NOVEMBER 3, 2018 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXIX, NO. 16, Issue 4560 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Russia Accuses US of Bolton Vows to ‘Squeeze Iran,’ Explore Driving Wedge in Weapons Sales to Armenia Relations with Armenia MOSCOW (RFE/RL) — Russia has chided the United States, alleging Washington is trying to YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — US national- sile programs and its active conventional er met in Baku with Azerbaijan’s drive a wedge between Moscow and Armenia. security adviser John Bolton has vowed military operations in Syria and Iraq and President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on that President Donald Trump’s administra- elsewhere.” Minister Elmar Mammadyarov vowing October 29 that it took issue with US National tion will “squeeze Iran” with maximum Bolton said Washington doesn’t want to that Washington will continue to support Security Adviser John Bolton’s comments during economic pressure in response to Tehran’s “cause damage to our friends in the a peaceful resolution to the conflict a visit to Yerevan on October 25 that the Kremlin “malign” behavior in the Middle East and says were a thinly veiled call for Armenia to around the world. break with its traditional ally, Russia. Bolton made the remarks in an interview Bolton “demanded openly that Armenia with RFE/RL on October 25 after he met renounce historical patterns [sic] in its interna- in Yerevan with Armenian Prime Minister tional relations and hardly bothered to conceal Nikol Pashinyan. the fact that this implied Armenia’s traditional “As I explained to the prime minister, we friendship with Russia,” the ministry said in want to put maximum pressure on Iran a statement. because it has not given up the pursuit of “Naturally, he did not forget to advertise US nuclear weapons,” Bolton told RFE/RL’s weapons that Armenia should buy instead of Armenian Service. “It remains the world’s Russian weapons,” it added. central banker of international terrorism. Armenia has long had close ties with Russia, And we’re concerned about its ballistic-mis- but questions about relations between the two have risen since Nikol Pashinyan led a bloodless revolution to oust Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan, seen as close to Moscow. ARF Archives Parliament Terror Open to the Public Anniversary Marked For First Time Armenia’s acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (right) meets US national-security adviser YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Acting Prime John Bolton in Yerevan on October 25. Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan paid trib- ute to the memory of the victims of the October 27, 1999, terror attack in the Armenian parlia- By Aram Arkun process” of expanding sanctions against between Baku and Yerevan over ment. Mirror-Spectator Staff Iran, which shares a border with Armenia. Nagorno-Karabakh. Speaker of Parliament Ara Babloyan accompa- He said that’s why he “stressed” to Bolton said he and Pashinyan “talked a nied Pashinyan in the homage ceremony. Pashinyan, in advance, that the Trump lot, obviously, about Nagorno-Karabakh,” WATERTOWN — For the first time in Pashinyan, Babloyan, acting First Deputy administration is “going to enforce these and that he is aware of the economic diffi- Prime Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, lawmakers, fam- their history, a substantial portion of the sanctions very vigorously” and that the culties Armenia faces as a result of the archives of the Armenian Revolutionary ily members of the victims and parliament staff Armenian-Iranian border is “going to be a “geographical situation and historical laid flowers at the memorial to the October 27 Federation (ARF) and the first Republic of significant issue.” antecedents” related to the conflict. Armenia, held in the Hairenik Building in shooting victims outside the National Assembly “We are going to squeeze Iran because Armenia’s borders with Azerbaijan (parliament) building. Watertown, have been opened to the pub- we think their behavior in the Middle East remain closed as a result of their ongoing lic. On the evening of October 25, leaders On that day in 1999, a group of gunmen assassi- and, really globally, is malign and needs to conflict. Turkey, in solidarity with nated Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan, Speaker of of Boston-area Armenian organizations be changed,” Bolton said. Azerbaijan, also has closed its border with were invited to the Papken Suni Armenian- Parliament Karen Demirchyan, two deputy speak- Bolton’s talks with Pashinyan came a Armenia. ers, a cabinet member and three lawmakers. American Social Club for a wine-and-cheese day after the US national-security advis- see BOLTON, page 2 reception and a first look at the archives next door. The event was intended as an Major Charity Concert educational part of the celebration of the centennial of the first Republic of Armenia. In Paris Planned in Joshua Tevekelian, chairman of the ARF Boston Sardarabad Committee, welcomed Honor of Aznavour the organizational representatives. He said PARIS — The Presidents of Armenia and France, that a group of members of the ARF and Armen Sarkissian and Emmanuel Macron, sister organizations already have been announced this week that they have agreed to orga- given this tour and that now the wider nize a charity concert in Paris in memory of community is being invited. Tevekelian Charles Aznavour in October 2019. declared that, “The archives do not belong While in Armenia for the 17th Francophonie just to our organization, but to the Summit, Macron and his wife attended the inaugu- see ARCHIVES, page 10 ration of the Aznavour Centre in Yerevan. INSIDE

From left, Vartkes Kourouyan, Hagop Avedikian, Edmond Azadian, Diaspora Minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Suren Sargysan, Armen Kashkashian Manuelian and Dr. Hratch Kouyoumdjian ADL Central Committee Members Bach at You Meet with Pashinyan Page 14

YEREVAN — Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received members of the Egyptian-Armenian Central Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party on October 30. The meeting focused on the strengthening of Armenia-Diaspora ties and issues related INDEX to political events in Armenia. Arts and Living ...... 12 Artist Chant Armenia ...... 2,3 Pashinyan expressed the hope that the process will have a positive effect on the Community News...... 5 Avedissian Dies ADL’s activities in the country and will advance the party’s involvement in the Editorial ...... 18 development and enhancement of the political process. International ...... 4 See full story on Page 8. see ADL, page 2 2 S ATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia

Yerevan among Global Top 10 Tech Cities YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Enterprise Times, a British online platform covering business technology news, has included Yerevan among its 10 Best Cities for having a tech career. Yerevan is ranked 4th in the top 10 list, titled “Yerevan – Silicon Mountains.” “Research shows that by 2025, the need for pro- grammers in Armenia will have tripled to 30,000. This is largely due to the ever-increasing innovation in their tech sector. A sector that is growing at an annual rate of 20 percent and shows no signs of slow- ing down. If you haven’t considered a move to the country previously, it’s worth considering,” Enterprise Times noted in the recent article. The top 10 cities for a tech career, according to the publication are San Francisco, New York, Austin, Yerevan, Singapore, Melbourne, London, Stockholm, Bangalore and Toronto.

From left, Armen Manuelian, Dr. Hratch Kouyoumdjian, Edmond Azadian, Hagop Vartivarian, SurenSargysan, and Man Armed with Vartkes Kourouyan Grenade Tries to Enter Government Offices ADL Central Committee Members Meet with Pashinyan YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A man armed with a hand grenade attempted to breach the government ADL, from page 1 headquarters in Republic Square on October 27, act- The members of the ADL Central Committee expressed their willingness use the party’s structures outside ing First Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan told Armenia to promote the realization of the potential of the Diaspora to help Armenia. The members said that they RFE/RL’s Armenian service Azatutyun. intend to organize a business conference soon in Yerevan with the participation of diasporan Armenian business- Avinyan was inside the building when the incident men, in which the latter will be familiarized with the existing investment environment in Armenia and outline new took place. programs. Police officers cordoned off the entrance to the Nikol Pashinyan welcomed the initiative and proposed that they cooperate with the relevant agencies of the gov- building after the incident. ernment on such work. According to preliminary information the man was detained by national security agents. No injuries were reported in the incident. History Museum to Bolton Vows to ‘Squeeze Iran,’ Explore Participate in British Weapons Sales to Armenia Museum Exhibition BOLTON, from page 1 “As I said to the prime minister, if democracy” are “really fundamental to YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The “I Am Thus, if Yerevan adheres to US sanc- it’s a question of buying Russian mili- Armenia exercising its full sovereignty Ashurbanipal, King Of The World, King Of Assyria” tions against Iran, Armenia would tary equipment versus buying US mil- and not being dependent on — or sub- exhibition will open at London’s British Museum have only Georgia as a neighboring itary equipment, we’d prefer the lat- ject to — excessive foreign influence.” November 8 and will run through February 24, trading partner — raising concerns in ter,” he said. “We think our equip- Bolton also noted that a large com- 2019. Yerevan about how Russian pressure ment is better than the Russians’ any- munity of Armenian-American citizens The Culture Ministry of Armenia announced that against Tbilisi would impact Armenia. way. So we want to look at that. And I in the United States makes the the exhibition will feature 200 exhibits: 120 from the Bolton said those “current circum- think it increases Armenia’s options “prospects for closer economic coop- British Museum collection and 80 from the history stances highlight” the importance of when it’s not entirely dependent on eration” with the US private sector museums of Armenia, France, Germany, St. Armenia and Azerbaijan “finding a one major power.” “very real” and “much better for the Petersburg, Vatican and Italy. mutually satisfactory agreement to Asked by reporters on October 27 long term than government-to-govern- The History Museum of Armenia will be represent- the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.” whether Yerevan is actually going to ment assistance.” ed at the exhibition will 10 unique Urartu-era arti- “Once that happened, then the purchase military equipment from the “I think this is a time to be opti- facts. Armenian-Azerbaijani border would United States, Pashinyan said: “The mistic that Armenia can emerge more open,” Bolton said. “The Turkish bor- [Armenian] government is not con- on the world stage,” Bolton said, OSCE Co-Chairs Visit der, I believe, would almost certainly strained by anything. If there is an stressing that the Trump administra- open. And I think the border with offer from the United States that is tion “considers the South Caucasus a Armenia Georgia might be less subject to con- good for us, we will discuss it.” very important area strategically” and cern about what pressure the He also said Armenia’s “excellent” that improving relations with Armenia YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Acting Prime Minister Russians may be putting them under.” prospects for becoming a “stable is “a very high priority.” of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received on October 29 Bolton told RFE/RL that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Washington has wanted to be “of Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Co-Chairs Igor Popov whatever assistance we could be of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of behind the scenes, as well as one of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States and the co-chairs of the [Organization for Jailed General ‘Willing’ to Donate $12 million Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson- Security and Cooperation] Minsk in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk. In Land and Property to State Group, to see if we could help facili- Pashinyan welcomed the visit of the co-chairs to tate a solution between Armenia and YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Member The other deputy, Gevorg Loretsyan, Armenia and highlighted their activities as the only Azerbaijan that would be mutually of Parliament Manvel Grigoryan, the confirmed the report. internationally authorized negotiation format for agreeable to both.” lawmaker currently in pre-trial deten- “We will organize the process of Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. He empha- “We recognized the obvious diffi- tion suspected of massive embezzle- receiving the property as defined by sized the necessity of the commitment of all sides to culties there, but we just felt that ment and fraud, has expressed willing- procedures,” he said. a peaceful settlement. [Pashinyan] was in an excellent posi- ness to donate nearly 330 hectares of Loretsyan said the land includes The assembled referred to the Nagorno Karabakh tion here in Armenia, and would be land to the state. 5500 square meters of buildings and is peace process following the recent political develop- after the elections [in early The land is part of a company owned worth roughly 6 billion drams (around ments in Armenia. They exchanged views over the December], to show leadership on by Grigoryan in Aknalich, a village in $12 million). agreements between Pashinyan and Azerbaijani that,” Bolton said. the province of Armavir. Grigoryan, a retired army general, President Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe this year. Bolton also said the Trump admin- “The representative of Manvel has been in custody since July 19. At Pashinyan highlighted the implementation of the istration wants to “look at” possibili- Grigoryan has sent a document to our the time of his arrest he also served as agreements that will foster the creation of an atmos- ties of weapons sales to Armenia that committee stating that he [Grigoryan] president of the Yerkrapah Union of phere aimed at raising mutual confidence and pro- would not violate restrictions the US is willing to donate territory without Volunteers, but was later ousted by the gressing the peace process. The sides outlined the Congress has imposed. any obligations. I don’t possess other board of the organization amid highly future possible steps. “We have restrictions Congress has details, since the agreement is under scandalous accusations. The Minsk Group co-chairs also met with imposed on the United States in terms the authority of the other deputy chair- Law enforcement agencies found a Armenia’s Acting Foreign Minister Zohrab of [weapons] sales to Azerbaijan and man of the department,” Sergo private zoo, a car collection, huge Mnatsakanyan. Armenia because of the [Nagorno- Atanesyan, deputy chairman of the amounts of weapons and ammunition, Karabakh] conflict, but there are State Property Management as well as embezzled military supplies exceptions to that,” Bolton explained. Department said. and donations in his compound. S ATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA

ty salt, with very low background radioactivity that would oth- far above the underground facility. A process called Sudden erwise interfere with the sensitive measurements. If the labora- Stratospheric Warming (SSW) disrupts airflow in the stratos- tory were on the surface of the earth, abundant low energy cos- phere, starting at an altitude of about 12 miles, which, through Unseen mic ray particles, and minute sources of radioactivity on the complex processes, can affect weather on the earth’s surface. surface, would interfere with the sensitive measurements and Studying these processes can result in longer range and more mask out the data that the scientists are actually interested in. Armenia The head of CRD, Prof. Ashot Chilingarian, arranged for me to accom- pany a team of physicists Peering Up Through the Depths – during one of their period- The Avan Salt Mine ic visits to the mine. After signing in at the mine and donning a hardhat I was By Hovsep Daghdigian cautioned not to touch the electric wires strung along the mine’s tunnels, and YEREVAN — The Avan district of Yerevan was once a sepa- beware of the rail tracks rate village, dating back to the pre-Christian era. As Yerevan on the tunnel floor and expanded during the soviet times, Avan was incorporated into the carts that hauled salt the city of Yerevan. Within Avan there are a number of old out of the mine. Our churches; the most interesting perhaps being the partially descent into the mine via ruined 5-6th century cathedral. This was the seat of a rival an elevator took about Catholicos espousing the Byzantine creed, in opposition to four minutes. A five- Armenian Apostolic creed. Also within Avan is the privately minute walk along a maze owned Avan Salt Company, producing both table salt and rock of tunnels took us to the salt from its mine. The salt deposit dates to ancient geologic laboratory. The mine oper- times when the region was covered with water, or perhaps a ator requested I not publi- Monitoring subatomic particles in underground lab sea. As the water evaporated it left salt deposits that are now cize photos of the mining extracted from deep underground. operations, though photos Over three decades ago the Yerevan Physics Institute of the laboratory were allowed. The laboratory is built into a liv- accurate terrestrial weather forecasts as well as improve space (YerPhI) Experimental Division established a low-background ing room-sized cavern, carved into a wall of pure salt 240 meters weather predictions. Data from the mine is correlated with data radiation laboratory in the Avan salt mine where they conduct- (723 feet) underground. Within it are scientific instruments, 3- taken from CRD’s observatories on Mt. Aragats and other sites. ed sensitive measurements investigating rare processes in both 4 computers, with electricity supplied from wires strung Gamma Ray Detectors: The second type of detector in the fundamental and applied physics. The laboratory was carved throughout the mine, and a fiber optic connection for Internet laboratory is a high sensitivity germanium detector for out of walls of pure salt creating a living room size chamber in and phone service. I imagined that one could simply rub a slice gamma-ray spectroscopy. Gamma rays are very high-energy the mine. Both YerPhI’s Experimental Division and the Cosmic of cucumber on the wall and eat it (if you were not on a low salt photons. The germanium detectors are cooled by liquid Ray Division (CRD) operate sensitive cosmic ray particle detec- diet)! nitrogen, between 320 to 346 degrees below zero tors for which a low background radiation environment is Muon Detectors: Scintillation detectors monitor muons (a Fahrenheit, to eliminate thermal noise and false signals. essential. The scientists are interested in only the most ener- heavy version of electrons that decay into other particles), Since liquid nitrogen evaporates, it must be replenished getic particles that can penetrate to the depth of the mine. which are generated in the upper atmosphere by cosmic radia- weekly. The first observation of a previously predicted rare Surrounding the laboratory are walls and a ceiling of high puri- tion. YerPhI’s Cosmic Ray Division uses this data in space event called “two-neutrino double beta decay” of the germa- weather research and nium 76 isotope (Ge-76) was made in this laboratory. Now atmospheric physics. Only physicists from YerPhI’s Experimental Physics Division are data on the most ener- searching for evidence of other rare nuclear decay events. getic muons is desired. Fifty years ago Gurgen Askaryan, working at Moscow’s Muons with sufficient Physics Institute of Science academy, suggested a method of energy to penetrate the detecting elusive ultra-high energy neutrinos coming from earth and reach the detec- galactic sources. These particles are believed to emit microwave tor indicate their presence signals during rare interactions with other particles. Scientists by emitting a brief flash of from the Experimental Physics Division have started investiga- light. Data from these tions of microwave propagation through various layers in the events is recorded and salt mine to see if these rare interactions can be observed. sent to CRD’s center in Halotherapy (Salt Therapy): During the half-day or so in the Yerevan where it is ana- mine we enjoyed lunch in the laboratory. On the way out one lyzed and posted on the of the young physicists took me on a detour. Branching off one Internet. Muons with of the tunnels was a closed iron gate with a red cross sign insufficient energy to pen- above. This is a clinic for the treatment of respiratory problems. etrate to the depth of the The constant temperature and humidity, with the fine salt laboratory are filtered out aerosols in the air, are believed to have therapeutic benefit for and thus ignored. Strange patients with certain respiratory problems. as it may seem, from deep I wish to thank the Yerevan Physics Institute Experimental underground these mea- Division scientists who introduced me to some of the important surements may shed light and fascinating research they are conducting. on processes within the Additional information is available at YerPhI Experimental Physics laboratory in Avan Salt Mine, walls, ceiling are salt earth’s upper atmos- https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/ phere and stratosphere, 48/037/48037543.pdf and at www.crdfriends.org . Focusing on Armenia’s Future at Global Innovation Forum by FAST

YEREVAN — President of Armenia Armen has been in the crossroads of East and research, evolution acceleration. Sarkissian on October 29 had a working West from the very start. I think the evolution is infinite. We don’t breakfast with the members of Board of “As this is a gateway, a crossroad, I think understand how multi-layered actually we Trustees and Advisory Board of the it’s time for the humanity to turn back to are, we have discovered only one part of us. Foundation for Armenian Science and its origins, to the birthplace of human People are more interested in what is hap- Technology (FAST), which includes leading race, to Armenia. Recently in Geneva I was pening outside of us. But we have a whole Armenian scientists, engineers, entrepre- talking about the 4th industrial revolu- universe inside us which is as complicated as neurs from all over the world. tion, where I said that there are no revolu- the universe itself. During the meeting the participants tions, there is an evolution. The humanity, I believe the future discoveries of the world exchanged views on issues relating to effec- we should be a part of the evolution or will again return to this gateway – the gate- tively organizing the activities of the founda- development. This is not only a scientific way of the 21st century. tion, discussed the conditions, mechanisms and technological evolution, but a drastic Therefore, welcome to Armenia.” and opportunities necessary for the imple- evolution of our societies and our behav- Among the speakers was Impact investor, mentation of outlined goals. ior in the world”, he said. co-founder of IDeA and FAST Foundations The he participated in the opening cere- The president addressed the following mes- Ruben Vardanyan who said that people could mony of the Global Innovation Forum: sage: “Armenia is the gateway of future. We fuel Armenia’s future. Engineering the Evolution organized by promote making investments in our country: “We realized that future of Armenia can be the foundation. Sarkissian, who is also an country that is young, ambitious, the people built only around one thing - human person. honorary member of the FAST of which are talented, which has a young gov- A human person, who can be smart, educat- Foundation’s Advisory Board, welcomed ernment, and a country which feels itself in ed, a long-time visionary, happy and looking the Forum participants in the country of the 21st century, is young and mature. Being at the world as global citizen, at the same 21st century and attached importance to young first of all means how young you feel time being proud of his own identity. holding such forums in Armenia. In partic- yourself by soul, whether you are ready for Building an ecosystem around the human ular, the President stated that Armenia is new discoveries, to learn, to ask questions person is the key element of the future of President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian not only the birthplace of civilizations, but and find answers. Whether you are ready for Armenia,” said Vardanyan. 4 S ATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Armenians and Kurds Share ‘Deep

President Sarkissian Interconnection’: Minister Visits Belarus DUHOK, Kurdistan Region (Rudaw) ture alive for both groups. tional and modern construction in — Armenians and Kurds both know “They didn’t develop scripture or lit- Duhok and Erbil. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President of Belarus what it means to suffer. There is a “deep erature in the Kurdish language. But “I wish the Kurdish nation continues Alexander Lukashenko stressed the friendly nature interconnection” in their history and they know they are Kurdish and very with this but to also go ahead and look of the Armenian-Belarussian relations during a meet- culture, said Nazeni Gharibyan, proud to be Kurdish,” she added, saying in the future and to take all of the ing with Armenian President Armen Sarkissian in Armenia’s deputy minister of culture that the Ministry of Culture sometimes opportunities to modernize the society, Minsk on October 30, BelTA news agency reported. and special guest at the Duhok funds Kurdish cultural activities. the civil society and women’s condi- “Despite all kinds of views in the democratic International Film Festival (DIFF) this This was Gharibyan’s first visit to tions,” she said. “It’s very important. If Armenia, Belarus has always been and will be your week. Kurdistan and she said it wasn’t what you want to develop, you have to work good and reliable friend. We both work in the com- “Culturally, Armenians and Kurds she expected. together with the world. mon economic space — our Eurasian Economic share a lot of things,” Gharibyan told Union and the CSTO military and political bloc. No Rudaw on Friday, October 26. “Kurdish matter what some people say or write, we strictly people and Armenian people lived on abide by our agreements, by everything that is envis- this land for more than 3,000 years and aged by these organizations,” Lukashenko said. are neighbors. There is a deep intercon- Sarkissian arrived in Belarus on October 29 on a nection in both cultures.” working visit. She said that there are also language The previous day he met with the Armenian com- similarities between the two groups. munity representatives in Minsk. “There are Kurdish words we contin- “It’s important and pleasant for me to start my ue to use and also Kurds use some foreign trips with the meetings with the Armenian Armenian words in their language,” she community as they give feeling of being in your own explained, adding that there are also home. I would like a dialogue and to hear your issues similar physical characteristics and tra- of concern and your expectations from Armenia’s ditional clothing. leadership,” Sarkissian said. Kurds have lived in Armenia for 100 During the meeting issues relating to the years, since the Armenian Genocide of Armenian-Belarussian relations, the role of the 1915. They share a good relationship Armenian community on deepening the bilateral eco- despite past hardships. Some Kurdish nomic and cultural ties, the opportunities to imple- groups have recognized their ancestors’ ment joint programs, as well as issues relating to the participation in the genocide. community life were discussed. The meeting also “We have a good relationship Armenian Deputy Minister of Culture Nazeni Gharibyan speaks during a panel dis- touched upon the Armenia-Diaspora ties, the oppor- between Kurdish and Yezidi Kurdish cussion at the Duhok International Film Festival on Thursday. Photo: DIFF tunities to use the Diaspora’s potential, as well as communities and Armenians. Even Armenia’s development prospects. though they study and work in The president answered to the questions relating Armenian, the Kurdish people continue “For me this is a real discovery,” she Having taught Armenian fine arts, art to Armenia’s domestic and foreign policy, as well as to keep their traditions and language,” explained, “I had never even heard of history and research methods in provided information on the meetings scheduled on she added, which she believes is very the city called Duhok or the festival. Armenia, France, Belgium and Italy, she the sidelines of the visit. important to keep their identity. “When I was coming, I was wonder- was just recently assigned to the post of Gharibyan also mentioned that her ing what kind of place I would discover,” Deputy Minister of Culture in spring of Armenian Genocide grandfather was a survivor of the she continued. “I discovered a wonder- this year. Armenian Genocide through his close ful place, a wonderful city. The architec- “It’s a new Armenia and I’m proud to Exhibit in Sydney relationship to Kurds. ture is very special. I recognized participate in that.” “When the soldiers came to take him, Hellenistic elements in the houses in She said she wants to continue to see SYDNEY, Australia (Public Radio of Armenia) — A he said ‘I am Kurdish.’“ the villas. It’s very different from growth in both Kurdistan and Armenia, travelling exhibit on loan from the Montreal When asked to prove it, her grandfa- Armenian houses.” noting cultural diversity and freedom in Holocaust Museum will be displayed at Victoria Park ther sang a traditional Kurdish folk Gharibyan also spoke on the continu- both nations. in Sydney, Cape Breton Post reports. song and was freed. ing growth of Kurdistan. The country of Armenia was a focus “United Against Genocide: Understand, Question, The Kurdish community in Armenia “I’m really warmly surprised to of the DIFF this year. The festival runs Prevent,” opens Friday, November 2 to mark the is an oral-based one, she explained, and observe that there is a movement here,” through Saturday, ending with a red beginning of Holocaust Education Week and runs language is imperative in keeping cul- she said, noting the mix of both tradi- carpet event and awards ceremony. until November 14. The exhibit uses testimony and rare archives to ask visitors to identify similarities and differences between four genocides: the Armenian genocide, the Cambodian genocide, the genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda and the Armenian Forces Participate in CSTO Holocaust. Area students will visit the exhibit during its time in Sydney. Exercises in Kazakhstan The Montreal Holocaust Museum loaned the exhibit to the local Holocaust Education Week Committee at ALMATY (Armenpress) — An no cost. A partnership between the Cape Breton- Armenian military delegation led by Lt. Victoria Regional Centre for Education and Nova General A. Davtyan – the Chief of the Scotia Human Rights Commission covered expenses General Staff of the Armenian Armed associated with transporting, hosting and displaying it. Forces, participated in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military committee sitting in Almaty Ex-PM Karapetyan May chaired by Kazakhstan’s first deputy defense minister – chief of the general Get Position in Russian staff on October 30. State-Owned Oil Giant The “Unbreakable Brotherhood 2018” exercises kicked off in the Urals YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Former Prime Minister city of Yekaterinburg. of Armenia Karen Karapetyan might soon become a “The aim is to check the readiness of member of the board of directors of Zarubezhneft, the the CSTO peacekeeping contingent to Armenian soldiers in the CSTO military exercises Russian state-owned oil and gas company, Kommersant accomplish missions, improve the skills newspaper reported citing unnamed sources. of the personnel and master the profes- According to the source, Karapetyan will possibly sionalism of officers of command and The Unbreakable Brotherhood-2018 aerial vehicles. become an independent director, a position current- control bodies,” Chief of the CSTO Joint drills involve about 1,300 troops, 300 About 300 servicemen have arrived ly held by Hrayr Simonyan, a financier who is also Staff Colonel-General Anatoly Sidorov pieces of military hardware and 20 in Yekaterinburg from Armenia, Inter RAO energy company executive Boris said at the opening ceremony. various aircraft, including unmanned Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Kovalchuk’s advisor. Tajikistan. Russia is represented by a A Russian government speaking to Kommersant peacekeeping battalion, reconnais- neither confirmed nor denied the story. sance, military police and logistics Zarubezhneft is a Russian state-controlled oil com- New Ambassadors Appointed units, field mobile command posts pany based in Moscow that specializes in explo- and aircraft. ration, development and operation of oil and gas YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On October 25, several ambassadorial assign- Issues of further development of fields outside Russian territory. ments were announced. CSTO’s military component were dis- Karapetyan served as prime minister from 2016 to Mher Mkrtumyan has been appointed ambassador of Armenia to the cussed, the defense ministry said. 2018. He was the mayor of Yerevan from 2010 to United Arab Emirates by a presidential decree. On the sidelines of the session, 2011. In addition, Tigran Gevorgyan was appointed ambassador of Armenia to Davtyan and his Kazakh counterpart, Syria, replacing Arshak Poladian, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Lt. General M. Maykeev held a one-on- press service of the President’s Office. one meeting to discuss bilateral cooper- ation issues. S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community News

Armenian Assembly AUA Pillar National Advocacy Yields Results with Recognition More than 100 Event Held in Meetings in DC Beverly Hills WASHINGTON — As part of the Armenian Assembly of America’s 2018 National Advocacy Conference, more than 100 meetings took place on Capitol Hill took place discussing key issues By Taleen Babayan of concern from the watershed democratic developments in Armenia and affirmation of the Armenian Genocide to Azerbaijan’s inces- BEVERLY HILLS — Bridging the education- sant and deadly cease-fire violations and Turkey al endeavors of the American University of and Azerbaijan’s dual blockades, among other Armenia with the altruistic support of key com- issues. munity members in the Diaspora, AUA’s devot- Activists hailed from 15 states — Arizona, ed Pillars gathered at the home of Yervant California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Demirjian on Sunday, October 7, in Beverly Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Hills, with a special musical presentation by the Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode acclaimed Element Band. Island, and Virginia. Notably, over 30 delegates A philanthropist who carries on his family’s participated from the western regions of the legacy of upholding the Armenian community United States, coming from California and both in Armenia and across the globe, Arizona. As a result of these meetings, more Demirjian, an AUA Pillar, stressed the signifi- Members joined the Congressional Caucus on cance of education for Armenia’s advancement Armenian Issues, including Representatives Charlie Takesian during his opening remarks to guests. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Scott Peters (D-CA) and “Acquiring knowledge is the only way to Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and some co-sponsored change one’s destiny,” said Demirjian. He noted H.Res.220, a resolution affirming the Armenian that the 100 Pillars of AUA, an innovative Genocide. group of donors who have pledged $50,000 “As a new Member of the Armenian Caucus, over the course of five years, are the “intrinsic” I am joining a strong bipartisan group of my Ocala Widower, foundation of the University. colleagues to better understand the relation- “Armenia’s only viable strategy to join other ship between the United States and Armenia. advanced economies is to help our best and This caucus is an important opportunity to brightest,” said Demirjian, who is a director and advance our shared economic and cultural ties, 82, Thrives on vice chairman of Interaudi Bank. “We should both in San Diego and across the country,” concentrate on exporting our knowledge and Peters told the Assembly. know-how.” In addition, several members withdrew from In his opening remarks, President Dr. Armen the Turkish and Azerbaijani Caucuses after Mission Trips Der Kiureghian, co-founder of AUA, recognized meeting with constituents. “Being up on Capitol Hill was invigorating. It was wonderful to see the support from various OCALA, Fla. (Ocala Star-Banner) — “People ask me why I go back every year. Members of Congress,” said the Assembly’s How can you not go back?” Southern California Regional Council member, While Habitat for Humanity houses keep popping up all over Marion County, James Melikian. “We had great meetings and I some volunteers prefer to take their building skills to foreign soil. Such is the case believe we made a positive impact for US- with Charlie Takesian. Armenia relations,” he continued. Once a year, Takesian, a widower, packs a suitcase and travels overseas to help “As a student at Georgetown University, I needy people get a roof over their was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet heads through short-term mission with esteemed members of Congress and delve By Marian Rizzo trips with the Americus, Georgia- into the political process. It was an extremely based Fuller Housing Center. productive experience, and I learned a lot about For Takesian, who is of Armenian what it takes to bring about real change and descent, it had to be Armenia, where, in Dec. 7, 1988, a major earthquake killed solutions in our political framework,” stated 25,000 people and left thousands homeless. Many families ended up living in the AUA President Armen Der Kiureghian and AUA Peter Vosbikian III. metal shipping containers that brought supplies in after the earthquake, he said. Pillar Yervant Demirjian “I’m fired up,” stated the Assembly’s Ohio “They were living in a tin box. That’s all they had,” he said. “The earthquake State Chair, Ara Bagdasarian. “This was a truly crushed their houses and apartments.” remarkable conference and gala. I am so glad More tragedy came to the Armenian villagers in 1991, with the fall of the Soviet the presence of Dr. Mihran Agbabian, who that I was able to participate and see members Union. established the University with him and the late of Congress and their staff face-to-face. My com- “While the Soviets were there, these people were working,” Takesian said. “They Stepan Karamardian after Armenia’s tragic mitment to the issues is even stronger. With bought this little piece of land and built a house. But when the Soviets pulled out, earthquake in 1988 and served as its founding our continued collective effort and momentum, there was no work.” president. The university, which opened its we will see the Armenian Caucus grow to over At 82, Takesian recently completed his twelfth mission trip. Despite having had doors on Armenia’s independence day on 200 Members.” six heart bypasses a couple of years ago, he hasn’t strayed from his annual com- September 21, 1991, has remained a steadfast “The Assembly’s National Advocacy mitment. So far he has helped build 26 homes and a 24-unit condominium. beacon of progressive change in the country for Conference was simultaneously educational and As he poured over color photos from his past trips, Takesian reminisced about the past three decades. motivational. Our meetings on the Hill were fast- the villagers he met and the team of workers that labored alongside him, digging “AUA prepares future leaders of Armenia,” paced and comprehensive. On behalf of my ditches, moving rocks and laying heavy stone two stories high. For some homes, said Der Kiureghian, and noted that many friends representing the Assembly’s Arizona dele- they used hollow Styrofoam blocks and poured concrete inside. At the end of the alumni are now involved in high level roles in gation, I was happy to see that Rep. Kyrsten project, the village priest shows up with salt, water, bread and, sometimes, a bot- the government of the Republic of Armenia. He Sinema joined the Congressional Armenian tle of wine, and he blesses the home, Takesian said. spoke of the developments on campus thanks Caucus as a result of our meeting. I am eager to “It’s very rewarding,” he said. “When we go back the following year, we usually to the 100 Pillars of AUA program, which pro- help further the Assembly’s advocacy initiatives go back to the homes we worked on and you should see the people. They’re so vides unrestricted funds to attract the most on the ground in Arizona,” stated the Assembly’s happy, because they’ve been living in these metal containers and it gets so hot in intelligent students and esteemed faculty, pro- Arizona State Co-Chair Dede Krikorian. the summer and so cold in the winter. They were using a community bathroom. mote a technologically advanced campus, and In addition to the Armenian Caucus and affir- Some had running water. Some did not. Then they get a house and it’s like mov- maintain a need-blind admissions policy that mation of the Armenian Genocide, the ing into the Taj Mahal. It’s really amazing to see the difference in their faces.” allows over 50 percent of students to receive Assembly also continued to advocate for robust Takesian spoke fondly about helping a woman who had lost one of her children financial assistance. assistance to Armenia, especially in the wake of when an explosive device blew up in the little boy’s hand. Her husband, an alco- Pillars have also given AUA the opportunity the recent democratic advances. The US pro- holic, also had died, leaving her with three children to raise. Takesian’s team to bolster its endowment, which is managed by vided an additional $14 million in assistance in helped build their house. the University of California, and has increased support of Armenia’s political transition, and, “I went back the following year,” he said. “When we pulled up in the van, she threefold over the last four years. shortly after the Assembly’s National Advocacy was outside looking for me. She ran up and hugged me and invited me inside her Above all, the 100 Pillars of AUA campaign, Conference, announced plans to provide an home. I could see the transformation. Last year she was shriveled up with grief. which is targeted to conclude by next June after additional $20 million beyond what had been see MISSION, page 7 securing 100 donors, is helping usher in a requested for Armenia. visionary chapter as it sets itself as a leader in see ADVOCACY, page 6 see PILLARS, page 9 6 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

Dr. Ümit Kurt to UConn Professor Is Excavating Site of Speak on Case Earlier Occupation in Armenia Of Ahmed reconstructions. used them, and understand more about their Necmeddin Bey By Elaina Hancock The goals of this research are to excavate technological evolution. Dating of the sedi- highly contextualized archaeological, chrono- ments in which the tools were found is done by FRESNO — Kazan Visiting Professor metric, and paleoenvironmental data with colleagues at the University of Glasgow, UK. in Armenian Studies Dr. Ümit Kurt will HARTFORD, Conn. (UConn Today) — In July which to test hypotheses about the timing and In July 2019, Adler’s graduate students and give his third public lecture on “The 2018, UConn associate professor of anthropol- nature of early human expansion into the an international team of specialists will be Curious Case of Ahmed Necmeddin ogy Daniel Adler and Keith Wilkinson, region, the technological abilities of these joined at Haghtanak-3 by a group of UConn Bey: A Look into the Sociopolitical University of Winchester, UK, co-directed exca- groups, and how changing climates and envi- undergraduates enrolled in the Archaeological Climate in Aintab on the Eve of 1915” vations at an Early Pleistocene archaeologi- ronments may have affected this process. Field School in Armenian Prehistory, an at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6, in cal site in northern Armenia known as Stone tools are some of the earliest and most Education Abroad program that trains students the University Business Center, Alice Haghtanak-3. The site documents the earliest easily identifiable artifacts made by humans, in archaeological excavation and recording Peters Auditorium, Room 191 on the human occupation of Armenia, and may be Adler says, and are made by flaking off smaller methods. Fresno State campus. more than 1 million years old. pieces of stone with a hammerstone. It is Funding for the 2018 field season was pro- Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Armenians, Greeks, During the excavations, participants from thought early humans used these tools for var- vided by the Leverhulme Trust Leverhulme and Jews of Aintab greeted the Committee five countries unearthed stone tools from ious purposes, such as cutting meat and plants. Trust, UConn’s Norian Armenian Programs of Union and Progress’ (CUP) declaration deep layers at the site, and sediment samples By studying these tools, the researchers hope Committee, and UConn’s Office of the Vice of the Second Constitutional Era and the were collected for dating and environmental to learn about the early humans who made and President for Research. restoration of the Constitution and the Parliament on 24 July 1908 with excite- ment and much hope. Ahmed Necmeddin Bey, however, was among the few who did not share the mood and fervor of the crowds. That is why he was beaten and expelled from Aintab in less than a year. Ahmed Necmeddin Bey was the kaimakam (district governor) of Aintab in late July 1908. One day, however, he was beaten by a group of Turks and Armenians in Aintab; his clothes torn, he was dismissed from his post and finally expelled from the city. But what was the reason for this incident? Dr. Kurt will discuss this enigmatic figure, who played a key role in the massacre of Aintab’s Armenians. Kurt received his PhD from the Department of History at Clark University in 2016 and is currently a Polonsky Fellow at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. Kurt is the author of several mono- graphs and numerous scholarly articles. The lecture is free and open to the public. Prof. Dan Adler and his team in Armenia

Armenian Assembly National Advocacy Yields Results with More than 100 Meetings in DC

ADVOCACY, from page 5 to the Hill meetings and the Gala dinner hon- Assembly on the San Francisco Bay Area’s Davidson Cross. “This was a wonderful experience. The speak- oring Mrs. Annie Totah, an exemplary champi- Armenian Genocide Commemorative Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill was the culmi- ers were insightful, the reception at La Vie was on and advocate for the Armenian community,” Committee, as well as on the Council of nating activity of a busy week organized by the fun and relaxing, and the Gala was star-studded, stated Bryan and Valina Agbabian of San Armenian American Organizations of Northern Armenian Assembly to encourage the Armenian but most importantly for me was the cama- Francisco. Valina serves as the Assembly’s California, which was formed in 1997 to pur- American community and activists to become raderie we all felt spending the day on Capitol California state chair. She also represents the chase, protect, and preserve the Mount engaged in Washington. Hill. Meeting in person to discuss the recent democratic changes in Armenia and urging more U.S. support to help Armenia was very rewarding. Our group from Arizona met with the staff of ten House Members, and with the Armenian Assembly’s help, hopefully made a small dent towards the passing of H.Res.220,” stated Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program alumna Ramona Lee Melikian. “The Armenian Assembly’s integral and compre- hensive approach to voicing Armenian issues and furthering Armenian American relationships is inspiring,” stated Narek Sevacheryan, a young pro- fessional from New York City. “The training session was informative, as was the role playing. The next day we had non-stop meetings with Members of Congress and raised key issues, which was a real highlight. I’m already looking forward to the next conference, and will encourage my peers to join me,” stated the Assembly’s Northern California Regional Council member David Ojakian. Activists were also armed with breaking news. That day, the US Department of Justice issued an indictment for a scheme to cover up the fact that Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil com- pany, SOCAR, footed the bill for a 2013 Congressional delegation to Azerbaijan in vio- lation of House Ethics rules. The Assembly had previously highlighted this, as well as “The Azerbaijani Laundromat” scheme, as part of its efforts to expose Azerbaijan and Turkey’s sur- reptitious influence in Washington. “All three days were impressive, impactful, and fun – from the reception at the Kreeger Museum to the informative Conference panels S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS A Traditional Meal Honors the Heroes of Hadjin

BATON ROUGE, La. — Parishioners of the St. whose Name Day was marked on Saturday; and Garabed Parish of Baton Rouge gathered over for Bishop Hovsep Garabedian, pastor of the St. the weekend of October 13-14 to remember the James Church in Watertown, during the late heroic defenders of the city of Hadjin. Visiting 1940s, who had baptized Abdalian. pastor Fr. Tateos Abdalian traveled to share in Afterwards, the faithful gathered in the the occasion. church hall for the Blessing of the Madagh. As As they do every year, the parishioners made they consumed the jibadoor meal, parishioners an offering of the madagh of jidaboor. The broke into songs about the heroic Armenians of preparation of the traditional meal began on Hadjin. Friday evening, with Abdalian conducting the Present for the occasion were two visiting Rite of the Blessing of Salt. The salt — a symbol scholars: the Rev. Dr. Abel Manoogian of of cleansing — would be added to the large pots Geneva, Switzerland — a son of Hadjin — who of meat and barley in which the jibadoor meal has recently published a book on Swiss human- would be cooked. itarian contributions during the Armenian Members of the community, old and young Genocide, and Anahid Khosroeva, a well-known alike, gathered at around 9 p.m. on Saturday historian from Armenia who is presently teach- night to begin the vigil of cooking. Women of ing in Chicago. the parish had already prepared the meat by The historic defense of Hadjin began in cutting it into tiny pieces; this was put into sev- earnest on March 31, 1920. In the prior cata- eral large pots along with barley and spices. clysm of the Genocide, a population of some The process of cooking would involve continu- 20,000 had been reduced to 8,000. For seven ally stirring the mixture in the pots. months the Hadjin Armenians defended their A little after 2 a.m., the process was complet- town against savage attacks from an over- ed. The pots were taken to the church hall to Members of the St. Garabed Parish of Baton Rouge come together to cook a feast. whelming Turkish force. await a proper blessing, which would be con- But by mid-October, with only 480 men ferred at the close of badarak on Sunday. remaining, the defenders could no longer hold It was during the badarak that Abdalian defending the city of Hadjin. Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the late their position and chose to abandon the city, spoke the prayer of intercession for the Holy Requiem prayers were offered for the depart- Patriarch of Jerusalem and Diocesan Primate; fleeing in small groups south towards Feke and Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, invoking ed souls of families descended from the sur- for Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, a greatly- on to Adana. Those who could not escape were with special emphasis the martyrs who died vivors of Hadjin; and for the repose of missed friend to the Baton Rouge parishioners, massacred without mercy. The dramatic episode of history has been marked annually for some three decades by the Baton Rouge parishioners — many of whom trace their family roots to Hadjin.

Ocala Widower, 82, Thrives on Mission Trips

MISSIONS, from page 5 Now she’s smiling. She’s got a house and a toi- let and a kitchen. She was so excited and she wanted to show me.” Founded in 2005 by the late Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda, who also founded Habitat for Humanity in 1976, the Fuller Housing Center works in 80 locations in North America and in 16 countries throughout the world. Fuller Housing operates much the same as Habitat for Humanity, which requires the home- owner to pay a mortgage and to give several hours of sweat equity. The organization also provides a 30-year, interest-free mortgage. Takesian travels with a group from Racine, Wisconsin. In a phone interview, Nick Akgulian, a volunteer from Racine, spoke of Takesian’s dogged dedication. “He’s pretty incredible,” said Akgulian. “The man wants to work. He’s not happy unless he’s got a shovel in his hand. He’s a really upbeat, positive, cool guy.” Their team leader, Yeprem Kelegian, a retired priest in the Armenian Church, said his group is usually restricted to local parishioners, but he invited Takesian to join them. “What Charlie gets off on is seeing these beautiful families finally living in a real house,” said Kelegian. “Anywhere we go, people are just delighted to see him. They gush over him and embrace him. Charlie’s just a simple person who loves people. He works hard and, on top of it all, he has this gentle tone.” The needs go beyond four walls and a roof. Like many of his teammates, Takesian often donates money for supplies, and he stays alert to other needs that come up. He helped a deaf girl get hearing aids that restored her hearing. And every year he takes two laptop computers with him so the youth can learn to use a com- puter, he said. “It’s a trip that, as long as I’m physically able to do it, I’ll do it,” Takesian said. “I pay my own way — air fare, hotels, meals — and I always take extra money with me and give to some of the poor people. You give them $10 and it’s like giv- ing you a thousand dollars, they’re so grateful.” Takesian is planning to return to Armenia in July 2019. “People ask me why I go back every year,” he said. “How can you not go back? We all have a reason to go over there. When we’re all finished and go back home, everybody says the same thing. ‘I’m so glad I went to give these people a place to live.’ It’s a great feeling.” 8 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARIES Egyptian-Armenian Artist Chant Avedissian Dies

CAIRO — On October 24, Egypt lost one of mer chair of the Detroit Tekeyan Chapter. its best known and talented contemporary Avedissian’s works engage the viewer with artists of Armenian origin, Chant Avedissian. a body of work that integrates images of icon- He had been battling lung cancer for three ic figures in Egyptian history, traditional years. Pharaonic iconography and art of the 1950s Avedissian was born in 1951 in Cairo, the and 1960s. Avedissian’s interests in folk art, son of Armenian refugees who had fled the Sufi poetry, Zen principles and aestheticism are evident in his creations, which also strike a balance with Western work processes. Avedissian’s art celebrates popular culture and politics in Egypt using images printed over stenciled backgrounds that are hand-painted and col- ored using local pigments. His work features stars from the heyday of Egyptian music and cinema — notably Umm Kalthoum, Farid Al Atrash, Abdel Halim Hafez, Faten Hamama and Asmahan. As Chant Avedissian during his exhibition in 2006 in Beirut at the Janine Rubeiz Gallery. Photo by well, political figures from Michel Sayegh Armenian Genocide. After studying fine art at between the early days of King the School of Art and Design in Montreal and Farouk’s rule and President Gamal Abd El applied arts at the National Higher School of Nasser’s death are portrayed. The influence have been exhibited around the world. Decorative Arts in Paris during the 1970s, of these cultural and political icons still res- It was especially important for Avedissian Avedissian returned to Egypt. onates in Egypt today. to use Egyptian material, including locally He fused the techniques, concepts and cos- Avedissian also used Islamic geometric pat- made or recycled paper. mopolitan experiences acquired abroad with He celebrated all aspects of the heritage of his Armenian-Egyptian back- Egyptian life, from the arts to ground to produce striking commentaries on political and social leaders and the world around him. His artistry ranges even thieves. According to one cat- from photography to costume and textile alog, he was intent on denouncing design to the painted stencils seen here. decadence and stressing the His relationship with Hassan Fathy, a well- strength of the culture. known Egyptian architect who advocated the His art was also informed by use of local materials and craftsmanship, his being regarded as a khawaga A self-portrait featuring the Great Wall challenged Avedissian to reconsider local tra- or foreigner in the country of his ditions of artistry and to appreciate the prop- birth. erties of common materials. He was also highly regarded and the National Gallery of Jordan. Exhibited widely, Avedissian’s artwork is photographer and indexed and He had described his art in one interview held by the National Museum of African Art, documented the works of as the following: “. . . with age, I came to the Smithsonian Institution; the British Museum, Hassan Fathy, the Arab world’s point, where anything that is not traditional London; the Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam; the most famous architect. He also Japanese, or close to its spirit, is pure bar- National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh; terns, Ottoman design, hieroglyphics from became fascinated with textiles based on barism. The simplicity and minimalism of the and the National Gallery of Jordan. magazines, advertisements and stock photos authentic Egyptian designs as well. ‘way’ suits my sense of beauty perfectly, . . . He was a student of Nora Azadian, the for- to create his bold works of art. His pieces Exhibited widely, Avedissian’s artwork is through this I came to appreciate more the held by the National Museum of African Art, Arab values of desert life and the nonperma- Smithsonian Institution; the British Museum, nent manners of the tent dwellers, whose cus- London; the Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam; the tom and manners in furniture (or non-furni- Diramayr Ursula Findikyan National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh; ture) are so close to the Japanese.” Mother of New Primate

VESTAL, N.Y. — Ursula Findikyan died on Telephone (617) 924-7400 Monday, October 15, surrounded by her chil- dren. Aram Bedrosian She was predeceased by her parents, Theodor and Anna Bozem, her brother Norbert Bozem, and her beloved companion of 17 years, Funeral Home, Inc. Dr. Garabed Fattal. She leaves her children, Very Rev. Daniel Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Findikyan, Primate, Diocese of Armenian MARION BEDROSIAN Church of America, Eastern, of Bronxville, NY, 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Stephan and Kristina Findikyan of Pelham, NY, WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN and Tamara and Thomas Findikyan of Vestal, NY. She is also survived by her grandchildren, James, Kira, Julia and Nina Findikyan. Born and raised in Hanau, Germany, she sur- vived the bombings and poverty of WWII, trau- mas which left a lasting imprint on her life. She later came to the US and attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Soon after, F UNERAL H OME she married, started a family, and moved to Giragosian New York, settling in Vestal in 1975. James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Though she was a proud German, she threw Avenue, Binghamton on Friday, October 19. Mark J. Giragosian herself into, and was fully embraced by the local Burial was in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. Funeral Counselors Armenian Church, where she went on to be In an announcement to Diocesan leaders, 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 chrismated and to serve as a member of the Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian recalled: www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Parish Council and the Women’s Guild, which “Ursula Findikyan was a woman truly devoted she chaired for many years. to our Lord. Her kindness, grace, and religious While raising three children, she had a con- conviction were apparent to everyone who met tinuous career, most notably at Binghamton her. The Armenian Christian heritage was not University, where she worked as an office man- the home of her birth; but years upon years of ager in the Biology Department, and for the faithful, humble service made it the spiritual Nardolillo Funeral Home Student Association. home of her life — and of her heart. Est. 1906 She was a talented cook, seamstress, and “She wore the title of diramayr with a sense crossword puzzle expert, but will be remem- of responsibility. That one of her sons served John K. Najarian, Jr. bered most of all for the warmth with which she the Armenian Church as a clergyman was a Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director opened her home to all. Her house was a sec- point of deep and abiding satisfaction for her; ond home to her children’s friends, as well as and a tender relationship existed between 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 the many students she worked with over the mother and son throughout her days. Diramayr 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 years. Ursula was equally proud of her son Stephan Funeral services were held at St. Gregory the and daughter Tamara and their families. Our www.nardolillo.com Illuminator Armenian Church, 12 Corbett thoughts and prayers are with them all.” S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS AUA Pillar Recognition Event Held in Beverly Hills

PILLARS, from page 5 last month and were funded by the American Baibourtian, who both Armenia’s fastest developing sector — science Schools and Hospitals Abroad Program (ASHA) reflected on the impact of and technology. Recognizing the rapid develop- of the US Agency for International AUA in Armenia. ment of the IT industry in Armenia, which has Development (USAID). The number of students A m b a s s a d o r grown by a rate of over 20 percent according to studying at AUA from abroad has also multi- Hovhannisyan remarked the World Bank, AUA recently established sci- plied, enrolling a historic high of 233 from the that AUA has been the US and 28 other “flagship of education” in countries. Armenia for the last 27 Der Kiureghian rec- years but needs to be “taken ognized the pillars in to the next level.” He attendance, including remarked on the generous Yervant Demirjian, contributions from Zaven and Sonia Diasporans which have Akian, Mihran and helped “fuel a positive rela- Elizabeth Agbabian, tionship between Armenia Vigen and Houry and the United States.” Ghazarian, Sinan and “The higher education Angele Sinanian, standards in Armenia came AUA Pillars Sonia Akian, Vigen Ghazarian and Houry Ghazarian Karekin and Zhanet through the investment of Kaprielian, Nareg the U.S. government and Aghjayan along with Armenian-Americans and it is important to appreci- formed 14 years ago, recently performed a sold- his parents Adour ate that tie,” said Hovhannisyan. “AUA is a key out concert for over 1,000 at the Ford and Arsho, David motor to bringing in new dynamics.” Amphitheatre in Hollywood and has long been Dr. Mihran Agbabian and Dr. Kris Mirzayan Esayan and Susan Recalling the year AUA was founded in 1991, known for its distinct and alluring music that is Jerian, Noubar and Baibourtian remarked that the University accessible to the world at large, while preserv- Tracy Ouzounian, “helped move the devastated country forward” ing the roots of traditional Armenian music, art- ence and tech-related degree programs and Kris and Pamela Ascher Mirzayan and the and that the newly independent government fully complementing the mission of AUA. courses to the benefit of the country’s students Munushian Trust represented by Gary and “considered AUA a priority” during its estab- “AUA is an educational institution of high and young citizens, including new Bachelor of Arsine Phillips. Dr. Der Kiureghian and his wife, lishment as it brought a new culture to Armenia integrity,” said Dabandjian. “Element Band Science degree programs in engineering sci- Nelly, were also one of the first pillars to join through educational knowledge, thus uniting shares the same values of advocating democra- ences and data science, as well as a Master of the society. cy, ethics and service to society.” Science degree in strategic management. “This kind of educational institution is vital Support from outside the Armenian commu- for human and economic development that nity was highlighted as well, including the new brings stability and prosperity to the country,” Student Union, Faculty Center and said Baibourtian. “We need to support this cul- Steven Sim and Ani Amphitheater that were unveiled on campus tural and education system in Armenia that is innovation-oriented.” Hovannisian to speak on On display throughout the afternoon were two paintings on transparent organic glass by ‘Hidden Map of Historic contemporary Yerevan-based artist Arev Petrosyan. They were available for silent auc- Armenia’ tion to raise funds for AUA’s “Yes! Armenian FRESNO — Explorer Steven Sim and pro- Women Can” campaign, which provides schol- ducer Ani Hovannisian will give a presentation arships for female students studying computer on “The Hidden Map of Historic Armenia” on science and engineering. Vahe and Armine Meghrouni Tuesday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Connecting the worlds of Armenia and University Business Center, Alice Peters California, AUA alum Stepan Khzrtian, Esq., who Auditorium, Room 191 on the Fresno State the program. graduated with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in 2010, campus. The documentary film “The Hidden In the spirit of the inspiring environment, Dr. spoke from personal experience as a student on Map” will be screened during the presentation. Der Kiureghian announced newly joined Pillars campus, thanking the donors in the room. Scotland-native Sim may be the most-traveled Razmik Grigorian, Caro and Rebecca Minas as “I have directly benefited from your gen- modern explorer of the historical Armenian well as Golden State Bank (represented by Phil erosity and I express my great appreciation for lands in present-day eastern Turkey. As an archi- Elghanian, Tom Byington and Gerard your support,” said Khzrtian. tecture student in Glasgow in the early 1980s, Kassabian). He also introduced several individ- Los Angeles-based Element Band, whose Sim decided to spend a summer among the lit- uals who intend to join, including Hratch and artistic mission is to present traditional tle-known medieval Armenian monuments of Helga Sarkis, Vahe and Armine Meghrouni and Armenian music on the world stage through its eastern Turkey rather than the oft-studied land- Diane Barsam, whose father, Vartkes, was one trademark modern fusion twist, performed for marks of Europe. During that first trip, he came of the university’s founding trustees and a the guests. across a landscape of abandoned architectural major donor to the institution. Ara Dabandjian, who played the guitar and masterpieces. What began as a student project Representing the government of the Republic accordion, was joined by Armen Manavazyan turned into a lifelong obsession and mission: “It of Armenia, remarks were made by the former on contrabass, Aragas Abramian on guitar and was a land empty of anybody having interest in Armenia’s Consul-General in Los Angeles, Dr. Armenian Ambassador to the US, Grigor Mahsa Ghassemi on cello as they played a mul- it, and I just happened to stumble upon this Armen Baibourtian Hovhannisyan, and the Consul-General of titude of songs evoking enjoyment, nostalgia empty land, and decided to make it my own.” Armenia to Los Angeles, Dr. Armen and the Armenian spirit. Element Band, which Sim has spent nearly 35 years documenting the remaining sites and relics of “Turkish Armenia,” traveling alone every year from Scotland to uncover, experience, and commit to memory the vanishing traces of the Armenian past. He has, to date, taken more than 100,000 photographs. Five years ago, Armenian-American producer and documentarian Ani Hovannisian met Sim as she was traveling through Turkey to discov- er the ancestral homeland she had heard about all her life from her Genocide-survivor grand- parents and historian father Dr. Richard Hovannisian, among others. Trekking through cities, towns, and villages across the country, dŚĞ ƌŵĞŶŝĂŶ tŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ tĞůĨĂƌĞ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƚŝŽŶ͕ /ŶĐ͘ ;ttͿ ƉƌŽĨŝƚ ǁŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ including her grandparents’ hometowns, by chance, she ran into Sim in an old Armenian Position Available: Full-time isExecutive a Boston area Director non- house in Kayseri. The unexpected intersection of their jour- organization, founded in 1905, with the mission to improve the quality of life for members of the Armenian neys merged into a friendship, and ultimately community whether it be through aid, relief or education. The AWWA currently supports the Armenian Nursing into a joint return expedition and answer to the and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) - an 83-bed non-profit skilled nursing facility and the Hanganak Elderly Clinic - call of the land, with Sim continuing to uncov- er what lies beneath the modern map of Turkey, providing medical and social support to 200 elders, mostly women, in Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabagh, Armenia. and Hovannisian documenting his story and These initiatives are well-managed by professional staff, provide excellent service, and are financially stable. that of the people who live there now. As the testimony of the structures and the people AWWA now plans to launch significant new programming and seeks to hire a dynamic, skilled and dedicated emerge, so does evidence revealing the hidden map of Historic Armenia and now, the docu- person to lead this new era. S/he will fulfill all the responsibilities of a non-profit Executive Director with emphasis mentary, “The Hidden Map.” on Program Development, Supporting Human Capital, PR/Communications/Marketing, and Fundraising. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information about the lecture visit Interested candidates will find full job posting at www.AWWA.us and should submit a resume with cover letter by www.fresnostate.edu/. 5:00 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 to: [email protected]

10 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS ARF Archives Open to the Public for First Time

ARCHIVES, from page 1 independent Republic of Armenia and therefore to all of us.” A repeating slide show of some of the photographs and documents in the archives was on display throughout the evening. George Aghjayan, chairman of the ARF Central Committee of the Eastern Region of the United States and director of the archives, gave a brief background of the archives, which were moved from Europe to the United States eventually after World War I. In 1986, when the

George Aghjayan (photo: Aram Arkun)

Hairenik Building was built, a vault was placed in the basement specifically for the archives. A few years ago, when Aghjayan was appointed as Sample documents and photos from the archives on display, including at the bottom right, the photos of women digging trenches in Aintab while other director of the archives, he took the pragmatic women protect them with rifles, the ARF military academy in Bulgaria, and Murad of Sepasdia with his wife and child (photo: Aram Arkun) approach of starting with doing the possible,

Armenia found in his papers. A stamp that was uncatalogued section. Some, like Richard used by the first republic’s consulate in Sofia, Hovannisian, had done so a long time ago. Bulgaria, a copy of an ARF membership card, The third major section contains over 30 and pictures of various ARF fighters were on a boxes of photographs, which need to be digi- table along with a newsletter published in the tized and catalogued. Project Save has provid- early 1960s in the US for ARF membership only ed advice on their preservation and digitaliza- on the arrest of Syrian ARF members. tion, said Aghjayan. The fourth section is still Aghjayan defined the archives as having four being assembled. It is composed of private sections. First is the ARF party archives from papers, including those belonging to members 1890 onward. Of these, the entire ARF collection of the party like Abraham Gulkhandanian, who from 1890 to 1926 has been fully catalogued and served in various posts in the government of microfilmed. Only this part is accessible for use. the first republic and later actually was the first The remaining materials have been placed in to start cataloguing the archives. archival boxes but not catalogued. This is a pro- There are even some film materials that have ject to be done in the future. been found in the archives. Up until the 1980s, Aghjayan explained, all After a long period of time during which regions of the party continued to send archival scholars, or at least those not affiliated with the materials to Watertown, but after that it became ARF, were unable to access this rich storehouse untenable. Furthermore, the electronic age has of material, the opening of the ARF archives no now changed the nature of correspondence. doubt will give new impetus to the study of The second part is composed of the archives of many topics in modern Armenian history. It can the first Republic of Armenia, from 1918 to 1920. even be useful to individuals seeking informa- Only a small portion of this has been catalogued — tion on relatives and ancestors. Those who are Sample documents and photos from the archives on display, including at bottom far right, original roughly 10-15 percent, according to Aghjayan. The interested in seeing the archives should contact declaration of independence of the Republic of Armenia (photo: Aram Arkun) uncatalogued part is not available for the general George Aghjayan via email at public, but historians would be allowed to use the [email protected]. not the ideal maximum, which would be pro- hibitively expensive. He had the space improved with equipment that people could use and updated the humidity control system. Recently scholars have come to use the archives. Afterwards, guests went to the Hairenik building in groups of ten and were given a brief tour by Aghjayan. A series of interesting docu- ments and photographs were placed on display there, including the original declaration of inde- pendence of the Republic of Armenia of May 30, 1918 and an original manuscript of Simon Vratsian’s book, Hayasdani hanrabedutiwn. A report by Haroutiun Khachadoorian, a gradu- ate of the University of Vermont and native of Aintab who accompanied the Harbord Mission from the United States as translator and engi- neer, on a proposed railway system for Armenia after World War I, was shown along with a list of the population of regions of Russian

Joshua Tevekelian (photo: Aram Arkun) Archival boxes containing documents are stored in the vault of the archives. (photo: Aram Arkun) S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS 12 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

Program on Armenian- American Volunteer Reverent Captain Jim Chankalian To Be Hosted by New Tekeyan Metro Los Beauty Angeles Chapter The Met’s Armenia Show ALTADENA, Calif. — The Tekeyan Cultural Is One for the Ages Association Metro Los Angeles Chapter will host a program titled “Captain Jim Chankalian: Leader of the Armenian- American Volunteer Soldiers” on Sunday, By Jason Farago November 18, at 5 p.m. at the Tekeyan Center in Altadena. NEW YORK (New York Times) — They were Boston-based scholar Aram Arkun, execu- mostly young people who came out in the tive director of the Tekeyan Cultural streets of Armenia this past spring, waving bal- Association of the United States and Canada loons of red, orange and blue. They were fed up and assistant editor of the Armenian Mirror- with their ineffectual government, and on their Spectator, will serve as the keynote speaker smartphones they watched the progress of an and present the fascinating life of Chankalian, opposition leader, the former journalist Nikol who was a part of the Armenian Legion that Pashinyan, as he walked in protest across cen- successfully defeated the Turkish and tral Armenia. When he arrived in Yerevan, the German forces at the Battle of Arara in capital of this former Soviet republic, the Palestine in September 1918 as well as a vol- crowds sang, shouted and swore to go on strike. unteer fighter under the Russians in Van dur- Less than six weeks later, Pashinyan was named ing World War I. interim prime minister of Armenia, ushered into This bilingual program will be dedicated to office on the shoulders of the extraordinary, the 100th anniversary of the heroic victory that nonviolent “velvet revolution.” was achieved by the 4,000 members of the Armenia is a country with so much history it Armenian Legion (including 1,200 valiant can overwhelm you. This spring we learned its American-Armenian soldiers led by Chankalian). future might be as eventful as its past, which Born in Dikranagerd in 1879, Chankalian, makes it a timely moment for “Armenia!,” the along with three other Armenians from Metropolitan Museum of Art’s eye-opening Paterson, NJ, served in the United States appraisal of the art, manuscripts, textiles and Army during the Spanish-American War. religious artifacts of a nation that is still adding surprising chapters to its dramatic history. Pashinyan attended the opening last month. There was no sign, alas, of Kim Kardashian, our Kutahya Vessel, 18th century most famous Armenian-American, but Karekin II, the catholicos (or supreme patriarch) of the Armenian church, was also spotted in the gal- leries; the country was the first to make Christianity its official religion, and this exhibi- ‘Armenia: Art, tion, packed with weighty stone crosses and rich- ly illuminated gospels, is a testament to the cen-

Captain Jim Chankalian Culture, Eternity’ The Metropolitan Almost twenty years later, under Museum of Art gives the Chankalian’s leadership, New Jersey became Armenian Museum of America blockbuster treatment the initial military training ground for the to Armenia, the oldest Armenian Legion in the United States, before Christian country in they headed overseas. Presents New Permanent Gallery Chankalian is recognized as one of the the world. WATERTOWN — The Armenian Museum of America is unveiling its vision for most prominent leaders of the Armenian the future. Founded in 1971, the museum serves as the largest repository of Democratic Liberal party (ADL) as well as the Armenian artifacts in the diaspora, as well as the largest ethnic museum in trality of the church to Armenian cultural identi- first president of the Central Committee of Massachusetts. As the Museum builds towards the future, it strives to create a ty. No museum has ever mounted such a large the Armenian General Benevolent Union stronger, more connected community through shared exploration of Armenian art exhibition of Armenian art, and most of the 140 (AGBU) in the United States. He also served and history, both for Armenians and those who are new to Armenian culture. objects here come from museum collections and the Armenian Church in numerous leader- The museum’s new gallery, “Armenia: Art, Culture, Eternity,” provides an churches in Armenia and rarely travel. ship positions, among them as a member of overview of Armenian culture from antiquity to present-day Armenian experi- “Armenia!” has been organized by Helen C. the original committee which led to the build- ence here in the United States. More than 50 objects are on display, illustrat- Evans, the Met’s curator of Byzantine art, and ing of the Diocesan Center and St. Vartan ing Armenia’s origins in the Asian continent, the invention of a unique Indo- Cathedral in New York City. He died in New European language and alphabet, the early adoption of Christianity, Armenian Jersey in 1947. medieval illuminated manuscripts, interconnected trade routes, and the Keynote speaker Arkun, a respected schol- tragedy of the Genocide. ar, is a graduate of Princeton University with “Armenia: Art, Culture, Eternity” is the culmination of 12 months of intense a master’s degree in international relations research and design and represents a new level of scholarship and interpreta- from the University of Pennsylvania and a C. tion at the museum. The project was made possible by the support of the Phil. degree in Armenian history from the Board of Trustees and was spearheaded by Executive Director Jennifer Liston University of California Los Angeles. He has Munson and architect Virginia Durruty, who worked side-by-side with Michele been editor-in-chief of the AGBU Ararat quar- Kolligian, president of the Board of Trustees, on the inspired design. terly, director of the Krikor and Clara Zohrab The gallery is the start of a holistic consideration of the entire museum, Information Center of the Diocese of the which will examine everything from the building’s distinctive Brutalist archi- Armenian Church (Eastern) and adjunct Helen C. Evans tecture — including how the hard space is a meaningful metaphor for assistant professor at New York University, Armenia’s difficult history — to the museum’s role in telling the modern among other posts. He has written a number Armenian-American cultural narrative. focuses specifically on the art and history of the of articles on Cilician Armenians in the mod- As a major moment in the process of awakening the building and developing country’s medieval period. It is not, despite the ern period. a vibrant cultural space, the Museum is proud to welcome the public to its new exclamation point in its title, an exhibition that Also participating in the program is Dr. gallery and invites the community to share in its future. favors razzle-dazzle. In fact, “Armenia!” is a Zaven Arslanian, the maternal grandson of The opening reception will be hel don Thursday, November 15, 6 to 7.30 p.m. rather bookish sort of blockbuster, concentrat- Sergeant Caspar Menag of Chunkoosh and A gallery viewing and talk will take place with speakers Michele Kolligian, ing heavily on illuminated manuscripts, and pre- Lawrence, Massachusetts of the Armenian Jennifer Liston Munson and Virginia Durruty. There will be live music from sented in low lighting to protect the gospels and Legion. Sergeant Caspar Menag, who fought 7.30 to 9 p.m., with an Armenian-inspired reception in the Adele & Haig Der romances on view. There is some ecclesiastical at the Battle of Arara and in Cilicia, consid- Manuelian Galleries, 3rd floor. flash, in the form of bejeweled crucifixes and ered Captain Jim Chankalian to be one of the For more information visit www.armenianmuseum.org gold-plated censers, but this is primarily an exhi- great influences on his life. bition of book illustration, unlike any other see CHANKALIAN, page 16 see MET, page 16 14 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING New CD by Kim Kashkashian Puts Spotlight on Bach Suites

NEW YORK — Viola great Kim Kashkashian’s tion. Her phrasing, rhythmically supple yet recording by a soloist with orchestra. Kim was new recording, “Johann Sebastian Bach, Six steady, flows and breathes as naturally as awarded the George Peabody Medal for out- Suites for Viola Solo,” was released by ECM on human speech; her expressiveness communi- standing contributions to music in America, as October 12. The suites were once described by cates deep personal involvement.” well as the prestigious Golden Bow award of Pablo Casals as “the very essence of Bach…a Strings Magazine on Kim Kashkashian Switzerland. In 2016 she was elected a Fellow whole radiance of space and poetry pours forth Recognized internationally as a unique voice of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. from them.” These qualities are in abundance in on the viola, Kashkashian studied with Karen As an advocate of contemporary music, she the present version, Tuttle and Walter has worked to broaden scope of the viola’s recorded at the Trampler at the voice and repertoire in collaboration with many American Academy P e a b o d y composers including Tigran Mansurian, Péter of Arts and Letters Conservatory of Eötvös, Ken Ueno, Betty Olivero, Lera in New York in Music in Auerbach and Toshio Hosokawa. November and Baltimore. Marlboro and the Viennese School, repre- December 2016, and The recipient of sented by her mentor, Felix Galimir, were February 2017. numerous prizes major influences in developing her love of Bach composed she received a chamber music. She is a regular participant the suites around 2013 Grammy at the Verbier, Salzburg, Lockenhaus, 1720 when he was Award in the Best Marlboro, and Ravinia festivals. As soloist, in the employ of C l a s s i c a l she has appeared with the major orchestras Prince Leopold of Instrumental Solo of Berlin, London, Vienna, Paris, Milan, New Anhalt-Köthen. The category for York, and Cleveland and presented duo a u t o g r a p h Kurtág and Ligeti: recitals in New York, Boston, Baltimore San manuscript is no Music for Viola on Francisco, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, longer extant, and ECM New Series. Cleveland, Frankfurt, Berlin, Vienna, Munich, the earliest known Kashkashian’s Paris, Athens and Tokyo. Kashkashian copies date from Cover of “JS Bach, Six Suites for Viola Solo” by Kim recording, with resides in Boston and teaches viola and 1726 and 1730, the Kashkashian Robert Levin, of coaching chamber music at the New England latter made by Anna the Brahms Conservatory. She is the founder and presi- Magdalena Bach. Sonatas, won the dent of the project Music for Food. Bach himself made a transcription of an Edison Prize in 1999. Her 2000 recording of CD booklet includes liner notes by Paul Kim Kashkashian arrangement of Suite V for lute, however, which concertos by Bartók, Eötvös and Kurtág won Griffiths, and a performer’s note by has survived. Differences in articulation the 2001 Cannes Classical Award for a premiere Kashkashian, in English and German. between the versions invite a certain expressive liberty. There has also, in recent years, been speculation about the instrument for which Bach wrote the music: was it the violoncello as we know it today, or was it the violoncello da spalla, the small cello played braced against the shoulder? Were the suites played on the viola in Bach’s lifetime? Perhaps. Bach’s fondness for the viola is documented; he liked to play it in Recipe chamber music and also directed cantatas from the viola. Hearing the Suites on the viola, with its range an octave above the cello, Paul Griffiths remarks in the liner notes, the music takes on “a different kind of sombre- Corner ness, a different kind of dazzlement, a differ- ent kind of self-examination.” His essay details the characteristics of the suites and the dance forms — the allemandes, courantes, by Christine Vartanian Datian sarabandes, minuets, bourrés, gavottes and gigues — and emphasises Kashkashian’s sense of pulse, which “comes from the music, not from the clock. Bach’s dances are not for jaunting feet but made rather of shapes and images moving in the mind.” Potato Cheese Patties Kashkashian approaches the suites as a player whose sensibilities have been shaped INGREDIENTS by engagement with new music as well as 4-5 cups chilled leftover mashed potatoes* classical tradition. For these performances 1/2 medium onion, grated she uses contemporary instruments, includ- 2 cloves garlic, minced ing a 5-string viola (as called for in the Anna 2 large eggs, lightly beaten Magdalena Bach manuscript) for the chal- 1/2 cup crumbled Feta, shredded Monterey Jack, Swiss or lenging D major suite, and brings to the cheddar cheese or grated Parmesan cheese whole set a feeling of freedom, grace and 1/4 cup flour (or plain bread crumbs, or a little more) power. The cello suites have long been part of her performance repertoire, approached from 2 tablespoons chopped parsley multiple perspectives. (In concert, for 2 tablespoons canned green chilies or minced green or red instance, inspired by György Kurtág’s inser- bell pepper tion of Bach arrangements amid his Játékok Salt, pepper, paprika to taste pieces, she has sometimes threaded sections Flour, plain bread crumbs or cornmeal for rolling of Kurtág’s Signs, Games and Messages in Butter or cooking oil for frying between movements). In her hands, the Sour cream, yogurt or hummus music is very much alive, and speaks to the Chopped parsley, mint, paprika, green onions present. For Kashkashian, Bach’s music is both a PREPARATION “true and faithful companion” and a reference Place mashed potatoes in a large bowl; combine with the onions, garlic, eggs, cheese, flour, parsley, chilies, and spices, and mix thoroughly. point against which all creative endeavor may Flour hands and form mixture into patties; roll in flour, bread crumbs or cornmeal, and chill for 30 minutes until firm. be measured. “Music is a parable and a guide Flatten patties slightly and fry in butter or oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately. for all the challenges and triumphs of life,” she Garnish with sour cream, yogurt, hummus or chopped parsley, mint, and green onions. writes in an artist’s note here, adding that Bach Suggestion: Serve patties in pita pockets, topped with yogurt or hummus and thinly sliced red onions, radishes, and cucumbers or as a side “leads us to new insights and joys as we dish or appetizer. approach the mysterious and miraculous point Serves 4-6. of intersection where craft and art become one.” *Note: 1/2 cup chopped raisins, dates or dried apricots may be added if using leftover mashed sweet potatoes instead of potatoes in this recipe. This recording is Kashkashian’s second ECM Omit garlic, green chilies and parsley, and add 1/4 cup flaked coconut, 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger, New Series album dedicated to Johann and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds to sweet potato version; garnish with chunky applesauce, cranberry sauce or sour cream, and Sebastian Bach. In 1991 she recorded the viola roll patties in cinnamon and sugar. Patties may be made with unpeeled, well drained, shredded zucchini or squash. To bake instead of fry patties, da gamba sonatas with Keith Jarrett on harpsi- roll in flour, bread crumbs or corn meal. Place patties on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425° for 12 minutes. Carefully turn chord. patties over, and bake for an additional 12 minutes or until golden. “Her technique is masterful — and her tone is instantly arresting for its warmth, austere **Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee newspaper, Sunset magazine, Cooking Light magazine, and athttp://www.thearme- purity, and concentrated intensity. Glowing like niankitchen.com/ dark amber and radiant like golden sunshine, it has infinite variety of color, nuance, and inflec- S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING

Cellist Laura Navasardian’s masterful rendi- Musicians tion of Kabalevsky’s Concerto No.1 in G minor, accompanied on the piano by her equally tal- ented mother, Lilit Navasardian, nearly brought Celebrate Ancient the house down. Accented by lush tones, great technique, and deep emotion, this youngster is City, Young ready for professional stage performances. The concert concluded with the Hamazkayin Arekag Choir offering a special tribute to Organization Charles Aznavour with his moving Hayastan, after which they appropriately sang Edgar Hovhannisyan’s Erebuni-Yerevan to a standing By Florence Avakian ovation. During the closing ceremony, bouquets and commendation plaques were presented to the NEW YORK — It was both a celebration of planners and organizers Amirkhanian, Marina the 10th anniversary of Direct Help for Baghdasarova, and Eugenia Sarian by Armenian People (DHAP), and the 2800th Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations anniversary of Erebuni-Yerevan. Mher Margaryan. Ohanyan also received a com- DHAP President and founder Dr. Svetlana menation for his many years of service. Amirkhanian welcomed the audience to this cel- Honorary Chairman of the Tekeyan Cultural ebratory concert which took place at Carnegie Association Hagop Vartivarian animatedly Hall on Saturday, October 20, that presented Pianist Michael Khoury speaking in Armenian, thanked the organizers the year’s talented Armenian youth finalists. for “bringing Armenian breath and culture to Opening the sold-out event was a prayer by the new generation.” Armenian Diocesan Vicar General, the Very youth finalists by Master of Ceremonies ist Aren Arakelyan, and Robert Ward’s first Dr. Irina Kakossian who with her husband, Rev. Simeon Odabashian, followed by the pre- Eugenia Sarian. movement modern and difficult Concerto for Dr. Ken Kirakossian, were the major benefac- sentation and awarding of this year’s talented As 17 youngsters of the Hamazkayin Arekag Saxophone was played with great nuance by tors of the concert, expressed special gratitude Choir, led by their musical director and conduc- David Hovanisyan. to all involved. tor Vagharshak Ohanyan, filed onto the stage, the audience erupted into thunderous applause. In perfect unison they offered a number of mov- ing Armenian numbers. For many of the young performers, Aram Khachaturian was the dominant composer, especially for talented pianists Davit Avetisyan, Yana Prakhina, Maxim Tesovic. Alex Vartanian’s interpretation of the composer’s Waltz displayed a deep understanding of the music, and Cami Hall played an impressive first movement of Khachaturian’s Sonatina. Other gifted pianists were Michael Khoury sharing Beethoven’s Sonata in F minor, and Andrew Boldi interpreting Ed Baghdasaryan’s Prelude in B minor. Lovely voices by Anahit Indzhigulyan, Alice Mashensky and Christina Kerestedjian soared musically throughout the hall. And a beloved Oror by Barsegh Kanachyan, sung with great feeling by sisters Sareen and Arya Balian brought many in the audience to tears. Sisters Sareen and Anya Balian singing a duet Baghdasaryan’s beautiful Nocturne was Armenia’s U.N. Ambassador Mher Margaryan gives a special diploma to Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian. given a soft and lyrical interpretation by violin- 16 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Met’s Armenia Show Is One for the Ages

MET, from page 13 the seventh century, when overlords practic- medieval manuscript show you’re likely to see. ing the new religion of Islam invaded greater Armenia had a long middle age, extending from Armenia; to the 13th century, when Mongol the early fourth century, when St. Gregory the warriors raided the east of Anatolia; to the Illuminator converted the king, Tiridates III, to invasions of the Ottomans and Safavids in Christianity — an event commemorated at the open- the later medieval era — were a constant ing of this show by a stela of porous stone, carved threat. What kept it all together was their with portraits of the two men — until the late 16th own autocephalous church, not answerable century, when printed books made their first to Rome or Constantinople. Rival kings and appearance. This mountainous region was a cross- rich merchant families competed to deck out roads of influences from east and west, but the most lavish cathedrals, and in the later Armenian art scrambles simple understandings of medieval period scriptoria popped up in “Europe” and “Asia,” exhibiting a stylistic cos- monasteries across greater Armenia, down mopolitanism even as it used Christian identity to into Crimea, and even as far as Italy, the define itself within the world of Islam. source of several manuscripts here. Armenian book artists were not anonymous; By the end of the 17th century, when they signed their names, had their own styles Armenian power had flourished along new and took risks. One volume here, flamboyantly trade routes, an Italian aristocrat living in illuminated by Sargis Pidzak in 1331, is open to Constantinople received a gift: a panoramic a picture of a priest praying before St. Matthew map of the world of Armenian influence. in a field of gold leaf, while initial letters of the Known as the Tabula Chorographica Gospels dance with the angels. (Note the pointy Armenica, this 12-foot painted map includes black hood worn by the kneeling priest: this dis- nearly 800 sites of Armenian Christian wor- tinctly Armenian clerical garb is still worn ship, stretching past the Caucasus to Stela at the entrance to the Armenia! exhibit today.) A Bible from the later medieval period, Jerusalem and Iran. In one corner the bearded illuminated by an artist named Hakob, depicts St. Gregory destroys idols in an Ottoman town, God as a ruddy-faced, goggle-eyed young man, while laymen and clergy, painted in a style who gazed on it would have appreciated its long been at the mercy of outside forces, and as if in awe at his own creation. In a 16th-cen- more Persian than European (softer features, expression of the depth of Armenian trade the beauty of this show is tinged with conquest tury manuscript relating the life of Alexander finer lines), chat amiably outside Echmiadzin routes in the new early modern age. To modern and subjection. But the young revolutionaries the Great, done in Rome by an Armenian bish- Cathedral, the Armenian equivalent of the eyes at the Met, it has other overtones: its who marched and sang in Yerevan this spring — op called Zak‘ariay of Gnunik‘, the Macedonian Vatican. The peaks of Mount Ararat, the land- breadth recalls the extent of the contemporary such a rare gleam of hope in this global age of king’s ship is swallowed by an enormous brown ing place, according to the Bible, of Noah’s Armenian diaspora, and its numerous churches authoritarianism — knew that the manuscript of crab, hooking the sails with its pincers as its ark, are breasts of solid green. in Ottoman territory portend the genocide to Armenian history is still being written. mouth gapes open. This boggling showstopper of a map was not come during World War I. “Armenia!” will run through January 13 at The Bibles and ritual books here are testa- meant for navigation, and the elite merchants Armenians, as this great show attests, have the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Manhattan. ment to a relatively literate medieval society, one with its own Christian identity, and one that used (and still uses) its own involute alpha- bet, developed in 405 by the cleric and scholar now known as St. Mesrop Mashtots‘. This new alphabet, with its arcing capital letters, was the key to the conversion of Armenian society into a Christian society, since religious services could now be conducted in the vernacular. A densely lettered, unspaced sheet of parchment here, whose translation of the Book of Corinthians could date from as early as the fifth century, is one of more than a dozen objects on loan to the Met from the Matenadaran Mesrop Mashtots Institute. There’s more than manuscripts. Beautifully woven vestments and altar frontals affirm that Armenian believers saw as much beauty in ser- vices as in the scriptoria. Reliquaries in the form of St. Gregory’s right arm were popular, and one silver, gem-studded specimen here is said to contain the remains of his last known male descendant. Gold earrings with dangling pendants shaped like crescent moons and birds, dating to the 11th century, are a rare example of secular material here, and their filigreed pan- els reflect the influence of neighboring Iran. Perhaps the most distinctive artworks of the Armenian Middle Ages are the khachkars, or cross-stones, found across the Southern Caucasus. These slabs of tuff, basalt or dolomite are carved with highly decorative crosses, and their elaborate patterns suggest the influence of Islamic culture even as they attest to an unshakable Christian faith. Medieval Armenia was not a centralized polity, and frequent foreign incursions — from

Program on Armenian- American Volunteer Chankalian to Be Hosted by Tekeyan Metro LA Chapter CHANKALIAN, from page 13 The dancers of the Patille Dance Studio of Pasadena, under the direction of Patille and Cynthia Albarian, will perform a number of dances in honor of the Armenian Legion. Captain Jim Chankalian made many per- sonal sacrifices to serve the Armenian peo- ple, by means of the Armenian Legion, A.D.L., Armenian Church, AGBU, as well as the United States Army, with great distinc- tion and honor, becoming a great patriot and national hero. S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LL EE NN DD AA RR

MASSACHUSETTSCALIFORNIA DECEMBER 16 — St. James Annual Name Day Banquet - Celebrating the 87th Anniversary of the Parish and NOVEMBER 17 — Join the Armenian EyeCare Project Honoring Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian on the 25th Anniversary for its Annual Gala at the beautiful Balboa Bay Resort of his Ordination to the Priesthood. V. Rev. Fr. Daniel in Newport Beach, CA. The fun-filled evening will begin Findikyan, Primate, Presiding. St James Armenian Church, at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour and silent auction fol- Watertown, MA. Details to follow. lowed by a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal, live DECEMBER 16 – Candlelit Labyrinth Peace Walk, music and dance entertainment, and an exciting live auc- Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway, Boston, tion. Tickets are $500 per person and for those 35 and Sunday, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Walk the Candlelit Labyrinth. under, $250 per person. To RSVP or for more informa- Tie a Ribbon on the Wishing Tree. Hot Chocolate & tion, please call 949-933-4069, email leslie@eyecarepro- Desserts, hosted by The Bostonian Hotel. RSVP appreci- ject.com or visit eyecareproject.com/gala ated [email protected] NOVEMBER 18 – “Captain Jim Chankalian: Leader of SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 – SAVE THE DATE! the Armenian-American Volunteer Soldiers” spon- InterContinental Hotel, Boston. Extraordinary Benefit sored by the Tekeyan Cultural Association Metro Los for Armenian Heritage Park’s Endowed Fund for Care. Angeles Chapter. Keynote speaker: Aram Arkun. Dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Victory at the NEW JERSEY Battle of Arara by the Armenian Legion. Bilingual pro- gram, 5 p.m. Tekeyan Center, 1901 N. Allen Ave., DECEMBER 8 — Tekeyan Cultural Association of Altadena. For more information: [email protected] Greater New York Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group will present a Christmas gala with Sarina Cross. MASSACHUSETTS Save the date. Details to come. On Sunday, November 4, sev- OCTOBER 28 – 57th Anniversary Celebration of Holy NEW YORK Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston Honoring eral groups, including the “Parishioners of the Year” Nancy D. Kasarjian and Tekeyan Cultural Center, will SEPTEMBER 22 - January 13, 2019 – ARMENIA! at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Armenia! is Carol Krikorian upon their Retirement, following Church collaborate to celebrate the Services, Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 the “first major exhibition to explore the importance of Brattle Street, Cambridge MA. Sunday. Donation for life and work of Diana Der Armenians and their remarkable achievements in a glob- catered reception: $30 per person. RSVP requested by Hovanessian. Sunday, 3 p.m., al context…” https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibi- October 19 by calling the Holy Trinity Church Office, 617- at the Armenian Cultural tions/listings/2018/armenia 354.0632, emailing [email protected] or www.htaac.org/calendar/event/588/ Foundation, 441 Mystic St., RHODE ISLAND NOVEMBER 2-3 — The 62nd Annual St. Stephen’s Arlington. Admission is free. Armenian Apostolic Church Bazaar. Church volunteers NOVEMBER 3-4 — Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian will serve homemade chicken, beef and losh kebab, Church, 88th Annual Food Fair and Bazaar. 70 kufteh and kheyma dinners all day along with pastries Jefferson St., Providence. Saturday, 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m.- and specialty gourmet items prepared by members of the Sunday, Noon – 6 p.m. Daily Raffle & Silent Auction, Kids Ladies Guild. Booths and vendors. Silent Auction. Policy and Right on Crime; Moderator: Sheriff Peter J. Games, Kids Movies, Arts & Crafts, Balloon man. Shish Armenian Cultural and Educational Center. Watertown, Koutoujian, Sheriff of Middlesex County; President, Kebab, Losh Kebab, Kufta, Kheyma, Yalanchi, Armenian 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association. Reception follows at Pastries, Lahmajoon & many other delicious food avail- NOVEMBER 3 — Thanks-for-Giving Luncheon at the The Bostonian Hotel. Free and open to the public. An able. All are welcome. Handicap accessible. Cash, Check, Belmont Country Club in Belmont, hosted by the endowed public program of Armenian Heritage Park on Visa and Mastercard Accepted. For further information, Armenian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA). An The Greenway. call church office 401-272-7712. afternoon of socializing with old and new friends, exciting NOVEMBER 14 — Preventative Health. Know Your NOVEMBER 10 & 11 — Armenian Fest 2018, Sts. raffle prizes from various artisans in Armenia, Super Market Health. First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Avenue, Vartanatz Armenian Church of Providence presents prizes and other fun events. AWWA sponsors the Belmont. Open to all in the community. 6 p.m. its ARMENIAN FOOD FESTIVAL AT RHODES ON THE Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the Registration and refreshments. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Panel dis- PAWTUXET, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston. - Featuring chick- Hanganak Clinic Elderly Project in Stepanakert, Nagorno- cussions. Free Access to Panel of Experts including Dr. en, losh and shish kebabs and kufta dinners. Armenian Karabagh. Saturday,12-4 p.m. Limited number of tickets. Armen Arslanian, Internist at Winchester Physician delicacies, dancing to live music, arts and crafts, flea mar- Complimentary Valet Parking available. Please call Karen, Associates, Dr. George Vosgerichian, DMD, General and ket, gift baskets, children’s corner, country store, jewelry, Martha or Lalig at 617-319-2651 for tickets or information. Esthetic Dentistry in Arlington, and Pierre Panoyan, R.Ph hourly raffles. Armenian Dance Group will perform on NOVEMBER 4 — Celebrating the Life and Work of Walgreens Pharmacy Manager in Arlington. Event will be Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. Armenian food and pas- Diana Der Hovanessian, Organized by the Armenian moderated by Tanya Iliadis, Pharm.D., associate director, try are available all day. Saturday from noon — 9 p.m. and Cultural Foundation and co-sponsored by Amaras Art Clinical Pharmacy Program at Atrius Health. This event Sunday, noon — 7 p.m. Free admission and parking. Alliance, Armenian General Benevolent Union - New sponsored by: Armenian American Pharmacists’ Valet parking available. Please call the Church Office at England affiliate, Armenian International Women’s Association, Armenian American Medical Association, 401-831-6399 or www.armenianfestri.com/food for fur- Association, Armenian Museum of America, The Friends Armenian American Dental Society, New Paths - Bridging ther information. of the Longfellow House, Hamazkaine Armenian Armenian Women. For further information contact: Educational and Cultural Society - Boston, National [email protected] WISCONSIN Association for Armenian Studies and Research, New NOVEMBER 16 and 17 — Saints Vartanantz Armenian England Poetry Club, and Tekeyan Cultural Association of Church, Annual Food Festival and Fair, 180 Old NOVEMBER 3 — Saturday, Armenian Genealogy the United States and Canada. Sunday, 3 p.m. Armenian Westford Rd., Chelmsford, Phone 978-256-7234. Conference, hosted by St. John Armenian Church of Cultural Foundation (441 Mystic Street, Arlington). Armenian Food and Pastries and Vendors, Friday and Metro Milwaukee. Join us for a day of workshops, pre- Admission free and open to the public. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tours of the church sanctu- sentations, community and discovering your Armenian NOVEMBER 5 — St. James Men’s Club Dinner Meeting, ary and complex - Friday, 11 a.m. and Saturday, 4 p.m. roots. This conference grew out of the Armenian social hour and mezza at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Tavloo Tournament - Saturday, 2 p.m. Genealogy group on Facebook. For more information, St. James Armenian Church Charles Mosesian Cultural NOVEMBER 30 and DECEMBER 1 — Trinity Christmas visit https://armeniangenealogyconference.com and Youth Center - Keljik Hall, 465 Mt. Auburn Street, Bazaar, Friday, 12 noon-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 Watertown. Speaker will be writer, editor, political car- p.m.; Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle Street, CANADA toonist, and book publicist Lucine Kasbarian. Following Cambridge MA. Save the date; details to follow. For fur- questions and answers, she will sign copies of her new ther information, contact the Church office, NOVEMBER 14 — Book presentation by Adrienne G. book, Perspectives from Exile, which will be available for 617.354.0632 or email [email protected]. Alexanian on her father’s memoir. Forced into purchase. Mezza and a Losh Kebab & Kheyma Dinner DECEMBER 2 — Acapella Christmas Concert by Boston Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier in the $16/person. Call St. James Church at 617-923-8860 or Jazz Voices to Benefit the Armenia Tree Project. 5 Ottoman Turkish Army. Wednesday, November 14, 2018 call Hapet Berberian at 781-367-6598. p.m. at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester. 7:30 p.m. AGBU Montreal Center – Demirdjian Hall 805 NOVEMBER 14 — Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at Free parking. Event will feature an acapella performance, Manoogian Street Saint Laurent , QCH4N1Z5. Reception Historic Faneuil Hall, Boston. Wednesday, Doors open refreshments, raffle, and silent auction. Tickets are $30 and book signing to follow. (All proceeds from the sale of at 6:45pm. Program at 7:30pm. INCARCERATION: each and a family four-pack of tickets is available for the books will be donated to the AGBU). RSVP Untangling the Web of Injustice. Performance: Karen $100. Tickets available via Eventbrite at www.armenia- – [email protected] (514) 748-2428. Yamaguchi and Brett Fairchild, Berklee College of Music tree.org/acappella sophomores will perform their original piece, WAKE UP. DECEMBER 9 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan Calendar items are free. Entries should not be longer They will be introduced by Gretchen Shae Moore who Choral Society and Orchestra, 7 p.m., Church than 5 lines. Listings should include contact infor- has created a course on mass incarceration that she Sanctuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater mation. Items will be edited to fit the space, if need teaches at Berklee. Speakers: Cherise Fanno Burdeen, Boston, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Save the date; details Chief Executive Officer, Pretrial Justice Institute and Marc to follow. For further information, call the Church office, be. A photo may be sent with the listing no later A. Levin, Vice President of Criminal Justice, Texas Public 617.354.0632 or email [email protected]. than Mondays at noon. 18 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror John Bolton Thunders Through Spectator Caucasus to both parties. In the light of departing US Ambassador to By Edmond Y. Azadian Armenia Richard Mills’ parting inflammatory remarks about unilateral territorial concessions, the US is dealing suspi- (Writing from Yerevan) EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 ciously in promoting a deal. Although the specifics were not spelled out by Mr. Bolton, here in Yerevan there are specula- An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication US President Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor tions that the Karabakh settlement could come at the price John Bolton this week paid a visit to Moscow and the of territorial concessions. Caucasus. While meeting with the Russian officialdom and in Ordinary people and political pundits believe that at least particular with President Vladimir Putin, he was uncharac- a recommendation of that nature was discussed during pri- EDITOR teristically coy and subdued, so much so that MSNBC’s vate meetings between the US envoy and Nikol Pashinyan. Alin K. Gregorian Rachel Maddow ridiculed him in one episode. Mr. Bolton had hardly left Yerevan before the former Minister But once he arrived in the Caucasus, he was back to his of Defense of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan characterized ASSISTANT EDITOR old brash, bellicose and blunt self. Pashinyan’s foreign policy as a debacle. Aram Arkun His objective was no secret although it was couched in a Mr. Bolton dropped a bomb when he referred to a coming ART DIRECTOR palatable package: he was in the region in pursuit of peace decision by the Trump administration to reverse the long- Marc Mgrditchian and stability. His words and actions, however, left no doubt standing Article 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which the that he was there to make political mischief. US Congress had adopted to ban arms sales to Azerbaijan for His mission was two-fold: further isolating Russia and its aggressive posture against Armenia. But, as usual, “squeezing Iran,” as he termed it. Congress had allowed a loophole to bypass its decision. The All that turbulent region needs is more American meddling president was given the power to waive the ban and every SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: to raise the temperature further. successive president used his power to render the congres- Edmond Y. Azadian During his tour, Mr. Bolton visited Georgia, Armenia and sional action as a legal fig leaf. Azerbaijan and in each country, he tried to further delineate The US envoy further aggravated the matter when he CONTRIBUTORS: the fault lines. offered to sell Armenia arms. That offer was two-pronged: to Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun In Tbilisi, he reiterated that Georgia’s admission to the Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, balance and justify American arms sales to Azerbaijan and to Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) structure was undercut one of Russia’s main sources of influence on Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, still under consideration, the issue being one of the compo- Armenia. Naomi Zeytoonian nents of a major policy of containing Russia. Incidentally, He knew full well that Armenia was not in a position to buy this policy is in violation of the agreement between President those arms from the US for a number of reasons, the least of CORRESPONDENTS: Ronald Reagan and USSR General Secretary Mikhail which was the exorbitant cost of those weapons; Armenia Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Gorbachev which stated that NATO would not escalate any buys Russian arms at a domestic price because of its mem- Boston - Nancy Kalajian further threats to Russian’s border. bership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan In fact, it was thought that with the demise of the Cold Besides, the Russian base in Armenia provides the servicing Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach War, the NATO structure would become obsolete, as had the center for the Russian arms. To top it all off, switching its Contributing Photographers: arms procure- Jirair Hovsepian ment policy from Russia to the US would mean a political shift The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published weekly, except two weeks in July and the first replete with week of the year, by: tremendous con- Baikar Association, Inc. sequences. Mr. Bolton also 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 touched upon Telephone: 617-924-4420 the Iran issue, FAX: 617-924-2887 which has www.mirrorspectator.com become a corner- E-Mail: [email protected] stone of For advertising: [email protected] Washington’s regional policy. He repeated the usual mantra that Iran has become “the cen- SUBSCRIPTION RATES : tral bank of ter- rorism,” that it is meddling in U.S.A. $80 a year Syria and all that Canada $125 a year rhetoric which has become so Other Countries $190 a year common. Iran is blamed for ter- rorism while US © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator arms shipped to Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Saudi Arabia in and additional mailing offices. Warsaw Pact. But once the Soviet Union collapsed and turn end up in the hands of terrorists who have rendered Moscow was rendered powerless, the understanding between Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen bloodbaths. ISSN 0004-234X the two former superpowers fell apart and once again NATO Mr. Bolton praised Pashinyan and his Velvet Revolution, was weaponized to wage the emerging new Cold War. adding that the prime minister will have a stronger hand in POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Besides encircling Russia’s borders, the structure is also implementing his policies. There was a subtle message in that Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn maintained to trap European countries under Washington’s praise, meaning that Armenia must participate in imple- St., Watertown, MA 02472 control. Although Russia has devolved into a second-rate menting US sanctions against Iran, as the border between Other than the editorial, views and opinions country, the Russian threat is being used to justify the NATO Armenia and Iran will come under severe pressure by the US. expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily buildup and expansion. He also suggested that Armenian deal with the outside world reflect the policies of the publisher. Mr. Bolton was very calculating in his statements. He through Georgia, knowing full well that Georgia time and ranked Georgia and Azerbaijan as strategic allies while again has demonstrated to be an unreliable trading partner, Armenia was deemed to be a country of prime interest. hampering Armenia’s relations with the outside world. Georgia was being rewarded for supporting the US’s policy Armenia’s only two partners in the region are in the of Russian containment and Azerbaijan for supporting crosshairs of Washington. The Cold War agenda against Copying for other than personal use or American war efforts in Afghanistan and partnering with Russia is intensifying and the hot war with Iran is on the internal reference is prohibited without Israel. Armenia was not praised for any advantageous action, radar. express permission of the copyright owner. Address requests for reprints or but was given the option to help with the US policy toward President Trump raised the ante with North Korea, even back issues to: Iran. threatening to wipe it off the face of the map and he was suc- Mr. Bolton addressed the issue of the settlement of the cessful in bringing that country’s leader to the negotiation Baikar Association, Inc. Karabakh conflict in a peaceful way. The US, as a co-chair of table. If he is using the same tactic against Iran, let’s hope it the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is successful. Otherwise, a catastrophe will face the US as 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- (OSCE) Minsk Group, would push for a settlement agreeable well as the region. 1509 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

authorities changed their story, claiming that the dissident materials which had recorded Khashoggi’s painful death. journalist was killed during a fistfight at the Consulate. A Instead, Erdogan asked several questions that he probably week later, the Saudi leaders changed their story once again, knew the answers, such as: where is Khashoggi’s body and stating that Khashoggi’s murder was premeditated and not who is the Turkish collaborator who whisked it away at accidental. Saudi Arabia proceeded to fire five security offi- Saudis’ request? Meanwhile, to squeeze the Saudis further, My Turn cials and arrested a dozen others, claiming that neither King the Turkish press published last week gruesome images of Salman nor the Crown Prince had any advance knowledge of Khashoggi’s dismembered body! By Harut Sassounian the murder plan. Given the fact that the Crown Prince is in The third culprit is the United States, more specifically, total control of the country, no one believes that he was President Trump. When he first got the news that Khashoggi unaware of Khashoggi’s killing by the Kingdom’s top securi- was murdered at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, President Saudi Journalist’s Murder ty and intelligence officials. Trump kept emphasizing his own “great achievement” of sell- Exploited For Selfish Interests by In the meantime, the Turkish government, which has been ing $110 billion of advanced US weapons to Saudi Arabia dur- in constant rivalry with Saudi Arabia for the dominance of ing his last year’s visit, ostensibly creating “450,000 jobs for World Powers the Sunni Islamic world, has been leaking to the Turkish American workers.” As usual, President Trump exaggerated media drip by drip the evidence of Khashoggi’s murder. the financial benefits as he had not signed a contract for the The heinous murder of prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Initially, the Turks claimed that the information came from sale of $110 billion of US weapons. There was actually an Khashoggi has been exploited by leaders of several countries Khashoggi’s apple watch which had recorded his torture and agreement to sell only $10-$20 billion of weapons in the next for their selfish political and economic gains, ignoring the vile murder. When experts advised that the apple watch did not five years. Furthermore, a year ago President Trump had said nature of the crime. The main participants in this ugly game have such a capacity, it became clear that the Turkish gov- that the same weapon sale would create 40,000 American are Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United States. ernment used the watch as a cover up for its secret recording jobs, not 450,000. However, a few days after Khashoggi’s mur- On October 2, Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi citizen, visited devices installed inside the Saudi Consulate. der, President Trump exaggerated his numbers, this time to Saudi Arabia’s Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, to finalize his In my opinion, the Turkish government’s continuous leaks 500,000 jobs. A week later, he increased it again to “one mil- divorce documents so he could marry his Turkish fiancée, to the media were meant to send a message to Saudi author- lion jobs,” and then to “over one million jobs.” Hatice Cengiz. Khashoggi never left the Consulate. He was ities that it would make public potentially embarrassing evi- Regardless of how many jobs would be created and how murdered and reportedly dismembered by a special team of dence about Khashoggi’s killing, unless the Saudis would pay many billions would the sale of the weapons bring, President Saudi investigators who were sent to Istanbul the day before, a large ransom for President Erdogan’s silence. It is well- Trump never expressed his condolences to the Khashoggi and after the killing immediately returned to Saudi Arabia on known that the Turkish economy is in shambles and desper- family. Even though President Trump kept warning Saudi two separate private jets. ately needs tens of billions of dollars to cover its foreign debts. Arabia of “severe consequences,” he valued the price of the Khashoggi, who had worked for years for the Saudi gov- Not hearing a positive response, Erdogan warned the Saudis weapons more than a human being’s life. The only American ernment in important positions, left Saudi Arabia and settled that he would personally go on national TV and reveal the “punishment” was the suspension of US visas to the 18 in the United States in 2017 after becoming disillusioned “naked truth,” unless the Saudis accommodated the Turkish Saudis who were sent to Istanbul to murder Khashoggi. with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s limitless powers. demands. During his speech last week, for the first time, Regrettably, most heads of states do not care about human Khashoggi began writing critical opinion columns in the Erdogan made public the timeline of Khashoggi’s murder and beings. What’s in it for me or my nation is the common practice. Washington Post, while Saudi leaders made several unsuc- raised serious doubts that it was accidental. However, the In the process, leaders are willing to lie, cheat, and even murder. cessful attempts to lure him back to his native land. Turkish President seemed to keep the hope alive that the Khashoggi’s Turkish fiancée did the right thing by refusing Initially, Saudi Arabia announced that Khashoggi had left Saudis will eventually meet his shakedown demands by not President Trump’s invitation to the White House. She did not its Consulate in Istanbul within an hour or so of his arrival. making public all of his secretly collected evidence. In his want her grief to be exploited by a politician who only cares However, after leaks from the Turkish government that there speech, Erdogan neither mentioned the name of the Saudi about his own selfish gains rather than the pain and suffer- was no video of Khashoggi exiting the Consulate, the Saudi Crown Prince nor the Turkish possession of audio/visual ing of the family members of a mutilated murder victim.

“married to the legionnaire who had rescued her.” Sarkis Hovannes Garabedian wrote of how, in hospital, he heard with Najarian “saw a rich Turkish family travelling [on the train joy the news of the Allied powers’ recognition of an The Story of between Adana and Mersin] with a pretty girl whom he thought “Independent Republic of Armenia” and then, three days later, must be Armenian.” He managed to separate her from the fami- learned that the Turks were again slaughtering and deporting ly and sent her to an orphanage. There had been many forced the Armenians of Marash. “Suddenly, the days of excitement and conversions of Armenian women although we rarely hear the happiness were replaced by long days and years of sorrow and the Armenian women’s account of these “rescues.” mourning.” The victorious western powers wanted no more of Najarian’s own sister, Yeghsabet, when he discovered her, was their colonising war in Cilicia – not far away, the British were at already engaged and refused to leave her fiance, fearing for her the same time facing an Arab uprising in Iraq – and, in some life and offering Najarian money to go away. When he found her cases, French officers virtually abandoned their Armenian later, “she was married to a rich [Arab] Bedouin, tattooed — and legionnaires who were officially still part of the French army. Legion happy.” There is a photograph of a young and beautiful They were to do the same to their faithful “Harkis” in Algeria Yeghsabet in a veil. “I have Armenian blood,” she would later tell just over four decades later. her brother, “but I was raised a Muslim. When I hear the call to The Armenians, in their pride and revenge, could not, perhaps, By Robert Fisk prayer, I have to do my prayers until the end of my life.” be expected to understand how soon their road to Golgotha Many of the men in the original legion had been signed up by would have to be retrodden. Did they not recognise their grim Governments at war make dangerous promises. And the First the French in Egypt where they had settled with their families future when the Armenians were refused participation at the World War was a time of promises and lies. The promises came after a French warship rescued them in 1915 from the famous Versailles peace conference in 1919? Should they not have been first: in 1916, the British told the Arabs they could have inde- 40-day siege by the Turks at Musa Dagh. Others came from included as joint Allied victors over the German-Austro- pendence; in 1917, they told the Jews they could have a home- Europe, even from America, men who spoke French and Hungarian-Ottoman alliance in the First World War? Attacked by land; and the French told the survivors of the 1915 Armenian American English as well as Armenian, anxious to fight for their bandits, demobilised Turkish soldiers, hunger and thirst, the genocide that they could return to liberate their homelands in still nonexistent nation after the horror and humiliation of the retreating soldiers of “liberation” found themselves asking eastern Turkey. Turkish genocide of a million-and-a-half of their own Armenian another question of all those who suffer refugeedom. How come Then came the betrayals. people. By July 1918, the French had registered 58 Armenian some Armenian families had remained in their villages during Superpowers like legions, the Roman variety, preferably when officers, 4,360 soldiers — including 288 French Armenians — and the genocide? What deals had they struck with their Turkish they are composed of foreigners. So the British created an Arab two artillery gun crews with 37mm artillery. But while Susan oppressors? Why were Armenian girl refugees found with Legion to fight against the Ottoman Turks for independence and Pattie, a scholar of Armenian history at University College, clear- Bedouin tattoos on their faces, marks which were surgically a Jewish Legion to fight against the Ottoman Turks for Palestine. ly sympathises with her heroes, there is an ugly undertow of removed by their “rescuers?” And the French created an Armenian Legion — an offshoot of revenge in their desire to fight for the Allies. Shame, like defeat, was a feeling rarely uttered but much felt. There the French Foreign Legion, needless to say — to fight against the Fighting in Palestine at the 1918 Battle of Megiddo — the orig- are, remarkably, documentary photographs of the Adana battle, of Ottoman Turks for Cilicia. inal Armageddon, which the Armenians call Arara — they men digging trenches and Armenian soldiers slogging across the hill- The Arabs lost Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, the Jews did not received an official commendation for gallantry from General sides of Marash. With the subtlety of all great powers, the Allies spoke get all of Palestine, and the soldiers of the Armenian Legion — Edmund Allenby. But Hovannes Garabedian was to recall how he not of betrayal. They called it “the Marash Affair.” having helped to liberate Palestine — were abandoned amid the and his Armenian comrades found the Turkish trenches filled The rump nation Armenia which emerged to the east – quick- ashes of their own burnt cities. with their dead and dying enemies. “The ones who were not ly engorged by the Soviets and today a brave but often corrupt Among the indigenous peoples of the Middle East, they were totally dead proved to be the most unfortunate,” he said. “The state — was of little interest to the men of the disbanded the most traduced of all, since they recovered not a square inch memory of yesterday’s genocide ... was so fresh in our minds, the Armenian legion. The survivors returned to refugee families in of their land. To be a loser doesn’t get you much purchase in the thirst for revenge was so profound in the hearts of the Armenian Lebanon — at least one became a Beirut policeman — or to history books. To be a loser twice over turns you into a curio. legionnaires, the wounded Turks found no mercy. They were fin- homes in France or in America where they often flourished and Thus the story of the Armenian Legion has until now been large- ished in their trenches.” sometimes met for picnics, holding old flags and remembering ly untold and unremembered. Again and again, in Pattie’s story, there are references to this false promises from powerful nations and creating little And Armenian Legionnaires: Sacrifice and Betrayal in World most pitiful, comprehensible and terrible of emotions among a Armenias in their countries of exile. Lieutenant John War I, Susan Paul Pattie’s first and original account of the fury, persecuted people: the need for vengeance and reprisals. Shishmanian even received a personal post-war letter from heartbreak and suffering of its soldiers — women as well as men As the Armenian soldiers advanced with French and British General Allenby. in that most misogynistic of 20th century wars — is not for the troops back into the Cilician/Armenian fields and mountains “I am sorry, if the gallant conduct of the Armenians was not faint-hearted. There are Armenian troops, armed and in uniform, from which they and their families had been driven by the sufficiently recognised,” the great man — now high commission- desperately searching the Constantinople-bound Turkish refugee Turkish genociders three years earlier, there was violence and er in Egypt — wrote from Cairo just after Christmas in 1919. “I trains for Armenian girls who had been raped and kidnapped by murder. And with the rise of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s national- know they fought nobly, and I am proud to have had them under the Ottomans who had butchered their families. “Too late,” ist uprising against the Allies, the French found their Armenian my command.” The Battle of Arara — Megiddo or Armageddon young women told their would-be rescuers. They preferred to Legion an embarrassment rather than a trusted auxiliary. to us — left its 23 Armenian dead in the desert, their bones later stay with their new Turkish husbands, or at least refused to be Surviving Armenian families who had trekked back in hope to gathered and transshipped to the Armenian St. James church in separated from their half-Armenian and half-Turkish children. their cremated homes in Marash found themselves dispossessed Jerusalem. The ashes of Viscount Allenby of Megiddo and One Armenian woman, travelling by rail with a Turkish family, of their lands again, massacred once more in their thousands, Felixstowe were buried in Westminster Abbey. was discovered by soldiers of the Armenian Legion, her chest joining retreating Armenian soldiers in the French withdrawal, “adorned with gold,” and refused to be separated from her com- many dying, frozen and starving, in their second exodus from (Robert Fisk is the Middle East correspondent for The panions. She was taken from the carriage at the next station and Turkish Armenia in five years. Independent newspaper. This column origianly appeared in the 20 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Farewell to Ambassador Hovhannissian

WASHINGTON — On Sunday October 28, the Parish Council of St. Mary Armenian Church and Knights and Daughters of Vartan organized a joint farewell reception in honor of outgoing Ambassador of Armenia Grigor Hovhannissian, who left the United States with his family on Monday October 29. Sarnie Zenian, chairman of Parish council welcomed the ambassador, diplomatic corps and community members and wished the ambassador, his wife Victoria and daughters

The ambassador and his wife Victoria flanked by members of the Armenian Community

Mariam and Michelle the best in their life in after completing his tenure in Yerevan, and was a UNESCO Team Leader and emergency new Armenia. chose to leave Armenia while making incen- Planner for the Middle East Peace Process in Kevork Marshlian, commander of the diary remarks rather than parting with fond Jerusalem and United Nation Field Knights of Vartan, thanked the ambassador memories. Coordinator in Palestinian territories. for his service to the Armenian nation, Prior to his Washington appointment, Rev. Hovsep Karabedian, pastor of St. Mary reminded the audience that the ambassador Hovhannissian had served as Armenia’s Armenian Apostolic Church spoke about the was selected in 2016 as Man of the Year by ambassador to Mexico, Costa Rica and as dedication of Hovhannissian, his positive the Grand Council of Knights of Vartan in Armenia’s consul general in Los Angeles. efforts towards the Armenian communities 2016 and assured the present that the ambas- And before his career in the diplomatic ser- throughout United States and wished him sador does not have orders from the govern- vice, he held a number of positions in United success in his new career as Deputy Foreign Ambassador Grigor Hovhannissian ment of Armenia to make contradictory Nations programs and specialized agencies, Minister, and like to welcome him again in remarks, as US Ambassador Richard Mills did working in Africa and the Middle East. He Washington DC. Livingston Parish Honors Past And Present Superintendents

LIVINGSTON, N.J. — October 14 was a spe- Sunday School student Samantha Maldjian cial Sunday at the St. Mary Church of and graduate Daniella Badishkanian offered Livingston as the parish honored Sunday beautiful musical performances. School and Armenian School superintendents Current superintendents Anahid Benlian of the past and present. and Yn. Anush Vardazaryan (who arranged the Fr. Arakel Vardazaryan celebrated the tribute with Sandie Burke, Jennifer Kapoian, badarak and led a hokehankisd service in Grace Jae, and Andrea Badishkanian) thanked remembrance of departed superintendents their past colleagues — most of whom were pre- Dickie Boyajian, Alice Alldian, Andrina sent for the occasion — as well as parents and Shamanian, Kora Jannarone, Jean Berberian, parishioners for their support of the church’s

St. Mary Armenian Church of Livingston, NJ, honored its past Sunday and Armenian school superin- tendents on Oct. 14. Among those present for the occasion were (pictured l-r): Barbara Hovsepian, Silva Dechoyan, Hovhannes Mardirosian, Roxanne Panosian, Barbara Chamberjian, pastor Fr. Arakel Vardazaryan, Gail Pelaez, Sally Barmakian, and Rafi Krikorian.

Lillian Badishkanian, and Richard Kopp. educational aspirations. At a luncheon in Haroutune and Siranoush Past superintendents honored were: Gail Toufayan Hall, parishioners offered tributes to Pelaez, Barbara Chamberjian, Carol Nemetz, the honorees and reminiscences of their Alice Hallajian, Rafi Krikorian, Silva Dechoyan, Sunday and Armenian school experiences. Sally Barmakian, Yn. Sirarpi Aivazian, Esther Speakers included Martin Dalakian, Roy Zaybekian, Victor Arabagian, Roxanne Stepanian, Grace Tekirian, Suzanne Toufayan, Panosian, Hovhannes Mardirosian, Levon Levon Ariyan and several former superinten- Barmakian, Barbara Hovsepian, Zaven Ariyan, dents. Vartan and Adi Abdo, and Berc Araz.