APRIL 6, 2013 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIII, NO. 38, Issue 4283 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Armavia Airline Goes State House Armenian Genocide Bankrupt YEREVAN (Bloomberg) — Armenian businessman Mikayel Baghdasarov’s Armavia, the country’s only airline, declared bankruptcy last week and ceased Commemoration on April 19 flights on April 1. The company, founded in 1996, was unable to pay debts owed to the Zvartnots Airport and to its BOSTON — Each April for the past 28 gram of speakers and honorees. keynote address. Armenian Heritage contractors, Armavia said in a statement. According years, members of the Armenian communi - Following the ceremony and pend - Park architect Donald Tellalian will be to Baghdasarov, the total debt was close to $50 mil - ty along with state legislators and guests ing final permitting, attendees will honored with a Joint House and Senate lion. have filled the House Chamber at the State be invited to march from the State Resolution. Dedicated in May 2012, Europe’s debt crisis has curbed travel and made House to commemorate the Armenian House to the Armenian Heritage the park is a gift to the governments reluctant to aid airlines amid the Genocide. This year marks the 98th Park on the Rose Kennedy Commonwealth from the region’s deepest cost cuts in a generation. anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and Greenway for additional Massachusetts Armenian- Armavia’s owners said they have been diverting the commemoration will take place on remarks, music and a American community. The split funds from other businesses to fund the airline for Friday, April 19 at 10:30 a.m. with a pro - catered lunch. The march dodecahedron abstract sculp - the past three years. will include a ture, constructed by A&A Armavia had 14 aircraft and was the first opera - stop along Industries, rests atop a 16-foot- tor of Sukhoi’s Superjet 100. the way to diameter reflecting pool. It is place a designed to be reconfigured wreath at the each year and symbolizes those Several Armenians New England Holocaust who were pulled apart from their country Memorial. but reestablished themselves in new coun - Wounded in Aleppo The event is both solemn tries. Visitors can also walk along a ALEPPO (Armenpress) — Clashes between the gov - and celebratory, recognizing labyrinth symbolizing the journey of life. ernmental forces and armed rebels escalated this the genocide of 1.5 million “We are very excited this year to intro - week, resulting in the wounding of several Armenians between 1915 and duce the march from the State House to Armenians, stated Press Secretary of the Armenian 1923 by the Ottoman Turkish the Armenian Heritage Park,” said Lalig National Prelacy Jirair Reisian. Billboards from Peace of Art Ask for government, as well as honor - Musserian of Belmont who is coordinating Reisian stated that the clashes were concentrat - Genocide Condemnation ing survivors and looking for - this year’s celebration. The committee ed in the Sheikh Makhsood district, which neigh - ward as descendants commit see COMMEMORATION, page 8 bors several Armenian areas. The district is mostly WATERTOWN — During the month of April, themselves to preserving their populated by Kurds, along with a small number of Peace of Art, Inc., will display the Armenian culture and working for Armenians. Most local Armenians have migrated to Genocide commemorative billboards to honor the humanitarian projects. other regions for security reasons. victims of the Armenian Genocide, calling for Former US Ambassador to Hovannisian Ends During a press conference, Reisian noted that the recognition and condemnation of the Genocide. Armenia John Marshall rebels tried to breach Armenian districts and a see BILLBOARDS, page 8? Evans, who served from 2006 number of bombs exploded in these areas wound - to 2008, will deliver the Hunger Strike ing Armenians. He stated that their injuries were not serious. YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The six-week Reisian also noted that the city had been standoff between Armenian President-elect deprived of electricity for five days. SOAR Continues Mission to Aid Orphans Serge Sargisian and his closest challenger, Raffi Hovannisian, may have run its course beginning a journey that would affect the lives — or simply entered a new phase. Restorations Launched of countless children in the process. On March 31, Easter Sunday, By Gabriella Gage Hovannisian ended the hunger strike he At St. Norashen, Mirror-Spectator Staff While visiting Armenia during the adop - tion process, they toured several orphan - had embarked upon three weeks earlier to St. Minas Churches ages and experienced first hand the condi - demand that the authorities recognize him PHILADELPHIA — When George S. tions in which the children were living. It as the legitimate winner of the February 18 TBILISI (Armenpress) — Restoration projects to for - Yacoubian Jr., and his wife, Erica, began the was there that they met their daughter, ballot in which according to official returns tify walls and clean building exteriors were recent - process of adopting a child from Armenia in Liliana, whom they would bring home on he polled 37 percent compared with 58 per - ly launched at two Armenian churches, St. 2005, they knew that their lives and the life of April 23, 2006, but their connection to the cent for the incumbent, Sargisian. Norashen and St. Minas. a child without a home would forever change. orphans of Armenia did not stop there. A leading member of Sargisian’s Georgian historical expert, Joni Melikyan, said, “A They did not know, however, that they were see ORPHANS, page 9 Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) hailed library was opened in St. Norashen Church during Hovannisian’s decision as “prudent” and the Soviet years. After a huge amount of debris col - indicated that it could pave the way for lected there, a commission under the Ministry of talks between the two men. Culture of Georgia launched cleaning activity.” Having vowed that Sargisian’s inaugura - The ministry began a project to fortify the walls tion on April 9 would take place over his of St. Norashen after the dome of the church dead body, and after rejecting on March 26 cracked — a structural condition which could have an appeal by Sargisian to end his hunger led to the collapse of the church. strike, Hovannisian told supporters during A number of representatives of public organiza - a rally on Yerevan’s Liberty Square on tions and patriarchate members have been includ - March 29 that he had decided “to go on liv - ed in the commission to restore the churches. ing for the sake of the future of my Motherland.” Hovannisian also said on March 29 that he plans to continue his campaign of protest. The INSI DE following day, he set out on a tour of the provinces (where his support based is greater than in the capital) prior to convening a fur - ther rally in Yerevan on April, at which he will Family unveil his future plans. Yet for all Hovannisian’s efforts to put a brave face on his decision not to put his life History at risk, it is Sargisian who has emerged the The faithful gathered outside Holy Echmiadzin Cathedral on Easter Sunday. stronger from the protracted stand-off — at Page 11 least in the short term. First, he has reacted consistently, with rea - Pageantry of Easter at Holy Echmiadzin son and restraint, and without recourse to vio - lence, to Hovannisian’s shifting and sometimes INDEX ECHMIADZIN — On Sunday, March 31, the Armenian Apostolic Church cele - populist demands, offering counterproposals Arts and Living ...... 10 brated the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ with great solemnity that would have guaranteed Hovannisian’s Armenia ...... 2 throughout the world. In Holy Echmiadzin, Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Zharangutiun (Heritage) party greater input Community News...... 4 Catholicos of All Armenians, celebrated a Pontifical Divine Liturgy in the Mother into shaping the political agenda, and possibly Editorial ...... 14 Cathedral in honor of the church’s most important feast. also a handful of portfolios in the new govern - International ...... 3 see EASTER, page 16 ment. see HUNGER STRIKE, page 2 2 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia AGBU Initiates a New Long-Term Project in NKR Commits $575,000 to AUA throughout NKR. The Center will more). In addition, classes in music, Parliament Trespasser serve students of all ages, Members management, tourism development To Implement Joint Program of Parliament, Government officials and more will be offered. Jailed for Two Months YEREVAN — In October 2012, on and other entities, and offer courses Setrakian remarked, “AGBU is YEREAN (ArmeniaNow) — A man who attempted to the occasion of AGBU’s 87th General in English language improvement, pleased to announce the latest AGBU enter the parliament building with a knife has been Assembly in Yerevan, a new AGBU preparatory classes for university program in Nagorno Karabagh. We arrested for two months, a Prosecutor General’s educational and are convinced that education and cul - Office spokesperson said. cultural initiative ture are key factors in the develop - Vrezh Galstyan, a 25-year-old resident of the town was announced by ment of any nation. The AGBU NKR of Masis said to be suffering from mental disorders, Nagorno Karabagh Campus will become a hub of learn - has been charged with the use of violence against Republic (NKR) ing activity that will provide people of a representative of law under Article 316 of President Bako all ages in Nagorno Karabagh new Armenia’s Criminal Code. Sahakyan and opportunities.” On March 22, Galstyan, who was armed with a AGBU President Sahakyan commended AGBU for knife, made an attempt to enter the parliament Berge Setrakian. making education in Karabagh a pri - reception. To the request of security personnel to Today, plans are ority. name himself he said he was Jesus Christ. Further already underway To realize this initiative, AGBU warnings by the security officers on duty did not for the develop - signed an agreement with the stop him from trespassing, nor did the man obey ment of the American University of Armenia orders to stop even after a shot was made in the air. Armenian General (AUA) in February, to develop a Eventually, a guard had to use his gun to stop the Benevolent Union’s Continuing Education Program intruder. (AGBU) cultural, (CEP), through its Extension Galstyan was wounded in the leg and was taken educational and Program. This program will begin artistic complex in AGBU President Berge Setrakian presents a special operations in April 2013 at a tempo - to hospital where urgent treatment was adminis- medal from the Union to Nagorno Karabagh President tered to him. Stepanakert — the rary location while the AGBU NKR Bako Sahakyan for his outstanding leadership of the Campus is being built in Stepanakert Last week, a court in Yerevan allowed Galstyan’s AGBU NKR republic. preliminary detention for two months. Campus. This and it is expected to serve several dynamic initiative hundred students. AGBU has com - will provide new and innovative entrance exams, and creative and mitted to supporting the CEP in the Armenpress and Kuwait opportunities to the scholastically media technologies (animation, video amount of $575,000, over the course State News Agency Sign diverse urban and rural communities game design, web development and of five years. Cooperation Agreement YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The state news agencies of Armenia and Kuwait reached an agreement to promote bilateral cooperation on April 2 between Hovannisian Ends Hunger Strike Armenpress and Kuwaiti National News Agency. According to the agreement, the two sides should HUNGER STRIKE, from page 1 a pre-term parliamentary election by to resolve the post-presidential standoff, implement news and experience exchange, support Sargisian rejected the initial demands the end of 2013, plus amendments to including holding parliamentary elec - each other’s reporters, assist the coverage of put forward by Hovannisian just days the election law to preclude falsification tions within the next 12 months; and events of bilateral interest held in Armenia and after the election, including holding a and the right to nominate the justice appointing Hovannisian to chair a multi - Kuwait, implement photo exchange and promote pre-term parliamentary ballot in which and foreign ministers, the head of the party commission, which would draft professional cooperation. all 131 seats would be allocated under tax service and the National Security constitutional reforms over the next two Armenpress Director Aram Ananyan thanked the the party-list system. Service, and the prosecutor-general. years that would, among other things, Armenian ambassador to Kuwait for contributing The following week, parliament Sargisian responded in a letter to curtail the president’s powers. development of bilateral relations. speaker Hovik Abrahamian (who had Hovannisian saying that while some of Hovannisian distanced himself from Board Chairman and Director General of the managed Sargisian’s election cam - those demands were unconstitutional, those talks even before they collapsed Kuwait News Agency, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al- paign) invited Hovannisian to present they could nonetheless serve as the due to the HHK’s rejection of the other Ibrahim Al-Sabah expressed gratitude for the invi- “prudent proposals on behalf of voters basis for dialogue, provided that two parties’ proposals. tation to Armenia and for the warm reception. He and call for serious reforms and Hovannisian ended his hunger strike. Sargisian has not commented pub - noted that the agreement would promote deeper changes in staffing policies.” “I am sure that if we start working pur - licly on Hovannisian’s decision to end knowledge of each other’s countries. “I think that’s the way to go, if we posefully, relying on our shared ideas, his hunger strike. But senior HHK Armenian Ambassador to Kuwait Fadeh care about our country’s progress,” then we will certainly be able to achieve member Hovhannes Sahakian has Charchoglian praised the Kuwaiti agency. Abrahamian added. the result,” the presidential press service hailed it as “a prudent step” and pre - Abrahamian further implied that the quoted Sargisian as saying. dicted it will open the door to a face-to- ARF Condemns Murder government could offer ministerial Hovannisian, for his part, implicitly face meeting between the two men. posts to Hovannisian or other rejected that offer of dialogue by refus - Meanwhile, with just one week to go Of Proshyan Mayor Zharangutiun members. “I am con - ing to end his hunger strike and insist - before Sargisian’s inauguration, the vinced that Serge Sargisian would be ing — in defiance of official protocol — political focus is already shifting to the PROSHYAN, Armenia (Hetq) — Commenting on the ready to discuss such issues with Mr. that he would talk to the president-elect May 5 elections for the Yerevan munici - murder of Proshyan village mayor Hrach Muradyan, Hovannisian,” Abrahamian said. “I only if the latter came to the square in pal council. the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) would consider that a reasonable pro - central Yerevan where Hovannisian was Former Foreign Minister Vartan issued a statement that the killing was “premedi- posal.” based during his protest. Oskanian recently underscored the tated” and a consequence of the intolerance and Some Yerevan papers subsequently Hovannisian’s tactic of formulating political significance of that ballot, immunity from prosecution that reigns in Armenia. reported that Sargisian was prepared to his successive proposals and challenges given that between one third and one Noting that Muradyan was a longstanding mem- offer Zharangutiun ministerial posts in to Sargisian in terms, and with pre-con - half of Armenia’s population lives in the ber of the ARF who fought on the frontline in the sports, culture, youth affairs and social ditions, that virtually guarantee their capital. Nagorno-Karabagh War, the party said that it was welfare in the new government. rejection has increasingly led pundits to Oskanian, who was elected to parlia - regrettable that, “in our country the safety of citi- Hovannisian rejected Abrahamian’s question precisely what he hoped to ment in May 2012 on the ticket of the zens isn’t protected and that a criminal ethic was overture, however. Then, on March 13, achieve. Bargavach Hayastan (Prosperous an inseparable part of our lives.” he retracted his post-election proposals, For example, Nor Zhamanakner (New Armenia) Party (BHK), will head the The ARF demanded a quick and thorough inves- only to present one week later what he Times) party chairman Aram BHK’s list of candidates for the Yerevan tigation into the crime and that the culprits be termed a “final offer” in the form of five Karapetian argued that Hovanisian’s ballot. He had expressed support last prosecuted to the full extent of the law. conditions that Sargisian should meet if actions are “devoid of all logic. If he was month for Hovannisian’s hunger strike, he wanted “to carry on as de facto pres - certain he won the ballot, he should telling RFE/RL’s Armenian Service National Soccer Coach ident after the stolen, rigged, and have acted more decisively, and if he that what the opposition leader was unconstitutional election, without a wasn’t, he should have tried from the doing “is totally justified and legiti - Offers to Resign popular mandate.” very start to reach an agreement with mate.” Those conditions included the president.” Nonetheless, according to HHD mem - YEREVAN (Arka) — Vardan Minasyan, head coach Hovannisian’s postelection demand for Second, Sargisian managed to ber Armen Rustamian, that party’s pro - of Armenia’s national soccer team, submitted his expose, if not to exploit, differences in posal that either Hovannisian or resignation this week to Ruben Hayrapetyan, pres- opinion and tactics between Oskanian head a broad-based opposi - ident of the Armenian Football Federation, after Hovannisian and other senior tion bloc to contest the Yerevan ballot Minasyan’s squad sustained a 0-3 defeat from the Correction Zharangutiun members. proved a nonstarter because the two Czech national team in a World Cup 2014 qualifier On February 28, the latter entered men could not reach agreement on on March 26. A story which ran in the March 30 into talks with the HHK, which has a which of them should head the joint list According to a statement released by the federation, issue of the Armenian Mirror- 70-seat majority in the 131-member par - of candidates. Hayrapetyan did not accept the coach’s resignation. Spectator about the film, “Hove,” liament, and the Armenian Instead, Hovannisian will head a This was the fourth consecutive defeat of and the release of its DVD, had a Revolutionary Federation — coalition named Barev (Hello) Yerevan Armenia’s national team and prompted widespread misspelling in the website name, Dashnaktsutiun (HHD), which did not composed of Zharangutiun and five criticism of the team on social media. where those interested can pur - field a presidential candidate. smaller parties, two of which were pre - chase a copy. The website is Those three parties tried but failed to viously aligned in former President www.hovethewind.com. reach consensus on convening an emer - Levon Ter-Petrosian’s Armenian gency parliament session to discuss ways National Congress. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Turkey Cancels Flights to Armenia after Azeri Resistance International News

YEREVAN (Reuters) — Turkey has istry confirmed the flights had been ities were not able to do the same and canceled the first ever scheduled stopped, but declined to give a reason. finally let politics interfere with this First Yerevan- flights to Armenia, days before the BoraJet, the private Turkish carrier promising initiative,” it said in a state - first plane was due to take off follow - set to fly the 45-minute route, has also ment. Stepanakert Flight to ing opposition from Turkey’s ally and declined to comment on the stoppage. Turkey, which has never opened an energy partner Azerbaijan. One BoraJet official denied the Van- embassy in Armenia, closed its land Take Place in Spring The twice-weekly flights between Yerevan flights had ever been border in 1993 in a show of solidarity PARIS (Armenpress) — During a press conference Turkey’s eastern city of Van and the planned, even though the route was with Azerbaijan, a Muslim and Turkic- here, Prime Minister of Nagorno-Karabagh Ara Armenian capital Yerevan were sched - still available as a booking option on speaking ally which also supplies Harutunyan said the first Yerevan-Stepanakert uled to begin April 3 and had been the firm’s website last week. Ankara with billions of cubic meters flight will take place as early as the spring. encouraged during US rapproche - Narekavank Tour, a Yerevan-based of Caspian natural gas each year. Harutyunyan said the construction of the ment talks with the two nations. travel agency that has spent the last Turkey has sought to ease Stepanakert airport has already been completed, The flights were meant to boost three years organizing the flights Azerbaijan’s concerns over previous but the schedule of the flights has not yet been bilateral tourism and trade, but with together with a Turkish travel agency reconciliation moves by Turkey and finalized. tickets already on sale, Turkey’s civil in Van, said the reason was political. Armenia since rapprochement efforts “This problem needs humanitarian rather than aviation authority stepped in and “The organizers were keen on stay - have alarmed Azerbaijan, which has political solutions, as each person has the right to ordered the flights to be suspended. ing away from politics. It is very sad yet to resolve the Nagorno-Karabagh move freely on the land and in the air,”Harutunyan Officials at Turkey’s transport min - and discouraging that Turkish author - dispute with Armenia. said. Armenian President Serge Sargisian had previ- ously stated that Stepanakert-Yerevan flights would begin despite Azerbaijan’s threats to shoot Turkey’s Islamized Armenians Grapple with Tragic Roots the planes down. “If Azerbaijan opens fire, there will be a new common childhood memory of descen - elderly men would chat in Armenian. A war,” Harutunyan said, adding that Nagorno- By Sibel Utku Bila dants is how their peers would taunt former construction worker who now Karabagh has air defense systems. them as “gavur” or “infidels” in street greets visitors at Surp Giragos, Sayan games. Relatives would often give away says he has endorsed Christianity “at DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (Al-Monitor) — the secret in the heat of household heart.” He wishes other family mem - Hayrikian Receiving Abdurrahim Zorarslan’s world turned quarrels, calling a father or a grand - bers follow suit but is pessimistic. “My upside down at age 25 when his mother a “dirty Armenian.” elder brother is a haji. You cannot Medical Treatment in Kurdish clan revealed to him he was Some complain that because of their change his mind even if you shred him The Netherlands Armenian. His father, a survivor of the Muslim faith they are often ostracized to pieces. I wish my children follow me, Ottoman massacres, saved and also by Turkey’s Christian Armenians, but I know life will be difficult for them AMSTERDAM (Arminfo) — The leader of the Self- Islamized by a Kurdish couple, had who are concentrated in cosmopolitan if they do. Let everybody make their Determination Union Paruyr Hayrikyan announced already died — without uttering a word Istanbul and number about 60,000. own decision,” he said. through social media that he is in the Netherlands, about his son’s identity. After much “The [descendants of] Islamized Surp Giragos, one of the largest receiving treatment for the gunshot wounds he soul-searching, Zorarslan “listened to Armenians are 100 percent assimilated. Armenian churches in the Middle East, received in January while running for president. something inside” and “secretly” But there is always someone to remind is still without a priest and a congrega - He lashed out against those who condemned him embraced his Armenian identity. them who they are. They are not fully tion. Nestled behind stone walls on a for receiving money from the government for the Now 53, he boldly speaks out and accepted by either side. It’s dramatic,” narrow cobbled street in the ancient treatment. introduces himself as a Christian with Gafur Turkay, the grandson of an heart of Diyarbakir, the edifice serves He said the money was necessary as his injuries the typical Armenian name, Armen. Armenian survivor, said in the yard of mostly as a tourist attraction. were grave. He said one doctor in Amsterdam told The self-rediscovery, however, has the ancient Surp Giragos Church in Al-Monitor’s interview with Turkay in him it was a miracle he had survived the injuries. come with a cost. The retired driver is Diyarbakir, a reminder of the city’s the churchyard was occasionally inter - The Armenian authorities decided to provide 20 now at odds with his children and once-thriving Armenian community. rupted by young people, who, after million drams (about $50,000) for his treatment Kurdish wife, a devout Muslim wearing After decades of silent awareness, touring the church, wanted to say hi abroad after local efforts did not help his pain. the black chador, but still believes that Turkay now introduces himself directly and confide they also had an Armenian Another presidential candidate, Vardan Sedrakyan, “one can reach nowhere with fear of his as “an Armenian.” His father remains a ancestor. Some inquired about the has been arrested on suspicion of being the orga- roots.” devout Muslim who has made the Hajj Armenian language courses launched nizer of the attack. Zorarslan is among a small but grow - pilgrimage to Mecca. Out of 18 siblings, in the city last year. ing number of individuals in Turkey’s only he and a brother have converted Kevork Calis, the Armenian teacher mainly Kurdish southeast who have to Christianity. who flies every week from Istanbul to Aronian Finishes Fourth come to openly embrace their The 47-year-old insurer also sits on teach the course, politely turned down In London Tournament Armenian origins, emboldened by the the board of the foundation that runs a request by a reporter to attend one of breaking of the Armenian taboo in the Surp Giragos Church, rebuilt from the classes. “I have about 20 students. LONDON (ArmeniaNow) — Armenian grandmaster Turkey over the past several years and ruins and re-opened for worship in They are all descendants of Islamized Levon Aronian beat Teimour Radjabov of the message of pluralism spread by the October. Armenians. Many are attending secret - Azerbaijan in the 14th and final round of the FIDE Kurdish political movement in the He estimates that at least one million ly,” he explained. World Chess Candidates’ Tournament to finish region. people in Turkey’s southeast bear Compared to Turks, Kurds have been fourth among eight participants. The reconnection is a painful process Armenian blood today, even though more forthcoming in efforts to recon - Co-leaders in the tournament, Magnus Carlsen of — not only because of deep-rooted fears mixed marriages and natural popula - cile with Armenians, driven by their Norway and Vladimir Kramnik of Russia, both lost over the 1915-17 massacres, but also tion growth have diluted Armenian own suffering in post-Ottoman Turkey their games, but eventually Carlsen, who currently the distinct fabric of the impoverished, ancestries. The acknowledgement of and eager to advance their cause for ranks as FIDE’s top player, was named the winner. rural southeast, where strict patriarchal Armenian roots, he explained, is a diffi - pluralist democracy. Diyarbakir’s Aronian yielded the third position to Russia’s norms rule closely-knit clans and Islam cult matter since descendants remain Kurdish-held local administration, for Peter Svidler, despite having the same number of remains a powerful social glue. strongly bound to Islam and equate instance, provided financial assistance points. Aronian and Carlsen were the only to play- At the turn of the 20th century, Armenianness to Christianity. to renovate the Surp Giragos Church ers to score five victories. Kurds and Armenians dominated the “More often than not those people and sponsored the Armenian language population of eastern Anatolia. Bonded are rigid Muslims — a trait they proba - courses in the city. to Turks in Islamic fraternity, Kurds bly developed in order to gain accep - In February, prominent Kurdish EU Delegation Promotes joined the massacres orchestrated by tance and dispel suspicion. Let them be politician Ahmet Turk admitted that Silk Road Program their Ottoman rulers and seized the Muslims, but I wish they could at least “our grandfathers have blood on their properties of slain or deported accept their Armenian origins,” Turkay hands” and apologized to Armenians. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Members of a European Armenian neighbors. Many Armenian said. “But I can’t persuade even my The apology, however, backfired as the Union (EU) delegation convened recently to discuss children escaped death in the refuge of own sister. ‘God forbid! You can’t make veteran lawmaker appeared to reject the Black Sea Silk Road Corridor program. Muslim homes: Some were saved out of me call myself an Armenian’ is all she direct Kurdish responsibility in the mas - The program is aimed at fostering tourism devel- compassion, others were abducted to says.” sacres, saying that Kurds were “manip - opment, cross-border cooperation and economic be raised as laborers or wives. The For Zorarslan, the resentment of his ulated” by Turks. development in 173 communities across four coun- adoptees were Islamized and assimilat - own family is no match to his resolve to Armenian opinion leaders cast fur - tries of the Black Sea Silk Road Corridor — ed into Kurdish or Turkish culture. It is discover his roots. On his mobile ther doubt over Kurdish sincerity, irked Armenia, Georgia, Greece and Turkey. unknown how many survivors lived on phone, buzzing with the ringtone of an by remarks that jailed Kurdish rebel The head of the EU delegation, Traian Hristea, as Muslims, with estimates ranging Armenian tune, he proudly displays pic - leader Abdullah Ocalan made in his noted, “We are hopeful that it will create favorable from tens of thousands to several hun - tures of cousins he has tracked down in fledgling peace process with Ankara. In conditions for the improvement.” dred thousand. France, the Netherlands, the United a transcript leaked to the media in late US Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern dis- According to the accounts of descen - States and Istanbul. He recounts how February, Ocalan emphasized Islamic cussed the project’s goals. “The first one is part- dants in Diyarbakir, Turkey’s largest some relatives were happy to reconnect, bonds between Kurds and Turks, and nership, when Armenia, Georgia, Turkey and Kurdish city, some survivors kept mem - but others refused to answer letters spoke in hostile terms about Armenians Greece work together for the welfare of their peo- ory of their Armenian identity, sought and return calls. “Is it about religion? and other non-Muslims. ples. The second is the development of village com- out other Islamized Armenians to Do they worry we may not be really rel - Amid the soured climate, the munities. Then come tourism and IT.” marry and let their children know their atives or do they think I am after Diyarbakir municipality is preparing for Armenian Deputy Minister of Economy Garegin roots. Others sank into silence and money? I’m still trying to figure out,” a fresh gesture. A monument dedicated Melkonyan, Deputy Minister of Culture Arev tried to obliterate their past, haunted he said. to communities that have suffered per - Samuelyan and President of the Armenian by the horror of the massacres and Behcet Sayan, 47, remembers how secution in Anatolia is expected to be International Council on Monuments and Sites eager to shield their progeny against his grandfather would keep company unveiled in the city in the eve of April Gagik Gyurjian were in attendance. persecution. with six other survivors in their native 24, the Armenian Genocide Neighbors, however, never forgot. A village near Diyarbakir and how the Remembrance Day. 4 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

LA-Area Armenian AEF to Fund Students Achieve Victory Computer In Armenian Engineers Information Systems And Scientists of America 12th Science Olympiad Department at BURBANK, Calif. — Woodbury University was Artsakh State the site again for the 12th Science Olympiad on Sunday March 10. This annual event organized GLENDALE — The Armenian Educational by the Science Olympiad Committee of the Foundation (AEF) announced that it Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America approved a $100,000 budget to fund a four- (AESA) brings together young Armenian stu - year computer information systems degree dents from different middle and high schools to program at Artsakh State University in showcase their completed science projects. Stepanakert. It will be named the “AEF A total of 90 students in grades 6 through 12, Computer Science Department.” The pro - with 73 projects, participated in this year’s com - gram is scheduled to be launched later this petition. These students were representing nine year. The $100,000 will help finance comput - schools at this event: AGBU Manoogian- er hardware, software, instructor salaries and Demirdjian, Chaminade High School, Charlotte student scholarships. and Elise Merdinian Armenian Evangelical, The project, a collaboration among diaspora Holy Martyrs Ferrahian, Rose and Alex Pilibos and Artsakh (Karabagh) organizations, named School, St. Gregory Alfred and Marguerite “iArtsakh,” is an undertaking of the Armenian Hovsepian, TCA Arshag Dickranian, Toll Middle Educational Foundation, Scholars for School and Vahan Anoush Chamlian. Scientific, Educational and Cultural The project entries were divided into four cat - Development, Artsakh Prime Ministry and egories: junior life sciences, junior physical sci - Artsakh State University. ences, senior life sciences and senior physical sci - The iArtsakh project extends ongoing AEF ences. These projects were judged by eighteen projects such as, school renovations, recently volunteer scientists and engineers based on cre - renovated Artsakh State University dormitory, ativity, scientific thought and data analysis, thor - computers for villages, IT training of village oughness, presentation, as well as clarity. teachers and university scholarships. Besides showcasing their science projects, “We at AEF recognize the importance of eco - the Science Olympiad Committee this year had nomic development for Artsakh and believe chosen a wonderful activity to promote team - Chris Bohjalian that this project will have a big impact in devel - work and principles of engineering. The stu - oping the infrastructure needed to bring infor - dents were divided into groups of five, each mation technology companies to Artsakh,” said group was handed a bag of materials which AEF President Hermineh Pakhanians. included 30 sheets of paper, one cardboard (30" Bestselling Author Chris AEF was established in 1950 in Los Angeles x 12"), four pencils, one marble, one roll of tape, and for 63 years has provided financial assis - a pair of scissors and one ruler (12"). From tance to Armenian students and educational these materials, they were asked to construct a Bohjalian to Speak at institutions. For more information, visit AEF’s roller coaster that had a loop and a funnel. They website at www.aefweb.org. were given one hour to construct and then the roller coasters were judged on creativity, design, Columbia University and length. A team of five students won based NEW YORK — For years, the stories were told in hushed voices. The tragic true- on the complexity of their roller coaster and the Zach Bogosian life tales would escape the lips of the survivors in the privacy of their homes as length of time it took the marble to get down they revealed their struggles to family members, not only to ease the burdens of the track. Each was awarded a movie ticket gift their harrowing pasts, but to make sure one of the most mournful chapters in the Proud to Be First certificate. history of their people would never be forgotten. The award ceremony started by a presenta - For too long, it had been a story only for Armenian in NHL tion by Beatrisa Boyadzhyan, PhD, a research Armenians. With the emergence of a new scientist at Quest Diagnostics who talked about generation of writers, however, came a new WINNEPEG, Canada (News.am) — the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule with By Taleen Babayan approach. They believed that the stories Winnipeg Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian a fascinating video about DNA’s transcription previously told in secrecy should now be says he is proud to be the first Armenian and translation and how DNA may become the told to the world. The latest of these is New York Times bestselling author Chris in NHL. hard drive of the future, opening a new way of Bohjalian’s critically-acclaimed novel, The Sandcastle Girls . Bohjalian will lead a In an interview with the New York information data storage and recovery. book discussion at Columbia University on Thursday, April 18, in an event hosted Hockey Journal , Bogosian talked about After congratulatory remarks by AESA by the Armenian Center at Columbia University. his Armenian heritage. President Dr. Mardy Kazarians, Jenik A love story that takes place during the Armenian Genocide between an Gharabegian, committee chairwoman, wel - Armenian engineer and an American nurse, The Sandcastle Girls follows a comed everyone and praised all the participat - Genocide survivor’s granddaughter as she tries to uncover her family’s history and ing students for their hard work and dedication the sorrows of the Armenian massacres that she learns about along the way. in completing their science projects, the partic - Bohjalian, who is the author of 16 books, has received high praise and accolades ipating schools, principals, vice principals, from literary critics and readers since his first novel was published 25 years ago. teachers and parents who had been instrumen - His novel, Midwives , was chosen for Oprah’s Book Club and Winfrey also select - tal in students taking part in this science com - ed The Sandcastle Girls as her Book of the Week. Literary praise for Bohjalian’s petition. writing and for the accurate historical portrayal of the Armenian Genocide in The Dr. Marina Guevrekian was praised for being Sandcastle Girls have been recognized by major news outlets including USA instrumental in increasing the Science Today, Washington Post and the Boston Globe . Olympiad endowment fund by $10,000 by being “I have been overwhelmed by the support for this novel by the Armenian com - named the recipient winner of Johnson & munity around the world. I am deeply and profoundly grateful,” said Bohjalian, Johnson 2012 Volunteer Recognition Grant whose Armenian grandparents on his father’s side were survivors of the Armenian Program out of 150 worldwide Johnson & Genocide. “Whenever I’ve spoken to audiences that are predominantly Armenian, Johnson employee applicants. I have left moved beyond words,” said Bohjalian. Anna Patatanyan of St. Gregory Alfred and The reaction from non-Armenians towards The Sandcastle Girls has been equal - Marguerite Hovsepian School was the recipient ly positive. Zach Bogosian of the teacher award this year. The recipient of “Consistently non-Armenians have asked me the same sort of question: Why did the school award was the Elise Merdinian no one teach me this? Why does no one know this story? They are appalled and, Armenian Evangelical School, represented by “Yeah, growing up with an Armenian sometimes, aghast,” said Bohjalian. “This is a part of our story that too few peo - their science teacher, Fredrick Sayadian. heritage … you know, my grandparents ple know -- and we all hope this novel will help open people’s eyes to a cataclysmic “We would like to acknowledge the Science are still pretty hardcore about it. My great- injustice.” Olympiad Committee members, Emma grandfather came across when the Mark Momjian, chair of the Armenian Center, expressed the significance of Abrahamian, Arpi Arman, Sarkis Genocide started,” he said. Chris Bohjalian’s appearance on campus. “The enormous power of Chris Barkhoudarian, Mariyetta Madatyan, Louisa “It’s just a hard-working family from a Bohjalian’s literary art has been recognized worldwide and his masterful novel, Manasyan, Talin Petrosian and Arsine small town. I mean, if I can do it, anyone The Sandcastle Girls is of particular interest to the area’s Armenian-American Vardanyan for their dedication and devotion,” can do it. As far as being the first community, who in just two years will be commemorating the centennial of the said Kazarians. “In addition, we commend all Armenian, obviously I’m very proud of it. Armenian Genocide,” said Momjian. “I know the Center’s friends and supporters the sponsors and the scientists and engineers But it’s not just on me; it’s on my parents see BOHJALIAN, page 7 who had visited the schools for mentoring the and everyone who helped me throughout students at the schools’ science fairs along my whole career,” he said. see OLYMPIAD, page 7 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS

‘Walk Thru the Old Testament’ Held in Philadelphia Region Ben Tavitian PHILADELPHIA — On Saturday, March 9, for more than 30 years and an instructor for ple’s daily lives. As a result, many people later more than 100 people gathered at Holy the “Walk Thru the Bible” organization for 35 cited a desire to grow more trusting, more Earns Wrestling Trinity Church of Cheltenham to do some - (Walk Thru the Bible is an international orga - loyal, more faithful and more loving in all thing they never imagined they would ever do nization employing thousands of instructors their relationships, including that with Christ. Honors at Central — they mimed, spoke, gestured, laughed, and throughout the world, including Armenia). Among other inspiring moments was the prayed their way through the entire Old From the moment Petersen took the stage, final exercise when the entire audience of Catholic Testament in a mere six hours. the audience was mesmerized. Between brief more than 100 faced each other in two “Walk Thru the Old Testament” was spon - explanations of content, he led participants groups and in responsorial style read verses sored by the Diocesan Department of Youth through gestures and mnemonic techniques from Genesis and then Revelation; people By Tom Vartabedian and Education in partnership with the two to help them learn and remember the Old were stunned to see the parallels and how all Philadelphia parishes of Holy Trinity and St. Testament story, from Creation through the was promised fulfillment in time “when death Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood. prophetic voices that preceded the coming of and sorrow would be no more and we would BRADFORD, Mass. — For someone who Jeanette Der Hagopian, vice chair of the Holy Christ. He called on a host of talents, assum - once again see the Lord’s face “ (Rev 21:4; took up wrestling to get in shape for football, 220-pound Ben Tavitian certainly has come a long way this winter in his backup sport. The senior from Central Catholic High School in nearby Lawrence won the North Sectionals against 16 participating schools and also walked away with an award for earning the most falls in the least amount of time. Seeded third in the Division 2 Sectionals, Tavitian was not considered a pre-meet favorite, not by any stretch, when he had one of those days any high school wrestler would cherish. On a day when most matches went as predicted, he pulled off the biggest upset. Tavitian breezed into the finals, needing fewer than three minutes to record a pair of pins and earn a spot in the title match. There he posted his third pin of the day in 2:34 over a top-seeded athlete from Dracut. “I expected to place but not much more than that,” said Tavitian. “I was thinking there Roger Petersen leads program participants on a journey through the Old Testament story. might be a chance I could win if I worked hard enough and stuck to my guns. In the end, it was just how hard I wanted to work.” Trinity Parish Council and passionate advo - ing different voices, even employing ventrilo - 22:4). For four years, Tavitian has toed the mark cate of adult Christian education, was chiefly quism (his storytelling has been featured on a “This Walk Thru the Bible was a great step at Central Catholic High School — one of the responsible for advocating sponsorship and CD of Hans Christian Andersen’s Christian- in the right direction for the Armenian top private Catholic schools north of Boston. hosting of the event, which the Holy Trinity themed tales). Church — bringing Scripture to life for us all pastor, Parish Council and community then It was a wondrous exercise in imagination: to experience,” shared Diana Lulejian, a embraced whole-heartedly (with many individ - at one point he had everyone picture them - young adult, eager to see a New Testament uals helping defray the costs of the Lenten selves as standing on a map of the ancient seminar. breakfast and lunch). Near East and locate the great cities, rivers, The seminar drew the support and partici - This is the third such event sponsored by and seas of Bible times (youngest participant pation of an ecumenical group: parishioners the Diocese in different regions, an effort to Peter Ohnigian, an eighth-grade Sunday from five Armenian congregations, visitors get parishioners to know the Scripture. School student at Holy Trinity, was designat - from the area who heard of the program from Upcoming “Walk Thru” events will focus on ed the city of Ur). the Walk Thru website, Parish Council chairs the New Testament. By day’s end, he had participants almost and members, Sunday School staffers, and Participants checked in, received their eager for another chance to go through the pastors from the region: Fr. Hakob name tags and textbooks and were guided to story themselves from the beginning. “We Gevorgyan, Very Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian of a breakfast buffet. In the same spirit, never thought it would be possible to learn so St. Sahag and St. Mesrob, Rev. Nerses Cheltenham pastor, the Rev. Hakob much in such a short time in such an inter - Manoogian of St. Gregory Armenian Church Ben Tavitian, right, is joined by his coach, Gevorgyan, welcomed the audience and the esting way,” observed Larry and Kim Der and Rev. Nishan Bakalian of the Armenian Ben King day began. Hagopian. Martyrs Congregational Church (Fr. Mikael The day’s instructor was Roger Petersen, a Petersen would frequently pause in prayer - Bassale of St. Mark’s Armenian Catholic professor at Cairn University in Langhorne, ful reflection and apply biblical lessons to peo - Church was unable to attend). He has shined in the classroom and on the footfall field. Wrestling was an after-thought at first until he began his conquests and showed his innate talents. “Four years ago at Central’s open house, the wrestling program wasn’t even a thought in Tavitian’s mind,” admit his parents, Joe and Brenda. “His football coach had recom - mended it. We’re so glad he did.” It only got better after the sectionals. OOPPPEEENN HHOOUUSSSEE Tavitian kept winning and wound up with an incredible 54-2 record following the state APRIL 10,0, 2013 fromm 9:00 - 11:00:00 Am meet where his first two matches lasted just Preschool, Kinderndergarten, Elemelementaryy,, MiddlMiiddle School 45 and 50 seconds respectively. The sec - tional title was a repeat. Then came New Englands, where he 220 PPelhelham Road, Leexingtxingtonn,, MAM 02421 TTel:el: 781-861-8303 picked up two more victories, a close 5-4 decision and a 13-6 romp. Though he never got to defend his Division OOPPPEEENN EENNNRROOLLLLMMMEEENNNTT 2 state title crown from a year ago, very few could boast of 56 wins in his playing deck — for a single season. Of these victories, 45 went for pins — both school records. In football, Tavitian has been All- Merrimack Valley for two years as a two-way lineman. Through it all, he amassed a vast collec - tion of awards that would make any school, family and community proud. With three sis - ters, there’s never a dull moment around the house. According to his coach, “Ben is probably wwww.armenia.armeniansistersacademyy.org.org one of the most sincere kids I’ve ever coached.” Of the 10 colleges where he has applied, Acccredited by the Neew England Association of Schools andd Colleges (NEASC) six have already accepted him to date, with AISNE Member more replies to come. 6 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

OBITUARY Karl Karekin Turekian Legendary Yale Professor

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (New Haven Register) He was president of the Geochemical Society, — Prof. Karl Karekin Turkeian died on March and an active member of the American 15, 2013, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. Geophysical Union and the Geological Society He was 85. of America. Turekian has been richly recog - He was Sterling Professor of Geology and nized for his contributions to science. He is a Geophysics Emeritus and Senior Research member of the National Academy of Sciences, Scientist at Yale University. and a fellow of the American Association for the He Turekian was born on October 25, 1927, Advancement of Science and the American in New York, New York. He was the only child Academy of Arts and Sciences. He received an of Vaughan Thomas and Victoria Turekian, sur - honorary doctoral degree from the State vivors of the Armenian Genocides of 1896 and University of New York at Stony Brook. He was 1915. He earned his BA degree in chemistry awarded the V. M. Goldschmidt Medal of the from Wheaton College in Illinois, with inter - Geochemical Society, the Maurice Ewing Medal ruption for military service in the US Navy dur - of the American Geophysical Union, and the ing World War II. He received his MA and PhD Wollaston Medal of The Geological Society of degrees from Columbia University. Turekian London. Early in his career, he was a joined the faculty at Yale University in 1956 as Guggenheim Fellow at Cambridge University, the university’s first geochemist, and he and later he was a Sherman Fairchild remained on the Yale faculty for his entire career of 57 years. At Yale, he served as chairman of the Geology and Geophysics Department for two terms and held endowed chairs as the Henry Barnard Davis Professor, the Benjamin Silliman Professor, and as the Sterling Professor of Geology and Geophysics. Turekian also served as cura - tor of Meteorites and Planetary Science in the Peabody Museum, and he was director of the Yale Center for the Study of Global Change and the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies. He was a member of the Council on Archeological Studies and chaired the Yale Studies in the Environment Program. He was a member of Yale’s Elizabethan Club. He had a long associa - tion with Berkeley College at Yale, where he served as Executive Fellow. He and his wife, Roxanne, were the first married couple who were allowed to GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E live in one of Yale’s residential colleges. He enjoyed an extremely productive James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC career as a geochemist. His scientific Karl Karekin Turekian Mark J. Giragosian research centered on the application of Funeral Counselors natural radioactive and radiogenic iso - 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 topes to the study of Earth, its atmosphere and Distinguished Scholar at California Institute of www.giragosianfuneralhome.com oceans, with special focus on understanding the Technology. Most recently, in February of this processes and impacts of change over time. He year, Turekian received the William Clyde explored subjects as diverse as circulation of DeVane Medal for distinguished teaching and Long Island Sound, acid rain, climate change, scholarship from the Yale College Phi Beta sediment accumulations, cosmic dust flux to Kappa chapter. Earth, and the composition of the Earth’s He was known for his legendary “coffee Nardolillo Funeral Home crust, among others. Studies in his laboratory hour” at Kline Geology Laboratory at Yale, Est. 1906 also focused on determining the growth rates of where ideas flowed freely and were debated marine organisms and the origins of the with verve. He took great joy in engagement John K. Najarian, Jr. Earth’s atmosphere. with his students and his colleagues from Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Turekian was part of the initial team of sci - around the world. He was a deeply committed entists who studied the moon rocks brought Christian, and his Christian faith guided all 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 back during the Apollo space missions. parts of his life. 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Turekian was the author of five books and He is survived by his wife, Roxanne; his chil - www.nardolillo.com hundreds of articles that were published in dren, Karla Ann Turekian and Vaughan Charles international journals and professional vol - Turekian; his daughter-in-law, Heather Leigh umes. He edited treatises, encyclopedias and Turekian; his grandchildren, Aleena Marie handbooks on geochemistry and ocean sci - Turekian and Charles (“Chip”) Henry Turekian; ences. He also served as editor for some of the and many cousins, nieces and nephews. A pri - Telephone (617) 924-7400 top journals in his field. Turekian performed vate graveside service will be held at Grove exemplary service to the profession. Street Cemetery in New Haven. A celebration of When he began his career at Yale, he served Professor Turekian’s life will take place in the Aram Bedrosian as president of the Yale chapter of Sigma Xi. He future. served on the US National Committee on Donations in Professor Turekian’s memory may Funeral Home, Inc. Geochemistry, the Climate Research Board, the be made to the Armenian Missionary Association Ocean Science Board, the UN Council on the of America, 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ, Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution, and sev - 07652; Children’s Hospital Foundation, 111 MARION BEDROSIAN eral committees and panels for the National Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010; or 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. 100 Double Beach Academy of Sciences, the National Research WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Council, and the National Science Foundation. Rd., Branford CT, 06405. Donation Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a In memory of Daphne Abeel, former assistant editor of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator , the Board of Directors of the Armenian Library and Museum of America donates $100 to the Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Armenian Mirror-Spectator. ServiFnguthne eentrireaAlrmCenhianaCpomemlunity Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 ADVERTISE IN THE MIRROR Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS St. Sahag-St. Mesrob Medal Bestowed Upon Three AGBU Educators

CANOGA PARK, Calif. — On Saturday, paid tribute to the dedication, commitment March 16, at a ceremony held at the Nazarian and contributions of the three honorees in Center, Karekin II, Catholicos of all promoting academic excellence during their Armenians, awarded the St. Sahag-St. Mesrob years of outstanding service to the students medal to Kevork Agopian, Hermine Sahagian and community at the Manoogian-Demidjian and Zarmouhy Minassian, three distin - school. guished members of the Armenian communi - Members of the school staff, family repre - ty and retired teachers who have been part of sentatives and the three honorees took to the the fabric of the AGBU Manoogian- podium to speak about their experiences and Demirdjian school for more than a quarter impressions on this historic occasion. century. Chairman Paul Kousharian presented the The religious ceremony, officiated by honorees with plaques on behalf of the AGBU Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of Melkonian Alumni Organization. Senior the Western Diocese, was followed by a 90- class student Aneesa Youssefi took the stage minute program dedicated to the three hon - to sing Dear Teacher, accompanied on the orees. AGBU Vice President and Chairman of piano by music teacher Arus Andreassian. the School Board of Trustees Sinan Sinanian The event was attended by a large number of The honorees alongside AGBU Vice President and Chairman of the School Board of Trustees Sinan was the keynote speaker. Sinanian highlight - school alumni who came to show their Sinanian, AGBU MDS Principal Hagop Hagopian, and DHS Vice Principal Anahid Nalbandian- ed the role of AGBU and its educational insti - respect and gratitude to their mentor teach - Pezeshkian tutions in the struggles and triumphs of the ers. The honorees were overjoyed at receiving Armenian people during the past century and bouquets of flowers from their former stu - dents. The entire program was conducted by Hratch Sepetjian, the head of the Armenian LA-Area Armenian Students Achieve Victory in Armenian department at the Manoogian-Demirdjian school. More than 300 attendees enjoyed the company of the honorees and their families Engineers & Scientists of America 12th Science Olympiad during the reception that followed the pro - gram. OLYMPIAD, from page 4 Haroutiounian of Merdinian; third place, For senior physical sciences, second place, This program was organized jointly by the with the ones who judged the projects for the Christine Hakopyan of AGBU Manougian- Arpi Beshlikyan of Rose and Alex Pilibos, third AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School and participating students.” Demridjian and Daniel Avakian of Merdinian. place, Bedig Deridarian and Lily Dermendjian AGBU Melkonian Alumni Organization. The winning students are: Honorable Mentions, Edwin Danellian and of Rose and Alex Pilibos. For junior physical sciences, first place, Patrick Begian of Chamlian, Zovak Daduryan Honorable Mentions, Arthur Mazlovmian, Daniel Yacoubian of Hovesepian and Nicolas and Levon Avedikyan of Hovsepian Hakop Mkhsian, David Ivazov and Nerses Bogosyan of Arshag Dickranian school For junior life sciences, first place, Katia Chris Bohjalian to Khanalian of Hovsepian, Nanor Bedrosian of Merdinian, second place, Mary Aylozian of Speak at Columbia Chamlian, third place, Ani Tchorbajian and Christine Samuelian of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian. University Honorable Mention, Mareen Kassabian of Chamlian BOHJALIAN, from page 4 For senior life sciences, second place, Talar are eager to hear this distinguished writer, Kasabian of Rose and Alex Pilibos, third place, whose originality and brilliance have touched Lilit Shishikyan of Arshag Dickranian, so many hearts.” Honorable mentions, Mary Baghdasarian, Nairi Vice chair of the Armenian Center, Dr. Nicole Baghdasarian and Kozetta Gyurdzhyan of Vartanian, said the Armenian Center is excited Arshag Dickranian to be hosting Bohjalian upon the paperback The AESA encourages all Armenian students release of The Sandcastle Girls . from 6th through 12th grades whether in pub - “His passionate portrayal of love and loss set lic or private schools to strongly consider par - amidst the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide ticipating in the next 2014 AESA Science has rightly earned him widespread praise from The young winners of the AESA Olympiad Olympiad. For more information, check AESA’s all corners of the literary community,” said website at www.aesa.org. Vartanian. “It seems particularly fitting that our event will take place at Teachers College, given the rich and robust educational content which forms the foundation of Chris’ novels. The Sandcastle Girls is an especially poignant exam - ple of this, as the story has educated masses of Chris’ loyal readers who learned the horrific events of the Genocide through the quality of his research and the power of his prose.” The discussion of The Sandcastle Girls will take place at 7 p.m. in the Cowin Conference Center (147 Horace Mann Hall) at Columbia University Teachers College, 525 W. 120th Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. A question-and-answer session and a book signing will take place after the presenta - tion. Reception to follow.

Check us out at www.mirrorspectator.com 8 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS State House Armenian Genocide Commemoration, April 19

COMMEMORATION, from page 1 The participation of youth is an integral part tion to the commemoration,” said Lawn. “This the Knights of Vartan, will leave St. James and organizing the event is jointly chaired by state of the commemoration. Members of the is a visible way of showing the pride in history St. Stephen’s Churches in Watertown at 9:00 Representatives Jonathan Hecht (D- Homenetmen Scout Troop will attend, as will and culture of Armenian Americans as they a.m. Bus transportation will be provided to any - Watertown), Dave Rogers (D-Cambridge) and students from the Armenian Sisters’ Academy strive for recognition of the Genocide.” one who is unable to march from the State John Lawn (D-Watertown); and state Sen. Will and St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary “It is time for recognition of the Armenian House to the Heritage Park. In the case of Genocide. As a newly elected state representa - inclement weather the march will not take place tive I look forward to hosting the and a reception will be held at the Great Hall of Commemoration and advancing this worthy the State House. Buses will depart Heritage cause for years to come,” said Rogers. Park at the conclusion of the program at 2 p.m. Free buses to the State House, provided by and return directly to Watertown.

Billboards from Peace of Art Ask for Genocide Condemnation BILLBOARDS, from page 1 prints on the words “Armenian Genocide” Peace of Art, Inc. is a nonprofit educa - over a black background. Since 1996, tional organization that uses art to address Hejinian has been calling for the recognition human concerns and to promote peaceful of the Armenian Genocide. In 2004 Peace of solutions to conflict. Art, Inc. began to sponsor the commemora - This year the billboards will be located in tive billboards honoring the victims and call - Foxboro, Watertown and Cambridge. ing for the recognition of the Armenian One digital billboard is on display now on Route 1 in Foxboro. A second billboard will be on display on April 1 in Watertown, on Mount Auburn Street, close to the Armenian The commemoration at the State House last year cultural centers and churches. In addition, a third billboard will be on display on Brownsberger (D-Belmont), who will host the School, who will perform music at the State Cambridge Street, near day. “The march expresses the ongoing work of House. Martin Haroutunian and Tigran Lechmere Station, East recognizing the Armenian Genocide and our Avetisyan will perform at the Heritage Park. Cambridge. desire to reach out to others and build aware - “To see our youth involved in this event is Artist Daniel Varoujan ness that as a world community we must work particularly meaningful to me,” said Hecht. Hejinian, president and to prevent the horrors of genocide,” said “They are our bridge to the future and our founder of Peace of Art Inc., Musserian. hope that such atrocities will never take place said, “With these billboards we Survivors of the Genocide will be presented again. The late Speaker George Keverian, who are honoring the memory of the victims of Genocide. This year’s message further calls with proclamations at the State House cere - began the annual commemoration at the State the Armenian Genocide, calling upon the for the condemnation of genocide. mony and photographs of others will be pre - House in 1985, would be pleased to see the pro - international community to recognize the To date, the Armenian Genocide has been sent through the participation of attendees in gram has now extended beyond the State Armenian Genocide and to condemn the recognized by more than 20 countries and the “Stand Up For Your Survivor” program House with this year’s march.” perpetrators.” He added, “Ninety eight 42 US states. organized by Arlington High School senior “When the posters of survivors are held high years have passed but the bloody hand However, in spite of his campaign promise Anahis Kechejian. “There are so few survivors in the House Chamber for all to see, it reminds prints of the horrible events of 1915 stained to recognize the Armenian Genocide, in the left,” said Kechejian, “This is one way for us of a history that must be recognized and the pages of the world history, when 1.5 mil - last four years, President Obama has failed descendants to honor our ancestors, and for remembered, and calls us to the importance of lion Armenians lost their lives.” to use the term genocide in reference to the youth such as myself to pledge our efforts to working for human rights,” said Brownsberger. The 2013 billboard depicts bloody hand - slaughter of Armenians. work for justice and preserve our Armenian “I look forward to all ages marching together.” heritage.” “The march to the park is a wonderful addi - S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS SOAR Continues Mission to Aid Orphans

ORPHANS, from page 1 efficiently. “We have also been able to increase “During that trip we also saw a few of the the amount we can help these children over the orphanages and all of them were in bad shape years,” he said. at that time,” said Yacoubian. After extensive A couple of years ago, SOAR began its spon - research, Yacoubian and his wife found that sorship program that allows them to allocate there were not any organizations focusing funds directly for the children themselves, in directly on aiding these orphanages. addition to the aid they provide to the facilities. From there, the Society for Orphaned With the sponsorship program, the sponsors Armenian Relief (SOAR) was born, and the are matched to individual children and the Yacoubians organized a board of directors and funds are exclusively used to meet the needs of began formal operations in 2006. that child, such as physical therapy, psychologi - In less than a decade, SOAR has grown from cal counseling, surgery, braces, chess lessons a singular idea formulated while visiting an and more. “When we post a child that needs Armenian orphanage to a full-fledged non-prof - sponsoring, the response is generally very quick it organization encompassing 32 chapters and we find them a sponsor. There are some worldwide — and growing. Its mission is to pro - individuals who sponsor multiple children,” vide humanitarian relief to orphaned children explained Yacoubian. living in Armenia. As SOAR continues to expand its resources SOAR provides assistance to 27 entities, and outreach, their original mission to aid the including 16 orphanages and summer camps in Armenian orphans remains at the forefront of Artsakh (Karabagh,) Georgia, Syria and the organization. “We believe that these chil - Lebanon, in addition to Armenia. Its aid reach - dren are the most vulnerable population in es both “natural” and “social” orphans in these Armenia,” said Yacoubian. facilities. Natural orphans have no parents and SOAR has several upcoming events including social orphans have parents unwilling or unable a partnership with attorney and author Mark to care for them. Arsen Alaverdyan at the Gumri Social Childcare Center received much-needed purchases through Geragos, who will donate a portion of the pro - SOAR not only offers its assistance to his sponsorship funds from Lilit Martirosyan. ceeds from his upcoming book tour to the orga - orphaned children, but also orphaned adults, nization. Geragos and co-author Pat Harris will be speaking about their new book, Mistrial: An holistic care in a family-like sometimes be an issue for organizations trying Inside Look at How the Criminal Justice setting. Warm Hearth- to connect funds and resources to where they System Works...and Sometimes Doesn’t . Book Jermik Ankyun is located are needed overseas. SOAR members and direc - tour dates include April 14 in Philadelphia, outside of Yerevan in Third tors manage the distribution of resources by April 27 in Chicago, May 4 in New York/ New Village and is now formally carefully tracking all resources and ensuring Jersey, May 5 in Providence, May 6 in Boston affiliated with the SOAR the resources reach the orphanages, facilities and May 8 in Detroit. May 4 is also the date for Colorado chapter. and ultimately the children who need them. an upcoming SOAR reception in Philadelphia. SOAR has been able to grow largely due to the dedication and foresight of its founding members. At least four of the original members of the board of directors have been with SOAR since its inception. “It [SOAR] was always envisioned as more than just a Philadelphia organi - zation. It’s just grown from there,” said Yacoubian, who also serves as a resource for members of the community consider - ing adopting from Armenia. Edgar Gaukchyan receives a special package of school supplies from There are currently 32 — his sponsor. soon-to-be 33 — chapters of SOAR throughout the world. “The goal has been meaning those who are 18 and older, who need to have 50 chapters by 2015, our 10th anniver - aid transitioning from the orphanage system sary and the centennial of the Armenian and for those with special needs. Genocide,” he added, stating that new chapters For example, Warm Hearth-Jermik Ankyun is are slated for locations as diverse as Montreal, a private group home housing approximately Switzerland and Iowa in the forthcoming 13 orphans with disabilities and mental illness - months. Special needs children at an orphanage SOAR has started to help es who have outgrown the state-funded orphan - SOAR members and directors have gone to ages. It provides each resident with an alterna - great lengths to ensure that the organization tive to the psychiatric institutions and offers runs efficiently and transparently, which can “For example, when we ship mat - tresses to the orphanages from Maine, the local chapter president is at the shipping site counting the mat - tresses, verifying the number and signing the invoice for the sea con - tainer. Likewise, when the shipping container arrives to the designated location, the local SOAR liaison is right there at the docks to count the mattresses, verify the number, sign the invoice and ensure that all the mattresses reach the orphanages.” SOAR also closely monitors the needs of the individual facilities and tracks growing areas of concern. Due to the recent uprisings in Syria, there are more orphaned chil - dren in that country than in previous years. The SOAR Syria chapter, which Liliana Yacoubian, inspiration for SOAR and daughter of aids the local orphanages, is headed founders George S. Yacoubian Jr. and his wife, Erica by Father Armenag Bedrossian and Sr. V. Louisa Kassarjian. One of the issues plaguing Syria is that “there are a lot of SOAR is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. children living outside orphanages,” said For a complete list of all of SOAR’s services, Yacoubian. affiliated orphanages, facilities and chapters A child at one of the SOAR affiliated orphanages Like the organization itself, SOAR’s worldwide and ways to donate or sponsor visit resources and reach have expanded rapidly, but www.soar-us.org. 10 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Fresno PBS Station French-Armenian To Screen ‘Orphans Filmmaker Screens ‘The Of the Genocide’ Son of the Olive Merchant’ GLENDALE — On April 19, 7p.m., the Glendale Central Library Auditorium, will host Documentary the award-winning French-Armenian filmmaker, Mathieu Zeitindjioglou, to screen his documen - FRESNO — Armenoid Productions this week tary film, “The Son of the Olive Merchant.” The announced its documentary, “Orphans of the film is in English, French and Turkish with Genocide,” will be screened by ValleyPBS, English subtitles. Station KPVT 18, on April 18 at 7 p.m. (PDT). “The Son of the Olive Merchant” is based on The screening will be part of the ValleyPBS sta - Zeitindjioglou’s honeymoon trip to Turkey with tion fundraising drive, which will be hosted by his wife in order to learn about his Armenian actor Ken Davitian from the film, “The Artist.” heritage. The couple questions and discusses Donors will receive copies of “Orphans of the the Armenian Genocide with the people whom Genocide” DVD and accompanying book with they meet during the trip. various levels of donations. What they learn during the film is that even Created by four-time Regional Emmy Award younger generations of Turks continue to deny winner filmmaker, Bared Maronian, the docu - the Armenian Genocide. mentary weaves historical archives with inter - “The Son of the Olive Merchant” incorpo - views and memoirs of Armenian orphans estab - rates interviews, news footage, historical doc - lishing irrevocable proof of the Armenian uments and animation. This documentary Genocide. has been screened at more than 10 interna - Armenians nationwide are asked to contact tional film festivals around the world. It won their local PBS station and urge them to screen prizes at the Los Angeles Films and Scripts “Orphans of the Genocide” during the month Festival and the Los Angeles Movies Awards of April. (LAMA II.) The documentary is an emotional visual jour - Zeitindjioglou was born in Versailles, France. ney through never-before-seen archival footage He earned his degree in economic science and and discovered memoirs of orphans who lived management at the University of Versailles. His through the last century’s first, fully document - work includes experimental art videos, as well Knarik Nerkararyan ed and least recognized Armenian Genocide of as several short films that won him recognition 1915. The documentary follows Maurice Missak at film festival awards. His films and shorts Kelechian whose research findings unveil the include, “The Man Who Was Not Hungry,” “Tell site of an Armenian orphanage located at the Me About Love” and “The Philanthropist and present day Antoura College near Beirut, Merrimack Valley Plans the Farm.” Zeitindjioglou is now working on his Lebanon, where 1,000 Armenian Genocide next documentary in India. Orphans had lived and were forcefully convert - The running time for the film is 76 minutes. ed and “Turkified” during World War I. In addi - Music-Themed Genocide The Glendale Central Library Auditorium is tion to the Antoura site, the documentary located at 222 East Harvard St. Admission is unveils numerous other orphanages where free and seating is limited. Armenian orphans were housed and profiles Commemoration one orphan girl who was adopted and later became one of Turkey’s high-profiled national NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — Music throughout the ages will be the theme for the icons as the daughter of Ataturk, the founder of 98th memorial observance marking Armenian Martyrs’ Day, April 28, in the modern-day Turkey. The documentary traces Merrimack Valley. Folk Arts Center Hosts the lives of many orphans who lived through Titled, “Weaving Armenia’s Story Through Music,” the program will include per - the horrors of a war, losing parents and being formances by New England musicians: soprano Knarik Nerkararyan, mezzo soprano Cultural Dance Tour of separated from siblings and shipped to various Victoria Avetisyan and tenor Yeghishe Armenia countries. Manucharyan, accompanied by pianist The documentary also explores the herculean By Tom Vartabedian Levon Hovsepian. The commemoration will take place at STONEHAM, Mass. — The Folk Arts Center task of the American Near East Relief of New England and dancer Tineke van Geel Foundation in saving, feeding and sheltering 3 p.m. at North Andover High School, marked by a memorial service jointly celebrated by pastors from different churches have announced plans for a cultural and dance over 150,000 documented Armenian genocide tour throughout Armenia August 30-September orphans between 1919 and 1926 by setting up throughout the Merrimack Valley, hosting a combined choir led by Paul Ketchoyian, accompanied by Arsen Russian. 10. over 200 temporary and permanent orphan - Van Geel noted, “September is a popular time ages in Historic Armenia, Turkey and through - Admission is free and open to the public. A reception will follow in the school cafe - teria. to visit Armenia. The sky is usually clear out the Middle East. One of these orphanages enough in Yerevan to permit awe-inspiring was built in Gumri, the second largest city in “We’re very fortunate to have attracted three of the more prominent singers any - where,” said Sossy Jeknavorian, chairman of Armenian Genocide Commemorative views of Mt. Ararat.” Armenia, and housed 22,000 orphans. The program consists of dance classes in the Additionally, “Orphans of the Genocide” Committee of Merrimack Valley. “What better way to tell Armenia’s fabled history than through music and song. Our story knows no lyrical boundaries.” morning, taught by local teachers and sightsee - includes interviews with numerous public fig - ing tours and free time to explore Yerevan in ures including British journalist Robert Fisk, Winners of a student essay contest will be presented with awards after reading their essays. the afternoons and evenings. whose article “Living Proof of the Armenian Tour planners recommend a basic knowledge Genocide,” published in 2010 by The The event will also include a design and fundraising update on the $35,000 Genocide memorial planned for Lowell. The project is made possible by donations of dance steps, although non-dancers are wel - Independent, included many of the archival come to join the tour and alternate activities proofs - Armenian-American Dr. Jack Kevorkian, from surrounding communities. “Through voluntary contributions, more than $70,000 has been donated to wor - can be arranged. as well as revealing testimonials from children Tour members will be housed in rooms with of the Armenian Genocide orphans scattered thy charities in Armenia,” replied Jeknavorian. “This remains a tribute to the mem - bers who have served this committee over the past two decades. It isn’t often you two single beds and private bathroom at the around the world. The Armenoid team offers Yerevan State University Foreign Guest House, never-before-seen archival footage weaving sto - see an event attended by four generations.” Nellie Nazarian, the sole remaining Genocide survivor in the Merrimack Valley and close to city center with restaurants, shops and ries of Armenian orphans from around the museums nearby. globe. Southern New Hampshire, will also appear. The 102-year-old Methuen resident has attended previous commemorations and has outlived all her peers. Tour participants will also visit Lake Sevan, Individuals interested in supporting the ancient churches and there will be excursions Armenoid projects can make tax deductible Among the performers, Nerkararyan is a choir director of St. Gregory Church in North Andover. More recently, she gained positive reviews for her role of Kupava in to some of the country’s historic landmarks and donations following the screening or by con - monuments of the Ancient era and Middle tacting director, Bared Maronian at the Rimsky-Korsakov opera, “The Snow Maiden,” with the Lowell Opera Company. Avetisyan has performed throughout the world. She made her debut with the Ages, such as the ruins of Zvartnots Church [email protected]. and the religious center of Armenia, Founded in 2006, Armenoid Productions has Boston Lyric Opera Company, appeared solo at Carnegie Hall and with the Boston Symphony as soloist for Verdi’s Requiem . Echmiadzin. produced numerous award-winning documen - The tour will include visits to villages where taries, among them “Father Komitas,” depict - Manucharyan recently reformed Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis with the Charlotte Symphony, following an appearance with the Metropolitan Opera Society where he folk dances can be witnessed firsthand. ing the lives and deaths of two major Armenian Participants will visit Sasnashen in the north - clergymen’s contributions to the Armenian sang the new production of “Armida” with Renee Fleming. His Carnegie Hall debut was with the Opera Orchestra of New York in Donizetti’s “Anna Bolena.” west part of the country, where descendants of nation and “The Wall of the Genocide,” a poet - Sasounts (Armenians from Sasoun, former west ic tribute to the 5,000 year-old Armenian Hovsepian performs actively and teaches piano at the Powers Music School in Belmont and Keys for Kids in Lexington. He has appeared with the New England Armenia, present Turkish Anatolia) where vil - History starting from the Noah’s Ark resting lagers still dance the dances of their historical upon Mount Ararat to the modern day assassi - Philharmonic and taught master classes at La Corunia Music in Spain. Communities in Greater Haverhill, Lawrence and Lowell will commemorate the area. nation of outspoken Turkish-Armenian editor For travel options and pricing, contact the of Agos weekly newspaper, Hrant Dink. Both Genocide throughout the week with proclamation signings, meetings and flag-rais - ing ceremonies. Folk Arts Center of New England at documentaries were honored with Telly Awards http://www.facone.org/programs/armenianto in 2007 and 2008, respectively. ur.html. Registration closes April 30. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Armenian over the Generations: The Story of the Sultan’s Bookbinder and His Descendants

pay for him to come back home. Department of Labor in which she worked was By Aram Arkun Parunag felt that only in Cairo transferred to New York City, and there she Mirror-Spectator Staff could he be safe from the sultan, so made new friends, including many Chinese he went back to Bulgaria and took girls. While waiting for somebody, she met Dr. his children to Egypt, where he Chao Chen Wang, who was born in Chang NEW YORK — Parunag Gurjian died a poor married again. Wang does not Zhou, in the Jiangsu province of China, and man in Egypt in 1937, leaving a bill outstanding know why Parunag specifically was graduated from Jiao Tung University in at a poor house hospital. His life had also begun important enough to be invited Shanghai, where he studied electrical engineer - humbly, in a fishing village on the sea. However, back, or whether he had done any - ing. He was sent to Harvard University by the Parunag moved to Constantinople and appren - thing to warrant being considered a Chinese government and specialized in ultra - ticed as a bookbinder. His life soon changed for threat to the Ottoman government. high frequency communications. He earned his the better. He ended up living in the upscale Parunag’s son died of tuberculo - doctorate in 1940. neighborhood of Pera, and prospered. In those sis, which he had caught while The two began to see each other and decided days, Seroun Wang, his great-granddaughter attempting to come to the US via to marry. The Armenian Church refused to explains, bookbinders were like jewelers. They Italy. Unfortunately, Italy and the marry them, as did the Cathedral of St. John used gold and precious jewels on bindings, and Ottoman Empire were at war then, the Divine, so they held their service on were highly skilled and sought after. and since he bore an Ottoman pass - January 25, 1947 at St. Bartholomew’s Parunag was even called to the palace by port, he was jailed and got sick. He Episcopal Church in New York, which was more Sultan Abdul Hamid II sometime in the late was sent back to Egypt where he liberal. Dr. Wang had attended services at a 1880s or 1890s, and given the seal of the sul - died. church in China, but only was baptized prior to tan to post over the door of his atelier. This Levon’s older sister Nuritza the marriage. He had worked for RCA and seems like a great honor, but there was a dark (“Nurig”) went to St. George’s Westinghouse. side to it. Abdul Hamid was known as the Austrian School in Constantinople Dr. Wang almost never talked about this “bloody sultan” for his massacres of Armenians. before the moves to Varna and then Parunag Gurjian in Cairo wartime work, but his daughter Seroun was Wang said that Parunag told his children, Cairo, and became an educated told by his friends after he died that President Nuritza and Levon, that “you are called to the young woman. Meanwhile, a man Franklin D. Roosevelt had secretly met with palace once to get the bag of gold, but when named Hovannes Hacdorian [Hovhannes Nuritza and Hovannes with their children him in the White House. She also found out you are invited the second time, you never Khachadurian, also spelled Hackdorian] of took a trip to Varna to live with the former’s earlier that one of his inventions, a type of come home. We have to leave. You get the bag Kharpert had come to the US as a teenager. By aunt, but after a year they left. This may have klystron, may have contributed to ending the of gold but…” the time he reached the age of 30, his older been during the period of the Armenian war by misleading the enemy at night to think Consequently, one day he suddenly took the brother told him he needed to get married, and Genocide or its aftermath. Seroon later related he was shooting at Allied forces instead of his children out for a walk, but instead took a ship suggested he go to Cairo where cultured to her daughter that once they sat on the floor own troops. He later worked for Sperry to Varna, Bulgaria, where there was an aunt Armenians lived. With a letter of introduction, in church and a woman approached her, saying Gyroscope, and then became the founding pres - and uncle. Parunag’s wife had died previously Hovannes met and soon married Nuritza. Back that you think I’m poor because I sit on the ident of the Industrial Technology Research in an accident. The children were placed in a in Philadelphia, they had a daughter, Seroon floor, but look at these coins sewn on my Institute in Hsinchu, Taiwan. French Catholic school, while Parunag went to Anna, in 1906, and a son, Armen, in 1909. clothes — this means I’m rich. After a stop in As reflected in her name, daughter Seroun Boston to see if it could be a suitable place for Hovannes worked in various businesses, includ - Constantinople they went back to the US Mei Mei Wang, the source of the information in their new home. ing men’s clothing stories and shoe stores. His because Hovannes needed a hernia operation. this article, grew up in the US with two ancient Eventually, a Turkish man came to his place father had a big shoe factory in Kharpert, Consequently, they were unable to see Parunag cultures in her family. She found this to be per - and said the sultan wanted to know why he left, which gave him some initial experience in this in Egypt. fectly natural, and pointed out: “Everybody and presented him with a second bag of gold to field. Seroon Anna’s daughter pointed out that at thought that my mother and father were in a the time, the marriage of an Armenian from mixed marriage, but they weren’t. I never Kharpert with one from Istanbul was consid - thought of them as a mixed marriage — unlike ered a mixed marriage, and many did not wel - the Kharpertsi and Bolsetsi marriage of my come it. In fact, before she died, Seroon Anna grandparents.” confessed that the Kharpert side of the family Seroun Mei Mei learned Armenian from her never fully accepted her, in part because she mother and went to Armenian school on spoke standard Western Armenian in the Saturdays in Bethpage, Long Island. She also house. Her attempts to tell jokes in the Kharpert dialect to them failed to bridge the gap. Nonetheless, she instructed her daughter not to speak to Armenians who used the non- standard “gor” ending in Western Armenian. There is a historically inter - esting anecdote (for Armenians at least) related by Hovannes’ granddaughter, Seroun: “In 1933 at the back of my grand - father’s store in Philadelphia there was a meeting of Armenians. My grandfather was busy in the front with busi - ness, or maybe the Armenians there didn’t trust him. Then they came out. A man who left, named Richardson, was wealthy. He manufactured the MUSICALARMENIA pink, green and white mints still seen today in many restau - NUNE NARINE rants, called Richardson Candies. He said, ‘don’t worry, MELIKIAN OJAKHYAN tomorrow everything will be VIOLIN SOPRANO fine.’ The next day they found out that they killed the bishop FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013 AT 8PM in New York.” After that, Hovannes and his family would WEILL RECITAL HALL AT CARNEGIE HALL have nothing to do with mem - Top left, Seroun Wang, right Ani Manichaikul, with Ani’s children bers of the Armenian Zoe and Raffi Revolutionary Federation. TICKETS & INFORMATION: Seroon Anna’s brother, CALL THE BOX OFFICE: 212-247-7800 Armen, served in the Marines and became an took a summer course at Columbia University OR CONTACT THE PRELACY: 212-689-7810 accomplished pianist. He played on cruise ships, years later. Even her father understood [email protected] the Republican Club on Capitol Hill and many Armenian and spoke a little. He also would other clubs. He dated a famous Armenian opera attend Armenian cultural events with his wife, TICKETS: $25 singer for some time, but never married. as well as Armenian Church services. Seroun Seroon Anna went to work for the Federal Mei Mei had tasted her first lahmajun at a PRESENTED BY THE EASTERN PRELACY OF THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF AMERICA & THE PRELACY LADIES GUILD government in Washington, DC, and both her parents eventually died. The division of the see GENERATIONS, page 13 12 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Exhibition of Iconic Portraits Continues at ALMA

WATERTOWN, Mass.— The third-floor graduate of West Point. However, the current Contemporary Art Gallery of the Armenian show also includes iconic figures from the 20th Library and Museum of America (ALMA) is host century such as Helen Keller, Leonard to works by self-taught artist John Berberian. Bernstein, Teddy Roosevelt as well as William He has spent the last 20 years working in pen - Saroyan and Yousuf Karsh. cil and charcoal on a series of portraits of his - Born in Providence, Berberian continues to live

From left, ALMA Trustee Hapet Berberian, John Berberian with his father and brother toric figures, some 30 of which are currently on in the city where his grandparents settled almost 90 view at ALMA. Several are also particularly years ago, arriving after the Genocide from Palu, striking, including President Lincoln, Buffalo Historic Armenia. Berberian’s musician parents Bill Cody in full cowboy regalia and President remodeled an old 1926 Vaudeville theater in James Buchanan Jr. Providence and since 1960 the family has hosted Berberian says that his preferred period is performing arts productions and films. around the Civil War, following the interests of The exhibit opened on March 3 and will be on his German-American maternal grandfather, a display through the end of April. Fresno State to Host Haroutyunian, Bohjalian in Upcoming Lectures

FRESNO — In the first of two upcoming of the Armenian Studies Program, is co-spon - lectures at Fresno State, Dr. Sona sored by the Armenian National Committee Papken Suni Haroutyunian, the 10th Henry S. of America-Central California. The lecture is Khanzadian Kazan Visiting Professor of funded in part by the Leon S. Peters Armenian Studies, will present a talk on “The Foundation and the Bertha and John Theme of the Armenian Genocide in Cinema” Garabedian Foundation. at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. This is The Sandcastle Girls is a novel set in the Agoump final presentation of her three-part series of period of the Armenian Genocide. Bohjalian illustrated public lectures on the theme of is the author of 16 books, including The Armenian American Social Club the Armenian Genocide. Night Strangers, Secrets of Eden, Skeletons Haroutyunian’s third lecture will deal with at the Feast, The Double Bind, Before Your the Italian directors, the Taviani brothers, Know Kindness and Midwives . and their film “Skylark Farm,” a co-produc - Both lectures are free and open to the pub - Hall available for parties tion by Italy, Spain, Belgium, France and the lic. Free parking is available in all campus • European production company Eurimages. parking lots. and functions Her first lecture, February 25, focused on For more information on either lecture, the literary genre as an instrument, which contact the Armenian Studies Program. Catering on site and off, brings greater attention to the historical phe - • nomenon of the Armenian Genocide. Maximum 100 guests Her second lecture, on March 14 explored the power of translation related to the Genocide as an instrument of cultural, his - • Featuring traditional torical, and linguistic interaction. Armenian and Middle Eastern Haroutyunian is a graduate of Yerevan State University, where she received her foods Masters of Arts in pedagogy, philology and literary translation in 1996, and later her PhD in philology. She received her second • Social Club open six PhD in linguistics at the University of Venice, days a week where she has been a professor of Armenian language and literature since 2001. The lecture will take place in the University Business Center, A. Peters Auditorium, on the Fresno State campus. For information on prices, menu The second lecture event scheduled will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m. when and availability, call Manager the university hosts New York Times best - Kevork Boyajian at (617) 921-1415 selling author, Chris Bohjalian, at the Leon Or (617) 924-9678 and Pete Peters Education Center. During Entertainment Fridays the talk, Bohjalian will discuss The and Saturdays Sandcastle Girls , on the occasion of its paperback release. The talk, part of the Spring Lecture Series 76 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING The Story of The Sultan’s C A LENDAR Bookbinder and C A LENDAR His Descendants

GENERATIONS , from page 11 fundraiser in a parking lot which was to be the future site of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. CALIFORNIA When her father was transferred to APRIL 17 — Chapman University hosts “Genocide & the Obligation Massachusetts the family had more frequent to Remember: Elie Wiesel and Richard Hovannisian,” 7 p.m., at interactions with Armenians, some of whom the Wallace All Faiths Chapel. The event will focus on genocide and interestingly spoke Armenian with a Boston the obligation to remember, including preservation of memory, advan - accent. Nonetheless, Armenian remained pri - tages and disadvantages of comparative approaches and relevance to marily a language between Seroun and her today’s students and youth. The dialogue will draw on the life experi - mother. While her father spoke three or four ences of the two writers. Admission is free and open to the public, but Chinese dialects, he primarily spoke English tickets and ID are required for entry. Limited tickets are still available at with his daughter, and in fact spoke very little www.chapman.edu/wiesel-events. Chapman University is located 1 in general. She did hear the Shanghai dialect University Drive, Orange. when he spoke with his former schoolmates, and Mandarin at events connected to his fra - MASSACHUSETTS ternity. Seroun Mei Mei learned Mandarin Chinese by taking classes, and followed up APRIL 7 — Memorial Concer t in Remembrance of the late Dr. before graduating college with a summer ses - Elizabeth Gregory. 2 p.m. Performances by pianists Mariam On April 13, at 7:30 p.m. the Hamazkayin sion at Middlebury College. Nazarian and Ani Hovsepian, tenor Yeghishe Manucharyan, Armenian Educational and Cultural Society There were some difficulties too. Seroun Mezzo Soprano Victoria Avetisyan, and violinist Haig Hovsepian. of Greater Boston will present musician declared: “The Chinese kids all said I was an Armenian Cultural Foundation, 441 Mystic St., Arlington. Free Elena Yerevan, at the Papken Suni Agoump American; and the Armenians called me an and open to public. (Armenian American Social Club) located at odar. I wasn’t accepted with either group. At APRIL 12 — “A Stone/ Bronze Age Settlement in Yerevan,” 76 Bigelow Ave., Watertown. Tickets are the Armenian dance group they gave me the 7:30 p.m. presentation by Vladimir Tshagharyan, director of $20 at the door. nickname of chini.” This was a Tekeyan Cultural Shengavit Archaeological Preserve; Dr. Mitchell Rothman, archae - Association Dance group which met at the pre - ologist, Widener University, Penn; and Dr. Susan Pattie, director of sent Mirror-Spectator headquarters. The Wang Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) Sponsored by APRIL 24 — St. James and St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic family, incidentally, was a regular subscriber to Cambridge Yerevan Sister City Association as part of the Churches together with the Armenian Cultural and Education the Mirror . Cambridge Science Festival in cooperation with ALMA and the Center (ACEC) will host a Commemoration of the Armenian Seroun Mei Mei studied French at Boston National Association of Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR); Genocide on April 24, 6 p.m. The event will begin at St. James for University, and then lived in Taiwan a year, hosted at ALMA, 65 Main St., Watertown. Admission is free. a requiem service, followed by the laying of the wreath at the where she studied Chinese as well as computer APRIL 13 — Milford Public Library hosts annual poetry month Khatchikar in front of the church. A procession will form and march science, probably in 1972-73. Her mother celebration with featured poet Diana Der-Hovanessian, 3 to St. Stephen’s where another wreath will be laid before continu - stayed with her, and then her father came to p.m. before she departs for the International Poetry Festival in ing on to the ACEC where the commemorative program will begin. Taiwan to start up his company, but Seroun Mei Yerevan. Der-Hovanessian will read from Dancing at the The keynote speaker will be Garen Nazarian, Armenia’s ambassador Mei went back to the US after three years and Monastery and Armenian Poetry of Our Time. The event is free to the United Nations. There will also be a musical interlude. ACEC got a job at the Massachusetts Institute of and open to the public. The library is located at 80 Spruce St., is located 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown. Technology (MIT) based on the computer skills Milford. APRIL 28 — The Armenian Genocide Commemorative she had learned in Taiwan. APRIL 13 — Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Committee of Merrimack Valley 98th observance, 3 p.m., She got married like her mother to somebody Society of Greater Boston presents musician Elena Yerevan North Andover High School; musical performance by soloists from China whom she met through her job. Her 7:30 p.m., at the Papken Suni Agoump (Armenian American Knarik Nerkararyan, Victoria Avetisyan and Yeghishe husband was raised in Burma and came to the Social Club) located at 76 Bigelow Ave., Watertown. Tickets are Manucharyan, accompanied by pianist Levon Hovsepyan; com - US for college at Sacramento State, and then $20 at the door. plimentary admission; reception to follow. transferred to MIT. He ended up with four APRIL 19 — Armenian Genocide Commemoration at the State degrees. They had two daughters, Ani and House, 10:30 a.m., House of Representatives Chamber, Mariam Manichaikul, but divorced after seven Massachusetts State House. At noon, participants are invited to NEW HAMPSHIRE years. march from the State House to the Armenian Heritage Park for Seroun Wang worked at the National additional remarks, music and a brown-bag lunch. Keynote APRIL 6 — Spring Dance Featuring Armenian and American Institute of Health and at a pharmaceutical speaker will be former US ambassador to Armenia, John Evans. Music; 7-11 p.m. at the Ararat Armenian Congregational company as a clinical research associate. She Donald Tellalian, architect of the Armenian Heritage Park, will Church, 2 Salem St., Salem. All ages welcome. Tickets $15, avail - taught English as a second language in high receive a joint Senate/House resolution thanking him for his able at the door. For info, email [email protected]. school for many years. She is retired now and efforts. Free buses will leave at 9 a.m. from St. James and St. lives in Chevy Chase, Md. Stephen’s Armenian Churches in Watertown, courtesy of the Dr. Wang taught his grandchildren the names Knights of Vartan. For more information, contact coordinator Free Calendar Submissions of all the parts of the face in Armenian when Lalig Musserian at (617) 319-2651. Beginning in March, the Mirror-Spectator accepts calendar submis - they were little, on a clown. The two girls went APRIL 20 — Genocide commemoration and flag-raising, 10 sions free of charge. Calendar entries of a maximum of five lines can to Armenian school at St. Mary Armenian a.m., Lowell City Hall, sponsored by the Armenian National be submitted to [email protected]; entries exceeding five lines will Apostolic Church in Washington, DC but it was Committee of Merrimack Valley; main speaker, Michelle be subject to charge. We encourage readers and community mem - not that effective for a variety of reasons. The Hagopian, executive director, Armenian National Committee of bers to submit their events so that we may provide readers with a girls made some Armenian friends from Sunday America Eastern Region. Please convene at 9:30 for a march comprehensive calendar of events. school and ballet school though there were rel - downtown atively few Armenians their age. Their mother and grandmother worked hard to get them interested in Armenian culture, and seem to have succeeded. Ani went to Stanford University, where she majored in mathematics and was active in the Armenian student organization. This allowed and mother. Again like the immediately preced - pianists who performed at Peabody. Ani point - Ani Manichaikul agreed about the commit - her to become friends with Armenians not only ing generations of women in her family, Dr. Ani ed out that Armenians despite being few in ment to education, which allowed both sides of from California but from around the globe. She Manichaikul gave Armenian names to two of numbers have contributed a lot to Western her family to encourage her to study and work said, “One thing I could always feel is that the her three children (Raffi, Zoe, and Daron). Her music, and she and her sister had the opportu - hard. She found that both cultures were food- Armenian community is really small, but I husband also took an interest in researching nity to perform some Armenian pieces. centric too. She said, “I think both Armenians found them to be really inclusive. Some cultur - Armenian names. Zoe is also informally called Looking back at her experiences and her fam - and Chinese have diasporan cultures with al groups can be well defined. I found some of Taline at home. ily, Seroun Mei Mei Wang finds many similari - strong ties to their homelands. Many other the groups I identify with culturally say that Ani’s husband teaches the children to speak ties between Armenian and Chinese culture and immigrants will after a few generations feel fully you’re not 100 percent full-blooded and not be Chinese, while Ani encourages the children to society which helped make one understandable Americanized but both Chinese and Armenians accepting — not like the Armenian group.” learn Armenian, as does their grandmother. to the other. For example, when she got to no matter how many generations pass still When she went to Johns Hopkins University The children love the Taline Armenian DVDs know her older aunt in China, she found her strongly identify with their cultural history.” for her doctorate, she organized an Armenian and CDs, which have songs and dances, and quite similar to her mother in her thinking. She Yet, she continued, “being part Chinese and club her last year, though it fell apart after she they play with Armenian alphabet blocks. Ani declares: “Actually, I don’t see any differences part Armenian, I do feel a difference between left. She now works at the Center for Public says that the children really enjoy church too, between Armenian and Chinese culture. the two cultural backgrounds. You can meet Health Genomics and the Division of though it is hard for them to understand what Interactions are the same. They both have the Chinese people everywhere and feel a small Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the is spoken. same social upbringing of children and tradi - bond. But with Armenians I feel an instant con - University of Virginia as an assistant professor. Mariam studied history at Oberlin, and after tional lifestyle. Families are important, with nection because I don’t meet Armenians all that Many of her fellow classmates and colleagues in graduating law school at Rutgers University, everything done together. They both take care often. It is very exciting and I want to share this the sciences were Chinese, and so in 2006 she became a judge in New York and a professor of of old people and don’t send them to nursing part of myself. They tend to be really warm. I ended up marrying Wei Min Chen, a man from law at Cornell/CUNY teaching night classes. homes. Armenians do quarrel a lot, but so do think it is something we are proud of—being China (Wuxue, in Hubei) like her grandmother Both Mariam and Ani were accomplished the Chinese.” part of this smaller group with a rich history.” 14 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Political Tug-of-War in Armenia

He soon realized the satirical parameters to his demand and he By Edmond Y. Azadian toned down his rhetoric; actually, he took the time to show up at Spectator the presidential palace to have a very courteous exchange of ideas with Sargisian. The outcome of the February 18 presidential election is still in It looks like the president’s entourage has determined to kill the dispute. The founder and leader of the Heritage Party, Raffi opposition leader with kindness. Any aggressive demand is met by Hovannisian, continues to challenge the election results. To dra - the administration’s very tolerant approach. Established 1932 matize his campaign, he resorted to his traditional tactic, namely a As a shrewd politician, Hovannisian realizes the president’s patronizing hunger strike. approach to his demands are playing into the hands of the administra - An ADL Publication For a long time, he was not clear on why he had chosen that particu - tion, especially in the eyes of the international political community, for lar kind of protest, to what end or when he would end the hunger strike. whom his public discourse seems to be intended. But finally, during Holy Week, he made it clear that his hunger strike Epistolary demands are being exchanged between the two par - EDITOR would end on Easter Sunday, when he would attend church services with ties. The original demands of the Heritage leader — outright sur - Alin K. Gregorian his family. Therefore, as we go to press, Mr. Hovannisian has resumed his render of power — are being watered down. The demand to open food intake to intensify his campaign. the ballot boxes for a recount was presented after the deadline with - ASSISTANT EDITOR His contention is that President Serge Sargisian’s reelection was out legal due diligence for which Hovannisian has apologized. Gabriella Gage flawed, therefore, he has to transfer power to Hovannisian, or rather His demand for early parliamentary elections in a new format was to “the people.” He has equated himself with the people, which may ASSOCIATE EDITOR turned down. Also his demand to punish five regional governors Aram Arkun be interpreted in two ways: either he is very humble to claim victory was ignored. on behalf of the people or he is conceited enough to think he is the He realized that his maximalist position has been eroding. ART DIRECTOR only candidate who can speak on behalf of the people. Therefore, he has already come to a turning point — either power Marc Mgrditchian Politics abhors a vacuum. When former president Levon Ter- surrender or power sharing — and since the first alternative does Petrosian’s HAK coalition lost its position as a viable opposition not seem realistic, he is opting for the second one. force, all of the discontented groups rallied around Hovannisian. The administration is well disposed to power sharing, but not on SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: As a populist politician, he is conducting a very flexible cam - the terms that the opposition has been demanding. It looks as if the Edmond Azadian paign, having carefully studied the underlying reasons which led to political power play is entering into a period of horse-trading, which Ter-Petrosian’s failure. The former president had cobbled together could wear down the parties and take the wind out of CONTRIBUTORS: a coalition of 18 discontented groups with different ideologies and Hovannisian’s sails. Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, interests. He had rallied those groups around some maximalist Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune Throughout this game, Hovannisian is proving to be an effective Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. demands. and prudent tactician, with his sights set on the next presidential Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der The ultimate goal of HAK (Armenian National Congress) was to election, five years down the road. Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork “dismantle” the “kleptocracy.” He never budged from his extremist In the meantime, upcoming Yerevan municipal elections will pro - Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , position. Additionally, his subordinates used abrasive language, vide a real opportunity for Mr. Hovannisian to make his mark on Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop while he was continuing it in his professorial rhetoric. He has tol - the political scene, especially when five other parties will be clam - Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian erated or even encouraged his supporters in the media to poison oring for victory in those elections. the political atmosphere to the point of no return. He did not allow Should the Heritage Party achieve some impressive results, CORRESPONDENTS: any room for rapprochement or compromise with the authorities, Hovannisian will stay a major player for the long haul. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian who continued to ignore him, while undermining his coalition in an Hovannisian empowered the young and educated masses. Even if Boston - Nancy Kalajian Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian underhanded way. he cannot achieve his goal in the immediate future, he will be cred - Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Eventually HAK disintegrated and its die-hard disciplinarians ited with introducing a new political culture, which in time may were rewarded with six seats in the 131member parliament to yield quantitative results. Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair become a negligible opposition faction. He is also mindful of what degree of power sharing he may Hovsepian On the other hand, Hovannisian has been conducting his cam - achieve. Should he settle for some face-saving positions for himself paign on a more civilized level, some ultimatums not withstanding. and his party members in Armenia’s power structure, he will deny He also began with maximalist demands, asking the reelected pres - Armenia’s political system the benefit of credible opposition. ident to show up at Liberty Square — where he has set up shop — At this time, the tug-of-war is continuing, hopefully with some The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published and turn over the presidency to him. weekly, except two weeks in July, by: positive outcome for Armenia. Baikar Association, Inc. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Telephone: 617-924-4420 FAX: 617-924-2887 Forget the Elephant, Just Look around the Room www.mir rorspectator.com E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com all who we are. ed with a partial group of participants on a vol - For advertising: [email protected] By Gonca Sönmez-Poole And so, at the expense of alienating a few untary basis. The quotes used are from those players out there whose job it is to make or interviewed who have agreed to sign a release break high-level meetings at the top, I want to form, permitting the author to make their Do you know the expression “the elephant advocate for what I believe has the most power words public. SUBSCRIPTION RATES : in the room?” Of course you do. We have all to move us along: connecting one person at a Participant Tsoleen Sarian said, “You know, used it. In fact, the last time I used it myself time. I would like to put forward a whole new just the fact that we’re here is so worthwhile was in an article in this newspaper about a mantra and that is to forget the elephant and to me, just the fact that I’ve gotten this far is U.S.A. $80 a year year ago. look around the room. And no, I do not mean excellent. I am so content and happy and any - Canada $125 a year Whether we call it dialogue, rapprochement, forget the Armenian Genocide or the events of thing is like a bonus, you know because I have “track-two work” or any other method of con - 1915 — but I believe that no fictional symbol now met people and be able to sit around a Other Countries $190 a year flict resolution relating to Armenian-Turkish elephantine can come close to representing table and I’ve never done that before, I’ve relations, we have all used and abused this what genocide is. So let’s forget the tired ele - never even considered I wanted to do that poor elephant, albeit for perfectly valid rea - phant phrase. before…I can’t change other people’s minds, I © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator sons. That is because up until the last few Instead, what I am suggesting is simply can’t explain centuries of history. I can’t do Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA years, the consensus — too easily dictated to us another tool, not among historians, not among that, but if I can learn myself a little bit more and additional mailing offices. all — was this: it is nearly impossible for these diplomats and certainly not among politicians. and if I can grow in my understanding, then two sides (I hate that word “sides”) to come to I suggest the simple tool of asking for each excellent.” ISSN 0004-234X terms in this intractable (I hate that word, too) other’s stories and listening to them. Participant Zeren Earls said, “It seems like POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The conflict unless the Turkish government were I am appealing for all of us in the vast arena an interesting group of women, progressive Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, to officially acknowledge the Armenian of Armenian-Turkish relations to extend a lis - thinkers from different walks of life and creates Watertown, MA 02471-0302 Genocide (and I hate the word “genocide” tening ear and to hear as many stories as we interesting conversation; and to this point, I Other than the editorial, views and opinions more than any other word.) can about each other. I believe it is through haven’t really made an effort to get to know expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eflect the policies of the publisher. Well, I humbly suggest the following sce - those stories that we will learn what makes Armenian people, just because I’m not near nario for all of those holding or participating each of us the unique product of our back - them usually, and this gives an opportunity to in any meeting between any number of grounds, our upbringings, our educations and find out who they are and what they’re doing Turkish and Armenian people: acknowledge our social environments. in an environment that I feel would be useful each other. To make my case, I would like to share with to spend time with.” I have been meeting with a Turkish and you a few snippets of the interviews I have con - Another woman, Ayse Kaya Firat said, “I Armenian group for the past eight months and ducted with some of the participants in the can’t just say ignore the past, you know, jump Copying for other than personal use or the more I talk to them and the more they talk group I started last September. into the future and experience new things; internal reference is prohibited without express permission of the copyright to each other, the more I realize that we do not Following our first meeting, I asked mem - that is not what I’m saying, but I believe we owner. Address requests for reprints or have to speak about the “elephant” in order to bers of Turkish-Armenian Women’s Alliance can be [a] great example for many other con - back issues to: reach beyond the barriers of communication. (TAWA) about their future expectations regard - troversies, you know, between other Baikar Association, Inc. We simply have to acknowledge each other. ing our group. nations…so if that was the goal, a lot of good, 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 We have to acknowledge each and everyone in Please note that no recording device was a lot of goodness can come out of that, right? the room, be curious about each other and used during the off-record meetings with this I’m going beyond Armenians and Turks for want to know something about what makes us group. The separate interviews were conduct - continued on next page S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

“Commercial Activity” and “Expropriation.” Furthermore, since Ottoman citizenship was imposed The federal judge ruled that both of these exceptions did upon native Armenians after their territory was overrun by not apply in this case. She found the banks’ commercial Ottoman armies, Armenians were forced to become the role in the US to be minimal and unrelated to the claimed unwilling subjects of a foreign invader. The judge’s erro - grievances. She ruled that the expropriation exception is neous ruling leads to the absurd and dangerous notion My Turn also not valid because the property was not “taken in vio - that the rights of people under occupation can be violated lation of international law.” without any recourse to international law, once the con - By Harut Sassounian Gee stated that the appropriation of personal property quering nation declares them to be its citizens. contravenes international law if: 1) it does not serve a pub - Gee committed a second serious error when she made lic purpose; 2) it discriminates against or singles out aliens the convoluted argument that expropriation of foreign Federal Judge Wrongfully and 3) the foreign government does not pay compensation. properties could have fallen under the jurisdiction of Dismisses Lawsuit on Armenian Judge Gee held that Armenians were citizens of the her court if carried out in conjunction with acts of geno - Ottoman Empire based on the Law of Nationality of cide, because “genocide violates international law.” Properties in Turkey January 19, 1869, “which treated all persons found within However, she ruled that the Armenian lawsuit does not the Ottoman Empire as Ottoman subjects.” meet the foregoing criteria, because it involves a “polit - Federal Judge Dolly M. Gee, wrongfully claiming lack of According to the judge, this law “remained in effect until ical question” related to foreign policy that falls under jurisdiction, dismissed a lawsuit on March 26, filed by May 23, 1927, when Law No. 1041 stripped Turkish citi - the jurisdiction of the executive and legislative branch - Armenian-Americans demanding compensation from zenship from the Armenians who had fled or were deport - es, not the judiciary. She completely ignored the fact Turkey for confiscating their properties during the ed from the Empire during the events at issue in this law - that the lawsuit was not filed under a claim of genocide, Armenian Genocide. suit.” She concluded: “Legally, Armenians whose property but as a violation of international law that includes Attorneys Berj Boyajian, Mark Geragos, Ara was taken and who were deported from the Ottoman crimes against humanity, but not necessarily genocide. Jabagchourian and Brian Kabateck had filed a class action Empire were citizens at the time.” Apparently, Gee was not aware that the US government lawsuit on July 29, 2010, on behalf of Garbis Davoyan of In making these rulings, Gee made a series of grave fac - on several occasions had recognized the Armenian Los Angeles, Hrayr Turabian of New York City and all tual errors and misapplied the law. Her contention that Genocide, making her argument about the separation of Armenians whose ancestors had real estate holdings in Armenians were Ottoman citizens at the time of the powers completely meaningless. Turkey. Genocide and deportations, and therefore not subject to There is a good possibility that the Federal Court of The grandparents of Davoyan and Turabian owned land US court jurisdiction, is flatly wrong. Appeals will reverse Gee’s baseless and erroneous ruling. near Aintab and Adana. The complaint also charged In a telegram dated September 9, 1915, Minister of The plaintiffs’ lawyers could strengthen their case consid - Turkey’s Central Bank and Ziraat Bankasi of unjust enrich - Interior Talaat issued the following order: “The rights of erably by pointing out some of the factual errors in her rul - ment by benefiting from the proceeds of the confiscated Armenians to live and work on Turkish soil are totally abol - ing, as well as rectifying the shortcomings in their own fil - Armenian properties. ished.” Thus, Talaat had revoked the Armenians’ Ottoman ing. Since the Republic of Turkey and its two major banks citizenship as of September 9, 1915, making them non-cit - Lawsuits against Turkey must be filed with the utmost contended that US courts lacked jurisdiction over foreign izens at the time of the expropriation of their properties. care, preparation and professionalism, since they impact entities due to sovereign immunity, the Armenian plaintiffs This fact alone invalidates the fundamental premise of the the interests of the entire Armenian nation, particularly on argued that the lawsuit should proceed due to two excep - judge’s ruling that the Federal Court has no jurisdiction the eve of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian tions to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA): over Turkey’s expropriation of its citizens’ property. Genocide Forget the Turkey and Armenia at Loggerheads Elephant, Just Kars in Turkey and Gumri in Armenia could ing potential business partners. Linkages By David L. Phillips resume when Turkey opens its border gate. In could also be established between local cham - Look around anticipation, Armenia could begin conforming bers of commerce and mayors with the goal of the country’s Soviet-era railway gauge to establishing sister-city relationships and fos - Turkey and Armenia missed a historic Turkish and European standards. tering trade and investment. The Room opportunity to improve ties when Turkey In addition, Qualifying Industrial Zone Such civil society and private sector initia - refused to ratify the protocols on the (QIZ) could be established to catalyze joint tives have intrinsic value. Moreover, they can from previous page Establishment of Diplomatic and Bilateral enterprises between Turks and Armenians. A also incentivize official diplomacy or serve as God’s sake, let’s go to Africa togeth - Relations signed on October 10, 2009. Rather QIZ is an industrial park and a free-trade a safety net when diplomacy stalls. They are er…let’s change lives there.” than rapprochement, Armenians are now fully zone, which is linked to a free-trade agree - not, however, a substitute for official diploma - These comments came at the outset of mobilized to organize worldwide activities ment with the US. Goods qualify when part - cy. this journey that TAWA began in September commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ners contribute raw material, labor, or manu - There is currently no contact between 2012, and it hasn’t been smooth sailing ever Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2015. facturing. Kazan, an area in Armenia on the Turkish and Armenian officials. While the since. As the person in the middle of the Armenia would never sacrifice gaining greater Turkish border, would be a suitable destina - Turkey-Armenia protocols called for a “dia - process, I needed to not only keep track of global recognition of the Genocide for cross- tion for joint ventures in textile and piece logue on the historical dimension,” the availability of a dozen busy women, but border cooperation with Turks. However, goods manufacturing. Armenians balked when Turkey demanded a I had to listen and recognize their concerns trade can still play a helpful role reducing ten - The QIZ should proceed with steps to relax commission to determine whether the events and their sensitivities between meetings. sions and creating positive of 1915 met the definition of And most important, I had to keep track and momentum in Turkish- genocide. assess the mood and atmosphere of the Armenian relations. Instead of trying to rein - group during and in between our gather - More than a closed border, vent history, Turkey’s Prime ings. The governments of Turkey and Armenia may be at Turks and Armenians are Minister Erdogan can make We did lose one participant due to her divided by different percep - history through an executive heavy work schedule, but twelve of us are loggerheads, but Turks and Armenians are tions of history. More than 1.5 order to open the border and still getting together, determined to carry million Armenians perished normalize travel and trade as on. still engaging in economic diplomacy, working during the final years of the a step toward diplomatic rela - I will leave you with some words from Ottoman Empire between tions. Bolder yet, he could participant, Laura Bilazarian-Purutyan: 1915 and 1923. Turkey dis - on cross-border activities submit the protocols on nor - “I’m an Armenian, I’m a granddaughter putes these facts, referring to the events as restrictions on the surface transport of com - malization and diplomatic relations to the of survivors and I’m coming here. I am “shared suffering.” Turkey has demanded a mercial goods. Armenian trucks are allowed Turkish parliament with his personal endorse - coming here as the granddaughter of joint historical commission to address the to use Turkey as a transit country, but can’t ment for ratification. survivors, and if I understand too deeply “Armenian question.” off-load on Turkish soil. The same holds true With an eye on his legacy, Erdogan could your perspective, do I give up something The political impasse between Turkey and for Turkish trucks transiting through also call for parliament to repeal Article 301 of of my experience? I’m trying to hold on Armenia is compounded by Ankara’s linking Armenia. Trucks should be allowed to transfer the penal code, which makes it a crime to to their experience and honor it, but of relations with Armenia to resolution of the goods destined for markets in the neighboring “denigrate Turkishness” and is used to there is a problem on the table: you conflict in Nagorno-Karabagh where countries, with Turkey and Armenia identified repress the freedom of expression. Repealing know it’s an ongoing problem of lack of Armenians and Azerbaijanis fought a brutal as destinations in the export registry. regressive legislation would make Turks more recognition, and the communities, the war displacing 600,000 people in the early Normalized travel and trade would also free, and also benefit Turkey’s EU aspirations. Armenian community is not grappling 1990s. stimulate the tourist industry. Many Turkey’s moral authority is undermined by with it and the two nations are not grap - The governments of Turkey and Armenia Armenians are coming from Russia to cultur - the government’s denial of the Armenian pling with it. Am I at risk of losing some - may be at loggerheads, but Turks and al sites in Eastern Turkey. Allowing Armenian Genocide. On Remembrance Day, April 24, thing in this conversation…honoring my Armenians are still engaging in economic tourist buses to cross the Turkish-Armenian Erdogan should apologize for what happened grandparents?” diplomacy, working on cross-border activities border would be a windfall for local business. to Armenians during the waning days of the (A TV producer, filmmaker and writer, beneath the radar. Commercial contact Charter flights between the eastern Turkish Ottoman Empire. Reconciling with Armenia Gonca Sönmez-Poole spent two decades involves mostly “suitcase trade” involving con - city of Van and Yerevan would enhance com - would help consolidate Turkey’s role as a working for WCVB-TV’s Chronicle pro - sumer goods transported from Turkey mercial contact and a Turkish Airlines office regional power, as well as a force for good in gram, followed by 13 years managing through Georgia to Armenia. in Yerevan would boost travel. The Ani Bridge the world. her own nonprofit organization. For the But bigger business is possible. Armenia across the Akhurian River, which symbolized past seven years, she has dedicated her could sell surplus electricity to Turkey which the connection between Armenian civilization (This article first appeared on the free time to Armenian-Turkish dialogue needs energy to power its economic boom. and the Anatolian plain, should be restored. Huffington Post on March 26. Phillips is work around Boston. She can be Armenia could also tap into Turkey’s state-of- A useful database is being prepared by the the director of the Program on Peace-build - reached through her personal website the-art fiber optic cable to meet its growing Turkish-Armenian Business Development ing and Rights at Columbia University’s www.goncasp.net.) demand for internet. Railway service between Council profiling opportunities and connect - Institute for the Study of Human Rights.) 16 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 6, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Pageantry of Easter at Holy Echmiadzin

EASTER, from page 1 Armenia; Harutun Khachaduryan, director of The Pontifical Mass was attended by the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film President Serge Sargisian, Parliament Speaker Festival and Armen Mouradian, executive direc - Hovik Abrahamyan, Prime Minister Tigran tor of the Izmirlian Foundation. Sargisian, the President of the Constitutional Assisting the catholicos at the Holy Altar Court Gagik Harutunyan, as well as Members of were Bishop Hovnan Hakobian, Grand Parliament, members of the government, the Sacristan of the Mother See of Holy Supreme Spiritual Council members, represen - Echmiadzin; and Bishop Mushegh Babayan, tatives of diplomatic missions accredited in operations director of the Mother See. Armenia, as well as educational and cultural During the service, the catholicos leaders and other faithful. addressed his message to Armenians The canopy bearers during the Pontifical pro - throughout the world on the occasion of cession were Kamo Hovhannisyan, director of Holy Easter, offering his Pontifical blessings the Spendiaryan State Academic Theater of and proclaiming the good news, “Christ is Opera and Ballet; Shavarsh Kocharian, deputy Risen from the dead! Blessed is the minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Resurrection of Christ.”

The catholicos greeted the faithful.

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II walks out of Echmiadzin, under a canopy, surrounded by young acolytes. Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II celebrates the Pontifical Divine Liturgy. 98th Anniversary Commemoration Arof thme enian Genocide Friday, April 19, 2013, 10:30 am Keynote Speech House of Representatives Chamber • Massachusetts State House Ambassador John Evans

At noon, participants are invited to march to Joint Senate/House the Armenian Heritage Park for additional remarks, music and a brown bag lunch. Resolution Recipient: For more information contact: Senator Will Brownsberger 617-722-1280 Donald Tellalian Representative Jon Hecht 617-722-2140 Architect of the Representative Dave Rogers 617-722-2400 Armenian Heritage Park Representative John Lawn 617-722-2304 Lalig Musserian, Coordinator 617-319-2651

Buses will be leaving at 9:00 am from St. James and St. Stephen’s Churches (Buses generously provided by the Knights of Vartan)