group. Therefore, “while individuals should an Armenian person declare him/herself to be an athe- member of the larger Armenian nation. In this traditional per- may adopt new languages, lapse or change religions, or alter ist or is not a member of any church — and does not speak the ception of identity, the idea of choice is not taken into consid- their places of residence, it is much more difficult for them to language — in legal records that person would still be classi- eration — an aspect of modern life so prevalent among and sig- change their ethnicity, even when ethnicity is based upon such fied or labelled by the State and its institutions as an nificant for the newer generations of Armenians. characteristics.” ‘Armenian Christian.’ As a member of a non-Muslim group, Between the traditional and symbolic views, there are yet Contemporary scholarship and theories of ethnicity have there is virtually no choice except to be identified by one’s other perceptual varieties which define Armenianness through shown that “ethnic boundaries” — patterns of social interac- ‘birth group’ or ethno-religious affiliation. In other words, the a set of qualities rather than just origin. A good example of tion that reinforce self-identification of a group and outsiders’ person always remains as the ‘other’ vis-à-vis the dominant this is the “definition” that Peter Balakian’s mother provides, confirmation of the group’s distinctions — are socially con- ethno-religious group, with its attendant implications. when he describes the type of woman she expected him to go structed. They are “not predetermined by biology or customs, There are intergroup influences on identity construction as out with. “A woman had to qualify by being jarbig, which but malleable and responsive to changes in the surrounding well. Referring to the post-genocide first generation Armenians meant she had to have energy, wit, vitality. She had to be social environment.” As such, ethnic boundaries are social growing up in the Middle East, Yervant Pamboukian, a leading achgapatz, open-eyed, so that nothing could get past her, for mediums through which members associate with the larger intellectual, teacher and former editor of Aztag newspaper in she was keeper of the gate, the protector of things sacred: fam- group. Culture and geography are the two most emphasized Beirut, said: “We lived our childhood in a period when we con- ily and husband. If a woman wasn’t jarbig and achgapatz – elements in most of the literature on ethnic identity research. stantly heard about the sufferings and persecution” that his clearly my mother thought she possessed these qualities in The cultural element is generally “viewed as a social construc- parents’ generation had been subjected to. “A great weight was abundance – she wasn’t worthy, she wasn’t in the existential tion involving insiders and outsiders mutually acknowledging put on us, to secure the rebirth of the nation. It gave us sense, ‘Armenian’.” group differences in cultural beliefs and practices.” The other strength as the nation was going to be reconstructed by the see IDENTITY, page 20 20 S ATURDAY, F EBRUARY 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR What Is ‘Armenian’ in Armenian Identity?

IDENTITY, from page 19 books and newspapers we read.” knowledge, technologies, values, customs, matched to consumer needs and expectations. In the 21st century, Armenian identity is a In sharp contrast, the 21st century is increas- behaviors and characteristics common to the In the past, as Komitas notes, “the peasant matter of choice for the vast majority of the ingly becoming a “world of self-reference” — members of a particular group or society. gives more attention to the words of the song third and fourth post-genocide generation of that is, a world where trust in organizations, Through culture, groups define themselves, than to the tune and, not surprisingly, the texts Armenians in the Diaspora, who participate in institutions or governments are increasingly conform to society’s shared values, and con- of the songs live longer than their melodies.” community life voluntarily rather than as a mat- declining and one’s own position and beliefs are tribute to society. Organizations and social Today it is the opposite in most cases. ter of obligation.[10] This choice is expressed considered more relevant than other sources. institutions, such as the family, education, reli- Komitas draws a delicately nuanced and elab- through a sense of pride in one’s heritage, feel- The conventional sources of institutional gion, work, so on, play important roles as they orate definition of what “the Spirit of National ings toward people and things Armenian, and authority and influence, therefore of trust, are provide clusters of rules and cultural meanings Folk Song” is: The spirit of national music is the involvement with other Armenians. For the new not taken for granted anymore. Top-down tradi- associated with specific social activities. aggregate of patterns that a nation instinctive- generations, as Bakalian explains, tional influence on discourse and identity is in So, what is “Armenian” about Armenian cul- ly employs in singing. It is the particular move- Armenianness is “voluntary, conscious, ratio- a process of reversal and is becoming more hor- ture? ment of pitch and tone, it is the relationship nalistic, segmental, transitory, sporadic, that is, izontal than vertical. To answer this question, one could look into between those tones and the phonemes of the symbolic. Sentiment and convenience become Institutions that are relevant to identity seem the various domains of culture: literature, language (grammatical expressive accent, musi- the modus vivendi for maintenance of almost all to be losing effectiveness under the weight of music, architecture and visual arts to see what cal accent). The spirit of national music is the aspects of Armenianness. Feelings run high, the enormous complexities of these changes. In it is in these cultural traits or domains that rational articulation of the text and the corre- but when it comes to behavioral participation, this age of social media and rapid technological make them “Armenian.” sponding improvised melody, which is the artic- convenience is the key.” Symbolic advancements, people no longer rely “on a few In this short essay, I shall take only one area ulation of the heart. [It] is the choice of tone Armenianness is more to do with emotions well-informed opinion shapers,” such as news- and provide a sociological reading of Armenian color (nasal, guttural, or chesty sounds). [It] is than genetic origins. Seen in its positive dimen- paper columnists, political actors, party or folk music as observed and analyzed by the genres of songs, and so on... All things sion, it provides valuable psychological function church leaders, but increasingly use, for Komitas (Father Komitas Soghomonian, 1869- which have an immediate association with a in today’s increasingly individualistic and high- instance, social media, peer-driven media, 1936), a priest in the Armenian Church, who song, provided that they are immediate, non- ly mechanised world. It provides a sense of root- search engines, “where content is shaped by the was an ethno-musicologist, singer, choir direc- artificial, intrinsic reflections of the internal edness and belonging. Indeed, practicing one’s search preferences of other users, or directly tor, music teacher and composer. Komitas spent and external life of the folk, express the spirit of Armenianness is not dependent only on partic- curated by friends or family.” Studies show that years in villages and towns collecting Armenian national music. ipation in traditional community life, but there “peer voices today are more powerful than the songs and dance music and attempted to pene- Clearly, the relationship of word/text to are myriad of other choices in today’s ultra-con- opinion of traditional authority figures.” This is trate into the depth of this significant cultural melody, to rituals/occasions, memory and cre- nected world where symbolic ethnicity could be a world where “a person like yourself” is as domain. I chose to focus on folk music because ativity is significant. In the 21st century, one lived or experienced. credible as “an academic expert” and far more this genre is most relevant to the problematics would ask what are the connections, the rela- In the past, the elites and institutions had credible than, say, a community leader or gov- of cultural production and identity in the tionships, the occasions in diasporic life that influence and possessed authority in the dis- ernment official. For sure, in the 21st century, Diaspora. would make a piece of music, “Armenian course on identity. For instance, in the post there are more “informed Armenians” than Komitas explains that, in general, Armenian music?” Is it the composer or the musician who WWII period, Armenian political parties had, “masses of followers.” Armenians in their 20s folk music could be divided into two branches: makes the song “Armenian” or is it the “con- arguably, a dominant position in community life and 30s are highly educated, socially and pro- Eastern and Western Armenia. “Western nections” a piece of music makes that define in the Diaspora. Their ideological discourse was fessionally well-connected, news and media melodies are broad and complex, rich and seri- the song? These are questions that, I believe, disseminated through party newspapers, savvy, and economically comfortable. ous, bright and brisk; Eastern melodies are need further exploration. schools, clubs and youth programs they ran. compact and simple, unsophisticated and light, Music, as observed by Komitas in the life of Although positions were sharply contested by What is ‘Armenian’ about prosaic and peaceful.”[18] Indeed, one could the villagers, is one of the domains of culture rival parties, Khachig Tölölyan explains that “it Armenian Identit y in the 21st make similar observations on other cultural that contains some of “the codes” as it were, of was enthusiastically celebrated by [their] adher- century? aspects of East and West. Armenianness. While in the past, communal ents and profoundly resented by [their] oppo- I shall try to explore this rather conceptually More important for the discussion here, the singing was part of living out one’s daily life as nents, and the struggle served as the generator risky question by looking at the question of music of the “common people,” or as Komitas an Armenian, today this medium has lost its of polemics in which notions of diaspora were what is “Armenian” about Armenian culture. comments, the peasants’ music of both Western functional meaning in the lives of new genera- implicitly and explicitly elaborated.” Indeed, in My approach is informed by the hypothesis and Eastern Armenia “is extraordinarily rich tions of Armenians dispersed globally. If for the ideological discourse of one of the largest that, in the Diaspora, culture — in the widest and complex and condenses the entire inner Armenian peasants, culture in the form of parties, the ARF, the Diaspora was a “tempo- sense — serves the role of land for a country, and outer life of the Armenian. Each song is the music and dance was as natural and organic as rary and transitory” condition. The Party even as it includes the imagined or real home- genuine echo of his rustic heart and the clear going about their daily chores and life, in the preached an “eventual return to the homeland” land in it. mirror of his soul. Each song depicts a broad 21st century Diaspora it is a matter of planning, and “declared [it] essential and inevitable.” From an anthropological/sociological per- slice of life confined within a small frame.” choosing, adapting and performing. In short, Community institutions, like the ARF, had a spective, culture could be defined as everything He identifies six genres of folk music: beyond being and feeling Armenian, it requires strong influence on identity construction and, learned, actions, beliefs, behaviors that are Peasant, Ritual, Epic, Ballads, Ditties, and thinking. as Tölölyan describes, “even on the poems we maintained and transmitted through symbols Antounis. These songs related to virtually all In conclusion, even as it is impossible to would memorize, the songs we sang, and the and objects, not genes. Culture denotes all the aspects of life. They reflected the social-cultural describe exhaustively and in its totality what context of peasants and enforced connections “Armenian” is in Armenian identity, I suggest, it with everyday life, rituals and traditions. is the connections, the relationships, the occa- Singing, as Komitas puts it, “is routine” for the sions in diasporic life in the 21st century that peasant “as bread and water.” He explains the makes a piece of music or a painting, or litera- significance: ture or a bowl of harissa “Armenian.” It is the Villagers adhere strictly to the prescribed use memory, thought and message that a cultural of the different types of songs. Each song must object or creation represents that makes it be learned or sung in its proper place and time. “Armenian” by connecting it to a meaning sys- They will sing work songs during work, and tem that is larger than an individual’s personal domestic songs while at home, and so forth. No world. villager will sing a threshing song when at Over two decades ago, Anny Bakalian sug- home, for the place to sing the threshing song gested that the generational changes in the is on the threshing floor. Therefore, villagers Diaspora indicated that Armenians are moving will most often refuse to sing songs that a non- “from being to feeling Armenian.” I would add peasant may request, for it is strange to them to that, in the 21st century, what is “Armenian” in be asked to sing songs when neither the time Armenian identity is what you think Armenian nor the place is appropriate. Each song is tied is — as such, one could say the process has to the moment in village life and is related to moved from feeling to thinking Armenian. just that moment. The peasant cannot compre- While the dream of an eventual return to the hend, create, or utilize a song that is removed real or imagined homeland might still be from that moment. dreamed by many, the vast majority of In modern times, new technologies, e.g. CDs, Armenians in the Diaspora will continue to be DVDs, MP3 have influenced and continue to integrated into their societies, even as Armenia impact music making and performance, and will probably remain to be a source of revital- have altered the social (sociological) dimension ization of Armenian identity in dispersion. of music. The idea of live music has been altered The realities of the 21st century require a or modified by the reality of recorded music; new thinking and understanding of identity even at some “live” concerts artists sing with from the perspective of the specific places and playback, where voice is live, but music is context where Armenians live rather than on recorded. the basis of the rigid binaries of the dominant In the 21st century, the 20-30 years olds — discourse. unlike the ones described by Komitas — do not Finally, a broader understanding of sing at functions anymore; they listen to music “Armenian identity” would benefit from a pro- and dance to recorded music; the song does not cess of de-ethnicization of identity in order to have anything to do with the occasion or the fully appreciate its Armenianness[23] — that is, gathering, or any particular relevance to rather than essentialist or substantive defini- aspects of daily living, but is rhythmically rele- tion of identity, a more functional and open- vant to the dance. Rhythm or tempo is more ended definition would provide a better catch- important than the words or meaning of the ment for the varieties of Armenian identities in song itself. Thus, today music listened to (or the 21st century. used) during social gatherings or “clubbing” is not expressions of daily life, or community ritu- (Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian is a scholar at als, but reproduced and reshaped, mixed and University of Oxford [www.hratch.info].)