OCTOBER 17, 2015 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVI, NO. 14, Issue 4408 $ 2.00 NEWS INBRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 COMMUNIQUÉ Sargisian Sets Date for Arshag Dickranian School in LA Concludes Its Mission Referendum YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenian President Serge It is a sign of the times that any project or mission in the dias- Central Board, continuing to act within the framework of its Sargisian signed a decree last week setting pora tasked to preserve the Armenian heritage gradually will mission, will maintain its sponsorship of Tekeyan schools in December 6 as the date for the country’s referen- face harder challenges, the school mission being perhaps the Lebanon, Armenia and Artsakh, as well as pursue its other edu- dum to change the constitution in order to estab- most taxing one among them. cational and cultural programs. lish a parliamentary republic. In 1981, encouraged by the leadership and the generosity of Sargisian made the move on October 8, days the late benefactor Arshag Dickranian, the Tekeyan Cultural Grateful Acknowledgements after parliament voted on October 5 to hold such a Association (TCA) embarked on an educational mission by lay- Whereas the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the US and referendum. ing the foundation of the Arshag Dickranian School in Canada, for the past 34 years, has dedicated a very large pro- According to the proposed changes, presidential Hollywood, Calif. Over time, the school expanded to become a portion of its human and financial resources to the founding, powers will be transferred to the parliament and K-12 educational institution, serving generations of students by development and maintenance of the Arshag Dickranian School the president will no longer be elected via a direct offering a solid academic program along with a core curriculum at this critical juncture of our educational mission, we feel duty- vote of the people but rather by parliament. of Armenian Studies. Today, over 500 graduates look back bound to gratefully acknowledge and express our heart- The presidential term would also be extended with pride on the instruction, care and inspiration felt appreciation to the individuals and institutions from five to seven years. which the school provided them. It also helped which supported the operation of the TCA Opposition activists say the reforms are a ruse to them to become responsible and productive Arshag Dickranian School. Our thanks and let Sargisian slip into an enhanced prime minister- citizens and members of our community. appreciation particularly go to: ial role at the head of the ruling Republican Party The combination of the efforts of the far- •The members of the School Board of after his presidential term ends in 2018. sighted school board and the dedicated Trustees, who shouldered the heaviest bur- professional faculty and administration, den in steering the day-to-day operations of compounded with the care and love of the the school for 34 years. Michel Legrand and families, created a dynamic and successful •The past and present members of the Friends Honor school for decades. administration and faculty for maintaining However, during recent years, demograph- the high academic level of the school’s pro- Genocide Victims ic changes in the area where the school is locat- grams and for inspiring the students with pride ed, combined with the alarming scarcity of fund- in their Armenian heritage. PARIS (Armenpress) — A special concert dedicated ing resources, negatively impacted the mission of the •The parents, for entrusting their children to the to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and the school. Community-wide appeals by the school’s Board of school, and supporting it unconditionally throughout its his- Holocaust, was given under the auspices of French- Trustees and good-faith efforts by the TCA Central Board tory. Armenian singer Charles Aznavour. The event, proved to be insufficient to continue the operation of the school •The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, under the titled “You Are My Brother” was held in Paris on at the level of academic performance which the parents had leadership of Archbishops Vatche Hovsepian and Hovnan October 12 at the Folies Bergère hall. come to expect from the school. Derderian, for lending their unwavering support and for confer- The special evening was dedicated to Armenian- In consultation with the School Board and prominent com- ring the auspices of the Diocese to the school. Jewish fraternity. Opening speeches were given munity leaders, the TCA Central Board realized that it had no •A long list of individual benefactors for providing the before the concert started and Charles Aznavour’s other choice but to terminate the operation of the school. On resources and support without which the school could not have greeting was shown on the screen. Legendary com- June 30, 2015, the TCA closed the school with a heavy heart. existed. The TCA Central Board, families, graduates and stu- poser and pianist Michel Legrand with his son The closure of the Dickranian School is not a unique phenom- dents will bear in their minds and hearts the contributions and Benjamin, pianist, singer Gilbert Montanye, singer enon in the diaspora, where the same fate has befallen several the memory of the late benefactor Arshag Dickranian, whose Enrico Macias, producer André Manoukian, duduk other schools already. family continued the tradition of giving until the last day the player Lévon Minassian and others took part in the With the utmost sense of its fiduciary responsibility, the school was in operation. concert. Central Board was duty-bound to judiciously preserve its • The Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Gulbenkian decades-long investment. Consequently, with the advice and the Foundation, the Lincy Foundation and the George Ignatius Oxford Exhibits participation of competent real estate experts, the property on Foundation for their continued annual contributions through 1200 Cahuenga Blvd., was disposed of at the highest possible the years. Armenian Manuscripts market value. All the above-mentioned individuals, organizations and foun- The closure of the Dickranian School does not terminate the dations made history through their conscientious contributions OXFORD, UK (Armenpress) — The second oldest educational mission of our organization. Soon a task force will to the school and deserve our sincere gratitude. library of the world, the Bodleian Libraries of be charged with conducting a feasibility study and coming up Oxford University, for the first time exhibits its col- with a series of recommendations for investments in education- Tekeyan Cultural Association Central Board of Directors lection of rare Armenian manuscripts. al projects with viable and sustainable potentials in various October 8, 2015 The exhibition, titled “Armenia: Masterpieces Southern Californian communities. In the meantime, the TCA Boston, Mass. from an Enduring Culture,” is dedicated to the 2,500 years of Armenia history. In honor of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, the library displays more than 100 items spanning more than 2,000 years of cultural history: Team Coco Lands in Armenia from King Tigranes II the Great’s coins minted in the first century BCE, through sumptuously and Conan O’Brien and Assistant Visit Her more modestly decorated manuscripts from the Ancestral Homeland Middle Ages, to the treasured objects of survivors of the 1915 genocide. LOS ANGELES (Combined sources) — Conan O’Brien is on the The exhibition is open from October 23 to road again, this time journeying to Armenia in the latest of a series February 28, 2016. of ongoing efforts to mix up his TV routine. The results of O’Brien’s sojourn to the country, believed to have commenced on Sunday, are slat- ed for broadcast INSIDE on Time W a r n e r ’ s TBS on Tuesday, November 10, at Frankfurt 11 p.m. and will TCA Meets in Montreal be available a The Tekeyan Cultural Association of the US day later across and Canada held its 34th annual represen- Books digital and tative assembly in Montreal from October 9 mobile venues Page 3 operated by the to 12. Aside from meetings, events included network and a special banquet and program celebrating O’Brien’s Team the 40th anniversary of the Montreal week- ly newspaper Abaka, a requiem service for Conan O’Brien with his assistant, Sona Coco outlets. INDEX Movsesian at Garni, Armenia Sona Movsesian, Vahan Tekeyan and all deceased Tekeyan Arts and Living ...... 10 O’Brien’s long- members, and book presentations. The del- Armenia ...... 2 time assistant egates are depicted in the above photo- Community News...... 4 who is of Armenian descent, has joined him. The visit is a first to graph. A full article will appear subsequent- Editorial ...... 14 International ...... 3 the country for both and O’Brien’s broadcast will be the first by a ly on these events. host of an American late-night show from the nation. see CONAN, page 2 2 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Race Against Time: Archeologists Dig at Karmir Blur Site Before Road Construction Begins

500 Delegates Attend studies. Some of the remains will be sent displayed. “If at all possible, I believe that Francophonie By Hrant Galstyan overseas, to different labs for DNA test- it would be preferable implement some ing. This will show what links, if any, con- alternative methods, perhaps overpasses Conference in Armenia nect the people of Urartu and present- or small bridges, and that the burial site YEREVAN (Hetq) — A new road day Armenia. Some teeth have already remain underneath. Today, it is a widely YEREVAN (Armenpress) — More than 500 delegates designed to bypass the western portion been sent to a lab in Copenhagen. “They accepted practice, at burial sites, to cre- of 80 countries attended the 31st session of the of Yerevan will be constructed atop the have told us the most important, that ate their copies at the site and to display Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Karmir Blur (Red Hill), a famous histori- DNA material remains. We’ve sent a sec- them aesthetically to visitors and the International Organization of La Francophonie. The cal landmark in Armenia. Excavations at ond batch to UCLA. We are thinking of public at large.” regular session of the Conference of Ministers of the site have uncovered a burial mound sending some to China as well. There is Vardan Karapetyan, an architect at Foreign Affairs of the International Organization of dating back to the Urartian period. If the so much anthropological material here Yerevan Development PIU, says that the La Francophonie was held in Yerevan, October 9-11. entire site isn’t excavated before the end that we can send samples to various insti- only viable alternative at the site remains The head of the Armenian delegation of the of this year, many priceless artifacts may tutions,” says Simonyan. the road, as planned for. “At the discus- Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie be lost forever buried under the new Simonyan noted that the summer heat sion phase, the roadway was placed as Margarit Yesayan noted during the meeting with roadway. A study of the 2,700 year-old and speed which with they are working close as possible to the cemetery in order journalists that the organization of such an event in burial site is important because informa- hasn’t been kind to the fossils or iron. to impact Karmir Blur as little as possi- Yerevan speaks of the efficiency of the foreign policy tion gained might add to our knowledge “The bones need dampness and the ble. This was the optimal solution.” of Armenia. of Teishebaini, the city-fortress built by metal, dryness. All this needs to be taken Preventative (rescue) archeology, which According to her, such a respectable, large-scale Rusa II in the first half of the 7th centu- into account. But in this rush to work, is being implemented to the burial assembly has never been held in Armenia. ry BC. it’s overlooked. Here, we are trying to col- mound at Karmir Blur, seeks to save the Yesayan noted that the International Organization Experts say that there are few ancient lect everything in the best condition, and archeological material when the area is of La Francophonie has great significance for cities where the fort and burial mound the rest we will try to restore at the lab,” to be used for construction or other pur- Armenia. have been preserved. says restorer Yelena Atayants. The arche- poses. “This is unique because we have both ologists sift the dirt lifted from the burial Badalyan believes that the example of Armenia and Artsakh a living city, the fort, where residents mounds in order not to miss a thing. Shirak Street is an important precedent once lived, and the dead city, the necrop- “There are some beautiful beads, so for preventative archeology. “Sadly, in Tourism Reps in Italy olis, where those residents were buried. many, in fact, that it will take months to Armenia, such preventative archeology is This reveals the ethnic make-up of string them all together. We do it all with little employed when construction takes YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Through efforts of Karmir Blur,” says Hakob Simonyan, love. If we excavate too fast, many things place,” he says. Armenia Development Fund, 4 Armenian companies who heads the excavation team. The would be lost,” says Atayants. Anthropologist Armen Martirosyan, presented Armenia’s and Artsakh’s tourism anchors graves can shed new light on Urartian The 15 meter wide by 1.3 kilometer who is participating in the Karmir Blur during “TTG Incontri-2015” international exhibi- burial rites at the time. long stretch of road, which will pass excavations, adds that the practice is tion held in Rimini, Italy on October 8-10. Simonyan argues that the fact that the through the burial site and above the employed in a number of countries More than 60,000 travel agencies from around the heads of the dead were placed in Hrazdan River, will wind up at the where development and history collide. world participated in the exhibition. During meet- women’s pelvises shows that people of Argavand Highway. The road is a compo- He proposes that a small portion of the ings the Armenian companies presented to their the time believed in rebirth. nent of the Sustainable Urban burial vaults be preserved, instead of European partners the travel destinations of Another new discovery for all of the Development Investment Program postponing construction of the road. Armenia, sights, lodging establishment in order to Near East, according to Simonyan, is the (SUDIP) – Project 1, which has been This will useful to form an understanding start cooperation. burial of newborn children. Weapons, financed with a loan from the Asian regarding Urartian burial rites. “The ornaments and ceramic vessels have Development Bank. main challenge is that we be granted Recycling Plant to Be been unearthed at the burial mound. The paradox is that construction of enough time to complete all the excava- Despite the fact that the graves belonged the very road threatening to bury the tions. Now, we are working quickly but Built for 33M Euros to common urban residents, their burials site revealed the burial mound in the very attentively,” says Martirosyan, were accompanied by the sacrifice of first place.”It must be said that the road- adding that the time allotted isn’t YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Armenian government slaves. way, in addition to destroying some of enough to unearth all the burial approved the building of a garbage recycling plant and “Given that Urartu was an empire, it the site, also led to such an important sci- mounds. He says it would take another a greenhouse in Armavir province. First Deputy had a diverse ethnic mix. We have to see entific find,” says Simonyan. six to eight months to do a complete job. Minister of Territorial Administration and Emergency which were the dominant ones since Preliminary excavations at the citadel Yelena Atayants says that it requires one Situations Vache Terteryan introduced the details of there are master and servant and master site were conducted in 1939 by a team to two months to excavate one large bur- the program during the executive session. and slave in the graves,” says Simonyan. led by Boris Piotrovsky, who served as ial mound. Working quickly risks According to the investment program, the He says the position of women was director of the Hermitage Museum from destroying the intactness of the fossils Armenian-Czech Limited Liability Company is going important since the most luxurious 1964 until 1990. Over the years, one part and negatively impacts the health of the to build the recycling plant and greenhouse on 15 graves belonged to them. of the site was covered with industrial workers. “We will get it done, but at the hectares in the northern part of Armavir Province. In the graves, the bodies of women are and household waste. Another part, cost to our health,” she says. The “The program will cost around 33 million euros, positioned on the left, those of men, on including a section of the burial mound, Yerevan Municipality rules out any post- 21 million euros of which is planned for the garbage the right. Archeologist Levon Mkrtchyan was buried under the Shengavit ceme- ponement of the roadway construction recycling factory and the 11 million for the green- shows me one of these mounds where tery. that is to begin in early 2016. house. The remained 1 million Euros is planned for they found bracelets, bronze earrings Mikayel Badalyan, Director of the Excavation leader Hakob Simonyan other charges. The program is a result of private and glass beads some of which have Erebuni Museum-Reserve, says that the says, “We can’t perform the impossible, partnership,” said Terteryan. retained their color. The twelve skeletons road will forever limit the expansion of but we’ll do our best.” Their “best” will found here are still being cleaned. Later, the cemetery. He also points out that due be to save some tens of fossils dating First Indonesian High- they will be measured, photographed to the road, many will learn about the back to the Iron Age and send them to and sent to the laboratory. historical site. Nevertheless, the museum museums. We will probably never know Level Delegation Visits Armenia, however, doesn’t have a lab- director believes that the burial vaults what Simonyan meant by “the impossi- Komitas Museum- oratory equipped to perform extensive must be reserved and the excavation site ble.” Institute YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The first high-level Conan O’Brien and Assistant Visit Her Ancestral Homeland Indonesian delegation, apart from political meetings, CONAN, from page 1 Armenia with his assistant Sona has acquainted itself with the Armenian culture and “I think it’s every boss’s responsibility Movsesian. the heritage left by Komitas. to take their assistant back to their The Conan team started exploring Irman Gusman, speaker of the Regional Chamber ancestral land,” said O’Brien, in a state- more of Armenia’s cultural sites, as seen of Representatives of Indonesia and the delegation of ment provided by a spokesperson. in his social media account’s posting in 12 people visited Komitas Museum Institute. They “That’s why I’m going to make sure my front of the Temple of Garni wearing tra- familiarized themselves with the life and activity of next assistant was born in a five-star ditional Armenian garments next to the renowned Armenian musician, then enjoyed the resort in Tuscany.” At an “upfront” pre- Movsesian. The picture caption reads, spiritual performance of the Geghard choir. sentation last May, executives from “Brought my assistant Sona home to The Indonesian official left a note in the memory Turner Broadcasting, parent of TBS, Armenia. It was this or give her a raise.” book of the museum which reads: “I am greatly said O’Brien was planning to do a series O’Brien has a history of referencing impressed with Komitas Museum Institute. The muse- of road-trip specials, meaning this Movsesian and Armenians in past um taught us many lessons to appreciate one who has Armenia excursion is likely to offer a episodes, such as a visit to Armenian- lived his life as a great Armenian teacher and musi- taste of things to come. owned Hollywood pawnshop in Glendale cian.” Irman Gusman said that he intended to learn Armenian Assembly of America in January 2014. more about Komitas who contributed not only to the Regional Director Arpi Vartanian arrived O’Brien trades in laughs, but his trips Conan O’Brien and Armenian Assembly Armenian culture but also to human civilization. The Regional Director Arpi Vartanian at the at the Armenia Marriott Hotel — this will be the third he has made this delegation members were presented with books Republic Square in Yerevan, Armenia. early Sunday morning to meet friends. year — are not always something to joke about Komitas at the Museum Institute. Unbeknownst to her, she saw a tall, red- about. O’Brien in February traveled to Gusman and his delegation had been received by haired stranger and thought to herself, Cuba in an effort that was known to only was working to re-establish diplomatic Armenia Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian the “that looks like Conan O’Brien. Wait, a handful of people outside of his staff, ties with the United States. previous day. why is he here?” Vartanian approached and almost ran into a problem when his (A report from Variety as well as a O’Brien, and to her awe discovered that team tried to navigate through security release from the Armenian Assembly he is filming and traveling around on the island nation, which at the time were used to compile this story.) S A T U R D A Y , O C T O B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL 2015 Frankfurt Book Fair: New Studies on Armenia International News FRANKFURT, Germany plans for their implementa- — Among the hundreds of By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach tion. Although Talaat Azerbaijan Expels Two thousands of new titles Special to the Mirror-Spectator Pasha implicated Bronsart exhibited at the Frankfurt by name in his memoirs Representatives of book fair, the largest such published in 1946, fair in the world, are Gottschlich acknowledges Amnesty International numerous studies on Armenia pub- Schaller and Hans Lukas Kieser, all of that direct documents proving this are lished this year, the centenary of the whom have examined the German role still to be found — perhaps in Turkish BAKU (Armenpress) — Amnesty International says genocide. The Fachbuchjournal, a bi- in the Genocide. By contrast, Gust General Staff archives. two of its representatives were detained when trying monthly publication that reviews non- laments the relative lack of such studies Hesemann also provides new insights to enter Azerbaijan and then deported. fiction works, issued its book fair edi- in Germany itself, noting for example into the Genocide, this time through The former Soviet republic has come under grow- tion with a special focus on this theme, that there is only one history depart- documents he has studied since 2008 in ing criticism for human rights concerns and a crack- referencing 20 works, 12 of them with ment of one university where academic the Vatican archives. Two focal points down on opposition. In a recent high-profile case, extensive reviews. In an in-depth inter- research into the German co-responsi- emerge from his research: first, the fate journalist Khadija Ismayilova was sentenced to view which opens the section, Wolfgang bility is possible. Prof. Mihran Dabag of of the Catholics and, secondly, the prison for 7 ½ years on financial crimes charges that Gust, who published the relevant docu- Bochum University and Kristin Platt attempts by the papacy to halt the car- supporters say were retaliation for her reporting on ments from the Foreign Ministry have just released their book, Verlust nage. Although the Catholics constitut- alleged corruption involving President Ilham Aliyev archives of Ottoman Turkey’s wartime und Vermächtnis, Überlebende des ed the smallest group among Armenian and his family. In a statement, Amnesty said two of ally Imperial Germany, comments on Genozids an den Armeniern erinnern Christians, overall, Catholics were well its delegates who are Georgian citizens were the status of genocide studies and the sich (“Loss and Legacy: Armenian represented, with 12 dioceses, numer- detained after flying into the capital, Baku, on significance of centenary events. Genocide Survivors Recollect”), which ous cloisters, monasteries, schools and Wednesday and then expelled from the country. The three “very excellent contribu- Gust points to as “a pretty big treasure,” communities throughout the Ottoman “There is no letup in the government’s repressive tions” to the centenary in Gust’s view, although it does not treat the German Empire, and when the genocide began, campaign to stifle all criticism and dissent,” were the special mass celebrated by role specifically. they were also targeted. Pope Benedict Amnesty’s director for Central Asia John Dalhusien Pope Francis at St. Peter’s, the speech To explain why this particular aspect XV, who was elected in September said. delivered by German President Gauck has remained largely in the dark, Gust 1914, was to become known as the on April 24 in Berlin, and the debate in recalled his youth, and “how Germans “Peace Pope” for his indefatigable the Bundestag (Parliament) that fol- spoke about the Shoa, namely, almost efforts to stop the massacres, save the Turkey Protests Erupt lowed. In all three, the events of 1915 not at all.” It took almost a quarter cen- Catholics and all Christians. His first were called by their proper name — tury after the war before Nazi criminals encyclical denounced the senselessness After Rally Explosions, genocide — and bold proposals were were brought to trial and only in 1968 of war. He worked through Catholic net- aired to assist Turkey in coming to did the Germans start in earnest to works in Istanbul, Mosul, Jerusalem, Deaths process the past; Gust adds, “and work- terms with its past. Gust also highlight- Vienna and Munich, deploying his diplo- ISTANBUL (Hurriyet) — Strikes, boycotts, marches ing through the Armenian genocide lies ed an ambitious program of 40 com- matic representatives in hopes of exert- and demonstrations were held around Turkey on ahead of us still, because many think, memorative events organized in Berlin ing influence on Turkey through October 12 in protest against the October 10 ‘For God’s sake, now not yet another by the Gorki Theater, on the initiative of Germany and Austria. When this failed, Ankara massacre that killed at least 97 people, with genocide, the Armenian one!’” Having persons of Turkish-German back- he appealed directly to the Austrian and funerals of the victims being held one after another. done the research himself on this ground. German Emperors, as well as to Sultan The mass demonstrations came as Turkey’s leading aspect, Gust explained just what the Gust applauds the achievements Mehmet V. As such initiatives met no labor unions and professional organizations, namely German archive material reveals: what (albeit not new) in German language success, the documents show how the Confederation of Public Sector Trades’ Unions the German diplomats and military studies contributed by Swiss scholars, Catholics despaired, realizing that the (KESK), the Confederation of Progressive Trade knew and what they did or did not do. among them Christoph Dinkel, Dominik Young Turk regime intended to annihi- Unions of Turkey (DSK), the Turkish Medical late all Christian life. The author makes Association (TTB) and the Union of Chambers of What’s New In 2015 clear his aim is not only to provide new Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), made There are three new German publica- documentation but to issue a warning calls for a nationwide strike and boycott for October tions he singles out for attention: New Iranian that continued genocide denial may 12 and 13 in protest against the massacre at the Michael Hesemann’s book, Völkermord lead to renewed atrocities. Here he Labor, Peace and Democracy Rally in Ankara on Ambassador to an den Armeniern (“The Armenian refers to the lessons drawn by Hitler October 10. Genocide”) he finds particularly impor- Armenia Presents and the Nazis, as well as Mussolini, from Employees at Istanbul’s Maltepe District tant “because it contains new research the Young Turk experience. Municipality, including Maltepe Mayor Ali Kilic, went results and heretofore unpublished doc- Credentials to Yetvart Ficiciyan, a leading member on strike on October 12, holding placards that read uments from the Vatican secret of the Armenian community in Berlin, “we are in mourning, we are in protest, we are on President archives.” The importance of Jürgen sheds new light on what public opinion strike,” and marched from the municipality building Gottschlich’s Beihilfe zum Völkermord in Germany in the decade including the to Maltepe Square. YEREVAN (Public Radio of (“Accomplice to Genocide”) lies in the war years learned or did not learn from In Istanbul’s Fatih district, a ceremony was held Armenia) — Seyyed Kazem Sajjad, intensive research conducted into the the press reports. His careful monitor- outside the Istanbul University Medical School the ambassador of the Islamic role of the German military, says Gust. ing of the daily press between 1910- Hospital located in Fatih’s Çapa neighborhood on Republic of Iran to Armenia, And another new release with impor- 1922 shows the complex web of factors October 12 to commemorate victims of handed his credentials to tant documentation is Der Völkermord involved in the genocide, from the the Ankara bombing, as medical staff and union President Serge Sargisian this an den Armeniern im Spiegel der Turks and Kurds, to the Great Powers members gathered outside at 10:04 a.m., the time week. deutschsprachigen Tagespresse 1912- (Russia, England, France, Austro- when the twin blasts occurred in Ankara on October Armenia’s president congratu- 1922 (“The Armenian Genocide as Hungary, Italy, the US), as well as 10. lated the ambassador on starting Reflected in the German-language Daily Switzerland, the Balkans and the In Istanbul’s Kagithane district on October 12, his diplomatic duties in our coun- Press 1912-1922”) by Yetvart Ficiciyan. Vatican, and of course Germany, seen as lawyers chanted slogans inside the courthouse in try and wished him success. It becomes clear, in a detailed review, the responsible for the outbreak of war. Kagithane’s Çaglayan neighborhood in protest at the Sargisian spoke highly of the just why Gottschlich explored the ques- There are moving reports on the fate of massacre. activities carried out by the tion, “what occurred, how, when and for the deportees during the death march- College students in large numbers, including those Iranian embassy in Armenia for what reason, and what role Germany es and accounts of the celebrated trial from the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Bogaziçi the last 20 years and expressed played.” As a long-term correspondent of Talaat’s assassin Soghomon University, Marmara University, Koç University and the hope that Sajjad will continue in Turkey for the Berlin-based Tehlirian, who was acquitted. The pub- Istanbul Technical University in Istanbul, as well as to pay close attention to Tageszeitung, he was often asked by lisher, Donat, has been recognized as a Middle East Technical University in Ankara, boy- Armenian-Iranian relations, fol- Armenians and Turks alike about the leader in issuing books on Armenia, cotted their classes on October 12 in protest. lowing the example of his prede- co-responsibility of the Germans, and at among them two other new titles this cessors who completed their the same time realized that Germans year: Harry Stürmer’s Zwei Kriegsjahre diplomatic tenure in Armenia and knew little or nothing about this chap- in Konstantinopel 1915-1916 (“Two Exhibit of Photos by filled the ranks of the Armenian ter in their history. In his book, War Years in Constantinople 1915- people’s friends, by making every Gottschlich recreates the scene of the 1916”), which was banned in Germany Ara Guler Presented in effort to further strengthen rela- crime, so to speak, taking his reader shortly after its appearance in Lausanne tions and broaden cooperation along with him to landmarks of the in 1917, and Entscheidung in Aleppo – Tbilisi Exhibit between the two countries. genocide which he visited extensively, Konsul Walter Rössler (1871 -1929) TBILISI (Public Radio of Armenia) — Photos by The two discussed the imple- be it in Van or Musa Dagh, where (“Decision in Aleppo – Consul Walter noted Turkish-Armenian photographer Ara Guler mentation of Armenian-Iranian Armenians resisted, or the Kemagh Rossler 1871 – 1929”), a biography of a will be on display in Tbilisi starting October 16. The large multi-sectoral projects gorge from whose heights thousands man who helped the Armenians, by Kai exhibition is being organized by the Georgian adopted as a result of the high- were thrown to their death in the Seyffarth. Donat has also published National Museum and the Turkish Embassy in level bilateral agreements. Euphrates. As anticipated in his title, Heinrich Vierbücher’s Armenien 1915 Georgia. They agreed that the new inte- the author holds the German military which appeared in English translation a Works by Guler, given the title the Photographer gration processes open up broad- co-responsible, specifically Lt. Gen. Fritz few years ago. of the Century, are on display in many museums. er opportunities to promote col- Bronsart von Schellendorf, who admit- From Rolf Hosfeld, scientific director Guler has taken photos of prominent figures like laboration between Armenia and ted in a secret report to Ludendorff in of the Lepsius House in Potsdam and a Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, William Saroyan, Iran in both bilateral and multilat- 1917 that he had organized the prepa- prolific author, we have a new, extreme- Winston Churchill, Bertrand Russell, Indira Gandhi, eral formats. rations for the general mobilization of ly well documented account of the geno- Sergei Paradjanov and many others. The ambassador highly praised the Turkish army already in February cide titled Tod in der Wüste (“Death in Guler’s photos will be on display through October the Iranian-Armenian community, 1914. On the basis of this documented the Desert”). Especially for readers who 31. stressing the community’s major fact the author moots that Bronsart are approaching the subject for the first role in strengthening bilateral later, as General Chief of Staff of the time, this carefully researched study pre- interstate relations. Ottoman army, also drew up the June 1, sents the Aghet in detail, how it unfolded, 1915 deportation orders and proposed see FRANKFURT, page 16 4 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

AIWA Hosts Write A House Gives Tech Panel in Second Winner Keys To Detroit Home Silicon Valley DETROIT (Detroit Public Radio) — Detroit has itself a brand-new resident. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — On September 24, Liana Aghajanian is the latest winner the Armenian International Women’s for Detroit’s Write A House program. Association San Francisco (AIWA-SF) led a panel She was chosen from more than 200 entries discussion on “Armenian Women in Leadership and will move into a totally rehabilitated home and Technology.” The event took place at the just north of Hamtramck for a two-year residen- Symantec Corporation Headquarters in the cy. heart of Silicon Valley. The audience of over 70 Aghajanian had never been to Detroit before was engaged in thought-provoking discussions applying to the program, but tells us she’s read that inspired the whole room. The panelists and heard about the city and its history for years shared heartfelt stories and words of wisdom and was drawn to it because of how it’s talked that created moving energy in the room. about in the media. In her opening remarks, AIWA-SF President, “The way that Detroit has been portrayed in Christine Soussa, acknowledged that Armenia the media has been very polarized. It’s either had celebrated its 24th birthday just a few days very high or very low, and I feel like the truth is prior to the panel discussion. Much like a 24 year somewhere in the middle,” Aghajanian says. old, Armenia is developing as a country and has She looks forward to having the chance to unmapped potential. To hear the stories of the explore Detroit herself and to find and write women on the panel, who have a high level of about that middle ground. both experience and accomplishment profession- “My favorite types of stories are the ones that ally and personally, was encouraging. I get to spend a long time on, and this opportu- The panel was moderated by Paul Agbabian – nity has given me the space, literally the space Vice President, Symantec Fellow, CTO to think and breathe, but also the mental space,” Enterprise Security Business Unit – Symantec she says. and included Lusine Yeghiazaryan, senior direc- Sarah Cox, co-founder of Detroit’s WAH, tells tor, Internal Audit, Risk and Controls, GoPro; Ani us that all kinds of factors are at play when Vartanian Boladian, managing partner, Rubicon choosing a winner from the pool of writers. Point Partners; Meleeneh DerHartunian PhD Once they narrow it down to the top 10, “every- RAC, senior regulatory documentation scientist, one’s a really great writer,” she says, and some- Genentech and Laura Dirtadian, director, Risk The late Mayram Gulbahar Gigiyan Cinar times it just comes down to the writer’s individ- Advisory Services, MUFG Union Bank. ual circumstance and voice. The various people on the panel suggested “I feel like she was very careful in her writing that opportunities present themselves at differ- about context, and that’s something that we’d ent times, and when an opportunity comes, you A True Salt of the Earth really like to see a lot more in Detroit writing,” take it, do your best and turn the opportunity to Cox says. your advantage. Networks are also a way to uti- A Tribute to Watertown’s Aghajanian was born in Iran to an Armenian lize transitions in your life. family that came to the U.S. as refugees in 1988, Each panelist shared personal stories. Each Mayram Gulbahar Gigiyan Cinar during the Iran-Iraq War. She tells us she’s excit- story was moving, inspiring, thought provoking ed to explore the strong Armenian presence in and motivating. Stories including: taking risks, WATERTOWN (Tab) — The year is 1915. The world is engulfed in warfare. In Detroit. feeling like a failure, moving countries, writing the cradle of civilization, an unprecedented genocide against the first Christian “That’s actually one of the reasons that has manifestos, admitting to parents that they were nation is festering. And Arusyak Hajinian, my maternal great-grandmother, is attracted me to this city for a very long time. We not going to be doctors, lawyers or architects. caught in the middle of it: have a very deep-rooted history here that spans They stressed that for the next generation, it is They smash open the house door and take her husband to purportedly serve in over 100 years, and I think that a lot of that has- important to get girls interested in STEM educa- the army. Amid the pandemonium, she runs and hides a small portion of the fam- n’t explored,” she says. tion (which stands for Science, Technology, ily’s gold in the wall of the gar- Cox hopes that WAH will be able to provide Engineering and Math). den’s chicken coop. Arusyak writers with three houses every year “starting The panelsits agreed: “Believe in yourself, take By Ludér Tavit Sahagian (though pregnant), her young very soon.” risks and have faith that if things don’t work out child, and other inhabitants of Aghajanian will begin her two-year residency as you journey down a certain path, it’s okay! this small Western Armenian early next year. You will be okay, as long as you have your health, town, lying inside Ottoman Turkey, are seized and sent marching south towards support system, and skills.” the scorching heat of the Syrian desert. With little food and water, she can no The panel took time to discuss the importance longer breastfeed her child. He dies in her arms, and she has the heartbreaking of their support system including spouses, family, task of burying him. Steve Sarkisian Fired as friends, their network and broader community. During the death march through treacherous terrain, a sadistic Turkish military One panelist described her path to being a officer bayonets her abdomen, killing her unborn child. She loses consciousness. USC’s Football Coach research scientist: “I was going to be an ortho- When she finally awakens, she finds herself in his home, stitched up and recuper- dontist; that was my dream. During college I ating. He then chains her in his basement when she refuses to be his latest wife. LOS ANGELES (Los Angeles Times) — USC joined the orthodontist group and quickly real- Weeks later, with the chains improperly placed, she breaks free, escaping through has fired football coach Steve Sarkisian, the ized it wasn’t for me. When I was in college, my a small window secured with metal wire. school announced in a statement Monday, maternal grandmother was diagnosed with lung Arusyak makes her way back to her original village on foot, but nevertheless October 12. cancer. I was the only family member in Los ends up in abject poverty, working, as she later puts it, as “a slave for Turks on “After careful consideration of what is in the Angeles and would spend a lot of time with her my own land.” Her husband never returns. Neither do her brothers-in-law and best interest of the university and our student- and took care of her. If that’s not motivation raped sister-in-law. With most of her family gone and a living sister having fled to athletes, I have made the decision to terminate enough, I don’t know what is. I wanted to under- Abkhazia to safety, she is introduced to another genocide survivor, Garabed Steve Sarkisian, effective immediately,” Athletic stand why people got sick. Diagnosing and treat- Ayvazian, whom she soon marries and begins to build her family anew. Eventually Director Pat Haden said in the statement. ing the illness wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to she returns to her first home and recovers the gold she had hidden in the chick- “I want to thank Clay Helton for stepping dig deeper and understand why sickness hap- en coop years ago. into the interim head coach role, and I want to pens. This is what led me to pursue a PhD and Arusyak becomes a devoted mother to her five children, by day faithfully tend- add how proud I am of our coaching staff and take on the work I do today in research.” ing the farms and fields of her home village. Though the oppressive Turkish players and the way they are responding to this A question that prompted much conversation Empire morphs into an equally oppressive republic (using essentially the identical difficult situation. came from a young professional, who landed a crescent and star flag), she remains a tireless purveyor of goodwill to all ethnici- “Through all of this we remain concerned for dream job after graduating and realized the job ties for the rest of her life, including, for example, the renowned blind Turkish min- Steve and hope that it will give him the oppor- was different than expected and the attendee strel and poet Asik Veysel. She perseveres to the age of 110, physically disabled tunity to focus on his personal well being.” asked What if it isn’t enough? This stimulated the last 10 years due to multiple strokes, weeping beside her sole daughter each The announcement came quickly after the fantastic conversation around things like the and every night in prayer for the unspeakable losses and horrors she and her decision was made, according to an athletic dynamic meaning of “enoughness,” the percep- nation had endured decades earlier. This remarkable woman, “Partridge” as she department official who, when he was asked tion of life, and its concept in other parts of the was fondly called, departs at last in peace. about it by a reporter shortly after 1:30 p.m., world when compared to America. Arusyak’s unbelievable tale of survival and tenacity in the wake of man’s worst expressed surprise the news was already out. Topics for future discussions include: cruelty to man was recounted to me over and over by Mayram Gulbahar Gigiyan USC did not practice on Monday, so players “Armenian Men in Leadership and Technology,” Cinar, her sole daughter and my maternal grandmother, whom the world were scattered and being informed via text mes- coaching sessions for women starting their see MAYRAM, page 6 sages by the coaches of their position groups. careers or looking to make a career shift. Kenny Bigelow, a defensive lineman, said he — AIWA SF President and Vice President, was saddened by the news. Christine Soussa and Sophie Moradian see COACH, page 8 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS AGBU Hye Geen Conference Tackles Globalizations, Challenges for Armenian Women

LOS ANGELES — On August 22, AGBU Hye tures “without sacrificing our individuality,” or Geen held a panel discussion on globalization national identity. Terzian ended on an opti- and the challenges for Armenian women at the mistic note with a comment on the effects of AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Center in globalization on the improvement of Armenia’s Pasadena. The event began with remarks by higher education, efficiency of institutions and Sona Yacoubian, founder and chairperson of the expansion of the scope of internet tech- AGBU Hye Geen, who acknowledged the nologies. inevitability of globalization and discussed the The second speaker, Nelly Titizian-Kazman, is need to look for new tools to adjust to changes an adjunct professor at the University of La while maintaining Armenian cultural heritage. Verne, where she writes and lectures on leader- The first speaker was Mary Terzian, a former ship, culture and gender issues in management member of the United States Foreign Service. and power politics in organizations. Kazman In her presentation, Terzian examined econom- stressed the need to develop both personally ic growth and global competiveness as well as and professionally to meet the challenges of a the development of an essential infrastructure globalized world. In her presentation, she as the result of globalization: “Globalization will focused on the attributes and challenges of eventually impose a universal language to ease each age group, including navigating today’s interaction between nations,” said Terzian. She social and cultural diversity at home and at also stressed the need to adjust to foreign cul- work, prioritizing family and career, managing dual Armenian and The event began with remarks by Sona Yacoubian, founder and chairperson of AGBU Hye Geen, American identities who acknowledged the inevitability of globalization and discussed the need to look for new tools to adjust to changes while maintaining Armenian cultural heritage. and resisting parental control. The concluding remarks were deliv- ered by Osheen Keshishian, editor Steve Sarkisian Fired as USC’s Football Coach of the Armenian COACH, from page 4 Ind., on Saturday in the resumption of one of Observer. “Coach Sark is a great guy despite what any- college football’s great, traditional rivalry The event ended one might think,” Bigelow said. “He really games. with the presenta- cared about us and the program. Whatever he’s Sarkisian was thought to be among the high- tion of an award to going through, I pray he finds peace.” est paid coaches in the Pac-12 Conference. AGBU Hye Geen on Other players spoke anonymously because As a private university, USC is not required behalf of California they had been told not to comment publicly. to make details of coaches’ contracts available Assemblyman Mike “He should handle what he’s got to handle,” to the public. So Sarkisian’s annual compensa- Gatto for the orga- one said. tion will not be revealed until May, when the nization’s “dedicat- Said another: “We wish him the best. He has school must file a tax return that includes a list ed leadership to serious issues to handle. We have to focus on of the most highly compensated employees. AGBU Hye Geen held a panel discussion on globalization and the chal- preserve and pro- the season.” The latest tax reporting year will be from July lenges for Armenian women at AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Center mote Armenian in Pasadena, California. Sarkisian, 41, was placed on indefinite leave 1, 2014, to June 15, 2015. women and their by Haden on Sunday after the coach failed to Sarkisian was hired in December 2013 after history.” show up at a team practice. Haden fired Lane Kiffin during the 2013 season. At a meeting with his team Sunday morning, Kiffin earned about $3.4 million in total com- Sarkisian “did not seem right,” according to a pensation, according to the school’s tax return 2015 NAJARIAN LECTURE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AT FANEUIL HALL USC player. When he didn’t show up for the for that fiscal year. Sarkisian, who was signed IN COMMEMORATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL midday practice, Haden was alerted to the situ- to a multiyear deal, is believed to make at least ation. that amount. Haden said he called Sarkisian and it was Sarkisian reportedly earned about $2.9 mil- HONORING AMERICA’S CALL clear to him the coach was TO ACTION: THEN & NOW “not healthy.” At that point, Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 7:30pm Sarkisian was Doors open at 6:45pm told he was Historic Faneuil Hall, Boston being put on leave. S a r k i s i a n Welcome to Faneuil Hall had been Carolann S. Najarian, M.D. under scrutiny since August Call to Action: 1894-1919 Historical Perspective when, two Peter Balakian weeks before Donald M. and Constance H. Rebar Professor, Colgate USC’s season University; author opener, he The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide winner of the Raphael Lemkin Prize slurred his and America’s Response, words, insulted A history play by Joyce Van Dyke, opponents and Commissioned for this lecture. Directed by Judy Braha shouted an Steve Sarkisian coaches USC against Washington on Oct. 8. expletive dur- ing the football program’s annual “Salute to Troy” pep rally. lion in total compensation from the University The event was closed to media, but witnesses of Washington in 2013. Call to Action: 2015 said Sarkisian appeared to be intoxicated. It is not known whether Sarkisian’s USC con- Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director, Middle East & North A day later, Sarkisian apologized in a state- tract included a morals or behavior clause, or Africa Division, Human Rights Watch ment on USC’s athletic website. “Pat Haden whether USC must pay the remainder of his talked to me after the event about my actions contract. and I assured him this will not happen again,” UCLA has a clause in football coach Jim the coach said. Mora’s contract that is specifically related to USC football Coach Steve Sarkisian has been alcohol and drug use. fired. His contract reads: “If Coach has committed, Haden, in his own statement at the time, said or shall commit, any act, or has been, or in the he was confident Sarkisian had received his future becomes, knowingly or intentionally message “loud and clear.” involved in any situation or occurrence involv- The following day, Sarkisian held a news con- ing his improper use of or other improper asso- ference on campus and explained the incident ciation with drugs and alcohol, or otherwise Free and open to the public was the result of his mixing alcohol — “not tending to bring himself into public disrepute, The Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at Faneuil Hall has been endowed by K. George much” — with medication he did not specify. He contempt, scandal, or ridicule, or tending to and Carolann S. Najarian, M.D. in honor of Dr. Najarian’s father, Mr. Avedis also said he would seek counseling to see if he shock, insult or offend the people of this nation Abrahamian. The annual lecture is an endowed public program of Armenian Heritage had a drinking problem. or any class or group thereof, or reflecting Park on the Greenway. For further information, please visit ArmenianHeritagePark.org Helton, USC’s offensive coordinator, has unfavorably upon University’s reputation or been named interim head coach. He will lead products, then the University shall have the A R ECE P TIO N F O L LO WS AT TH E M I LL E N N IUM B OS TO N IA N H OT E L the Trojans against Notre Dame in South Bend, right” to terminate his contract. 6 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Tribute to Watertown’s Mayram Gulbahar Gigiyan Cinar

MAYRAM, from page 4 clerk at a local hotel for a few years before Cape Cod on September 14, 2014 under the building ever tight-knit families and commu- physically lost one year ago and whose equally establishing his own grocery near Taksim care of my devoted parents and was laid to nities, passing rich traditions to newer gener- inspirational story I have the honor of present- Square. eternal rest in Watertown’s Ridgelawn ations, and awakening assimilated, converted, ing now. Mayram helped him run the store, walked Cemetery five days later, following a moving or hidden persons. It has also been 100 years their younger children to and from local funeral service at Saint James Armenian of advocating their collective rights and giv- Growing up in Armenia Armenian schools, attended weekly mass at a Apostolic Church. She is survived by her hus- ing back to the individuals, societies, and Mayram Gulbahar (“Mary Spring-Rose” in nearby Armenian church, and celebrated the band of nearly eighty years, Avedis, three nations near and far that granted them all a Armenian and Turkish) first opened her eyes marriages and baptisms of their younger chil- daughters, three sons, three daughters-in-law, new chance at life. in the heart of Western Armenia at a time dren and grandchildren. In 1974, she began three sons-in-law, seventeen grandchildren, Mayram Gulbahar was among the first off- when the rivers were no longer as crimson round-the-clock care of her now disabled twenty-four great-grandchildren, one great- spring of survivors of the Armenian Genocide and no independent Armenian state yet exist- mother Arusyak. Political tension as well as great-grandchild, and seventeen nieces and who applied great strength and courage to ed. Born on January 9, 1924 in the town of anti-Armenian hostility and attacks in Turkey nephews. help raise a devastated nation up on its feet Gamirk (Gemerek), southwest of Sivas, in continued unabated. Starting in the late and create countless success stories out of its newly independent Turkey, she was the sec- 1970s, in pursuit of a freer and more secure Remembering the Armenian Genocide people. She had no formal education, profes- ond youngest child in her family. life, Mayram and Avedis witnessed the slow This year marks the centennial anniversary sional titles, or particular wealth, but pos- Growing up, she had no school to attend emigration of their younger children, grand- of the beginning of the systematic genocide of sessed the most incredible of souls. And like and was prevented from speaking her native children, and other families from Gigi and two-thirds of the global Armenian population, her mother, grandmother and progenitors Armenian tongue due to the dangerous com- elsewhere to the United States, specifically to the worldwide dispersion of the surviving prior to the beginning of the Genocide — munity environment. She spent most of her the major Armenian diasporan center of one-third, and the continued occupation by whose names are all missing on my genealogy childhood assisting her mother with family Watertown, Massachusetts. Turkey of the bulk of this ancient civiliza- tree and whose fates were similar to their con- chores and frolicking with her siblings and Following the passing of Mayram’s mother tion’s indigenous homeland. temporaries — she was a living testament to other youngsters outdoors. Her father, Arusyak in 1986 and the sale of the family For 100 years, most of the international the earth, water, air, and fire of Western Garabed or “Hayrig” (Armenian for “Father”) grocery, she and Avedis emigrated and joined community has been outraged at the ongoing Armenia and beyond wherever she was. as she had called him, was an industrious the rest of their flock and friends in persecution and killing of so many minority There is no finer way to celebrate her exis- blacksmith who died prematurely when Watertown, first residing in a cozy apartment members in Turkey just for being themselves. tence than to continue imparting our unique Mayram was 10-years-old. on Putnam Street before moving to a larger For 100 years, progressive and righteous gov- cultural heritage to future generations, sup- To preserve her Armenian identity and pre- home on Dartmouth Street in 1996. ernments, groups, and individuals have been porting global genocide prevention and clude the possibility of marriage to a covetous The year 1988 is when I and other U.S.- denouncing Turkish plunder, confiscation, restorative justice initiatives, and kindling the Muslim villager, a small indigo cross was tat- born cousins first met the ever-smiling, petite conversion, and destruction of most vestiges best in those around us to help make this tooed above the backside of her right wrist at Grandmother Mayram with gemstone eyes of Armenians’ millennia-old presence across world a richer and kinder place for all. the insistence of her grandmother immediate- and a reserved angelic presence whom we Western Armenia — de jure part of the Nothing surpasses bringing family and ly following her father’s death. A year later, at called “Yaya” (Greek for “Grandma”). She Republic of Armenia under President friends together at each special occasion to the mere age of 11, Mayram was married to would always be occupied with cleaning up Woodrow Wilson’s binding Arbitral Award of memorialize all those who endured the impos- 15-year-old Avedis Gigiyan from the adjacent the house, cooking scrumptious meals, slicing 1920. sible to make everything possible for us. all-Armenian village of Gigi, which was found- and peeling fruits for us to enjoy, getting us For the men, women and children of this ed by and named after his forefathers several ready for Armenian Saturday school, and longest-running and most-complete genocide (The author, a resident of Needham, generations earlier as a safe haven for dozens attending every church service and family fes- in modern human history, it has also been Massachusetts, specializes in international rela- of families that fled the Ottoman Turkish cul- tivity with grandfather. 100 years of assembling shattered pieces, tions and diplomacy.) ture of emasculation, harassment, and occa- Yaya was always there for everyone and sional massacre targeting Armenians and made those around her feel utterly loved and other minority groups. important. The way she would zero in on you Telephone (617) 924-7400 Relocating to Gigi with her relatives, during one-on-one conversations at her Mayram went on to slowly build her own fam- kitchen table was exceptional. ily. She gave birth to eight children over the And her dexterity was evident in the many Aram Bedrosian span of 24 years: three daughters, three sons, hobbies she pursued. She dedicated many and two infants who died from fever. hours to crocheting elaborate white floral Funeral Home, Inc. From dawn until well after dusk, the entire laces wearing her thick glasses, continuing village toiled in the fertile hilly fields, tended her agrarian routines from Gigi in her home Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 the farm animals, prepared fresh bread and garden, stacking pots of dolma from hand- MARION BEDROSIAN meals, sewed and washed wool blankets and picked grape leaves, and filling bags of manti 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN rugs, and tidied up their homes made of dumplings made from spiced meat and thinly WATERTOWN, MA 02472 adobe-like baked bricks. Gigi had a small rolled-out dough pieces. She was a master at LARRY BEDROSIAN Christian chapel (today a mosque), a walled preparing and gifting fresh yogurt, dried mint cemetery, and a sizeable orchard of oak and leaves, tomato sauce, rose and apricot jam, poplar trees. The city fountain delivered the and trays upon trays of assorted sweet breads daily supply of water. News arrived via word and traditional filled pastries, such as bakla- and radio. Every celebration or tragedy was va, burek, choreg and kete, during Easter and Nardolillo Funeral Home an all-village and multi-day affair. Darting Christmas holidays. Easter afternoon is when Est. 1906 swallows and soaring eagles entertained them dozens of relatives and friends from Gigi from above throughout the day, and the kalei- would light up her home, arriving with small John K. Najarian, Jr. doscope of stars enchanted them during clear gifts in their hands in deference to their Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director nights. senior elders, and be treated in turn with Life in Gigi was not always idyllic. large dishes of homemade sweets. 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 Electricity was unavailable at the time. The 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Life with Yaya small state-funded school was soon closed. www.nardolillo.com Winters were generally harsh. The men would Yaya also enjoyed walking along the banks take turns carefully balancing relations with of the Charles River, picnicking on occasionally belligerent Muslim villagers. The Gloucester’s rocky beaches, swimming at young men were required to serve in the Cape Cod beaches and apple-picking in army, putting extra strain on mothers and sib- Merrimack Valley with all of us. lings to make ends meet. In the 1930s, their She always appreciated the freedoms and Armenian surnames were all replaced with opportunities provided to her and her kin in codified Turkish renditions designed especial- the United States, despite successive White ly for Christian citizens as part of then House administrations’ unwillingness to for- F UNERAL H OME President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s forced mally recognize and address the still-ongoing Giragosian James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC assimilation and tracking campaign. Gigiyan Genocide. After all, it was in her newly-adopt- Mark J. Giragosian was renamed Cinar. And with tensions again ed country that she and grandfather began to Funeral Counselors rising in the early 1960s between Turkish receive first-rate medical services to amelio- nationalistic groups as well as Alevi and rate their various ailments, attended their 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 Kurdish inhabitants, thereby exposing the vil- first Armenian Genocide commemorations www.giragosianfuneralhome.com lage to direct threats, the people of Gigi, and marches, and saw their grandchildren including Mayram, Avedis, their six children, attain academic degrees, purchase their first and her mother, were forced one by one to homes, and contribute in their capacities to flee to the relatively safer metropolis of the well-being of their local communities and Constantinople (Istanbul) to live among its the nascent Republic of Armenia (1991) – lit- historic Armenian community. tle of which would have been possible had Gigi thus became a ghost town and has they remained in Turkey. remained so since. But its people — both in Yaya’s magic extended well after her debili- the Old Country and in the New World — have tating stroke in mid-February 2013 that com- never forgotten Gigi. pletely paralyzed one side of her body, but for- tunately kept her mind intact. For nineteen Moving to Watertown months she bravely fought on, experiencing The Gigiyans’ peaceful pastoral village set- several memory triggers that would occasion- ting was thus instantly replaced by a bustling ally lift her spirits and bring her family to urban one. From 1964 on, Avedis worked as a laughter. She passed away in Dennis Port, S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Embassy Celebrates 24th Anniversary of Independence

Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Ambassador By Danielle Saroyan James Warlick, and Armenian singer Nune Yesayan. Sargsyan explained why the WASHINGTON — On Thursday, October 8, 24th Anniversary of Armenia’s independence is the Embassy of Armenia to the United States one of the most important dates on the calen- hosted a reception in honor of Armenian dar. He said, “The Armenian nation survived, Independence Day. More than 100 people gath- the Armenian nation became even stronger and

From left, Mr. and Mrs. Keshishian, Armenian Assembly Board Member Annie Totah, Counselor to the Kazakhstan Embassy Yerlan Kubashev, and Armenian Assembly Public Affairs Associate Danielle Saroyan.

2011 to 2014 and congrat- ulated Armenia on its inde- pendence anniversary. Sargsyan presented medals to two guests, Jirair Nishanian and Dr. Levon Avdoyan, on behalf of the government of Armenia. From left, Second Secretary of the Armenian Embassy Nazeli Hambardzumyan, Armenian Nishanian received the Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs John Heffern, Rev. Fr. Vartanes Kalajian, and Armenian Ambassador Medal of Gratitude, award- Tigran Sargsyan ed for state, economic, social, scientific-technical, and public activities, as ered at the embassy, including government offi- more united. And now, one hundred years later, well as for major personal cials from the US, Russia, Georgia, Poland and I stand here in front of you all as the ambas- contribution, many years’ Kazakhstan. sador of an Independent Armenia to the United devotion, and fruitful activ- Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States States and congratulate you on the occasion of ities aimed at promoting From left, NKR Representative Robert Avetisyan and his wife Elvina, Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, and former U.S. Ambassador to Tigran Sargsyan welcomed guests to the recep- the 24th anniversary of Armenian statehood.” the spheres of health, edu- Armenia John Evans tion, including Principal Deputy Assistant Sargsyan emphasized the continuous assis- cation, and culture. Secretary (DAS) for the Bureau of European tance and friendship of western partners, espe- Avdoyan, Armenian and and Eurasian Affairs at the US State cially the United States. He then introduced Georgian area specialist at the Library of spheres of culture, art, literature, education, Department John Heffern, Co-Chair of the Heffern, who spoke about his tenure as the Congress, received the Movses Khorenatsi social sciences, and sports. Organization for Security and Cooperation in United States ambassador to Armenia from Medal for outstanding achievements in the

ADVERTISE IN THE MIRROR-SPECTATOR 8 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Archbishop Barsamian Presides Over Weekend of Remembrance And Celebration at Sts. Vartanantz

CHELMSFORD, Mass. — The Sts. Vartanantz Mezzo-soprano Victoria Avetisyan, and community recently experienced a wonderful pianist Levon Hovsepian entertained the capac- weekend of events, presided over by Archbishop ity filled hall with a beautiful musical interlude Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern of popular Armenian selections. Diocese of the Armenian Church. Kesablyan was truly humbled in being hon- On Saturday evening, under moonlit skies, ored by he archbishop and the parish. He the Primate blessed three Genocide shared the psalm by St. David, which served as Remembrance Benches engraved with some 60 a source of faith and strength to guide his spir- itual journey to the priesthood and eventually to pastor: “To you O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.” He said, “During all these years, starting from the age of 13, serving as an altar boy at St. Mary the God Bearer church in Armenia, then enrolling in the Gevorkian Correction Seminary at age 16, followed by serving as a Chaplain in the The Mirror-Spectator regrets Military, ministering to the spiritu- incorrectly identifying Denise Oldham and Sara Martinian, Co-Chairs of Anniversary Banquet with Bruce Kayajanian, and Carol al needs of the faithful of St. Carmen Gulbenkian due to Hildebrand, Chair and Vice-Chair of the Parish Council Mesrop Mashtots church in editorial error in the caption Ghapan, doing my internship at of a photo that appeared in Holy Trinity Armenian Church in the September 26 issue names of ancestors of local parishioners who Cambridge, serving as a visiting Pastor of the accompanying a story on the perished during the Armenian Genocide. The Armenian Mission Parish of Cape Cod and one New York reception at the benches, inspired by the church’s Memorials of the Directors of St. Vartan Camp, and during Committee chaired by Deacon James Magarian, Gulbenkian residence. Above the past eight years as pastor of this blessed were added to the churches Martyr’s Memorial. church family, God being true to His word, is a photo of Edward After parishioners returned to the sanctuary, always has been with me, helping, guiding, com- Gulbenkian, flanked by Dr. the Icon of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian forting, strengthening and showing me the Dennis Papazian and Genocide was then consecrated as the icon was Archbishop Khajag washed with water and wine by ACYOA mem- Barsamian, Primate of the bers, and then anointed with Holy Oil (Muron) Diocese of the Armenian by the archbishop. Church of America, at the On Sunday morning, following the celebra- reception. To the right is a tion of the Divine Liturgy, Arman Shirikyan was photo of Carmen Gulbenkian ordained a Clerk (Tbir) of the Armenian Church with UN Armenian as Barsamian bestowed him with the Four Minor Orders of the Armenian Apostolic Ambassador Zohrab Orthodox Church — Acolyte, Doorkeeper, Mnatsakanyan. Reader and Exorcist. Prior to delivering his sermon, Barsamian honored the church’s pastor, Rev. Khachatur Kesablyan, by presenting him with a pectoral cross in recognition of 10 years of service to the Armenian Church. Following church services, a banquet and pro- gram was held in the church’s Kazanjian Memorial Ballroom celebrating Kesablayan’s 10th anniversary of his ordination to the priest- hood. James Kalustian, Diocesan Council Chairman and dear friend of Kesablyan’s, served as Master of Ceremonies. Congratulatory messages were offered by Bestowing of pectoral cross by Srpazan Hayr to banquet co-chairs, Denise Oldham and Sara Father Khachatur Martinian; Isabelle Kapoian, ACYOA Corresponding Secretary; and Bruce Kayajanian, Parish Council chairman. path where to go and what to say and do. And A toast was offered by Rev. David Rinas, pas- He has done all this through you, my dear tor of the neighboring Trinity Lutheran brothers and sisters in Christ.” Church, and Dr. Ara Jeknavorian narrated a Kesablyan was full of gratitude and praise for his parish and especially the banquet committee. “I wish to express my deep appreciation to the 10th Anniversary committee and all the many fine volunteers for all their hard work, long hours of preparation, and their dedica- tion to our church to organize this magnificent event, and especially to co-chairs Denise Oldham and Sara Martinian. I feel truly blessed to serve this Diocese and this wonderful parish here in Chelmsford. Also, I could have not possibly Blessing of Priest’s Vestments donated by Gary and Beverly succeeded in my mission if it Koltookian and Chalice Veil by Yeretzgin Anna Kesablyan were not for the tremendous support and love of my dear wife, Yeretzgin Anna,” he said. slide presentation about Kesablyan’s spiritual The archbishop brought the program to a journey from ordination to pastor. The Sunday close extending his congratulations to School presented him with a photo album Kesablyan and the parish for a wonderful and which highlighted his ministry with the parish inspirational weekend of remembrance and cel- youth. ebration. S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

“Menk Enk Mer Sarere Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble’s Remarkable Performance Offers ‘Rebirth’

being preserved so strongly. By Hagop Vartivarian The program included traditional favorites such as “Moush,” “Akh’tamar,” “Housher” and some more popular ones such as “Menk Enk LODI, N.J. — This year our community and Mer Sarere” and “Hayastani Yerke.” These most all of its organizations commemorated gracefully choreographed dances and songs all the 100th anniversary of the Armenian played beautifully to our emotions. And, in the Genocide in their own unique way. Among second half, our “Triumph” was evident with them was NJ’s Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble of dances like “Zartir Lao” and “Celebration.” the A.A.S.E.C. (The Armenian American The program also included three non- Support and Education Center). In August, Armenian folk dances, all from regions that are Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble traveled to close to our people and culture: Russian, Armenia and Karabagh, and performed in Georgian and Greek. These three dances added Gumri, Stepanakert and Yerevan, dedicating to the versatility and agility of the group. their performances to the Centennial of the Performing with the Ensemble was singer Genocide. Following the success of their trip Kevork Artinian, with Ara Dinkjian on oud and they treated the New Jersey community to a Vicken Makoushian on keyboards. They pre- two-hour program dedicated to the 100th sented an array of nationalistic, traditional and Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with popular songs to the delight of the audience. guest performers Kevork Artinian, Ara Dinkjian The selection of songs were such that emote and Vicken Makoushian. feelings of nostalgia among Armenians, The dance group is made up of 70 dancers, favorites like Yerevan Erepouni, Kele Lao, Azk performing gracefully together to present an Parabants and Hzor Hayastan. These classics array of traditional, popular and new dances. Dance dedicated to the Genocide have become part of our national repertoire The ensemble’s director and choreographer, and are known by all. This was evident when Sylva Asadourian, was a dancer herself and has the audience started to sing with Artinian and successfully passed on the love of Armenian danced in the aisles. This created a very festive dance to her dancers. Her hard work and dedication was which holds more than 1,000 spectators, on Sunday, and joyous atmosphere! rewarded by the almost to capacity crowd at Felician College, October 4, despite the community being overscheduled this Congratulations to the entire Akh’tamar Dance month. Ensemble’s committee, under the leadership of Zivart Gulian The program, titled “Rebirth and participation of Nivart Arslan, Talin Cinar, Rita and Triumph,” presented a Ghichlian, Maral Kilerciyan Kalishian, Jenny Korogluyan, nationalistic picture, mirror- Talin Purut and Talar Sesetyan Sarafian. ing the community’s feelings It is also noted that the program remembered and honored and emotions. It was with the memory of Sylva Asadourian’s mom, Marie Kantardjian, pride that we watched this who passed away recently. Marie Kantardjian has had a young generation, of mostly tremendous effect on the group. Her countless hours of ded- Istanbul-Armenian parents, ication to the ensemble and especially to the creation of the present the love of their cul- costumes over the years was remembered and honored in ture and heritage through the booklet. Armenian dance and song. It The audience left Felician College with a renewed sense of was beautiful to see that our Armenian nationalism and pride. culture and traditions are (Translated from Armenian)

“Akhtamar”

“Country” “Moush” little ones 10 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living Serj Tankian and Studio Z Hosts David Alpay Join Exhibit on ‘Glamping with ‘Armenian Artists’ PROVIDENCE — “Armenian Artists — A Rich ATP’ Event in Collection of Original Armenian Art” will be on display at the Butcher Block Mill, Through Saturday, October 17, 2015. Los Angeles The exhibit ushers in Autumn at Studio Z, showcasing more than 125 original works of LOS ANGELES — Artist/activist Serj original art in a breadth of contemporary Tankian and actor David Alpay will join styles and themes from our vast array of tal- forces on Saturday, November 7, to celebrate ented established Armenian artists. These Armenia Tree Project (ATP) and its mission nationally and internationally renowned, living to make sustainability for Armenia possible and non-living artists from four corners of the and to inspire environmental awareness. world are exhibiting their original works The event, “Glamping with ATP,” will fea- in Providence. ture an outdoor Farm Table Dinner under Some of the many artists on exhibit include majestic trees atop Coldwater Canyon, at Kevork Mourad (b.1970), three generations of TreePeople in Beverly Hills. The event will Elibekian family painters, Simon Samsonian include a musical performance by Armenian (b.1915 - d.2003), Zareh Mutafian (b.1907 - Public Radio. Glamping with ATP — glam- d.1980), Reuben Nakian (b.1897 - d.1986), orous camping — will satisfy the craving for Alexander Grigorian (b.1927 - d.2007), Hagop the outdoors and penchant for good food and Hagopian (b.1923 - d.2013) and Rafael Atoyan wine, in a rustic yet elegant setting. Narek Arutyunian (b.1931), Karnig Nalbandian (b.1916 - d.1989), Over the past two decades, ATP has made Anoush Bargamian (b.1963), Martin tremendous strides in greening Armenia by Barooshian (b.1929), Seda Bekarian (b.1953), planting more than 4.7 million trees and, in Nora Chavooshian (b.1953), Samuel the process, has created hundreds of jobs. YerazArt Celebrates Music Gareginyan (b.1961), Emma Gregorian The organization’s current campaign is the (b.1943), PAKRAD (b.1939), and Levon Parian Living Century Initiative, launched to com- (b.1954) among numerous others. memorate the centennial of the Armenian with Concert and Reception Featured artists include Simon Samsonian, Genocide. b.1915-d.2003, Alexander Grigoryan, b.1927- “We not only plant trees in Armenia, but d.2007, Zareh Mutafian, b.1907-d.1980. WINCHESTER, Mass. — The volunteers of YerazArt put together yet another ele- also work with the youngest of children to Simon Samsonian did not have a childhood. gant soirée on October 3 to raise funds for young musicians in Armenia. This year raise environmental awareness. In the same He lost his parents during the deportation and the event was held at the home of Raffi and Nina Festekjian. This was the second vein, we’re looking to bring together envi- massacre of Armenia in 1915. He grew up in time they hosted a YerazArt reception. ronmental stewards here in order to more orphanages of Greece and Egypt. After many Around 100 guests were present and almost $50,000 was raised for YerazArt’s years of travel and tours of study, Samsonian Instrument Donation Program, as well as other educational initiatives, including acquired confidence and wielded his brush funding for young musicians to attend master classes and participate in interna- By Alin K. Gregorian tional competitions. Mirror-Spectator Staff The featured guest musician was clar- inetist Narek Arutyunian. He was born in Gumri, Armenia in 1992 and moved to Moscow at a young age. He graduated from the Moscow State Conservatory and is currently a student at the Juilliard School in New York. He has won numerous prizes, including first prize in the International Young Musicians Competition in Prague and the Musical Youth of the Planet Competition in Moscow. He has performed extensively across the United States, in Australia, Asia, and in Europe, where he appeared at the Louvre in Paris and the Palazzo del Principe in Genoa, among others. According to YerazArt board member chair Nicole Babikian Hajjar, some schools receiving aid are in Yerevan (Tchaikovsky, Sayat Nova and Jrbashyan - 400 students) while others are in remote areas (Gumri School No 4 -171 students and No 5- 184 students). Artist/activist Serj Tankian and actor David “Our main focus remains on what we call rare instruments, mainly woodwind Alpay will join forces on Saturday, November 7 and brass — clarinet, trumpet, flute, trombone, French horn — disciplines that are for a “Glamping with ATP” outdoor Farm Table endangered in Armenia for lack of available instruments,” she said. Dinner under majestic trees atop Coldwater She also stressed that the group seeks out rural schools as Yerevan often gets Alexander O Grigorian,. b.1927 d. 2007 Canyon at TreePeople in Beverly Hills more attention. “It takes a vast amount of resources on our part to fulfill our commitment to more freely. After a period of research he found the many young and talented musicians of Armenia: we currently have an annual his distinct style. Gradually he came to favor effectively impact our work in Armenia,” operating budget of $30,000 for our activities and operations in Armenia. With one the school of cubism which he found more suit- explains Maral Habeshian, ATP’s West Coast see YERAZART, page 11 ed to his temperament and which he added an development director. admixture of humanism and symbolism. He Longtime friends of ATP, Tankian and interprets nature in rich colors in the style of Alpay are strong supporters of ATP’s initia- “symbolic cubism”. The cultural periodical tives. Tankian is a singer, poet, songwriter Park East, of New York, wrote “Simon and activist, and the frontman of the Grammy Samsonian is a fine artist. His works have Award-winning rock band System of a Down Cubist influence, but the paintings are his own that most recently conducted the cross-conti- superb creations. Using limpid color and con- nental Wake Up the Souls tour to bring temporary subject matter he has painted land- awareness to the Armenian Genocide. scapes, still life and portraits with strong pur- Alpay is an actor, musician and producer, poseful technique.” best known for playing Mark Smeaton in Alexander Grigoryan, (b.1927-d.2007) was a “The Tudors” and Professor Atticus Shane in dedicated student and follower of the world- the TV drama “The Vampire Diaries.” His wide known artist-painter Martiros Saryan. debut into the world of Hollywood started Grigoryan received Armenian Art’s highest with his role in “Ararat,” directed by Atom honor. He is endowed with a real gift of por- Egoyan. trait painter. Grigorian has a sharp eye, capa- Tickets for this Glamping event can be pur- bility of searching for the model’s outer and chased at Itsmyseat.com. The direct link for inner resemblance and at the same time he pre- tickets is: serves the integrated painting quality of the http://www.itsmyseat.com/events/710732.h The soloist, with accompanist Nune Hakobyan, members of the YerazArt Board and canvas. Grigorian does not betray nature and tml the event committee members meanwhile doesn’t merely copy what he sees. For more information about the event, con- Alexander is known for portraits of famous tact Maral Habeshian at maral@armenia- Armenian figures. His work is represented in tree.org. see GALLERYZ, page 12 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING YerazArt Celebrates Music with Concert and Reception

YERAZART, from page 10 Another guest, Armineh Mirzabegian, said, person only on our pay-roll, our Armenia Director “Music unites people. Plus I had heard him play Arman Padaryan, a major part of the work gets before and wanted to see him play in a more inti- done here in Boston, thanks to a team of dedicated mate setting.” volunteers- my fellow Board members- that I would Raffi Festekjian said, “He is a fantastic talent. It is like to acknowledge and thank tonight: Anna the kind of talent we want to encourage.” Afeyan, Nina Festekjian, Vahe Ghahraman, Since its inception almost a decade ago, YerazArt Christine Kahvejian, Sargis Karapetyan, Seza Foundation has been identifying young, talented Seraderian, Arlette Yegumians and Sylvie musicians from Armenia and assisting them with Zakarian,” she said in her comments. reaching their full artistic potential. YerazArt pro- She also paid special tribute to YerazArt co- grams offer professional development opportunities founders and continuous supporters Raffi and financial assistance to musicians to participate in Festekjian and Noubar Afeyan. master classes and international competitions. Hajjar was thrilled with the gathering, adding “it was a record attendance,” and expressed her plea- sure that the annual fundraiser has become “a sig- nature event” in the Boston area. Next year, she promised said the format would be different in order to pay tribute to the group’s 10th anniversary. In his comments, Festekjian said, “In my person- al view, it is all about culture for us as a people Without classical music, what do we have?” Pianist Nune Hakobyan and clarinetist Narek Arutyunian Through the music, he said, Armenians can com- municate who they are to the world as well help maintain and nurture that culture in Armenia. He ing Spanish Capriccio for Clarinet thanked those assembled for their support. by Ernesto Cavalli, Fantasy for Piano and Clarinet by Schumann Hajjar said that the students who have either per- From left, Elo Artinian, Vatche Seraderian, Raffi Festekjian and and the third movement from Trio formed for the galas or who have been given aid in Anna Afeyan the past have all gone on to win awards interna- for Violin, Piano and Clarinet by tionally. Aram Khachaturian as well as a But of course, everyone had gathered to hear the piece for violin by Pablo Sarasate evening’s guest artist, Narek Arutyunian — and he which he had arranged and transcribed for the clar- Through YerazArt’s Advisory Board, young did not disappoint. inet himself. Armenian talents gain access to an extensive support Arutyunian thrilled those assembled with his He left himself and the audience breathless and network of music professionals and academia, incredible musical skills as well as his ease and received a standing ovation. in Armenia and abroad, which provides mentoring, charm. He explained how he became a clarinetist, Nune Hakobyan, his accompanist on the piano career counseling, and admission opportunities to the thanks to his father’s playing of folk melodies on who kept up with him flawlessly, deflected any best music programs worldwide. Over the last few the clarinet at weddings and his mother’s love of praise directed at her, adding, “With a musician like years, YerazArt has instituted a successful Instrument classical music. His mother, he said, bought him a this, you get even more motivated and engaged. Donation Program, both in Yerevan and in remote copy of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto when he was 10 You have to breathe with him.” areas, with a primary focus on disciplines and instru- and, he said, he was “mesmerized.” Sylvie Zakarian Meguerditchian was delighted ments that are in danger of extinction such as the He thanked YerazArt and the audience, adding, From left, Michael Kouchakdjian, Nicole with the performance. “I think it was amazing. I woodwind and brass instruments. “No words can say how grateful I am [for your Babikian Hajjar, Sonig Kradjian, Mihran Artinian thought it was the highest level of artistry. With his For more information about the Yerazart work] and I hope you continue.” and Ernest Barsamian enthusiasm he was able to take his audience with Foundation and its programs, visit Arutyunian performed a variety of pieces, includ- him.” www.yerazart.org.

Tekeyan Cultural Association presents

REMEMBRANCE & REBIRTH A Classical Concert Commemorating the Centennial of Armenian Genocide

Merkin Concert Hall SATURDAY 129 West 67th Street • New York City NOVEMBER 21, 2015 30 Featuring World Renown Artists 7pm

Karén Alexander Hasmik Arkady Hakobyan Chaushian Papian Leytush Pianist/Composer Cellist Soprano Principal Conductor

with World Peace Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra Artistic Director Music Director Tickets: Karén Hakobyan Arkady Leytush $100/$75/$50

KaufmanMusicCenter.org Featuring works by Box Of ce: (212) 501-3330 Bach, Komitas, Babadjanian, Hakobyan, Diana: 201-790-0397 Sharafyan, Mirzoyan & others Helen: 917-589-4749 12 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

Armenian films, they must become patrons of the arts.” in Los Angeles half a day apart connect with her. Her film- Filmmaker Gregorian was fortunate enough to develop the film with making exploits absorb much of her time. Twice a week, Oscar-nominated producers at Documentary Europe 17, Doc she volunteers at Orran, an after-school program for chil- at Work, among other workshops. One trip to Gurun was all dren from disadvantaged families. Evenings are usually it took to document the homeland of her family. She formed spent cooking with family and friends or strolling the Makes Armenia an immediate love affair with the town. streets of Yerevan. “I really felt at peace in Western Armenia and especially There is also the artistic side. “Unbreakable Ties That Bind: Gurun,” she reveals. “I’m not sure if it was the thought of Art Transcending Three Generations in One Family” repre- sleeping in the same beautiful valley as my ancestors. Or that sents one subject matter as seen through the eyes of differ- Her Home I was filming a documentary there.” ent generations bound by bloodline and art. What impressed her most were the number of Armenian The series is comprised of an acrylic collection of contem- homes still standing, though occupied by Turks and Kurds. porary paintings reflecting her late maternal grandfather, She enjoyed saying a simple prayer in the remaining church- photographer Grigor Zarookian. As an artist himself, Grigor By Tom Vartabedian es or having tea in a home once owned by Armenians. inspired his granddaughter to reflect through the eyes of his “We should not remember Western Armenia as a black camera lens. YEREVAN — High above an apartment complex in hole in the map,” Gregorian maintains. “The beauty alone is An accomplished painter, her works have been exhibited in Yerevan, not far from Freedom Square and the Opera House, breathtaking — the energy palpable. I highly recommend vis- Turkey, Georgia, Armenia and the United States. She has repatriate Adrineh Gregorian watches the world she loves to iting Gurun.” earned degrees from UCLA and the Fletcher School at Tufts see. And admire. The film caught the attention of many including histori- University. It has been that way for a number of years, immersed in an/genealogist Dr. Luc Baronian, who has researched his In 2008, Gregorian was awarded a Fulbright Grant to study her beloved Armenia doing the projects that inspire the very family’s history through generations. The former Boston reproductive healthcare in Armenia, focusing her research on nature of her existence. sex-selective abortion — an international On a clear day, she will see Mount Ararat. And with a clear burden that affected Armenia deeply over mind, she will produce yet another film and one other com- the past two decades. Her travels through- pelling piece of art. Like the pendulum to a clock, it keeps out the country have created deep aware- working timelessly. ness toward the problem. The 37-year-old has made Armenia her home for half her Gregorian has also worked in acquisi- young life and wouldn’t have it any other way. She came here tions at Oprah Winfrey’s cable network by way of Hollywood, Calif., and has no immediate attentions Oxygen Media, specializing in documen- to ever going back permanently. taries and international program acquisi- Both her parents are Armenian and living in Los Angeles. tions. So what brought her here in the first place? Gregorian said she has not met her, but “My interest is working inside a country that continues to “with some incredible, smart and diverse develop,” she points out. “Half my memories were made in individuals,” she said. “Back then, the net- this country. It has given more to me than I can ever give work was really at the forefront of female back.” empowerment and I’m really glad I had That may be a modest understatement when you consider the opportunity to work there.” her spirit. As a filmmaker, her work “Back to Gurun,” won a Gregorian credits much of her suc- Special Prize at Golden Apricot. Prior to that, a documentary Adrineh Gregorian cess to the education she received at called “Bavakan” won critical acclaim for examining the high the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian rate of gender-selection abortions in Armenia. It premiered at School in Los Angeles from which she the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Corner in 2013. University instructor is now teaching in Canada. graduated in 1995. “I was so shocked by the kind acknowledgement from the “The scenes Adrineh filmed in Gurun touched me very “The teachers there inspired and enriched me,” she laud- jury president for ‘Back to Gurun’ that I forgot to give a much, especially those in Tsakh Tsor, where my own family ed. “They are still my best friends today. That bond can never speech before many Armenian politicians and artists at the originated,” he said. “She filmed Armenian descendents still be broken.” closing ceremony,” she groaned. “If only I could have that living there. I was caught by a scene with Turks from Greece Being in Armenia for the centennial left an indelible moment back.” living inside an Armenian home.” impression with Gregorian. She went to the Tzitzernagabert The film is currently on its worldwide educational outreach The 63-minute documentary follows Gregorian’s journey Genocide Memorial with her friend Susan from Istanbul, tour, having covered 28 countries as part of People in Need 100 years after her grandfather fled the town as his family’s waiting hours in line from Yerevan center to reach the eter- and CaucaDoc. Eventually, it will be available on multiple sole survivor in 1915. nal flame. platforms for larger audience appeal. “The story uncovers the lasting impact of a silenced geno- As anticipated, her camera worked in overdrive, filming the “I make documentary films that take years to complete with cide from the trauma passed down from generations to the monumental event. The evening before found her at a System very little funding,” she notes. “If it wasn’t for a very supportive broken ties and closed borders between two nations —- and of a Down concert. group of friends and crowd-funding on Indigogo, ‘Back to Gurun’ one individual’s search for resolution,” she describes. “That was one of the most incredible experiences of my would never have been made. If people want to see more On a given day, Gregorian starts out with Skype. People life,” she exclaimed.

Studio Z Hosts Exhibit on ‘Armenian Artists’ Young Filmmaker to Appear GALLERYZ, from page 10 1939 and discovering the Impressionist and Fauvist painters In Beverly the National Gallery, Yerevan, Armenia. Grigoryan has been a in the Paris museums, he altered his style upon, introducing Member of the Artists Union since 1959. much more the color. BEVERLY, Mass. — Abby Alexanian of Gloucester and Waltham Zareh Mutafian (1907-1980) was an Armenian orphan of As an active member of the Parisian-Armenian intelligentsia, will appear at Glen Urquhart School in Beverly on Sunday, the Genocide who became a famous French painter. His Mutafian produced numerous books and articles, focusing on art October 25 at 4 p.m. as part of whole family was massacred during the 1915 Genocide. After history. Marine subjects inspired by Brittany became one of his the school’s Alumni Speaker favorites. An exhibition of his paint- Series. Alexanian is the writer ings in 1965 commemorated the fifti- and co-producer of the soon-to- eth anniversary of the Genocide. be-released feature-length docu- After he was invited to Soviet mentary film, “Scars of Silence: Armenia in 1967, Mt. Ararat, Three Generations of Genocide,” Armenia’s golden autumn which traces her and her father’s and Armenia’s beautiful monasteries search for their Armenian identi- entered his paintings. His last exhibi- ty and examines how silence tion in France was called “The Sea” about the genocide has stood in was in 1976, and in 1979, one year the way of healing for so many before his death, he organized his Armenian families. final exhibition, in New York, entitled Alexanian, who made the film “Armenia seen by Mutafian.” with her father, well-known pho- Abby Alexanian Mutafian’s work is presented by tographer Nubar Alexanian, trav- his son Armen (Claude) Z. Mutafian, eled to three of the four villages a mathematician and historian where her great grandparents lived in historic Armenia, within east- in Paris specializing in Armenian ern Turkey, for the project. At the Glen Urquhart event, she will show history, the author of several books clips of the film and discuss the importance of educating students on the history of Armenia and a about all the genocides and mass killings in history, both to help pre- Foreign Member of Armenian vent them in the future and to teach children how to discuss difficult Academy of Sciences. topics. As a professional in the field of child advocacy, Alexanian After two art-filled years at its cur- believes healing from all trauma can only occur when there is open- rent location, Studio Z is being ness around hurtful subjects. Zareh Mutafian, b.1907-1980 forced by its current building owner The young filmmaker is a graduate of Glen Urquhart, to vacate its gallery space at the Commonwealth School in Boston, and Vassar College. She will Butcher Block Mill. Gallery/Studio receive a Master of Business Administration in nonprofit manage- joining the Near East Relief, first in Samsun, then Greece, he Z owner and director Berge Zobian painstakingly renovated ment and a Master of Public Policy from the Heller School at settled in Italy in1923, where the Mekhitarist fathers enabled the space over a seventeen month period before opening the Brandeis University in December. She then hopes to continue her him to study painting at the Brera Academy. After his first gallery to the public for its first exhibit in October 2013. If work in the field of early childhood policy and advocacy. exhibition in 1933, he moved to Geneva and began paint- you are unable to attend this exhibit, please view it through Alexanian’s appearance at Glen Urquhart is free and open to the ing Switzerland. After marrying a French Armenian dentist in http://galleryzprov.com . public. Glen Urquhart School is located at 74 Hart St. S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

to 8pm, First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Ave., Trinity Church office, 617.354.0632. CALIFORNIA Belmont. Handmade choreg, manti, Armenian pastries NOVEMBER 10 – Nowhere, A Story of Exile, book pre- and more. Grilled kebab all day. Marketplace treasures. sentation by author Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte NOVEMBER 7 — Saturday, “100 Years and Flourishing,” All are welcome, rain or shine. MBTA and handicapped recounting her family’s escape from Baku in 1989 to St. Peter Church Ladies Society 57th Annual Fashion accessible. Information:617-489-4779. Armenia and then to America. Armenian Cultural Show and Luncheon, at Four Seasons, Westlake Village, OCTOBER 25 — 2nd Annual Holy Trinity Tailgate, 12 Foundation, Arlington. Reception 7 p.m., program 8 p.m. CA. Details to come. p.m.-4:30 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Open to the public free of charge. Armenian Holy Trinity Armenian Church. 145 Brattle Street, International Women’s Association New England Affiliate FLORIDA Cambridge. All are welcome to a tailgate party to watch Resilient Women Series. Info:[email protected]. the New England Patriots vs. New York Jets game, which NOVEMBER 14 — Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, 10 a.m. to JANUARY 9-17, 2016 Fort Lauderdale, Armenian begins at 1 p.m., on the 12-foot screen. Lots of food, 4 p.m., at Jaffarian Hall, St. Gregory Armenian Church, Heritage Cruise XIX 2016, 8-night Caribbean Cruise beverages and snacks. Sponsored by the “Trinity Men’s 158 Main St., North Andover; handcrafted items by local aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator Of The Seas. Union.” For further information, contact the Church crafters & artisans; light lunch served; further details, Travelling to: Labadee-Private beach Island/Puerto office, 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. Dorothy (978) 686-7769 or Rose (978) 256-0594. Rico/St. Kitts/St. Maarten. Cabin Rates from $819 based OCTOBER 25 — Armenian Genocide 100th Anniversary NOVEMBER 15 – Razmik Mansourian – Live in Concert on Double Occupancy, including Port Charges and ACAA Memorial Concert, 4 p.m., Mechanics Hall, 321 Main with Albert Bulbulyan and Hovhannes Meghrilyan, 5 registration fee. Government taxes of $107.40 are addi- Street. Worcester. Sunday, Co-Sponsored by Master p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Holy tional. Call 1- 561-447-0750 or 1-866-447-0750 Ext. 108. Singers Of Worcester and Armenian Church Of Our Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Ask for Gail. Saviour with performances by the combined choruses of Tickets are $35 and $40; advance purchase recommend- the Master Singers and the Greater Worcester Armenian ed. For tickets or further information, MASSACHUSETTS Singers plus a children’s chorus and a children’s dance call 617.842.6552,781.241.2118, or 617.458.0903, or group. Tickets: $25.00 adults, $20.00 seniors and stu- log onto Holy Trinity’s website,www.htaac.org/calen- OCTOBER 18 — The documentary “Garod” will be dents. For information call 508-756-2931. dar/event/148/. Proceeds to benefit the Holy Trinity shown on Sunday, 1 to 3:15 p.m., MIT Building 4, Room OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 7 — “Daybreak,” Joyce Van Armenian School. 163, Cambridge. The film will be in English and Dyke’s play about two women who were best friends NOVEMBER 21 — An evening with Project SAVE Armenian, with Turkish subtitles. “Garod” is about the and survivors of the Armenian Genocide, will be pro- Armenian Photograph Archives, Inc., Scottish Rite lives and the musical stories of two Armenian musicians: duced at Tufts University in the Balch Arena Theater, Masonic Museum & Library (previously National A father and his son, Onnik Dinkjian and Ara Dinkjian. directed by Barbara W. Grossman. (The play was previ- Heritage Museum), 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, cele- Onnik Dinkjian is one of the most influential Armenian ously produced under the title, “Deported / a dream brating 40 years and beyond. Reservations and informa- singers with his unique style of singing, evoking the play”). Performances are October 29-30 at 8 p.m., tion, call (617) 923-4542 or www.ProjectSAVE.org. Anatolian Armenian sound in America. Onnik Dinkjian’s October 31 at 2 p.m., November 5-7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are NOVEMBER 21 — Presentation of a new book and family was from Diyarbakır/Dikranagert and they had to $15 for general public, $10 for seniors, and $1 book signing of Muron Scented Whispers by leave the country after 1915. Onnik Dinkjian was born in on November 5. For tickets call the box office, Monsignor Andon Atamian, new of the Holy Cross France and never saw his homeland until he was seventy- 617.627.3493, M-F, 9 am-5 pm. Armenian Catholic Church. Presentation by Avik Derentz five. Yet he grew up in a neighborhood of Dikranagertsi OCTOBER 29 —Annual Fall Dinner and Drawing spon- Deirmenjian, 7 p.m., Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Armenians listening to the stories and songs of his sored by the Friends of Holy Trinity 1000 Club, 6:30 Church, Atinizian Hall, 200 Lexington St., Belmont. ‘home.’ For more information, see www.garoddocumen- p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Holy Reception to follow. tary.com Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. DECEMBER 4, and DECEMBER 5 —Trinity Christmas OCTOBER 18 — Holy Trinity Armenian Church’s Annual Open to all - join us for a delicious losh kebab and pilaf Bazaar, Friday, 12-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Banquet honoring Deacon James M. Kalustian, as dinner, $7.99 per person; tickets on sale at the door. Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Parishioner of the Year, following church services, Charles Regular monthly raffle drawing at 8 p.m. plus 5 addi- Brattle St., Cambridge. Mark your calendars; details to and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle St. tional cash prizes. “One-time” numbers will be sold on follow. For further information, contact the church office Cambridge. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, the night of dinner; special offer: purchase five “one- at 617-354-0632 or email [email protected]. Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) time” numbers for $20, save $5. For further info, contact DECEMBER 13 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan presiding. During the Banquet, recognition will also be the Holy Trinity Church office, 617.354.0632. Choral Society and Orchestra, 7 p.m., Church given to outgoing Parish Council members Ara Hollisian NOVEMBER 6 — Knights of Vartan Ararat Lodge of Sanctuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater and Thomas H. Stephanian, and Diocesan Delegates, Boston 2015 Awards Gala, Vartan Mamigonian Man Boston, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA. Save the date; Gerald Ajemian and David DerVartanian. Dinner dona- of the Year Honoring James Kalustian, Shushanik details to follow. tion is $35. Seating by advance paid reservation only with Mamigonian Woman of the Year Joyce Van Dyke, DECEMBER 31 — St. James 2016 New Year’s Eve Celebration. a RSVP deadline of October 13. For further information, Mamigonian Family Community Leader Joseph Ashjian Entertainment by Arthur Apkarian and Band from call the church office, 617.354.0632, or log (Posthumously) & Mrs. Alice Ashjian, Apo & Arlette Montreal. Save the date, details to follow. St. James Armenian onto http://www.htaac.org/calendar/event/110/. Ashjian & Family, Hagop & Arpie Ashjian & Family, Vahan Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. OCTOBER 18 — Resilient Voices: 1915 - 2015, a concert Mamigonian Young Leaders Award Sona Ashjian, Zareh commemorating the centennial of the Armenian Zurabyan, Michael Demirchian, Armine Afeyan, Karina MICHIGAN Genocide, 3 p.m. at Jordan Hall of the New England Demurchyan; Ghevont Yeretz Faithful Knight George Conservatory of Music, Boston. Presented by the Boston NOVEMBER 1 — Tekeyan Cultural Association and the Haroutunian. Oakley Country Club, Watertown, Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul will Modern Orchestra Project and the Friends of Armenian Reception at 7 o’clock, Dinner at 8 o’clock – Surf and Culture Society and featuring the Boston premiere of host a tribute to community leader and architect Turf. Tickets - $100 per person. Black Tie Optional. For Osep Sarafian. Sarafian and his wife, Nadya, the Tigran Mansurian’s Requiem. Also music by Komitas, Reservations Email: [email protected]. Hovhaness and Shostakovich. Nareh Arghamanyan, retired principal of the AGBU school, have been active in NOVEMBER 6 and 7 — Annual Autumnfest Bazaar the community since 1980. He has visited Armenia more piano; Gil Rose, conductor. For tickets and information, sponsored by the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, send e-mail to [email protected] or visit than 40 times to raise money for specific projects through 110 Main St, Haverhill, Friday 12 – 8 pm and Saturday the World Bank. The program will be at South John www.FACSBoston.org. 12 – 7 pm. Lamb, Losh, Chicken Kebab and Kheyma. OCTOBER 22 — 2015 Najarian Lecture on Human Armenian Church Cultural Hall, 22001 Northwestern, Dinner served all day. Pastry table, Armenian cuisine, gift Southfield, starting at 6 pm., dinner at 7 pm. Musical Rights at Faneuil Hall, Boston. 7:30 p.m. In baskets, raffles for cash and prizes. For more info, visit Commemoration Of The Armenian Genocide Centennial interlude with opera singer Solange Merdinian. $50 per www.hyepointearmenianchurch.org or call (978) 372- person donation. To RSVP call Karine Koundakjian (248) - Honoring America’s Call To Action: Then & Now - Peter 9227. Balakian, Donald M. and Constance H. Rebar Professor, 761-9744, Diana Alexanian (248) 334-3636 or Sylva NOVEMBER 6-7 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Sagherian (248) 592-0825. Colgate University; author, The Burning Tigris: The Church 59th Annual Bazaar. Friday and Saturday, 10 Armenian Genocide and America’s Response; a short a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Armenian Cultural and Educational RHODE ISLAND play by Joyce Van Dyke commissioned for this lecture and Center, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown. Meals served from Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director, Middle East & 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Takeout is available. Delicious OCTOBER 18 — Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church North Africa Division, Human Rights Watch. A reception meals. Armenian pastries. Gourmet Gift Shoppe. Raffles. - Name Day Banquet to be held following church services follows at the Millennium Bostonian Hotel. The annual Attic Treasures. Live auction at 7 p.m. For more informa- in the Egavian Cultural Center. Honoring Parishioners of lecture is supported by Armenian Heritage Park’s K. tion, call the church at (617) 924-7562. the Year: William Aznavourian, Hagop Boghosian, Jasper George and Carolann S. Najarian Endowed Fund. For NOVEMBER 5 — Avak luncheon, noon, St. Gregory Der Ananian, Agnes Killabian, Bertha Mugurdichian and details, please email [email protected] Armenian Church, 158 Main St., North Andover. Lucy Muradian. Tickets: Adults $20, Children (under 15) OCTOBER 24 — Armenian Friends of America presents Speaker, Ruth Thomasian, executive director, Project $10. For tickets contact Ann Ayrassian (401-272-4743) “Hye Kef 5,” dinner-dance, 7 p.m.-midnight, DiBurro’s SAVE Photographic Archives, “Forty Years of Preserving [email protected] or Church Office (401-272-7712) Function Hall, 887 Boston Road, Ward Hill (Haverhill). Armenian History Through Photographs.” office @stsahmes.org Deadline for ticket sales: October Dinner served promptly at 7:30. Music by Mal NOVEMBER 9 – Trinity Men’s Union Dinner and 13. no tickets sold at the door. Barsamian/Johnny Berberian Ensemble. Tickets $50 by Meeting, 6pm, Social Hour, 7 p.m., Dinner; Johnson NOVEMBER 7 and 8 — Sts. Sahag and Mesrob reservation only. Call either John Arzigian (603) 560- Hall, Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Armenian Church 85th annual food fair and bazaar 3826; Lucy Sirmaian (978) 683-9121; Sandy Boroyan Cambridge. Guest Speaker: Mark Kolligian,“The State of Saturday November 7, 11:30 a.m. to 9 (978) 251-8687, or Peter Guzelian (978) 375-1616. the Nation’s Healthcare System.” Open to all. Donation p.m. and and Sunday, November 8, noon to 6 p.m. in the Proceeds to benefit area Armenian churches. for losh kebab and kheyma dinner is $15. RSVP Egavian Cultural Center, 70 Jefferson Street, Providence, OCTOBER 24 — Fall Harvest Bazaar, Saturday, 12 noon byNovember 8 to [email protected] or the Holy RI or visit www.ArmenianFoodFairRI.com 14 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror What’s in the Kurdish Aspirations for Spectator The Armenians?

surviving Armenians, even when they were being bombed into By Edmond Y. Azadian submission during the 1930s. Armenians have seldom banked on Kurdish resentment EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 against the Turks. They have even less participation in their An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication The Kurds in the Middle East are within a hair’s breadth of fight against the Turks. Although the Kurds have been apolo- reaching their historic national aspirations; Iraqi Kurdistan is gizing to the Armenians in individual or group bases, they still already a political reality because Iraq’s territorial integrity don’t have a sovereign entity that can subscribe to that apol- has been compromised to a nominal value only and the ogy. We may guess what kind of policy that virtual entity may adopt but we do not have a claim of any participation in their EDITOR province of Kurdistan operates as a sovereign state within a Alin K. Gregorian fractured federation. struggle. The partition of Iraq is a fact; the three entities it compris- The Kurds themselves did not maintain sufficient documen- ASSISTANT EDITOR es it are held together out of political expediency for and by tation about their participation in the atrocities perpetrated Aram Arkun the forces which dominate the scene in the Middle East. against the Armenians. Prof. Nikolay Hovhannisyan, one of the few Arabists among ART DIRECTOR In the first place, the West is temporarily assuaging Turkish Marc Mgrditchian fears of a rising independent Kurdistan. The other component Armenian historians, has reviewed a book in the October 2 of the Kurdish drive for independence is the recapture of the edition of Azg newspaper in Armenia. The book was written Kobani region in Syria, by local Kurdish forces, creating by a Kurdish historian in Iraq and published in Arabic in 1977 another threat to exacerbate Ankara’s projected fears in the in Baghdad. The author, Kamal Mazhar Ahmed, does not region. mince his words in portraying the Kurdish participation in the SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: But the main battle is fought within Turkey itself. President persecution of the Armenians in Turkey, but he tries to shed Edmond Azadian Recep Tayyip Erdogan precipitously abandoned peace negoti- light on the historic contradictions which have led to Kurdish ations with the Kurds and unleashed a war against the latter association with the ruling power. CONTRIBUTORS: both in Turkey and Iraq with the short-term goal of intimi- First, he dwells on the factors which united the Armenians Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun dating the Kurds and gaining a parliamentary majority in the and the Kurds, chief among them being exploitation by the Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana November 1 elections. government. But dividing factors outnumber those unifying Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Although the Kurds, including jailed PKK leader Abdullah them. There is the religious factor, which has been used to pit Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, the two against each other. Then there was the policy of the Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian Oçalan, had compromised their political goals by settling for autonomy within the Turkish state versus full independence Sultan to divide and rule. The historian underscores that the CORRESPONDENTS: to facilitate peace negotiations, Mr. Erdogan threw aside his Armenians were advanced in terms of education and had Armenia - Hagop Avedikian gains in his rush to win the elections. The bloody war that amassed considerable capital, whereas the Kurds were the Boston - Nancy Kalajian ensued may have some unintended consequences, which may opposite. He also mentions that the Sultan encouraged fears Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian include full Kurdish independence. that the Armenians may aspire toward independence. Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach At that point, a historical Pandora’s box will be opened, as The Hamidian military units which the Sultan had created to quell ethnic unrest were mostly composed of Kurds. Contributing Photographers: the Kurds will try to revive the Sevres Treaty, which had Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian promised them independence. The same treaty, of course, has The author does not justify the Kurdish role in the provisions for the Armenians. But since the Armenians were Armenian massacres, as he writes in his conclusion: “We have wiped out of their ancestral lands, it would not be easy for to confess that blind fanaticism and cultural backwardness them to validate their treaty rights, while the Kurds have been were those two major factors which motivated the Kurdish The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published inhabiting the territory, winning 90 percent of the argument. majority to participate in the extermination of the giavurs (lit- weekly, except two weeks in July and the first erally heathens, meaning Armenians).” week of the year, by: Though there are no official statistics from the Ottoman era, the Kurdish and Armenian populations in the empire seemed At the conclusion of his review, Hovhannisyan mentions his Baikar Association, Inc. to be roughly equal. Today, discussion with a Kurdish 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 the Kurds are estimated to activist, a PKK representa- Telephone: 617-924-4420 constitute one third of tive in the former Soviet FAX: 617-924-2887 Turkey’s population, account- The Kurdish leader looked republics, to whom he has posed a question about the www.mirrorspectator.com ing for 20-25 million people. into my eyes and said, “You mean E-Mail: [email protected] During the Ottoman era, future Kurdistan: “‘How do For advertising: [email protected] the Kurds came to rule over to say that after so much you and your party figure semi-independent principali- out the creation of a future ties in historic Western bloodshed, we have to take Kurdistan? What territory Armenia. Ottoman modern- those lands and turn them do you have in mind?’ ization and centralization Guessing the thrust of my efforts directed against them over to the Armenians?” question, the Kurdish leader SUBSCRIPTION RATES: were supported by the answered that their leader Armenians with the promise Therefore, the Armenians must Oçalan believes that the of forthcoming reforms, but not hold their breath as to Kurds and Armenians are U.S.A. $80 a year as soon as the principalities friends; when the time were defeated the Armenians what Oçalan has to “reveal;” we comes, everything will be Canada $125 a year revealed.” were cast aside. The already know his answer. Other Countries $190 a year Armenians attempted to Professor Hovhannisyan, involve the Kurds at times in frustrated by the ambivalent their efforts at cultural and answer, remembers French political progress. Attempts were made to use the Armenian statesman Charles Talleyrand about the ruling French © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator alphabet for writing Kurdish, and some of the Armenian polit- dynasty, the Bourbons, that “They have not forgotten any- Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA ical parties at the end of the 19th century wanted to work for thing and they have not learned anything.” and additional mailing offices. the liberation of oppressed Kurdish as well as Armenian peas- This pretty much outlines the prospect that Armenians ISSN 0004-234X ants. should bear in mind as history moves towards the creation of Nevertheless, the Kurds were used conveniently by the an independent Kurdistan in the heartland of historic Sultan to expropriate the wealth of Armenians as well as mas- Armenia. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The My more recent personal experience sheds more light on Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn sacre them. They also became executioners in the hands of the St., Watertown, MA 02472 Ittihadists who organized the Genocide of the Armenians on Kurdish aspirations. During the centennial commemorations, many Turks and Kurds arrived in Yerevan to publicly apolo- Other than the editorial, views and opinions their historic lands. Only a small part of the Kurdish popula- expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily tion helped save some Armenian lives. gize to the Armenians for the Genocide. They placed wreaths reflect the policies of the publisher. The Kurds as a group only realized that they had been ill- at Tsitsernakaberd, and even cried with the Armenians. I was used when Kemal Ataturk rose to power and began his racist staying at the same hotel with the Kurdish groups and thus policy of homogenizing Turkey’s population. we had many discussions about the ongoing political situation As Hitler was clamoring for power in Europe to develop and in Turkey. During one of our discussions, I asked a direct implement his theory of Aryan supremacy, Ataturk was question to one of the Kurdish leaders: “I know that at this Copying for other than personal use or already at work on the same policy. His motto was “Ne Mutlu time the odds are against the Armenians receiving their terri- internal reference is prohibited without Turkum Diyene,” which roughly translates to “envy the per- torial rights in present-day Turkey, but at least in principle, express permission of the copyright son who claims to be a Turk.” what is their perception of Armenian claims?” owner. Address requests for reprints or The Kurdish leader looked into my eyes and said, “You mean back issues to: Of course, there was no room in this paradigm for the Kurds and the Alevis, who were being persecuted and whose identi- to say that after so much bloodshed, we have to take those ties were being denied. lands and turn them over to the Armenians?” Baikar Association, Inc. After the Kurds realized that they had been betrayed, they Therefore, the Armenians must not hold their breath as to 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- began to apologize to the Armenians and began to protect the what Oçalan has to “reveal;” we already know his answer. 1509 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

against the Armenian people as genocide. Even those US upon my initiative, and pursued a very simple goal — to estab- presidents, that had not used the word ‘genocide’ during lish diplomatic relations without any preconditions, and their tenure, had used that term while campaigning. It means unseal the last closed border in Europe, safeguarding peace- that they never questioned the veracity of what had hap- ful and neighborly coexistence of our nations. Unfortunately, pened, and only due to certain political considerations the lack of political will on the part of the Turkish authori- My Turn refrained from uttering the word ‘genocide.’” While ties, distortion of the letter and spirit of the protocols, fresh President Sargisian correctly characterized US recognition of manifestations of denial, and continuously brought up pre- By Harut Sassounian the Armenian Genocide, there were a couple of inaccuracies conditions intended to feed groundless demands of in his answer: The United States has 50, not 51 states; and Azerbaijan thwarted the implementation of the proto- Gerald Ford acknowledged the Armenian Genocide as a cols…. After six years of unfulfilled expectations, I have decid- Who Should Demand Armenian Congressman, before becoming President. ed to recall the protocols from the parliament. On one occa- Territories from Turkey? — “The Turkish proposal of establishing the so-called com- sion I said the Armenians are not going to wait indefinitely mission of historians has only one goal, which is to delay the for the Turkish authorities to be able to find a convenient I just became aware of an important interview President process of the Armenian Genocide recognition, and divert the moment to finally ratify those protocols.” In my opinion, the Serge Sargisian had given to Turkish journalist Cansu attention of international community from that crime. That is Armenian Foreign Minister should immediately withdraw his Camlibel of Hurriyet newspaper on April 24, 2015 in not only our view but also the view of the international com- signature from the Protocols and declare them obsolete. Yerevan. The article was buried under the avalanche of media munity that goes on recognizing and condemning the — “The Republic of Armenia has never declared any terri- coverage during the commemorations of the Armenian Armenian Genocide. The protocols contain no clause of estab- torial claims either on Turkey or any other country since our Genocide Centennial. lishing any commission on historical studies. The respective independence. There has never been such an issue on the for- Here are key excerpts from President Sargisian’s lengthy paragraph in the protocol envisages a dialogue aimed at restor- eign policy agenda of our country, and there is none today. interview as published in the Turkish Daily News, the ing mutual confidence between the two nations, which That is a clear-cut position.” English edition of Hurriyet: entailed the establishment of a sub-commission. Throughout If not read carefully, President Sargisian’s last answer — The President rightly pointed out that “the emotional the negotiations, the Armenian side has stressed on numerous could easily be misunderstood. He is neither saying that and non-diplomatic reaction of the Turkish leadership [to occasions at various levels also to the Turkish side that the Armenia has territorial claims from Turkey nor that it does Pope Francis’s acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide veracity of the genocide cannot be questioned under any cir- not! Armenia simply has not raised this issue officially in The Vatican on April 12] was yet another proof that cumstances.” Armenians who opposed to the Protocols, includ- because doing so could have serious national security impli- Turkey continued its policy of evident denial pursued at a ing this writer, had made similar objections. cations given its powerful and hostile neighbor on the state level, thus taking upon it the burden of the responsi- — “It is already the sixth year since the protocols have been Western Front. Political parties, organizations, and individu- bility for the crime perpetrated by the authorities of the signed: when is the expedient time? …The years past have als like this writer have frequently made territorial claims Ottoman Empire.” demonstrated that Turkey is looking forward not to some from Turkey, but it is understandable that Armenia’s Head of — “As a mighty power and champion of democratic values, convenient moment, but instead is trying to prevent the man- State has to be much more circumspect in his public pro- the United States has on numerous occasions stated its posi- ifestation of the unambiguous position of the international nouncements. tion regarding the Armenian Genocide. Out of 51 US con- community on the Armenian Genocide by imitating a process President Sargisian stated several years ago that he leaves stituent states 44 recognized and condemned the Armenian of the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, claiming that recog- the pursuit of Armenian territorial claims to a future gener- Genocide. Throughout history various American presidents, nitions were something that hindered the reconciliation. The ation, which implies that Armenia does indeed have territo- such as Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, described the atrocities process of the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation was launched rial demands from Turkey.

LETTERS Armenia’s Outdated Mental to make sure that Armenians voted for Barack perhaps facts instead of opinions, might pre- Why Pick on Obama since they were sure that he would vent him from putting down the Republican Health Laws keep his promise to officially recognize the candidates’ mindset on the issue .Instead he Armenian Genocide. We all know how well touts the Democrat party platform whose Republicans? that worked out. Right after taking office candidates will exacerbate the problem for By Marianna Grigoryan Obama went on an apology tour putting down their own purposes. It’s grist for their mill to To the Editor: America. The result is that our friends don’t allow as many illegal immigrants to stay in this YEREVAN (Guardian) — Women recount To paraphrase President Ronald Reagan trust us and our enemies don’t fear us. In the country, give them all the entitlements they being forcibly sent to psychiatric hospitals “There you go again Mr. Azadian.” Of course six + years that Obama has been president, need thus adding to our outrageous and dan- by family members relying on leftover Soviet I’m referring to the fact that Mr. Azadian uses there is more chaos and turmoil in the world. gerous deficit, put them on a fast track to cit- legislation his platform to continue to bash the He has destabilized a stabile Iraq by pulling izenship and then sit back and enjoy a one It started as a family row over property. Republican Party and candidates. He tries to out our troops instead of listening to military party system. Julietta Amarikian and her brother were validate his dislike by misrepresenting their experts; allowed Isis (aka the JV according to I think that it’s a given that hindsight being arguing about a flat they had jointly inher- mindset, positions and priorities. I was under him) to expand its reign of terror; was suppos- 20/20 the Iraq war should never have been ited from their parents. She wanted to sell the impression that his editorials were sup- edly asleep and wasn’t awakened when our fought. Everyone blames George Bush as the and share the proceeds; he wanted her to posed to focus on Armenian issues. Oh yes, he ambassador and diplomats were begging for president who declared it but let’s not forget move out so he could live there with his covers himself at the end of his misrepresen- help in Libya resulting in the death of four that Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and Joe wife. tation of the facts by stating that Trump’s Americans. Then to add insult to injury he Biden all voted to go to war based on the same The conflict escalated and Amarikian says Republican rivals” are ready to tear up the encouraged his people to lie about the cause faulty intelligence. Our allies bought into it as her brother, unable to get his way, threatened Iran nuclear deal and bomb the world”. He of the attack. Oh, and let’s not forget the fact well. According to Azadian it cost us two tril- to have her committed to a psychiatric institu- then goes on to caution Armenian voters to be that the Turkish backed rebels in Syria are tar- lion dollars which was nothing compared to tion if she would not cooperate. “vigilant” as to who they vote for as they may geting the Christian community , killing them the price paid by those who died and were She did not take him seriously at first be “warmongers” and “spread devastation in and destroying their infrastructure without injured. But let’s also remember that Obama but when police and medics in white gowns regions where Armenians live.” He also touts pressure from our president to stop it. Let us referred to the deficit under Bush as being arrived at her door a few days later, she President Obama’s accomplishments. Where also not forget to mention the IRS debacle, “criminal” and then he proceeded to more realised he had not been joking. do I begin? Fast and Furious and mishandling the V.A. than double it. Obama’s economic missteps The 54-year-old says she was taken by I seem to recall that Azadian along with Hospitals. Despite his poor judgment in pro- don’t end there. Obama Care is a disaster for force to a Yerevan mental health clinic many of our organizations pulled all the stops moting Obama, Azadian claims that voting for the middle class and the unemployment rate is where she was held for a month against her any of the Republican candidates is “chilling.” misleading and doesn’t address all those who will. “They locked me up and left me,” she What is “chilling is blindly voting according to stopped looking for work. Azadian touts says. “No one even examined me. I was ter- Kudos to Edmond party lines, not once but twice, no matter how Obama’s foreign policy achievements such as rified. I thought it was the end of me. inexperienced and incompetent the candidate Cuba. Here both Obama and Azadian show “I have never had problems with my Azadian is. Didn’t Einstein define insanity as “doing moral selectivity. Obama freely refers to the mental health,” she adds. “I only had prob- the same thing over and over and expecting a Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda, and Darfur as lems with my brother.” To the Editor: different result”? Genocides but not the events of 1915 as Human rights workers say that For a very long time I have wanted to At least Azadian tells the truth about Genocide. Similarly Obama gives Cuba a free Amarikian’s experience is not unique in drop you a laudatory line after reading Hillary Clinton but what the Democrats are pass for the tens of thousands of Cubans Armenia, where it is all too easy to have one of your editorials, but have failed to. left with is Bernie Sanders, a socialist, unless Castro killed and evidently, so too, does someone declared mentally incompetent in Now, after this current one — on all the of course Joe Biden who suffers from “foot in Azadian. a holdover from Soviet times. presidential candidates — my enthusiasm mouth” disease throws his hat into the ring. Finally, Azadian alludes to people who vote Under Armenian law, one phone call to for your tone, poise, clarity, balance and Azadian and most people who watched the for Republican candidates as doing so because the police or a psychiatric institution claim- detailed evaluation compels me to write Republican debates must be on a parallel uni- they have money. How does he explain the ing that someone is a risk to themselves or these few lines to you. Many, many verse. He continues to try to prove his point by Kennedys, George Soros, and the Hollywood others is enough to have them hospitalised. thanks. The Mirror-Spectator is fortu- quoting David Brooks’ characterization of elite? Perhaps the reason isn’t money but If the person refuses to be admitted, the hos- nate to have you in its pages week after Donald Trump when everyone knows that the some Independent voters like myself actually pital can apply to a court for a mandatory week as we, your readers are, to help New York Times is a very liberal paper and make educated decisions and vote for the most treatment order – without the patient being guide us through the jungle of this oft what would anyone expect from a journalist qualified candidate as opposed to being ideo- represented. times highly confusing presidential cam- like him. Who knows if Donald Trump will be logues. He continues to state that “US citi- An examination by a “psychiatric com- paign. I am looking forward with great or should be the Republican nominee, but he zens…do not see nor care what their elected mission” is required within 72 hours of the eagerness to your analysis next week. has given rise to a much needed conversation officials do in planning America’s foreign poli- order, but staff from the same hospital usu- Ed Alexander about illegal immigration, a problem that is cy” Perhaps that’s true in light of the fact that ally make up the panel. There is no require- (Ed Alexander is an author and retired wreaking havoc on our economy. If Azadian President Obama never had a foreign policy ment to periodically review the decision. State Department Foreign Service were actually well versed on the stats in and hence his failed presidency. Not only is the law open to abuse, Officer.) California, as one example, proving how ille- Adrienne Alexanian human rights workers claim there are gal immigrants are depleting our resources, NYC, NY see MENTAL HEALTH, page 16 16 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 2015 Frankfurt Book Fair: New Studies on Armenia

FRANKFURT, fro page 3 lation come from Armenian men and women types, presenting the Turks as brutal, inhumane Gesellschaft (DAG - German-Armenian Society), who the Young Turk perpetrators were, what between 80 and 95 years old. Their recollec- and obsessed with possessions. The Germans fare which celebrated its centenary in 2014, with a motivated their search for the “final solution” tions are as moving as archaic tragedies, no better, as she sees them as ultimately respon- Festschrift. Already before the First World War to the Armenian problem and much more. And expressed sometimes in laconic, factual terms – sible. And, typical of this literature, her message is there were important scientific and academic con- it leaves no room for doubt that this was indeed “We were like animals. We could not think.” – one of revenge. Yet optimism in the end prevails tacts, the most illustrious being that of the com- genocide, the case which Lemkin in fact used to and sometimes in poetical force – “Men fell like as she expresses her belief that a new Armenia will poser Komitas who studied in Berlin. When the formulate the juridical definition of this crime. fruits from a mulberry tree. Like mulberries blossom and justice will be done. reforms in the Ottoman Empire promoted by the One criticism raised by several reviewers is that they fell. The fell and they died. Without sound, Though not strictly speaking a survivor’s DAG came to naught, and the genocide began, the the author has left the matter of German com- without cry….” The book is not only a gripping memoir, the little volume by Dr. Hagop Martin association moved to assist survivors and inform plicity virtually untouched. historical document but a literary gem, the Deranian, President Calvin Coolidge and the world public opinion on the fate of the Armenians. The Survivors Speak Out reviewer writes. Armenian Orphan Rug, has also recently In the period after the war, the DAG began to focus No matter how detailed and exhaustive such One of the earliest personal accounts of the appeared in a German translation. The publish- on developing relations between the two countries historical studies may be, in presenting the genocide is by Pailadzo Captanian, published in er, Schiler-Verlag, has issued numerous books and has organized conferences and seminars, which facts of the genocide, it is the personal accounts 1919. Just released in Germany, titled, 1915 Der on Armenia, among them works by Hrant Dink, have become an integral part of the discussion pro- of those who miraculously survived which open Völkermord an den Armeniern. Eine Zeugin my book Through the Wall of Fire: Armenia, cess in Germany. the hearts and minds of modern day readers to berichtet (“1915 The Armenian Genocide. An Iraq, Palestine: From Wrath to Reconciliation, The history of German-Armenian relations goes the human dimension of what has been called Eyewitness Report”), its value, like that of other and this year, a brand new translation of 28 back even farther in history, much farther than an “unspeakable” tragedy. Among the books in early such testimonies, lies not in its literary great- poems by Paruyr Sevak, which will be present- one might think. Azat Ordukanyan, a historian this category released this year in Germany is ness but in its stark realism. What motivated her ed this month in Yerevan as well. and doctoral candidate at the Ruhr University the volume referenced above, by Mirhan Dabag was the desire to provide other survivors with a German-Armenian Relations – From Bochum, is head of the Deutsch-armenische and Kristin Platt, Verlust und Vermächtnis, truthful account of what occurred, and to urge Enmity to Friendship Akademische Verein, the oldest German-Armenian Überlebende des Genozids an den Armeniern “the civilized nations” to ensure that justice be If the thrust of the newest studies in the German organization. In a pamphlet first published in erinnern sich (“Loss and Legacy: Armenian done. Her saga, in short entries in a diary, tells of language has been to shed light on the German role 2008, Ordukanyan tells the totally unknown story Genocide Survivors Recollect”). Professor house searches in April 2015 in Samsun, followed in the genocide, a topic which had been taboo for of the relations between Armenian and Germans, Dabag, who is director of the Institute for by orders for Armenians to leave their homes in many years, this most welcome development can between Armenia and Germany, reaching far back Diaspora and Genocide Research at the Ruhr July, then offers to convert and be saved — an only have a positive impact on relations – already in history. There are numerous German saints University in Bochum, and his colleague Dr. option she disdained and condemned. She details friendly and fruitful — between Berlin and Yerevan. who are regularly honored in church services, for Kristin Platt, psychologist and trauma the horrors of the deportation marches, the rape And on the occasion of the centenary, recognition example, but no one knows that they were researcher, conducted 140 interviews in an oral of girls, hunger, thirst, death. Through a series of of the history of German-Armenian relations has Armenians. Or who knows that the marriage of history project in France, Holland, Italy and fortuitous incidents, the author manages to played an important function in defining and con- German Emperor Otto II with Theophanu, a Cyprus, in the Armenian language, between escape death and eventually to be reunited with firming deep-rooted cultural and historical ties. Byzantine-Armenian princess, in the10th century 1989 and 1996. The seven personal memoirs family members. As is common in this early geno- Among the organizations dedicated to strengthen- would bring together the German Roman empire they selected for publication in German trans- cide literature, the author indulges often in stereo- ing this relationship is the Deutsch-Armenische with Byzantium? Mental Health in Armenia

MENTAL HEALTH, from page 15 perverse incentives for institutions to admit people unnecessarily. Hospitals are paid 6,000 drams (about 11) a € day for each inpatient — a significant amount in a country where the official state pension is 16,000 drams a month. According to the data provided by the Armenian judicial department, 1,367 people were ruled mentally incompetent between 2008 and 2014. Of these, 247 were committed to psychi- atric institutions against their will. The Armenian state deputy ombudsman, Tatevik Khachatrian, believes the legislation requires complete revision. “We have registered cases when people with no mental illness were locked away in institutions where they were tied up and abused,” Khachatrian said. Artur Sakunts, head of the Armenian branch of the human rights NGO Helsinki Citizen’s Assembly, said his organization had documented cases of forced committals being used to solve conflicts over property, inheritance or relationships. “The situation is disturbing,” said Sakunts. “A person might be completely healthy but just one phone call from relatives, neighbors or someone else who has a grudge against them could lead to them being picked up by police and locked up in a psychiatric institution.” Amarikian was lucky. A human right activist visiting the clinic became aware of her case and helped her launch a court appeal to secure her release. “With our help Julietta Amarikian was able to overturn the court’s decision and was released,” said Marietta Temurian, of the Helsinki Citizen’s Narine Avetisian was not as fortunate. The 46- year-old spent six years in a psychiatric institution after falling out with her family. Avetisian says it started when she was raped by a relative at 14 and tried to press charges. “My mother was telling me to keep quiet,” she said. “No one believed me. When I was 15 I was sent to a psychiatric clinic upon [a family mem- ber’s] request.” The teenager managed to escape from the institution, and eventually left Armenia to live in Denmark. She returned 30 years later to confront her rapist, and her story was made the subject of a popular television show. The government seems prepared to admit that this is a concern. “The more we develop the leg- islation to make it more accessible and clear, the more the patients will benefit.” For Amarikian, reforms cannot come soon enough. “All I wanted was to live in a corner of my own but [institutionalization] I have no idea what will happen to me next. Every moment I fear that all that horror is not over.”