California State University, Fresno Armenian Studies Program Non-Profit and Armenian Students Organization U.S. Postage 5245 N. Backer Ave. M/S PB 4 PAID Fresno, CA 93740-8001 Permit No. 262 Change Service Requested FRESNO, CA HYE SHARZHOOM Armenian Action nd ՀԱՅ ՇԱՐԺՈՒՄ 42 Year October 2020 Vol. 42, No. 1 (151) Ethnic Supplement to The Collegian Dr. Joseph I. Castro Chosen as Artsakh Attacked by Azerbaijan on Sept. 27 Eighth Chancellor of the CSU Azerbaijan Targets Civilians and Churches native and first Mexican American to be appointed to oversee the 23-campus system. Castro will succeed Timothy P. White who is retiring after leading the university since late 2012. “The California State University provides unprecedented and transformational opportunities for students from all backgrounds to earn a high-quality college degree and to better their families, their Dr. Joseph I. Castro communities and the industries in Photo: ASP Archive which they become leaders. There CSU Public Affairs is no other institution that makes Department and News Sources this great of an impact on the entire state – the CSU is key to a The California State University growing and thriving California,” (CSU) Board of Trustees has said Castro. “I am truly grateful appointed Joseph I. Castro, Ph.D., for and excited about this unique to serve as the eight Chancellor and wonderful opportunity, and of the California State University I look forward to working with system. Castro has served as the the talented faculty, staff and The 19th century Holy Savior (Ghazanchetsots) Cathedral in Shushi was damaged in an eighth president of California presidents of the 23 campuses Azeri attack on October 8. The Cathedral is the seat of the Armenian Diocese of Artsakh. State University, Fresno since Staff Report 2013. He is the first California See Castro, Page 3 The Republic of Artsakh was The First Republic of Armenia attacked on September 27 by regular forces of the Republic Published by Armenian Series of Azerbaijan. The self-defense Staff Report forces of Artsakh repelled the Azeri forces in a series of clashes The Armenian Series of which lasted from September The Press at California State 27-October 9. Armenians from University, Fresno announces the throughout the world have publication of The First Republic assisted in the self-defense of the of Armenia (1918-1920) on its country. Many consider the Azeri Centenary: Politics, Gender, and aggression as a continuation of the Diplomacy, edited by Dr. Bedross Pan-Turkist policies of Ottoman Der Matossian and with a preface Turkey which led to the Armenian by Dr. Richard G. Hovannisian. Genocide of 1915. Turkey has A view of the interior of the Holy Savior Cathedral after the The book is the second in the newly assisted Azerbaijan in the current October 8 attack. Photo: ASP Archive launched Society for Armenian conflict by providing military The Republic of Artsakh Union. Artsakh is historically Studies (SAS) Publication Series aid and planning. They have also declared its independence on part of Armenia, constituting the published as part of the Armenian hired Syrian Arab mercenaries to September 2, 1991, in the midst fight in the war. of the dissolution of the Soviet See Artsakh Page 7 See First Republic page 8 Dr. Ohannes Kılıçdağı Named as AGBU Greater Fresno Chapter Establishes $25,000 17th Kazan Visiting Professor Endowed Scholarship Fund to Benefit Students in Istanbul, where he completed Staff Report a Ph.D. titled “Socio-Political Reflections and Expectations of The Greater Fresno Chapter of the Ottoman Armenians after the the Armenian General Benevolent 1908 Revolution: Between Hope Union (AGBU) has donated and Despair.” $25,000 to Fresno State to Dr. Kılıçdağı was born and establish an endowed scholarship raised in Istanbul as a member fund in the Armenian Studies of the Armenian community. His Program. The scholarship will parents were born in a village benefit students who enroll in near the city of Sepastia and Armenian and Armenian Studies Photo: ASP Archive Photo: ASP he is a graduate of Getronagan courses at Fresno State. Dr. Ohannes Kılıçdağı Armenian High School (Azkayin The Chapter Executive Staff Report Varjaran), where he has continued Committee members are: Zaroohi to participate in cultural activities. Der Mugrdechian, Charles Dr. Ohannes Kılıçdağı has been Dr. Kılıçdağı has been a col- Jamgotchian, Sylva Guluzian, named as the 17th Kazan Visiting umnist of Agos newspaper in Karoun Boyadjian and Zohrab Professor in Armenian Studies for Istanbul since 2011. Agos is a tri- Archive Photo: ASP Atarian. the Fall 2020 semester at Fresno lingual newspaper established by Left to right: AGBU Executive members Karoun Boyadjian, In 1985, there were two State. Dr. Kılıçdağı is a 2014 Zohrab Atarian, Sylva Guluzian, Charles Jamgotchian, and graduate of Boğaziçi University See Kılıçdağı Page 8 Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian. See AGBU Page 2 2 Hye Sharzhoom October 2020 Armenian Studies Program California State University, Fresno Book/Video/CD Archival Gifts Armenian Studies Program Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Prof. Sergio La Porta, and the Armenian Studies Program would like to thank the donors, authors, and publishers for the following books, periodicals, videos, Spring 2021 Schedule of Courses and archival gifts, either offered personally, or to the Program. Course Units Time Day Instructor Armenian International Women’s Association, Watertown, MA, General Education-Breadth, Humanities, Area C2 Mayda: Echoes of Protest for a copy of (Watertown, MA: AIWA • Arm 1B-Elementary Armenian 4 10:00A-11:50A MW B. Der Mugrdechian Press, 2020), 169pp., in English. This is an English translation of Srpuhi Dussap’s work, first published in Constantinople in 1883. (Class #32415) Virtual Synchronous This pioneering feminist novel represents one of the first books to • Arm 2A-Intermediate Armenian 3 3:30P-4:45P TuTh B. Der Mugrdechian promote gender equality and has been translated into English for (Class #36670) Virtual Synchronous the first time. General Education-Breadth, Arts, Area C1 Sarky Mouradyan, Sarky Glendale, CA, for a copy of the book • ArmS 20-Arts of Armenia 3 11:00A-12:15P TuTh B. Der Mugrdechian Mouradyan’s Songs, Poetry, and Movies, edited by Martin Shirinyan (Glendale, Ca: 2018), 196pp., in Armenian. (Class #33318) Virtual Synchronous Priscilla L. Partridge, M.S., Watsonville, CA, for a copy of her book General Education-Breadth, Area D3 The Humanitarian Gene 1891-1922: Letters and Diaries by Ernest • ArmS 10-Intro Arm Studies 3 9:00A-09:50A MWF H. Ohanessian C. Partridge, Winona G. Partridge, Mary L. Graffam, Edward G. (Class #33595) Virtual Synchronous Partridge (Oak Hollow Press, 2017), 410pp., in English. The book General Education-Integration, Area IC follows the story of two New York and New England families, the Partridges and the Graffams, whose letters and diaries spanning • Arm 148-Mastrpcs Arm Cult 3 2:00P-3:15P MW H. Ohanessian the years 1891-1922 focus on their humanitarian efforts to help the (Class #33399) Virtual Synchronous Armenian people after World War I. • Arm 148-Mastrpcs Arm Cult 3 2:00P-3:15P TuTh H. Ohanessian Robert Sarkissian, Severn, MD, for a copy of Legacy of an Author: (Class #33732) Virtual Synchronous Posthumous Poems by Helene Pilibosian (Watertown, MA: Ohan Upper Division Armenian Studies Course Press, 2019), 360pp., in English. Dr. Vahram L. Shemmassian, California State University, Northridge, • ArmS 108B-Arm History II 3 9:30A-10:45A TuTh B. Der Mugrdechian for a copy of his book, The Musa Dagh Armenians: A Socioeconomic (Class #32414) Virtual Synchronous and Cultural History, 1919-1939 (Beirut: Haigazian University Press, 2015), 376pp., in English. A comprehensive history of the Get a Minor in Armenian Studies. Musa Dagh Armenians after their heroic defense in 1915. For more information call the Armenian Studies Program at 278-2669. Makoto Ueda, Tokyo, Japan, for a copy of the occasional paper “Regional States and the Identities of Overseas People,” published Check on requirements for the Minor in Armenian Studies in the current catalog. by the Centre for Asian Area Studies of Rikkyo University (2019), http://www.fresnostate.edu/catalog/subjects/armenian-studies/armenia-mn.html which includes an article by Shinji Shigematsu on “An Armenian Maritime Merchant in Modern Japan: The Apcar and Company and the Foreign Settlements in Kobe and Yokohama,” pp. 13-40, in English. HYE SHARZHOOM AGBU, From Page 1 highlighting the talents of scholarship funds available for Valley participants in painting, ՀԱՅ ՇԱՐԺՈՒՄ Fresno State students, and over sculpture, poetry, and short the last thirty-five years that stories. They have participated Editor Staff Writers number has now grown to thirty- in the ClovisFest International Andrew Hagopian Arshak Abelyan four scholarship funds. Thanks to Village representing Armenia. Sosse Ann Baloian the donors, Fresno State students The Chapter brings drama Layout today annually receive more than presentations from Los Angeles Barlow Der Mugrdechian Christine Pambukyan $75,000 in scholarships. to entertain community members, Carina Tokatian When the Western District as well as producing their own Photographers Dustin Vartanian of the AGBU was established drama productions. For many Andrew Hagopian in 1916, the headquarters was years, the Chapter has organized in Fresno where the largest and offered Western and Eastern Barlow Der Mugrdechian population of Armenians resided Armenian language classes for in California. For decades, children and adults. Advisor until the 1960’s, the Fresno Established in 1906 the AGBU was a focal point for Armenian General Benevolent Barlow Der Mugrdechian Armenians in California. They Union (AGBU) is the largest [email protected] organized picnics by the Kings Armenian non-profit organization River, cultural activities, and in the world, offering an Armenian Studies Program Faculty: civic events. When the District array of programs designed to Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Berberian Coordinator, Armenian Studies Program and Headquarters was eventually help Armenians excel in life, moved to Los Angeles, area personally, professionally and as Director of the Center for Armenian Studies, ASO Advisor, Hye Sharzhoom Advisor members continued to organize global citizens. ([email protected]) and sponsor a myriad of activities. The mission of the AGBU Sergio La Porta, Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies, The Greater Fresno Chapter is to preserve and promote the Interim Associate Dean, College of Arts & Humanities cosponsors musical concerts, Armenian heritage through Hagop Ohanessian, Lecturer, Armenian Studies Program educational lectures and worldwide educational, cultural, has organized Art Festivals and humanitarian programs. Dickran Kouymjian, Berberian Professor Emeritus of Armenian Studies Give Your Way Who are You? Hye Sharzhoom is an ethnic supplement of The Colle- Sosse Ann Baloian to the Armenian gian and is the newspaper of the Fresno State Armenian Ո՞վ էք։ Studies Program Students Organization and the Armenian Studies Pro- Who are you? gram and is funded by the Associated Students. Articles There are many may be reprinted provided Hye Sharzhoom is acknowl-

Հաճիս, ինծի լսէք։ ways to support edged. Hye Sharzhoom welcomes prose, poetry, articles Please listen to me. the Armenian and other material from its student readers. For further Ի՞նչ է ձեր դերը այս աշխարհին մէջ։ Studies Program. information concerning the newspaper or the Armenian What is your place in this world? Studies Program contact us at:

Այդ հարցումը ձեզի եւ Աստուծոյ համար է։ 1) A gift today could come Armenian Studies Program That question is for you and God. through the donation of 5245 N. Backer Ave. PB4 cash, stock, or goods. Fresno, CA 93740-8001

Դուք միայնակ չէք։ 2) The Armenian Studies Telephone 559.278.2669 You are not alone. Program can also be sup- www.fresnostate.edu/armenianstudies Փնտռէք անոնք որոնք ձեզի հետ պիտի քալեն։ ported in the future in es- [email protected] Seek those who will walk with you. tate plans. October 2020 Hye Sharzhoom 3 City Lamentation: A Unifying Dr. Kılıçdağı Discusses Debate Over Conscription Tradition Among Ancient Cultures of Armenians into the Ottoman Army after 1908 Arshak Abelyan Staff Writer

The conscription of Christians and other non-Muslims in the Ottoman Empire had been a topic of consistent debate within the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following the restoration of the constitutional regime in July 1908, Armenians were optimistic of this new push for equality in Ottoman society. “One of the important requirements of this political Dr. Tamar Boyadjian presented a Zoom webinar on “The equality was to be conscripted. In City Lament” on September 24. Photo: ASP Archive other words, extension of military service to all, not only Muslims, Christine Pambukyan War. The play tells the story was a necessity and indicator of Archive Photo: ASP Staff Writer of the capture of Melos, an equality,” stated Dr. Ohannes Kazan Visiting Professor Dr. Ohannes Kılıçdağı Aegean island, as four Trojan Kılıçdağı. exemption tax that Armenians from parliament deputy, Krikor Dr. Tamar M. Boyadjian, women lament the loss of Troy. As the 17th Kazan visiting and other non-Muslims were Zohrab, who empathized with the Associate Professor of Medieval Furthermore, Homer’s Odyssey professor in the Armenian still liable for. “This military Armenian population and stated Literature at Michigan State also acts as a lamentation for the Studies Program during the Fall exemption tax had been paid not that, “Learning to live together University, teaches poetry and city of Troy. 2020 semester, Dr. Kılıçdağı only by those at the age of active requires dying together.” translation courses. Along with “Lamentation was an un- presented a lecture on the topic duty, but by all males until up On July 12, 1909, the Ottoman her teaching, Dr. Boyadjian is also questionable part of the ancient of “‘Living Together Requires to seventy years old,” said Dr. parliament decided to abrogate the an active scholar and wrote an ritual culture, particularly in the Dying Together’: Conscription Kılıçdağı. military exemption tax, allowing award-winning book titled, The sharing of community grief,” of Armenians into the Ottoman Dr. Kılıçdağı’s research Armenians to be conscripted. City of Lament: Jerusalem Across stated Dr. Boyadjian. Females Army after the 1908 Revolution.” focuses more on the details According to one of the sources the Medieval Mediterranean in who conducted the rituals acted as When describing his motives in of Armenian attitudes toward that Dr. Kılıçdağı quoted in his 2018. intercessors between the material studying this topic, Dr. Kılıçdağı conscription. He stated that lecture, “We are no longer reaya, On Thursday, September 24, and spiritual worlds. Their loud stated, “My Ph.D. dissertation was the Armenian people and their we are not any more gavours, or 2020, Dr. Boyadjian evaluated cries and self-lacerations were about this second revolutionary political leaders had “emerged [only] tax-payer either. We are how different cultures across often performed at funerals period of the Ottoman Empire and as the staunchest and strongest also children of this land, it is the Medieval Mediterranean and imbued emotions to those to understand that period and the supporters” of the extension of also our fatherland, since we are lamented the loss of Jerusalem around them. These rituals were Armenians, I examined dozens of military service to Christians. ready to sacrifice our blood to the through a virtual Zoom pre- conducted by many cultures, journals, and this issue frequently He presented two factors that last drop for the goodness of the sentation of her book, The City including the Hittites and the and continuously showed up in supported these attitudes. The country.” While many Armenians Lament. Romans. Also, men of Sumeria newspapers and in debates.” He first had to do with ideological celebrated, there were still a Dr. Boyadjian began her and Athens would dress as added that military service was reasons and the second had to group of Armenians who had presentation by reciting a females to perform lamentations something he had to focus on to do with economic reasons. As an some fears and apprehensions creatively formatted poem as an outlet for expressing their fully understand the failures that example of an ideological reason of these newly founded changes, she wrote in Modern Western emotions. took place amid transformation, for their support for conscription, according to Dr. Kılıçdağı. Such Armenian titled, “Kentron.” She Dr. Boyadjian then explained that is from a hierarchical society Armenians “contended that their examples are, and not limited to: explained that during the time how the view and treatment of to an egalitarian society in the exclusion from military service unpredictable treatment of non- of the Crusades, Jerusalem was city lamentation evolved in the Ottoman Empire. would mean the persistence Muslims like themselves by their a city that fell under the control Monotheistic world. Over time, Dr. Kılıçdağı argues that of their secondary status or commanders and peers, the long of many different cultures. As lamentation began to be viewed prior to 1908-1909, Ottoman second-class citizenship,” said years spent away from family and a result, members of various as a threat to the patriarchal bureaucracy was divided into Dr. Kılıçdağı. As for economic home life, and the possibility of traditions, including Arabo- roles in society and began to be camps: one of which supported reasons, the military service being forced to convert to Islam. Islamic, Cilician-Armenian, and prohibited by ancient societies. the conscription of Christians and exemption tax had simply become “I think one of the obvious the Latin West, produced written The Latin Church and the Arabo- other non-Muslims. On the other a burden for the Armenian people. conclusions of this account is that lamentations to mourn the loss of Islamic Tradition condemned la- hand, opposition to conscription The Armenian people dis- Armenian political leadership, Jerusalem. mentation. This is reflected by the had dominated Ottoman politics played this displeasure by both civil and cleric political “These lamentations modeled lack of lamentations translated in the period of the 19th century. sending telegrams to their leadership, made their political their compositions on ancient from the new and old testaments It was evident that much would religious and political leaders. investment in the Ottoman Mesopotamian city laments; of the Bible. Lastly, the role of not change under the conservative Thousands gathered in cities such state after 1908,” says Dr. specifically Akkadian, Sumero- city lamentation for the Eastern camp until the early 20th century. as Kharpert and Sivas where they Kılıçdağı. With strong support Akkadian, and other Jewish Christian Church, specifically In 1856, the traditional Islamic demanded their own conscription for conscription, Armenians had concepts of mourning the loss for the Armenians, evolved into a tax that was collected from non- through demonstrations. Such unintentionally placed their own of cities,” stated Dr. Boyadjian. form of hymns and psalms sung Muslim subjects, called the jizya, news had even reached into the families, communities, and future Through their lamentations, each by the church. The priests took was abolished. Dr. Kılıçdağı halls of the Ottoman parliament in the hands of those, who would culture was able to further their on the role of mediums between argued that the Jizya tax had not where opposition to the idea later lay the framework for the reconquering of the Holy City the material and spiritual world truly been abolished, rather it of Armenian conscription had mass annihilation of their own by imagining how they desired and songs were sung to mourn was transformed into a military diminished. A strong voice came compatriots. Jerusalem to look geographically the loss of cities, kingdoms, and astro rom age to become a national leader holding a variety of leadership and feel spiritually. C , F P 1 people throughout Armenia’s as well the Board of Trustees in recruiting, supporting and positions culminating in roles Then, Dr. Boyadjian explained long and tragic history. and executives and staff at the graduating students from diverse of Vice Chancellor of Student the origin and common attributes Dr. Boyadjian concluded her Chancellor’s Office to further backgrounds. Academic Affairs and Professor of of city lamentation and why lecture by reciting an English increase achievement for our Fresno State is routinely Family and Community Medicine city lamentation rituals were translation of her poem, “And if 482,000 students.” among the top public colleges in at the UC, San Francisco. conducted by female members of you reap it, you will create; you Castro has had a close rankings issued by Washington Castro was born in Hanford, society. City laments originated birth it, it guides you. Isn’t that connection to the Armenian Monthly, U.S. News and World California. He is the grandson in ancient Mesopotamia and the center? And if it moves or community in the San Joaquin Report and Money Magazine of immigrants from Mexico, son within the Mediterranean world. changes a ray of light, is it possible Valley. Under his leadership an for its efforts to enhance student of a single mother, and the first An example of a city lament is to know where the center is? And Armenian Genocide Monument, achievement as measured by in his family to graduate from a the “Lament for Ur,” a Sumerian if you go, you will return. It’s the only such Monument on a graduation rates and social university. lament composed to mourn the lasting. Would you have wanted University campus in the United mobility. He received his bachelor’s in loss of the city-state Ur to the to know, is this the center? And if states, was constructed on Castro is a respected scholar political science and a master’s in Elamites in 2,000 BCE. Another you forget, you’ll remember; it’s campus in 2015. Castro appointed in the fields of higher education public policy from the University example is the Akkadian epic eternal. Would you have asked, a President’s Armenian Advisory leadership and public policy of California, Berkeley and a poem, “Epic of Gilgamesh,” ‘Are you the center?’” Council in 2017. He has attended and has mentored many other Ph.D. in higher education policy which includes references to A recording of this lecture, each Armenian Studies Annual university presidents and other and leadership from Stanford the lamenting people of Uruk along with other lectures of Banquet, and has been a strong senior officers across the nation University. along with Gilgamesh. Also, in this semester, can be found supporter of the University’s over the course of his career. Castro and his wife, Mary, Europides’ tragedy, “Troidus,” on the Armenian Studies Armenian Studies Program. Prior to joining Fresno State, have three children (Isaac, Lauren which was produced in 415 YouTube channel: bit.ly/ As president of Fresno Castro served for 23 years in the and Jess). He will begin his duties BCE, during the Peloponnesian armenianstudiesyoutube. State, Castro led the university University of Calilfornia system, as Chancellor on January 4, 2021. 4 Hye Sharzhoom October 2020 Armenian Students Organization Elects New MFA Creative Writing Graduate Officers for the 2020-2021 Academic Year Jack Chavoor Writes Thesis on Tell us something interesting opportunity to get involved with about yourself. the Armenian community. I Ghosts of the Genocide I have played the piano for wanted to be an ASO executive teaching as inspiration for his fourteen years! For me, it has officer to get involved and meet writing. Still, midway through become very fun and a neat way new Armenians. the Program, Chavoor revealed to preserve my culture by learning What would you like to how he was “tired and stuck.” music by Armenian composers. accomplish as an officer? It was during this period that he It is fair to say that this was reminded of the photo his past year has been a difficult daughter, Kathleen, captured adjustment for many. Therefore, on his first day of school. He as an officer I hope to bring a thought to himself, “I can’t sense of normalcy to students quit. She took that picture.” Dustin Vartanian through our virtual events. I also Therefore, he decided to begin President hope to bring awareness and aid Archive Photo: ASP experimenting over the summer Jack Chavoor to Armenia and Artsakh during with writing short vignettes about What would you like to these tough times. Carina Tokatian his Armenian experiences. After accomplish as an officer? What impact has ASO had on Staff Writer returning to school and receiving I want our members to your college career? positive feedback from his feel how I did when I first got ASO has allowed me to meet “The ghosts, the people from classmates, he decided to travel involved in ASO. When I first Kara Statler people who have become my our Armenian past, the things down this new road. got involved, I established a great Secretary closest friends and has given me they endured, the unprecedented Chavoor acknowledged group of friends and I always the opportunity to connect with suffering and losses they bore, as writers such as Nerses Sarian, looked forward to every event we Why did you want to be an ASO many other like-minded, driven well as their will to overcome— Abraham Hartunian, Peter had. My goal is to make everyone Executive Officer? Armenians. I hope to give the all of that shaped our outlook and Balakian and Mark Arax as some feel as welcomed as I was. I have loved being a part of same opportunity to our new our lives” stated Jack Chavoor, of the major Armenian authors What impact has ASO had on ASO and the Armenian Studies members this year. a May 2020 graduate of Fresno he was influenced by. He also your college career? Program, and I wanted to be a State’s MFA Creative Writing enjoyed reading the works of ASO gave me instant friends part of it again. I have been an Program. William Saroyan. “Reading when I first came to Fresno State. executive officer in prior years Since the very beginning of Saroyan is like a favorite uncle I went to the first ASO event the and it has been such a blessing to his thesis, Chavoor decided to sitting next to you, telling stories, year I transferred to Fresno State be a part of the executive. compile all his essays under the stated Chavoor. “That was my and I have had the same core What would you like to title, Ghosts of the Genocide. model: a relaxed, conversational group of friends ever since and accomplish as an officer? He selected this name because narrative.”On the other hand, I continue to meet new friends I would like to be able to bring he felt that the “ghosts,” there are some aspects of his every semester. We have all Armenian students together, even Armenians’ ancestors and the writing that distinguish his style gotten so close it feels like we are if it is only virtual for the time trials and successes they faced, from Saroyan’s. For example, family. ASO has really been the being. ASO is such an amazing have impacted their descendants. Chavoor’s stories are better heart of my college experience. place to make friendships and I However, the title does not labeled as essays and contain a Tell us something interesting want to ensure that for the new Suzanna Ekmekchyan necessarily mean that each of his variation of both short fragments about yourself. and current members there will Public Relations essays pivot around the theme of and developed stories. Some of I have three nicknames always be a place for them. the Genocide. Instead, Chavoor these essays maintain storylines: Dust, Dusty, and Poshee. I What impact has ASO had on What would you like to believes that “the thesis begins incidents from his childhood, his love wearing a large red wig to your college career? accomplish as an officer? in the United States with the father’s sayings, or family stories Fresno State Basketball games. ASO has helped me in so many Even during these difficult question, ‘What are you?’ and that have been passed on for I played baseball at College of ways. I have met some of my best times, I hope to stress the ends in Armenia with the words, generations. Other essays of his the Sequoias in Visalia before friends, been able to do things I importance of making connections ‘Hos em. I am here.’” are plotless. They may reference transferring to Fresno State. would not normally have done, with my peers in order to make Prior to his enrollment in the events in Armenian and Assyrian I really enjoy working on an and it helped me become more in them feel like they are a part of MFA Program, Chavoor was history such as Queen Semiramis almond farm in Fowler. touch with my family’s culture. something meaningful and that an English teacher at Roosevelt of Assyria or the ancient It is such an amazing group of they are not alone during these High School for thirty years. Armenian city of Ani. ‘Who we people and I think that everyone isolating times. He acknowledged his Assyrian- are, after all,” surmised Chavoor, should come to an ASO event at What impact has ASO had on Armenian heritage as part of “is a collection of experiences, least once. your college career? the reason he initially decided stories, things we believe and ASO has given me so to study English. “My family things we learn along the way.” many amazing friends and and Armenians in general are Chavoor grew up in a diverse provided me with the most storytellers,” said Chavoor. mixture of cultures, all of which memorable experiences that I “So, what is an English major? have influenced his writing. could have ever wanted during Reading, writing, and talking After once being told by his my college experience. All the about stories. This was very father that he is 75% Assyrian, while emphasizing my love for appealing to me.” 25% Armenian, and 100% Armenian culture, we were able After retiring, Chavoor had American, Chavoor commented, to get together, plan amazing thought of taking some writing “Now, Dad was good at math; Ariana Garabedian events, and share lots of laughs. or photography classes or trying he was an accountant. And these another educational outlet. But numbers don’t work, but they Vice-President Tell us something interesting about yourself. his friend and former colleague are accurate.” In many ways, Why did you want to be an ASO Tatiana Samouie I am very involved with the from Roosevelt High School, Chavoor was quite immersed Executive Officer? Treasurer Armenian culture. Aside from Megan Bohigian, encouraged in the American culture—its I wanted to be an officer because school, one of my favorite things him to enroll in the MFA program language, food, music, sports, it gives me the opportunity to meet Why did you want to be an ASO to do is Armenian dance. I love at Fresno State. After meeting and literature. As for his Assyrian new Armenians at Fresno State Executive Officer? teaching children traditional one of the program professors, identity, Chavoor could look to and coordinate events to keep As a part of the ASO executive Armenian dances and the John Hales, Chavoor grew his paternal family including his everyone involved, especially committee, I have another meanings behind them. confident in his own desire to grandfather, Jacob Chavoor, one during this time. join the program. Hales was of the founding members of the What impact has ASO had on Visit us at not Chavoor’s only influential Assyrian Benevolent Association of Los Angeles. And when it your college career? hyesharzhoom.com teacher, however, as he praised all ASO has had a huge impact his MFA instructors, emphasizing came being an Armenian, he had on my college career so far. The how “the professors that I had in acquired a deeper cultural identity largest impact is through all of the the Program were not just highly as he began surrounding himself new people I have met. Through skilled and knowledgeable, but with Armenian friends at church the ASO I have made many new personable and encouraging as as a teenager. well.”The MFA program was Chavoor admitted that “My Fresno State student Sarkis Tatarian. friends and gotten back in touch with old friends! by no means a simple three- grandmothers and great-aunts and What kind of response do you year process, however. Chavoor uncles did not talk to me and my hope to get from the members? decided to take things slow and siblings, and our cousins about the By planning new virtual space out his classes over five Turks or the Genocide very much.” events I hope that more students years, so that he could also enjoy While Chavoor had fortunately will want to get involved and will his retirement. In the beginning, grown up knowing his great- continue to help the organization Chavoor turned to his journals See Chavoor Page 6 grow. from high school, college, and October 2020 Hye Sharzhoom 5 Dr. Christina Maranci Discusses Keljik’s Armenian-American Sketches: Stories of New Finds at the Cathedral of Ani Armenians in the Early 20th c. Subject of Panel to St. Paul, Minnesota where he established his own oriental rug business. This business was eventually passed down through one of Keljik’s three offspring, Emerson Keljik, and is currently owned by the third generation of Keljiks. “His own story was at least as colorful as any of his fictional characters,” stated Matossian. In addition to all the other colorful titles that Keljik had acquired, Photo: ASP Archive Photo: ASP translator and writer were added Top row, left to right: Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Dr. Lou to his list. Keljik was not the Ann Matossian, Marc Mamigonian. Bottom row, left to right: only one, however, who had a Dr. Christina Maranci spoke on her new research on the Dr. Vartan Matiossian and Christopher Atamian. 11th century Cathedral of Ani. passion for writing. His brother, Carina Tokatian and Research (NAASR), the Krikor Keljik, and nephew, made up of more than justwalls, Staff Writer Armenian Cultural Organization Vahan Totovents, shared in this Sosse Ann Baloian piers, and vaults. Dr. Maranci of Minnesota (ACOM), and the passion. Keljik was also involved Staff Writer highlighted the importance of “Observe your surroundings Society for Armenian Studies with an Armenian literary society inscriptions, sculpture, wall before looking afar” was the (SAS). during his time in Boston. It The Armenian Studies Program painting, written texts, and sagacious advice that Armenian- Armenian-American Sketches is through this group that he kicked off its first Zoom lecture archaeology discovered at the American writer Bedros Keljik is the eighth volume in the became acquainted with woman’s in the Armenian Studies Program Cathedral of Ani. recalled his schoolteacher, Armenian Series of The Press suffragist Alice Stone Blackwell. Fall Lecture Series on Thursday, Inscriptions convey more than Hovhanness Tlgadinsti, imparting at California State University, Ohannes Chatschumian, a good September 3, 2020 by welcoming a record of dates and people. They to his students. In his Armenian- Fresno. Prof. Barlow Der friend of Blackwell’s, was Dr. Christina Maranci to discuss are able to reveal social relations American Sketches (Amerigahay Mugrdechian of the Armenian responsible for introducing her her artistic interpretations of the and theological positions during Badgerner), Keljik’s writing Studies Program is the editor of to this society, and the two of Cathedral of Ani, in a talk entitled the time period. stands as a manifestation of the Armenian Series. them began translating some “Ani Cathedral, Its Sculpture, According to Dr. Maranci, this maxim; he invites his Matossian began the Armenian poetry into English. and Its Inscriptions Revisited.” there are about six synchronistic readers to enter the vivid culture discussion with a biographical Unfortunately, Chatschumian Dr. Maranci acknowledged that dates that can be identified on surrounding his experiences as an account of Keljik’s life. Bedros passed away without finishing her research is ongoing and the Ani Cathedral: Armenian Armenian-American. Arakel Keljik was born in the the project, so Keljik took she encouraged students to “be era, Era of the Romans, Islamic On Sunday, September 27 region of Kharpert, also known as Chatschumian’s place and helped curious because you never know era (Hijri date), Creation, Year the Armenian Studies Program Harput, in 1874. It was his school Blackwell with the translations. what you are going to find.” of Incarnation of Christ, Year invited co-editors Christopher principal and teacher Hovhannes Matossian noted how the She stressed the importance of of Christianization of Armenia, Atamian, Dr. Lou Ann Matossian, Tlgadinsti who paved the way translation process usually gathering historical, contextual Reigns of King Gagik and Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, for his future as a writer. When entailed Keljik providing the information before diving into the Catholicos Sargis. You can read translator Vartan Matiossian, and he was just sixteen years old, literal translations and Blackwell art of the church itself. the translated inscription below moderator Marc Mamigonian to Keljik emigrated to the state of refining those into idiomatic Dr. Maranci is the Arthur and interpret it for yourself: present Bedros Keljik’s book, Massachusetts where he was a English. H. Dadian and Ara Oztemel “In the year 450 of the Armenian-American Sketches, factory worker. He later moved to Keljik and Blackwell’s timing Professor of Armenian Art and Armenians and 219 of the translated for the first time into Boston where he began to take on was impeccable. Matossian ex- Architecture and Chair of the Romans [...], in the time of the English. Included in this volume a new role as a political activist plained how amidst the Hamidian Department of Art History at divinely-honoured and spiritual are also Keljik’s biography for the Hnchakian Party. Massacres, “suddenly there was Tufts University. Lord Sargis, Catholicos of the prepared by his grandchildren, In 1892 Keljik married Zabel a need to introduce Americans Dr. Maranci has published Armenians and the glorious Mark and Thomas Keljik and Kertikian, and the two of them at large to Armenian culture and myriad articles and essays on kingship of Gagik Shahnshah of Keljik’s translation of Roupen moved to Chicago, Illinois in literature in order to bring to Armenian art including, The the Armenians and the Georgians, Zartarian’s “How Death Came to 1896. It was here that Keljik began their attention what was going on Art of Armenia: A Critical Art I, Katranidē, Queen of the the Earth.” to emerge as an entrepreneur as he with Armenians in the Ottoman History of Ancient and Medieval Armenians, sister of Vasak, King The presentation, streamed sold oriental rugs in a department Empire at the time.” In addition Armenia, with a concluding of Siwnik’, took refuge in the on both YouTube and Zoom, store. Simultaneously, Keljik to translations, Keljik contributed chapter on cultural heritage mercy of God, upon the order of was sponsored by the Armenian managed to graduate from the some of his own pieces to the stock (New York and London: Oxford my husband, Gagik Shahansha, Studies Program and co- Kemp College of Law and of Armenian literature circulating University Press, 2018) and I built this holy Cathedral which sponsored by the National campaign for the Democratic Vigilant Powers: Three Churches was founded by the great Smbat, Association for Armenian Studies Party. In 1899 the Keljiks moved See Keljik Page 7 of Early Medieval Armenia and we erected a house of God, a (Turnhout: Brepols, 2015). new and living spiritual offspring, Dr. Maranci is currently writing and an everlasting monument. Armenian Studies Program Awarded “California a new book that will include Ani I adorned it also with precious Revealed” Grant to Catalog Digital Collection ornaments, gifts from me to Cathedral in comparison with Staff Report other early church architecture. Christ and also [from] my clan For Dr. Maranci, the Cathedral and sons Smbat, Abas, and Ashot. We digitized, now what? of Ani is a “carefully faceted I, Lord Sargis, have ordered To answer that question, the geometric form.” The intricacy the servants of the church, after Armenian Studies Program and attention to detail is quite the passing of the worshipful (ASP) was recently awarded a remarkable to witness up close. queen, to celebrate at the Fast of grant from California Revealed, a Dr. Maranci stated that the Transfiguration with forty masses California State Library initiative, blind arcades create a “visual unceasingly until the coming of which will facilitate making the rhythm” on the exterior. She also Christ; And if anyone neglects this Program’s digitized collection of mentioned that the interior apse inscription let him be condemned local Armenian-American music provides a sense of height unlike by Christ. In 6: 1000: 500: 30: available online to the public. other church architecture during and 3 from Adam; 1000: 2 10: of The grant supports processing this period. the incarnation of God: and 718 and cataloging the materials Dr. Maranci considers the since the conversion to Christ of collected during the public Ani Cathedral an important, the Armenians this memorial was memory event, “Armenian- influential work of Armenian and written by the hands of Benē.” American Musical Heritage of the medieval architecture set in the Ani Cathedral is described San Joaquin Valley” held this past context of a larger architectural as “a new and living spiritual February 29, 2020. The collection Left to right: East Coast-based Armenian musicians movement or tradition that arises offspring, an everlasting mon- contains fascinating and valuable Kemani Harry Hasekian (violin); udi Edwart Bashian (oud); (Նորոգ եւ կենդանի during the reign of the Bagratid ument.” primary source documentation of and Karekin Proodian/ Prudian (dumbeg). This photograph ծնունդ հոգեւոր եւ արձան Empire (10th-11th centuries). the local production of Armenian- was reproduced on the M.G. Parsekian record label (West մշտնջենաւոր)։ By examining the potential American music in the San Hoboken, NJ), c. 1920-1929. Photo courtesy of Richard A. attitudes towards images and Although this monument has Joaquin Valley during the 20th Hagopian. material things, Dr. Maranci been in an area of potential risk, century. It covers musicians, local are historic photographs of musicians and concert venues; analyzes the architecture almost the intent of this church is to recording labels, musical venues, Armenian-American musicians catalogs from locally-produced like a book. serve as a continuous symbol of and area purveyors of records and performances; promotional After all, architecture is new life. and phonographs. Included materials and advertisements for See ASP Grant Page 6 6 Hye Sharzhoom October 2020 “The Third Way of Being Armenian: Armenians in Chavoor, From Page 4 the cornerstone of the thesis,” grandmother and grandmother, Chavoor noted. “Who we are? Turkey”-An Opinion Piece by Dr. Kılıçdağı he was not originally aware of How did we become who we approach I described above has assumed bond between their testimony. What Chavoor are? Those are the questions I destructively homogenized the Armenianness and Christianity, does recall from his childhood is approach in the thesis, and the experience of Armenians in according to which these two sitting by the TV as a six or seven- answers in some ways, start Turkey and erased their existence have been molded together year-old and watching a Western with Hannah 1895.” From what completely. Some Armenians inseparably. Could there be show with his great-grandmother, Chavoor learned, one conclusion indeed survived the Genocide, Muslim Armenians by definition? Hannah Sadoian. Upon seeing a he has come to accept is that remained in Turkey and built up This debate still has a long way caravan of wagons in the show, “the Turks a hundred years ago the third way of being Armenian, to go. Chavoor observed how “she did despicable, loathsome, evil besides those living in the The Armenian community in suddenly became very animated, things; on the other hand, a Republic of Armenia, Soviet or Turkey should be approached as but I didn’t speak Armenian and Turk hid my great-grandmother not, and living in the diaspora. a distinct case of the Armenian she spoke very little English.” and her daughter in his house Photo: ASP Archive Photo: ASP (Undoubtedly, the diaspora nation-state and diaspora. His grandmother Ruth, Hannah’s for two weeks and saved their Dr. Ohannes Kılıçdağı experience of Armenians cannot Although, obviously, there are daughter, came over and told him lives.” Because of this, Chavoor Special to Hye Sharzhoom be homogenized either. There many common points there are in English, “She wants you to recognized how “there are Turks is not just a single case or way some definitional and existential know that in the time before cars today who believe that nothing Armenians who survived the of being diaspora. But this is a differences. For instance, as very she traveled in wagons like that.” ever happened, but there are also Genocide and continued to live separate issue.) well established, the Armenian “I had no way of knowing that some who know the truth.”In in Turkey have not attracted In fact, when one talks identity in diasporan communities she was referring to their escape October of 2019, Chavoor had the much attention from diaspora about Armenians who survived is based on remembrance of the from Turkey,” he stated, “and that opportunity to travel to Turkey communities until recently. the Genocide and remained past/genocide whereas Armenians was all I knew for the next 50 with his wife, Grace. There, he Only in the last decade or so in Turkey, it may and should in Turkey have developed a years.”In high school and college, found more inspiration for his have some young academics refer to two groups. The first collective and strategic amnesia Chavoor began learning about the essays included in his thesis. such as Hrag Papazian and one is those who live with their to be able to survive. This survival Genocide. It was not until 2011, He commented how the trip felt Christopher Sheklian conducted Armenian identity publicly and strategy has not made them less however, when he learned of his like completing something when some research on the Armenian at least as nominal Christians. Armenian. Social and cultural great-grandmother, Hannah, and he arrived in Harput 122 years community of Turkey. The In other words, they are “official deterioration and regression his grandmother, Ruth’s story. after his great-grandmother had reasons for this neglect are Armenians.” Since the questions were undeniable. However, the Just as he and his wife were left. “Everything before that various. Genocide was perceived pertaining to the mother tongue Armenian heritage in that land about to paint, Chavoor recalled was stories,” he explained, “but as the ultimate end after which and religious affiliations were is so deep and entrenched that it tossing one of Ruth’s journals standing where both sides of nothing and no one could survive. removed from Turkish censuses continues to resist and exist. There on the table. It ironically opened my family stood, seeing the one Talking about the remaining in the mid-1980s, it is difficult are still dozens of institutions that to the only passage in which his stubborn wall—all that was left portion of the Armenians may to tell the exact number of these carry this heritage and raise it up. grandmother shares her Genocide of what was Euphrates College, have created doubts about the “official Armenians.” However, The Armenian community is still story. which my great-grandfather genocidal characteristics of the the most optimistic estimate does alive and despite all difficulties, In 1895, Hannah and five- helped build, well, that was like Armenian Genocide, lessening not exceed 60,000. continue to generate academics, year-old Ruth were living with finding the origins or a kind of its severity and ferocity. In a The second group is Islamized intellectuals, artists, authors, Hannah’s in-laws in Harput, confirmation of the story.” nutshell, it may have made it look Armenians who converted journalists who are also influential Turkey. Meanwhile, Hannah’s This past year, Chavoor’s thesis “less genocide.” to Islam during or after the in Turkish public opinion. husband was living in the United was nominated as “Outstanding The loss was so huge that Genocide. Descendants of Since they are socio- States. Only a few weeks before Thesis” from Fresno State’s MFA it was not worth talking about those Islamized Armenians politically alive, they have their the Hamidian massacres occurred program. He wishes to publish his what remained—it does not became Muslim too, most of internal divisions and fractions. in Harput, a Turkish neighbor thesis someday with the hope that console anyone. On the contrary, the time without knowing their Roughly, one group adopts a had convinced Hannah and Ruth “it will resonate with Armenian- a comparison between what once Armenianness. Their number is more conformist attitude with to remain in his attic for a little Americans.” had been there and what survived even beyond any educated guess the policies of the government. while. When the attack occurred For example, he mentioned may have deepened the agony although some mention hundreds Another group, on the other hand, a few weeks later, Chavoor how he believes his experiences and trauma by focusing on the of thousands. Their existence is a tries to defend civil liberties of mentioned how Hannah had seen “will have some parallel to their insurmountably enormous loss. new issue even for the rest of the the community members more her sister’s house lit on fire from own experiences, like looking Moreover, those Armenians in Armenian community in Turkey. openly and courageously. They the attic window. She passed out. for Armenian names on the Turkey were considered as being Only in the last two decades or try to raise their voice against It took over a year for the proper end credits of movies, or the left in “enemy’s territory,” which so have some of them emerged violations of these liberties as paperwork to be arranged for her wonderful smells of an Armenian made them already a “lost case.” and made their presence known. happened during the last election and Ruth to leave Harput. When deli, or singing the Hayr Mer.” At Politically and culturally they A portion of them basically do of the Armenian Patriarchate of the time of their departure arrived, the same time, Chavoor would like were dead Armenians walking. not care about their Armenian Istanbul. However, their job is Hannah was also to transport to see his experiences influence Their statements and self- ancestry, and even react angrily not easy as they struggle with twenty orphans to an orphanage non-Armenians. He hopes they expressions were ignored because to their relatives who bring up a coalition of state circles and in Istanbul, a journey of over 600 may draw the conclusion “that they were talking under “the this issue. Relatively few of them their agents in the Armenian miles by wagon. From Istanbul, awful things happen and we all Turkish yoke.” Therefore, what have preferred turning back to community. the two took a boat to France and may respond in different and they say was not dependable as their “original/ancestral” identity The trajectory of the Armenian by 1897, they made their way to complicated ways, and that their sincere opinions. and religion and taking action for community of Turkey is a part the United State where Hannah’s miraculous, amazing things also None of these is completely its sake such as being baptized. of the global history of the husband had been living. happen that we call God, luck, or incorrect. It is true that Armenians There are some others who claim Armenians. It is an excellent “Hannah’s experience is sheer will, and perhaps all three.” living in the Turkish nation- their Armenianness but continue case to observe and study the state have been left vulnerable to keep and practice their Islamic complex, multi-faceted character and documents online. These years in the future. The digitized and defenseless as much as they faith. In other words, they both of the Armenian identity. It is archival materials contextualize materials will be published for had never been before under accept Armenianness and the also an example of endurance another of the Program’s public access to Calisphere, the Ottoman rule. They were Muslim religion. This last case and survival for generations in a resources, a collection of locally- a service of the University of devoid of almost all possibilities has created confusion in the mind hostile environment. Therefore, produced 78-rpm recordings California libraries and gateway and instruments of opposition of Armenians as their existence it deserves both academic and from the Armenian-American to digital collections from and resistance. However, the and claim challenge perennially political interest. diaspora. Work to catalog the 78s California libraries, archives and was supported through a grant museums. ASP Grant, From Page 5 who was a local dumbeg player; memorabilia relating to local from the Grammy Foundation, About California Revealed: record labels and sheet music. a social historian might be music production, providing and the Program is currently California Revealed is a Cataloging work is not interested in the traditions of kef details of people, places and investigating ways of making State Library initiative to help glamorous, but it is essential for bands at Armenian weddings; events on written forms. these audio resources available California’s public libraries, the use and discoverability of a folk musician, the mixing Community members also loaned online. in partnership with other local collections. A catalog connects of heritages illustrated by the over-sized items that could not Now that the catalog is heritage groups, digitize, the individual items of a range of instruments brought be digitized on site, including a complete, the Armenian Studies preserve, and provide online collection to the outside public. together for a performance. A collection of sheet music by Prof. Program is positioned to further access to archival materials— For example, providing pertinent good description will allow each Krikor Kalfayan (Prof. Kalfayan), collaborate with California books, newspapers, photographs, descriptions of a photograph such of these researchers to find what to be digitized and returned. Revealed and the State Library, audiovisual recordings, and as the one depicted accompanying they are looking for when they Archivist Malina Zakian to digitize the oversized materials more—that tell the incredible this article, can elicit a variety of search the catalog. created a database catalog entry and to host the ASP Armenian- stories of the Golden State. research uses. This is especially The California Revealed grant for each of the digital scans, American music collection true for a collection such the allows the Armenian Studies and entered the descriptive online for public access. The role “All Things Armenian” ASP’s Armenian-American Program to integrate materials information from the participants’ of collaboration with the State Radio Hour on Musical Heritage of the San gathered from the public event written forms. Most significantly Library is particularly important Multicultural 1600AM Joaquin Valley. A family historian into a searchable database. Event for the collection, Zakian also in preserving the digital content Sundays might search by name to find participants contributed nearly incorporated relevant search and better assures that these a treasured image of a relative 150 scans of photographs and terms to aid finding the images materials will be available for 2:00-3:00PM October 2020 Hye Sharzhoom 7 Thank You Annual Fund Donors “All Things Armenian” Completes First Year on (received as of October 12, 2020) the Air Recording Its Forty-Seventh Episode Benefactors Gloria Erganian Dustin Vartanian Randy Shahbazian, M.D. & David Gabrielian Staff Writer Kathy Gulian Shahbazian Jane Gamoian Aram & Barbara Garabedian Listen up, the “All Things Friends John & Lisa Garabedian Armenian” radio program has Nicholas Patrick Beck Trust Massis Garabedian been on the air for more than a Dr. Silva S. Karayan Archpriest Fr. Hovsep year. Tune in to hear interviews Brian & Janalee Melikian Hagopian with interesting members of the Dean Shahinian, The Ararat Armen & Rose Hagopian Armenian community and to Foundation Sandra Hotzakorgian hear about the upcoming events Elma Hovanessian planned by the Armenian Studies Sponsors Charles Jamgotchian Program at Fresno State. Anthony & Kathy Agajanian “All Things Armenian” has Paul Jamushian Bob & Sara Der Matoian gained popularity and is now Gerald Janigian Larry R. Farsakian, D.D.S. being re-broadcast Tuesday and John & Ann Kalashian Bob & Sue Garabedian Wednesday evenings at 9:00pm Dian Karabian on SoCalArmenian 95.5FM in Paul & Margaret Hokokian Archive Photo: ASP Phillip Kazanjian Southern California. Dr. Gregory & Alice Left to right: Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Suzanna Ek- Sandy Kevorkian The “All Things Armenian” Ketabgian mekchyan, Andrew Hagopian, Dustin Vartanian, Matthew Nancy R. Kolligian radio show has now produced Jim & Linda Parnagian Mugrdechian, and Ariana Garabedian. Gary & Nancy Krikorian forty-seven episodes full of in- Arthur & Lily Seredian John Krikorian sightful interviews. Professor Boyadjian of Michigan State 1801-1914, was based on his Mary Zoryan Mr. & Mrs. Vahakn Kupelian Barlow Der Mugrdechian has University was the featured guest. doctoral dissertation. hosted the show and he has One of the topics she discussed One of the most interesting Matty Matoian Supporters interviewed professors, students, was the concept of identity, and aspects of the program is Anonymous Rosemary Matossian musicians, actors, and others what makes an Armenian. She learning about the life story of Annette Apelian Lina Melkonian who discuss topics relevant to the explained the complexity of each guest. Before diving into in memory of Sam Apelian Charles Merzian Armenian community. defining a homeland for herself the main discussion, Prof. Der John & Madeline Arakelian Ed Minasian There have been many and for many Armenians. She Mugrdechian invites each guest Richard Asadoorian Hartune Neffian, O. D. insightful and interesting episodes also explained her passion to tell the audience about their life Seth & Beverly Atamian Hayg & Georgi-Ann Oshagan produced recently. Episode for literature and her life-long story and about their involvement Jeannette Baker Gladys K. Peters forty-two featured special guest journey to becoming a professor in the Armenian community. Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, who of literature. Dr. Boyadjian It is fascinating to learn about Alfreda Barton Leo Pilibosian Carol M. Rustigian was calling in from the United also discussed the making of a guest’s background, because Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Basmajian Kingdom. Dr. Tchilingirian is on her book The City Lament: each has a very different story to Dr. Arpi Sarafian Jack & Alberta Bedoian the faculty of Oriental Studies Jerusalem Across the Medieval tell. Guests on the show are from Arcie Bedrosian in memory of Vartan at Oxford University and is the Mediterranean. all over the world and each of Robert Bejoian Sarafian director of the Armenian Diaspora In episode forty-five, “All their childhoods and educational Mark Bohigian Osep & Nadya Sarafian Survey (ADS). The Armenia Things Armenian” host Prof. experiences are vastly different. Harry & Arlene Bujulian Dr. Levon Saryan Diaspora Survey “conducts Der Mugrdechian interviewed However, they are all in some Fr. Vahan & Yeretsgin Sossy Suren P. Seropian surveys of public opinion in Dr. Stephen Badalyan Riegg, way involved in the Armenian Costanian Greg & Jennifer Shamlian Armenian diaspora communities assistant professor of History community. Vicki Marderosian Coughlin Hrand I. Simonian to inform the public, scholars, at Texas A&M, who discussed Tune in to see what new stories policy-makers and community the complicated history between will be told this week. “All Things Raffi Daghlian Josette & Diane Sirabian Joseph Stepanyan leaders about the issues, attitudes Armenia and Russia. He spoke Armenian” airs on Multicultural Joseph E. Donabed and trends shaping the Armenian about his research into the 1600AM on Sunday afternoons Rev. Datev & Araxy Tatoulian Jerry Durgerian world in the 21st century.” question of varying Russian- from 2:00-3:00pm. Past episodes Cole Egoian Sharon Toroian Dr. Tchilingirian discussed Armenian relations throughout can be accessed on Multicultural Mary Egoian Patty Torosian some of the interesting results in the nineteenth and early twentieth Radio’s website or can be heard Howard Emirhanian John & Cristel Tufenkjian the Survey, which was recently centuries. Dr. Riegg’s new book, on SoundCloud, by typing “All in memory of Dorothy Jack & Astine Zadourian made available to the public. Russia’s Entangled Embrace: The Things Armenian” in the search Emirhanian Kathy & Archie Zakarian In episode forty-four Dr. Tamar Tsarist Empire and the Armenians bar. or struggles, there is also humor He discovered his grandfather’s of institutionalization” and eljik rom age Artsakh, From Page 1 K , F P 5 contained in Keljik’s works. For book when typing the family “dependence on individual in America. Matiossian remarked instance, Atamian explained how name into a card catalog. The initiatives solely.” Atamian also eastern region of Armenia. Many how Keljik relied on “a crisp Keljik’s short stories are hilarious family then hired Armenian points to financial support and ancient Christian churches and and simple style of writing” to in that “there is every possible translator and journalist Aris the critical mass to help support monasteries dot the landscape of capture the Armenian-American’s stereotype you want inside Sevag to translate seven of these projects. As Matiossian Artsakh, including the monasteries experiences in the late 19th these pieces about Armenians, Keljik’s stories and Matossian concluded, “why the book could of Amaras and Tadivank. Artsakh century through the early 20th Jews, Irish people, drunkards, also translated one story which all have gone unnoticed to anyone has been continuously inhabited century. women, men, clergymen.” At appeared in the Ararat Quarterly. living in Armenia unless he or by Armenians until modern Marc Mamigonian equated the same time, there is also Coincidentally, Atamian she was a scholar is a testament times. The city of Shushi was Keljik’s style to that of Irish an element of nostalgia. For who wrote for Ararat under to the fact that so many treasures an important cultural center for novelist James Joyce as both instance, Mamigonian observed Sevag’s leadership, was piqued are hidden behind the curtain of Armenians. composed “a chapter on the moral how these stories published in Keljik after coming across language. And it takes so little to At the time of publication, a history of their countries.” In in the 1940s look back on the some of his translations. And open that curtain and uncover so humanitarian cease-fire between contrast, Prof. Der Mugrdechian Genocide. “There is a definite by a third coincidence, Atamian many of those treasures.” the sides was mediated by Russia compared Keljik’s work to that sense of what has been lost not happened to be having dinner Armenian-American Sketches as the Foreign Ministers of of William Saroyan, mentioning just by the genocide but leaving with Matossian in a Georgian is available through the NAASR Azerbaijan and Armenia met in how “they both bring to life the homeland,” he reflected. The restaurant when he discovered bookstore, The Armenian Prelacy, Moscow. The ceasefire was to characters long since gone.” On wealth of themes found in the Matossian’s knowledge of or Abril bookstore. take effect on October 10. the other hand, Der Mugrdechian margins of his stories, places Keljik and interest in the project. acknowledged that there are Keljik’s writing under several Unfortunately, Sevag was unable Please contact your local some clear differences between genres. For example, Atamian to complete the translation representatives asking them Saroyan and Keljik’s writing. noted how Keljik’s descriptions process due to his untimely to take action and to stop the “Keljik portrays the often- of places in Boston which no passing. However, Atamian violence agains the people of difficult struggles and challenges longer exist categorize Keljik’s and Matossian approached Der Artsakh. that the early Armenian settlers texts as American history. And Mugrdechian three years ago, and Additional information about went through,” Der Mugrdechian yet, as Atamian observed, these the project sprouted from there. the history of Artsakh can be asserted. On a similar note, short stories can also be identified Despite all the coincidences, found at: Mamigonian emphasized how as Armenian history, ethnic Atamian commented how there Office of the Nagorno- “these are not romanticized history, and other categories. also “has to be a consciousness Karabagh Republic in Wash- portraits… many of the characters The translation project would amongst Armenians, first ington, DC-http://www.nkrusa. are cunning, maybe a little have not been possible if it were of all, that cultural work is org/ and the Office of the crooked. Some are honest and not for a series of coincidences. work.” He explained how President of Artsakh-https:// others are too naïve maybe for These coincidences began when these sorts of projects are www.president.am/en/Artsakh- their own good.” Mark Keljik, Bedros’ grandson, full-time jobs. Mamigonian nkr/. But where there may be flaws visited the Library of Congress. highlighted the current “lack 8 Hye Sharzhoom October 2020 Armenians Studies Program, University in Istanbul. Dr. Kılıçdağı, From Page 1 The Armenian Studies Program University of Michigan, Ann Kılıçdağı was acquainted presents Hrant Dink and his friends. Dr. Arbor. He was also accepted as a with Fresno, albeit more as Kılıçdağı follows the affairs of post-doctoral fellow by the Center an imaginary place, as he has “Portraits of Unbelonging: Photography, the Armenian community and its for Middle Eastern Studies at translated dozens of William the Ottoman State and Armenians relations with Turkish state both Harvard University between 2017 Saroyan stories into Turkish, first Leaving for America, 1896-1908” as an academic and columnist. He and 2019. published almost 20 years ago. has also participated as a speaker Until the 2000s, young Armen- He “knows” Fresno from Dr. Zeynep Devrim Gürsel in many town hall meetings ians in Turkey avoided studying those early stories. Indeed, one of during the election crisis of the history, let alone the Armenian the saddest results of the ongoing (Rutgers University) Patriarchate, between 2009 and Genocide, as it was highly risky pandemic for Dr. Kılıçdağı is Thursday, November 12, 2020 2019. to talk and write contrary to that “it will not allow me to visit In Turkey, high school the official history. However, it Fresno physically and so I will not 7:00PM graduates enter universities seems this pressure generated an have the chance to see Saroyan’s Virtual Lecture through a central exam that is opposite effect on Dr. Kılıçdağı, hometown. Who knows, maybe Zoom registration: taken by everyone wishing to who turned to studying history in the future…” pursue a university degree. “I and Armenian Studies as an act of Dr. Kılıçdağı will be teaching bit.ly/armenianstudiesgursel also took that exam and won rebellion. a three-unit course in the Fall The Armenian Studies Program admission to dental school,” said Dr. Kılıçdağı has a broad semester on “Awakening, Death, Dr. Kılıçdağı. research interest including and Survival: History of Ottoman presents “However, I understood quite Ottoman-Turkish history, be- Armenians in Modern Times.” soon that my passion was for ginning from the early 19th He will also give three public “The Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul history and social science. So century. He studies the history lectures. He gave the first one Under the Light of the Last Crisis I took the exam for a second of Christians and Jews in the on September 18 on the topic of the Patriarchal Election” time and was admitted to the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish of “‘Living Together Requires Sociology Department of Boğa- Republic, especially the trajectory Dying Together”’: Conscription ziçi University, one of the top of military service of these groups of Armenians into the Ottoman Dr. Ohannes Kılıçdağı universities of Turkey and in the Ottoman-Turkish army. He Army after the 1908 Revolution.” Monday, November 16, 2020 originally established as an is also interested in questions of Dr. Kılıçdağı is looking American college in 1863.” Dr. citizenship and minority studies. forward to his semester at Fresno 7:00PM Kılıçdağı later double-majored in Dr. Kılıçdağı has taught State, but it is unfortunate that the Virtual Lecture political science. about the social and intellectual pandemic has overlapped with his Zoom registration: Dr. Kılıçdağı has studied in the history of the Ottoman Empire Kazan professorship and he will bit.ly/armenianstudieskilicdagi3 United States with a pre-doctoral and Turkish Republic at Bilgi not be in Fresno in person. fellowship (2011-2012) at the the order of their contribution Diplomatic Relations Between Statement by Dr. Joseph I.Castro First Republic, From Page 1 are: Dr. Bedross Der Matossian, the Holy See and Yerevan?”; Regarding Conflict in the Armenian Series of The Press at California “Introduction”; Dr. Richard G. Dr. Garabet K. Moumdjian, Republic of Artsakh and anti-Armenian State University, Fresno. Hovannisian, “The Republic “Domestic Politics in the “The Armenian Series is of Armenia: A Contextual Republic of Armenia, 1918-1920: Acts of Violence in California pleased to publish this important Overview”; Dr. Houri Berberian, A Flip or a Flop,”; and Dr. George Oct. 5 statement by Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro: work, which brings new “From Nationalist-Socialist Bournoutian, “The Unrealistic scholarship to the topic of the to National Socialist? The Territorial Demands of the “As the President of Fresno State — home to a vibrant and world- First Republic,” said Prof. Barlow Shifting Politics of Abraham Armenian Republic 1919-1920.” renowned Armenian Studies Program and part of a large community Der Mugrdechian, general editor Giulkhandanian”; Dr. Ari The volume also includes rare of Armenian Americans in our region of California — I am deeply of the Armenian Series. Şekeryan, “Rethinking the images from the period. This concerned about the conflict occurring in the Armenian Republic of The volume is dedicated to Dr. Establishment of the First volume was inspired by a 2018 Artsakh. I am hopeful that the pursuit of international mediation will Richard G. Hovannisian for his Republic of Armenia: Reactions conference titled “Innovative provide a quick and peaceful resolution. outstanding contribution to the of the Ottoman-Turkish and Approaches to the History of “Fresno State is the only public university in the United States with field of Armenian Studies over Armenian Press in Istanbul (May- the First Republic of Armenia, an Armenian Genocide Monument on its campus. The monument is the past half century. October 1918)”; Dr. Seda D. 1918-1920,” organized by the dedicated to commemorating and educating the community about This edited volume provides a Ohanian, “The Role of Women Society for Armenian Studies the Genocide and inspiring future generations about the resilience multifaceted and interdisciplinary in the Social and Political Life of and the Armenian Communities of the human spirit. The Peace Garden on our campus, likewise, approach to studying the the Republic of Armenia (1918- Department of the Calouste mirrors our resolve to focus on dialogue and respect. fascinating history of the 1920)”; Dr. Rubina Peroomian, Gulbenkian Foundation. “I express my solidarity with and support for the Armenian Republic. Through an analysis of “The Subversive Activities of Copies of The First Republic community of the Central Valley and throughout California in the politics, gender, and diplomacy Armenian Bolsheviks: A Critical of Armenia (1918-1920) on condemning the acts of violence and hatred committed against of the period, the volume enriches Factor in Yerevan-Moscow its Centenary are available for Armenian Americans in San Francisco in July and September of our understanding of the short- Negotiations (1918-1920)”; purchase from: The Armenian this year. Violence and hatred stand counter to the values of Fresno lived Republic, which played Dr. Vartan Matiossian, “The Prelacy, National Association for State, which are meaningfully reflected in our monument and Peace a crucial role in guaranteeing Recognition of the First Republic Armenian Studies & Research Garden.” the perseverance of Armenian of Armenia in South America Bookstore, and Abril Bookstore. Thank You Donors identity, and ultimately laying (1918-1920)”; Dr. Jakub Osiecki, For bulk orders please contact the foundation for the modern “The Visit of Rev. Antoine the Armenian Studies Program, Beverly Achki Fresno Republic of Armenia. Delpuch to the South Caucasus at 559.278.2669 or by email at in memory of Dr. Charles Achki and The list of contributors in in 1919: An Attempt to Establish [email protected]. Mr. Leonard Kaprielian David Sarkis Barsamian Pasadena Jack & Barbara Bousian Hayward HYE SHARZHOOM Mr. & Mrs. John & Christine Datian Las Vegas, NV NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT in honor of our beloved mother, Alice Vartanian on her 91st birthday, and in loving memory of beloved father, Hye Sharzhoom is sent without charge to thousands of people throughout the world. Arthur Vartanian, Mr. & Mrs. Simon Vartanian, and Mr. & Although there is no subscription fee, we urge readers to support our efforts with Mrs. Levon Sarkisian donations of any amount. This request has assumed a special importance because of Karl DeKlotz Fresno Kathleen Demerdjian San Leandro increased mailing costs. Raffi Demirjian San Leandro Stephen Elmasian Providence, RI Yes, I would like to support the Hye Sharzhoom mailing expenses with a donation Byron M. Ishkanian Santa Barbara of: $ Kathy Jenanyan Fresno Charles H. Karaian, MD Albuquerque, NM Name: Saro & Sylva Kerkonian Montrose Robert Mangasarian Fresno Address: City: State: Zip: Leo & Marlene Pilibosian Fresno Pat Sevoian Fresno Please make checks payable to Armenian Studies Program and send to: Margaret Sahatdjian-Shirin Fresno Armenian Studies Program in memory of Armen Kouymjian Kathryn Kevorkian Stockdale Fresno California State University, Fresno Dr. Kim S. Theriault Rochester, NH 5245 N. Backer Ave PB4 Joe & Ruby Topoozian Selma Fresno CA 93740-8001 in memory of Charles Tateosian (Selma & Walnut Creek)