JUNE 29, 2013 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIII, NO. 49, Issue 4294 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Mirror-Spectator Turks Summer Break WATERTOWN — The Armenian Mirror- Demand Spectator will close for two weeks in July as part of its annual summer break. The last issue published before the vacation Democratic will bethe June 29 issue, and the first edition back would be that of July 20.

Rights — Liverpool Seeks And Justice Footballer Mkhitaryan LIVERPOOL, England (Armenpress) — According to unofficial sources, the Liverpool football team Activist Targeted by Turkish has a deal that would acquire Armenian National Authorities Again and Shakhtar player, Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The following tweet was published on the Liverpool club Twitter account, “Liverpool has agreed upon the transfer issue of Henrikh By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Mkhitaryan. The Club will pay 20 million pounds Special to the Mirror-Spectator BELMONT, Mass. — Rouben Hakhverdyan played a sold-out for the footballer.” concert on June 22, sponsored by the Boston chapter of the Mkhitaryan is a midfielder who is the Ukraine national football league record holder and had 25 COLOGNE, Germany — What is really Tekeyan Cultural Association. See photos and story on Page 8. goals for his team last season. He is regarded as happening in Turkey? And where is it going Ukraine’s “champion” and is the National Cup to lead? What began as a protest against Holder. government plans for Gezi Park in darity with those fighting for democracy On June 22, Mkhhitaryan issued the following Istanbul’s Taksim Square has swelled into a and free speech in Turkey. Armenian Medical statement, “My official agent deals with my transfer mass movement throughout the country The victim of the new judicial scandal is issues. As a professional footballer, I’m not inter - and those thousands of citizens engaging Turkish-born Dogan Akhanli, a well-known Education ested in the agent’s or the club’s issues. I have an in civil disobedi - writer and human rights activist based in official agreement with my club to fulfill my duties.” ence are giving Cologne, Germany. The author of several no signs of novels, articles and a recent play, he has Innovator Is capitulation. dealt in depth with the issue of the Armenia Says Three Not only: soli - Armenian Genocide and, as a civil society Fulbright Scholar darity actions activist, has participated in seminars and Arrested for Spying are unfolding in conferences aimed at educating broader At BU YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia’s National other countries layers of the population about this and Security Service says three individuals have been especially in related historical issues. Not only in arrested on charges of spying for Baku. Germany, which Germany but also in Turkey, he has By Alin K. Gregorian The National Security Service said on June 25 hosts a very engaged personally in activities of the Mirror-Spectator Staff that a female officer in the Armenian Army, Mane large Turkish growing civil society movement among Dogan Akhanli Movsisian, was arrested in Armenia three days pre - community. intellectuals, presenting his literary works viously for allegedly providing Azerbaijan with clas - Here, a new in public and writing in the Turkish press. BOSTON — One can call Gevorg sified information via the Internet. judicial scandal against a leading German- His is a prominent figure, highly respected Yaghjyan many things: physician, plastic Another of the accused is an army officer with Turkish intellectual, which broke out just for his courage to speak out even in the surgeon, associate professor, patriot, pio - the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh. That officer prior to the Gezi protests, is intersecting face of harassment and repression. neer and activist. One can also call him a and a third person were both arrested in Karabagh. the ferment and fuelling the wave of soli - see DEMANDS, page 4 Fulbright Scholar at Boston University School of Medicine since January. His resume covers four solid pages, with Khachaturian’s Works little fat to trim. It overflows with activities both professional and volunteer. On UNESCO List TCF, British Embassy Fundraise for New Yaghjyan, born and raised in Yerevan and still a resident of that city, is not only a YEREVAN (Arminfo) — A collection of manuscripts Heating System at Lord Byron School doctor of medicine, he also holds a PhD in and film scores written by composer Aram medicine. Khachaturian has been included in the Memory of GUMRI — British Embassy in Yerevan, Gumri has sub-zero temperatures (some - see SCHOLAR, page 7 the World International Register. London Tekeyan Trust and Tekeyan Centre times -25°C) from December to March and The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Fund (Armenia) have initiated a project of 438 students have to sit in coats, hats and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International gloves with ineffective Advisory Committee announced the decision dur - portable electric fires heat - ing a meeting last week. ing some of the classrooms. Khachaturian’s name will be listed among com - Only sun-facing classrooms posers such as Beethoven, Brahms and Chopin. may be used in the winter and there is no running water at school in winter to prevent it freezing and then INSI DE bursting the British-spec copper pipes in spring. UK Ambassadors to Armenia Kathy Leach and Tribute to Jonathan Aves turned to Tekeyan Centre Fund (TCF) Margaret Thatcher opening the school and London Tekeyan Trust Dedig (LTT) for help with funding Page 10 the project. Since 2010, the to restore the heating system for the Lord TCF, chaired by Vartan Ouzounian, has ini - Byron School. tiated a sponsorship of five Tekeyan The heating system of the Lord Byron Schools in Armenia and Karabagh and has School has not operated for more than 16 already implemented a number of educa - INDEX years. During the 1990s, when independent tional, cultural, sports and social projects Arts and Living ...... 10 Armenia suffered from economic crisis, it involving more than 1,000 students. The Armenia ...... 2 became too expensive to use the school oil- TCF was founded by London Tekeyan Community News...... 5 fired heating system installed by the Trust, a charitable organization and part of Editorial ...... 13 International ...... 3 British. Severe winters in Gumri have the family of Tekeyan Cultural Associations. destroyed the school heating system The LTT supports the diaspora-Armenia Dr. Gevorg Yaghjyan beyond repair. see FUNDRAISING, page 3 2 S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia US Ambassador Visits AGBU Hye Geen Pregnant Women’s Center in Talin Azerbaijani Motion to TALIN, Armenia — On Saturday, May everyday challenges. The Hefferns, par - nities.” Halt Armenian CoE 18, US Ambassador to Armenia John ents of five children and grandparents Messerlian, Vartanian and Aslanian Heffern, his wife Libby Heffern, former to one child, welcomed the opportunity thanked the Hefferns for their visit and Chairmanship Fails chairman of the AGBU Western District to interact with the women, learn about enthusiasm, and expressed appreciation YEREVAN (Arminfo) — The motion by 31 members Committee of California Haig their concerns, and share their experi - for their support to Armenia and the of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Armenian people. (PACE) to deprive Armenia of the chairmanship of The first AGBU Hye Geen Pregnant the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Women’s Center in Armenia was Europe (CoE) failed, according to Armenian dele- established in 2002, in Gyumri, with gate Naira Zohrabyan. the goal of improving the health of Earlier this week, a group of delegates issued a pregnant women and reducing infant motion to dissolve Armenia’s chairmanship based on mortality rates and complicated preg - the country’s history as an “aggressor state.” The nancies. In 2006, the second Center motion signed by delegates from the UK, Spain, was opened in Vanadzor. In 2009, the Finland, Belgium, Bulgaria and Ireland, said that Talin Center was established, replac - Armenia was welcomed as a new PACE member 12 ing the Gumri Center. In 2011, the years ago, but has not lived up to expectations. Nora Injijian Center was launched in “As a result of discussions, it became clear that Yeghvard. Most recently, the these delegates are [those who] eat caviar brought Arshagouhi Tavitian Center was from Azerbaijan. For this reason, PACE declared opened in 2012 in Yerevan. that the given motion was not serious,” explained Maintaining a constant number of 20 Zohrabyan. pregnant women per site, the Centers have become a place for women to dis - Expectant mothers with: (front, kneeling) AGBU Former Chairman of the Western cuss concerns, receive medical exams District Committee of California Haig Messerlian and Libby Heffern, (standing, front, Joint Armenian-Russian & pre-natal care, learn through indi - center) US Ambassador John Heffern, (standing, third from right) vidual and group consultations with Reserves Group Founded experts and form long-lasting bonds YEREVAN — The secretary of the Security Council of Messerlian and AGBU Armenia Director ence and ideas. with one another. These Centers have Russia Nikolai Patrushev recently visited Armenia to Arpi Vartanian visited the AGBU Hye To date, the Talin center has served become possible through the efforts discuss issues relating to the formation of a regional Geen Pregnant Women’s Center. close to 160 women and their healthy of AGBU Southern California Hye infrastructure of joint reserves (ArmRosgosreserve) During the ambassador’s tour of the babies. Geen Southern California. To date, with Secretary Council of Armenia Arthur US last year, Sona Yacoubian, chairper - Libby Heffern said, “It was wonderful the Centers have served over 1,400 Baghdasaryan. ArmRosgosreserve will have regional son and founder of AGBU Hye Geen to see so many importance also in framework of the Collective Southern California, had invited him Talin women Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). and his wife to visit the AGBU Hye Geen actively participat - According to the National Security Council, the Pregnant Women’s Centers in Armenia ing in the center. I foundation of the Armenian-Russian reserves and meet the expectant mothers to bet - really believe that agency is conditioned by the raising of the level ter understand the realities facing proper prenatal and efficiency of cooperation between Armenia and women and their families in Armenia’s care is the most Russia that is set out in the treaty about expansion regions today. precious gift for of technical military cooperation between Yacoubian remarked, “The AGBU their children.” Armenian and Russia. Hye Geen Committee welcomes the Ambassador Russian state reserves Deputy Pyotr Efimov also interest and the appreciation shown by Heffern stated, met with Sergey Shahinyan to discuss the forma- Ambassador and Mrs. Heffern. We con - “Thanks to the tion of the agency. sider the Pregnant Women Centers in Armenian General After the discussion, Efimov and Shahinyan visit- Armenia a priority. Healthy newborns Benevolent Union ed the crisis management center of the ministry of and healthy, educated mothers are for its great work in essential to safeguard the future of our Armenia. Its emergency situations of Armenia. From left, AGBU Hye Geen Pregnant Women’s Center in homeland. I also thank Haig Messerlian Women Centers all Talin Project Coordinator Ani Aslanyan, AGBU Armenia and Arpi Vartanian for their assistance over the country Director Arpi Vartanian, Ambassador John Heffern, Former Foreign Minister in arranging this visit.” are prime examples Chairman of the AGBU Western District Committee of Messerlian, Vartanian and Ani of what AGBU does Southern California Haig Messerlian, Libby Heffern, AGBU Responds to Joint Aslanian, project coordinator of the for the Armenian Hye Geen Pregnant Women’s Center in Talin Volunteer Statement on Karabagh AGBU Hye Geen Pregnant Women’s people. Libby and I Ruzanna Mkrtchyan and Family Practitioner Mari Nazaryan. Center in Talin, described the center’s had a heart-warm - YEREVAN (Hetq) —Eduard Nalbandian, Minister of activities, accomplishments and chal - ing visit to the cen - Foreign Affairs of Armenia, issued a response to lenges. The 20 mothers-to-be were ter in Talin, where we met two dozen healthy babies and mothers. For more the joint statement from the three member nations delighted to share their impressions pregnant women and discussed their information about Hye Geen, visit of the Organization for Security and Cooperation and have a frank discussion about their lives, families, challenges and opportu - www.hyegeen.com in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group co-chairs on Nagorno Karabagh (Artsakh). In the statement issued in Ireland during the meeting of the G8 summit, the three emphasized the importance of peace. Armenian Astrophysicists Detect Brightening Star “We highly appreciate the continuous efforts of the BYURAKAN, Armenia — “Furthermore, during this period of less happens in an electric discharge.” heads of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries Astrophysicists at the University of than three minutes the star underwent Next, kinetic energy in the plasma — Russia, the US and France — aimed at the peaceful Santiago de Compostela (Spain) and the an abrupt change from spectral type M to transforms into thermal energy in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. Byurakan Observatory have detected a B; in other words, it went from a temper - upper layers of the atmosphere and the Armenia is unanimous with the Co-Chair states star of low luminosity, which within a ature of 2,800 kelvin (K) to six or seven star’s corona. This significant rise in the and is determined to achieve an exclusively peace- matter of moments gave off a flare so times more than that.” temperature and brightness of the star ful settlement of the conflict. strong that it became almost 15 times Based on their spectral absorption enables astronomers to detect changes in As the United States, Russia and France, we also brighter. The star in question is the flare lines, stars are classified using letters. the radiation spectrum. regret that rather than finding a solution, because star WX UMa. Type M stars have a surface temperature “Photometric and spectroscopic moni - of Baku’s attempts to snatch one-sided advantage, “We recorded a strong flare of the star of between 2,000 and 3,700 K; Type B toring of this kind of flare stars is very rel - progress was not achieved in the Summits of Kazan WX UMa, which became almost 15 times between 10,000 and 33,000 K. evant because it provides us with infor - in June, 2011, Sochi in March, 2011, Astrakhan in brighter in a matter of 160 seconds,” WX UMa belongs to the limited group mation about the changing states and October, 2010, Saint Petersburg in June, 2010. explained astrophysicist Vakhtang of “flare stars,” a class of variable stars physical processes, which are in turn key Armenia shares the co-chairs’ approach that fur- Tamazian, professor at the University of which exhibit increases in brightness of to studying the formation and evolution ther delay in reaching a balanced framework agree- Santiago de Compostela. The finding has up to 100 factors or more within a mat - of stars,” Tamazian explained. ment on the main principles for a comprehensive been published in the Astrophysics jour - ter of seconds or minutes. These increas - To carry out this study, in which flares peace is unacceptable. nal. es are sudden and irregular — practically in other binary systems (HU Del, CM Dra He continued, “We absolutely agree that peoples This star is in the Ursa Major constel - random, in fact. They then return to their and VW Com) have also been analysed, should be prepared for peace, not war. lation, around 15.6 light years from the normal state within tens of minutes. the SCORPIO camera of the Byurakan Unfortunately until now the Azerbaijani leadership Earth, and it forms part of a binary sys - Scientists do not know how this flaring Astrophysical Observatory was used. This is doing just the reverse. We absolutely agree with tem. Its companion shines almost 100 arises, but they know how it devel - camera enables both the spectrum and the heads of the Co-Chair states-France, the United times brighter, except at times such as ops.“For some reason a small focus of the brightness of these objects to be States and Russia, that the use of force will not that observed, in which the WX UMa instability arises within the plasma of the detected. resolve the conflict, and that only a negotiated set- gives off its flares. This can happen sev - star, which causes turbulence in its mag - Flare stars are intrinsically weak, and tlement can lead to stability and peace, which will eral times a year, but not as strongly as netic field,” explained Tamazian. “A mag - can therefore only be observed at rela - open new opportunities for regional cooperation that which was recorded in this instance. netic reconnection then occurs, a con - tively short distances in astronomic and development.” Tamazian and other researchers version of energy from the magnetic field terms, specifically in the vicinity of the detected this exceptional brightness from into kinetic energy, in order to recover Sun, up to a distance of a few tens of light the Byurakan Observatory. the stability of the flow, much like what years. S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL TCF, British Embassy Fundraise for New International News Heating System at Lord Byron School Violist Kim Kashkashian

FUNDRAISING, from page 1 Performs at the Istanbul cooperation and preserves the national identity through various cultural, edu - Music Festival cational, community life activities. ISTANBUL — Grammy Award-winning violist Kim The Lord Byron School was founded Kashkashian performed at a concert series during following the 1988 Spitak earthquake the Istanbul Music Festival on June 26, along with that devastated the city. The school was pianist Peter Nagey. built with funds provided by the British The pair will perform a program of works ranging government as well as the donations from Beethoven’s Variations on Mozart’s the Magic raised by the British people and busi - Flute to the music of Komitas at the recently-reno- nesses. The fundraising was initiated by vated St. Vortvots Vorodman Church. the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who officially opened the newly con - structed school on June 10, 1990, dur - US Ambassador to ing her first visit to the Soviet Union. The school replaced one of the 34 Turkey Visits Akhtamar schools destroyed in the quake. During AKHTAMAR, Turkey (hetq) — US Ambassador to the earthquake, 44 students and teach - Turkey Francis Ricciardone and his wife, Marie ers were buried under the ruins of the Ricciardone, visited the Armenian Holy Cross old school building and the total death Church this week. His trip to the island was part of toll was 25,000. a recent working visit to Van. The school was named after Lord According to the Turkish newspaper, Milliyet, Byron to commemorate the British- Ricciardone said, “Van is a very special, very impor- Armenian friendship as well as the link tant and historic venue for Armenians and between this famous Britain and Americans.” Armenian culture. “Those who come here come without hesitation. The British Embassy, London This is a place worth seeing, a place full of peace,” Tekeyan Trust and Tekeyan Centre Ricciardone added. Fund are currently fundraising through various functions to be able to install a Ambassador Kathy Leach and Vartan Ouzounian new, economical heating system in the Aznavour Announces Lord Byron School. To donate, visit Tekeyan Centre Fund www.tekeyancentre.am, or contact [email protected] or London Tekeyan Trust at vartanouzoun - Return to UK Stage [email protected]. LONDON (BBC) — Veteran French singer Charles Aznavour is to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in what will be his first live concert in the UK in 25 years. After Years of Secret Tapes, Georgia Mulls How to Destroy Them Aznavour, 89, whose career spans more than 60 years, has had many hit songs including She, The er effort by new Prime Minister Bidzina been delayed by doubts about whether Old-Fashioned Way and Yesterday When I Was By Nona Mchedlishvili Ivanishvili to persecute members of the all, or only part, of the archives should Young. His songs have been recorded by artists Saakashvili regime. be destroyed. such as Edith Piaf and Sting. Vano Merabishvili, who is believed to Many observers say at least some of Aznavour has also starred in 80 movies such as TBILISI (RFE/RL) — How do you have personally managed government the records should be preserved for use “Tirez sur le Pianiste” (“Shoot the Pianist.”) He make a secret disappear? surveillance during his eight years as in any future prosecutions involving starred in “The Tin Drum,” which scooped the That’s the question Georgian officials Saakashvili’s interior minister, was those who ordered the tapes. The issue Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1979. and activists are mulling as they consid - arrested and charged with abuse of is complicated by the fact that the Tickets for the Albert Hall concert go on sale on er a stash of legally dubious phone and office last month in a case seen by some archives are not only ample but in rela - June 28. video recordings made by the Interior as political payback. tive disarray — making it impossible to Aznavour bid farewell to his touring days 10 Ministry, mainly under the rule of Ivanishvili’s Interior Ministry, howev - tell at a glance which have legal value years ago, but has gone on to perform at more than President Mikheil Saakashvili. er, says the archive purge has no politi - and which are simply salacious inva - 100 ‘one-off’ concerts around the world since then. The current Interior Minister Irakli cal agenda. Garibashvili last month sions of privacy. Of Armenian heritage, Aznavour — also known as Garibashvili has pledged to destroy announced that one of his own According to Ghia Gvilava, a member “the French Sinatra” — founded the charity what he called a “dirty archive of private deputies, Gela Khvedelidze, had been of Transparency International Georgia, Aznavour for Armenia following the earthquake lives” – hundreds, if not thousands, of arrested for leaking a secret sex tape fea - the Interior Ministry has proposed a there in 1988. recordings currently stored on ministry turing one of his personal rivals. thorough review of the contents before The singer and actor is also known for support- grounds. Garibashvili said he had no intention any archive materials are destroyed. ing political causes. The recordings, with their unsavory of “covering for his own family mem - “We have received a satisfying In January 2001, Aznavour supported the French echoes of Soviet-era surveillance, have bers, friends, and relatives,” adding that answer. It seems that the Ministry [of government’s recognition of the Armenian already been used to pressure perceived “those times are over in Georgia.” Interior] plans to distinguish between Genocide under the Ottoman Empire. government opponents, including a But while nearly all sides appear in two types of material. The former is the In April 2002, when far-right leader Jean-Marie notorious 2011 case in which the gov - favor of destroying the archives, the illegally obtained footage of private Le Pen made it to the second round of the French ernment used secret materials in accus - task of eliminating a vast collection of lives. The latter is the material that is presidential elections, Aznavour joined other ing three Georgian journalists, includ - digital files — easy to copy, easy to dis - necessary for the investigation. These celebrities in signing the “Vive la France” petition, ing Saakashvili’s own photographer, of seminate, and easy to hide — is far from two types of recordings will be set apart urging members of the public to go out and sing spying for Russia. simple. so that private information will not leak the French national anthem as a protest. Thomas Hammarberg, the former According to Deputy Interior Minister and the illegally obtained material will Council of Europe’s human rights com - Levan Izoria, the government plans to be destroyed. That is a satisfying answer missioner, now serves as the EU’s spe - propose an amnesty to encourage for - to me.” Strasbourg Decorates cial adviser for legal reforms in Georgia. mer officials who may be holding secret Even if the current files are satisfac - Trams with Armenian Speaking in Tbilisi last month, he called copies to turn their records in. torily dealt with, it is likely not to be the on the government to impose strict reg - “Naturally, there are fears, doubts, end of the privacy issue in Georgia. Flag Colors ulations on when, and how, surveillance and questions that some individuals More than 1,000 surveillance can be ordered and used in the future. might have copies of this material,” he requests were submitted to Georgian STRASBOURG (Hetq) — Armenian Foreign Minister “The principle must be that such said. “We plan and we have already courts in the first four months of 2013, Eduard Nalbandian and Strasbourg Mayor Ronald recording is criminal,” he said. “To use started negotiations with the members under the Ivanishvili government. And Ries took part in a ceremonial presentation of them for the purpose of blackmailing is of the parliament about an amnesty bill. the country continues to grapple with trams painted in colors of the Armenian flag. criminal. To keep them — to just have According to this bill, people will be able the issue of “black-box” monitoring of According to the diplomats, the trams are meant to them — is also criminal. And, of course, in a certain time period — we are talking mobile phone and Internet activity, serve as a symbol of Armenia’s presidency in the to disseminate them, to leak them to about one month, two months maxi - which provides security services with a Council of Europe. others, is also criminal. mum — to hand in those copies to the real-time feed of all private communica - During his opening address, Nalbandian said that A recent review by the Georgian investigation.” tions. for several months citizens of Strasbourg and the Parliament showed that courts have It appears likely that the destruction Transparency International and other guests of the city will use the trams decorated in been grossly compliant in granting sur - of the records will take place under the watchdog groups have called on the Armenian colors and that he hopes these trams will veillance requests. supervision of a commission comprising Interior Ministry to remove the black- transfer thousands of passengers into “the warm In 2012, for example — during a criti - members of both the government and box devices from telecommunications heart of the Armenian people.” He added that cal election season — Georgian courts civil society. companies. Armenians wish “to share with 800 million were asked to consider 5,951 requests Transparency International and the The move would set a significant Europeans a peaceful sky and build a decent future.” for permission to tap phones or trace Georgian Young Lawyer’s Association, precedent in the former Commonwealth Nalbandian then departed for Poland to join the other forms of communication. Only 12 which have both played an active role in of Independent States, where black-box delegation headed by President Serge Sargisian on were denied. calling for the records’ destruction, are surveillance is widespread and has been a diplomatic visit. The new move to destroy the ministry expected to be part of the commission. linked to government crackdowns in archives could be seen as part of a larg - For now, the date for the purge has Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Central Asia. 4 S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL On the Elusive Trail of Eliza Kewark Turks Demand Democratic Her last name has so far been mentioned as By Samyabrata Ray Kewark by British researchers based on her let - Goswami ters available with them. “Kewark is a variation of Kevork after her Rights — and Justice Armenian father Hakob Kevorkian. He seems to SURAT, India (Telegraph India) — Prince have died in 1811. His tomb, in which he is DEMANDS, from page 1 referred to the case of Pinar Selek, a Turkish William need not come knocking to Surat; his called Gevorg — another variation of Kevork — Now, perhaps in reaction to this enhanced human rights activist living in France, who relatives do not live here any more. The genetic was found in Surat’s Armenian cemetery and is stature, the Turkish judicial authorities have after having been acquitted several times on needle that threaded his DNA to an Indian now in the city museum cellar,” said Bhamini A. unleashed a new witch-hunt against him. In trumped-up charges, was recently convicted ancestor is more or less lost in the haystack of Mahida, chief curator of Surat’s Sardar April, an Appeals Court in Ankara published in absentia and sentenced to life. She is now history. Vallabhbhai Patel Museum. its decision to re-open a case and even to seek consigned to a permanent exile abroad. The Researchers recently disclosed that William’s Eliza largely used Kewark as her surname in a life sentence against him. The facts are the same fate awaits Akhanli. great, great, great, great, great grandmother, her communications with her husband or, later, following: Akhanli, who was a leftist in the Why should the Turkish authorities indeed Eliza Kewark, was of Indian-Armenian origin. In his family. 1980s, had been arrested and jailed and tor - spend their time and efforts on such cases? 1812, researchers say, Kewark gave birth to “According to Armenian tradition, a girl’s last tured under the military regime at the time Journalist Krueger suggest that the reason Williams’s great, great, great, great grandmoth - name was a derivative of either her father’s (1985-87). In 1991, he managed to flee to why the authorities want to push ahead er, Katharine Scott Forbes. name or husband’s name,” Meghani said. Germany, where he received political asylum regardless of the irrationality of their effort Two of Kewark’s direct descendants supplied “That she did not sign her name as Forbes or and later citizenship. Years later, in August has to do with the growing impact of DNA to the Scottish-based company. Tests Farbessian indicates she did not have the legal 2010, he flew to Istanbul (regardless of the Akhanli’s work. She reports on his recent showed that William carries Kewark’s mito - sanction of a wife to use her husband’s name. possible political danger), because he wanted activities in Turkey, including an article in a chondrial DNA (mtDNA). Mitochondrial DNA is But after Theodore’s death in 1820, she might to visit his father who was very old and ill. well-known magazine, Birikim, in which he a small piece of DNA inherited mostly have felt emboldened to use it in an Armenian Arrested at the airport, he was thrown into wrote about the significance of the unchanged from a mother to her children. way and call herself Elizabeth Farbessian.” jail, and remained there for several months. Hardenbergstrasse in Berlin, a street in the “It is a great thing to unite people across the It may have helped that Forbes left her a tiny (He was not allowed to visit his father, nor to capital that has been the site of historic distances,” Dr. Jim Wilson, a geneticist at the annuity in his will. He left substantial attend his funeral.) events, among them the assassination of University of Edinburgh and chief scientist at allowances for his children, with his daughter Serious charges were leveled against him. Talaat Pasha in 1921. “Perhaps,” Akhanli is BritainsDNA, said, speaking from Scotland. “It Kitty Forbes — Prince William’s ancestor — He was accused of having taken part in an quoted saying, “this report angered some shows commonality.” receiving the lion’s share. armed robbery at a currency exchange booth people in Turkey.” The writer’s associates To add to the evidence about the possible Kewark’s Indian mother was likely to have back in 1989, during which one person was have also stated that the appeals judges want Indian link, results from the test revealed that been Muslim. killed. In the court proceedings, his lawyers to suffocate the fruitful exchange between Kewark had an extremely rare form of mtDNA. “Because of the Armenians’ closeness to the Haydar Erol (Istanbul) and Ilias Uyar the writer and his homeland, an intellectual That rare form of mtDNA has only been found in Mughals, it’s a possibility that she (Eliza’s moth - (Cologne) rejected all accusations, arguing exchange which is vital for him as well as for 14 other people, 13 in India and one in Nepal. er) was a Muslim. Hindus would have been that the key witnesses against the defendant Turkey. Research has found that Kewark served as a more unlikely to marry outside their caste,” had provided testimony under torture. Other The new trial should get underway in housekeeper to William’s fifth great-grandfa - Mahida said. witnesses, sons of the murder victim, initially Istanbul on July 31. The accused will not be ther, Theodore Forbes, a Scottish merchant. Meghani said that marriages between thought they could identify Akhanli, but then there, for obvious reasons. But there will be a Born in 1788, Forbes worked for the East India Armenian men and Indian women were uncom - retracted their statements. The accused was large delegation made up of well-known per - Company in the Indian city of Surat. Today, mon but not unheard-of around the end of the nonetheless thrown into prison. Finally, in sonalities from Europe. In preparation, they Surat cuts and polishes 90 percent of the 18th century. December 2010, he was released and are organizing events, for example in world’s diamonds. “The community had been settled in India for expelled from Turkey, and told he would not Cologne on July 5, to inform the public of the Researchers believe Kewark was of Armenian over 500 years by then and was seen as close to be allowed to enter the country again. case and organize further support. descent because her name is similar to the the Mughal throne and hence powerful. So, Associates and friends mobilized to defend Describing the action as “vendetta justice,” Armenian name Kevork. Also letters to her intermarriages would not have been terribly him from what was obviously a politically- the organizers stress the fact that thousands from Forbes have been found which contain frowned upon,” Meghani said. motivated campaign to silence him. Press cov - of journalists, political figures, artists, intel - Armenian script. The company says Kewark The tombstone of another Elizabeth in erage of his case appeared in Germany, the lectuals Kurds and others, are sitting in also signed her name in Armenian script. Surat’s Armenian cemetery appears to bear this US and elsewhere. ( Armenian Mirror- Turkish jails today, and that they see the sol - This information suggests a strong possibility out. Her name is spelt “Eligabeth” in the epi - Spectator , September 11, 2010). A delegation idarity movement for Akhanli as a manifesta - that Kewark’s father was Armenian. The com - taph — a typical Indian phonetic variation of the of renowned human rights activists traveled tion of support also for them. pany says it is positive that Kewark’s genetic “z” sound, explained Mahida. to Istanbul for his trial, which took place in One might add, it is also a manifestation of heritage through her maternal line is Indian. This Elizabeth died in 1784, at least six or early December 2011. Under the combined support for the expanding civil disobedience In a document written in 1937 and acquired seven years before Kewark would have been pressure of international censure and the campaign in Turkey. The Akhanli case, inter - by The Telegraph from St. Andrews Library in born. Her burial in the Armenian cemetery sug - utter lack of any credible evidence against secting the Taksim ferment, indeed has the Surat, eminent Calcutta-based Armenian histo - gests her father or husband was an Armenian, him, Akhanli (in absentia, because he was not potential to inject new energy into it and to rian Mesrovb Jacob Seth writes that she was given the strong patriarchal traditions of the allowed to enter the country) was acquitted generate further solidarity from abroad for listed as Elizabeth Farbessian, was one of the community. Yet the name of neither is men - on December 10. Since the Appeals Court their efforts. Although the demonstrators in last seven Armenians in the city after Forbes’s tioned in the epitaph, written in the classical did not take any steps to reverse the ruling, it Istanbul have other slogans, they are in fact death in 1820. Armenian script. held. denouncing the same arrogance of power It’s unclear whether Farbessian died in Surat “The inscription on the tomb names her as It held — that is, until April of this year. Out and arbitrary “justice” of the AKP Party-led — there are no graves in her name in the city’s Eligabeth and mentions her as the daughter of of the blue, the Turkish Appeals Court government that has asserted itself in the only Armenian cemetery in the Katargam Gate Nazar Tilan, which is a Muslim woman’s name,” announced in a rush procedure, against the witch-hunt against Akhanli and other dissi - area. said Mahida. The tombstone with the epitaph is vote of the State Attorney, that the case dents. Nor, if she migrated to Bombay where Forbes in the cellar of the museum. against him had to be reopened. The court Akhanli was one of numerous Turkish per - once worked, whether she did so with their son British researchers say that Kewark and stated that it would seek a life sentence in the sonalities in Germany asked by the Alexander, who stayed on in India after Forbes Forbes married in an Armenian church in new trial. How? Why? On what grounds? Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung , in a Sunday sent his wife away to Scotland in 1818. Surat. Of the two churches the city once had, Akhanli told the German press: “My defense feature on June 9 to comment on the events The Bombay Armenian Cemetery has the the one in the cemetery survives but the one in lawyer at the time proved my innocence, the there. The feature, titled, “What does Turkey tombstone of a Kevorg, a derivative of Kevork. the old city, used mostly for weddings, does not. State Attorney did not prove my guilt. How have to do with us?” sought to identify the He was buried in 1927, according to the church Standing in its place are rows of ugly, four or do they now want to prove that I was the relevance of the new social phenomenon in register. (Kewark’s father was Hakob Kevork or five-story buildings owned by local traders who criminal? There is no new evidence.” Turkey to Germans — whether of Turkish Kevorkian.) run establishments on the road level and live The court argued as follows: the fact that extraction or not. “But no historian can say right now whether and store their wares on the remaining floors. all the witnesses back in December 2010 Akhanli answered: “There have been (Kevorg) was connected to Elizabeth or Jahnubhai Patel, 62, who runs a zari business pleaded for his innocence, and that they numerous protests by organized forces in Alexander. The links, if any, are buried in the in the area, does not remember any Armenians, accused the authorities of manipulation and Turkish history. This time, a couple of ecolo - sands of time,” said Surat historian Mohan but says his ancestors bought the home-cum- torture, was irrelevant. The only material of gists and leftist activists started a modest Meghani who has done extensive research on warehouse he owns from a Parsi businessman. relevance, argued the Appeals Court, were action. Due to the brutality of the security the city’s Armenians. “There were many Parsis here then. The the original police protocols from 1989 to forces and the arrogance of the government, Seth, the Armenian historian, writes: “The English Factory (a former East India Company 1992 and witness testimony submitted at it turned into a mass rebellion. My utopia,” he decline and dispersion of the Armenians at warehouse-cum-house where Forbes once that time — that is, testimony submitted went on, “is that people develop a capacity Surat must have been very rapid … During the worked and lived) down the road was also under torture. Furthermore, they claimed for tolerance and respect. The AKP govern - last two decades of the 18th century (1780- owned by a Parsi businessman called Cooper that an organization in which Akhanli ment which dared to sit down at a table with 1800), there were 33 (Armenian) merchants who bought it from the British,” Patel said. allegedly belonged posed a threat to Turkey Kurds has forgotten that Turkey is a secular besides many others in the humbler walks of “We know this because his last descendant, — even though the organization ceased to country … and that women in particular fear life.… Their numbers dwindled down to only who lived in the massive building all alone in exist in 1993. religiously-motivated laws.” (seven) souls in 1820. Their names were: Mrs. the 1960s, was insane and broke down the The news struck like a thunderbolt. In He said he hoped that Turkey would Elizabeth Farbessian, Mrs. Maishkhanoom place using a bulldozer as he was tired of Germany, the Frankfurter Allgemeine become rational and predictable. “The Avietian, Mrs. Mariam Vardanian, Stephen researchers from India and abroad coming to Zeitung — the newspaper of record, compara - demonstrators are an important corrective Petrus, Minas Margarian, Gregore Agahian and his place regularly and requesting a tour of the ble to the New York Times — published an force for a policy which has become arrogant. Arrathoon Balthazarian, the only well-to-do premises,” recounted Patel. article by Karen Krueger, who follows devel - Those who hold power have not yet under - amongst them being the lady mentioned first.” Meghani confirmed the building’s razing by opments in Turkey, titled, “He Who Is stood that democracy and a state of law are The last name is that of Kewark’s brother-in- its “insane” owner. Supposed to Be a Criminal Will Be Made Into there for everyone.” He concluded by express - law and Forbes’s Armenian agent, also known “Prince William better come and collect the a Criminal.” She commented that “it looks as ing his excitement about the demonstrations as Arrathoon Baldassarian. remaining bricks on this half-wall of the English though the Turkish judicial authorities have here in Germany, which, like those in Turkey, “If he (Arrathoon) was married to her Factory before the children of the adjoining IP nothing better to do than to re-open cases are multi-ethnic but at the same time, with a (Eliza’s) sister and they had a daughter, Prince Mission school take them away to use them as that have long since been closed.” She majority of German participants. William may find some cousins in India,” said wickets in cricket matches on the school com - Meghani. pound,” he said. S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 CommCuOMMnUNITiY NtEWyS Ne ws War in Syria MATTHEW MUISE PHOTO Dr. Hagop Sparks Efforts to Injeyan to Help Armenians Speak on By Britanny Levine Laser LOS ANGELES (Los Angeles Times) — To understand why Zaven Khanjian wants the Technology Armenian community in Syria — a dwindling population caught in the crossfire of civil war GLENDALE — “Lasers, From Science — to endure, you have to go back nearly a cen - Fiction to Reality” is the topic of the lec - tury. ture hosted by the Armenian Engineers Long before in-fighting began more than and Scientists of America (AESA). The two years ago, Armenians settled in Syria presenter will be Dr. Hagop Injeyan, a after being driven out of Turkey during the retired scientist from Hughes Aircraft genocide of 1915. and Northrop Grumman and an adjunct Destitute and sick, the Christians were wel - professor at Pasadena City College and comed by the mostly Arabic Syrians and flour - California State University, Los Angeles ished, especially in Aleppo, a city close to the (CSULA.) The lecture will be held on Turkish border and hard hit by war between Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the rebel forces and the sitting government. Dr. Gevorg Yaghjyan library of the Armenian Society of Los “We want the community to survive as long Angeles, 117 South Louise St. The event as the war is going on,” said Khanjian, a is open to the public. Glendale real estate agent and Aleppo native A fixture in just about any science fic - who leads the nonprofit Syrian Armenian Vartan Gregorian Has tion movie or TV series since the early Relief Fund. 20th century, lasers have become an inte - But while many Armenians may feel indebt - gral part of everyday life from the ed to Syria — a country that welcomed them Busy June Celebrating CD/DVD players in our homes to enter - when they were at their lowest point — thou - tainment, automobile warning devices and sands continue to flee amid an increase in the numerous sophisticated medical and number of kidnappings and reported damage industrial tools. This lecture will provide to homes and churches. Education an overview of lasers through a brief dis - Even an Armenian Genocide memorial has cussion of the science behind lasers, the been ransacked, said Lena Bozoyan, chair - WALTHAM, Mass. —At the Commencement ceremony for Brandeis University’s various types of lasers developed to date woman of the Armenian Relief Society of Heller School of Social Policy and Management, Vartan Gregorian, president of and an introduction to some of the more Western USA. Carnegie Corporation of New York, was awarded an honorary degree by the uni - advanced applications of high power Humanitarian aid is the primary goal, but versity, which recognized him as a “higher education visionary, passionate advo - lasers focusing on laser fusion and laser there’s also a deeper desire to prevent an cate for the humanities, professor, scholar and leader [whose] legacy is promoting weapon systems of the future. Laser Armenian community with historical signifi - a deeper appreciation of the role of higher education in society.” fusion is widely thought of as the clean cance from disintegrating completely. Delivering the commencement address to the Heller School graduating class, energy source of the future with an unlim - “The dwindling of the community in Syria Gregorian urged students to leave the world a better place than they found it. ited supply of fuel, while advanced laser will have a detrimental, long-term impact for “What have you done to deserve your ancestors?” Gregorian asked the graduates. weapons are antizcipated to be game the cultural vibrancy of the diaspora as a “What will you do as ancestors of future generations?” changers in the battlefield by providing an whole,” said Ara Sanjian, director of the On June 14, Gregorian and Carnegie Corporation of New York hosted Global effective deterrent against highly destruc - Armenian Research Center at the University Kids, a nonprofit educational organization committed to advancing global learn - tive projectile based weapons such as mis - of Michigan-Dearborn. ing and youth development. Global Kids works to ensure that urban youth have siles, artillery shells and mortars. But the effort to preserve the diaspora in the knowledge, skills, experiences and values they need to succeed in school, par - Hagop Injeyan, during his 32 years at Syria is increasingly difficult as fighting rages ticipate effectively in the democratic process and achieve leadership in their com - Hughes Aircraft and Northrop Grumman on, especially in Aleppo, which claims the munities and on the global stage. (NG), has worked on research and devel - largest Armenian population. Most Recently, as part of the Global Kids annual youth conference, high school stu - opment of high power lasers for military Armenians with roots there are known to be dents dedicated to the arts shared their rendition of Gregorian’s childhood by read - and industrial applications. He is consid - loyal to the current regime, but Khanjian said ing from his autobiography, The Road to Home: My Life and Times . ered a leading expert in solid state lasers philanthropic efforts out of Glendale are apo - To join in celebrating the fifth grade class graduation at the Vartan Gregorian and while at Northrop Grumman was a litical. Elementary School in Providence, RI, on June 18, Gregorian spent the day with key contributor to the development of The US recently announced plans to bolster students at the school, which is named for him. He participated in the school’s tra - the highest power solid state laser built support of the rebels after determining that ditional “clap-out ceremony,” in which the younger grades and their teachers stand to date. Injeyan earned BS, MS, in the Syrian regime had used chemical weapons in the hallway and applaud as the fifth-graders walk through the school corridors Physics and a PhD in electrical sciences against its own people. to the auditorium for their graduation ceremony. and engineering from University of The Syrian Armenian Relief Fund, launched Gregorian also visited with the school’s eNewspaper club and said, “Nobody like California Los Angeles specializing in the last year in partnership with Glendale-based you is going to come again.” He encouraged them to do justice to their intellect field of quantum electronics. He has 26 Armenian Relief Society and other Armenian and “to learn, learn, learn.” patents in the field of lasers and non-lin - philanthropic groups, has sent $500,000 in ear optics, has authored numerous publi - assistance to struggling Syrian-Armenians. cations and conference presentations and Organizers raised another $100,000 at a ben - is twice the recipient of NG’s Chairman’s efit concert in Hollywood two weeks ago. Award for Innovation. He is the co-editor The money is sent to a coalition of and co-author of a recently published Armenian nonprofits in Syria that doles out book by McGraw-Hill titled, High Power food, clothing, construction materials for Laser Handbook . damaged buildings and medical care to the “We are very excited to have Dr. needy. During Armenian Christmas in Injeyan a leading expert in laser technol - January, the group dispersed cash to about ogy field to talk about this technology 5,000 families, Khanjian said. which over the last five decades has Before the fund started, the Armenian become an integral part in nearly every Relief Society had already collected $100,000 aspect of our everyday life and can be for Armenian schools. found everywhere from high-tech But there are some things the fund won’t research applications to scanners at the pay for, such as relocation costs. grocery store,” said AESA Vice-President “We want our people to stay there,” Vasken Yardemian. Bozoyan said. Established in 1983, AESA is a non- Population estimates vary, but Sanjian, of partisan and non-sectarian philanthropic the Armenian Research Center, said that organization focused primarily on before the conflict began, there were about addressing the professional, technical 70,000 Armenians in Syria, 70 percent of and scientific needs of fellow Armenian them in Aleppo. Armenian news agencies Vartan Gregorian with some of the students of the Vartan Gregorian Elementary engineers, scientists, industrialists and have reported that more than 10,000 have School in Providence architects throughout the world. For fled to Lebanon and Armenia, but some esti - more information, visit www.aesa.org/. mates peg the exodus as being almost twice that. 6 S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS ACYOA Members Gather for Chapter Workshop

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A group of 31 today’s secular world. Diocesan Vicar, led a discussion titled dinner at a local restaurant. The event was young people from parishes in the Eastern In another session titled “What’s Your “ACYOA: What’s in Our Future?” Outgoing organized by Mallory Maslar of the St. Hagop Diocese met here last weekend for the fifth SHAPE,” Basmajian helped participants iden - ACYOA Central Council Chair Danny Mantis Church ACYOA, who served as the parish liai - annual Armenian Church Youth Organization tify areas through which they can better serve and the newly-elected chair, Jonathan Pelaez, son to the Central Council. of America (ACYOA) Chapter Workshop. The the Lord. These included their spiritual gifts, facilitated a presentation on how to approach On Sunday morning, the young people June 14-16 workshop was sponsored by the passion, skills, personality traits and their life chapter growth. took part in the Divine Liturgy at St. Hagop ACYOA Central Council and hosted by St. experience. Participants then split up by region and Church. Later they joined the parish for its Hagop Church of Pinellas Park. “I was very pleased with how seriously the considered goals and priorities for their Father’s Day picnic. Harry Kezelian, chair of The parish’s pastor, the Rev. Hovnan group approached the morning sessions parishes. They also began to design programs the ACYOA Chapter of St. John Church in Demerjian, served as the workshop chaplain which were very faith-oriented,” Basmajian for the 2013-14 ACYOA season. Each group Southfield, Mich., entertained the crowd on and opened the weekend program with a ses - said. “We need to provide our young people then shared its ideas and received construc - the clarinet. sion on the importance of understanding the with more opportunities to grow in their faith tive feedback. During the weekend, participants also had Armenian Christian faith. Participants spoke and think about ways they can commit their The ACYOA members were proud to note an opportunity to pray together at matins and about ways they put their faith in action in lives to God and their community.” that three of the workshop participants are vespers services and take part in meditations their daily lives. The afternoon sessions focused on the mis - currently serving on the parish council at led by Demerjian. Outgoing ACYOA executive secretary sion and work of the ACYOA. Participants their parishes. The three are Mallory Maslar “I’m excited because I met so many people Nancy Basmajian, who designed the work - spoke about re-defining the organization for of Pinellas Park, Fla.; Jon Simonian Jr. of New with whom I hope to establish lasting relation - shop, made a presentation titled “Twenty- the 21st century, shared practical tips and York, NY and Armen Terjimanian of ships,” said Christina Azarian of Holy Trinity somethings, God and the Church,” in which tools to use in strategic planning, and devel - Washington, DC. Church of Cambridge, Mass. “It was nice to see she talked about young people’s involvement oped regional goals and program ideas. On Saturday evening, Demerjian and Nancy so many young people really concerned and in the church and the challenges they face in The Very Rev. Simeon Odabashian, Basmajian joined the young participants for a passionate about the future of the ACYOA.” Holy Trinity Sunday School Graduates Seven on May 19

opening remarks by Seta A. Buchter, Sunday School or Church Means to Me” were printed in her fellow graduates. By Seta. A. Buchter School superintendent. She stated, “We have the Graduation Program along with a brief In closing remarks, Kouzouian congratulated watched our graduates, over the years, grow biography of each graduate. Three students, the graduates for their commitment to learning and develop into the wonderful young adults Thayer, Hollisian and Ayanian, were asked to about their faith since they were young chil - CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — “With this candle, we they are today. For each of them, their years speak on behalf of the graduating class. dren. He reminded the congregation that pass on to you . . . of our faith.” attending Sunday School has been a journey in Melissa Sahagian presented this year’s class today’s graduation fell on the Feast of Sunday, May 19, was a day of joyous celebra - discovering who they are as Armenian gift to Kouzouian, which was 21 copies of the Pentecost. In drawing an analogy to the Feast tion and tremendous pride in the life of Holy Christians. During this journey, it has been soon-to-be-printed children’s book, When I Go of Pentecost when the students of Jesus Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston. On extremely gratifying to witness our graduates’ to Church , for the pews in the church sanctu - stopped being called “Disciples” and went on to this day, seven Grade 12 students, having suc - strengthening of their faith, their greater appre - ary. Keverian offered the Bible reading of the be called “Apostles,” Kouzouian stated, “Today, cessfully completed the required course of ciation and understanding of their religion, cul - day from the Book of Proverbs , chapter 1, vers - we send out into the world seven new ‘Apostles’ Christian Education as set forth by the ture and heritage, and their growing dedication es 1-5 “. . . to receive the instruction of wisdom, in the name of Jesus Christ and the Armenian Department of Youth and Education at the and commitment to the Armenian Church, justice, judgment, and equity . . . ,” while Jakob Church. You are called to take your faith in Diocese of the Armenian Church of America especially Holy Trinity Armenian Church.” read the Gospel reading from John, chapter 20, Christ with you in life.” (Eastern), graduated from the Sunday School Buchter also noted the strong bonds of friend - verses 19-23. He continued, “Our hope is that through in a ceremony in the church at the conclusion ship this class has developed, not only through The ceremony concluded with the graduating your Sunday School and ACYOA experiences, of the Divine Liturgy. the Sunday School program, but also through class, in a symbolic gesture, passing a lit candle you make good decisions in life and that you let This year’s graduates were Rose Arslanian, the graduates’ participation in the ACYOA to the students of Grade 11. The candle, which your faith help define the world — that’s the daughter of Dr. Armen and Araz Arslanian of Juniors program. She commended the gradu - also represents the passing of leadership from work of an ‘Apostle of Christ.’” Lexington; Elizabeth Nayiri Ayanian, daughter ates’ parents for their commitment, encourage - the outgoing Graduating class to the incoming Kouzouian thanked the parents and Buchter. of Dr. Mark and Maral Ayanian of Belmont; Ani ment and sacrifices throughout the years. one, was passed from Arslanian to Torosian. Following church services, the graduates, Rose Hollisian, daughter of Ara and June Two Awards were then presented. The Arslanian then briefly explained what the can - their families and invited guests were honored Hollisian of South Weymouth; Allison Nicole “Bagdasar and Elmas Garabedian Award,” dle, as this “symbol of faith,” meant to her and at a luncheon held in Johnson Hall. Jakob, daughter of Christopher and Barbara which recognizes two graduating students of Jakob of Lexington; Lori Keverian, daughter of the Holy Trinity Sunday School who have main - George and Diane Keverian of Medfield; Melissa tained an exemplary record throughout their Sahagian, daughter of Richard and Nancy years as a student of the Sunday School, was Sahagian of Burlington, and Caroline Thayer, presented to Ani Hollisian and Lori Keverian. daughter of Harvey and Valerie Kolligian The “Arsha Sarkisian Award,” which is given to Thayer of Concord. the “Outstanding Sunday School Student of Serving as ushers and participating in the the Year,” was awarded to two graduating stu - GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E Graduation Ceremony were Grade 11 students dents —Nayiri Ayanian and Caroline Thayer. James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Alex Avakian, Gregory Dorian, Alex Ensign and The Order of Graduates was then presented Mark J. Giragosian Haig Torosian. to Kouzouian. Each graduate received her Funeral Counselors The morning began with the graduates Sunday School diploma from him and a gift of 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 attending church services, reading the the book, Armenia: A Journey through www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Confession and receiving Holy Communion. History, by Arra Avakian . The Graduation Ceremony, which was presided Due to the large size of the graduating class, over by Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian, began with each graduate’s remarks on “What Sunday DENNIS M. DEVENEY & SONS Cemetery Monuments Specializing in Armenian Designs and Lettering 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com

Telephone (617) 924-7400 Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Inc. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Holy Trinity Sunday School Graduates with Fr. Vasken Kouzouian and Seta Buchter WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Medical Education Innovator Is Fulbright Scholar at BU

SCHOLAR, from page 1 him organize the plastic surgery residency pro - pitals. He visited leading cancer hospitals in the grown. He makes regular trips to Armenia to Speaking to Yaghjyan can be difficult at gram with other colleagues. In fact, Yaghjyan US, including MD Anderson in Texas, Sloan teach, in addition to being “the ambassador for times, since his brain seems to be working at said, through a team effort, Armenia became Kettering Cancer Center in New York, the Yale this program at Cleveland Clinic.” Since 2005, speeds higher than those of mere mortals. the first post-Soviet country to have registered Cancer Center and the Cleveland Clinic. he has hosted students in his house. The pro - He has received every honor from teaching a separate plastic surgery specialty. The vision of the NCFA is to have a cyclotron gram is free for all students from Armenia awards at Yerevan State University Medical “The former rector [2006-2011] Prof. Gohar bunker, a diagnostic center to run isotopes for During his incredibly rich medical career, School to the Drastamat Kanaian Gold Medal Kyalyan was instrumental in reforming gradu - imaging cancer, with work complete by 2013. Yaghjyan has worked from the bottom to the from the Ministry of Defense of Armenia. ate medical education and she invited me in The project in Armenia is a “cancer city,” in top. It was what he saw in his duties as an inten - Yaghjyan’s specialty is plastic surgery, recon - 2007 to be the vice dean [rector] for the med - effect, to be run by the NCFA and the govern - sive care nurse in post-quake Armenia and structive microsurgery to be exact, and in fact, ical school,” in charge of graduate and post - ment of Armenia. If the center is finished as wartime Karabagh that he decided to pursue one of his projects, along with other faculty graduate medical education based on the work envisioned, it would not only be a world-class his medical course relentlessly. members dating back to 1997, is founding the which was done for plastic surgery residency center to provide first-rate care for patients in “I saw a lot of people during the Karabagh program to teach medical students the special - program, he said. Armenia, but it would attract patients from far war and the earthquake. I decided it was good ty of plastic surgery. His work often deals with “She was my anatomy professor at the med - and wide. for me to do something new and take something reconstruction after injuries, work he perfected ical school and knows my career development Yaghjyan said that there are only three very, very new, go on a long and difficult journey. after his many years helping mine victims as and achievement very well,” he added. cyclotrons in Moscow and some additional few In 2007 the Continuing Medical Education and well as civilian and military victims of Azeri fire. “In 2007, Dr. Gohar Kyalyan and I were invit - in all of Russia and none in the countries graduate medical education was in the process of He also works to help cancer patients after ed by Dr. Aram Chobanian to come here and neighboring Armenia, including Georgia and developing and I was happy to use my knowl - large tumors are removed. “If an oncologist see new trends in medicine. We were invited to Iran. edge and experience in that area. I am happy to removes the tumor,” he said, they often take meet the dean of the Boston University School Yaghjyan said that he has also been involved be at the front lines, be they medical, education - out more than the tumor itself, often leaving a of Medicine,” he said, Dr. Karen Antman, with the HYEBRIDGE telemedicine project that al, clinical or innovational.” negative space that would need to be filled. The collaboration between Antman and Armenia Fund USA is leading and hopefully Yaghjyan will return to Armenia in What Yaghjyan does is to “bring in tissue, mus - Kyalyan proved to be fruitful. “We worked with after his new connections with Boston September. cle, tendon and bone and make it vascularized,” BU to reform medical education and signed a University and Boston Armenian Medical so that it would function and look as the nor - new cooperation agreement with the BU facul - Association, the Boston doctors will be more mal body part. ty,” which agreed to come to Armenia to help to involved in this initiative During the war, he said, he “was a resident in in curriculum reform on the undergraduate and In between his incredibly hectic professional the plastic surgery department, the only resi - graduate levels. schedule, he finds time to head the Land and dent.” As a result, he said, “I traveled a lot to Yaghjyan has the distinction of being picked Culture branch in Armenia. Nahigian Reappointed to Karabagh to do operations at the Stepanakert as a Fulbright Scholar not once, but twice. The Hospital,” in addition to many surgeries in first time, he explained, was in 2007, but he was Land and Culture Education Sub-Committee Shushi. The latter hospital, lagging in terms of not able to come to the US because he was “in Yaghjyan recalled that his work with the NEWTON, Mass. — Rob Nahigian, FRICS, construction, became one of the projects for the middle of the reforms.” Land and Culture Organization started soon SIOR, CRE, MCR of Auburndale Realty Co. was the Land and Culture Organization. “I wrote a letter and said that I could not after the group came to Armenia in the wake of reappointed during June by Joseph Autilio, exec - Yaghjyan this past spring taught a course at come,” and asked to be reconsidered if the the 1988 earthquake that had destroyed much utive director of the Massachusetts Division of Yale Medical School, where he presented the chance arose. He reapplied in 2011 and was of the north of the country. Professional Licensure, to the Massachusetts cases on which he had worked. Yale, lofty a accepted the following year and started at “I started while I was in medical school. I was Board of Registration’s Real Estate Brokers and perch as it might seem, is not a new experience Boston University School of Medicine. sent to them to be helpful and I started to vol - Salesperson’s Education Sub-Committee. The for Yaghjyan, who spent six months there in In 2011, Yaghjyan joined the National unteer with them in 1991. In 1992, he became education sub-committee offers recommenda - 2001 as a visiting scholar, making the acquain - Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia the organization’s president in Armenia. tions on continuing education requirements and tance of the head of the plastic surgery depart - (NCFA) medical team, for which he became The group has worked on the school in the course contents for the purpose of real estate ment at the medical school, Dr. John Persing, medical programs director in 2012. Karabagh town of Karintak, as well as rebuild - agent license renewals. the current chairman, and the former chair - The National Competitiveness Foundation of ing the church in Gogaran in Armenia, renovat - The committee works to enhance the ability of man, Dr. Stephan Ariyan. The Yale surgeons’ Armenia is a public-private entity established in ing Tatev and the Shushi Hospital, which is the Board to protect the consumers in work in Armenia dates back to the period 2008 through a partnership between the now complete. Massachusetts in the practice of real estate bro - immediately after the devastating 1988 earth - Government of Armenia and a group of global Yaghjyan has made lasting friendships kering. Nahigian has worked with the commis - quake. They did their work, in conjunction with business leaders of Armenian descent. Boston- through the years, ones that have enriched not sion and volunteered to develop new commercial help from the AGBU and the US Agency for area Armenians Afeyan and Raffi Festekjian are only his personal life but also Armenia’s med - courses. More than 10 new commercial courses International Development. members of the Board of Trustees. The board ical future. One such connection was with Dr. have been approved in the last 1.5 years. In 1997, a group of Plastic Surgeons from functions under the aegis of the office of the Rafi Avitsian, head of the Neurosurgical Additionally during the first half of 2013, the Mikaelyan Surgical Institute, under the prime minister. Anesthesiology Section at the world-famous Nahigian spoke at a number of regional and Supervision of Dr. Artvazad Sahakyan, moved Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He got an national commercial real estate events through - from the Mikaelyan Institute to Yerevan State Cancer Complex Being Built invitation in 2003 to visit the hospital as part of out the US as an industry subject matter expert. Medical University, where the curriculum was During his stay in the US, Yaghjyan is also an observership program. The program had no On February 7, Nahigian spoke to the Society created through the Ministry of Health. focusing on the organization of nuclear medi - money and little capability for helping visiting of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) Yaghjyan said that his training at Yale helped cine education and management of cancer hos - doctors, but through Avitsian, the program has Northern California Chapter on logistics and supply chain industrial real estate decisions. The three hour program was titled “From Shanghai to Your Shelf: Logistics and Supply Chain Decisions Impacting Real Estate in the 21st Century. More than 75 professionals attended this event at the Cassidy Turley’s office in down - town San Jose. The same program “From Shanghai to Your Shelf” was then presented on March 8 to the SIOR Oregon Chapter in Portland at the University Club. Nahigian then instructed the national SIOR designation course in Los Angeles on March 14. The program was held at the Sheraton Downtown Los Angeles. Nahigian is considered a national expert on this topic and has taught the course since 1988 for SIOR and at national events. On April 25, he again delivered “From Shanghai to Your Shelf: Logistics and Supply Chain” to 120 attendees to the SIOR Central Canada Chapter in Toronto. On June 14, the New Hampshire CIBOR had Nahigian speak on the “Art of Negotiating Skills.” Nahigian has been asked to instruct the SIOR national designation course on Synergistic Sales Skills on July 11 in Chicago. He will also deliver “From Shanghai to Your Shelf: Logistics and Supply Chain Impacting Industrial Real Estate Decisions in the 21st Century” on July 25 at the Vinings Club in Atlanta, Ga. and on July 26 at the Watercolor Inn, Watercolor, Fla. Nahigian will also be teaching the national des - ignation course for the MCR designation and CoreNet Global on September 16-17 at Johnson & Johnson World Headquarters in Brunswick, NJ. The new two-day course titled, “The New Survival Tools of Industrial Operations and Real Estate Decisions” was offered for the first time in Chicago in November at the headquarters of MillerCoors Co. This course was a new elective for the MCR accreditation. 8 S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

From left, Artyom Maunkyan, Rouben Hakhverdyan and Gegam Margarian Boston Tekeyan Chapter Relaunches with Sold-out Concert

BELMONT, Mass. — The Tekeyan Cultural Hakhverdyan has a trademark style of gruff with Kalaydjian were Silva and Sarkis The next Boston Tekeyan program will be a Association Boston Chapter has recently been singing voice along with playing the guitar. His Antreasian, Maral and Vatche Der Torossian, production of the play, “Beast on the Moon,” by relaunched. The group, headed by Baydzig lyrics, capturing the day-to-day relationships, Marina Margarian and Sossi Yoghurtdjian. Richard Kalinoski, tentatively scheduled for Kalaydjian, held its inaugural event, a concert romance, frustrations and complications, have Thanking her committee members, October. by renowned Armenian troubadour, Rouben been popular since the independence of Kalaydjian said, “The Tekeyan Boston Chapter The June 22 program, titled “Music of the Hakhverdyan, at the hall of the Holy Cross Armenia. is a success today because we had friends who People,” indeed lived up to its name, marking Armenian Catholic Church here on Saturday, On Saturday he was accompanied by Artyom believed in us and we didn’t have the heart to the return of the Boston Tekeyan Chapter to June 22. Manukyan on cello and Gegam Margarian on let them down...” the city’s cultural life, stronger than ever, creat - The program was sold out, with more than keyboards. Plans are underway to bring him back to ing a new venue which can be and has been 150 requests for tickets had to go unanswered. Serving on the organizing committee along Boston in the fall. appreciated by the citizens of this state.

Audience members, including Konstantin Petrossian, Raffi and Nina Festekjian, Very Rev. Raphael From left, Vatche Der Torossian, Marina Margarian, Maral Der Torssian, Rouben Hakhverdyan, Andonian, Hagop Vartivarian, Dr. Armen Demirjian and Vartiter and Kevork Marashlian enjoyed the Baydzig Kalaydjian, Silva Antreassian and Sarkis Antreassian performance.

An overflow crowd packed the hall of the Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church. S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Ne w York M E T R O Two Interns Join Diocese for Summer

NEW YORK — The Diocese of the Diocese, I hope to obtain applicable knowl - Armenian Church of America (Eastern) edge in my field, and to make new connec - announced recently that two interns — tions and friendships.” Anthony Aram Antreasyan and Alexander Antreasyan is living in student housing at Calikyan — have joined the Diocesan team for New York University, along with some 40 a hands-on summer program. The interns will summer interns participating in the AGBU assist with projects in the Diocese’s account - internship program. He will join AGBU ing department and at the Krikor and Clara interns for several educational, cultural, and Zohrab Information Center. social activities throughout the summer. “It’s wonderful to have young people who Calikyan, also of Holy Martyrs Church, will are interested in learning about our church work in the Krikor and Clara Zohrab join our Diocesan family for the summer Information Center, under the supervision of months,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, its director, the Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan. Diocesan Primate. “The internship program This spring he completed his sophomore year is a good opportunity for participants to at the Catholic University of America in develop professional skills while gaining a Washington, DC, where he is studying philos - deeper understanding of their faith and a ophy. familiarity with the operations of the Earlier this month Calikyan took part in Diocesan Center.” the Diocese’s Young Adult Pilgrimage to the Antreasyan, of Holy Martyrs Church of Holy Land. His involvement in the Armenian Bayside, NY, will work in the accounting community also includes study at the department. An economics major at Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum and participation Binghamton University in Binghamton, NY, in the Holy Martyrs Hye Bar Dance Group where he just completed his junior year of and Shnorhali Choir. He regularly serves on study, Antreasyan has also been active in his the altar at Holy Martyrs Church. Alexander Calikyan (left) and Anthony Aram Antreasyan at the Diocese’s Zohrab Center local ACYOA chapter, played on the Holy “This summer I hope to gain experience Martyrs basketball team and attended AGBU working with older Armenian texts, partic - Camp Nubar for many years. In addition, he ularly those focusing on Armenian Church graduated from the Holy Martyrs Armenian “It is a great honor to be able to join the ing real-world experience in the field of history,” he said. “I am looking forward to Saturday School and attended the Diocese’s Diocese to expand my involvement in the finance,” he said. “Through AGBU’s summer what promises to be a great learning expe - Khrimian Lyceum. Armenian Church and community while gain - internship program and my time at the rience.”

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BURBANK, Calif. — On the occasion of Yervant Babayan’s centennial birthday and By Tom Vartabedian jubilee celebration, which took place on June 16 in Burbank, his grandchildren, Yervant and BOSTON— Playwright Judith Boyajian Taleen Babayan, shared an open letter honor - Strang-Waldau has made both Genocide recog - ing their grandfather: nition and highlighting resilient women who “To everyone else, he was Dnoren Baron survived its atrocities part of her mission. No Yervant Babayan. To us, he was simply Dedig. one seems more aware than Strang-Waldau that As children, a significant portion of our a journey towards any destination begins with leisure time was spent in Los Angeles with our a single step. In her case, the steps have been grandparents, which left an indelible mark on giant ones. our youth. From the moment we knocked on Last March she conducted a reading for the their door, fresh off a flight from New York, we first act of her play, “Women of Ararat,” spon - would be greeted with strong hugs and endless sored by the Armenian International Women’s servings of yahinov kufte prepared by our Association (AIWA). The cast included several grandmother in honor of our arrival. Armenian actors from Greater Boston and New After waiting in suspense to see who won the York including Nancy Tutunjian Berger, June grape hidden inside the kufte , we would retreat Murphy Katz, Judy Davis, Jennifer Guzelian to the living room where Dedig would settle Flanagan, Joy Renjilian and Sofie Refojo. himself in his armchair. He would patiently lis - “The result was unexpectedly moving when I ten to our answers as he inquired about school, heard my words making people laugh and cry,” our activities, and most importantly, what we she recalled. “The audience was mixed with were learning in shapadoria (Saturday school). both Armenians and non-Armenians. Although Sometimes we would pause for a moment as we Armenians have heard these stories before, they searched for an Armenian word. Without miss - Pianist Avo Kouyoumdjian, left, at Baalbek last year (Harry Koundakjian photo) cried along with those who were hearing them ing a beat, Dedig would insert the appropriate for the first time.” word into our conversation. In fact, it was dur - Three Armenian women approached the play - ing these impromptu language lessons that we wright after the reading to thank her for finally Syria War Forces Music giving them a voice. It made an impact, even with those familiar with the Armenian story. “I still can’t read the end of Act 2 without cry - ing,” Strang-Waldau revealed. “It is written in Festival from Lebanon’s the voice of my grandmother whom I adored. When I think about what she lived through in the old country and when she came to America, Roman Ruins I am astonished by her continued strength and loving nature, despite what she saw happen all around her. This play is dedicated to my grand - BEIRUT (Reuters) — Lebanon’s annual Baalbek music festival has been forced to move from its usual venue among Roman ruins in the Bekaa Valley because of rock - et fire and a spillover of fighting from Syria, organizers said on Thursday. By Laila Bassam Baalbek is a stronghold of the Lebanese Shi’ite militant group Hezbollah, which is fighting across the border alongside its ally Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against a two-year-old rebel uprising. Rockets thought to have been fired by supporters of the Syrian revolt over the past few weeks have landed in Baalbek and Hezbollah fighters have fought Syrian rebels on Lebanese soil east of the town. The town is home to some of the best-preserved Roman temples, in which world- renowned musicians such as jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald and British singer Sting have performed. Nayla de Freij, chairwoman of the Baalbek International Festival Committee, said Taleen and Yervant Babayan with their grandfa - that security concerns made holding the event among the town’s ruins an “impos - ther Yervant Babayan sibility.” But she said organizers were determined to press ahead with the festival, now scheduled to open on August 9, and they were looking at new venues, probably in learned more makoor hayren . Before we went Beirut, that would be announced shortly. The festival, founded in 1956 by then-President Camille Chamoun, was halted dur - to bed, he would test us on our newly acquired Playwright Judith Boyajian Strang-Waldau vocabulary — zovaspuyr (air conditioner,) ing Lebanon’s 15-year civil war, which ended in 1990. It was also suspended during zovatzootzeech (cold drink) and our favorite — a war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006, when the modern part of the city was gentanapanagan bardez (zoo.) heavily bombed. mothers from whom I was given such a rich Spending a day with Dedig was similar to tak - The event normally draws in tourists during Lebanon’s summer season, especial - heritage. They lived in Watertown.” ing a journey back in time to a more distin - ly Arabs from the Gulf countries who come to escape the heat and enjoy Lebanon’s Strang-Waldau resides in metro west Boston guished and civilized era. After gliding into his bars and restaurants. This year, very few tourists have arrived, organizers say. with a husband, three dogs and cat. She suit jacket and giving his silk red tie a final tug, The festival had originally been due to open in Baalbek on June 30 with a concert majored in piano at the Boston Conservatory of he would take our hands and lead us down the by Grammy Award-winning US soprano Renee Fleming but she cancelled her visit to Music, securing degrees in vocal/opera perfor - palm tree-lined Everett Street in Glendale. Our Lebanon. mance from the University of Southern first stop would be Alpha Beta — where he Syrian helicopters have fired on Lebanese territory while hunting for fleeing California and Arts Administration from New would buy us whatever American-themed rebels. Militants supporting opposing sides of the Syria war have also clashed this York University. She has worked in marketing snacks and cereals our elementary hearts year in Lebanon’s port cities of Tripoli and Sidon. and development at the Metropolitan Opera desired (Dedig wanted us to be disciplined, he Lebanon’s other summer cultural festivals, including one held in Beiteddine and Carnegie Hall, along with the Olympia was also realistic about our juvenile cravings.) Palace in the pine forest of the Chouf Mountains and another in the Phoenician port Dukakis’ Whole Theater in Montclair, NJ. At the Our day would continue onto Abril bookstore of Byblos, will go ahead as planned. The Beiteddine festival starts on Friday. New England Conservatory of Music, she where he would engage in conversation with Hala Chahine, director of the Beiteddine festival, said the number of foreigners served as director of Institutional Development the late learned owner, Harout Yeretzian, while attending the festival had dropped by 15 percent last year due to a decline in tourist for the Preparatory School. we would browse the extensive collection of arrivals. Currently, Strang-Waldau gives private piano Armenian books ranging from authors of our “Lots of people won’t come to Lebanon ... but despite all this, we have to contin - and voice lessons in Wellesley and Natick and historical past to more contemporary writers. ue ... to show there is another Lebanon, there is a Lebanon with a civilized face and will begin a teaching position in Sherborn this The illustrated Armenian children’s books a cultural face.” coming fall. She also runs an annual scholar - would catch our eye and we would look forward ship competition for advanced high school see BABAYAN, page 11 see PLAYWRIGHT, page 12 S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Family Celebrates Centennial Birthday of Yervant Babayan

BABAYAN, from page 10 local happenings, politics and the growing different — and more to Dedig reading them to us later that night. pains of the then newly independent homeland. favorable — move for Our last stop of the day would be at Dedig’s Our evenings would culminate — after more us the following office on Allen Avenue in nearby Altadena. yahinov kufte — with a friendly game of tavloo , turn. Often we Sitting behind his large oak desk, flanked by or as Dedig also called it, nardi . As we contem - would win, though bookcases on both sides, Dedig would read plated a move, Dedig would lift his pointer fin - looking back we are through his mail and welcome visitors. Former ger up and urge us to think again. After we not sure if we truly students, neighbors and relatives would arrive moved our pieces across the white shell mosaic were the “winners,” as conversation naturally sparked in relation to patterns of the board, Dedig would suggest a or if Dedig wanted his grandchildren to feel a moment of pride. But when we became too excited in victory, or too upset in defeat, Dedig would always remind us: “Haghdutian mech hamesd, bardutian mech vehantsen” (In victory be hum - Yervant Babayan surrounded by his grandchildren, Yervant and Taleen ble, in defeat be gra - Babayan cious.) The teacher in him was never muted, neither in actions nor them to create a stronger diaspora and in in lessons, no matter the situation. essence, a stronger homeland. One lesson that remains with us to this day is Perhaps that is why, to this day, people still Dedig’s love of his culture and of his people, bow their heads just a bit for their former which is evident in a lifetime of dedicated ser - dnoren . vice, passed down from his own father, Rev. Nersess Babayan. After studying in Paris to advance his teaching credentials, he had the option of returning to Aleppo to assume a posi - Djanikian Creates a Members of the Shushi Junior Group tion at the Giligian School or staying in Paris for another teaching opportunity. He chose his Dystopian World Full people — and that is the same choice he has of Secrets and Isolation A closer look at the Shushi made throughout his life. When the Vahan Tekeyan School, an educa - The Office of Mercy: A Novel by Ariel tional institution we had heard so much about Djanikian. Viking Adult. 320 Pages Dance Organization in our youth, was in need of leadership during a tumultuous time in its history, Dedig quietly The Office of Mercy: A Novel is the first FAIR LAWN, N.J. — The latest family night program of the Shushi Dance Ensemble was and diligently assumed the positions of teach - book by Ariel Djanikian and it is an at the Abajian Hall of St. Leon Armenian Church on Saturday, May 18. er and principal. A visit to the school in Beirut, achievement. It works in many ways and The long-term success of the Shushi Dance Ensemble lies in a simple reality. When Seta Lebanon a few years ago brought to life the it skillfully conveys significant messages. Kantardjian started the group, she did not have to, she stories Dedig’s students and Dedig himself Djanikian knows how to write, and her wanted to. There is a big difference between having to do told us from his forty-year tenure. Although storytelling in this futuristic romance is By Vartan Abdo something and wanting to do something. That choice of the building was a little more worn and the sure-footed. It is a girl-boy story, but it is wanting to do it gave Shushi Dance Ensemble the long- hallways a little emptier, Dedig’s spirit was still also about a dystopian future and, as a term focus and enabled them to come this far. alive. The lessons he had taught to us, his novel, it is a far better read than George The benefits and rewards of the Shushi organization is visible on stage as well as off the grandchildren, and thousands of other Orwell’s 1984. stage. Children of all ages on stage, dancing with pride and joy, dressed in color - Armenian youth, transcended space and time Unlike Winston in 1984, the protago - ful costumes with traditional and modern Armenian songs in the background. On count - and were silent ones we learned by watching nist Natasha is sympathetic and likable. less occasions audience members have observed parents and family members watch their Dedig’s actions. While we had only caught the She works in the Office of Mercy refer - loved one’s performance with tears of joy. tail end of it, we could sense, from a young age enced in the title, and its function is to It is equally uplifting to see the commitment and dedication of parents working within that our Dedig had influenced so many peo - eliminate the tribal people surrounding the organization. As a result of these contacts a bond has been formed among parents. ple’s lives, shaped them and in a sense, an isolated fortress-like community. The Parents are as excited to spend time with each other as are their children with other chil - fathered them, at a critical point in our histo - word “sweep” is used to mass murder dren. Equally interesting is that most of the parents are heavily involved with the Armenian ry. The perilous descendants of the Genocide these less fortunate beings — the ratio - community at large. were the inaugural students of the Vahan nale mandating that, with quick efficient Tekeyan School and through Dedig’s tireless death, a “sweep” avoids a long-suffering efforts, he molded them and strengthened demise. The tactic attributes non-human, less intelligent traits to these alien tribes, while the need of the tribes for natural resources is not addressed. The people in the Office of Mercy keep Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2013 their fingers clean. On the rare occasion during which a one-on-one murder would be needed, the weapon of choice is an LAV-3 armored vehicle. Djanikian obvi - Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor ously had fun with her newspeak. The Orwell influence is evident although the a Teacher’ program has raised over $563,000 antiseptic world of The Office of Mercy owes something to Yevgeny Zamyatin’s and reached out to 4,440 teachers and dystopian novel, We . The mythical community is named school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. “America Five,” and it survives within a post-holocaust, bio-sealed perimeter with considerable power. For certain con - £ scripts of my generation, the very word “perimeter” would evoke dread — the K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue perimeter being an armed border. helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have However, “America Five” is a fortunate the teacher’s name and address. community whose well-fed citizens live forevermore yet whose perimeter is dan - K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— gerous to any creatures that approach it. Name The novel’s conflict is that Natasha of Address the title office develops sympathy for the City State Zip code people outside the community, a feeling that can only pose a danger to her. She Tel: appears to be in love with both a senior Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 colleague and a handsome tribal soldier. Mail your check with this form to: Drone strikes, childcare, and the tedi - um of office work are some of the modern TCA Sponsor a Teacher issues that appear. Those issues aside, the 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 story is the thing and I call it a great read. Your donation is Tax Deductible. — Michael Casey 12 S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

emotional impact of the Turkish government’s actions on the Armenian families they perse - ‘Women of Ararat’ Gains Ground cuted,” said Strang-Waldau. “Meeting my Turkish colleague in my first playwriting class could be none other than divine intervention. PLAYWRIGHT, from page 10 humanity rather than being a history lesson. “It was clear that the attitude toward our his - He was more than supportive. He was encour - musicians through the Harvard Musical There is one male in the cast and it is his char - tory had not changed,” said Strang-Waldau. “I aging.” Association. acter that brings tension into their protected also spent time in Mersin where my grand - Strang-Waldau is looking to produce her Strang-Waldau is proud of her ethnicity. She world. mothers lived. It was no longer the beautiful work throughout various parts of the country is 100 percent Armenian — the descendent of “I grew up with a great-grandmother and two seaside town filled with fruit trees, rather a during the 2014-2015 theater season. She said Genocide survivors from Mersin, Turkey — and grandmothers whom I visited regularly,” she sprawling Mediterranean city of high hotels and she hopes to attract sponsors either through a was christened at St. James Church in said. “They didn’t like to speak about what hap - condominiums.” centennial committee or an independent pro - Watertown. She has been a church soloist and pened during the years they were forced to The playwright brought along copies of fami - ducer. She is prepared to meet her obstacles was asked to sing a service during which the lay leave Turkey and wandered until they made it ly photographs to bury there, but found no and secure the necessary media hype sur - preacher gave a sermon on the Armenian to the US. My paternal and maternal grand - space in the cemetery. Instead, she took the rounding it. Genocide. mothers had very different stories that are reliv - photos to a beach where her grandmothers may “Boston can boast a population of extremely The preacher had recently read Samantha ed in the play. I was a young adult before I was have played and let them drift out to sea. well-educated residents,” she pointed out. Power’s book titled, A Problem From Hell: told what actually happened to them.” “I’m very fortunate to have been guided by “However, I often meet people who’ve never America and the Age of Genocide” and deliv - “Women of Ararat” was also selected for a many theater professionals in the Boston area heard of the Armenian Genocide. Once they ered an impassioned homily on what the reading in the “Voices 7 Women Playwrights” who’ve helped me through the playwriting pro - learn, they are not only appalled by the history Armenian people experienced. festival at Wellesley College where it attracted cess,” she says. “I’ve worked with local play - but that the Turkish government has not Strang-Waldau was deeply moved that a non- considerable interest. wrights, directors, theater administrators and acknowledged their wrong-doing.” Armenian could be so sensitive to this period of “The most moving part was when three actors, all of whom have given a great deal of Looking back over her life, Strang-Waldau terrorism and reopened a deep wound that was Armenian women in the audience thanked me their time to this project as they value its impor - never imagined writing a play as a musician and a critical part of her family’s history rarely dis - for giving them a voice,” she said. “I couldn’t tance.” music teacher. Through it, she says she is hop - cussed in her presence. have asked for a more meaningful gift.” A most unusual experience occurred during a ing to create a level of understanding and empa - “I remember during President Obama’s first Her research included all Peter Balakian’s writing class she was taking to develop the play. thy that will motivate people to assist us in our term how he addressed the topic of Genocide books, including Armenian Golgotha . She con - Strang-Waldau was in a class of 10 people and work — and have this historical atrocity acknowledgement with the Turkish govern - tinued her research at Ellis Island and reading upon being introduced found herself seated acknowledged by the Turkish government. ment and was unable to change their position,” everything she could find online. Discussions next to a Turk from Istanbul. “Choosing to write a tragic historical drama she pointed out. “This ‘amnesia’ within the with family members and friends were replete As it turned out, the student was a Turkish- that focuses upon people I love was an enor - Turkish government is horrifying to the with feedback. Jew whose grandfather had been unjustly mous undertaking for a first-time playwright,” Armenian people. I decided that I wanted to A visit to Turkey was made last summer, imprisoned by the Turkish government. she feels. “This is the story I most wanted to find a way to honor the centennial.” spending time in Istanbul where the Genocide “After reading the script, he suggested that I tell. My hope is that people of all nationalities “Women of Ararat” is a full-length drama that is still considered as “The Armenian Problem.” produce it in Turkey since it reveals the deep will want to listen.” spans roughly 10 years from 1965 to 75. The opening scenes are based upon the playwright’s childhood. She represents the fifth generation of women living on her maternal side. The play was written to commemorate the 100th anniversary to be held April 2015. Strang-Waldau says she hopes the play will edu - cate those who are unaware of this infamous CC AA LLEENNDDAARR period in history and make us more responsible to those around the globe who are victims of political injustice. The play is about a family of Armenian women who’ve survived the Genocide and the great-granddaughter who interprets their con - dition in a more modern and global world. MASSACHUSETTS It is a story of how women love, care for one another and cope with the aftermath of war JULY 4 and JULY 19 – Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston and inhumanity. performs; two appearances, July 4, 6:15 - 7 p.m. at Jacob’s “Women of Ararat” is also about secrets, not Pillow Dance Festival Inside/Out Series at Becket, Mass., and July thoughtlessly made, but done so to spare a 19, 7 p.m. at Outside the Box – Boston’s 9-Day Performing Arts child her innocence and help survivors stop Festival held at Boston Common – Park Street stage. For com - reliving their excruciating past. plete schedules visit Although containing tragic content, it also http://www.jacobspillow.org/festival/insideout-schedule/ and shows the humorous and light-hearted ways the http://outsidetheboxboston.org/timeline/#!programmation=ti women relate to one another. It is about meline$2013-07-19; for Sayat Nova Dance Company info, visit women, written by a woman and is based on http://outsidetheboxboston.org/timeline/#!programmation=pa rticipant$sayat-nova-dance-company/209 JULY 16 — ALMA Sports Raffle Drawing, 6 p.m., Contemporary Art Gallery, 3rd floor, with Bruins’ announcer Jack Edwards. Grand prize is a Boston Red Sox luxury box (22 seats) for August 31 home game vs. the Chicago White Sox. Tickets: $100, or five for $300, available at www. Almainc.org or 617 926-2562. On July18, Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church JULY 17 — Presentation by Margaret Ajemian Ahnert, author will host Margaret Ajemian Ahnert, author of of The Knock at the Door, 7:30 p.m., at ALMA, 65 Main St., The Knock at the Door, at 7 p.m. There will be Watertown. a losh kebab dinner served along with the pro - JULY 18 — An Evening with Margaret Ajemian Ahnert, gram. For reservations, contact Ara, Author of The Knock at the Door, an account of her mother’s [email protected] or call 978-251- daring escape from sure death during the Armenian Genocide. 4845; $10 donation. Sts. Vartanantz is located Losh Kebab Dinner and Program. Sts. Vartanantz Armenian at 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford, MA. Church, 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford. $10 donation, 7 p.m. For dinner reservations, contact Ara, [email protected] or call 978-251-4845. AUGUST 4-10 — PACE [Parent and Child Experience], Craigville Retreat Center, Cape Cod. Private accommodations in Craigville’s NEW YORK historic Inn with privileges to newly renovated beach club with NOVEMBER 23-24 – TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group access to private ocean beach, tennis lessons, courts, evening celebrates 15th Anniversary with production of Hagop concerts, and more. Babies, grandparents, teens and all in Baronian’s “The Perils of Politeness” (Kaghakavaroutyan Entertainment Fridays between welcome! Contact [email protected] Vnasneruh) directed by Gagik Karapetyan from Armenia; Dwight and Saturdays SEPTEMBER 8 – Sayat Nova Dance Company performs at Englewood High School, 315 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ. Peabody International Festival with favorite dances from their Nov. 23, Saturday at 8 p.m. and Nov. 24, Sunday at 4 p.m. For repertory; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members of the Dance Company tickets; $50, $35, $25; call Marie Zokian (201)745-8850 or manning dessert booth featuring homemade delicacies; Missak Boghosian at (212)819-0097 or (347)365-6985. Peabody Square on Lowell Street. For details, call Peabody Town Hall. OCTOBER 19 — Hye Kef 5 featuring Leon Janikian, Joe Free Calendar Submissions Kouyoumjian, Greg Takvorian, Ken Kalajian, Bob Raphalian and The Mirror-Spectator accepts calendar submissions free of Jay Baronian, Haverhill, MA, 7:30 p.m., Michael’s Function Hall- 12 Alpha Street, Tickets: $40.00 Each Students $30, includes charge. Calendar entries of a maximum of five lines can be individually-served mezza platters. Proceeds to benefit all submitted to [email protected]; entries exceeding five lines The Armenian Armenian churches in Merrimack Valley and New Hampshire. will be subject to charge. We encourage readers and com - Call either John Arzigian, 603-560-3826; Sandy Boroyan, 978- munity members to submit their events so that we may pro - Mirror-Spectator 251-8687; Scott Sahagian, 617-699-3581, or Peter Gulezian, Now in its 81 st year of publication 978-375-1616. Organized by Armenian Friends’ of America. S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY T HE A RMENIAN Mirror- Friend or Foe?

Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian, the president opted out of its Spectator convention, citing other obligations. This was interpreted as defi - By Edmond Y. Azadian ance in Moscow, while it was hailed as a courageous act in the West. The response and the signal were not delayed much, as it was When the Turkmenchay Treaty was signed in 1828 between the announced that Moscow was providing more than $1 billion in mil - Russian and Persian Qajar Empires, the Khanate of Yerevan, effec - itary hardware to Azerbaijan. This looks like a repeat performance Established 1932 tively Eastern Armenia, was ceded to Russia. Armenians celebrated of the 1990s. There are pro and con discussions, but nevertheless, the event as a liberation from Moslem rule. In reality, it was only a the move is more than a discomforting development for Armenia’s An ADL Publication change of overlords. However, it was hailed by Khachatur Abovian military planners. Every time we have rested our destiny in the in his epic novel, Wounds of Armenia , as a historic blessing. hands of foreign military powers, we have been betrayed. Armenia The rulers of Christian Russia were relatively more tolerant than, is at a crossroads. How do we proceed from this point on? EDITOR let’s say, their Ottoman counterparts. But the word “relative” needs Russian arms sales to Azerbaijan will introduce an element of Alin K. Gregorian to be understood in its full implication here, as Armenians subse - uncertainly in a flammable region. The Russian defense industry quently heard warnings by Russian officials that Russia needs sources recently reported that the Azerbaijani military will soon be ASSISTANT EDITOR Armenia without Armenians. Just one example of Russian tyranny receiving 90 T-90C tanks, around 100 armored personnel carriers Gabriella Gage was that Armenian church property was confiscated by a decree of and dozens of multiple rocket systems and artillery cannon in accor -

ASSOCIATE EDITOR the czar. dance with defense contracts signed in 2011 and 2012, a total of Aram Arkun The attitude of the Russians towards the Armenians did not dif - $1 billion worth of military hardware. fer much from other colonial powers such as Britain looking down How interesting that the Russian leaders remember today mili - ART DIRECTOR on indigenous peoples over whom they had control. That attitude tary contracts from a year or two back, when they are ready to exert Marc Mgrditchian is typically reflected by the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin pressure on Armenia. For Azerbaijan, it is the psychological boost in his memoirs from Erzurum, denigrating Armenian common folk as President Aliyev is preparing for his third term, to preserve the in the area, a disdain to be matched by the US Admiral Marc Bristol office inherited from his late father, Heydar Aliyev. SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: in his 1916 reports from Constantinopol to Washington. There is also talk that he may transfer that dynastic office to his Edmond Azadian Even today, Armenians are bundled in with the rest of the wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, perhaps waiting for their children to grow Caucasus peoples and are treated as second-class citizens by Russia, up and inherit, in turn, the dynastic rule. CONTRIBUTORS: accordingly. Yet, Aliyev received accolades during a recent trip to Europe, Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, Overall, Russian rule has proven historically more survivable than Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune from the British Prime Minister David Cameron and European Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. the Ottoman rule. That is why Armenian leaders have favored a Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who apologetically jus - Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Russian orientation since the days of the Israel Ori in the 17th cen - tified Aliyev’s despotic rule, explaining away that “we are not per - Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork tury. However, the Russians have sold their Armenian brothers at fect in Europe.” Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , any given juncture of history. One such major deal was struck in Armenian officials are at a loss to justify the Russian arms deal Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop 1923 between Lenin and Ataturk, which sealed Armenia’s destiny with Azerbaijan. They are still in denial mode. Armenians should Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian and borders up to now. not criticize Russia for selling weapons to Azerbaijan despite its mil - Since the collapse of the Soviet Empire, Armenia has served as itary alliance with Armenia, the secretary of President Serge CORRESPONDENTS: the vanguard of Russian political and military influence in the Sargisian’s National Security Council, Arthur Baghdasarian, said, Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Caucasus and it is considered Moscow’s strategic ally. Yet Russia’s adding Russia has legitimate right to make arms deals with third Boston - Nancy Kalajian Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian treatment of Armenia has been more cavalier. countries, including Armenia’s archenemy. He also added that Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach During the first years of independence, as realignments were tak - Moscow and Yerevan are posed to sign a new agreement on defense ing place in the Caucasus region, war broke out between Armenia and security. Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair and Azerbaijan. Analysts such as Hrant Melik Shahnazaryan and military expert Hovsepian At that time there were some political voices in Armenia that sug - Arkadi Grigoryan further supported the case by adding that Russia gested we have a “third alternative,” meaning Turkey. Especially needs the money, that arms sales to Azerbaijan will not tilt the bal - patriotic scholar Rafael Ishkhanian advocated a rapprochement ance of power in the region, that Russia sells to Azerbaijan at inter - with Turkey, clearly forgetting Yerevan’s futile call for help to national market prices, while Armenia receives its arms at domestic The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published Turkey during a February 1921 uprising against the Soviet rule. weekly, except two weeks in July, by: market prices. The Turks let Armenia be drowned in blood without lifting a finger. Reassuring voices were also heard on the Russian side. “I think Baikar Association, Inc. This was a policy which was as naïve as it was loud. President Boris that the presence of Russian servicemen is a guarantee that there 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Yeltsin, at that time a personal friend of President Levon Ter- will be no negative development in Armenia,” Nikolay Patrushev, Telephone: 617-924-4420 Petrosian, did not hesitate to help Azerbaijanis thrash Armenian the secretary of the Russian Security Council said, while visiting FAX: 617-924-2887 forces and occupy almost half of Karabagh, until Yerevan called the Russian base in Gumri. Five thousand Russian personnel based www.mir rorspectator.com “uncle” and the fortunes of the war were reversed and Karabagh there will fight along with the Armenian forces, should Armenia be E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com was liberated, courtesy of Moscow. attacked. Azerbaijan also bought arms from Israel. A balance of For advertising: [email protected] Recently Armenia has been seeking a middle role between major power does not guarantee Armenia’s security. Only a strategic edge contenders for influence in the region. Despite Yerevan’s strategic can serve as a deterrent against Azeri belligerence. alliance with Moscow and the treaty to keep a military base on All these rationales do not pacify the minds of citizens of Armenian soil through the year 2044, Armenia has been cooperat - Armenia. They further encourage them to seek more peaceful SUBSCRIPTION RATES : ing with NATO, supplying peacekeeping forces in Kosovo and havens, away from a potential war zone. Afghanistan. Armenia has been seeking a partnership in the The director of the Modus Vivendi Center, scientist Ara Papyan, Eurasia Customs Union while trying to sign a Deep and condemns Russia’s sale of arms to Azerbaijan, saying that Russia U.S.A. $80 a year Comprehensive free-trade agreement with the European Union should not have done so, because it is Armenia’s ally. “Our ally arms (DCFTA) — a mutually-exclusive possibility. our enemy. Armenia should condemn it officially,” he added, Canada $125 a year Thus far, Moscow was weighing Armenia’s political positioning addressing reporters. Other Countries $190 a year with tolerant, yet watchful, eyes. It looks like what broke the camel’s As the atmosphere was about to improve in the Caucasus back was Armenia’s absence from the military component of the through more friendly relations with Georgia’s new rulers and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), an alliance which election of a moderate president in Iran, Russia’s actions come to President Putin is trying to put together to counter NATO tacitly. render the region more explosive and lead the citizens of Armenia © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Although a military delegation was sent from Yerevan, headed by to wonder whether Moscow is a friend or foe. Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. ISSN 0004-234X POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Watertown, MA 02471-0302 Other than the editorial, views and opinions Notice to Contributors expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eflect the policies of the publisher. The welcomes articles, commen - and a daytime telephone number. Armenian Mirror-Spectator taries and community news from our readers. In order to assure — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is noon the accurate and timely publication of articles submitted, please on the Monday of the week of publication. note the following policies: — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion of the — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) editors and art director. Photos will be returned only if a self- Copying for other than personal use or spaced and printed in a type size large enough to be clearly addressed and stamped envelope is included. internal reference is prohibited without legible (10 point or larger). Submissions that do not conform to — The will publish only one article about an upcoming orga - express permission of the copyright M-S owner. Address requests for reprints or these specifications will be assigned lowest priority. nizational event. For major special events, exceptions may be back issues to: — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submissions made only by special arrangement with the editors. Baikar Association, Inc. are encouraged. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at the dis - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 — All submissions should include the name of a contact person cretion of the editors) will not be included in press releases. 14 S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY Iran to Send 4,000 Troops to Aid President Assad Forces in Syria

US Urges UK and France to Join in Obama’s rules of disengagement, the US is now In years to come, historians will ask how anti-Muslim rhetoric — he has made obscene fully engaged on the side of armed groups America — after its defeat in Iraq and its humili - remarks about Muslim extremists in a press con - Supplying Arms to Syrian Rebels which include the most extreme Sunni Islamist ating withdrawal from Afghanistan scheduled ference in Russian — and his belief that Russia’s movements in the Middle East. for 2014 — could have so blithely aligned itself old ally in Syria is facing the same threat as The Independent on Sunday has learned that with one side in a titanic Islamic struggle Moscow fought in Chechenya, plays a far greater By Robert Fisk a military decision has been taken in Iran — even stretching back to the seventh-century death of part in his policy towards Bashar al-Assad than before last week’s presidential election — to send the Prophet Mohamed. The profound effects of the continued existence of Russia’s naval port at a first contingent of 4,000 Iranian Revolutionary this great schism, between Sunnis who believe the Syrian Mediterranean city of Tartous. Washington’s decision to arm Syria’s Sunni Guards to Syria to support President Bashar al- that the father of Mohamed’s wife was the new For the Russians, of course, the “Middle East” Muslim rebels has plunged America into the Assad’s forces against the largely Sunni rebel - caliph of the Muslim world and Shias who is not in the ‘east’ at all, but to the south of great Sunni-Shia conflict of the Islamic Middle lion that has cost almost 100,000 lives in just regard his son in law Ali as his rightful succes - Moscow; and statistics are all-important. The East, entering a struggle that now dwarfs the over two years. Iran is now fully committed to sor — a seventh-century battle swamped in blood Chechen capital of Grozny is scarcely 500 miles Arab revolutions which overthrew dictatorships preserving Assad’s regime, according to pro- around the present-day Iraqi cities of Najaf and from the Syrian frontier. Fifteen per cent of across the region. Iranian sources which have been deeply involved Kerbala — continue across the region to this day. Russians are Muslim. Six of the Soviet Union’s For the first time, all of America’s “friends” in in the Islamic Republic’s security, even to the A 17th-century Archbishop of Canterbury, communist republics had a Muslim majority, 90 the region are Sunni Muslims and all of its ene - extent of proposing to open up a new “Syrian” George Abbott, compared this Muslim conflict per cent of whom were Sunni. And Sunnis mies are Shiites. Breaking all President Barack front on the Golan Heights against Israel. to that between “Papists and Protestants.” around the world make up perhaps 85 per cent America’s alliance now includes the wealthiest of all Muslims. For a Russia intent on reposi - states of the Arab Gulf, the vast Sunni territories tioning itself across a land mass that includes LETTERS between Egypt and Morocco, as well as Turkey most of the former Soviet Union, Sunni and the fragile British-created monarchy in Islamists of the kind now fighting the Assad Jordan. King Abdullah of Jordan — flooded, like regime are its principal antagonists. so many neighboring nations, by hundreds of Iranian sources say they liaise constantly with Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall thousands of Syrian refugees — may also now Moscow, and that while Hizballah’s overall with - find himself at the fulcrum of the Syrian battle. drawal from Syria is likely to be completed soon To the Editor: spends himself in a worthy cause, who, at best, Up to 3,000 American “advisers” are now — with the maintenance of the militia’s ‘intelli - This year, the Armenian people turned the cor - knows the triumph of high achievement, and believed to be in Jordan, and the creation of a gence’ teams inside Syria — Iran’s support for ner on an outdated tradition in which their voic - who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while southern Syria “no-fly zone” — opposed by Damascus will grow rather than wither. They es are not heard, their will is not registered and daring greatly, so that his place shall never be Syrian-controlled anti-aircraft batteries — will point out that the Taliban recently sent a formal their sacrifices are not recognized. For the first with those cold and timid souls who know nei - turn a crisis into a “hot” war. So much for delegation for talks in Tehran and that America time in modern history, citizens of the Republic ther victory nor defeat.” America’s “friends.” will need Iran’s help in withdrawing from of Armenia gave shape, form and dimension to Together, Raffi and the Armenian people ush - Its enemies include the Lebanese Hizballah, Afghanistan. The US, the Iranians say, will not their civic and individual rights, responsibilities ered in this momentous year that, on their watch, the Alawite Shiite regime in Damascus and, of be able to take its armour and equipment out of and entitlements. saw hope, dignity and self-worth being returned course, Iran. And Iraq, a largely Shiite nation the country during its continuing war against While unprecedented progress was realized in to the Armenian people. He provided the guiding which America “liberated” from Saddam the Taliban without Iran’s active assistance. villages, towns and cities across Armenia in light and many chose the right path to freedom. Hussein’s Sunni minority in the hope of balanc - One of the sources claimed — not without some breaking the cycles of cynicism and indifference, He, along with legions of other devotees of ing the Shiite power of Iran, has — against all US mirth — that the French were forced to leave 50 some have taken the opportunity to characterize democracy, justice and independence, helped predictions — itself now largely fallen under tanks behind when they left because they did the lack of absolute success as absolute failure. give those defining national treasures back to Tehran’s influence and power. Iraqi Shiites as not have Tehran’s help. More often than not, the sticks and stones have the ordinary Armenian man, woman and child, a well as Hizballah members, have both fought It is a sign of the changing historical template come off the keyboard fingers of those who were deliverance which, unlike the near-million votes alongside Assad’s forces. in the Middle East that within the framework of not there, those who do not care and those who cast for him, can never be ignored or uncounted. Washington’s excuse for its new Middle East old Cold War rivalries between Washington and do not dare to make a difference themselves. To be perfectly clear, the authors of this letter adventure — that it must arm Assad’s enemies Moscow, Israel’s security has taken second place The entire illustrious spectrum of named and are interested individuals, interested in the future because the Damascus regime has used sarin to the conflict in Syria. Indeed, Israel’s policies unnamed political leaders and political parties of Armenia, interested in Raffi Hovannisian and gas against them — convinces no-one in the in the region have been knocked askew by the voted with their two left feet long before and well interested in truth beyond the puff and punditry Middle East. Final proof of the use of gas by Arab revolutions, leaving its prime minister, after Armenia’s February 18 presidential elec - which routinely populate cyberspace. We are either side in Syria remains almost as nebulous Benjamin Netanyahu, hopelessly adrift amid the tion. members of Raffi’s family and among his friends as President George W. Bush’s claim that historic changes. They decided, for their own defensible and and colleagues. Saddam’s Iraq possessed weapons of mass Only once over the past two years has Israel indefensible reasons, to do little to build national It is funny how those who are the quickest to destruction. fully condemned atrocities committed by the consensus and the bridges across which a broad try to project fault on Hovannisian are the ones For the real reason why America has thrown Assad regime, and while it has given medical oppositional current could gain momentum who did the least to make the current reality any its military power behind Syria’s Sunni rebels is help to wounded rebels on the Israeli-Syrian bor - Alas, the popular movement was realized despite different than what it ultimately became. In fact, because those same rebels are now losing their der, it fears an Islamist caliphate in Damascus far the idleness and inactivity of so many naturals by doing so very little, they did so very much to war against Assad. The Damascus regime’s vic - more than a continuation of Assad’s rule. One who could have been constructively engaged. make sure that nothing at all would change. tory this month in the central Syrian town of former Israel intelligence commander recently One leader was left standing after the dust of The naysayers and critics did nothing because Qusayr, at the cost of Hizballah lives as well as described Assad as “Israel’s man in Damascus”. everyone’s disengagement had settled and that most of them were afraid of their own failure and those of government forces, has thrown the Only days before President Mubarak was over - leader was Raffi Hovannisian. He stood with hun - because some were hoping for Raffi’s. He, on the Syrian revolution into turmoil, threatening to thrown, both Netanyahu and King Abdullah of dreds of thousands of his fellow citizens on pres - other hand, was not afraid of his own failure and humiliate American and EU demands for Assad Saudi Arabia called Washington to ask Obama idential election day February 18, on inaugura - was praying against theirs. to abandon power. Arab dictators are supposed to save the Egyptian dictator. In vain. tion day April 9 and on mayoral election day May It is sad how out-of-touch some appear to be to be deposed — unless they are the friendly If the Arab world has itself been over - 5. He stood, stumbled and got right back up with with the real-life miracles and positive changes kings or emirs of the Gulf — not to be sustained. whelmed by the two years of revolutions, none them again. He became worthy of the powerful that played out this year through the inspiration Yet Russia has given its total support to Assad, will have suffered from the Syrian war in the words of President Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not and leadership of Raffi Hovannisian. Never three times vetoing UN Security Council resolu - long term more than the Palestinians. The land the critic who counts, not the man who points before in the history of the republic in its previ - tions that might have allowed the West to inter - they wish to call their future state has been so how the strong man stumbles or where the doer ous election cycles did so many people really, vene directly in the civil war. populated with Jewish Israeli colonists that it of deeds could have done them better. The cred - truly believe in themselves as agents of change, In the Middle East, there is cynical disbelief at can no longer be either secure or “viable.” it belongs to the man who is actually in the worthy of the God-given promises of life and lib - the American contention that it can distribute “Peace” envoy Tony Blair’s attempts to create arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat erty. arms — almost certainly including anti-aircraft such a state have been laughable. A future and blood, who strives valiantly, who knows the For Armenia’s first 22 years, these sacred missiles — only to secular Sunni rebel forces in “Palestine” would be a Sunni nation. But today, great enthusiasms, the great devotions and promises have not been well-kept either by those Syria represented by the so-called Free Syria Washington scarcely mentions the Palestinians. in power or by those who are liberal with their Army. The more powerful al-Nusrah Front, Another of the region’s supreme ironies is criticism of others and conservative with their allied to al-Qaeda, dominates the battlefield on that Hamas, supposedly the ‘super-terrorists’ of circumspection about themselves. We are the rebel side and has been blamed for atrocities Gaza, have abandoned Damascus and now sup - Centennial Calls for Anti- reminded of and feel compelled to refer to the including the execution of Syrian government port the Gulf Arabs’ desire to crush Assad. appropriate lesson from the Scriptures: “And prisoners of war and the murder of a 14-year old Syrian government forces claim that Hamas has Genocide Campaign why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your boy for blasphemy. They will be able to take even trained Syrian rebels in the manufacture brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank new American weapons from their Free Syria and use of homemade rockets. To the Editor: in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3.) Army comrades with little effort. In Arab eyes, Israel’s 2006 war against the I read Ed Azadian’s excellent article It is wonderful how those who did something From now on, therefore, every suicide bomb - Shia Hizballah was an attempt to strike at the (“Defining Our Demands and Course of Action good continue to do something good. Raffi did ing in Damascus — every war crime committed heart of Iran. The West’s support for Syrian at Threshold of Centennial,” June 8, 2013) on so then, and does so now. by the rebels — will be regarded in the region as rebels is a strategic attempt to crush Iran. But preparing for the Genocide centennial and I feel It is a shame how those who did nothing con - Washington’s responsibility. The very Sunni- Iran is going to take the offensive. Even for the compelled to suggest that the most effective tinue to do nothing unless, of course, dithering Wahabi Islamists who killed thousands of Middle East, these are high stakes. Against this action to commemorate the centennial of the on the internet is considered something. Americans on 11th September, 2011 — who are fearful background, the Palestinian tragedy con - Armenian Genocide would be to organize a United we did not stand, divided we did fall. America’s greatest enemies as well as Russia’s — tinues. nation wide PR campaign condemning ALL Let’s get it right next time. are going to be proxy allies of the Obama admin - genocides on the occasion of the “First — Garo B. Ghazarian, Esq. istration. This terrible irony can only be exacer - (This column by Robert Fisk originally Genocide of the twentieth century.” Armen K. Hovannisian, Esq. bated by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s appeared in The Independent newspaper’s — Dr. Edgar M. Housepian Edvin E. Minassian, Esq. adamant refusal to tolerate any form of Sunni June 16th edition. Fisk is the Middle East cor - New York Encino, Calif. extremism. His experience in Chechenya, his respondent for The Independent. ) S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

exterminating the Armenians. Talaat, seeing a prospect of vinced that the Young Turks “made the heir to the throne serious opposition, shot the prince like a dog.” ‘commit suicide.’ Information from many quarters confirms To ascertain the veracity of this surprising news item, I that suspicion.” conducted a lengthy internet search and consulted publi - Guyot and other chroniclers asserted that War Minister cations in English, French, Turkish, Spanish, and Enver Pasha had Izzeddin killed for opposing the Ottoman My Turn Armenian, based on the different spellings of the Prince’s alliance with Germany during World War I. “After the bom - name: Youssouf Eddine, Yusuf Izzeddin, Yusuf Izzettin, etc. bardment of Odessa by the Turkish fleet he [Izzeddin] indi - By Harut Sassounian While most of these sources agree that the Crown Prince cated his disapproval in no uncertain manner. From that died under suspicious circumstances, they present three moment he was doomed,” wrote the French Minister. distinct narratives on how he met his untimely death. Guyot also described in detail a secret meeting in 1915 Talaat Killed the Ottoman Crown There is even an entire Turkish book on this mystery, titled: attended by Talaat, Enver and other Young Turk leaders, Prince For Opposing the ‘Shehzade Yusuf Izzedin olduruldu mu, intihar mi etti?’ during which Enver advocated the elimination of the [Crown Prince Yusuf Izzedin was killed or committed sui - Crown Prince, who was “assassinated on the day before he Armenian Genocide? cide?]. was to start for Europe,” according to Guyot. The first account is the one mentioned by The Bishop Grigoris Balakian, a prominent survivor of the It is not often that I cover murder mysteries, but I am Pittsburgh Press claiming that the Crown Prince was killed Armenian Genocide, affirms in his memoirs, ‘Armenian making an exception given the unusual circumstances of by Talaat for opposing the extermination of the Armenian Golgotha,’ that the Crown Prince was “killed by Enver and an Ottoman Crown Prince’s death in 1916 and its possible people. Talaat’s criminal clique…. Enver himself killed Yusuf link to Talaat and the Armenian Genocide. The second explanation for the premature death of the Izzedin at the imperial farm of Balmomji.” Having wit - The first clue was an article I came across in the April 3, Crown Prince is that he committed suicide by slashing his nessed the dead bodies of thousands of Turkish soldiers at 1921 issue of The Pittsburgh Press, titled: “Patiently wrists. The Young Turk government issued the following the Battle of the Dardanelles, the Crown Prince protested Tracked to His Hiding Place and Killed: How the official announcement on Feb. 3, 1916: “In consequence of to Enver that “the Dardanelles is the grave of the Turkish Bloodthirsty Turkish Grand Vizier, Talaat Pasha, Who the malady from which he suffered so long, His Highness Army.” He was murdered after threatening Enver with a Planned the Murders of a Million Armenians Met His Fate.” the Heir to the throne committed suicide at half-past seven pistol. This news report was occasioned by Soghomon Tehlirian’s this morning in the bedroom of the harem pavilion of the Those who think that the assassination of a Crown assassination of Talaat on March 15, 1921, in Berlin. summer-house at Zindjirly, by opening the veins of his left Prince is too far-fetched to be credible should realize that One paragraph, in particular, buried in the middle of the arm.” such palace intrigues were a common practice during the lengthy article, contained a shocking revelation: “Perhaps This formal statement was met with widespread skepti - long history of the Ottoman Empire. All too often, Sultans the strangest fact of all in connection with Talaat’s career cism, giving rise to a third explanation for the Crown would orchestrate the murder of scheming heirs, and rival is that he paved his way to this supreme office by murder - Prince’s demise. French Minister of State Yves Guyot, in siblings would kill each other to pave the way for their own ing the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Youssouf Eddine, the preface to his book’s English edition, ‘The Causes and accession to the throne. In fact, 15 of the 36 reigning a nephew of the reigning Sultan. The young prince had Consequences of the War,’ published in 1916, wrote that Sultans either abdicated (3), were overthrown (7) or were protested strongly against Talaat’s announced policy of those who had read the official communiqué were con - murdered (5). Why I fight for Armenian The Armenian Lion Awakens Genocide Recognition In Los Angeles why should we care? And why don’t you By Sevag Tateosian go back home and fight for recognition there? Greater Los Angeles has been a mecca for Armenian immigration for more than 100 years, as early I tell people that forgetting any atrocity as the Turkish massacres of Armenians in 1895-96 and the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Each year on April 24, Armenians of this magnitude is difficult. I have spent In the last four decades, the city has attracted an increasingly large number of immigrants from the around the world commemorate one of a lot of time talking to elder Armenian- Middle East as well as from the former Soviet the darkest times of recent memory and Americans in the Fresno area. The pain in Republic of Armenia, which gained its indepen - the darkest period of the Armenian peo - their eyes when telling the stories of their By Harout Harry Semerdjian dence after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. ple’s 3,500-year history. No matter which parents and, in some cases, themselves, This complex yet vibrant community of country around the world you visit, the provides me motivation to continue the Hayastanci — Armenians from Armenia proper — Armenian diaspora, comprised of the off - mission to have the Turkish government have been notably absent from politics and public service, albeit for understandable reasons. spring of survivors, holds events dedicat - recognize and apologize for the actions of Emigrating from the harsh politics and government policies of a communist regime, they learned not ed to remembering the 1.5 million who their predecessors. to rely on government for even their most basic needs. Their presence in the US has focused on rebuild - perished and the countless others who Armenian-Americans have thrived in ing their lives and consolidating their presence through diligence and hard work. Embracing their free - were kidnapped and tortured. Fresno and throughout the Valley. From doms in their newly adopted homeland, politics has become symbolic of past baggage. Each year I join Fresno’s Armenian- politics to business to development to law These apathetic political feelings changed last year when one of their own decided to run for pub - American community at Fresno’s City Hall and many other fields, Armenian- lic office in East Hollywood. The show of unity and force became unprecedented for this community. to commemorate this period by raising Americans have contributed substantial - When Sam Kbushyan, a former board member of the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council and both the US and Armenians flags to show ly. It is important to know the history of executive director of the IC Foundation, decided to run for LA City Council District 13, he registered solidarity between the two countries. this group of people who ended up here. thousands of Armenians in the district within several months. Perhaps even Kbushyan did not realize Words cannot express how supportive the The bulk of the population came because the far-reaching implications of his personal initiative, which became a powerful drive not only or voter mayor, City Council and City Hall staff of the Genocide. Today, we see evidence registration but also for community empowerment and democracy-building. have been. From the parking division to of the Armenian-American community all Even though Kbushyan lost in the primary election, he came in an impressive 3rd place to the sur - the facilities department to the security around us. prise of residents and city hall power-brokers alike. Kbushyan soon endorsed local candidate Mitch staff, they all work together and make it As to the argument that I should go O’Farrell over newcomer John Choi, and his loyal Armenian supporters helped secure O’Farrell’s vic - easy for us to observe this sad event. “home” and continue my fight there, with tory on May 21. About a quarter of the approximately 20,000 voters in the election were Armenians, Commemorating is personal for me all due respect, I am home. My house is mostly registered by Kbushyan. With the elections over, LA’s District 13 and its neighborhood of Little because of my own family’s story, which I in west Fresno. My job, friends and fami - Armenia inherited a politically-energized and newly-registered immigrant population from Armenia know because of an audio tape left by my ly are all here. I was also educated in proper — a victorious community that almost overnight gained the respect that it once did not grandfather prior to his death. The tape Fresno area schools and my writing and have, even amongst its own. described just how horrific the acts of the speaking English far outshines my ability The impact of Hollywood’s immigrant Armenian community on District 13 is quickly becoming a Ottoman Turkish soldiers were. In detail, to read and write Armenian. As benchmark for other parts of the city, particularly in the San Fernando Valley, where large communi - he tells of being forced out of his home Americans (me included), we have a ties of Armenians reside. For many, the half a million-strong Armenian community in the greater LA and losing his father and brother during unique history. We all bring to this coun - area represents an electoral goldmine that could sway many local elections. the march through the desert. Words can - try a special story and reason for coming With continued community organizing and voter registration, the immigrant Armenian communi - not describe the scene he witnessed here. The Fresno area is no exception. ties from Armenia could quickly become a powerful voting block within LA that will have national and along the way. Just look around you while out in our even international implications. While advocating for the official recog - community. Each face has a different The 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is fast approaching, along with numerous impor - nition of the Genocide, Valley lawmakers story and reason for coming here. tant local, state and national elections. The newly empowered population of immigrants from Armenia have always been supportive of a just and Please do not ask me to forget my his - may hold the key to the success of the highly regarded Armenian lobby in the US, including their abil - accurate representation of the events that tory and I will not ask you to forget yours. ity to further influence Congress as well as the president on critical issues such as the official recog - occurred. Recently, freshman Rep. David This diversity makes Fresno County such nition of the Armenian Genocide and a peaceful and just solution to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict Valadao and the rest of the delegation a great place to live. This is “home” to me grounded in the principle of self-determination for its native Armenian population. Already considered from the central San Joaquin Valley — and the many others who ended up here by many to be the second most influential ethnic lobby after the Jewish lobby in Washington DC, Representatives Jim Costa, Devin Nunes from their historic homelands. Armenian prominence at the national level has serious potential to grow considering their new suc - and Jeff Denham — co-sponsored House We are Americans, but each of us has a cesses in California — the nation’s most populous and most powerful state. Resolution 227, the Armenian Genocide story that started on a different land and Given the internal feuds amongst the different Armenian factions in LA and beyond — which once Truth and Justice Act. Despite pressure in a different place. I see no problem in again surfaced during the May elections — the bigger question is whether Armenians will transcend from the Turkish government, these men sharing that story. It helps us understand their differences and the interests of a few personal fiefdoms to collaborate for the benefit of their stood up for what is right and that makes and respect each other better. I don’t national cause? This will serve as a test of the community’s maturity and fortitude during this signif - me proud to be a Valley resident. know about you, but I am here for the icant time in the history of this ancient nation. However, not everyone is supportive of long run. (Harout Harry Semerdjian is a PhD Candidate at the University of Oxford. He holds MA degrees labeling the tragedy as Genocide. Two from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and the University of California, common questions that continuously are (This editorial originally appeared in Los Angeles. He is also a council member of the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council. This article presented to me are: it was so long ago, the June 14 edition of the Fresno Bee .) originally appeared on Hetq.am on June 24, 2013.) 16 S ATURDAY , J UNE 29, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR