AUGUST 10, 2019 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXX, NO. 4, Issue 4597 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Armenia’s Population Genocide Studies Pioneer Vahakn Dadrian Dies On the Decline GENESEO, N.Y. — Prof. Vahakn Dadrian, ture to the British House YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — Armenia’s perma- one of the pioneers of modern genocide of Commons in 1995. He nent population keeps dropping. According to the studies and one of the founders of also received the Ellis latest figures released by the Statistical Committee, Armenian Genocide studies, died on Friday, Island Medal of Honor. the population shrank by 8,200 people to August 2. He was 93. He lectured extensively in 2,961,600 as of July 1, 2019 from 2018. Dadrian’s interest in the Armenian French, English and The country’s population numbered 2,965,300 Genocide was not only academic; he was German in the Free as of January 1, falling by 3,700 in six months. born in 1926 to a family in Turkey that had University of Berlin, the Some 1,892,800 people live urban communities, lost many members to the Armenian Universities of Munich, while 1,068,800 live in rural communities. The pop- Genocide. Parma, Torino, Zürich, ulation stands at 1,081,300 in capital Yerevan. Dadrian first studied mathematics at the Uppsala, Frankfurt am Main, The regions with the largest population are University of Berlin, after which he decided Cologne, Bochum, Münster, Armavir and Ararat with 263,800 and 256,600 peo- to switch to a completely different field, and Amsterdam, Utrecht, ple, respectively. Vayots Dzor is the least populated studied philosophy at the University of Geneva, Brussels and region in Armenia with 48,800 residents. Vienna, and later, international law at the UNESCO’s Paris center. In January-June 2019, the population viability University of Zürich. He completed his PhD From 1970 to 1991, rate, i.e. the ratio of birth and death rates stood at in sociology at the University of Chicago. Dadrian was a professor of 116.8 percent against the 123.0 percent recorded in In the 1970s, Dadrian partic- sociology at State the same period of 2018. ipated in the creation of the University of New York- comparative study of genocide. College at Geneseo. He was awarded an honorary Dadrian was the direc- Monument Honors doctorate degree for his Prof. Vahakn Dadrian tor of Genocide Research research in the field of at Zoryan Institute. April War Hero Armenian Genocide Studies by Dadrian had degrees in YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — A monument pay- the Armenian National The Harry Frank mathematics, history and law. His interdis- ing tribute to Sasha Galstyan and other Armenian Academy of Sciences, and later, Guggenheim Foundation ciplinary background gave him a multifac- soldiers fallen during the 2016 April War will be in 1998, he was made a mem- sponsored him as director eted look at historical and social problems, erected in Metsamor, Galstyan’s hometown on ber of the Academy and hon- of a large Genocide study especially genocide. Dadrian was not only August 12. ored by the President of project, which culminated an authority on Armenian genocide, but Galstyan was studying to be a doctor. He was Armenia, the republic's highest with the publication of arti- also on genocide studies and theory in gen- drafted into the army in 2015, receiving the mili- cultural award, the Khorenatsi medal. In cles, mainly in the Holocaust and Genocide eral, being part of the so-called “first gen- tary rank of junior sergeant and then sergeant dur- 1999, Dadrian was awarded on behalf of studies magazines. He was the keynote eration” of genocide scholars, who created ing his 14 months of service. the Holy See of Cilicia the Mesrob speaker at the centennial of the John this area of study in the 1970s. He and his three fellow soldiers died while Mashdots Medal. Marshall Law School and delivered a lec- see DADRIAN, page 6 repelling the Azerbaijani attacks on Jebrail (Jrakan). In 2016, Galstyan was posthumously honored with the Medals of Combat Service, Courage and Summer Interns Homeland Protection. At the Armenian Aronian 8th on Latest Mirror-Spectator FIDE Ratings PARIS — Armenian grandmaster Levon Aronian WATERTOWN — This summer, the moved up six spots to 8th on the latest World Armenian Mirror-Spectator has had two Chess Federation (FIDE) ratings. interns in its offices, Nicholas Zoraian and Norwegian GM Magnus Carlsen continues to top Suren Mkrtchyan. the list of 100 strongest chess players of the world. Zoraian is currently participating in the Three other Armenian chess players Gabriel Armenian General Benevolent Union Sargissian, Hrant Melkumyan and Sergei Summer Internship Program in Boston, Movsesian rank 46th, 87th and 98th on the list, and came to the newspaper through it. respectively. A native of Allendale, NJ, Zoraian, 21, has Armenian players Elina Danielian and Lilit two siblings. He is a rising senior at High Mkrtchian are included in the Top 100 Women list, Point University in North Carolina, where taking the 64th and 72nd spots, respectively. he studies sports communications and jour- The FIDE ratings of 100 strongest junior players nalism. feature three Armenians – Haik Martirosyan sitting The destroyer named in his honor He hopes to one day work for a big sports 10th, Aram Hakobyan placing 30th and Shant network such as ESPN as a sports talk Sargsyan coming 41st on the list. show host. New US Navy Destroyer Honors Armenian chess player Anna Sargsyan ranks “I am very passionate about journalism, 76th on the top100 girls’ list. so interning for the Mirror-Spectator has Armenian-American Paul Ignatius been an amazing and extremely enlighten- ing experience. I have learned a lot here FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The US Navy has commis- about editing, writing, and so much more. sioned its newest Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, the future USS The Mirror-Spectator has really helped me INSIDE Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), during a ceremony on get a better understanding of how the July 27, at Port Everglades here. world of journalism works. I am very grate- The ship is named in honor of Ignatius, the ful to the AGBU and to the Mirror- official with Armenian roots who served in the Spectator for giving me this opportunity.” An Artistic US Navy during World War II, and later during He recently wrote a feature story about the Lyndon B. Johnson administration as assis- the Armenia-based car hailing service, GG, tant secretary of defense for installations and and is working on a video report. Dialogue logistics from 1964 – 1967, and secretary of the Aram Arkun, assistant editor (and Navy from 1967 – 1969. Tekeyan Cultural Association of the US and Page 14 Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer, who Canada executive director), declared: “The is also performing the duties of deputy secretary Mirror and Tekeyan congratulate the AGBU of defense, delivered the commissioning ceremo- on the success of its inaugural Boston sum- ny’s principal address. Ignatius’ wife, Nancy, who Paul Ignatius mer internship program. It is clear that passed away earlier this year, is the ship’s sponsor. AGBU did a wonderful job in choosing INDEX Dr. Elisa Ignatius, granddaughter of the late interns, because Nick is both capable and Arts and Living ...... 13 Nancy Ignatius, served as the ship sponsor representative. Dr. Ignatius honored intelligent. With his help, the Mirror web- Armenia ...... 2,3 naval tradition when she gave the first order to “man our ship and bring her to life!” site has been expanded to include new back Community News...... 5 Editorial ...... 18 “The future USS Paul Ignatius stands as proof of what the teamwork of all our issues and articles, and he is also con- International ...... 4 people – civilian, contractor and military – can accomplish together,” said tributing his own content to the paper and see IGNATIUS, page 9 the website.” see INTERNS, page 9 2 S ATURDAY, AUGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia

Khorovats Center of Food Festival in Akhtala YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The highly-anticipated traditional 11th Akhtala Barbeque Festival will take place August 18, gathering tourists, chefs and food enthusiasts in the small town in Lori Province. According to chef Sedrak Mamulyan, who is orga- nizing the festival through his Development and Preservation of Armenian Culinary Traditions NGO, the event is of great interest for both locals and for- eigners. The idea is simple, cooks and chefs compete to find out who can make the best barbeque, or as Armenians call it Khorovats, one of the most popular dishes of the Armenian cuisine. “We will have participation from Russia, Belarus and Georgia. They’ve already informed that tour packages have been sold especially for the participa- The ceremonies in Stepanakert tion in the barbeque festival. This reaction and inter- est inspires us, and it’s no coincidence that we are organizing this event already for the 11th time,” Mamulyan said. Seventh Pan-Armenian Games Get Underway The khorovats culture will be presented by partici- pants during the event, and a competition will be STEPANAKERT (RFE/RL) — The egation members coming from more “I think that it will be very useful if held. A panel of judges will select winners for the cat- Seventh Summer Pan-Armenian Games than three dozen countries are attend- we really manage to expand the idea of egories “Best Taste,” “Best Presentation,” “Best opened in Stepanakert in a ceremony ing the current games that feature pan-Armenianism. In this sense, of Idea,” and a Grand Prix will also be awarded. held at the Nagorno-Karabakh capital’s sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, course, the Pan-Armenian Games have Mamulyan especially highlighted the festival’s sig- stadium on August 6. golf, swimming, badminton, tennis, a very important and exceptional sig- nificance in terms of boosting tourism in the region. The quadrennial games bringing togeth- track and field athletics, cycling and nificance,” the head of the Armenian He says it has developed the local infrastructures. er hundreds of ethnic Armenian athletes others. The Games will close in Yerevan government underscored. “If we look at the infrastructures of the town of from around the world are designed to fos- on August 17. Addressing a rally in Stepanakert the Akhtala of Lori Province 10 years ago and now, we ter closer relationships between Armenia Armenian Prime Minister Nikol day before, Pashinyan also called for a will see a significant difference. Today, the local com- and its far-flung Diaspora. Pashinyan also attended the opening pan-Armenian consolidation. Outlining munities and the Akhtala City Hall are seriously This year Stepanakert has been cho- ceremony at Stepanakert’s Stepan a number of strategic goals that he said interested in the festival being organized every sen to co-host the games. Most of the Shahumian Republican Stadium. Armenians should achieve by 2050, year,” he said. competitions, however, will still be held Meeting with organizers of the games Pashinyan said that “Artsakh [Nagorno- the Armenian capital of Yerevan. earlier on Tuesday, Pashinyan called it Karabakh] is Armenia, period.” Summer Pan-Armenian games have “symbolic” that this year the opening of An internationally mediated peace Mayor Vows Yerevan been held in Armenia since 1999. In the pan-Armenian sporting event takes process spearheaded by the 2014, the first winter Pan-Armenian place in the Nagorno-Karabakh capital. Organization for Security and Trash Cleanup Games took place in the Armenian ski He said that the Games can become “a Cooperation in Europe’s Minsk Group YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Yerevan authorities will go resort town of Tsaghkadzor. good platform for our pan-national con- has so far failed to produce a lasting set- ahead with their efforts to try to solve the current Nearly 5,300 athletes and sports del- versation.” tlement of the conflict. garbage crisis in the city “with or without” the cur- rent monopolist waste management operator, mayor Hayk Marutyan told a local online publication on Friday, August 2. Marutyan rejected the terms offered by Sanitek, Pashinyan in Stepanakert Reveals an underperforming Lebanese-run waste manage- ment company, for a joint quick fix to the problem. Sanitek has for months been under fire for its poor ‘Strategic Goals’ for Armenia work in the Armenian capital, with the city authori- ties fining the company a total of 90 million drams STEPANAKERT (RFE/RL) — Prime services.” ment; Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh (about $190,000) since the beginning of this year Minister Nikol Pashinyan called for con- According to the Pashinyan govern- should be free from corruption and for falling short of required standards in waste man- centration of the pan-Armenian potential ment’s vision, by 2050 Armenia will abide by the principles of rule of law, agement. for the realization of long-term strategic become a country annually attracting 15 equality of all before law, which includes The company has blamed its difficulties in orga- goals of the nation as he addressed thou- million tourists and excelling in sports. independent courts. nizing proper garbage disposal in Yerevan on poor sands of people in the central square here “We will strive to make Armenia’s The quadrennial games that will be infrastructure and excessive damage to its equip- on Monday, August 5. national soccer team a medal winner at held mostly in Yerevan through August ment. The company has also claimed that the Pashinyan several times sought to a European or world championship, gain 17 are bringing together hundreds of Yerevan municipality is not willing to cooperate with emphasize the unity of different parts of 25 Olympic gold medals and get an indi- ethnic Armenian athletes from around it on acceptable terms. the Armenian people, including the peo- vidual world champion in chess,” he said. the world. At a press conference in Yerevan on Friday, speak- ple of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, “I am convinced that many of you won- ing via Skype, Sanitek’s director Nicholas El Tawil in the realization of pan-Armenian goals. der why I am saying nothing about offered his vision of short-term and long-term solu- At the rally, the popular head of the Artsakh [Karabakh]. The answer is very tions to the garbage crisis in Yerevan. In particular, Armenian government who came to simple: Artsakh is Armenia. Period,” Pashinyan Urges he said that the company is ready to immediately power as the leader of nationwide Pashinyan said, drawing cheers from the invest $4 million for the purchase of new garbage Women to Set up protests in the spring of 2018 also laid crowd. trucks and containers and keep annually investing in out what he described as a long-term The Armenian premier stressed that the purchase of 500 containers and upgrading the Micro Enterprises strategic vision of goals of the Armenian while his government sees a comprehen- available fleet of trucks. government until 2050. sive fulfillment of the goals by 2050, YEREVAN (news.am) — Armenian Sanitek’s director, however, called on the munici- According to this vision, in the next some of these goals can be fulfilled much Prime Minister Nikol Pasinyan encour- pality to improve the infrastructure at the landfill three decades Armenia’s population earlier. “So, it does not mean that we agesd women to set up micro enter- near Yerevan, revise the existing contract price and should grow from the current 3 million should sit and wait until then. We start prises and help their families. repay the already applied “unlawful deductions.” to at least 5 million people. working on the realization of these goal During a live on Facebook this week, “Yerevan must be cleaned,” Marutyan empha- “Our goal is to create 1.5 million jobs, already today,” said Pashinyan, adding Pashinyan noted that he knows many sized. “We will clean up Yerevan with or without provide employment for 2.5 million, stamp that it is equally important to have a cases where men do not allow their Sanitek.” out poverty and turn Armenia into an “roadmap” for the realization of these wives to engage in entrepreneurship Marutyan said that efforts in this direction are industrial country,” Pashinyan stressed. “mega-goals.” fearing that women would suddenly get underway and until the end of September almost the In the indicated period Pashinyan sees “The realization of these strategic more income. entire required quantity of garbage trucks will be Armenia’s gross domestic product goals should become the backbone of “I couldn’t understand them as a available for Yerevan. increasing 15 times, average salaries ris- the pan-Armenian agenda,” he said. man, and know I cannot understand Sanitek Armenia, which is a branch of the ing seven times, and funding for medi- At the same time, Pashinyan stressed them being a prime minister. It is illog- Lebanese-headquartered Sanitek International cine, education and science growing 20 that the Armenian people should agree ical: you can change the social condi- Group, has a 12-year contract with Yerevan as a times. on a number of “consensuses” for the tion of your family, but you are not monopolistic waste management operator. It began “Our goal is to have at least five achievement of the ambitious goals. allowed to. Speaking about the compa- its work in Yerevan in December 2014. Armenian technological companies Thus, according to him, violence should ny, I mean making baked goods or can- The company has threatened to apply for interna- whose values will be over $10 billion and be excluded in solving domestic issues; died fruits and selling them to stores,” tional arbitration to resolve its dispute with the 10,000 working startups,” he said. “By free and fair elections should be the only he explained. “I consider women one of Yerevan municipality. the index of combat readiness our army source of forming governments; any the forces with the greatest potential of should be at least among the world’s top attempt to bring in foreign forces in set- the economic revolution. If women are 20 armies and we should have one of the tling domestic Armenian affairs should more active in this regard, we will suc- world’s top ten most efficient intelligence entail a strong reaction from the govern- ceed.” S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Sustainable Development Goals Innovation Lab Pioneering for Armenia and the World

works with artificial intelligence. For its UN example of cooperation between a nation-state By Aram Arkun work, the lab has created a tool which is a type and the UN for the implementation of SDG of SDG barometer. It allows measuring goals, the UNDP has decided to use it as a Mirror-Spectator Staff Armenia’s progress concretely on the UN goals model for the creation of similar centers in in real time through a machine learning algo- some 60 more countries. Margaryan declared CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Armenia has a unique rithm. Margaryan said that although other that his lab would aid these new centers to set and technologically advanced research and countries have such barometers, this one is correct theoretical foundations and practices so development institution called Armenia unique because of the real time component. they understand how they must operate. National Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) In the field of tourism, Margaryan said, the Similarly, Armenia’s government uses the Innovation Lab (https://www.sdglab.am). It lab was the first in the world to create a plat- reports from the lab to apply policies on a was established in 2017 as a joint venture of the form providing real time assessments of touris- national level. Margaryan said, “This is the Armenian government and the United Nations tic issues in a country — in this case, of course, advantage of a small country: we can be more Office in Armenia, with support from the UN Armenia (https://www.travelinsights.ai). It con- flexible and fast.” He added that modernization Development Programme, in order to acceler- tinually analyzes social media and websites like of the sphere of state governance will require, in ate the achievement of the 17 SDG goals set by Trip Adviser, Airbnb, booking.com and his opinion, great reforms, in which digitization the UN which the Armenian government Facebook to divide the expressed sentiments must be a large component. He said, agreed in 2015 to accomplish by 2030 into three basic categories, and 27 subcate- “Digitization is not always innovation but inno- (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/). gories. The Tourism Committee of Armenia’s vation without digitization is not possible. We These include ending poverty and hunger, Ministry of the Economy constantly receives must move towards transparency fast, and turn defending the environment and human rights, information to be used for marketing and for to the minimal the contact between citizens and fashioning peaceful, just and inclusive soci- Stepan Margaryan solving problems. Eventually, Margaryan said, and governmental bodies. No one wants to lose eties with economic growth, shared prosperity tools will be made available for private use of time; no one wants to wait in line….Everyone and decent work for all. this data as well. wants fast, transparent and effective work.” Stepan Margaryan was appointed as director rotation two representatives each of the UN During May of this year, Margaryan and oth- Margaryan said that digitization will help of the lab after the change of regime in 2018, and the Armenian government in addition to its ers from the Innovation Lab visited Switzerland diasporan Armenians to participate in at the end of the year, when some restructuring regular members. At present, Armenian Deputy for meetings with various UN bodies and went Armenian life and the economy more easily, took place. Margaryan traveled in the official Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan and UN to Canton Valais, important as a touristic cen- when many services can be accessed via the Armenian delegation with Deputy Prime Resident Coordinator for the Republic of ter. There they introduced their tourism tool to internet. Minister Tigran Avinyan to Boston in the latter Armenia Shombi Sharp are cochairmen of the Techno-Pole de Sierre, a university, where there The lab works with many local and interna- half of this July. He said that the vision of the council, and Russian-Armenian Ruben interest in its use to provide solutions for Swiss tional nongovernmental bodies and private lab initially was centered on the SDG and cur- Vardanyan is one of the council members. issues. Margaryan said at this point negotia- associations in addition to the Armenian gov- rently “is intended to attain sustainable devel- The lab uses behavioral experimentation and tions are in progress to determine the best ernment and the UN. opment with the aid of public policy innova- various innovative approaches tion.” The lab or center has a large portfolio of to data to develop new policy plans which basically correspond to the priori- approaches. Among the behav- ties of the Armenian government as well as the ioral projects it has carried out SDG. is an attempt to promote the use Margaryan previously worked as vice presi- of preventative medicine in dent and director of the academic programs Armenia, where people only go and awards of the Foundation for Armenian to the doctor when they have Science and Technology (FAST), created by great pain and it is late for treat- entrepreneur/philanthropists Ruben ment. Cancer is one such illness Vardanyan and Noubar Afeyan to develop sci- the treatment of which could ence and education in Armenia. Margaryan said benefit from early prevention. that he began his involvement in technologies An experiment was conduct- like biotech, artificial intelligence (AI), drones ed on increasing cervical can- and robots at that time. cer screening rates. A “sterile He started his higher education with a bach- environment” was maintained, elor’s degree from Yerevan State Linguistic with no advertisements, radio University (2008) but switched to international and tv mentions from the gov- relations for his master’s degree from London’s ernment, or speaking in public, Metropolitan University (2010) and managerial so that the true results and economics for his doctorate from the State effectiveness could be mea- Academy of Public Administration of the sured. The experiment has Republic of Armenia (2013). Finally, he been concluded and the final obtained an MBA in Rome from LUISS results will be ready in Business School (2017). September. Even before the Margaryan said that at present the SDG lab official report, it is clear, has a staff of 14, which includes three data sci- Margaryan said, that there is entists who work with largescale data and cre- great excitement in the hospitals and the approach for both sides. In the United States, one of the labs it ate AI algorithms. What the lab does and the Health Ministry for using this approach in Another program which will provide real-time works with is Stanford ChangeLabs policies it pursues, Margaryan said, are “maxi- various capacities. Furthermore, the World data is Edu2Work, which will analyze job adver- (https://changelabs.stanford.edu/). mally human-centered so that people can bene- Bank wants to work with the lab on similar tisements, including skills demanded and wages Margaryan said that during his Boston visit, fit from them.” The results of the work of gov- test programs for diabetics and breast cancer. offered, and help bridge the gap between the there was the opportunity to meet with the ernments can be measured by seeing how sat- In the realm of taxes, Margaryan says his cen- worlds of education and the employment mar- leaders of various centers, and relations estab- isfied and happy people are, and how well they ter was inspired by Italian and Spanish exam- ket. Behavioral interventions based on the lished with the director of a Harvard center live in their country, he explained. ples to do a behavioral experiment. One reason results will help direct youth to choose the dealing with technology transfer. The Armenian government is the chief part- people and businesses do not pay taxes is that fields most in demand in the market, and cor- Margaryan estimated that the lab’s budget is ner of the lab. Consequently, he said, “We they do not know where they go. In order to try respondingly, informational campaigns can be roughly 1.5 million dollars, including 1 million always participate in discussions on various top- to change this, he said, the lab prepared 13 organized. This program is being carried out from a Russian Federation fund for specific ics with ministries, including the ministers and types of letters for 39,000 small and medium within the framework of the Work Armenia pro- programs, 250,000 sterling pounds from the deputy ministers, and issues always come up. enterprises. The letters explain where taxes gram, together with the British Nesta English government for an education pro- We try to find solutions to their problems.” goes percentage wise. One type asks where the (https://www.nesta.org.uk/) and the gram, and 100,000 dollars from the UN When interesting ideas lead to program pro- firm would like 10 percent of its taxes to be Behavioural Insights Team (BIT, Development Coordination Office. While this posals, Margaryan said that funding was not a spent and offered to try to make this happen to https://www.bi.team). is a small sum for the US, he said, this is not problem, exclaiming, “Believe me, the money is the extent feasible. A different type of letter con- The lab is carrying out a variety of other a bad budget if the lab is considered a startup always found to carry them out. There are vari- cerning social norm states that 90 out of 100 mass data assemblage projects, such as the organization. ous donors ready to help Armenia do those pro- pay their taxes so do not be the exception. This creation of an Armenian farm registry to Margaryan concluded: “I want to say that we grams.” The pilot programs that work, experiment will indicate which approach pro- learn what Armenian farmers produce and work in a very open fashion. You see that I am Margaryan said, can be carried out on the duces results. their capacity. There are some 272,000 farms in Boston and met with many different people. national level. In other words, he said, “we are Margaryan said that such behavioral experi- in Armenia today. Real-time satellite and It is important for me that we have many dif- insuring the government from the risks, if it ments, new in Armenia, are now being carried drone imagery will be supplemented with on ferent partners. I want the representatives of first would try them on a large scale and fail out in five spheres. In a project done with the the ground information. Artificial intelli- our community here in Boston to know that and lose large sums.” My Step Foundation, the goal is to get people gence will help monitor crop growth. With there is such a thing in Armenia and we are Though the lab works with different bodies of to use reusable bags with the goal of creating a greater information, Margaryan explained always ready to cooperate, and are ready to the Armenian government, it does not belong plastic-free environment. A project working that the efficiency of agriculture can be max- accept, host and in the case of proposals for to nor is it subject to any particular body of that with UNICEF attempts to decrease gender- imized. It can be determined what grows work, always are ready to collaborate with our government, according to Margaryan. It has a based abortions. Other fields of experimenta- best, for example, in a particular zone of diaspora of Boston and the various universities governing council which approves of its opera- tion include renewable energy. land, and when. there.” For questions about the lab, write tions and plans. The council includes through In addition to behavioral experiments, the lab As the Armenian innovation lab is the first to [email protected]. 4 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Virtual Tour in Akhtamar Church

VAN (Hurriyet) — Witnessing thou- Speaking about the project, the As part of the project, the opening of Summer Space School sands of years of a church’s history that Presidency’s communications director, an exhibition featuring the photos lies in Anatolia is now a click away. The Fahrettin Altun, said that they carried of Akdamar Church taken by Keribar Opens in Yerevan Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of out various research and promotional was made by President Recep Tayyip Communications has prepared a web- activities in order to increase awareness Erdogan on July 23 at the Hagia Irene YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The International site dedicated to the 1,100-year- about the rich cultural heritage that Church in Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace. Summer Space School has opened at the A. old Akdamar (Akhtamar) Church, a Turkey possesses. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Keribar Shahinyan Physics and Mathematics School in medieval Armenian church in the east- Yerevan, Armenia. ern Van province. Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry Armen Located on Akdamar Island in Lake Abroyan attended the opening ceremony on August Van, the church was built between 915 5. He emphasized that the event will give results in A.D. and 921 A.D. by architect Bishop the future when the participating young people will Manuel, under the supervision of Gagik make contributions in space science. I Artsruni, an Armenian king. Astronaut Sergei Avdeyev was also in attendance at The website www.akdamarkilisesi.gov the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. .tr, provides comprehensive information Lectures will be organized for children from and visual materials in three different Armenia and Russia during the 12-day program. languages, Turkish, English and They will also visit the Byurakan Observatory for Armenian, is now open to visitors, some practical training. who cannot physically go to the island, or those perhaps interested in seeing a UN Ambassador Speaks masterpiece that has stood strong in their ancestral lands for centuries. About Azeri Targeting of Efforts to bring together the cultural and historical monuments and muse- Civilians ums with visitors in a digital environ- YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On August 2, ment gain importance in the world as Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United well as in Turkey. The website, which was created as a Nations, Mher Margaryan, participated in the United Akhtamar Church Nations Security Council open debate on “Children result of meticulous work with the help and Armed Conflict.” of technology, many natural and histor- Close to 80 delegations took part in the meeting ical beauties are shown to people who presided by the Foreign Minister of Poland, Jacek don’t have the chance to see them phys- In this context, Altun stated that they said that he had been taking photos for Czaputowicz. ically. realized the first project 65 years and won many awards, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General VR videos and 360-degree photos pre- for Akdamar Church, which is an impor- that the exhibition was one of the mile- for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba and pared using advanced imaging tech- tant faith center of the Christian and stones of his professional life. Executive Director of UNICEF Henrietta Fore were nologies give visitors the feeling of Armenian people. He said that he took some 1,000 briefed on the issues of protection of children in con- closely seeing the unique harmony of He said that thanks to the interest of photos in four days. “One day I got a flict situations. history and nature. the state and investments, both the call from Istanbul. ‘You are Margaryan underscored that Armenia prioritizes The reliefs and frescoes of the church, island and the historic church became in Akdamar, we wonder if you can take the protection of children’s rights and referred to the white flowers of the almond trees one of the most popular spots in pictures before sunrise?’ they said. We the steps undertaken by Armenia to ensure safety of surrounding it, and the unique blue of Turkish tourism. needed to be there at 4:30 a.m. We got schools located in border regions, including creation Lake Van are some of the visual beau- “Anatolia is a mosaic of different cul- there in the dark and I took the pho- of safe rooms and shelters in cooperation with the ties that bring the divine atmosphere of tures and beliefs. The Armenian com- tos. Here you see 40-50 photos out of International Committee of Red Cross. this historical place to visitors. In addi- munity is a part of this mosaic. We will some 1,000.” The ambassador drew the attention of the Council tion, the unique nature of Akdamar is continue to strengthen the bridge of The exhibition will be open to visitors to the deliberate targeting of civilian population and presented to visitors through the lens of friendship that we have established by for the next 20 days. The website also infrastructure of Nagorno-Karabakh and bordering famous photography artist zzet living together for centuries and set an displays Keribar’s Akdamar photos regions of Armenia, as a result of which civilians and Keribar. example for the world,” Altun said. taken from 14 different spots. children had been killed and injured. Ceremony Remembers Armenians Make Pilgrimage to St. Thaddeus Monastery in Iran Hiroshima Tragedy TEHRAN – More than 3,000 Christian Also known as the Qareh Klise (“the was placed on the UNESCO World YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A ceremony to com- worshippers, who are natives of Iran or Black Church”), the monastery is one of Heritage list in 2008 under the name memorate the anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic other countries, are on pilgrimage at St. the oldest surviving Christian monu- “Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran.” bombing in 1945 was held in Armenia on August 6. Thaddeus Monastery, which is located in ments in the country. It is situated in All the three sites are located in West Lanterns of Peace made by Armenian children will Iran’s West Azerbaijan province. Chaldoran county some 20 kilometers Azerbaijan and are of high significance be sent to Japan, where Japanese children will put The essential core of the pilgrimage, form Maku, adjacent to the borders of from historical and cultural perspectives. them into the water, a symbolic way to remind the the main service, called a Badarak, was Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. They bear credible testimony to inter- world of the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki held on Saturday, attended by guests The ancient church shows off elaborate changes with the ancient regional soci- bombings, Armenian-Japanese Hikari Center Chair from Iran, Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, the bas-reliefs of flowers, animals and human eties in particular the Byzantine, Karine Piliposyan said at the ceremony in Yerevan at Netherlands, France, Austria, Germany, figures on its façade and exterior walls. It Orthodox and Persian. the Peace Covenant Memorial. Canada and some other countries, IRNA bears verses of Old and New Testament in UNESCO has it that the churches bear Hikari Center students recited haikus in Armenian reported. Armenian calligraphy as well. examples of outstanding universal value and Japanese dedicated to the memory of the victims The province’s cultural heritage Together with St. Stepanos Monastery of the Armenian architectural and deco- of the bombings. department has endeavored to provide and the Chapel of Dzordzor, Qareh Klise rative traditions. The Deputy Head of Mission of Japan in Armenia, the necessary infrastructure, including Japanese tourists and others were in attendance. camping sites, sanitary services, catering services, outdoor lighting, and setting up Istanbul Patriarchate Elections in December tents for ritual ceremonies and other ser- Artsakh Delegates Meet vices, chief of the department Jalil ISTANBUL (Armenpress) — Nearly In July, the Patriarchate chose Jabbari said. five months since the passing of Mesrob Bishop Sahak Mashalian to fill the With Australian Premier Baptism of children and youngsters II, the Armenian Patriarchate of role of “locum tenens”: the “place- SYDNEY (Armenpress) — Within the framework along with performances of traditional Constantinople (Istanbul) has launched holder” who will administer the of the working visit to Australia, the delegation head- songs and dances are amongst highlights its organizational work to hold an elec- Patriarchate until a new Armenian ed by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the event. tion of a new patriarch. Patriarch is chosen. Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic) Masis The festivity is of high importance for A new patriarch will be elected by The election of Mashalian was the Mayilian met with Prime Minister of the Australian Iranian-Armenians who mostly come spiritual and secular delegates, who result of a closed-door meeting of the State of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian on from the cities of Tabriz, Urmia, Tehran, themselves are yet to be elected. The patriarchal congregation on July 4. August 1. Isfahan and Qazvin, to stage the reunion election of these delegates will take Mashalian’s principle task will be to During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on in groups and families. It also provides place on December 7 and 8. The patri- organize a patriarchal election, while the development of cooperation and strengthening them an opportunity to go on holiday archate seeks to hold the election of a managing the operations of the the ties between Artsakh and the State of New South and visit distant relatives. patriarch on December 11, and it has Patriarchate until then. Wales, taking into account that the Parliament of Attendees commemorate the martyr- applied to the Ministry of Interior of The Istanbul native has previously New South Wales recognized the Republic of dom of St. Thaddeus, one of the twelve Turkey through the Government of served in the Armenian Church’s Artsakh in 2012. disciples killed while he was preaching Istanbul Province with a request to con- Jerusalem Patriarchate; in Armenia as The sides also touched upon issues related to the the Gospel. The legend says, a church firm the dates, the patriarchate said on dean of Holy Etchmiadzin’s Kevorkian increase of the role of the Armenian Diaspora in pro- dedicated to him was first built in 68 CE its social media account. Seminary; and at the Istanbul moting the foreign policy agenda of Artsakh. where Qareh Klise is standing. Mesrob II Mutafyan of Patriarchate as director of ecumenical Mayilian presented the priorities of Artsakh’s for- Thaddeus was an apostle of Christ and Constantinople was elected patriarch in and interfaith relations, and secretary of eign policy and the challenges in this sphere. the ceremony is rooted in the last supper 1998, but ten years later was incapaci- the Religious Council. with Jesus Christ on the night of his tated due to Alzheimer’s disease. He Bishop Mashalian is expected to be arrest and execution by the Roman sol- died in a comatose condition on March among the candidates for Istanbul diers. 8, 2019 in hospital at the age of 62. Patriarch. S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community News

Former Flynn Associate Convicted A Lifelong Of Illegal Lobbying Calling to the For Turkey Priesthood HARTFORD, Conn. — For the second time this summer, a new priest has been By Brandi Buchman welcomed into the ranks of the Armenian clergy, as Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan performed the ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Courthouse News) – Just sacrament of holy orders on the former hours into deliberations on July 23, a jury Deacon Arman Galstyan. found a former business partner of convicted The ordination service took place at ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn the St. George Church of Harford, dur- guilty of acting as an illegal lobbyist for the ing a special Divine Liturgy on Turkish government. Saturday, July 27. It was preceded by a

Bijan Kian, 66-year-old Iranian-American busi- MARK HARUTUNIAN PHOTO nessman who also goes by Bijan Rafiekian, was found guilty of conspiracy and failure to regis- ter as a foreign agent. The charges stemmed from lobbying work done by Kian and Flynn in 2016 aimed at dis- crediting Fethullah Gulen, a cleric Turkish President Recep Erdogan has blamed for a failed coup against him. Jurors deliberated for less than six hours at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia. Despite their guilty verdict, US District Judge Anthony Trenga indicated last week he may acquit Kian on both charges due to a lack of evidence. As vice chairman of Flynn’s Alexandria-based Judge Armenui Amy Ashvanian Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel blesses consulting firm Flynn Intel Group, prosecutors the newly anointed Fr. Voski Galstyan. claimed Kian helped hide work on a secret lob- bying campaign that ran from September to Service of Calling on Friday evening, November 2016. Meet Judge Armenui July 26. Prosecutors said Kian and Dutch-Turkish Bishop Daniel gave the newly businessman Kamil Ekim Alptekin — who was ordained priest the name “Voski,” after also indicted last year but never appeared in an ancient saint who holds a special sig- court to face charges – conspired to hide Amy Ashvanian nificance for the Primate. $600,000 in payments given to Flynn Intel see FR. VOSKI, page 7 By Kevork Keushkerian New Priest LOS ANGELES — I was invited to meet for interview with Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Armenui Amy Ashvanian on Wednesday, July 31, Ordained at in her chambers at the East Los Angeles Courthouse. The interview was informative and eye-opening regarding the many chal- The Diocese lenges Judge Armenui faced and overcame with determination and hard work. Kevork: Good morning, your Honor. Can you introduce yourself to our CHICAGO — The Armenian Church community, stating where were you born and when did you come to the was blessed with a new priest this week- United States? end, as Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Ashvanian: Good morning, Kevork. I was born in the Soviet Republic of performed the sacrament of holy orders Bijan Kian Armenia, and I immigrated to the United States with my parents when I was on the former Deacon Narek 17 years old. When I came to America, I did not know one word of English. Garabedian. Back in Armenia, the education I received all the way through high school was As part of the ordination, the Primate Group from the Turkish government for a pro- in Armenian. My second language was Russian and the foreign language in my conferred a new name on the candidate, ject aimed at helping Turkey extradite Gulen. school was French. I had to learn English and support my elderly parents. who will henceforth be known as Fr. But during the week-long trial, Judge Trenga Kevork: Where did you go to school to learn English? Andreas (Andrew) Garabedian. said the evidence was “very, very circumstan- Ashvanian: I enrolled in the Glendale Unified School District solely to learn The ceremonies, which included a tial” and “speculative.” In particular, he took the language, because I had already received a high school diploma from the Service of Calling on Friday, June 28, issue with a lack of evidence indicating Turkey Republic of Armenia, when it was still the Soviet Republic of Armenia. I learned RYAN TELLALIAN PHOTO was directly involved in the scheme against the language well enough to get a job at the Bank of America, only a few Gulen. Prosecutors were unable to provide a months after I came to America. paper trail of emails or text messages explicitly Then I enrolled in the Glendale Community College and received my associ- showing who directly controlled Flynn Intel ate degree in business administration. After that, I received my Bachelor of Arts Group’s actions. Degree in business administration from the American University of Hawaii. But other evidence presented at trial per- Kevork: What school did you attend to study law? suaded jurors to convict Kian, like testimony Ashvanian: A B.A. in business administration was not enough for me, from Jim Courtovich, managing partner of because growing up in Soviet Armenia and seeing injustices and corruption, it Sphere Consulting. Courtvich told jurors he became my life’s passion to be a part of a system that makes a difference. I want- The newly anointed Fr. Andreas met with Flynn, Kian and Alptekin in November ed to make a change in the world and that perseverance made me grasp every Garabedian prays at the altar beside 2016 just ahead of the US election. Sphere was opportunity I could to be someone important. That opportunity was given to Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel. hired to produce a documentary smearing me by the Glendale University College of Law. I took my law degree in 2004 Gulen but Alptekin reportedly lost his temper and passed the bar. During that time, I was working at a law firm as a parale- when he learned Sphere’s work on the project gal, but my passion was to go into the criminal field. and a Divine Liturgy on Saturday, June would not also include congressional hearings, Kevork: What did you do, before becoming a judge? 29, took place at the St. Gregory the stories in major news outlets or the launching Ashvanian: I applied to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office Illuminator Church of Chicago, where of federal investigations into Gulen. and became a prosecutor. I worked there for 14 years, from 2005 to 2018. Half Fr. Andreas had served for the past two “What do I tell Ankara?” Courtovich recalled of that time, I worked in the elite unit, which covers the hard-core, gang-relat- years as Deacon-in-Charge, and where Alptekin saying angrily at the meeting. ed prosecution. This helped me learn about the community at large, including he will return as pastor following the Questions over how Kian recorded payments the victims, the defendants and the witnesses, who were all entrenched in the traditional 40-day period of seclusion. also appeared to generate suspicion in jurors: gang culture. Clergy and faithful from throughout he first labeled payments to Alptekin’s compa- Shortly after I joined the District Attorney’s office, the US State Department the region joined the local parishioners ny Inovo BV as “outsider adviser” fees, and they had tapped me to assist them in overseas prosecution development and training to take part in the service and its sub- were later listed as “refunds.” sequent celebratory banquet, and to Judge Trenga will issue a ruling on whether see ASHVANIAN, page 7 honor the start of Fr. Andreas’ priestly to acquit Kian on September 5. ministry in the vineyard of the Lord. Sentencing is currently set for October 18. see FR. ANDREAS, page 7 Kian faces up to 15 years in prison. 6 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARY

books are: Genocide Studies Pioneer Vahakn Dadrian Dies • Autopsie du Génocide Arménien. Trans. Marc & Mikaël Nichanian. Brussels: Éditions DADRIAN, from page 1 and appreciated his accomplishments,” the Berlin, he pursued Philosophy at the University Complexe, 1995, 266p. Given his command of several languages, President said. of Vienna, and later, International Law at the • Haykakan Tsekhaspanut`iune Khorhtaranayin Dadrian was able to do research in various Istanbul-Armenian Member of Turkish University of Zürich. He received his Ph.D. in ev Patmagitakan Knnarkumnerov (The treat- archives around the world, revealing previously Parliament Garo Paylan, representing the pro- sociology from the University of Chicago. From ment of the Ottoman genocide by the Ottoman unknown documents about the Armenian geno- Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), took 1970-1991 he was a professor of sociology at parliament and its historical analysis). cide and creating sociological typologies about to Twitter on Sunday to pay tribute to Dadrian. the State University of New York-College at Watertown, MA: Baikar, 1995, 147p. the event that have become a reference for all “Istanbul-born academician Vahakn Dadrian, Geneseo. • The History of the Armenian Genocide: scholars of the subject. One of his last works who was best known for his works on the “In 1999 he joined the Academic Board of Ethnic Conflict from the Balkans to Anatolia to was the book Judgments in Istanbul, co- Armenian Genocide, has passed away. His Directors of the Zoryan Institute. Since then he the Caucasus. Providence, RI & Oxford: authored with Prof. Taner Akcam. books published in Turkey played an important served as the Director of Genocide Research Berghahn Books, 1995, 452p. role in the international recognition of the and oversaw some of the Institute’s most impor- • German Responsibility in the Armenian Reactions from Around the World Armenian Genocide. God bless his soul!” Paylan tant projects. He was the author of more than Genocide: A Review of the Historical Evidence President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent tweeted, according to Ermenihaber. 10 books and 100 articles the most important of German Complicity. Watertown, MA: Blue a letter of condolence to Dadrian's family and In addition, many Armenian organizations of which was The History of the Armenian Crane Books, 1996, 304p. friends. expressed their condolences. Genocide: Ethnic Conflict from the Balkans to • The Key Elements in the Turkish Denial of “I knew Doctor Dadrian not only as a brilliant Society for Armenian Studies President Anatolia to the Caucasus (Berghahn, 2019). His the Armenian Genocide: A Case Study of scholar but also as an excellent expert of inter- Bedross Der Matossian announced: “Dadrian books and articles have been translated into Distortion and Falsification. Cambridge, MA national relations and a person communication was the founder of the field of Armenian more than 10 languages.” and Toronto: Zoryan Institute, 1999, 84p. with whom was instructive and gratifying. Genocide Studies and one of founders of the • Warrant for Genocide: Key Elements of These recollections and memories of him will field of Comparative Genocide Studies. After Dadrian’s books and articles have been trans- Turko-Armenian Conflict. New Brunswick and always stay bright with those who knew him studying mathematics at the University of lated into more than 10 languages. Among his London: Transaction Publishers, 1999, 214p.

Mihran Toumajan, he formed the Kousan (“Wreath of Song”) dedicated to the 90th melody from the Armenian Morning Service. Krikor Chorus. This group performed for more than a anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was The late Yeghishe Srpazan had sung it once for decade, eventually forming the core of the made in Armenia under the directorship of me years ago, and I yearned to notate it and Pidedjian Armenian Cultural Association, now known as Pidedjian. teach it to our young deacons. Not surprisingly, Hamazkayin. Pidedjian was one of that associa- His books in Armenian include Andzink Mr. Pidedjian recalled the melody instantly. We Noted Musicologist tion’s founders. Nviryalk (“Devoted Persons”); The Place of spent a remarkable afternoon together at his In 1964, together with dance director Nvart Armenian Revolutionary Songs in Armenian kitchen table, notating music, singing and talk- NEW YORK — Musicologist Krikor Pidedjian Hamparian, he organized the first Armenian Music; Is Krikor Narekatzi a Hymnographer?; ing about the sacred gold that is our inheri- died on July 30 at age 84. He was internation- song and dance ensemble in America. The 120- Kristapor Kara-Murza; and The Music of the tance as children of the Armenian Church. For ally recognized as a talented musicologist, member group showcased its talent on Armenian Church (in Armenian and English). this I will always remember him. His gracious whose long career contributed much to fur- “Armenia Day” at the World’s Fair in the same On October 17, 2008, Pidedjian was made a wife Berjouhie added to the joy and warmth of thering the quality of Armenian cultural life year to an audience of over 10,000. Pidedjian member of Armenia’s Society of Composers that afternoon.” and depth of knowl- was recognized for his work by New York State and Musicologists. On October 23, 2010, a Pidedjian was the recipient of numerous edge in Armenian Governor Nelson Rockefeller. grand celebration marking Pidedjian’s 75th awards and commendations, including the St. music. In 1970, he received a BS degree in choral con- birthday and the 50th anniversary of his con- Nerses Shnorhali medal from Karekin II, Pidedjian was born ducting from the Mannes School of Music, where tribution to the world of Armenian music was Catholicos of All Armenians, a gold medal from into a musical family in his senior year he had been the assistant con- organized by the Yerevan Komitas State the Central Committee of Hamazkayin in Alexandria, Egypt, ductor of the choir of the Mannes College of Conservatory Director Sergey Sarajian and Armenian Educational and Cultural Society on August 17, 1935. Music. He received an MS from Hunter College Publication Department Director Gohar and an Honorary Professor Diploma from the His father, Bedros, thereafter. For many years he taught music in the Shagoyan at the House-Museum of Aram Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory. had been a volunteer New York City public school system. Khatchaturian. On this occasion, The visitation took place on August 1 at St. in the Armenian In 1970 he also established the professional Yerazhshtakan Hayastan (“Musical Armenia”) Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church in Legion. His mother, choir at St. Vartan Cathedral in New York City periodical director Gohar Shagoyan dedicated White Plains, followed by funeral services at the Marie, was a fountain and conducted it until 1981. issue 2(37) to the Pidedjian’s life and contribu- same church and interment at Cedar Grove of knowledge insofar Pidedjian’s arrangements, and original com- tions to Armenian music. Cemetery in Flushing on August 2. as Armenian song was concerned. His love of positions of religious, patriotic and folk music Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan in a state- Pidedjian is survived by his wife, Beatrice music was further nurtured by his music have drawn audiences in Armenia, Argentina, ment praised Pidedjian for his contributions (Kachian), son, Datev and wife Jeanne, son, teacher, Garbis Aprigian, at the Boghosian Canada, Egypt, France, Greece, Iran, Iraq, and recalled meeting him. “About a year ago, Antovk and wife Ani; grandchildren, Alexandra, National School. Lebanon, Syria and the United States. His Mr. Pidedjian warmly invited me to his home in Adam, Stephen, Kyle and Daron; brother, Years later, he studied at the Theological string orchestral and brass concerts were Yonkers when I called on him for assistance in Boghos and wife Takouhie and sister, Seminary of the Holy See of the Great House of unique in their creativity and inspiration. He reconstructing and notating an old, forgotten Haigouhie Ganimian. Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon under hymnologist was always a generous source of information for Knel Vardapet Jerejian and famed musicologist all with an interest in Armenian music. Hampartzoum Berberian. He subsequently His music has appeared in the official publi- studied at the Beirut Conservatory while he cations of the Catholicosate of Echmiadzin bore the dual responsibilities of teacher at the (Echmiadzin), the Catholicosate of the Great Seminary and musical director of the St. House of Cilicia (Hask), as well as in many reli- Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of the gious and secular publications in the United F UNERAL H OME Catholicosate. In 1960, he formed a 30-member States. He regularly contributed essays and cri- Giragosian male chorus to sing the mass composed by tiques of books and musical compositions to James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Komitas Vardapet on solemn occasions. the Armenian press in both Armenia and the Mark J. Giragosian In 1962, he came to New York and with the Diaspora. He continually gave lectures to the Funeral Counselors blessings of one of Komitas Vardapet’s famous Armenian communities in the United States. A 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 students, ethnomusicologist and song collector compact disc recording titled “Yergapsak” www.giragosianfuneralhome.com

Nazareth Salbashian Telephone (617) 924-7400 Longtime Staff Member at Diocesean Center Aram Bedrosian NEW YORK — Nazareth Salbashian, a long- Cathedral Vicar Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, time staff member at the Diocesan Center in Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Fr. New York, and manager of its St. Vartan Karekin Kasparian and Fr. Arshen Aivazian all Funeral Home, Inc. Bookstore, died on July 2, following several participated. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 weeks of hospitalization in Englewood, NJ. In a touching eulogy, Findikyan character- From his birth in Beirut, Lebanon on ized Nazareth as “faithful to a fault” – citing MARION BEDROSIAN November 21, 1943, to his last day, he nour- his intense devotion to his family, his indus- 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN ished those around him with his positive spirit, triousness, and his lifelong embrace of the sense of humor, kindness and love. Born to Armenian heritage. The Primate remembered Khosrov and Haigouhi Salbashian, he graduat- him as a man who spoke the truth fearlessly, ed from the AGBU Hovagimian-Manoogian in a spirit of love and generosity towards oth- Secondary School and was educated at ers. Haigazian University in Beirut. He worked in He is survived by his wife, Azniv, and three ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS textiles for over two decades and dedicated the children, Maral, Lisa and Sevag; his brothers D D S past 20 years to serving as the bookstore man- Simpad and Koko Salbashian, his sisters ager of the Eastern Diocese. Takouhie Pidedjian and Hermineh Babayan, Cemetery Monuments He cherished his family and friends, and was and their families. He was predeceased by his Specializing in loved and respected in return. He will be brothers Hagop and Drtad, as well as his par- remembered as a ray of light who emanated ents. Armenian Designs and Lettering warmth and generosity. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues at 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan the Diocesan Center, who prayed for his recov- presided over the funeral service on Monday, ery and looked forward to their friend’s even- (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com July 8, at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. tual return among them. S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Meet Judge Armenui Amy Ashvanian

ASHVANIAN, from page 5 Also, I became a volunteer coach at the listening to both sides and using my discretion, in the now the Independent Republic of AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High based on the law and following the constitu- Armenia. I was both humbled and honored to School in Pasadena and for the last three years, tion. I have nothing negative to say about this have been offered that position and, since then, I have been teaching their mock trial team for job. I have been working with the Republic of constitutional rights foundation and I am very Kevork: Do you encourage our lawyers to Armenia to reform their criminal justice system happy to say that last year my team went all the become judges? for almost 11 years. We are happy that the US way to the playoffs. Ashvanian: Absolutely. We do not have Government is willing to train judges, law Besides, I mentor law students in the enough Armenian-American judges on the enforcement officials, and defense attorneys to Armenian community and tell them that they bench. Every opportunity I have, such as men- have transparency in the system. I have also could achieve anything, if they have the right toring or giving panel discussions, I take the been working, in the last three years, with the mindset. I present myself as an example to them time to say to graduates of law school, or to government officials in the Republic of Artsakh saying, if I could do it, then you could do it. lawyers: don’t ever say no or limit yourselves. to reform their judicial system. Kevork: Have you been back to Armenia? We should have a diverse population of judges Kevork: When did you become a judge? Ashvanian: Yes, I go a minimum of once a on the bench. Ashvanian: I applied for the position and I year, and since 2008, I have been back to Kevork: What is the right path for obtain- was fortunate enough to be appointed as Armenia on average twice a year. Every sum- ing a judgeship? Superior Court Judge by Governor Brown in mer I try to take my kids there, because I want Ashvanian: There is no one formula or path very lucky to see there some of my mentees, February of 2018. Now, I serve as a judge in them to have a strong connection with for judgeship. I teach professional responsibili- who were inspired by me. It is inspiring for me the Superior Court of the County of Los Armenia. I have been very fortunate to have ties at the Glendale University College of Law, to see that I was able to make a difference. Angeles in East Los Angeles. This was a dream two children who have such strong ties to and when students ask me that question, I tell Kevork: What is your final message for our come true, as I am the only immigrant born in Armenia. I have also taken them to Artsakh. It them it is your reputation and credibility that community? Armenia to become a Superior Court Judge. has been highly educational for them to see matters the most. An honest and hard-working Ashvanian: We have a great and large Kevork: Tell us about your family. how people live in the villages day-by-day, and lawyer who has respect for the court, the liti- Armenian community in Los Angeles, full of Ashvanian: I am happily married to my high how kids their age act. They come back with a gants, and the defendants are the key for suc- people who are very successful. We do a lot of school sweetheart, and we have two children. different perspective of life. cess. Also, another important aspect is partici- good for our youth, for example, through the Kevork: I understand that you also teach Kevork: What do you like and dislike about pating in works, such as community service, Armenian Bar Association. My message would law classes. Can you tell me where? being a judge? pro bono work, and community outreach. be: don’t give up, work hard, have confidence in Ashvanian: Yes, for the last five years, I have Ashvanian: I keep telling everyone that this Kevork: To be honest with you, I was your ability, and don’t be discouraged. If you been teaching at the Glendale University has been the most fulfilling job any one can impressed with your presence at the last two need help, find someone you really connect College of Law, my alma mater. I teach profes- have. If you really have passion and care for the Armenian community outreach meetings with with. You can reach the stars with hard work sional responsibilities for attorneys, criminal system, and you want to make a difference in Congresswoman Judy Chu and Los Angeles and keep doing what you want to do. Don’t be and constitutional procedures, and criminal the system, then this is the job for you. Having County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. pressured to do what your parents want you to prosecution as an elective. Besides teaching, this job for the last year and a half is a blessing Ashvanian: I never miss an opportunity to do. This helps the future generations of our mentoring young people has been a passion of for me. I love coming to work every day, not attend those meetings, because it is very impor- community. mine. being an advocate for one side or the other, but tant to me to be a part of the community. I was Kevork: Thank you, Judge Ashvanian.

The Primate urged listeners to revive the pas- Gomidas Zohrabian stood as the sponsoring moved to the US to continue his education at A Lifelong Calling sionate faith exhibited by St. Voski, whose name priest. Fr. Gomidas was Fr. Voski’s predecessor Concordia College and St. Vladimir’s Seminary, in Armenian means “gold.” “Our genuine faith is as pastor in Hartford, and currently leads the and was ordained as a deacon in 2003. During To the Priesthood more precious than gold,” he said. “And today St. David Church in Boca Raton, Fla. the intervening time he served in St. Vartan we have a new priest who is more precious than Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Ruth Bedevian (from Cathedral in New York, and also worked in the FR. VOSKI, from page 5 gold, and I have given him the name Voski.” the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ) were the Diocesan Complex in the Krikor and Clara In his sermon at the ordination badarak, Taking the Pastoral Staff godparents of the new priest. Zohrab Information Center and the Fund for Findikyan related the story of St. Voski: a diplo- The new Rev. Voski Galstyan will formally The Hartford parishioners as well as clergy Armenian Relief. matic visitor to the kingdom of Armenia during take up duties as pastor of the St. George and faithful from the region gathered for the For a decade, he pursued a business career in the Apostolic Age, who met Christ’s apostle St. Church, where he has been serving as Deacon- services and the celebratory banquet honoring Canada. But as Bishop Daniel affirmed in his Thaddeus and became a convert to Christianity. in-Charge for the past several months. His Fr. Voski’s consecration. ordination sermon, the former Dn. Arman felt Voski was the earliest priest of the Armenians tenure will begin after he undergoes the tradi- A Lifelong Calling his calling so strongly that he returned to St. to be remembered by name, and zealously evan- tional 40-day period of seclusion for new clergy. Arman Galstyan was born in Yerevan, Nersess Seminary in 2016 to complete his stud- gelized the countryside prior to his martyrdom. During the ordination ceremonies, the Rev. Armenia. He began his altar service as a teenag- ies for the priesthood. After graduating in 2018 er, and shortly thereafter enrolled at the he served as a pastoral intern under the super- Gevorkian Seminary of the Mother See of Holy vision of the Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian at the St. Echmiadzin. Freshly out of the seminary he Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ. worked at Yerevan’s Gandzasar Theological His ordination is the culmination of a lifelong Center translating writings by Anania calling to serve Christ, his church, and the Narekatsi from classical to modern Armenian. Armenian people. Fr. Voski and his wife In 1997, at the invitation of then-Diocesan Yeretzgin Margarita have three children: Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, he Alexander, Emma and Michael. New Priest Ordained at the Diocese

FR. ANDREAS, from page 5 Nune Chukhajyan. The couple settled in New Vital Thread of Ministry Rochelle, NY, so he could attend St. Nersess The Armenian priesthood has been a vital Armenian Seminary and St. Vladimir’s thread running through Fr. Andreas’ entire life. Orthodox Seminary. He received a Master of He is the son of the Rev. Keghart Garabedian, Divinity degree in 2016, and a year later was the former secretary to the late Catholicos of All assigned by then-Diocesan Primate Archbishop Armenians, Vasken I. Indeed, Fr. Keghart was Khajag Barsamian as Deacon-in-Charge of the sponsoring priest at his son’s ordination. Fr. Chicago’s St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. Andreas’ godfather was H. Nicolas Berberian. Fr. Andreas has a special love for music, and The 31-year-old Fr. Andreas is a native of has honed his skill as both an instrumental and Yerevan, Armenia, who grew up in Canada vocal artist. He will spend his 40-day period of among the Armenian parishes his father served. retreat at the Armonk, NY, campus of St. He has been serving on the altar in one capac- Nersess Seminary, after which Fr. Andreas and ity or another since the age of three, and has Yeretzgin Nune Garabedian will take up their been guided along his spiritual path by two for- new roles at the Chicago parish. mer primates of the Canadian Diocese, Primate’s First Ordination Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and Bishop Important as ordination was to Fr. Andreas, Bagrat Galstyan. It was the latter who ordained the occasion was also a milestone in the min- Narek as a deacon in 2006. istry of Bishop Daniel. With his elevation to the Subsequently he studied at the seminary of episcopal rank this past May, the Primate the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, with the became authorized to confer the sacrament of blessing of the late Patriarch Torkom Holy Orders. Fr. Andreas represents the first Manoogian. He graduated at the top of his class priestly ordination performed by Bishop and shortly thereafter, in Armenia, married Daniel’s hand.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 8 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS AMAA 2019 Summer Internship to Armenia Provides Interns Vision for a Mission

with children at AMAA’s Sheen Shoghig Camp By Rev. Serop and Alina in Hankavan. Megerditchian Fifteen interns from eight countries bonded with each other very quickly and very well, as one family, and each day actively participated in PASADENA, Calif. — The theme of the the program and praised God for witnessing Internship “Vision for Mission,” organized by AMAA’s and ECA’s ministries for the children, the Armenian Missionary Association of youth, adult, elderly and needy of Armenia. America (AMAA), which took place July 4 to 19 Interns toured significant AMAA ministries in Armenia, was to provide the youth from dif- such as AMAA’s Avedisian School and the Shogh Day Centers. They met with local church pastors and congregations supported by the AMAA through the network of the Evangelical Church of Armenia (ECA). They had the oppor- tunity to spend two days working alongside leaders at AMAA’s Sheen Shoghig Camp in Hankavan. They spent five days doing mission projects in Shriagamout and Vanadzor and they also visited cultural sites to discover their rich, Armenian cultural roots. We would like to commend the interns for Visiting an impoverished family in Vanadzor having the vision and implementing it through mission and, with their own money, sponsoring VBS at Evangelical Church of Armenia in Vanadzor a child at Shogh Day Center in Vanadzor. ferent parts of the world – the United States, The success of the AMAA Summer Canada, Australia, South America, Europe and Internship relies heavily on the support of the Associate Pastor of Evangelical Church of ness to make this program thrive for the bene- the Middle East the opportunity to learn about leadership at the AMAA Offices both in Armenia in Yerevan Rev. Hovhannes fit of our young Armenians all over the and appreciate many ministries of the AMAA Paramus, NJ and Armenia. Special thanks go to Hovsepyan, AMAA-Yerevan Headquarters Diaspora. and the Evangelical Churches of Armenia AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Office Administrator Anna Ohanyan, Vanadzor (ECA) in the Homeland. Khanjian, AMAA-Armenia Representative AMAA Office Administrator Janna Danielyan (Rev. Serop Megerditchian is the senior pas- The interns provided different types of ser- Harout Nercessian, Senior Pastor Evangelical and AMAA’s PR/Communication’s Coordinator tor of the Armenian Cilicia Evangelical Church vices, such as visiting, cleaning houses, cooking Church of Armenia Rev. Mgrditch Melkonian, Louisa Janbazian for their continued willing- of Pasadena, CA.) and having prayer time and lunch with the lone- ly, elderly and needy families in Vanadzor and Shiragamout, assisting at Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children and children with special needs in Vanadzor, making jam (Mourabba) for Shogh Center’s kids in Vanadzor and working TH US House Rallies in Support of Halo Trust Demining Efforts in Artsakh WASHINGTON — Eighty-nine US House of Representatives rallied together to support the HALO Trust’s demining efforts in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) in a letter spearheaded by 1 Representatives TJ Cox (D-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA). In addition, a similar letter is 9 being considered in the Senate, reported the Armenian Assembly of America. “We strongly urge USAID to reconsider the decision to stop funding for humanitarian land- mine clearance in Nagorno Karabakh at the end SPONSOR A TEACHER of this year. It’s more important than ever that we continue to support the humanitarian dem- ining program in the region until mine-free sta- IN ARMENIA AND ARTSAKH

Since its inception in 2001, the TCA Sponsor A Teacher Program has raised $709,500 and reached out to 6,427 teachers and school staff in Armenia and Artsakh. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) tus is achieved,” the letter reads. The Members of Congress point out in the let- ter that if USAID halts all support for demining in the region, the move “would leave the people of Nagorno Karabakh to live in fear of death or injury from landmines, with no local capacity in R R R R place to address this ongoing threat.” “With thousands of landmines still left in the ground, and families living daily in the shadow $200 $400 $600 $Other______of death or devastating injury, this is no time for the United States to back away from its his- toric commitment to the people of Nagorno Karabakh,” the HALO Trust USA Executive Director Chris Whatley said. “The Armenian Assembly of America appreci- ates the strong support from so many Members of Congress on this important humanitarian ini- tiative. We would also like to thank the HALO Trust for their critically important life-saving work,” Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan stated. S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Assembly Summer Interns Welcomed by Parliament Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan

YEREVAN and WASHINGTON — The the preservation and development of Armenia’s Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) independent statehood by identifying and eight-week internship program, based in addressing critical challenges, and is currently Yerevan, offers international work experience rebuilding and expanding the school in opportunities, promotes better understanding Moshatagh Village in Artsakh. of the socio-political situation in the region, and The interns were given a behind-the-scenes introduces participants to life in Armenia tour of ArmComedy, the first satiric news site in through visiting cultural sites, participating in Armenia, and met hosts Narek Margaryan and educational activities, and meeting with civil Sergey Sargsyan. The SIP participants also had society and political leaders. the opportunity to watch a taping of the show, During the first week of the Assembly’s and guest star briefly at the end of the episode. Summer Internship Program (SIP) in Armenia, The Armenian Assembly visited Karin Village, participants toured the National Assembly of the site of the Armenia Tree Project’s (ATP) Armenia, and watched from the gallery part of first nursery in Armenia, and invited Assembly a morning session on the budget, during which Life Trustee Flora Dunaians and her family to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and members join. Together, they planted ash trees at of the government were present. At the begin- Ashtarak Park and learned about ATP’s amaz- ning of the session, Speaker of Parliament ing work. Today, 25 years since its establish- Ararat Mirzoyan welcomed the Armenian ment, with all its nurseries, community tree Assembly of America Internship Program par- Armenian Assembly of America SIP participants with Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan and Foreign plantings, and strong worldwide support, ATP Minister Masis Mayilyan ticipants to the Parliament. Afterwards, the has planted close to 6 million trees. interns met with two members of the Standing As part of their excursions around Armenia, Committee on Foreign Relations, Tatevik Officials of Armenia Chairperson Siranush and international relations. He is interning with interns rode the Wings of Tatev and visited the Hayrapetyan and Sos Avetisyan. Sahakyan. the Path of Law NGO, working for former Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, “Our 2019 group of remarkable and impres- • Megan Jakob, from Lexington, MA, studied Artsakh Ombudsman Ruben Melikyan and for- Charents Arch, Geghard Monastery, Garni sive college-age students are engaged and open economics and macroeconomics and Spanish mer Commission on Ethics of High-Ranking Temple, Etchmiadzin, Khor Virap, Lake Sevan to discovering, exploring and embracing all that language and culture at University of Officials of Armenia Chairperson Siranush and Sevan Monastery, Matenadaran, Noravank Massachusetts, Amherst and will be transfer- Sahakyan. Monastery, Sardarapat Memorial Complex and ring to the University of Virginia in the College “It is a great pleasure and so gratifying to be Ethnography Museum, Zvartnots Cathedral, of Arts and Sciences. She is interning at the part of the Armenian Assembly team as the and more. They also traveled to Saralanj Village Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the City of Summer Internship Program Coordinator. I am in the Kotayk Region to help build a home Smile Foundation, which supports children delighted to be part of this comprehensive pro- through the Fuller Center for Housing. with cancer. gram that promotes the integration of SIP interns recently returned from Artsakh, • Adrian Kromelian, from Washington, D.C., Armenian American students into modern where they met with President Bako Sahakyan, attends Marymount University in Virginia Armenian society, provides them a unique National Assembly Speaker Ashot Ghoulian, studying molecular and cellular biology. He is opportunity to better understand the current Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan, Ombudsman interning at the Institute of Molecular Biology situation in Armenia and Artsakh, and helps Artak Beglaryan, and Head of the Kashatagh of the National Academy of Sciences of the our internship participants reconnect with their Regional Administration Stepan Sargsyan. At Republic of Armenia and the Pirouzyan Medical roots,” Assembly Summer Internship Program The HALO Trust, interns received a sombering Center. Coordinator Anna Avagyan said. briefing on the demining efforts taking place. • Adriana Maljanian, from Altadena, CA, The summer internship program participants In Artsakh, interns also visited Shushi, attends Hillsdale College in Michigan studying have met with Security Council of Armenia Tigranakert, Tatik-Papik, the newly-consecrated history. She is interning at the AMAP Human Secretary Armen Grigoryan, High Church of the Intercession in Stepanakert, Parliament Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan Development NGO and the Matenadaran, The Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Gandzasar Monastery, and Dadivank Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Sinanyan and his Chief of Staff Sara Monastery. They had the opportunity to try Manuscripts Anjargolian, Regional Studies Center Director their hand at making carpets at Karabakh Armenia has to offer, including active participa- • Michelle Ohanian, from North Hollywood, Richard Giragosian, Maro Matosian of the Carpet, and more. tion during meetings, with very thoughtful CA, attends the University of California, Los Women’s Support Center, and former To find out more about the 2019 summer questions leading to fascinating discussions Angeles studying history. She is interning with Armenian Assembly SIP intern alumna (class of interns’ journey in Armenia and see more pho- with leaders here,” Assembly Regional Director the Permanent Representation of the Nagorno 2007) and founder of Hayrenaser Organization tos, follow the Assembly’s accounts on Arpi Vartanian said. Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) in Armenia. Nelli Martirosyan. Hayrenaser contributes to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. The Armenian Assembly Summer Internship • Christopher Tusan, from Laguna Niguel, Program in Yerevan class of 2019 includes: CA, is a recent graduate of California • Emily Ekshian, from Pasadena, CA, attends Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. the University of California, Berkeley studying He is interning with YerevanRide, a commuting political economy and Armenian language and alternative in Armenia’s capital city providing Summer Interns At the Armenian Mirror-Spectator literature, with a minor in human rights. She is clean, affordable, and effective methods of INTERNS, from page 1 interning at the Armenian Genocide Museum- transportation. “Nicholas has been a great addition to our Institute and Path of Law NGO, with former • Hagop Zakaryan, from Anaheim, CA, office. He is willing to help with proofing pages Artsakh Ombudsman Ruben Melikyan and for- attends California State University of Fullerton and whatever else we ask him to do. He has a mer Commission on Ethics of High-Ranking studying political science, with a focus on law bright future ahead of him,” said editor Alin K. Gregorian. Mkrtchyan, 16, hails from Armenia. He and his family moved from Yerevan to the US when he was in the seventh grade. He currently is a junior at Weymouth High School. He graduated from St. James Armenian Nicholas Zoraian, left, and Suren Mkrtchyan School, in Watertown, one year ago. He is flu- ent in English, Armenian and Russian. “The Mirror-Spectator has helped me a lot to helpful both in organizing the Mirror archives understand journalism and its inner workings. and making additions to the Mirror website. Also, it is helping me to become a better writer “Having industrious interns is always an enrich- with better grammar,” Mkrtchyan said. ing experience for the Mirror, and we hope that “Suren has helped us with organizing much our interns will keep in touch with us and the of our photographs this summer. We wish him Armenian community in the future,” he said. well as he continues his high school journey,” The Armenian Mirror-Spectator offers intern- Gregorian noted. ships during the year as well as during the sum- Arkun added that Suren is very tech-savvy and mer.

Navy Destroyer Honors Armenian-American Paul Ignatius IGNATIUS, from page 1 Built in the Flight IIA configuration, the ship Spencer. “From the start of the acquisition delivers rapid reaction time, high firepower, and process, to the keel laying and christening, to improved electronic warfare capabilities. today’s commissioning and the many missions Ignatius was born in 1920 in Glendale, the she will fulfill going forward, this destroyer son of Armenian parents who migrated to the enhances our capabilities for air, undersea, sur- United States, Elisa (née Jamgochian) and face, strike and ballistic missile defense.” Hovsep “Joseph” B. Ignatius (original last name The future USS Paul Ignatius will be the – Ignatosian). Ignatius currently resides in 67th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and is one Washington, D.C. of 21 ships currently under contract for the He has two sons, one of which, David DDG 51 program. Arleigh Burke-class destroy- Ignatius, is a columnist for the Washington ers conduct a variety of missions from peace- Post, as well as a novelist. Another son, Adi time presence and humanitarian assistance/dis- Ignatius, is editor in chief of Harvard Business aster relief to sea control and power projection. Review. 10 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS ATG Delivers Portable Veterinary Lab to Armenia

FRESNO and YEREVAN — The fifth The PVDLs could be used by veterinarians to Portable Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory conduct an on-farm and on-site diagnoses of (PVDL) was delivered to Armenia by the animals for Complete blood counts, including Armenian Technology Group, Inc. (ATG). This WBC and RBC; Culturing and incubation of time the portable laboratory was stationed in bacteria; Fecal examinations; Staining and Kavar, by Lake Sevan, in Geghargunik region microscopy of tissues, fluids, bacteria and para- of Armenia. sites; Semen analysis; Serum chemistries and Garik Degoyan, head of Kavar regional vet- Urinalysis. erinary services was excited to take possession “In celebration of our 30th anniversary in of the latest PVDL. “I have been anxiously wait- serving the people of Armenia, ATG is pleased ing to have received this amazing package since to have stationed another PVDL in Armenia,” I first saw it demonstrated few years ago! We said Reynolds. “We believe these portable labo- never had such flexibility and efficacy in our ratories present the opportunity to significantly hands. This will be very useful to us; we can enhance the veterinary diagnostic capabilities reach the farmers and provide fast service to of livestock industry in Armenia.” their animal health concerns, no matter where The Armenian Technology Group was found- they might be located.” ed 30 years ago, in 1989, to assist the people of The PVDL and its components were hand Armenia toward agricultural development. carried to Armenia by the president of the ATG Since 2015 however, ATG has placed five Board of Directors, Dr. James P. Reynolds, PVDLs at the Regional Centers for Veterinary

Garik Degoyan taking possesion of PVDL in Kavar from Dr. James Reynolds

these services were moved outside of the min- ATG is a California based non-profit organi- istry and placed under direct supervision of the zation. Tax-deductible donations could be made Prime Minister’s Cabinet. They visited with on line through the organizations website local veterinarians as well, and evaluated previ- [atgusa.org] or mailed to Armenian Technology ously stationed PVDL sites. Group, Inc. P.O. BOX 5929 Fresno, CA 93755.

Varoujan Der Simoian handing a PVDL to Ijevan regional Veterinary Service Center4

DVM, MPVM, who had initiated the concept of Services in Yerevan, Vanadzor, Ijevan, Goris and PVDL and the executive director of the organi- Gavar. zation, Varoujan Der Simonian. During their trip representatives of the ATG The Portable Veterinary Diagnostic board members met with Berg Tumanyan, Laboratories enables local veterinarians to pro- DVM, the head of Central Veterinary Diagnostic vide on farm and on-site veterinary services to Laboratory in Armenia and Georgi Avetisyan, domestic, cattle and dairy producing livestock, director of State Food Safety Services. thereby helping prevent the loss of farm ani- Avetisyan also oversees Veterinary Services, Dr. Reynolds presenting the PVDL to Garik Degoyan mals and subsequently farm income. which, after restructuring of the government,

Dr. James Reynolds with the staff of Kavar Regional Varoujan Der Simoian of ATG handing a PVDL unit to Ijevan regional Veterinary Service Center Veterinary Service Center S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS NAASR Expands Its Worldwide Reach While Building New Headquarters

BELMONT, Mass. — In the midst of constructing its new state-of-the-art headquarters in Belmont, MA, the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) has also expanded its programs and scholar support worldwide with an unprecedented level of activity in the first half of 2019. To date, in 2019, NAASR has sponsored or co-sponsored 38 programs on a variety of subjects and in many locations, the most in its history for a six-month period. These events have NAASR Academic Director Marc Mamigonian speaking at Columbia University in April. taken place in Massachusetts, California, New York, New Jersey, Washington, DC, Maryland, and, for the first time ever, with the AGBU Cairo in Heliopolis, Egypt. The programs have touched grant to present paper at the XVIII International Conference on Academy for Advanced Study Jerusalem, and Visiting on numerous aspects of Armenian history and culture and Patristic Studies at the University of Oxford, August 19-24, Researcher at the Faculty for Humanities, Hebrew University of included several NAASR/Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation 2019, presenting paper “Metz Mayr Miriam: The Embellished Jerusalem, travel grant to visit Istanbul to access materials on Lectures on Contemporary Armenian Issues. Armenian Lineage of Marutha of Maipherkat.” Grant issued by Eremia Chelebi for transformation of thesis “The Great Among these programs were co-sponsorships of four major NAASR. Armenian Flight: The Celali Revolts and the Rise of Western conferences: “Armeno-Iranica: A Shared History,” at UCLA and Vahe Hovsepyan, PhD student in Department of History, Armenian Society” into book. Grant issued by NAASR. UC Irvine; the 17th Annual Graduate Student Colloquium in Yerevan State University, travel grant to conduct research in the Dr. Abraham Terian, retired Professor of Armenian Patristics Armenian Studies, at UCLA; “Entangled Encounters: Antiquity St. Petersburg Russian State Historic Archive for dissertation and Academic Dean at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, New and Modernity in Armenian Studies,” at Harvard University; on “Eastern Armenia in Caucasian Viceroyalty (1844-1882).” Rochelle, NY, grant to support preparation of The Life of and the 2nd Feminist Armenian Studies Workshop: Gendering Grant issued by NAASR. Mashtots‘ by His Disciple Koriwn, with an introduction, trans- Resistance and Revolution, at the University of California, Carla Kekejian, PhD student in Communication Sciences and lation, and commentary. Grant issued by the Knights of Vartan Irvine. NAASR also supported the screening of Armenian films Disorders, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, travel grant to sup- Fund for Armenian Studies. at the 2019 Socially Relevant Film Festival in New York City port participation in “Entangled Encounters” Armenian Dr. Daria Vorobyeva, travel grant to expand PhD thesis and partnered with the Columbia University Armenian Center Studies Conference at Harvard University, March 28-29, 2019, “Forced Ethnic Migrants’ Integration: Syrian Armenians in and other groups to present a series of lectures. to present paper “Harsneren: In keeping with its tradition of collaboration, NAASR works “Language of the Armenian Bride.” with many Armenian organizations, including frequent co-spon- Grant issued by NAASR. sorships with the Ararat-Eskijian Museum in California and St. Hratch Kestenian, PhD candidate Leon Armenian Church in New Jersey, as well as academic and in History at the Graduate Center, other institutions such as Harvard, Tufts, Columbia, City University of New York, travel Georgetown, UCLA, and UC Irvine, as well as the Museum of grant to consult the Ottoman Tolerance in Los Angeles. archives housed at the Babakanlık During this time, NAASR received its largest ever number of and archives of Surp Prgich (Holy grant requests from scholars around the world, and on its own Savior) hospital in Istanbul for doc- and in collaboration with the Knights of Vartan Fund for toral research for thesis entitled Armenian Studies with which it has partnered since 2007, “The Making of a Social Disease: increased its scholar grants, issuing 19 from January to June of Tuberculosis and the Medicalization 2019 to the following scholars: of Ottoman Society (1827-1922).” 2019 Grant Recipients Grant issued by NAASR. Dr. Taner Akçam, Kaloosdian-Mugar Professor of Armenian Dr. Umit Kurt, Polonsky Genocide Studies, Clark University, Worcester, Mass., grant to Postdoctoral Fellow, The Van Leer conduct archival in Ottoman, German, British, and American Institute, Jerusalem, publication archives for new research project on Cemal Pasha and his role grant to support editorial work on during Armenian Genocide. Grant issued by the Knights of English translation of his book Vartan Fund for Armenian Studies. Antep 1915: Soykirim ve Failler for Tigran Aleksanyan, archaeologist, Institute of Archaeology publication by Palgrave. Grant and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences, issued by the Knights of Vartan Republic of Armenia, support for project to document monu- Fund for Armenian Studies. ments preserved in the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh asso- Marco Marsili, PhD student in ciated with the memory of Vardanants’ martyrs. Studies of Security and Defense Tigran Alexanyan, archaeologist, received a Knights of Vartan Grant in January to support Grant issued by the Knights of Vartan Fund for from the ISCTE–Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTEIUL), work on monuments associated with the memory of Vardanants’ victims in Armenia and Armenian Studies. Artsakh. Dr. Anahit Avagyan, Senior Researcher, Department of travel grant to conduct fieldwork in Researching and Editing of the Ancient Armenian Texts, Armenia and Karabagh in fall 2019 Mashtots Matenadaran–Research Institute of Ancient for thesis on Nagorno-Karabakh Manuscripts, Yerevan, travel grant to present paper “Armenian conflict. Grant issued by the Knights of Vartan Fund for Armenia and Lebanon (2011-2016),” completed at University of Translation of the Pseudo-Athanasian Dialogue ‘Quaestiones ad Armenian Studies. St. Andrews, Scotland (2018), leading to a book and an article Antiochum ducem’ (CPG 2257): Some Preliminary Remarks on Pauline Mari Pechakjian, MA student, Department of History, publications. Grant issued by NAASR. its Possible Critical Edition,” at the 18th International University of California, Irvine, travel grant to support research Ani Yenokyan, PhD student, Armenian State Academy of Conference on Patristic Studies in August 19-24, 2019, at in Armenia for thesis “Rethinking ‘Repatriation’: A Social Fine Arts, and Junior researcher at the department of Art Oxford. Grant issued by NAASR. History of the Mass Migration of Diaspora Armenians to Soviet History and Writing Center of Research, Mesrop Mashtots Anoush Baghdassarian, MA student at Columbia University, Armenia, 1946-49.” Grant issued by NAASR. Institute of Ancient Manuscripts –Matenadaran, Yerevan, travel New York City, travel grant to go to Armenia to conduct Amine Alkan Reis, PhD student, Fakultät VI Planen, Bauen, grant to participate in 16th Annual Graduate Student research for thesis on the attitudes of Syrian-Armenian refugees Umwelt of Technische Universitaet, Berlin, support for travel Colloquium in Armenian Studies at UCLA, February 2, 2018, in Armenia toward efforts of redress and transitional justice in and fieldwork for thesis, “A Model Proposal for a Holistic presenting paper “The Illustrations of Armenian Printed Books post-conflict Syria. Grant issued by NAASR. Approach to the Conservation of Evacuated Rural Settlements in the Context of Early Modern Armenian Culture (16th-18th Dmytro Dymydyuk, PhD candidate in History, Ivan Franko in the North Eastern Anatolia’s Armenian Heritage: Case Study Centuries).” Grant issued by NAASR. National University of Lviv (Ukraine), travel grant request to of Aprank (St. David) Monastery and Üçpınar (Aprank) Village.” Grant Deadlines and Academic Committee take part in the conference “Military Campaigns, Weaponry, Grant issued by the Knights of Vartan Fund for Armenian All relevant grant proposals are reviewed four times per year and Military Equipment (Antiquity and Middle ages),” May 16- Studies. (March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15) by 18, 2019, in Varna, Bulgaria, to present paper “One-Edged and Anoush Sargsyan, PhD candidate and Junior Researcher, NAASR’s Director of Academic Affairs Marc A. Mamigonian and Curved Blade in Bagratid Armenia (late 9th-mid 11th c.): Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts— the NAASR Academic Advisory Committee, currently consist- Problem of Interpretation of Sources.” Grant issued by NAASR. Matenadaran, Yerevan, travel grant to attend conference “The ing of Prof. Kevork Bardakjian, University of Michigan, Ann Khoren Grigoryan, PhD student, Institute of Archaeology and Surrounding Forest: Trees in the Medieval Imaginary,” orga- Arbor; Prof. Valentina Calzolari, University of Geneva; Prof. Ethnography, National Academy of Sciences, Republic of nized by the Department of English and Humanities School of Michael J. Connolly, Boston College; Prof. Bedross Der Armenia, travel grant to participate in 16th Annual Graduate Arts, Birkbeck, University of London, June 22, 2019, to present Matossian, University of Nebraska; and Prof. Christina Maranci, Student Colloquium in Armenian Studies at UCLA, February 2, paper “Genealogical Tree of Christ in the Context of the Tufts University. In January 2019 Prof. Dennis Papazian 2019, presenting paper “Transforming Identity after 1915: Case Armenian Version of Peter’s Compendium in Historiae (University of Michigan, Dearborn) and Prof. James R. Russell of Musa Dagh.” Grant issued by NAASR. Genealogia Christi.” Grant issued by the Knights of Vartan (Harvard University) stepped down from the committee after Julia Hintlian, PhD student in Religion, Graduate School of Fund for Armenian Studies. many years of dedicated service. Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, travel Henry Shapiro, Van Leer Institute, Fellow at the Polonsky For more information contact NAASR at [email protected]. 12 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living Concert to Howling Honor New Prowling, Diocesan The Beat: Intersecting Lines, Lives, Primate Memory, History

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Grammy Nominee LUXEMBOURG — The poetry of The Silent G Lexington composer Hayg Boyadjian’s compo- (Corrupt Press, 2019) comes from an inability sition Armenian Suite will be performed at a to be distracted into an extinction of reality — concert Sunday, August 25, at 1:30 p.m. at St. an extinction that stems from the arcane Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic democratization of matter over time, and the Church, Binghamton, by violinist Armen resulting expansion of capitalization into the Boyajian and pianist Pej Reitz. They will also personal domain, our gods — quasi god, demi perform works by Komitas as well as Armenian god, God god, all; and we, with the body and folk melodies. status of an absent body, without the need to The event is to honor Bishop Daniel establish voice. Findikyan, who was recently elected Primate Arpine Konyalian Grenier, author of The for the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Silent G, was born and raised in Beirut, Church of America. Lebanon. She spent the summers with her fam- Reitz and Boyajian are both Binghamton, NY ily in the Kessab province of Syria where her natives and attended Binghamton University. maternal grandparents (Apelians) had been Reitz also studied at Boston University and the landowners for centuries. Her father, Krikor New England Conservatory of Music; Boyajian Poster for “Aurora’s Sunrise” was an orphan from Konya. attended the Eastman School of Music. She holds graduate degrees from the Reitz has accompanied at concerts in the US, American University of Beirut, and the Milton Great Britain, Austria, and South America and Avery Graduate School of the Arts, Bard is on the faculty at Binghamton University and College. Ithaca College. The collection may be considered a songbook Boyajian is also a jazz pianist and founded Animating of whats, why and hows, experienced ontologi- Air Apparent in 1979 in Washington, DC, per- cally, culturally, socially and multi-nationally forming at Blues Alley, Carter Barron against a backdrop deemed Armenian — its pro- Amphitheatre, New York City, Baltimore, lific and full-bodied history, all too subtle and Augusta, Ga. and Charlotte, NC. volatile a song for legal restraint, as enchanted Boyadjian’s Armenian Suite was first written History syllables lash the wind, unwilling to match as a commissioned work for trombone and desire to the attenuation of the passion it piano. The composer then realized that the comes from. It is work had potential for different versions for dif- dedicated to ferent instruments, as the present one for vio- The Zoryan Institute Brings the Testimonies Nora Rose, the lin and piano, including one for symphonic poet’s grand- orchestra which became recorded on CD, Of Genocide Survivors to Life daughter, and “Opus One CD #198.” Grandma Gul The suite uses a set of Armenian folk the grandmother melodies (songs and dances). Twelve TORONTO — Can you imagine if you, as a kid, could see the animated story of she never had melodies are quoted, either in full, or in part, your grandparents on screen? What if you could watch them recount their life story the chance to or with minor changes. All the melodies are and learn more about who you are and where you come from? What if you could meet (Gul is rose single voiced and the composer’s duty was to not only listen to the testimonies of Armenian genocide survivors, your grandpar- in Turkish). add harmony to them and work out musical ents or great-grandparents, from the survivors personally, but also watch the story The love I love material for transitions from one melody to in animation on screen? is one, but one, the next, taking into account the changes in The Zoryan Institute is working to make that a reality! The Institute, in partner- the only rose!” ship with BARS Media of Armenia, is converting its oral history accounts of the reads the inscrip- survivors of the Armenian genocide into animation. To illustrate the courageous tion under the and inspiring life story of one such survivor, Aurora Mardiganian’s testimony will statue of priest, scholar, historian, poet and be the first to be made into an animated film, titled “Aurora’s Sunrise,” to be shown community leader, Fray Angelico Chavez (1910- worldwide some 100 years later since the first silent movie of 1919. 1996) at the downtown plaza in Santa Fe. And Aurora Mardiganian was one of the biggest celebrities of the Golden Age of silent Celan, translated reads, “Bolt the door: There film. She was a survivor of the 1915-1918 Armenian Genocide, a refugee turned are roses in the house … where they beat my actress, and the unlikely star of one of the highest grossing films of her time. father and mother to death: what bloomed As described in her interview, three years after her escape from the Armenian there, what blooms there?” Genocide, Aurora wrote the best-selling book, Ravished Armenia, in which she Rhetoric is out. Persuasion, unnecessary. shared her harrowing experiences. A year later, she starred in a film adaptation of One ponders the chaos sustaining the world of the book, which became one of the biggest blockbusters of the silent era. Aurora languages, after a derivative of the past, the was also the face of an unparalleled humanitarian campaign for victims of the geno- longing to connect just because we’re human cide that raised awareness and over $30 million in 1919. overshadowing the politic of the human. Pli by Violinist Armen Boyajian, Pianist Pej Reitz Along with breathtaking animation and recovered segments of Aurora’s original pli, the beat provides position, that minutia, silent film, “Aurora’s Sunrise” resurrects her inspiring story of female empower- while the excessive endorses disposition; form, ment. Aurora stands alongside figures such as Anne Frank, Malala Yousafzai and therefore perception, sensation, plasticity. If it tonality, rhythm and tempo. The melodies Nadia Murad as a champion of human dignity. She is not a victim but a hero — a weren’t for love, weren’t for ethics, cured of range from the religious (spiritual), to the fighter for justice and humanity. speech, she says and writes. patriotic, to the idyllic (shepherd’s song), to Through this medium, future generations will be exposed to engaging and vis- Her work has appeared in numerous publica- the nostalgic (The Crane), to the happy ceral adaptations of the Zoryan Institute’s Oral History Archives. The Archive can tions, often awarded or as finalist. Other credits dance (Tamzara). be used to illustrate not only Aurora’s story, but the thousands of hours of filmed include published collections, multi-disciplinary Regarding the suite the composer wrote; interviews in the collection including the Institute’s interview with non-Armenian collaborations, guest editing, and participating “Armenian folk music is like most eastern survivors of the Armenian Genocide such as Eleanor Ussher-Baker. at conferences, both as co-convener and pre- music, often modal (especially the Dorian Ussher-Baker was the daughter of the medical missionary, Clarence Ussher, who senter. Her archives are being held at the Lilly mode), or in a minor key, sometimes combining served as a doctor and missionary in Marsovan, Harput and Van from 1898 to 1915 Library, Indiana University, Bloomington. two minor keys. These melodies often use com- and was a witness during the massacres of Van in 1915. Academic and corporate years were devot- plex and uneven meters in their rhythms. My This project is a massive undertaking and still requires a great deal of time as ed to cardiovascular research, human task was to make a coherent whole of this well as human and financial resources. A project of this caliber and importance can resources development, and regulatory diverse material. Since my musical training as cost upwards of $1 million. “Aurora’s Sunrise” has received a commitment from finance. She wrote during lunch breaks and a composer has been in the tradition of west- ZDF/ARTE, one of the biggest public broadcasters in Europe to include Aurora’s the weekend, music first then poetry. Her ern music, I decided, and found interesting to Sunrise in one of the six spots on their channel dedicated to theatrically released work has appeared in numerous publications, combine the eastern and the western musical documentaries. The film has also won support from Eurimages, “Best Pitch” at the often awarded or as finalist. Other credits traditions in the melodic and harmonic lan- Belgrade Women in Film’s Film Festival and the “Best Project” award from the include multi–disciplinary collaborations, guage of this suite.” Armenia-Turkey Cinema Platform. The film is scheduled to be premiered in 2020. guest editing, and co–convening or present- The concert is free. ing at conferences. To purchase a copy visit www.corruptpress.com 14 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Armenian (BERND WÄHNER, BERLINER WOCHE) Artists in Research And Dialogue

By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Special to the Mirror-Spectator

BERLIN — Websites and blogs are generally the voice of an individual. This one speaks for a family, three generations, all of them artists of renown. The Galentz Research Center, launched by third generation artist Archi Galentz, is a blog platform — in Armenian, English and Russian — and a meeting place for per- sons active in the cultural realm. Especially those interested in Andreas Wolf, left, and Archi Galentz Armenian visual art and its history are welcome visitors. Archi Galentz, who launched the website https://galentz- research.org in July, explains that it is based on the history an independent institute “based on part of Hartutyun exhibits. Attempts to compile a notarized list of artworks in and experience of his own family, from grandparents Galentz’s house-museum in Yerevan, after its restructuring.” the home-museum of the deceased met with difficulties that Harutyun Harmandanyan Kalentz (Galentz) (1910-1967) and In addition to promoting cultural studies, including art his- successive courts had to deal with, all the way up to the his wife, Armine Baronyan-Kalentz (Galentz) (1920-2007), to tory, the new entity will take part in educational activities. Supreme Court. father Saro Galentz (1946-2017), to himself, Harutyun Archi The issue of the contested legacy occupies a prominent Galentz, born in 1971. A Contested Legacy place in Galentz’s new site, and numerous documents (in Educated in Moscow, Yerevan and Berlin, he has been liv- Galentz’s plan to establish a new research center is an Armenian) related to the legal battle are available, in addition ing and working in the German capital for many years. In his uphill struggle. Following his father Saro’s fatal heart attack to a film clip of a news item from state television in June of atelier, InteriorDAsein, he has hosted exhibitions of his own in 2017, strife erupted regarding his estate, as there was no this year. and other artists’ works. In 2016, he curated a unique exhi- last will and testament. Nor had a proper inventory been bition of works by his grandparents. (See https://galentz- compiled of the numerous artworks left in his home, works Repatriate Artists research.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Artistic- by the deceased, and family members, including Archi’s The site also functions as a blog, with discussion of topics Journeys-through-National-Destinies-The-Armenian-Mirror- maternal grandfather, sculptor Nikolai Nikogosyan. In addi- that go beyond the Galentz family story. Most welcome to the Spectator.pdf) tion, there were artworks done by Archi Galentz himself and site is information regarding the works of repatriate artists Last year he opened a new gallery, Wolf & Galentz, togeth- others from his private collection. to the Soviet Union and others; site visitors with knowledge er with Andreas Wolf. In addition to organizing exhibitions, As Galentz explained in an article published the Armenian of works or photographs of Petros Kontrajyan, Aramik, the two artists serve as consultants for collectors and Mirror-Spectator, the inheritance battle was more than a per- Manuk Ghrdian, among others, are invited to contact estates. Galentz himself has a vast, impressive collection of sonal matter and involved a broader, public dimension. (See [email protected]. Another topic of interest is modern and contemporary works. https://mirrorspectator.com/2019/04/04/the-debate- Armenian surrealism, in the visual arts, cinema and theatre, His latest initiative is the new site, which offers informa- about-culture-and-the-culture-of-debate/) This is due to the both in the Soviet Union during the 1970s-80s and in the tion on this rich family heritage, in the form of published nature of the legal framework — or lack thereof — in Armenia diaspora. Finally, Galentz places great importance on the cul- articles as well as new research. With the help of the site, regarding intellectual property rights of artworks or tural dialogue between the Republic of Armenia and the dias- Galentz hopes to lay the basis for a Galentz Research Center, manuscripts, as well as the legal status of museums and their pora, aimed at forging unifying strategies.

Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway: Coming Together on Common Ground BOSTON — Many who work and live near- and desserts, walk the labyrinth and get to Advance reservations are required. To receive Mensoian, Catherine Minassian, Dr. Armineh by and beyond visit Armenian Heritage Park know one another. RSVP is appreciated; an invitation, email Mirzabegian, Tsoleen Sarian, Barbara on the Greenway often. Many walk the email, [email protected]. [email protected] with mailing Tellalian, Chiara Megighian Zenati, Arlette labyrinth daily or enjoy quiet moments on a Exciting planning is also underway for address. Yegumians, Ann Zacarian, and Zareh bench. Most all they marvel at the Abstract Celebrating the Contributions of Our Programs at the Park are planned by an Zurabyan with many others joining the team Sculpture’s annual configuration, its newest, Nation’s Immigrants! a gala benefit on exceptional team providing key leadership planning specific programs and initiatives. dramatic sculptural shape and read the Wednesday, September 18, at the and include Armine Afeyan, Kristin The commitment and dedication of many vol- inscription on the Reflecting Pool upon InterContinental Hotel, Boston. Funds raised Asadourian, Jason Behrens, Alexis Demirjan, unteers involved in implementing these pro- which the Abstract Sculpture sits. Visitors support the park’s Endowed Fund for Care Susan Deranian, Tom Dow, Manneh grams add immeasurably to the program’s are from all over the world, and those who and Maintenance to ensure that the park is Ghazarians, Carol Ishkanian, Martha success as do all who join us. come to Boston to visit the Park. impeccably cared for and Summer programs at the park are also maintained year-round. A engaging all ages, coming together on com- group of philanthropic and mon ground. Upcoming events include Under corporate and community the August Moon on Thursday, August 22 at leaders are attending, the 7:30 p.m. promises to be a highlight again gala honoring Dr. Noubar this summer. Afeyan, founder and CEO Hosted by anoush’ella co-owners, Chef of Flagship Pioneering, Nina and Raffi Festekjian, also benefactors of The benefit shines a light the park, this evening under the August on the park and Afeyan’s moonlight showcases their signature dishes. outstanding leadership “Their use of fresh, authentic ingredients and philanthropy. At his can be detected in every bite of crave-worthy suggestion, organizations mezze,” states the Boston Globe. serving immigrants and The evening also brings the chance to refugees will be recognized extend congratulations to the Festekjians for during the evening. the opening of anoush’ella in two new loca- Benefactors of the Park tions — Time Out Market Boston near Fenway from the outset, Anna and Park and 1205 Market Street in Lynnfield. Noubar Afeyan have Their original location at 35 Newton Street, endowed the Park’s Fund Boston is a South End favorite. for Programs which annu- The moonlit evening also features an All- ally supports the genocide Star Jazz Trio, courtesy of the Berklee commemoration and the College of Music. RSVP is appreciated; email Welcome Reception for [email protected]. New Citizens, Their Another summer favorite is Tea & Families & Friends at the Tranquility on Wednesday, August 14 from Park following their 4:30 to 6 p.m. Many enjoy the monthly pro- Naturalization Ceremony Armenian Heritage Park gram to meet and greet, enjoy MEM Ice Teas at historic Faneuil Hall. S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Katherine Hodgson: Researching the Beautiful, Fascinating Armenian Language

your mastering the Armenian but also the fact researchers of Armenian dialects there are non- By Artsvi Bakhchinyan you have baptized in an Armenian church? Armenians, like Polish Andrzej Pisowicz and Special to the Mirror-Spectator Yes, I’m happy with that. American Bert Vaux. To examine a language’s Lord Byron studied the Armenian language in dialects means first to master a high knowledge order to make his brain busy with a difficult and of the literary language... YEREVAN/CAMBRIDGE — Katherine charming task. What was the motivation after Not necessarily in that order, but knowing one Hodgson is a British linguist whose main subject some 200 years Byron’s compatriot studied the certainly helps to learn and understand the other. of research is Armenian and its dialects. She spent same language? Please tell our readers about your academic four years living in Armenia, conducting linguistic The original motivation was because of my work activities – what path you have crossed and research and teaching at the Vazgenyan in linguistics, specifically on modern Greek dialects where are you now. Theological Seminary by Lake Sevan. She left spoken in Armenia, I was interested in studying the I have just finished my PhD at Inalco in Paris, Armenia to complete the final year of her PhD in contacts between Greek and Armenian, as these under the supervision of the French-Armenian lin- Paris, where she was welcomed by the large two peoples have been in contact for thousands of guist and head of the Armenian Studies depart- Armenian community and regularly took part in years, but while engaged in this ‘difficult and charm- ment Anaid Donabedian. Because of this I spent Armenian cultural activities... ing task’ I met some really wonderful and interest- the last year in Paris, to finish and defend my the- There is an expression among expats in ing people who helped me on the way, and it sis. I have just been accepted for a two-year post- Armenia – ABC — Armenian by choice. Can we became a real pleasure in itself. doctoral fellowship at the University of Cambridge, call you like that taking into account not only It is interesting to note that among the funded by the Endangered Languages

Documentation Project, which will involve work- ing with the few remaining speakers of the dialect of Agulis (‘zokeren’) and the surrounding villages who left Nakhijevan for Armenia in 1988. I hope to be back in Armenia after the New Year to work Recipe on this project. The results will be made publicly available online for anyone to look at and make use of. You lived in Yerevan for four years – how can you characterize the life here? Corner I found it a very pleasant place to live, very relaxed and friendly. I never once had the feeling of being alone in a foreign country. I was particu- larly struck by the level of trust and humanity in interactions with strangers (people in Armenia by Christine Vartanian Datian couldn’t believe that children in England are taught not to talk to strangers, and people in England couldn’t believe that in Armenia, people Bulgur, Mint and Peach Salad let strangers hold their bags and even their chil- dren on public transport). I also found the sense INGREDIENTS of humour strangely familiar, which was a big part 1 cup medium or coarse bulgur of why I felt at home; an Armenian bishop I 2 or 3 medium peaches (or nectarines), diced or cut into wedges worked with who spent several years studying in 1 medium green, red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped England made the same observation. 1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley How was your teaching experience at 1/2 cup green scallions, white and green portions, chopped Vazgenian Seminary in Sevan? 1/2 medium chopped red onion (or 1 small chopped yellow onion) I really felt like part of a big family there. I think 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional I learnt at least as much from my students as they 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves did from me, I am still in touch with a lot of them, 1/2 cup olive oil and juice of 2 lemons, to taste it was the start of what I am sure will be lifelong friendships. And it is a very special place, that has 1 1/4 cups boiling water some sort of indescribable spiritual power. I still Salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and cumin, to taste miss it. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil Are you familiar with Armenian literature? Do 1 head romaine lettuce or Bibb lettuce or Belgian endive, sliced avocado, you have a favorite author? chopped mint as garnish I particularly liked Hin Astvacner (Ancient PREPARATION Gods) by Levon Shant, I read it before I ever imag- Place bulgur in a medium bowl and cover with the boiling water. Top ined I would end up working at Sevan, at first I with a plate or plastic wrap and let sit for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is didn’t realize it was the same place! absorbed. If any liquid is leftover, strain it out. Let bulgur cool while you What can a non-Armenian do in this society, prep the rest of the salad. eager for a better life and full of expectations for In a serving bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, and basil. positive changes? When bulgur is cooled, add it to the serving bowl and toss with the remaining ingredients and the dressing already in the bowl. I think the most important thing is to help young Garnish with lettuce leaves, avocado and mint, and drizzle with olive oil. Top with paprika, if desired. people to believe that there are opportunities for *Substitute fresh shallots for red onions in this recipe, and try a pomegranate dressing instead of olive oil and lemon juice. the future in Armenia, and that there are some pos- itive things in Armenia that could make a person choose to leave another country and live there. Pomegranate Dressing From this point of view, just living in Armenia in itself can have a small positive impact. But of course the most important thing would be to actually cre- ate opportunities. Working with young people in INGREDIENTS Armenia, I was most impressed by their outward- 1/2 cup olive oil, or a little more looking attitude and readiness to embrace and cre- 4 tablespoons pomegranate molasses ate innovative ideas, while remaining very much 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup connected to their cultural roots. Foreigners and 2-3 tablespoons water diaspora Armenians living in Armenia can provide 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard links to the wider world that could help these peo- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste ple to realize their dreams. If a way can be found to 1/8 teaspoon pepper allow them to make and exploit international con- Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans as garnish nections while remaining in Armenia, and use the Arils from 1 pomegranate as garnish results of their efforts to benefit Armenia, then the future of this country will be bright indeed. But if they can’t support themselves, let alone a family, with their work, then of course they will try to move to a country where they can, and no-one can blame PREPARATION them for that. Put all ingredients (except walnuts and pomegranate arils) in a blender; blend on low speed and gradually increase to high. Continue Do you intend to continue your research in blending for 30-60 seconds until dressing is smooth. Toss salad with dressing and garnish with walnuts and pomegranate arils. Serve the Armenian language? extra dressing on the side. Sure. As I told you I plan to return to Armenia Christine’s recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee newspaper, Sunset magazine, Cooking Light magazine, and at in the near future with a project documenting the http://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/ Agulis dialect. I hope that my work will help to spread appreciation among both Armenians and non-Armenians for the beautiful and fascinating Armenian language and its historical and cultural heritage. 16 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Edmond Kherlopian: From Kenya to South Africa and Zambia

mentation as I had left from my parents. I’m By Artsvi Bakhchinian sure if they saw my nose that would be suffi- cient proof! I will try again when I am there in Special to the Mirror-Spectator September. This trip is exploratory to see if we can assimilate into the society, whether we LUSAKA, Zambia — My interviewee is would be accepted, the living conditions and Edmond (Eddy) Kherlopian, an Armenian who whether we would be able to find a small busi- was born in 1942 in Kenya and now lives in ness to keep us fed and housed. Zambia with his wife Wendy Mansfield To my knowledge there are only three Kherlopian. He went to Prince of Wales High Armenians in Zambia: myself Ara School in Nairobi, Kenya and was the managing Hovhannessian (who is related to Dr. Krikor director of Aquilla Printers Ltd in Lusaka. whom I have never met. He is a complete recluse and only interested in his work). Dear Edmond, for many years I have col- Another lady married to a Greek left for Cyprus lected information about Armenians in and another dentist left for Zimbabwe several Africa. I first read about your family in the years ago. travel notes of Mardiros Mozian, published in Is there an African-Armenian identity? Are 1957. He wrote that in 1954 he has been in there traditions you maintain and you know Nairobi where he visited the Kherlopian and they come from your Armenian family? Simonian families. He particularly mentioned Although I grew up and was educated in a that those families showed him “top tradi- complete English-speaking society, we did live tional Armenian hosting...” at home as Armenians, spoke the language at I do not recall Mardiros Mozian visiting us. home and we cooked and ate as my parents We had so many visitors during those years. I were taught. Edmond Kherlopian and his wife, Wendy Mansfield Kherlopian would be very interested to read his memoirs. So, hayeren ge haskenas? (So do you under- I assume your family history goes back to stand Armenian?). to read and write Armenian as there was no Tomasyan brothers who were of a similar age to Aintab; the family has given two representa- Anshousht ge haskenam. (Surely I do). schooling facility available. Besides all my me and my two brothers. tives to Armenian culture — editor Dikran However I did not have the privilege of learning friends were English, except for the three Kherlopian and philosopher Kevork Kherlopian. My father was born in Van and at age 7 with his 9-year-old sister became a refugee since his complete family was wiped out by the Turks. As I recall he travelled through Iran, Iraq and Syria and the sister ended up in Beirut.

And how did your family end up in Africa? By now my dad was in his 20s and due to the war, the French government collected many Armenian families and settled them in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A very large community devel- oped there. After getting married to my moth- er, my two elder brothers were born there; then they moved to Nairobi, Kenya, in 1938, where I was born in 1942.

As far as I know there were 10 Armenian families in Kenya — the Tekerian, Saatjian and Dasnabedian families. Have you any idea if there are Armenians there? To my knowledge all Armenians left Kenya when it achieved independence due to a very violent transition from British administration and non-Blacks were targeted simply because they were white or Asian. I left in 1969 for South Africa. My dad passed away in 1975 leav- ing my mother alone and she was attacked in her home and terrorized by a gang of thugs who were allowed into the property by the secu- rity guard. She never recovered from that assault. I moved her to Johannesburg after that and she lived with my family and with her younger sister Juliette, who was also in Johannesburg with her family. The family names I remember in Nairobi besides ourselves was my grandmother’s family, the Hindoians, five sisters and two brothers; my mother Ossana, the eldest child; Virginia Tekerian, Louise Essoyan, Juliette Kelly and Violet Scheidat. Two brothers Moses and Krikor. All except Virginia (US) and Violet (Australia) are late. Also there apart from all the above, were the Tomasyans, and many others whom I don’t seem to remember but it will come back as I think more about them.

Now you live in Zambia. So far I knew only the name of surgeon Krikor Ertzingatsian. According to a statistic from 2002, there are only 10 Armenians in that country. Do you agree? We moved to Zambia in 1993, supposedly to undertake a contract I was given for three months and 26 years later we are still here, but we are in the process of winding up here as the economy is totally destroyed due to massive cor- ruption and very bad governance. I have already wound up my business and sold my property with a view of moving to Armenia, but the authorities are in doubt as to my birth since my birth certificate was issued by the British authorities as Kenya was under their rule then. So I was not able to get my Armenian passport; it seems they don’t believe I am Armenian, even though I was able to give them as much docu- S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LL EE NN DD AA RR

DECEMBER 6 and 7 — Friday and Saturday, Trinity MASSACHUSETTSARIZONA Christmas Bazaar, Friday, 12 noon-9 p.m., Saturday, NOVEMBER 2-3 — ARMENIAFest at St. Apkar 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Armenian Apostolic Church. Weekend food and cul- Boston, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. For further infor- tural festival featuring traditional Armenian foods, bever- mation, contact the Church Office, 617.354.0632. ages, exhibits, music and dance performances. 8849 E. DECEMBER 15 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan Cholla St., Scottsdale. Choral Society and Orchestra, 3:00 p.m., Church NOVEMBER 16 — SOAR (Society for Orphaned Sanctuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Armenian Relief) Annual Golf Tournament. Saturday Boston, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA. Save the 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stonecreek Golf Club, 4435 E. Paradise date; details to follow. For further information, call the Village Pkway, Phoenix. This is a fundraising event for Church Office, 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. Armenian orphans. For more information, contact Dr. Alan Haroian, 603-540-1961. MICHIGAN MASSACHUSETTS OCTOBER 26 — Kef Time Keghi IV 6:30 p.m. Saturday, at St John Armenian Cultural Hall, Southfield, head- AUGUST 11 – Annual Picnic, 12 – 5 p.m., Sts. lined with Traditional Keghetzi Pagharch feast, full buffet Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Rd., dinner with dancing, music by the Keghi All-Star Chelmsford. Music and dancing to the Jason Naroian Armenian Band. Reservations call Laura Negosian Ensemble. Shish, Chicken, and Losh Kebabs. Armenian Lucassian at 248-376-3794 or email at Pastries. Children’s Activities. In the event of rain, picnic [email protected]. Donation: Adults $45, will be in the Kazanjian Memorial Ballroom. Children under 17, $20. Cash Bar. Mail checks to Karen AUGUST 14 — Tea and Tranquility. Armenian Heritage The Armenian Heritage Park will Nigosian , 21919 Michigan Ave, Dearborn. MI 48124 Park on The Greenway, Boston. Wednesday from host a celebration called “Tea and Checks payable to Nor Keghi Association. Proceeds to 4:30-6 p.m. Meet & Greet. Walk the Labyrinth. Enjoy Tranquility” on Wednesday, August support continuing renovations at public schools and refreshing Ice Teas, hosted by MEM Tea Imports and 14, the park on the Greenway in community projects in Nor Keghi, Armenia. Supported by dessert. Introduction to walking the labyrinth, mindful Boston. The program will take place parishioners of the four Armenian churches in Greater and meditative walking at 4:45pm. RSVP appreciated 4.30 to 6 p.m. Visitors can walk the Detroit. NOVEMBER 16 — The Knights of Vartan, Nareg- [email protected] labyrinth and enjoy tea and dessert. AUGUST 14-23 — Wednesday and Fridays Summer Shavarshan Lodge #6 and the Daughters of Vartan, To RSVP write to hello@armenianher- Zabelle Otyag #12 will celebrate their respective 100th Studio Art Classes for kids, Session 2. Armenian itagepark.org. Museum of America, Adele & Haig Der Manuelian gal- and 70th organization anniversaries. Featuring: Kevork leries, 3rd floor, 65 Main Street, Watertown. Artists are Artinian and his All Star Band at St. Mary’s Cultural Hall, explore the amazing objects in the galleries and create 18100 Merriman Rd, Livonia. This is a fundraiser art from this inspiration. Ages 6–10: 11 am to 1 pm; Dinner/Kef Dance to celebrate Knights and Daughters as well as a chance for future members to observe how our Ages 11–14: 3 pm to 5 pm; Session 2 Dates: August 14– GuysEnsemble featuring Ron Sahatjian and Joe community puts our heritage on display. All proceeds to 23, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost per student: $120. Kouyoumjian. Hoodsies, Face Painting and more RSVP fund renovation of school gymnasium, Knights of Vartan Members (family or higher) $96! Individual drop-in class- appreciated [email protected] #106, Elementary School, Yerevan, Armenia. For es can be purchased for $35. Members $28. A 10% dis- SEPTEMBER 29 — Sunday, at 6 p.m. The screening of Reservations Contact: Laura Lucassian, (248) 376-3794, count will be offered for each additional sibling in the “The Stateless Diplomat,” a documentary film by Cost $75 per person, $40 after 9:30 pm same course and/or class. For individual classes and sib- Mimi Malayan on the heroic life and legacy of Diana A. lings, please call Education Coordinator, Garin Habeshian Apcar (1859-1937), Armenia’s Honorary Consul to Japan NEW JERSEY at 617-926-2562, ext. 103. in 1920 at Mosesian Center for Arts, 321 Arsenal St, AUGUST 22 — Under the August Moon. Armenian Watertown. Organized by the Armenian Cultural OCTOBER 25 — Banquet Honoring Dr. Taner Akcam Heritage Park on The Greenway, Boston. Thursday Foundation and co-sponsored by Amaras Art Alliance, Abajian Hall St. Leon complex Fair Lawn, NJ from 7:30– 9 p.m. Delightful evening for supporters, Arlington International Film Festival, Armenian Sponsored by Knights & Daughters of Vartan- Under the partners & friends featuring fabulous signature dishes, International Women’s Association, Armenian Museum Auspices of His Grace Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Primate. hosted by anoush’ella and the Berklee Jazz Trio. RSVP of America, Armenian Women’s Welfare Association, For Reservations please call Sona Manuelian 551-427- appreciated [email protected] National Association for Armenian Studies and Research, 8763. $125 p.p. early reservations recommended. AUGUST 25 — Armenian Church at Hye Pointe Picnic. Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, and 12 to 5 p.m., Armenian Church at Hye Pointe Picnic Tekeyan Cultural Association. Details to follow. For more to be held at our new Family Life & Cultural Center, 1280 details contact ACF during office or email: armeniancul- RHODE ISLAND Boston Road (RTE. 125) Haverhill MA Music by the fabu- [email protected] SEPTEMBER 20 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. lous Jason Naroian Ensemble. Menu includes Lamb Shish, OCTOBER 19 — The Vosbikians are coming to the Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence will Losh, & Chicken Kebab Dinners, Kheyma, Pastries, & Merrimack Valley. The Armenian Friends of America host a book presentation, “The World of Konstantin Beverages. Air Conditioned Hall. Bring your lawn chairs proudly present their Annual HYE KEF 5 Dance, featuring Petrossian” (English and Armenian), Published by for sitting outside. For more info visit www.hyepointear- The Vosbikians. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Andover, Institute of Arts National Academy of Sciences of the menianchurch.org or call (978) 372-9227. Take Rte. 495 MA. Tickets Purchased before 9/13/19 will include the Republic of Armenia, and Composers Union of Armenia. N to exit 48, bear right at the end of the ramp and fol- Great Venue, Outstanding Buffet, The Vosbikian Band and Friday at 7 p.m., Egavian Cultural Center, 70 Jefferson low the signs. Additional parking at Osgood Landing 5 Free Raffle Tickets Adults $75.00 & Students 21 & under street, Providence. Details to follow. with free shuttle bus to the picnic grounds. $65 Specially priced AFA Rooms available through SEPTEMBER 22 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag SEPTEMBER 15 — Trinity Annual Picnic, 12 -5 p.m., 9/17/19. For Tickets and more information, Contact: Lu and Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence Presents Church Grounds and Charles and Nevart Talanian Sirmaian 978-683-9121 or Sharke’ Der Apkarian at 978- Meet With The Doctors - Questions & Answers. We invite Cultural Hall, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater 808-0598 Visit www.Armenia-FriendsofAmerica.org everyone to avail themselves of this opportunity and “Meet Boston, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge MA. Food, fun OCTOBER 20 — Annual Banquet of Holy Trinity with our Armenian Doctors” Dr. Martin Papazian, ear, nose and fellowship for all. Join us for an afternoon of deli- Armenian Church of Greater Boston, Celebrating the and throat specialist. Steven Zaroogian, Moderator. Sunday, cious Armenian food, Armenian music, children’s activi- 58th Anniversary of the Consecration of Holy Trinity and 12:30 p.m., Hanoian Hall, 70 Jefferson St., Providence. ties, raffle drawing, and more. Blessing of the Madagh at honoring Bruce Newell as the “Parishioner of the Year,” 4 p.m. For further information, call the Church Office, 12:30 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, OCTOBER 20 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. Save the date; details to and Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence Presents SEPTEMBER 16 — Registration is now open for the 2019- follow. Meet With The Doctors - Questions & Answers. We invite 2020 sessions of the Abaka Dance Academy, 101 NOVEMBER 1,2 — NAASR Grand Opening and Gala. everyone to avail themselves of this opportunity and Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA. Principal/director Apo Friday, November 1 – Grand Opening & Ribbon “Meet with our Armenian Doctors” Dr. Herman Ayvazyan Ashjian. Classes begin September 16 for grades Nursery II - Cutting, NAASR Vartan Gregorian Building, at NAASR’s Internal Medicine. Topic: New Trends in Primary Care Grade 10 students. Check the schedule and enroll today at new world headquarters, 395 Concord Avenue, Belmont, Medicine. Ara Boghigian, Moderator. Sunday, 12:30 www.abakadanceacademy.com. For more info, email MA. Saturday, November 2 – NAASR 65th Anniversary p.m., Hanoian Hall, 70 Jefferson St., Providence. [email protected] or call 617-283-2010. Gala, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge. 6 pm SEPTEMBER 18 — Celebrating Contributions of Our Reception, 7 pm Dinner and Program. Honoree Dr. WASHINGTON, DC Nation’s Immigrants – Gala Benefit for the Endowed Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation Fund for Care of Armenian Heritage Park on The of New York; Master of Ceremonies David Ignatius, SEPTEMBER 16-17 — Armenian Assembly of America’s National Advocacy Conference and Gala will take Greenway Honoring Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Leader & columnist for the Washington Post and novelist; place. It will include the Conference, Gala honoring Philanthropist Recognizing Organizations Serving Featuring renowned soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, accom- Armenian American Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Immigrants & Refugees InterContinental Hotel Boston. panied by the Borromeo String Quartet, performing a Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, and a Congressional Advance Reservations only. For information, program of songs by Komitas. Further details to follow. Reception celebrating U.S.-Armenia relations. Special [email protected] NOVEMBER 16 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary room rates available at The Wharf InterContinental Hotel. SEPTEMBER 22 — Sunday Afternoon for Families and School 35th Anniversary Celebration. 6:30 PM Visit www.aimhye.com for tickets, sponsorships, special Friends. Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway, Cocktail Reception, 7:30 PM Dinner and Program. The hotel room rates, and more information. Boston. 2-4 pm. Wonderful afternoon with The Hye Westin Waltham - Boston, MA $150 per person. 18 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror ‘Abandoned’ Armenian Properties Spectator Around the World Even the island monastery on San Lazzaro was at stake and By Edmond Y. Azadian it was saved through Alex Manoogian’s generosity. The fate of the Sevres property has been a topic of private and public discussion by many parties, some consideration was given EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 Armenians all over the world are eager to recover properties to the idea of converting it into a Genocide studies center. At AnAn ADL ADL Publication Publication left within the borders of the Republic of Turkey after the other times, it was suggested that it be converted to a confer- Genocide. The Ittihadist Party, which perpetrated the Genocide ence center. But nothing has been achieved because of internal and carried out the expulsion of the Armenian population from dissensions. the Ottoman Empire, intended not only to make the country In 2016, Pope Francis appointed Monsignor Zekiyan as his EDITOR more homogenously Turkic by the elimination of the representative to save the property. Zekiyan is known for his Alin K. Gregorian Armenians, but to enrich their coffers by confiscating the prop- organizational skills and currently is serving as the head of the erties and wealth from the Armenians. Armenian Catholic community in Turkey. At this time, a plan is ASSISTANT EDITOR Talaat Pasha’s Black Book, discovered and published by underway to build income-generating facilities to finance the Aram Arkun Turkish historian Murad Bardakci, fully demonstrates how metic- needs of the complex as a cultural and educational center. ART DIRECTOR ulously Talaat had tabulated Armenian properties and population It may be a deviation from the topic if we discuss the fate of Marc Mgrditchian demographics for extermination and expropriation purposes. both Mekhitarist congregations, in Venice and Vienna, which are Later on, the Kemalist government passed a law designating in hot water. as “abandoned properties” what was not claimed by the Mkhitar Sebastatsi moved his congregation to the island of Armenians. Today, every piece of confiscated property, returned San Lazzaro in 1717. Later on, some disgruntled priests severed to the Armenian community by the government of Recep Tayyip ties with the congregation and moved to Trieste. But when SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Erdogan, is hailed with gratification. At one point, even Napoleon occupied Austria, they were given official recognition Edmond Y. Azadian Archbishop Aram Atesian claimed that the Istanbul Armenian to establish a monastery in Vienna in 1810. community cannot manage any more returned properties. Political parties have always been criticized that they are at CONTRIBUTORS: Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I is suing the each other’s throats. Few realize that these God-fearing mem- Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun Turkish government to acquire the Monastery of Sis and bers of the clergy have not talked to each other for almost a cen- Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, tury. But their competition has benefitted the Armenian com- Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, lawyers are after the lands in Incirlik on which a US air base Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, operates, owned by Armenians and their surviving descendants. munities as both have become bastions of scholarship and have Naomi Zeytoonian Every effort to recover lost or confiscated properties is com- run networks of schools throughout the diaspora. mendable. It must also not be forgotten that we have valuable With the loss of many of the priests, the Vienna congregation CORRESPONDENTS: properties outside Turkey’s borders. We consider many of them was weakened and eventually fell under the jurisdiction of the Armenia - Hagop Avedikian abandoned; however the use of the term is relative because they Venice one, compounding the woes of the entire Mekhitarist Boston - Nancy Kalajian are not technically abandoned but somehow their use by the movement. Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan larger Armenian community is hampered, denied or limited. The fate of the Mekhitarist congregation is not a singular Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach The case of the “abandoned” properties became a topical case. There are many similar cases in other parts of the world. Contributing Photographers: issue, when the fate of the lands at Sevres, near Paris, owned by Now that Armenia is independent, all these cases must become Jirair Hovsepian the Mekhitarist congregation, was brought to public attention. part of Armenia’s diasporan agenda. We claim that the various A 13,000-square-meter of property in the historic city of Sevres, succeeding administrations in Armenia have not invested enough resources to study and learn about the diaspo- ra’s assets and problems. Granted, Armenia is The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published not a powerful country to intervene in the weekly, except two weeks in July and the first week of the year, by: affairs of other countries to protect the interest of their fellow Armenians, as Turkey does Baikar Association, Inc. defending the rights of Turkmens in Iraq or the 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 rights of Tatars in Crimea and even the fate of Telephone: 617-924-4420 the Uyghurs in China. FAX: 617-924-2887 In terms of Armenian interests, the Calcutta www.mirrorspectator.com Armenian academy is another case to be studied. E-Mail: [email protected] Through the 16th to the 19th centuries, For advertising: [email protected] Jugha Armenians in Iran had ventured to develop commerce and trade in the Far East, establishing prosperous Armenian trading posts and communities as far away as Manchuria, Harbin, China; Surabaya, Indonesia; Singapore, India and more. Most of SUBSCRIPTION RATES : the wealth accumulated in those communities has been lost. In addition, many assets have disappeared in India. But one institution is U.S.A. $80 a year alive — the Armenian Philanthropic Academy in Calcutta, founded by Astvatsatur Canada $125 a year Muradghanian and Mnatsakan Vartanian. Other Countries $190 a year It was established in 1821 and has educated many generations of Armenians from Iran. Over where the eponymous treaty was signed in 1920, is at stake at the years, the academy has also educated students from India, this point. © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Azerbaijan, mostly from Armenian A recent visit by Monsignor Levon Zekiyan and President communities. Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Armen Sarkissian brought the plight of the property into public and additional mailing offices. When the Armenian community numbers dwindled, the debate. academy fell into disrepair and for a long time, its fate was in ISSN 0004-234X This is not the first Armenian property to be lost in France. limbo. Many assets in India were lost in the community because The French-Armenian community has experienced similar loss- the laws did not allow the transfer of funds to other countries. es before, when unscrupulous wheeler dealers took over the Finally, in 1999, the High Court of West Bengal ordered that the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Armenian center on Rue de Trevise, evicting all Armenian orga- Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn Catholicos of the Armenian Church “administrate the school” St., Watertown, MA 02472 nizations housed there. along the terms of the submissions made in the application to Other than the editorial, views and opinions At this time, a serious debate is raging in the French- the Calcutta High Court. expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily Armenian community and the Mekhitarist congregation which In the same year, the first group of students from Armenia reflect the policies of the publisher. owns the property and was the site of the Samuel Mouradian arrived. His Holiness Karekin II has visited the academy twice. School which opened in 1928 and closed in 1997. By sheer luck, this case has somehow had a happy ending, by The school educated many teachers, priests, educators and bringing a “lost” institution under the jurisdiction of the community leaders. Since its closure, it has been left to deterio- supreme Patriarch of the Armenians. rate and has become an eyesore and thus the municipal author- The church and government authorities must have a policy to Copying for other than personal use or ities have threatened to take over the property. pursue and recover assets scattered all over the world by the internal reference is prohibited without This is again the fate of many Armenian institutions which Armenian people and today, they have to be considered endan- express permission of the copyright grow through community donations and then are left to the gered properties. owner. Address requests for reprints or mercies of aging lay or religious leaders, before they are lost in back issues to: Next week, we will discuss other cases whose destiny may not controversial deals when they are swindled by third parties. be as promising. Several decades ago, the Mekhitarist congregation of Venice Baikar Association, Inc. fell victim to a bank fraud and lost properties on Lido island and (This is the first part of a three-part series on the fate of 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- Asolo, valued at that time worth more than $50 million. Armenian properties in the diaspora.) 1509 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

with disease and an observation camp. Usually prisoners Ottoman POWs. “Most prisoners spent the day sitting idly stayed for 2-4 weeks at [the] observation camp before trans- and playing cards or backgammon. Some Ottoman prisoners portation to India and Burma. Prisoners were transported by were used as laborers on tobacco plantations, digging for a boats to Karachi and Bombay and were then transported by dam and on Shan state railways,” according to Dr. Hussain. rail to two camps in India. At Bellary, most POWs were eth- Around a thousand Ottoman prisoners died at the two My Turn nic Turks, while [the] majority of [3,336] POWs at Sumerpur camps in Burma. “In 2012 relations between Myanmar and were non-Turkish (Arabs, Christians and Jews).” Turkey improved and the two governments agreed to restore By Harut Sassounian Interestingly, Dr. Hussain revealed that at the Sumerpur the cemeteries. Thayetmyo cemetery was restored with camp “two Armenians fluent in English, French and Arabic Turkish funding and work was completed in 2016,” reported acted as interpreters. The Muslims prayed in a small mosque Dr. Hussain. However, due to anti-Muslim emotions in Burma, Turkish and Armenian Prisoners of the camp. A French monk came regularly to camp for mass a false rumor was spread that a mosque would be built in Of War Held in India and Burma for Catholic Christians of the camp. Armenian Bishop of addition to restoring the “old and dilapidated cemetery where Cairo Thorgom Koushagian visited the camp during Ottoman prisoners were buried at Meiktila.... [The] Turkish During WWI Christmas of 1916.” government had agreed to restore the cemetery, however, Dr. Hussain also reported that the POW camp at Bellary, there was no plan for building a mosque. This rumor result- The Ottoman Empire entered World War I on the side of India, contained only 137 Ottoman prisoners, almost all offi- ed in anti-Muslim violence and the plan to restore the ceme- Germany against the alliance of France, United Kingdom, cers. Later, more prisoners were brought there. “Turkish offi- tery was shelved…. Gravestones were plundered in the Second Russia, the United States and several others. cers were [the] product of military reforms and secular in out- World War and seventy years of neglect erased most marks of Out of 2.6 million Ottoman soldiers, 250,000 were captured look. Many regularly consumed alcohol that was forbidden for the past. Over the years, local Muslims retrieved around 200 by the Allied Powers as prisoners of war. Tens of thousands Muslims. It needed doctor’s order and an officer could buy gravestones and moved them to the courtyard of a local of them died during captivity from disease, starvation and three bottles of liquor per month. Whisky and soda were pop- mosque. In 2013, the Turkish government also planned to harsh weather conditions. The great majority of the Ottoman ular among officers. Some POWs who died here were buried restore [the] POW cemetery at Sumerpur [India] that had soldiers were Turks, but there were also a smaller number of outside the camp. Most of the graves disappeared during about 149 graves. This area is [the] heartland of proud Armenians, Assyrians, Greeks, Jews, Kurds, Laz, Circassians, expansion of the military airport. In 1997, [the] Turkish gov- Rajputs who fought on [the] British side in First and Second and Arabs. Most Armenian soldiers were disarmed and either ernment erected a memorial at the camp site and restored World Wars. Some locals protested the restoration project killed or forced to work in labor battalions. Around half-a-mil- two remaining graves.” arguing that there is no memorial of Rajputs who fought all lion Ottoman soldiers deserted the army during World War I. The camp in Thayetmyo, Burma, “contained 3,591 over the globe while a memorial was being planned for for- Dr. Hamid Hussain published in the Defence Journal of Ottoman prisoners of which the majority were Turks but eign soldiers.” Pakistan a fascinating account of the fate of Ottoman war there were some Armenians, Syrian Christians and Jews. It is heartbreaking to learn that Armenian soldiers in the prisoners captured by the British army in Iraq and subse- Muslim, Armenian and Jewish religious communities of Ottoman Army were captured and held in India and Burma quently dispatched to India and Burma (today’s Myanmar). Rangoon sent gifts to their co-religionist prisoners,” accord- during the years of the Armenian Genocide. They escaped Burma was then part of India before it was separated in 1937. ing to Dr. Hussain. from one disaster to end up in a horrendous situation in cap- The largest number of Turkish prisoners of war were captured Interestingly, “the British camp commandant recommend- tivity. Many of them died and were buried in those faraway by the British and held in Cyprus, Egypt, and Malta, in addition ed to Turkish officers that a mosque should be built, howev- lands. to Iraq, India and Burma. Russia, France, Romania and Italy also er, Subhi Bey, who had significant influence among prisoners, Armenian, Turkish and soldiers of other ethnic groups suf- captured a large number of Turkish war prisoners. opposed the suggestion on religious grounds. He stated that fered tremendously because of the reckless decisions of the Dr. Hussain wrote that the Turkish POWs (prisoners of when POWs left, the mosque would be abandoned and that Young Turk junta to enter World War I on the side of war) captured in Iraq by the British were first held in two was not permitted in religious texts,” wrote Dr. Hussain. Germany and give the death warrant to millions of camps in Basra, an isolation camp “to quarantine prisoners The camp at Meiktila, Burma, housed around 10,000 Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks. Genocides Begin in the Wilderness, Far from Prying Eyes — In Ottoman Turkey as well as Nazi Germany

By Robert Fisk And thanks to Akçam’s research in hitherto unexplored As historian Akçam writes in his essay in this month’s issue prime ministerial Ottoman archives, we find, for the first time, of the Journal of Genocide Research, Istanbul was essentially a secret order from the local Erzurum government head- “giving the green light to Erzurum for the violent actions ANY believe the Jewish Holocaust was quarters to the governors of Van and Bitlis to arrest that it would subsequently carry out.” At the end of planned by the Nazis at a Berlin lakeside villa Armenians who might be rebel leaders or might attack November 1914, we find Talaat slyly instructing Governor at Wannsee on January 20, 1942. Most histo- Muslims, and ordering them “to be deported to Bitlis imme- Cevdet of Van that “until decisive orders are given, it is nec- rians still think the Armenian Holocaust was diately in order that they be exterminated.” No euphemisms essary to carry out the measures demanded by the situation, hatched up by the Ottoman Turks in Istanbul here — like the Nazis’ infamous “final solution.” The Ottoman but judiciously [sic] implemented.” in 1915. Of course, we’ve long known that the officials use the Turkish word for extermination: imha. Cevdet, under whose authority 55,000 Armenians would mass slaughter of Europe’s Jews began the In some villages near the town of Baskale, the entire male be killed, had warned Istanbul that gangs of Armenians were moment the Germans crossed the Polish bor- population above the age of 10 was killed. Two months later, fighting on the side of the Russians in Iran and the Caucasus M der on 1 September 1939 — and carried on in February 1915, an Armenian deputy in the Ottoman par- and that this had been viewed as a “general uprising by the across the Soviet Union in 1941, seven months before liament sent a report from Van to Talaat Pasha, the Ottoman Armenians.” Armenians did indeed ally themselves with Wannsee. interior minister in Istanbul, who would be held responsible Russian troops — for the Tsar was an ally of the Anglo-French But now, almost incredibly, we discover that the liquidation for the entire genocide of a million and a half Armenians, entente against the Ottomans — advancing into eastern of Christian Armenian men, women and children was first telling him that “massacres are being carried out in some vil- Turkey. Armenian historians acknowledge this historical fact instigated on 1 December 1914 in the far away city of lages and townships in the environs of Baskale and Saray.” but point out, correctly, that when Armenians usually took up Erzurum — not on 24 April 1915, when Armenians com- Clearly, local Ottoman officials were instigating the genocide arms, it was to defend themselves against the Turkish geno- memorate the first killings of the genocide perpetrated — and then asking their masters in Istanbul to approve their ciders. Around Van, however, there was also evidence, later in against them. And that back in that fatal December month, decisions. the war, that Armenians had revenged their own persecution the Turkish “Special Organization” — the Ottoman equivalent Akçam has unearthed evidence that local governors would by massacring the inhabitants of local Turkish Muslim vil- of the later German SS and Einsatzgruppen — organized the sometimes travel to Erzurum — almost 800 miles from the lages. immediate liquidation of Armenians “liable to carry out Ottoman capital — to hold joint meetings on the killings and Hitherto, Turkish historians — other than Akçam and a few attacks against Muslims.” then communicate their decisions to Talaat Pasha. One of brave colleagues — have refused to recognise the Armenian We already know the terrifying statistics of the two geno- them — only days before the date on which Armenians today genocide as a genocide. cides. The Armenian Medz Yeghern (Great Crime) destroyed recognise the start of their genocide — records an instruction They have suggested that the deportation of the a million and a half souls. The Jewish Shoah (Holocaust), from Erzurum to the governor of Bitlis to send Kurdish mili- Armenians may have been prompted by the Allied landings at which began less than a quarter of a century later, destroyed tias after the Armenians. On some occasions, it is apparent Gallipoli in the fourth week of April 1915, a few hours before at least six million souls. that regional governors would gather around a single tele- the first Armenian leaders were arrested in Istanbul, or by the The Turks — and, alas, the Kurds — committed these crimes graph machine in Erzurum and conspire together with Turkish defeat at the battle of Sarikamish in January 1915. against humanity of the First World War. The Germans — and, alas, Istanbul in an early 20th-century version of a social media But to suggest that the mass killings of a million and a half many Slavic peoples of the Nazi-occupied states — committed these conference call: meetings by telegram. people could have been devised in so short a time is ridicu- crimes against humanity of the Second World War. That the governors fully understood the wicked nature of lous. For example, Governor Resit of Diyarbakir told Istanbul The Turks have never, to this day, accepted their responsi- their acts — and clear evidence that Talaat was well aware of of his plans weeks before Gallipoli, expressing the view that bility. The Germans have. We still respectfully record how the their criminal nature — is reflected in the constant instruction “it would be profitable … to implement practices as harsh and Turks “hotly dispute” their genocide of the Armenians. We that their telegrams were “top secret” and “to be decoded by effective as necessary against the Armenians.” always — rightly — condemn the right-wing Europeans who the recipient only.” One telegram stated that “the copy of the Still apparently concerned that the killings in his own dis- deny the Nazi genocide of the Jews. cable was burned here on the spot. Please ensure that trict of Sivas had not been given an official imprimatur, But it is that fine Turkish historian Taner Akçam, in his Istanbul burns their copy.” Governor Muammer wrote to Istanbul in a telegram on 29 self-imposed American exile, to whom we this month owe the On 17 November 1914 — scarcely two weeks after Turkey March 1915 that “if a decision has been taken by the central historically seminal revelation that the Armenians were tar- had joined its German and Austro-Hungarian allies in their [government]…that would ensure the orderly mass removal geted for death exactly 31 days after the Ottoman Empire war against Britain and France, and long before the previ- and elimination [sic], I ask that you permit its communication entered the First World War on October 31, 1914. The first ously regarded date of the genocide’s commencement — without delay.” Other governors referred to the Armenians’ Armenian victims were only men — the bloodlust to kill their Erzurum governor Tahsin wrote to Talaat that the time had “annihilation” and the “implementation of exterminatory families would come later — in the provinces of Van and Bitlis. come “to take permanent decisions and orders in regard to measures.” But they prove how deeply this war crime was embedded in the Armenians.” Talaat archly replied that Tahsin should The start of the Armenian genocide in December 1914 the countryside of eastern Turkey, in the cities of the periph- “carry out what the situation demands … until definitive could have been no surprise to the authorities in Istanbul, ery rather than the capital. orders are given in regard to the Armenians.” see GENOCIDES, page 20 20 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

AUA Hosts Delegation from the ‘Unacceptable’: US Warns Turkey of United States Sponsored by ANC Operation in Northern Syria

YEREVAN — Earlier this August, the Simone College of Business and Economics ISTANBUL (Al Jazeera) — The United States has warned that any Turkish operation in American University of Armenia (AUA) wel- (CBE) Dr. Vache Gabrielyan, dean of the Gerald northern Syria would be “unacceptable” and vowed to step up talks to prevent unilater- comed a representative delegation from and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public al incursions, as tensions between Washington and Ankara simmer. California State Government, Los Angeles Health (SPH) Dr. Varduhi Petrosyan, dean of On Sunday, August 4, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey, which already has County Government and Arizona and Colorado General Education Dr. Sharistan Melkonian, a foothold in northwest Syria, will carry out a military operation in a Kurdish-controlled State Legislatures sponsored by the Armenian Director of AUA Acopian Center for the area east of the Euphrates in northern Syria against the US-backed Kurdish People’s National Committee (ANC) Western Region. Environment Alen Amirkhanian; and Prof. Protection Units (YPG) that Ankara views as a terrorist group. Led by California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Gregory Areshian representing the College of “Clearly we believe any unilateral action by them [Turkey] would be unacceptable,” US Kounalakis, the delegation included Los Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS). During Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters in Tokyo on a trip through Asia on Tuesday, Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the round table, the attendees gave brief pre- August 6. Chief of Staff to Supervisor Barger Anna sentations on their respective programs and “And so what we are trying to do now is work out with them an arrangement to Mouradian, Arizona State Senator Paul Boyer, research centers and proposed points of mutu- address their concerns and I’m hopeful we’ll get there,” said Esper. Arizona State Senator Otoniel Navarrete, al interest and collaborations. “What we’re going to do is prevent unilateral incursions that would upset, again, these Colorado State Senator Dominick Moreno, One of the key topics of discussion was mar- mutual interests ... the United States, Turkey and the SDF [Syrian Democratic Forces] Colorado State Representative Daneya Esgar, keting AUA and Armenia as a study abroad des- share with regard to northern Syria,” the new Pentagon chief added. as well as ANC Western Region members Nora tination for students in the US. “I hope we can Erdogan has threatened an imminent attack in the northeast and he renewed that Hovsepian, Chair, Sako Berberian and Lina find common goals and see how we can help pledge on Tuesday. Davidian, and Simon Maghakyan. this country develop further,” said Markides. “Turkey has the right to eliminate all threats against its national security... God will- AUA President Dr. Karin Markides, Provost She highlighted the importance of collabora- ing, we will carry the process started with [previous offensives into Syria] to the next Dr. Randall Rhodes, Director of Admissions tion between AUA and the U.S. government to stage very soon,” he said in a televised speech in Ankara. Arina Zohrabian and Director of encourage students from the US to study at With US backing, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes the YPG, have Communications Narek Ghazaryan welcomed AUA and experience Armenia’s rich culture. taken control of much of northeastern Syria from the Islamic State of Iraq and the the delegates. “It’s very fascinating to see what was built Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) over the last four years. Rhodes briefed the guests on the history of here and the idea that so many years ago the Esper suggested that a Turkish operation into northern Syria could affect the SDF’s the University and led them through a tour of University of California was at the table with focus on ensuring ISIL did not retake the territory it once held in Syria and the ability the AUA campus with stops at the AGBU the US government to help establish this of the US-backed forces to hold the thousands of alleged ISIL fighters in detention. Papazian Library, the Large Auditorium, and University and to think that you’re doing every- Esper said the US did not have any “ambition” to abandon the SDF, but stopped short the Student Union, and classrooms in the thing possible to give students the benefits of of guaranteeing that the US would protect them in case of a Turkish operation. Paramaz Avedisian Building. A small reception the American system of education without leav- A team from the Pentagon was in Turkey to speak with Turkish officials about the issue and Esper said he was hopeful that an agreement could be reached with Ankara. The Turkish-led campaign, which has for months been delayed due to resistance from Washington, is aimed at evicting Kurdish YPG forces from a string of border towns in Raqqa and Hasaka provinces. Ankara accused Washington of stalling progress on setting up a “safe zone” inside Syria’s northeastern border with Turkey that would be cleared of the Kurdish YPG. This week, Erdogan said both Russia and the US had been told of the planned opera- tion, but did not say when it would begin. It would mark the third unilateral Turkish incursion into northern Syria in as many years. Ties between the two NATO allies have been strained over a host of issues, including the US’s removal of Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program after Ankara bought and took delivery of Russian S-400 missile defenses that Washington sees as a threat.

ness to help spread awareness and attract more cal role education plays in the advancement American students to study at AUA. of our common humanity. Progress, prosper- The visit concluded with the presentation of ity, even civilization itself would not be pos- From left, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni a state legislative citation to Markides by sible without continual development of the Kounalakis and Arizona State Senator Paul Boyer Kounalaskis stating: human mind and our unquenchable thirst for “It gives me immense pleasure to visit the more advanced knowledge.” campus of the American University of After reading the citation, the lieutenant gov- followed at the Akian Art Gallery during which ing the country is just awesome,” noted Armenia, an esteemed institution of higher ernor remarked: “We in California are proud to the group discussed a vision for future collabo- Kounalakis. education which enjoys longstanding and say that from its earlier days, the American rations between the University and the states Talking about international student mobility close ties with the public institutions of high- University of Armenia has enjoyed the close, and counties represented. opportunities, she added, “I see a lot of interest er education in the state of California. As a strong and indispensable support of the Joining the delegation at the round table that coming from the diaspora, especially now when member of the Board of Regents of the University of California. It is my fervent hope followed were the Dean of Zaven and Sonia this country is exponentially changing and University of California and the Board of that this cooperation will continue, unabated, Akian College of Science & Engineering (CSE) becoming more attractive for tourism.” In her Trustees of the California State University for the benefit of all those associated with both Dr. Aram Hajian, dean of the Manoogian turn, Lina Davidian, ANCA, expressed willing- system, I am particularly mindful of the criti- universities.

Genocides Begin in the Wilderness, Far from Prying Eyes in Ottoman Turkey as well as Nazi Germany GENOCIDES, from page 19 occurred when Turkey was experiencing seri- Germany envied the Turks for having “purified” Iraq and Syria, Isis — which included Muslims certainly not to Talaat. The Erzurum decision ous military difficulties and the prospect of los- the Turkic race and German diplomats in from around the world — may not have been was originally taken by Bahaettin Shakir, the ing the war. Not only were the Erzurum deci- Turkey during the First World War witnessed specifically aided by the local population; but head of the “Special Organization” and the sions taken five months before Gallipoli and a the Armenian deportations in cities far from while Arabs tried to protect their neighbors, man largely regarded as the architect of the month before the Russians destroyed Turkish Istanbul. Rural Muslim Turkish and Kurdish others systematically looted their homes and Armenian genocide. But he was himself a cen- forces in the forests of Sarikamish; the killing of communities far from the sophistication of property after Isis had slaughtered or deported tral committee member of the governing Union Armenians was underway well before the Istanbul or Smyrna might have more easily the owners. and Progress Party and had arrived in Erzurum Ottoman state was endangered. accepted the first brutalities; they were certain- Hebrew University of Jerusalem lecturer Umit from Istanbul. Perhaps Talaat found it expedi- The early massacres of Armenians in the far ly to participate in them. Kurt studied the 1915 dispossession and killing ent to begin the genocide — or to give the pro- east of Turkey — long before the Armenian com- In other words, local towns provided the of Armenians in the southern city of Aintab and ject a trial run — far from the capital and its for- munity in Istanbul felt threatened — oddly par- impetus for killing the Ottoman empires’ found that local Turkish Muslims freely and eign ambassadors, especially the Americans allels the experience of Jews in Vienna after minorities, just as Baltic and Ukrainian militias willingly participated in the crimes. What he who would publicly reveal the later massacres Hitler’s 1938 Anschluss, when the Nazis incor- allied to the Nazis did not need to be instruct- discovered was that a genocidal government to the world. porated Austria into the Third Reich. ed to murder their Jewish neighbors. Nor were must have the local support of every branch of Akçam himself is still bemused as to why Jews who fled the mass killing and anti- the Croatians ordered by Berlin to slaughter respectable society: tax officials, judges, magis- Ottoman archive personnel produced the Semitism of the Austrian capital for Germany their Serbian neighbors after Germany occu- trates, junior police officers, clergymen, incriminating papers for him. “The decision and found that Jews suffered less discrimination in pied Yugoslavia in 1941; they did so without lawyers, bankers and, most painfully, the neigh- following exterminations resemble … the first Berlin. This, of course, was not to last. The orders from Berlin. The roots of their genocidal bors of the victims. Not to mention the gover- killings of Einsatzgruppen in Poland,” he told Germans preferred to commit their grossest racism already existed. nors. me. “I discovered other telegrams from local crimes of humanity against the Jews outside Does this apply to Rwanda, where up to a mil- In other words, leaders do not commit geno- governors again in the Ottoman archive where the Reich: in the ghettos of Poland and the lion Tutsi and moderate Hutus — including 70 cide, not on their own. Ordinary people do. And the term ‘extermination’ of Armenians is open- Ukraine — in Babi Yar — in the killing fields of per cent of the Tutsi population — were massa- holocausts can start far from home, in the ly used. These are amazing discoveries. I don’t Belarus and Russia and then, after Wannsee, in cred in the 1994 genocide? This was centrally frozen east, and long before the date we all know why they made these documents avail- the extermination camps and gas chambers set organized and planned, but the execution of believed the bloodbaths began. able for researchers.” up in Poland. these crimes against humanity was in the hands (Robert Fisk is a regular columnist for the They certainly disprove the idea — widely dis- Hitler followed the history of the Armenian of Hutus across the entire country, where Independent newspaper in the UK. This col- seminated by Turkish genocide deniers — that massacres closely and often referred to them in neighbors killed neighbors. And in their perse- umn originally appeared in that newspaper on the Armenian deportations and killings the years before the Second World War. Nazi cution and murder of Christians and Yazidis in July 25.)