NEW YORK — A few months ago withthe recommendation of Armenia’s ambas-sador to the United Nations, GarenNazarian, a special committee was formedto organize a celebratory concert, named“Rebirth,” dedicated to the 20th anniver-sary of Armenia, joining the United Nationsand the 20th anniversary of the establish-ment of the Armenian armed forces.

The Tekeyan Cultural Association com-mittee of New York/New Jersey, combinedthe preliminary plans and venue, with theparticipation of community cultural organi-zations of the New York metropolitan area:The Hamazkayin Armenian Educationaland Cultural Society, The Armenian ReliefSociety and the Knights and Daughters ofVartan.

The combined committees collaboratedand organized this concert event that willtake place on April 28, at the Merkin Hallof Kaufman Center.

The concert will feature thePhilharmonic Community SymphonicOrchestra of Rhode Island, consisting of 40

see REBIRTH, page 16

Ragip ZarakoluReleased from Prison

ISTANBUL (Armenpress) — The founder of BelgePublishing House in Istanbul, Ragip Zarakolu, whohas published a number of works about theArmenian Genocide, as well as 15 other fellowdetainees, were released from prison on Tuesday,April 10.

Zarakolu was arrested for his alleged connectionswith the Kurdish KCK party, which is consideredthe political wing of Kurdistan Workers’ Party(PKK), reports Armenpress citing Dogan Turkishnews agency.

Turkish security officials arrested him monthsago on suspicion of “cooperating and supportingthe KCK and PKK.”

Zarakolu has published several titles on theArmenian Genocide, including Turkish translationsof books by Taner Akçam and Vahakn Dadrian.

Maine Senate PassesGenocide Resolution

AUGUSTA, Maine (WLBZ) — On Tuesday, theMaine State Senate recognized the ArmenianGenocide. A joint order on the docket that recog-nizes that in 1915 the Ottoman Empire launched acampaign to wipe out the Armenian people, result-ing in the deaths of more than 1.5 million people.The resolution says that some survivors settledhere in Maine and they want to recognize those sur-vivors’ contributions to the state and express theirsympathy to the families of those who died.

Diaspora MinisterHonors Guzelian with

Saroyan MedalLONDON — On March 28, Minister of DiasporaHranoush Hakopyan honored poet, writer and jour-nalist, Assadour Guzelian, with the WilliamSaroyan Medal at the Armenian Embassy, in thepresence of Bishop Vahan Hovhannissian, prelateof the UK Armenians; Karine Kazinian, ambassadorof the Republic of Armenia to the United Kingdom,and representatives of Armenian organizations.Guzelian was given the medal for his contributionto Armenian literature, culture and education, aswell as services rendered to the nation for almost60 years.

Guzelian thanked her for honoring him and con-gratulated the ministry for strengthening ties ofcooperation between Armenia and the diaspora.

“Rarely in history has an appropriate positionbeen occupied by an appropriate person at anappropriate time,” said Guzelian and added, “youare that appropriate person.”

Guzelian wished success to the minister for theprojects her ministry has undertaken and appealedto all Armenian organizations to support the activ-ities of the Ministry of Diaspora with united effort.

INDEXArts and Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Armenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Community News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Mirror- SpectatorMirror- SpectatorTHE ARMENIAN

Volume LXXXII , NO. 39, Issue 4234

A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2

$ 2.00

LensTrained

Story on page 13

INSIDE

The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932

NEWS IN BRIEFII nn OOuurr 88 00tt hh YYee aa rr

ARMAVIR (RFE/RL) — An independentelection candidate has pulled out of theArmenian parliamentary race after beinginjured in a reported attack, which his fam-ily blames on his main rival backed byPresident Serge Sargisian’s RepublicanParty of Armenia (HHK).

Meruzhan Mkhoyan’s relatives confirmedon Monday, April 2, that he withdrew hiscandidacy from a single-mandate con-stituency in the southern Armavir regionbecause of the assault. “They were tellingus, ‘Drop out or we’ll hurt your kids,” his

wife said, referring to local loyalists of HHKcandidate and businessman AleksanPetrosian.

According to his family, Mkhoyan waskidnapped from his house in the regionalcapital Armavir and driven to a nearby vil-lage cemetery by a group of men early onFriday. The incident is said to have degen-erated into a mass brawl after the candi-date’s friends and male relatives rushed tohis aid moments later.

Law-enforcement authorities have so fargiven few details of the incident. They only

said on Friday afternoon that two youngmen were injured in the melee and that acriminal investigation is underway. Thereare no arrests yet.

It emerged that Mkhoyan and his cousinMushegh were also taken to an Armavirhospital later on Friday. Doctors there saidthe candidate had suffered a concussion.

Mkhoyan, who is not known to haveengaged in political activities before, with-drew from the race on Saturday. Accordingto a district election commission in

see ELECTIONS, page 2

Candidate Quits Armenian Parliament Race after Alleged Assault

New Billboards Honoring GenocideVictims Go up in Watertown, Foxboro

WATERTOWN — During April, Peace of Art, Inc., will display commemorative bill-boards of the Armenian Genocide on Mount Auburn and Arsenal Streets, with themessage “Mr. President, Don’t Turn your Back! Recognize the Armenian Genocide.”

This year, Peace of Art will display a second message on a digital billboard inFoxboro, on Route 1, near Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place, with the message“Honoring the Memory of 1.5 million Lives. Recognize the Armenian Genocide.” Thissimple message is written against an image of Der Zor. This digital billboard went upon Easter Monday.

Daniel Varoujan Hejinian, president of Peace of Art, Inc., said, “It is morally wrongfor the president to turn his back on his promise to acknowledge the mass murderof 1.5 million Armenians as genocide.”

Hejinian further stated that “doubting and denying the Armenian Genocide is torepeat the crime against humanity, and debating it is an insult to the memory of 1.5million Armenians who were slaughtered.”

The Peace of Art billboard in Foxboro, Mass.

Seated, from left, Andy Torigian, Nana Nazarian, Garen Nazarian, Silva KouyoumjianTakvorian, Hasmig Aprahamian, Zarmair Setrakian, Dr. Vaghenag Tarpinian; standing, fromright, Hagop Vartivarian, Svetlana Amerkhanian, Harout Chatmajian, Shoghig Chalian,Sirvart Demirjian, Krikor Markarian, Shmavon Atamian, Marie Zokian, Vartouhy Hartunianand Hagop Mekonian

‘Rebirth’ Concert in NYC Unites Community,Celebrates Two Decades of Armenia

‘Rebirth’ Concert inNYC UnitesCommunity,Celebrates TwoDecades of ArmeniaREBIRTH, from page 1musicians, under the direction ofKonstantin Petrossian, who hasundertaken the musical arrange-ments and will be conducting anddirecting the concert.

The evening will highlight the twolegendary artists from Armenia:Ruben Matevosyan and Raysa

Actor/Writer EricBogosian Gives Talk atCultural Foundation

By Alin K. GregorianMirror-Spectator Staff

ARLINGTON, Mass. — The leafy andquiet Mystic Street here is far from theglamour of Beverly Hills or the edgy chic ofNew York City, both locales where EricBogosian is equally at home. However, onMarch 31, the actor/novelist was at theArmenian Cultural Foundation, giving atalk organized by the Armenian Women’sWelfare Association.

The connection? Cheryl Panjian, theemcee of the program, is Bogosian’s cousin.

Bogosian, who hails from Woburn, wasrelaxed and entertaining. He joked while hewas addressing the capacity crowd at thegraceful setting that everyone wanted tohear him talk about former co-star StevenSeagal or “Law and Order,” but that he wasmore interested in talking about a book heis writing on Armenian history. The book isgoing to be finished by June, he explained.The format is going to be like a magazinearticle, meaning more anecdotal and lessacademic than a textbook, “but 500 pageslong,” he explained.

Bogosian said that he has been focusingon learning about the subject, particularly

see BOGOSIAN, page 14

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The threepolitical parties represented inArmenia’s government are handing outfood and other “gifts” to voters inhopes of buying their support in theforthcoming parliamentary elections,the country’s largest vote-monitoringorganization claimed earlier thismonth.

Harutiun Hambardzumian, head ofthe It’s Your Choice group, said the rul-ing Republican Party of Armenia

(HHK) and its two coalition partnersare actively engaged in supposedly char-itable activities which he condemned asvote buying.

Hambardzumian said the materialbenefits given to voters across thecountry by all three parties as well asindividual candidates representingthem include food, alcohol, fertilizersand services such as road repairs andfree busing for university students.The practice is particularly wide-

spread in impoverished rural regions,he added.

“The parties are saying that that hasbeen done for one or two years” andhas nothing to do with the May 6 elec-tions, Hambardzumian told a news con-ference. “But I view that as a form ofvote buying,” he said.

“This can be characterized as illegalactivity,” agreed Karen Tumanian, alawyer who trains election observersand candidate proxies.

Armenia’s Electoral Code explicitlybans election contenders from provid-ing any goods or services to voters. ButArmenian elections have long beenmarred by opposition allegations andmedia reports of vote buying, includingcash payments on polling day.

HHK spokesman EduardSharmazanov insisted earlier thismonth that the main ruling party doesnot and will not resort to the illegalpractice. “Only individual Republicanswho have charity foundations mayengage in benevolent activities throughthose foundations in accordance withlaw,” he said.

“We are one of the few political par-ties which are real parties, rather thancharities or limited liability companies,”said Sharmazanov.

The Prosperous Armenia Party(BHK), a coalition partner led by busi-nessman Gagik Tsarukian, has alsofaced vote buying allegations. Eversince the party began operating in 2006Tsarukian has provided large-scalematerial assistance to many votersthrough a charity run by his family.BHK representatives have repeatedlydenied any connection between that aidand Tsarukian’s political activities.

Under the Electoral Code, charitieswhose names can be associated withparty leaders and other politicians arenot allowed to operate during electioncampaigns. Campaigning for theupcoming elections officially started.

TTaattuull HHaakkoobbyyaann PPrreesseennttssNNeeww BBooookk

YYEERREEVVAANN ((AArrmmeennpprreessss)) —— TTaattuull HHaakkoobbyyaann’’ss bbooookk,,GGllaannccee ffrroomm AArraarraatt:: AArrmmeenniiaannss aanndd TTuurrkkss,, wwaass ppuubb--lliisshheedd tthhiiss wweeeekk.. TThhee bbooookk ssppeeaakkss aabboouutt oonnee ooff tthheemmoosstt iimmppoorrttaanntt eeppiissooddeess ooff AArrmmeenniiaa’’ss ff iirrsstt,, sseeccoonnddaanndd tthhiirrdd rreeppuubblliiccss,, ppaarrttiiccuullaarrllyy rreellaattiinngg ttoo tthheeAArrmmeenniiaann--TTuurrkkiisshh rreellaattiioonnss..

TThhee aauutthhoorr ssaaiidd wwrriittiinngg tthhee bbooookk ttooookk eeiigghhttyyeeaarrss..

““AArrmmeenniiaa’’ss hhiissttoorryy iiss tteerrrriibbllyy ddiissttoorrtteedd.. II aammggooiinngg ttoo pprreeppaarree tthhrreeee bbooookkss pprreesseennttiinngg AArrmmeenniiaa’’sshhiissttoorryy.. ““SSoovviieett AArrmmeenniiaa”” bbooookk wwiillll aallssoo bbee pprree--ppaarreedd ffoorr ggiivviinngg rriigghhtt ppiiccttuurree ooff AArrmmeenniiaa,,”” hhee ssaaiidd..

HHaakkoobbyyaann ssttrreesssseedd tthhaatt GGllaannccee ffrroomm AArraarraatt::AArrmmeenniiaannss aanndd TTuurrkkss hhaass tthhrreeee cchhaapptteerrss.. TThhee ff iirrssttoonnee aaddddrreesssseess tthhee FFiirrsstt RReeppuubblliicc aanndd tthhee OOttttoommaannEEmmppiirree,, tthhee sseeccoonndd ddeellvveess iinnttoo tthhee yyeeaarrss ooff CCoollddWWaarr aanndd tthhee tthhiirrdd ffrroomm 11998888 aafftteerrwwaarrddss..

HHaakkoobbyyaann’’ss ffiirrsstt bbooookk,, GGrreeeenn aanndd BBllaacckk AArrttssaakkhhDDiiaarryy,, wwaass ppuubblliisshheedd iinn 22000088 aanndd wwaass ttrraannssllaatteeddiinnttoo wweesstteerrnn AArrmmeenniiaann,, RRuussssiiaann,, EEnngglliisshh,, AArraabb aannddTTuurrkkiisshh llaanngguuaaggeess..

GGeennoocciiddee MMuusseeuumm--IInnssttiittuuttee ttoo PPuubblliisshh 2255

BBooookkss TThhiiss YYeeaarrYYEERREEVVAANN ((AArrmmeennpprreessss)) —— TThhee AArrmmeenniiaann GGeennoocciiddeeMMuusseeuumm--IInnssttiittuuttee wwiillll ppuubblliisshh aabboouutt 2255 bbooookkss bbyytthhee eenndd ooff tthhee yyeeaarr..HHaayykk DDeemmooyyaann,, ddiirreeccttoorr ooff tthhee mmuusseeuumm,, ttoolldd

rreeppoorrtteerrss tthhiiss wweeeekk tthhaatt tthhee wwoorrkkss wwiillll bbee ccoommppiilleeddbbyy tthhee eemmppllooyyeeeess ooff tthhee mmuusseeuumm.. SSoommee bbooookkss wwiillllbbee rreeiissssuueedd.. ““IItt wwiillll bbee oouurr ““ff iirreewwoorrkk”” wwiitthhiinn tthheeffrraammeewwoorrkk ooff tthhee YYeerreevvaann WWoorrlldd CCaappiittaall ooff BBooookkeevveenntt,,”” DDeemmooyyaann ssaaiidd..

HHee aallssoo ssttrreesssseedd tthhaatt iitt ddooeess nnoott mmaatttteerr wwhheetthheerrtthhee rreesseeaarrcchh aabboouutt GGeennoocciiddee iiss bbeeiinngg pprreeppaarreedd iinnAArrmmeenniiaa oorr aabbrrooaadd,, iitt wwiillll bbyy aallll mmeeaannss bbee ppuubb--lliisshheedd..

AAnncciieenntt CCiittyy FFoouunnddBBeenneeaatthh TTaatteevv MMoonnaasseettrryyYYEERREEVVAANN ((nneewwss..aamm)) —— TThheerree iiss aann aanncciieenntt cciittyybbeenneeaatthh TTaatteevv MMoonnaasstteerryy,, ssuuggggeessttss aa ssttoorryy iinnIIrraavvuunnkk nneewwssppaappeerr.. TThhee ppaappeerr iiss qquuoottiinngg aarrcchheeoolloo--ggiissttss ffrroomm RRuussssiiaa wwhhoo aarree ppllaannnniinngg ttoo ccoommee ssttuuddyytthhee aass--yyeett--uunneexxaammiinneedd rreemmaaiinnss..

““SSeenniioorr ssppeecciiaalliisstt BBoorriiss GGaassppaarryyaann ooff tthhee[[AArrmmeenniiaann]] IInnssttiittuuttee ooff AArrcchhaaeeoollooggyy ssaaiidd:: ‘‘TThheerree iissaa ddwweelllliinngg ppllaaccee hheerree,, bbuutt nnoo oonnee hhaass eexxccaavvaatteedd ttoouunnddeerrssttaanndd wwhhaatt iitt iiss.. WWhheenn aa cchhuurrcchh iiss rreessttoorreeddhheerree,, ffiirrsstt iittss ssuurrrroouunnddiinnggss mmuusstt bbee eexxccaavvaatteedd ttoorreevveeaall tthhee eeccoonnoommiicc lliiffee aarroouunndd iitt.. AAnndd tthhiiss iisseexxppeennssiivvee aanndd ddeemmaannddss aa lloonngg ttiimmee..””

GGaassppaarryyaann nnootteedd tthhaatt aannyy ffoorreeiiggnn eexxppeeddiittiioonnnneeeeddss ttoo hhaavvee tthhee ppaarrttiicciippaattiioonn ooff AArrmmeenniiaannss..

NNoo ffoorreeiiggnn eexxppeeddiittiioonn ccaann ccaarrrryy oouutt aannyy aaccttiivviittiieessiinn AArrmmeenniiaa wwiitthhoouutt

PPrreemmiieerr IInnvviitteess ffoorrmmeerrBBrriittiisshh MMiinniisstteerr DDaarrzzii ttooCCoommppeettiittiivveenneessss CCoouunncciill

YYEERREEVVAANN ((AArrmmeennpprreessss)) —— FFoorrmmeerr BBrriittiisshh MMiinniisstteerrooff HHeeaalltthhccaarree AArraa DDaarrzzii hhaass aaggrreeeedd ttoo ppaarrttiicciippaatteeiinn tthhee wwoorrkkss ooff tthhee NNaattiioonnaall CCoommppeettiittiivveenneessssCCoouunncciill ((NNCCCC)),, PPrriimmee MMiinniisstteerr TTiiggrraann SSaarrggiissiiaannssaaiidd dduurriinngg pprreesseennttaattiioonn ooff MMeeddiiaammaaxx’’ss ““5500 GGlloobbaallAArrmmeenniiaannss”” pprroojjeecctt..

““TThhee mmeemmbbeerrss ooff tthhee NNaattiioonnaall CCoommppeettiittiivveenneessssCCoouunncciill aarree ppeeooppllee wwhhoo hhaavvee rreeaacchheedd ssuucccceessss iinn tthheeddiiaassppoorraa.. AArraa DDaarrzzii hhaass eexxpprreesssseedd rreeaaddiinneessss ttooiimmpplleemmeenntt pprroo--AArrmmeenniiaann aaccttiivviittyy,,”” ssaaiidd SSaarrggiissiiaann..AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo hhiimm,, NNCCCC oorrggaanniizzeess iittss wwoorrkkss wwiitthhiinntthhee ffrraammeewwoorrkk ooff uunniittiinngg tthhee ppootteennttiiaall ooff aallllAArrmmeenniiaannss,, ttrryyiinngg ttoo iinnccrreeaassee tthhee ccoouunnttrryy’’ss ccoomm--ppeettiittiivveenneessss..

SSaarrggiissiiaann ssaaiidd iitt iiss tthhee ggoovveerrnnmmeenntt’’ss dduuttyy ttoo ccrree--aattee aa ppllaattffoorrmm uunniittiinngg tthhee ppootteennttiiaall ooff aallllAArrmmeenniiaannss,, aass iitt sshhoouulldd bbee tthhee ccoommppeettiittiivveenneessssaaddvvaannttaaggee ooff tthhee AArrmmeenniiaann nnaattiioonn..

News From Armenia

S A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R2

ARMENIA

ELECTIONS, from page 1Armavir, he gave no reason for themove.

Mkhoyan was at home on Mondaybut refused to comment on the incident,leaving it to his wife and other relativesto answer journalists’ questions. Therelatives insisted that Petrosian’s loyal-ists attacked him in order to force himto stop challenging the HHK candidatein the May 6 election. Petrosian’s cam-paign aides denied the allegations, how-ever.

The HHK leadership in Yerevan alsodenied any connection with the vio-lence. “I don’t think that was done forthe Republican Party,” HHK

spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov said.“But if anyone breached the law in anyway, they must be strictly punishedregardless of their party affiliation.”

“Everyone must realize that paying[the ruling party] a lip service will notwork anymore,” he said. “Everyonemust know that for the RepublicanParty the most important objective isthe conduct of free, fair and democraticelections.”

Sharmazanov added that the incidentmust not call into question the serious-ness of the Armenian authorities’pledges to make the May 6 parliamen-tary elections the most democratic inthe country’s history.

Candidate Quits Armenian ParliamentRace after Alleged Assault

By Aris Ghazinyan

YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) —OnMarch 16 Armenia established diplo-matic relations with Tuvalu, a 26-square kilometer Polynesian island inthe Pacific Ocean, with a populationfewer than 13,000. However, despiteits modest size, this country is a mem-ber of the United Nations with theright to vote.

Tuvalu is part of the Commonwealthof Nations and has the British monarchas its nominal ruler.

Before the establishment of Armenia-Tuvalu diplomatic relations, the onlyconnection between the two countrieswas registered in 2007 during the 62ndsession of the UN General Assemblywhen the resolution on “The Situationin Azerbaijan’s occupied territories”providing for “immediate, total andunconditional withdrawal of allArmenian forces from all of AzerbaijaniRepublic’s occupied territories” wasadopted.

The Baku-submitted resolution wasapproved by 39 votes (including Tuvalu)and 100 abstentions.

It would seem that the relationsbetween Armenia and Tuvalu were ini-tially negative as Tuvalu supportedAzerbaijan’s resolution. However, theevents that followed the 2007 resolu-tion have brought significant changes.

After the Russian-Georgian war in

August 2008, Moscow unilaterally rec-ognized Abkhazia’s and South Ossetia’sindependence, Tbilisi responded by tear-ing the diplomatic ties with Moscowand declared the conflict zones as occu-pied territories.

Following Russia’s example severalother countries recognized Abkhazia’sand South Ossetia’s independence, andTuvalu was among them.

That’s the reason this FebruaryGeorgian President Mikheil Saakashvilisevered that nation’s diplomatic tieswith Tuvalu and signed a decree termi-nating the protocol on theEstablishment of Diplomatic Relations

between Georgia and Tuvalu. A month later, Armenia and Tuvalu

established diplomatic relations.Georgia took the news with extremedispleasure.

The Russian Regnum news agencyreported: “…the establishment of diplo-matic relations between Armenia andTuvalu will hardly contribute to furtherdevelopment of Armenian-Georgianrelations.”

Even more than Georgia the newsoutraged Azerbaijan, where it was per-ceived in the highlight of UN-memberTuvalu’s prospective recognition ofNagorno Karabagh’s independence.

The United Nations representatives of Tuvalu and Armenia sign documents thatestablish diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Tuvalu-Armenia Diplomatic RelationsAnger Azerbaijan and Georgia

Armenian Coalition Parties Accused of Buying Votes

For Your Internal News of ArmeniaLog on to www.AZG.am

In English, Armenian, Russian and Turkish

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INTERNATIONAL

DDaarrcchhiinnyyaann LLoosseessBBaannttaammwweeiigghhtt FFiigghhtt

TTOOKKYYOO ((AArrmmeenniiaaNNooww)) —— AArrmmeenniiaann pprrooffeessssiioonnaallbbooxxeerr VViicc DDaarrcchhiinnyyaann lloosstt aann ooppppoorrttuunniittyy ttoo ggeett tthheeWWBBCC bbaannttaammwweeiigghhtt ttiittllee ffiigghhttiinngg aaggaaiinnsstt tthheeddeeffeennddiinngg cchhaammppiioonn,, SShhiinnssuukkee YYaammaannaakkaa,, ooff JJaappaann,,oonn FFrriiddaayy..

IInn tthhee bbaattttllee ooff tthhee ttwwoo lleeffttiieess,, tthhee 2299--yyeeaarr--oollddJJaappaanneessee ((1166--00--22;; 1111 KKOOss)) mmaannaaggeedd ttoo oovveerrppoowweerrtthhee 3366--yyeeaarr--oolldd AArrmmeenniiaann nniicckknnaammeedd ““RRaaggiinngg BBuullll””iinn tthhee llaattee rroouunnddss ooff tthhee bboouutt aatt TTookkyyooIInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall FFoorruumm ttoo wwiinn oonn aa uunnaanniimmoouuss ddeeccii--ssiioonn,, 111177--111111,, 111166--111122,, 111166--111122..

DDaarrcchhiinnyyaann aatttteemmpptteedd aa ddeessppeerraattee ccoommeebbaacckk iinntthhee ffiinnaall rroouunndd,, bbuutt wwaass uunnaabbllee ttoo ccaauussee aannyy ddaamm--aaggee ttoo tthhee cchhaammppiioonn wwhhoo hhaadd pplleennttyy ooff eenneerrggyy lleefftt..

AAllaaiinn DDeelloonn GGeettss PPrriizzeeAAtt MMuussiicc AAwwaarrddss

MMOOSSCCOOWW ((PPaannAARRMMEENNIIAANN..NNeett)) —— RReennoowwnneeddFFrreenncchh aaccttoorr AAllaaiinn DDeelloonn,, wwhhoo aatttteennddeedd AArrmmeenniiaaMMuussiicc AAwwaarrddss iinn MMoossccooww aass aann hhoonnoorreedd gguueesstt oonnAApprriill 77,, wwaass ggiivveenn aa ““LLeeggeenndd”” pprriizzee aatt tthhee eevveenntt..

““II aamm tthhaannkkffuull ffoorr tthhiiss pprriizzee aanndd II aamm vveerryy hhaappppyyttoo bbee hheerree,, aalltthhoouugghh II wwaass rreelleeaasseedd ffrroomm hhoossppiittaallnnoott lloonngg aaggoo,,”” tthhee aaccttoorr ssaaiidd..

DDeelloonn wwaass hhoossppiittaalliizzeedd wwiitthh hheeaarrtt pprroobblleemmss oonnAApprriill 44 aanndd wwaass rreelleeaasseedd tthhee nneexxtt ddaayy aafftteerr hheeuunnddeerrwweenntt aa 1100--mmiinnuuttee ooppeerraattiioonn..

AArrmmeenniiaannss ooff FFrraannccee nnoottVVoottiinngg aass BBlloocc iinn RRaaccee

YYEERREEVVAANN ((AArrmmeennpprreessss)) —— TThhee AArrmmeenniiaann ccoommmmuu--nniittyy ooff FFrraannccee iiss nnoott ggooiinngg ttoo ppaarrttiicciippaattee iinn tthheeuuppccoommiinngg eelleeccttiioonn ooff FFrraannccee’’ss pprreessiiddeenntt wwiitthh oonneeffrroonntt,, rreepprreesseennttaattiivvee ooff tthhee AArrmmeenniiaann ccoommmmuunniittyyAAlleexx GGoovvjjiiaann ssaaiidd..

““LLiikkee eeaacchh cciittiizzeenn ooff FFrraannccee,, tthhee FFrreenncchhAArrmmeenniiaannss hhaavvee ddiiffffeerreenntt vviieewwss.. II ddoo nnoott tthhiinnkk iittwwiillll bbee ppoossssiibbllee ttoo ggoo wwiitthh oonnee ffrroonntt,,”” hhee nnootteedd..

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International News

LONDON — On March 17, at theCopthorne Tara Hotel, an official dinnerreception was held to celebrate newbeginnings and new leaders.

More than 100 guests from London,Paris, Geneva, Beirut, Armenia, the US,Cyprus and other corners of the worldcame to witness the official launch ofthe Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA)London program of events. All theTekeyan devotees gathered to pay trib-ute to the great individuals, as thanks totheir efforts. The TCA was establishedin Beirut in 1947 and later, in 1975, inLondon.

Vartan Ouzounian is the presidentand Hratch Kouyoumdjian is the chair-man.

At the beginning of the function,Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian (ArmenianChurch of the UK and the Republic ofIreland) offered the invocation, whichwas followed with a minute of silence tohonor the memory of the late, devotedleaders, Dr. Antranig Zoulikian, BarkevBoyadjian, Garo Arevian, Tavit Meserlianand benefactor Garo Krikorian, who con-tributed to the establishment and devel-opment of the TCA London. In his con-gratulatory address, Hovhanessianemphasized the role of this cultural orga-nization in the life of Armenian commu-nities as well as in the prosperity of theBritish-Armenian Diocese.

Kouyoumdjian continued the officialceremony extending congratulations toall Tekeyan members and thanking themfor entrusting him with such an honor-able position. The chairman also spokeabout the work done to realize the futureprograms of the organization.

Karine Kazinian, ambassador to theUK, was among the guests at the recep-tion who delivered a speech on the occa-sion. The ambassador, citing some his-torical facts, commended the activitiesof the TCA and its devotion to the

Armenian nation. Kazinian also empha-sized the importance of the organiza-tion in the development of British-Armenian relations.

Ouzounian, chairman of TekeyanCentre Fund (Armenia) and honorarysecretary of the Tekeyan Trust London(TTL), was invited to the podium to pre-sent his congratulatory note. Hedescribed the idea of establishing theTCA and TCA London and the furtherdevelopment of these organizations,including the recent interruption of theactivities of the London chapter for var-ious reasons.

The president recalled vividly a num-ber of cultural events organized by theTCA amongst which were performancesby the Armenian State Dance Companyat Sadler’s Wells, the Armenian StateFolk Song and Dance Company at theRoyal Albert Hall, the Armenian StateChoir as well as staging sundry artsexhibitions and concerts. Ouzounianspoke about the TCA Armenia and itsimportance in the national life. He final-ized his speech with the mission andactivities of Tekeyan Centre FundArmenia and the Tekeyan Schools inArmenia and Karabagh sponsored bythe Fund.

Among the people who spoke at theofficial ceremony of the event were: NarKhatchadourian (Lebanon), the trustee

of Tekeyan Centre Fund Armenia andLondon Tekeyan Trust; Sylva Krikorian(France), the chair of London TekeyanTrust and the trustee of TekeyanCultural Fund (TCF) Armenia, andPapken Megerian (US), the trustee ofTCA Armenia and the Central Boardmember of TCA USA/Canada. They allextended their congratulations to theTCA London and wished all the best infuture endeavors.

Armen Tsulikyan, the director ofTekeyan Centre Fund in Armenia, con-gratulated the TCA London branch onits second birth and offered kind coop-eration and support. He also reasonedthat the interruption of the TCALondon activities was due to construc-tion of the Tekeyan Centre in the 1990s.All the efforts of the TCA and TTL weredirected towards one aim, namely toestablish a cultural center in Armenia.

The official ceremony concluded withthe introduction of all Board membersof the TCA London as well as a group ofyoung activists from the London-Armenian community who were eagerto continue the ideas and traditions ofthe TCA.

The evening featured musical perfor-mances by vocalist Sipan Hakobian, aswell as a video and slide show of theTCA activities involving Tekeyan school-children from Armenia and Karabagh.

From left, Papken Megerian, Rosett Ouzounian, Ambassador Karine Kazinian, BishopVahan Hovhanessian, Vartan Ouzounian and Hratch Kouyoumdjian

Tekeyan Trust,London TCAChapter ComeTo Life

SOFIA, Bulgaria — In the first concertof its sixth season, the ArmenianGeneral and Benevolent Union (AGBU)Sofia Chamber Orchestra, under thedirection of conductor Bedros Papazian,celebrated the talents of Bulgarian vio-linist Kalina Hristova and Armenianpianist and AGBU Performing ArtsFellowship recipient Hayk Arsenian. Theperformance also served as a venue tobestow upon Dr. Petar Goliyski, theBulgarian philologist and head of theArmenian Sciences Department at theSofia State University, the 2011 AGBUGarbis Papazian Award.

The joint event, held on Sunday,March 11, at the Sofia National MusicAcademy, drew a diverse audience of dig-nitaries, intellectuals and religious lead-ers who hailed from both Bulgaria andoverseas.

Attendees included Yuriy Isakov,Russian ambassador to Bulgaria; AnnaSahakyan, the Armenian consul toBulgaria; Sonia Avakian-Bedrossian,AGBU Sofia Chapter chair; RazmikTahmasians, representative of GarbisPapazian and coordinating member ofthe Award Committee, who traveledfrom Vienna especially for the occasion;Very Rev. Abgar Hovakimian, the locumtenens of the Armenian Diocese of

Bulgaria, as well asArmenian Ambassadorto Bulgaria ArsenSkhoyan, whose sup-port made the eventpossible.

At the age of 36,Goliyski’s research andpublications havealready shaped thefields of Armenian his-tory, culture, folk epicand legends. His contri-butions made him thethird Bulgarian to behonored by the AGBUaward, as Avakian-Bedrossian noted in theopening remarks.Standing alongsideTahmasians andGoliyski, she underscored the impor-tance of the award, stating, “TheArmenian nation fortunately has verygood friends who contribute impartiallyto introducing Armenian people, history,culture, the Genocide and the Armeniancause to their respective nations. Theseindividuals deserve the gratitude andappreciation of our people.” Avakian-Bedrossian then read the congratulatoryaddress issued by AGBU President

Berge Setrakian, who praised Goliyskifor his “outstanding explorations of theexchange and mutual impact ofArmenian and Bulgarian folklore in thehistorical context of world civilizations.”Avakian-Bedrossian also recognizedArsenian for his achievements as apianist and composer, presenting himwith a certificate from the AGBU SofiaChapter. The concert was followed by anofficial reception.

AGBU Sofia Chapter Chair Sonia Avakian-Bedrossianand coordinating member of the Award CommitteeRazmik Tahmasians present Dr. Petar Goliyski (left) withthe 2011 Garbis Papazian Award.

AGBU Honors Bulgarian Scholar Dr. PetarGoliyski with Garbis Papazian Award

4 S A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

Community News

ATP’s EnvironmentalEducation Program Is‘Building Bridges’

WATERTOWN — Armenia Tree Project (ATP) is now into the third year of a pro-gram to introduce its environmental education material in Armenian schoolsthroughout North America. The program, “Building Bridges: Connecting DiasporaArmenian Students with Their Environmental Heritage,” has been funded by agrant from the Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation.

It has been positively received by students and teachers at Armenian schoolsacross the US. One of the first achievements of the project was the publication ofan English edition of ATP’s Plant an Idea, Plant a Tree education manual. The 97-page manual includes information on the importance of forests, lessons on explor-ing the environment and ecological and cultural heritage. A lesson, titled “TheBeetle School as a School of Nature,” for example, includes a first-ever Englishtranslation of a poem by Hovhannes Toumanian.

The second major achievement of the project has been the publications of twoeditions of the Building Bridges newsletter. The newsletters and manual are avail-able on the ATP website and in print format and have been distributed to teach-ers and students in Armenian schools across North America for the past two years.

“Environmental education has been a key program priority for ATP for quitesome time and since we have developed the resources about Armenia, it madesense to introduce the material in the diaspora,” said Building Bridges ProgramManager Sarah Hayes. “The overall goal is to raise the level of awareness aboutArmenia’s natural heritage and environmental challenges, as well as making con-nections between young people.”

ATP has been working with schools in the diaspora and in Armenia to presentthe material and to strengthen these connections. For the past two years, repre-sentatives from ATP’s Watertown and Los Angeles offices have visited schools inCalifornia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan and New Jersey. ATP’s environmentaleducation program staff in Armenia works with local students and teachers tofacilitate introductions between peers around environmental issues.

“In addition to using our educational material in the classroom or hosting pre-sentations at school assemblies, we have encouraged schools to visit and see ATP’sprograms during class trips to Armenia as part of the Building Bridges program,”added Hayes.

Already, ATP has created connections for students at a number of schoolsincluding the AGBU Sisag H. Varjabedian School in Chicago, the Ari GuiragosMinassian School in Santa Ana, Calif., St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary Schoolin Watertown and the Hovnanian School in New Milford, NJ.

During a Building Bridges presentation at the AGBU Manoogian-DemirdjianSchool in Canoga Park, Calif., ATP representatives Jeff Masarjian and AnahitGharibyan were surprised by a donation from the students to sponsor the planti-ng of 55 trees in Armenia. “For the school’s 35th anniversary, the ElementaryArmenian Department wanted to ‘give something to our Homeland,’ so we decid-ed to help turn Armenia green,” said Armenian teacher Maral Voskian.

A number of schools have partnered with ATP in order to enrich existing teach-ing material with information about Armenia’s environment. “We see great valuein teaming up with ATP because we want our students both to do well academi-cally and socially, and to feel compelled to assist their neighborhoods and com-munities in meaningful ways. One avenue can be through environmental efforts,”explains Ararat Charter School Principal Aida Tatiossian, from Van Nuys, Calif.

“Making connections to the motherland is a very important factor in teamingup with ATP. It’s critical that our students know who they are, where they comefrom and feel proud about their culture and heritage. We are constantly exploringnew and innovative ways to teach our students about the world around them, andATP fits into this,” she added.

see ATP, page 7

Authors ofNew ArmenianCookbook toBe Hosted byAGBU YP Philly

PHILADELPHIA — The ArmenianGeneral Benevolent Union (AGBU)Young Professionals of Philadelphiapresents on April 20, at 7:30 p.m. chefand restaurant owner, Aline Kamakian,and co-author Barbara Drieskens fromBeirut, Lebanon, with their newly-released cookbook, Armenian Cuisine.This event will be a celebration ofArmenian culture and traditionthrough food with an intimate demon-stration, tasting and discussion withthe two authors.

Kamakian is a passionate chef and co-owner of Mayrig, acclaimed as one “ofthe most famous Armenian restaurantsin Beirut” by FAD magazine. Drieskensholds a PhD in social and culturalanthropology and is a published authorof several novels. Together, both womentraveled through the land betweenMount Ararat and Kayseri, also knownas Cilicia, “a magical name; (Armenians)sing about it; it is the homeland (they)lost,” according to the book.

During their travels, Kamakian andDrieskens gathered recipes, encounters,stories and photographs, all captured inArmenian Cuisine.

“This wonderful cookbook,” saidParis One-Star Michelin chef, AlainReix, “brings us an Armenian cuisine ofintelligence and taste. It has that littleextra. It is cuisine from grandmotherswho spent their lives cooking.”

“Armenian Cuisine introduces theArmenian cultural of food to the rest ofthe world through its spicy recipes thatcarry the most delicious flavors and aro-mas of homeland Armenia,” accordingto Zartonk daily.

The program will be held upstairs ofGallery309, located at 309 Cherry St.,Old City Philadelphia. Tickets may bepurchased at: http://bit.ly/H71Sh1.

Holy Trinity ChurchTo Celebrate GoldenJubilee with Gala onMay 12

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — “On the histori-cal street made famous by manyAmerican patriots, proudly stands anArmenian Church we have called our ownfor the last 50 years,” states Fr. Vasken A.Kouzouian, pastor of the Holy TrinityArmenian Church located at 145 BrattleSt. “Fifty years ago,” he continues, “ourparents and grandparents mounted uptheir courage and met every challengeplaced before them to build a stunningArmenian Church on Brattle Street, andon May 12, 2012, we will celebrate likenever before.”

The committee for the Golden JubileeGala, co-chaired by Aram and BeckyHintlian and Harvey and Valerie KolligianThayer, has been working to prepare aspectacular evening. “Aram and I,” statedValerie Thayer, “were proud to be askedto co-chair the Celebrate 50 events inhonor of his father and uncles and mygrandfathers and great-uncles who servedon the Holy Trinity Building Committeeso many years ago. We are inspired by thededication of the entire BuildingCommittee and are grateful for their tire-less work on behalf of our community sothat now, 50 years later, we can all cometogether and worship as a church familyin a peaceful setting.”

Adorned with high-top tables, lowbistro tables, plenty of lounge seatingincluding couches and ottomans and alarge white dance floor, the Charles andNevart Talanian Cultural Hall on thechurch complex will be transformed.Extra seating will be available in JohnsonHall. Appetizers and dinner will be avail-able, as well as a full cash bar, featuringthe Pomegranate Cosmopolitan, in honorof the occasion. Armenian and Americanmusic to dance the night away will add tothe celebration.

Through the generosity of the familiesof the original Building Committee mem-bers who are helping to underwrite this

event, tickets will be $50 per person and$35 for young adults (ages 13-21).

The committee is grateful to these fam-ilies for helping put together an elaborateevening at an affordable price.

A Golden Raffle will be held featuringthree prizes: a night at the SheratonCommander with dinner for two at TenTables, Cambridge, and breakfast atNubar, Sheraton’s new restaurant; aBoston Pops performance with specialguest Steve Martin and a baton signed byKeith Lockhart and an iPad 3.

Tickets are by advance paid reservationonly and available by calling the churchoffice or online at www.htaac.org/gala.

Students from St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School visit ATP’s nursery inKarin Village and meet peers from local schools as part of the Building Bridgesenvironmental education program.

Golden Jubilee Gala co-chairs, Aram andBecky Hintlian, left, and Harvey andValerie Kolligian Thayer, right, with twomembers of the committee, Nancy D.Kasarjian and Cynthia Kazanjian

ALMA Holds JointCommemorationof Three Genocides

WATERTOWN — On Sunday April 22 at3:15 p.m., the Armenian Library and Museumof America (ALMA) will commemorate notonly the Armenian Genocide but also theUkrainian Genocide, which occurred in the1930s and resulted in millions of deaths,largely forgotten today, and the Great Hungerof the Irish people in the 1840s and thetremendous number of deaths, probably inthe millions, resulting from the deliberate“Potato Famine.”

The event will consist of brief talks on allthree genocides and a brief religious serviceby a Ukrainian priest and choir.

The leadership of ALMA believes it isimportant that the adoption of the ArmenianGenocide’s model by other countries ties,makes it imperative that Armenians alsolearn about and commemorate other geno-cides.

Admission to the program is free and opento the public.

S A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dr. H. Martin DeranianWith a new play opening in Boston and his

work with the Armenian orphan rug, Dr. H.Martin Deranian only seems to be getting betterwith age.

The prominent Worcester dentist teamed withJoyce Van Dyke in bringing the story of his moth-er to the stage. Martin Deranian is the son ofVarter Deranian, who provided Van Dyke withthe inspiration and much of the research onwhich the production, “Deported/ a dreamplay,” is based.

Deranian’s ongoing quest to have thePresident Calvin Coolidge orphan rug given itsrightful place in American history has neverweaned. Despite his advanced age, he continuesto be a public speaker of note, promoting theArmenian Cause, and giving the genocide addedexposure through a rug which was woven by 400orphans during 1924-25 in a town called Ghazir,

just 40 miles north of Beirut.The rug subsequently wound up in obscurity

inside the White House as Armenian historiansand archivists like Deranian look for a more per-manent home, bringing greater exposure to theheirloom.

Deranian has turned himself into a self-imposed rug ambassador in seeking the cause ofjustice. By unraveling this mystery, he hopes toprovide greater credence to the Near East Reliefand the scores of orphans saved during theGenocide years of 1915-1923.

Manoog YoungAt the ripe age of 95, Manoog S. Young con-

tinues to remain an icon with the NationalAssociation of Armenian Studies and Research(NAASR), which he helped initiate in 1955 andserved as a board member for 47 years, nowchairman emeritus.

His resume appears like a veritable who’s whowhen it comes to service in the Armenian com-munity. Suffice it to say, he has never recantedwhen it comes time to promote his heritage.

The Belmont resident served as the firstSchool Committee chairman of the AGBUSchool and has been a board member since itsinception of Facing History and Ourselvesnational foundation.

At a time when education was at a premium,he received a mathematics and physics degreefrom Northeastern University and a master’s inhistory and international relations from ClarkUniversity.

“When Armenian Studies needed to exist attop universities throughout the country, ManoogYoung was a visionary,” said Marc A.

Mamigonian, director of academic affairs forNAASR. “It goes without saying that NAASRowes him the debt of our existence. We’re indebt-ed to him for the strides made by Armenian-Americans over the past half century, politically,culturally and most assuredly educationally.”

Ardashes AykanianWe caught up with Ardashes Aykanian at 9

a.m. on a weekday morning, heavily involved in ameeting with five other experts on the WestCoast. The subject at hand: transforming wasteinto energy for the Big Island of Hawaii.

The soon-to-be 90-year-old says landfills areoverflowing with waste and he is working towarda plan to convert garbage into electricity and liq-uid fuel.

This is the same guy who invented the flexiblestraw (Bendi-straw), the spoon straw for slushconsumers, foam-core, the blue strip on car wind-

shields, the firstform ofTupperwear and26 other patentsinvolving plastics,including the litercontainers forCoca-Cola. On achemical note, hewas among thefirst group of scien-tists that everextracted uranium.

Now, he is tryingto help save theworld as an engi-neering consul-tant.

“I’ve been work-ing my fanny off allmy life and can’tstay idle,” he said.“So long as I cansolve problems

people present to me, my purpose in life willalways be stimulated.”

These days, California is home to theSpringfield-Indian Orchard native who camethrough the Armenian Youth Federation ranksand served his time improving the youth organi-zation as a member of the ArmenianRevolutionary Federation Central Committee.

He lost his first wife in an auto accident andlater married a woman 21 years his junior. Fourchildren and six grandchildren help keep himyoung at heart. A brother, Ara, and sister, Araxie,are both in their 80s and reside inMassachusetts.

Aykanian served with the US Navy in WorldWar II before securing an engineering degreefrom UMass and a master’s degree from MIT.

His success in the engineering field could verywell be attributed to one of his UMass instruc-tors. He happened to be Manoog Young who isalso being featured in this piece.

Armen BabamianMusic mentor Armen Babamian sang his first

solo at the age of 12 in Holy Cross ArmenianChurch of Union City, NJ. He hasn’t stopped. Atage 97, he remains the epitome of inspiration tohis family, church and community.

He was born on Christmas Day in 1915.Through music, he has weaved the fabric of cul-ture for his people throughout the diaspora.

Babamian has served as choirmaster for St.Illuminator’s Church in New York for 25 yearsand was choirmaster of St. Vartanantz Church inRidgefield, NJ. His conducting career actuallystarted in 1949 with the Armenian National

Chorus of New York where he was principalsoloist.

In 1999, he was presented the MesrobMashdots Medal and Holy Encyclical byCatholicos Aram I of Antelias.

“We’re very grateful for the invaluable servicehe has performed toward the preservation of ourprecious cultural legacy,” said Charles Kasbarian.“He always encouraged the youth.”

Daughter Lucine Kasbarian concurs, calling tomind the impact Babamian had upon herself andher brother Antranig.

“Those who know him can vouch for how hehas measured up to his birth date,” she said.“Armen has embodied the spirit of Christ and theresurrection of our genocidal people throughouthis lifetime as a guardian and disseminator of ourgreat Armenian musical legacy. He is that raretalent and patriot who knows the context of themusic so that his resulting interpretation con-tains all the emotion and authenticity the musi-cal subject matter requires.”

Antranig and Lucine began singing in theirfather’s choir at ages 6 and 5 respectively andstill embrace the man fondly for his vast contri-butions.

“Our experience directly contributed to ouractive involvement in Armenian communityaffairs,” she said. “Many of his young singerswere touched by his example and followed in hisfootsteps by performing and/or teaching ourArmenian musical heritage.”

Peter KhanbegianUntil recently, Peter Khanbegian took his air-

plane for a spin. But a minor accident forced himto ground the aircraft for safety’s sake and focushis attention on more sedate activity — like writ-ing his third book.

The Windham, NH, resident is determined tofinish his trilogy which started with Groong (TheCrane) and followed with Flames of Artsakh, twofictional accounts with family repercussions.

“The best means of introduction to the histo-ry of a people, past and present, is through a well-researched and documented novel,” says the one-time hi-tech writer, who served with the US Navyin World War II. “It’s been a lifelong ambition totell the story of my people through the printedword.”

As a young man, Khanbegian worked in hisfather’s dry cleaning store in Lawrence. He laterenjoyed building model airplanes and motorcy-cling along Brooklyn’s circumferential parkway.

“He was also a good artist who painted andsketched when inspiration came knocking,” saidhis friend Vahram Sookikian. “He is still as sharpas a tack and sets a good example for people intheir 90s.”

Rose (Vartanoosh) DerderianA typical day for Rose Derderian might include

time spent cultivating a garden, sewing, crochet-ing baby clothes, shopping, cooking and reading.An independent lifestyle is putting it mildly.

On election day in Indian Orchard, you willfind her at the polls checking in voters — a jobshe has held the past 30 years in addition to theCitizens Council and Survival Center assistingfamilies in need.

As a member and supporter of St. Gregory’sChurch for 73 years, she could easily pass for the“matriarch” of her community. For many years,she was a member and supporter of theArmenian Relief Society. In addition to raisingher family, she worked 25 years inside anaccounting office.

Nerses KrikorianAs a pioneer in the United States’ nuclear

weapons program, Nerses Krikorian has beenlabeled an “alumni of distinction” at NiagaraUniversity from where he graduated in 1943.

He arrived here from Armenia in 1925 afterthe dismantling of the Ottoman Empire. Upongraduating with honors, he landed a job withUnion Carbide in Niagara Falls and worked onthe now-historic Manhattan Project.

When the project closed, he was assigned tothe Los Alamos Nuclear Laboratory in NewMexico. He was a charter member of the lab’s

intelligence council and met with representativesof the former Soviet Union’s nuclear researchprogram.

Krikorian was at the forefront of dialoguebetween the Soviets and United States in break-ing down the barriers of the Cold War.

More recently, he has been awarded an hon-orary doctor of science degree from Niagara.

Krikor George ElmasianHe proudly served his nation with the US

Army in World War II, commuted for years fromhis home in Providence to a job at Fort Devens,Ayer, and like many of his peers, put serviceabove self when it came to his church and com-munity.

After losing his wife, Anahid, 40 years ago,Elmasian spent much of his time caring for oth-ers. He would take his nephews to Boy Scoutmeetings and followed their progress in both theathletic and educational arenas of Rhode Island.

For years, he served as a caretaker for his momAraxie until she was finally moved to a nursinghome. Three children and a grandson bring himall the joy and comfort he can imagine.

“He was the kind of guy you could alwaysapproach if you needed information on justabout any topic,” said his nephew, Steve. “Hispath was always lined with vigor and vitality.”

Rose NarzakianWhen it comes to the Armenian Relief Society,

Rose Narzakian is all heart. And for good reason.The Lowell Chapter is named after her mother,Lousintak.

She has helped many Armenian charities andorphanages, touring Armenia twice with her late

twin brother, Harry.She has lived in Lowell her entire life, worked

40 years for Raytheon Corporation and helpedher brother operate a variety store.

“I’ve lived a full life,” she said. “I see the sunshining and am happy to be alive. The fact I wasborn and raised an Armenian has been a privi-lege and I’ve done my best to promote that.”

Charlie ZamgochianOn any given Sunday, Charlie Zamgochian will

drive 30 miles to church, involves himself withcarpentry projects and puts his skills to use as abutcher when it comes time to trim the meat. Hehas been a philanthropist of the utmost kind, afriend in need and a living testament to moralityand goodness.

Quite possibly the most active 90-plus church-goer you will find around Merrimack Valley, timeseems to complement him nicely.

“Look at Charlie,” people may boast. “Not badfor a 91-year-old.”

“Make that 91 and a half,” he will quicklyretort. “When you get my age, don’t forget thehalf. Each day counts.”

90-year-old Armenians Still Making their MarkBy Tom Vartabedian

If life begins at 80, as they say, then it really blossoms at 90.For a group of elite Armenians, their longevity and subsequent activity

appear to be giving geriatrics a positive image.Let us look into the lives of a few venerable folks:

Manoog Young, left, celebrates his 90th birthday at NAASR, joined bySandra Jurigian, Barbara Young and Marc Mamigonian.

Rose Derderian continues to remain active as adevoted Armenian-American in her Springfield-Indian Orchard community.

By Tom Vartabedian

WORCESTER, Mass. — Heghine Minasianconsiders her life miraculous on two accounts.

First, that she survived a horrific genocide inher village in Kharpert. And second, that she isstill alive and kicking at age 103.

Minasian does not look upon herself as aposter child of her generation, nor any greatgeriatric wonder as the city’s oldest Genocidesurvivor. Instead, she prefers a more subtlerole, away from unnecessary fanfare.

She is content living an independent lifestylein the comfort of her own home, watching“Jeopardy” every night, doing her knitting andcrocheting and enjoying the love of her family.

Three daughters tend to dote on her, includ-ing one next door, along with eight grandchil-dren and 13 great-grandchildren.

But make no mistake about it. When itcomes time to speak her mind about the mas-sacre, Minasian is most opinionated and doesnot hold back. If President Barack Obama wasin the area, this is one person he may want toavoid.

“Obama promised us recognition and deliv-ered us empty words,” she said. “It bothers meand all other Armenians, too. He failed to liveup to his promises.”

In the background is daughter AliceKanaley, who is not surprised by her mother’sactions. She has heard this before, includingpublicly two years ago when Minasian wasgiven the keys to the city by the Worcestermayor. A TV station was on hand to documentthe event and interviewed the woman.

“She handled it like a charm,” Kanaley said.In accepting the honor, Minasian used the

moment to remind everyone about her feelingsand how Armenians should band together inthe name of unity for greater impact.

“Mom’s really feisty when it comes to mat-

ters like this,” Kanaley said. “She’s a trueambassador for our cause.”

Minasian was old enough to remember theTurks invading her city. She doesn’t go intodetails, only to say it was a sad experience. Hermother died when she was 8. Minasian nevermet her father. He had come to America andwas never seen again.

Her husband, Garabed, was more exposed tothe brutality of conflict.

The two enjoyed a happy and rewarding lifetogether in France, Canada and Worcester for49 years before his death in 1976. They ran ahairdressing salon in the city and enjoyed giv-ing their clientele a bright new look after theyentered.

“Worcester has always been home to theimmigrant population,” said Kanaley. “It’s beena wonderful city to live and work — to practiceyour heritage, too. Mom’s enjoyed it here.”

Word around town is that nobody made abetter choreg than Minasian. Cooking wasalways a passion and one got to sample her fareat church dinners and other public gatherings.

Twice a week, elder care drops by to checkon her. A visit to her apartment unveils a metic-ulous setting. Except for her blood pressurepills, there are no other medications.

“Jeopardy” is not the only daily ritual she cul-tivates. Her Bible also gets a workout. Minasianis a woman steeped in faith.

“God must be keeping me for a reason,” shenoted. “I’m blessed in many ways and wish thesame for others like myself.”

On occasion, Kanaley will take her mother toAvak lunches at the church. She will play cards,relish the hospitality of others and pass alongher wisdom.

“My mother is my pillar of strength,” saidKanaley. “Mentally, she is 90 percent with it.Except for her knees, she’s the perfect pictureof health. When I’m with her, it keeps megoing. She is an inspiration.”

Much of it had to do with her lifestyle. She

never drove and refrained from tobacco. Exceptfor a sociable glass of wine, alcohol was neverconsumed. Another hobby, reading, is alsogoing strong.

The fact that both mother and daughtercommunicate in Armenian and not Englishkeeps the language alive in their home. It hasbeen an Armenian family that hasn’t lost itsspirit.

“She wanted us to live the dream,” saidKanaley.

To what does Minasian attribute her longevi-ty? She doesn’t give it a second thought.

“You must have faith in God,” she answers.“Miracles are keeping me alive. You have tobelieve in miracles.”

As the 100th anniversary of the Genociderolls around in three years, Heghine advisesthose around to see the anniversary, to “sticktogether, remain strong and fight for recogni-tion. Above all, keep our culture and historyalive by practicing it every day.”

6 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O RS A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2

COMMUNITY NEWS

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FREMONT, Calif. — Zareh Melkonian, author,poet, educator and director of Armenian cultur-al and community affairs, passed away onMarch 30 at his home. He was born in Aleppo,Syria on August 15, 1923.

Melkonian is survived by his daughters, Silvaand Lina Melkonian, his sister, Seta Ekmekji, andher sons, Alec and Raffi and their families, andhis brother, Hratch Kahkejian, and his family.

Melkonian graduated from the MelkonianEducational Institute in Cyprus in 1945. In1947 he moved to Beirut, married KoharMelkonian and embarked upon his lifelongteaching career while pursuing his education atthe American University of Beirut, receiving hisbachelor’s and master’s degrees in educationand psychology.

Melkonian began his career in Beirut in 1947as a teacher of Armenian and French at thelocal Protestant middle and high schools. Until1967, he taught Armenian language, grammarand literature at Hovagimian Manoogian andTarouhie Hagopian High Schools. From 1964to 1968, he served as vice principal of theAGBU Hovagimian Manoogian and TarouhieHagopian High Schools. From 1964 to 1968, hewas the principal of Tarouhie Hagopian.

In 1968 Melkonian immigrated to the UnitedStates. From 1968 until 1983, he served as thedirector of the AGBU’s Midwest Chapter andwas the director of the organization’s NorthernArmenian School Project, spearheadingfundraising efforts to benefit ABGU Armenianschools throughout North America. He subse-quently taught Armenian at the University ofMichigan, Dearborn, for two years (1984-85).

Melkonian was a prolific writer and intellec-tual, a witty storyteller and a beloved teacher.His literary career spans well over 65 years andcovers many literary genres. He was a poet, aplaywright, a grammarian, an essayist, a lin-guist, a lecturer and an editor. From 1956 until1964, he was the editor in chief of Shirag, themonthly TCA Armenian literary magazine.Melkonian published 12 volumes of poetry, 13plays, numerous literary essays and eight text-books of Armenian grammar and literature.

Melkonian will be remembered as his genera-tion’s most charismatic, versatile and uniquepoet and educator. Throughout his life he hasinspired many by instilling a deep appreciationand love of the Armenian language and litera-ture. His vast body of work has enchanted,moved and provoked his many students andreaders all at once.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April3, at St. Andrew Armenian Church inCupertino. He was interred at Gates of Heavenin Los Altos.

Zareh Melkonian

Zareh Melkonian, Poet and EducatorOBITUARY

103-year-old Survivor Calls for Justice

WATERTOWN, Mass. — Sonia Boyajian hasbeen a regular at the Not Your Average Joe’srestaurant in Watertown since it opened in1998, stopping by for lunch or dinner at leastonce a week. Now, the restaurant is rewardingher loyalty with the dedication of the officialSonia Boyajian Booth.

“It’s only fitting,” says Steve Silverstein,founder and CEO of Not Your Average Joe’s,“that the booth where she spends so much timebe hers in name as well as in spirit. This is the

first time we’ve ever done a seat plaque so it’squite a honor for me to be a part of this,” headded.

The dedication ceremony for the octogenari-an took place in Watertown. More than 100invited guests and friends of Boyajian attendedalong with supporters of the WatertownEducation Foundation, where Boyajian servedas president for two years.

Silverstein presided over the dedication thatincludes the affixing of a brass plaque to thetable and offered a toast to the honoree.

Headquartered in Middleboro, Mass. andfounded in 1994 by Steve Silverstein, Not YourAverage Joe’s has 16 locations in Boston andNorthern Virginia.

10:30 a.m.

Friday, April 20Proclamations forFormer State Sen. Steven Tolman andPlaywright Joyce Van Dyke

Keynote Speaker

Khatchig Mouradian

Hosted by State Rep. Jonathan HechtState Rep. John LawnState Sen. William Brownsberger

Free buses will leave St. James and St. Stephen’sChurches at9 a.m.(Courtesy of Knights of Vartan)

StateHouseCommemorationof the ArmenianGenocide

Marking the 97th Anniversary of the Genocide

7S A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

COMMUNITY NEWS

ATP’s EnvironmentalEducation Program Is‘Building Bridges’ATP, from page 4

“We are extremely proud of the initiativeshown by students involved in this program andwe are grateful that the trustees of the ThomasA. Kooyumjian Family Foundation have sup-ported Building Bridges as part of their missionto foster a stronger sense of Armenian-American identity. We hope this work strength-ens the bonds between Armenia and the dias-pora and further engages young Armenians tobecome stewards of the environment,” saidHayes.

For more information about the BuildingBridges Program and to request copies of theeducational material, contact Hayes atsarah@armeniatree.org.

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HAVERHILL, Mass. — The Armenian Churchat Hye Pointe Sunday School recently preparedmore than 50 Easter baskets for children inneed. The project was a joint effort by Hye

Pointe’s new priest, Rev. Vart Gyozalian, andthe Sunday school staff. One of the SundaySchool teachers, Carole Hanedanian, is a caseworker with the Massachusetts Department ofChildren and Families.

As a social worker, she sees firsthand the suf-

fering of children from disadvantaged families.Lent began on February 20 and continued for

a 40-day period. During Lent, people are called tofollow the Holy Spirit in order to confront their

inner turmoil through prayer, fasting, self-exami-nation and then gain the strength to work atbeing more loving, humble, in service to others.This Sunday school project aimed to instill themeaning of love, humility and strength toimprove the lives of those less fortunate.

The students of the Hye Pointe Sunday School, with their teachers and Rev. Vart Gyozalian, showthe baskets they made for needy children.

Hye Pointe Sunday School Prepares Easter Baskets

Sonia Boyajian and Stephen Silverstein

Not Your Average Joe’s DedicatesBooth to Frequent Guest

By Patricia P. LaCroix

LOS ANGELES — The first Armenian word Ilearned was odar. This is not surprising, since itwas obvious when I walked into Mark Geragos’office 11 years ago that I was, indeed, odar.Little did I know then that my association withthe Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry(ABMDR) as its development consultant wouldtake me on a journey of such professional andpersonal significance and that the odar termthat the Board Chair of the organization usedto describe me then would eventually be sup-

plemented by the word jan. In between odarand jan are other Armenian words I havelearned that mark the journey I have taken withthis remarkable organization.

Kaghtskegh. Ognel. The ABMDR is special tome not merely for its Armenian focus. Its mis-sion to bring hope and healing to those world-wide who suffer from life-threatening blood-related cancers by recruiting and matchingdonors to patients requiring bone marrow stemcell transplants is a cause that every person,including myself, can get behind. Who has not

known someone with cancer? In my consultingcareer I once worked on a project to fund facil-ities and programs to make children with can-cer more comfortable at Children’s Hospital inLos Angeles.

Through my association with the ABMDR, Ihave helped enable more than comfort — I havehad the privilege of helping this organizationprepare for and facilitate the saving of lives.Since its first full year of operation in 2001,when 2,500 people were recruited, the ABMDRhas recruited an impressive 21,554 potentialdonors, identified 2,135 patients, found 1,753potential matches, and facilitated 13 bone mar-row transplants.

Unkeruhi. I have provided consult-ing services for over 30 clients andnone has a more committed and loyalcadre of volunteers than the ABMDR.While there are some men giving oftheir time, the majority are womenwho are bonded by serious intent,and an eager spirit. These are theunkeruhiner — mine and yours — ages10 to 90, who organize and publicizerecruitment drives, educate theircommunities, and raise funds for pro-cessing donors, from Hollywood toHayastan and everywhere in between.Over its 12-year history the ABMDRhas reached well beyond its initial

bases of operation in Los Angeles and Armeniainto 14 countries across three continents.

Hamaynk. The ABMDR not only serves theArmenian community, it is an important con-tributing member of the larger medical com-munity of bone marrow donor registries, andthe scientific community of immunogenetics. Ithas earned its place among its professionalpeers. The ABMDR’s state-of-the-art DNA mole-cular tissue-typing laboratory is the first of itskind in the Commonwealth of IndependentStates to receive accreditation from the

European Federation of Immunogenetics (EFI).It has also received accreditation from this sameagency for its new Stem Cell Harvesting Center.The ABMDR is a member of the NationalMarrow Donor Program and World MarrowDonor Worldwide. It collaborates with theworld-renowned City of Hope, Dana FarberCancer Center, Glendale Memorial Hospital,Children’s Hospital, and Glendale AdventistHospital. It also works closely with Armenia’sMinistry of Health and its Oncology andHematology Institute.

The ABMDR has benefited immensely fromthese associations and now is in a position to

benefit other registries getting started. At therecent EFI conference hosted by the ABMDR inYerevan, those just developing their registries inthe Caucasus were able to see first-hand thescope and quality of the ABMDR, which nowserves as a model to help them set the standardsand protocols of their work in their countries.

(With over 30 years of experience in non-profit management and consulting, Patricia P.LaCroix has served a range of organizations ineducation, healthcare, social services, and thearts. She has been assisting the ABMDR in itsmarketing and fundraising efforts over the past11 years. )

Patricia LaCroix at Dzidzernakaberd.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Reflections of an Odar on Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry

By Morris Sarafian

LOS ANGELES — On March 2, the studentsof the Tekeyan Cultural Association’s ArshagDickranian School, participated in a four-milewalk-a-thon along with the teachers, principal,parents and several members of the ParentTeacher Organization and the Board ofTrustees. At the suggestion of George K.Mandossian (chairman of Board of Trustees),and with the guidance of Principal VartkesKourouyan and Vergine Harutunyan, head ofthe Math Department, the event was organizedto raise awareness throughout the communityof the school’s reputation for academic excel-lence, efforts toward cultural preservation andsafety.

The walk-a-thon allowed students to showour community that we are confident, educatedand respectful students who value our heritage.

As seniors, we led and supervised the groupswith the help of homeroom teachers, and at thesame time, we made memories that will last alifetime. The extremely long walk, heading easton Hollywood Boulevard and returning toschool along Sunset Blvd., left bruises on ourfeet, but I do not regret participating in theevent. The bruises and blisters eventuallyhealed but that day created memories that willalways remain.

The school’s first ever walk-a-thon proved tobe successful, and we hope to maintain that suc-cess as we try to help our school grow. I hopethat this event will become an annual traditionat our school. When we returned to school, theentire school was more cheerful, a mood thatwas heightened by the fact that we also man-aged to raise a large sum of money for theschool’s scholarship fund.

For more information about TCA ArshagDickranian School, visitwww.dickranianschool.org.

Students and teachers walked to raise awareness about the school in the community.

Arshag Dickranian School Holds First Walk-a-thon

BELMONT, Mass. — Prof. Seta B. Dadoyanwill give a lecture, titled “Rethinking ArmenianHistory Through Paradigms of Interaction: TheArmenian Experience with Islam as a CaseStudy,” on Thursday, May 3, at 8 p.m., at theNational Association for Armenian Studies andResearch (NAASR) Center, 395 Concord Ave.

The Armenian experience in the medievaland modern Middle East is too diverse torespond to ideological demands and simplisticconstructs. If from the beginning of their histo-ry, Dadoyan argues, the Armenians and theirnative land as well as their habitat spread fromcentral Asia Minor and the Black Sea to theSouthern Caucasus and the Caspian Sea, to

Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Egypt,then their history too is part of these locationsand their peoples and their world was governedby more or less the same laws that governed theregion. In other words, things Armenian arealso things Near/Middle Eastern and must bestudied as such.

Dadoyan will discuss the several and often con-tradictory trends and close interactions on all levelsthat went into processes which by their nature donot meet the criteria of traditional and modernistArmeniannarratives. She explores these inhermas-sive, three-volume work The Armenians in theMedieval Islamic World: Paradigms ofInteraction, Seventh-Fourteenth Centuries

(Transaction Publishers). The first volume, TheArab Period in Arminyah — 7th-11th Centuries,was published last year. This large project is the cul-mination of a long and hard journey into unchart-ed territories and two decades of research and pub-lication.

Dadoyan has taught at the AmericanUniversity of Beirut, Haigazian University,Columbia University, St. Nersess Seminary andthe University of Chicago. She is the author ofnumerous articles in scholarly journals and sev-eral books, including Pages of West ArmenianPhilosophical Thought (1987), The FatimidArmenians: Cultural and Political Interactionin the Near East (1997) and The Armenian

Catholicosate from Cilicia to Antelias: AnIntroduction to the Political History (2003).Her magnum opus is The Armenians in theMedieval Islamic World: Paradigms ofInteraction, Seventh to Fourteenth Centuries(2011-2013).

The Armenians in the Medieval IslamicWorld (vol. 1) will be available for purchase andsigning the night of the lecture.

More information may be had by e-mailinghq@naasr.org or writing to NAASR, 395Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478.

9S A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

Richard Hovannisian toSpeak on ChangingLandscape of HistoricWestern Armenia

FRESNO — Richard G. Hovannisian,A.E.F. Professor Emeritus of ModernArmenian history at UCLA, will speak on“The Changing Landscape of HistoricWestern Armenia: Reflections on aJourney Into the Past” on Thursday, April19, at 7:30 p.m, in the Leon S. and PeterP. Peters Educational Center Auditorium,Save Mart Center.

The lecture is part of the ArmenianStudies Program Spring Lecture Seriesand is co-sponsored by the ArmenianStudents Organization at Fresno State.

The landscape of Historic WesternArmenia is ever changing. The mysticalnames of the villages, towns andprovinces of a now-vanished generationremain deeply imbedded in the minds andhearts of many descendants. But howsimilar are the imagined homeland andthe existing landscape?

After many years of hesitation,Hovannisian set out on a quest to recon-cile the “imagined” with the “real.” Histravels took him through a part of the his-toric provinces from Trebizond andSamsun on the Black Sea to Baiburt,Erzerum, Kemakh, Agn, Sebastia,Amasia, Kharpert, Mush, Diarbekir, Bitlis,Van, Kars, and Ani. He will present hisimpressions in an illustrated presentationin this special event for the San JoaquinValley audience.

Hovannisian is the author of the four-volume history The Republic of Armenia,Armenia on the Road to Independence,and has edited and contributed to morethan twenty books including TheArmenian Image in History andLiterature, The Armenian Genocide inPerspective, The Armenian People fromAncient to Modern Times, Remembranceand Denial, Looking Backward, MovingForward, and eleven volumes on historicArmenian cities and provinces, the mostrecent of which is Armenian Kars andAni.

A reception will immediately follow theprogram, hosted by the Knights ofVartan.

Many of Hovannisian’s available titleswill be available for signing before andafter the presentation.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

NAASR Lecture to Focus on Armenian Interaction with Islam in Medieval Times

WASHINGTON — On Thursday, March 29,the Knights of Vartan Ani Lodge and theNational Association for Armenian Studies andResearch (NAASR) featured former Secretary ofthe Navy and Assistant Secretary of DefensePaul R. Ignatius at St. Mary Armenian Church.Greg Aftandilian served as master of cere-monies and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, legateof the Eastern Diocese of the ArmenianChurch, provided the evening’s invocation.

The standing-room-only crowd listened to thewarm childhood stories and vivid professionalexperiences that were shared. Following thepresentation, Ignatius answered questions andsigned books before attending a reception withthe guests. The Knights of Vartan Ani Lodgeand Daughters of Vartan Dikranouhi Otyag, ledby Commander Jacob Bournazian and MatronMarge Satian, respectively, provided the horsd’oeuvres and refreshments.

“We are proud to recognize the highest rank-ing US government official of Armenian ances-try who was positioned to lead the US militaryduring a special time in 20th century history; atime when Soviet generals of Armenian ethnic-ity also held similar leadership roles inthe former Soviet Union,” stated Bournazian.

Ignatius’ latest book, Now I Know in Part, isa substantially revised and expanded edition ofa memoir that was first published privately in2000. NAASR’s Armenian Heritage Pressissued the revised edition in late 2011.

A descendant of Armenian parents from theKharpert region of Historic Armenia, Ignatius

is a native of Glendale, Calif., and a graduate ofthe University of Southern California. Heearned an MBA from Harvard University afterserving as a naval officer in World War II. He isalso the author of On Board: My Life in theNavy, Government, and Business (NavalInstitute Press, 2006).

Ignatius served for eight years in the presi-dential administrations of John F. Kennedy andLyndon B. Johnson, first as an assistant secre-tary of the army, then as under secretary of thearmy and assistant secretary of defense and,finally, in 1967, as secretary of the navy.Following his government service, he was pres-

ident of the Washington Post for two years andpresident of the Air Transport Association for15 years. He is the recipient of the ArmyDistinguished Civilian Service Award, the NavyDistinguished Public Service Award and theDepartment of Defense Distinguished PublicService Award.

In Now I Know in Part, Ignatius looks back onfamily history, his childhood in Glendale (longbefore it had a major Armenian community), color-ful characters (famous and obscure), Hollywoodbrushes with greatness, military service duringWorld War II, a memorable journey to HistoricArmenia with NAASR in 2006 and more.

From left, Greg Aftandilian, Rev. Hovsep Karapetian, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ignatius, son David Ignatius,Archbishop Vicken Aykazian and Jacob Bournazian

St. Mary Armenian Church, Knights of Vartan AniLodge and NAASR Host Paul Ignatius

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COMMUNITY NEWS

NEW YORK — Drawing a crowd of nearly 225young professionals, Armenian GeneralBenevolent Union Young Professionals ofGreater New York (AGBU-YPGNY) hosted its11th annual Silent Auction and Cocktail Partyat Openhouse Gallery in SoHo, to benefit theAGBU Children’s Centers in Armenia. In addi-tion to proceeds raised through its annualHelping Armenia’s Little Ones (HALO) cam-paign, YPGNY donated a record-breaking$25,000 from the event, representing thelargest donation the group has ever made to acause and the largest donation ever made by anAGBU YP Group.

Openhouse Gallery, an event space trans-formed into a pop-up park for the wintermonths, provided the perfect setting for anupscale garden party theme, creating an idealbackdrop for guests to “unlock somethinggreen this winter.” Aline Markarian, YPGNY2011 chairwoman, reflected on the success ofthe evening, “We really set a high standard thisyear for a fantastic evening. Thanks to the gen-erosity of our supporters, it is tremendouslyrewarding to be able to make a significantimpact on such an important AGBU program.As a long-time committee member, I am proudto see how this event has grown thanks to thetireless collaborative effort of such a strong anddedicated committee.”

Donors contributed to the display of auctionitems, including round-trip tickets to LosAngeles, goods from Ferragamo, Movado andBaccarat, tickets to Mets and Rangers games,

Broadway shows, Jimmy Fallon late night talkshow tickets and more. Among the most covet-ed pieces were 11 original works of art made bythe children of the AGBU Children’s Centersthat highlight their creative skills. Raffle itemsincluded a piece from Michael Aram, restaurantgift cards and a Canon digital camera.

An abundance of goodies popped up in thepark for guests to enjoy, including a picnic tablefeaturing an elaborate gourmet cheese display

donated by Fairway Market. Glasses wereserved by guest bartenders from the YPGNYcommunity, including Berge Barsoumian, EllaBaroyan, Peter Endrigian, Alex Karapetyan andTamar Nahabedian, who competed to earn themost tips, which were then donated to theAGBU Children’s Centers. The wine and spiritswere donated from a number of individualsincluding Clovis Point Winery, Cognito Inc.,Kaleidoscope Imaging, Manhattan BeerDistributors and Société Perrier.

With first-hand experience visiting the AGBUChildren’s Centers in Armenia, Alexis Halejian,longtime YPGNY Committee member and 2012chairwoman, shared her thoughts on theevening, “It is inspiring to see so manyArmenian young professionals in the same

room, enjoying each other’s company, and evenmore heartwarming was knowing that we cansend a record-breaking donation to the AGBUChildren’s Centers in Armenia this year.”

Since 2000, YPGNY has hosted the winterreception as an enjoyable and unique way toraise funds for the three Centers in Yerevan.Back in 1993, AGBU joined forces with theHoly See of Echmiadzin to establish the AGBUChildren’s Centers in the Nork, Arapkir andMalatya sections of Yerevan. Providing a con-structive after-school environment to more than3,500 students ages 6 to 16, the centers culti-vate the talents of young Armenians by broad-ening their knowledge in courses unavailable tothem at overcrowded public schools. With anadministrative staff of 300, the centers providefour hours of daily instruction in music, dance,arts and crafts, gymnastics, martial arts, com-puters, language, history as well as developingother practical real-life professional skills.Throughout the years, more than 15,000 stu-dents living in low- to middle-income homeshave benefited from this program.

Making an ongoing commitment to supportthe AGBU Children’s Centers, YPGNY estab-lished an AGBU YP Endowment in 2002 for thecause. Now a pan-YP endeavor, YPGNY’s annu-al contribution is raised through the SilentAuction and Cocktail Party and HALO cam-paign. Suitable for recipients of all ages, theYPGNY HALO campaign allows individuals togive a gift from the heart and simultaneouslyhelp children of Armenia during the holidayseason. Donations, made in honor of a lovedone, family or friend, are transformed into per-sonalized gift cards by YPGNY’s group ofSanta’s helpers. This year, close to 70 certifi-cates spread holiday cheer to mailboxes world-wide. With YPGNY’s 2012 donation, the AGBUYP Endowment now totals nearly $160,000.

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MM EE TT RR OONewYork

SADDLE RIVER, N.J. — While in the UnitedStates with a contingent for a historic meetingwith high-ranking United State Defense andIntelligence Officials, Seyran Ohanian, defenseminister of the Republic of Armenia, was hon-ored with a dinner reception at the home ofAndreas Roubian.

The reception was held while Ohanian was inthe United States to meet with US Secretary ofDefense Leon E. Panetta and CentralIntelligence Agency Director David Petraeus, aswell as deputy directors and assistant secre-taries. The purpose of Ohanian’s meetings wasto continue to foster mutually-beneficial mili-tary and civilian cooperation between theUnited States and the Republic of Armenia inboth regional and worldwide security anddefense issues. At the reception hosted byRoubian, Ohanian was accompanied by his wife,Ruzanna, ambassador of Armenia to the UnitedNations Garen Nazarian, and his wife, Nana,First Deputy Defense Minister of ArmeniaDavid Tonoyan, as well as Col. Mesrop

Nazarian, defense attaché of the Embassy ofArmenia to the US, and other dignitaries.

Ohanian, formerly the defense minister ofKarabagh, who played a major role in theKarabagh War, has, like many, made sacrifices,including the loss of a leg in the war, for theArmenian homeland. Roubian welcomedOhanian as an Armenian hero and called for thecontinued support of Armenia and its defense.Ohanian spoke of his long-standing friendshipwith Roubian and recalled some highlights oftheir times together. He also fondly spoke of hisfriendship with Hirant and Ruby Gulian. Allwere acknowledged for their services to thepeople of Karabagh during the Karabagh War.Roubian was chair of the Karabagh Committeeand instrumental in organizing support for theKarabagh people. Ohanian expressed specialthanks to the hostess, Priya Katragadda, for theunmatched quality of the reception. At thereception, medals were awarded by the ministerto Roubian, Hirant Gulian and HagopVartivarian for their services to the republic.

Andreas Roubian Hosts Reception inHonor of Defense Minister Ohanian

From left, Andreas Roubian, Hrant Gulian, Minister Seyran Ohanian and Hagop Vartivarian

YPGNY 2012 Chair Alexis Halejian (center) with guests from the evening

YP Greater New York 11th Annual Silent Auction and Cocktail Party BreaksWorldwide YP Giving Record with $25,000 Donation to AGBU Children’s Centers

PARAMUS, N.J. (Armenian Radio Hour NewJersey) — More than 300 people, representing across-section of the metropolitan New York-Armenian community, attended the openingreception of “Fractured History,Reconstructing Identity: Degrees ofWesternization in Armenian Painting andOther Mediums” art exhibit, on April 3, atGallery Bergen, Bergen Community College.The works of the artists projected hope andrebirth.

Prof. Thomas La Pointe, director of theCenter for Peace, Justice and ReconciliationCenter at Bergen College, introduced a numberof people representing the college and theArmenian community, as well as the BergenCounty Executive Kathy Donovan, to addressthe attendees.

Katheen Donovan and Vice President of theCollege Academic Affairs Bonnie McDougalcongratulated the Armenian community for thework that went into such a major art project.They said they hoped similar projects with theCenter for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation willhelp promote understanding and goodwillamong people.

Seta Nazarian Albrecht, whose support madethe exhibit possible, thanked all gathered for“taking our vision and turning it into a reali-ty…we didn’t want the exhibition to be sad, wewanted to show people that we Armenians haverisen…the message of this exhibit is ‘yes wehave been through atrocities but we have risen.’

We have a home here (at Bergen College) andI hope I can look at all of you to supportus…there is a lot we want to do.” Albrecht, thedaughter of philanthropists Nazar and ArtemisNazarian, comes from a family who has sup-ported numerous cultural, humanitarian andeducational projects in the diaspora and inArmenia.

Curator Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian wasintroduced by Prof. Thomas La Pointe as a “pre-

eminent curator, one of the most successfulcurators of contemporary Armenian art in theworld today.” She has been an avid collector ofWestern and Armenian art for the past threedecades. Hovanessian said, “my sole purposewas to promote the works of Armenian artistsinternationally. This exhibit demonstrates thepower of our Armenian artists. Their art isequal to any internationally-renowned artist.”The central premise of the exhibit was todemonstrate through contemporary works ofart the substantial progress Armenian culturehas made within its present homeland and theUnites States, despite the hardships of a frac-tured history.

Hovanessian was emotional when she quotedher late father, educator and author SisagHagop Varjabedian: “One of the most fascinat-ing virtues of an Armenian is his diamond-likequality of indestructibility.”

Garen Nazarian, ambassador of the Republicof Armenia to the United Nations, said, “We willnever forget the past and we will never stopworking to prevent Genocides. This exhibitserves as a prism through which we feel thepower of Armenian contemporary art — reflect-ing on the past, examining the present and envi-sioning the future with optimism.”

The participating artists of the exhibitinclude: Arevik Arevshatian, Gagik Aroutiunian,Assadour, Ashot Bayandour, Arman Grigorian,Ruben Grigorian, Sarkis Hamalbashian, HamletHovsepian, Aram Jibilian, Vasken Kalayjian,Mariam Khachatrian, Haig Kocharian, VartoushMagarian, Karine Matsakian, Kardash Onnig,Rudik Petrosian, Vahan Rumelian, AraratSarkissian, Arthur Sarkissian, William Saroyan,Shanoor and Albert Vartanian.

The exhibit will be open to the publicthrough April 26, at Gallery Bergen, BergenCounty College, West Hall, 400 Paramus Road.A talk by Peter Balakian will take place April26, 6-8 p.m., in the Pitkin Education Center.

‘Fractured History, ReconstructingIdentity’ Topic of Exhibit in New Jersey

12 S A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

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13T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

Arts & LivingS A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2

Sibil HoldsDebut ConcertIn New JerseyHACKENSACK, N.J. — Sibil, the Armenian

singer from Istanbul, had her debut perfor-mance on March 31, at the Bergen CountyAcademies, while finding time to enjoy theMetropolitan New York area.Many recognize Sibil as the first modern

Armenian singer whose songs were heard in thestreets of Istanbul. Her Armenian songs werewelcomed and enjoyed by all, including Turks.Sibil arrived in New York on Monday, March

26, and left a day after her concert. TheConstantinople Armenian Relief Society(CARS) organized and sponsored the event. Awell-organized committee took care of thedetails of her trip. “Never did I imagine I wouldtravel to New York to perform. It was a dreamcome true,” she said.Sibil’s concert was almost a sold-out event

with more than a 1,000 attendees. Some of thereasons for the success were: the historic popu-larity of Sibil in Turkey; the CARS organizationthat enjoys the support of so many Armenianswho hail from Turkey; the effective publicity ofthe event over social media networks and theShushi Dance Ensemble’s guest appearance.The program contained 29 songs and dances.

Seven of the songs were arranged by MajakTosikyan, Sibil’s musical director. “I rearrangedthe music to appeal to the masses. Turkey is my

territory and I wanted the songs to be enjoyed byall people, not only Armenians.” Said Tosikyan,“The music had to agree with Sibil’s characterand voice.” The songs, which were presented,included: Namag, Im Bantught Hayer, TsaravSeri, Gyanki Mi Hamar and Siro Tsayn. “Theseclassical songs were more appealing to the oldergeneration who have not lost the art of listening.Sibil’s songs are for listening and not dancing.Unfortunately we have lost the art of listeningand enjoying music,” said Tosikyan.Impressive, also, was the 12-member Melik

Ohanian Orchestra which accompanied Sibil onstage. The energetic, young dancers of ShushiDance Ensemble with their beautiful costumesadded vibrancy and color to the evening.Pianist Burak Bedikyan, who accompanied Sibilfrom Turkey, and the appearance of composerMajak Tosikyan on stage added to the successof the evening. The response of the audiencewas more noticeable when familiar and tradi-tional songs were sung: Giligya, Im AnushDavigh, Kedashen, Adanai Vogperki, Artsakh,Pari Arakil, Yerevan Erepuni and the finale,where the entire cast appeared on stage andpresented Azk Parabantz. Once again the atten-dees responded positively, giving the perform-ers a much-deserved standing ovation.Comments from the audience were plentiful.

Arto Khrimian wrote “…Heartfelt congratula-tions on organizing the triumphant Sibil’s con-cert! You and your team relentlessly worked for

see SIBIL, page 16

DemirdjianSnaps VIPs

By Daphne AbeelSpecial to the Mirror-Spectator

PASADENA, Calif. — Jacob Demirdjian hasbeen taking photographs ever since he waschild, and assisting his father, also a photogra-pher. Born in East Beirut, he later worked withVaroujan Setian, who was the official photogra-pher for the president of Lebanon.In the 1970s, Demirdjian moved to Paris

where he continued his work. In 1980, hemoved to the United States and first set up astudio in East Los Angeles. He later moved toPasadena, where he continues to work in thestudio he established there.He has focused on taking portrait pho-

tographs of well known Armenians. Among hissubjects have been dignitaries such asCatholicoi Vasken I and Karekin II. CaliforniaGov. George Deukmejian, , Krikor Kalayjian,Kirk Kerkorian and the singer CharlesAznavour.“Whenever someone important visits from

Armenia, Israel or Lebanon, I am often calledupon by Armenian organizations to photographthem,” said Demirdjian in a recent interview. “Ihave a good relationship with Vartan Oskanian,the former foreign minister of Armenia, and hehas arranged photo sessions for me. I am multi-lingual and speak Armenian, Arabic, French

and Turkish, as well as English, so these abili-ties are helpful to me in my work.”His images have been published in the Beirut

Times, the Armenian Mirror-Spectator andAsbarez, among other publications. His picturesare also distributed in many of the oil-producingcountries in the Middle East, including theUnited Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.In 2004, Demirdjian mounted an exhibition

of his work at the Forest Lawn Museum inGlendale and received, at that time, a number ofgrateful tributes to his work.Among them were the following comments

from Dr. Garbis Der Yeghiayan, then presidentof Mashtots College: “Jacob is a diligent workeron any photo project or challenge assigned tohim. He meets all challenges with initiative, con-fidence and a high standard of effectiveness.Community leaders, professionals of all walks oflife and friends who have been associated withJacob describe him as a very special person —honest, humble, friendly, hardworking, service-oriented, conscientious and dedicated withinnate spirituality, a generous hear and a deep-rooted pride in his ancestral values.”Although he has not returned to Lebanon for

many years, citing the turmoil there,Demirdjian has made numerous trips toArmenia.“I want very much to continue my service to

the Armenian community and to take pho-tographs, which has been my lifetime passion,”he said.

The Delicate Task ofReshaping Remnants

Of 9/11WESTPORT, Conn. (New York Times) — Scuffed, torn and with rivet holes, rub-

ber gaskets and sealing putty still intact, though no burn marks, they were aboutto become part of a sculptural addi-tion to the state’s 9/11 LivingMemorial at Sherwood Island inWestport.The task of transforming these

industrial-looking remnants into art had fallen to David Boyajian, 53, and anotherConnecticut artist, Matt Rink, 27. Both sculptors had been chosen by the state fromthe four finalists who had emerged, after portfolio reviews, from a pool of about100 artists in the database maintained by the Connecticut Office of the Arts, for-merly the Commission on Culture and Tourism.Public art projects can be tricky under the best of conditions, with community

concerns and artistic visions sometimes clashing, but this one presented the sculp-tors not only with physical limitations, butalso with an emotional challenge: anxietyabout marring the significance of theirmaterial.“We haven’t touched it,” Boyajian said in

late July, two weeks into a tight, month-longproduction schedule. “We haven’t markedthem. We haven’t done anything to them.We’ve washed them, but that’s about it. Buteven that — ‘Oooh, we’re taking the dust offof it’ — it’s intense.”Although Rink was only a high school

student in Fairfield on September 11, he toofound the aluminum daunting. “It’s a wholelot of responsibility in terms of: What areyou going to do?” he said.

see BOYADJIAN, page 15

David Boyajian, an artist, working on a piece commissioned by the state to commem-orate the 10th anniversary of September 11

ÁNGEL FRANCO/NEW YORK TIMES PHOTO

By Jan Ellen Spiegel

David Boyajian, left, and Matt Rink installing the piece, which uses metal recoveredfrom the twin towers

Jacob Demirdjian Sibil on stage in New Jersey

By Tom Vartabedian

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — A memorialdance program by the Sayat Nova DanceEnsemble of Greater Boston will highlight the97th anniversary of the Armenian GenocideApril 15 in Merrimack Valley.The event will take place at 3 p.m. in North

Andover High School, sponsored by theArmenian Genocide CommemorativeCommittee of Merrimack Valley. More than 350people are expected to attend this musical trib-ute to the martyrs.The observance will also honor three remain-

ing survivors in the region: Ojen Fantazian,Thomas Magarian and Nellie Nazarian.

“The Armenian Genocide is an importantfabric of world history and cannot be forgot-ten,” said Sossy Jeknavorian, committee chair.“We owe it to these survivors as well as 1.5 mil-lion martyrs who perished under the OttomanTurkish yoke during the years surroundingWorld War I. Recognition and reparations con-tinue to remain steadfast with Armeniansthroughout the world.”The Sayat Nova ensemble has more than 80

members including dancers, stage crew andother volunteers. It is into its 26th year underfounder and director Apo Ashjian.Clad in colorful costumes, the group has per-

formed throughout the United States andCanada, making two trips to Armenia in 1995and 2006.“As part of a rich culture, Armenian folk

dancing is a reflection of the life and legacyof the Armenian people,” said Ashjian. “Ourcompany is a symbol of pride and achieve-ment for the Armenian people and it’s ourprivilege to showcase this heritage inMerrimack Valley. Our mission is to elevatemulticultural awareness within all ethniccommunities worldwide.”The keynote speaker will be Middlesex

County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, a former staterepresentative from Waltham, who has beenactive in promoting Genocide awareness

throughout the state.The group will honor members of the

Armenian Heritage Park, which is currently fin-ishing a $6-million memorial park at Boston’sRose Kennedy Greenway.The program’s theme will be “Our Day to

Remember.”A joint memorial service will open the pro-

gram, conducted by area clergy.Complementing the service will be hymns by acombined liturgical choir from the community

under the direction of Paul Ketchoyian, accom-panied by Arsen Russian.Children from various Sunday Schools

throughout the region took part in an essaycontest on genocide. The winners will beannounced that afternoon.Since the committee’s inception in 1994,

net proceeds totaling more than $50,000have gone toward assisting worthy charitiesin Armenia.The anniversary is being planned by individ-

uals from various churches and organizations,surrounding the catchphrase, “Remembrance,Renewal, Resolve — We Shall Survive.”Communities in Greater Haverhill, Lawrence

and Lowell will commemorate the Genocidethroughout the week of April 22-28 throughproclamation signings, meetings and flag-rais-ing ceremonies with their respective city legis-lators.A reception will follow in the school cafeteria.

The public is invited.

BOGOSIAN, from page 1in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide, inthe past five or six years. As he has gottenolder, he noted, he has embraced and under-stood his roots all the more.“Honestly, when I was a kid, growing up in

Woburn, I was not entirely comfortable withmy identity,” he explained. “There were a lotof Irish Catholic kids and I felt really different.I didn’t want to feel different.”He and his family attended St. James

Church, where he was an altar boy. Speakingof his family, he said he was “very, very proudof [his] wonderful Armenian family. Bothsides were immigrants and they were a veryloving and warm family.”Bogosian noted that he does not speak

Armenian, aside from a few words. While hesaid speaking it would be a plus, he added hethought that ethnic groups could survivewithout language. He gave as an example theAfrican-American community, which feels tiesto Africa, with less than 1 percent speakingBantu, the most commonly-used language onthat continent.Bogosian recalled that when he first got an

agent in the 1970s, the agent assured him ofsuccess, “if I fixed my nose, changed my lastname and straightened my hair.”Of course, he did none of the above.He spoke about his early career, right after

graduating from Oberlin College, when hewas fearless and enamored of the theater. Oneof his first projects there was directing a playin Spanish for people who do not speakSpanish, with a very large cast. “And I don’tspeak Spanish,” he quipped.He performed at the New York Shakespeare

festival and he was dared to write a piece. Heended up writing the Pulitzer Prize-nominat-ed “Talk Radio,” which cemented his reputa-tion on the New York stage. Later, OliverStone directed the movie version of the play,

starring Bogosian.Bogosian, who has starred in many movies,

including Stephen King’s “Dolores Claiborne”in 1995, said that for him, the 1990s weredefined by working with Atom Egoyan in“Ararat.” The intense immersion experiencealongside Egoyan shook Bogosian, whoseknowledge of Armenian history up to thatpoint was superficial and summed up by thefollowing: “My grandfather told me if you evermeet a Turk, kill him,” he recalled.Before and during the making of “Ararat,”

Bogosian immersed himself in studying histo-ry. “Egoyan recreated this town in Van. Iwalked through there, among these people,and I got it. It was then that Peter Balakian’sBlack Dog of Fate came out.” Watching thenews then, concurrently, when the formerYugoslavia was breaking up and genocide wasbeing waged against Bosnians, made the sub-ject that much more intimate for Bogosian.One of the threads of post-Genocide history

that fascinates Bogosian is the story ofSoghomon Tehlirian, who assassinated TalaatPasha in Berlin. The more commonly-toldstory is that Tehlirian’s family was slaugh-tered in front of him and that after he man-aged to escape to Germany, he spotted Talaatand after meticulously studying his routine,shot him pointblank. As the story goes, hisheartfelt story justified the murder in the eyesof the German jury. However, Tehlirian, as his-tory buffs know (and Bogosian found out),was not a mere student, but an assassin inOperation Nemesis, based in Watertown,Mass., run by the Armenian RevolutionaryFederation. The group, which also includedShahan Natalie, knew many of the YoungTurks from the years before the Young Turkscame to power and waged genocide againstthe Armenians. Thus, after their erstwhilefriends became their enemies, they knewexactly who their targets were and through

Operation Nemesis, dispatched the top eightleaders, including Talaat, Enver and Jamaal.The group disbanded once the eight Turkmasterminds (as well as three Armeniantraitors who had fed information to theOttoman and Turkish authorities) were killed.There is original research in the book,

including some of Tehlirian’s papers, translat-ed by Aram Arkun.Bogosian said the more he learns about

Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, the moreimpressed he becomes. “They could not havehad that empire without Armenians. [Bykilling the Armenians] they killed them-selves.”Bogosian is married to director Jo Bonney

and has two sons. “My younger son has taken

the trouble to learn Armenian,” he said. “It’sweird, because I’m only used to old peoplespeaking it,” he joked.Among the plays he has performed in and

written are “Funhouse,” “Drinking inAmerica” and “Suburbia.” He has publishedseveral books, including Pounding Nails inthe Floor with My Forehead and Mall. He hasalso been in movies such as “Under Siege 2:Dark Territory,” with Seagal, Woody Allen’s“Deconstructing Harry,” the mystery thriller,“Gossip,” “Wonderland” with Val Kilmer and“Igby Goes Down.” He was also on TV’s “Lawand Order: Criminal Intent” for many years.A reception followed his talk, during which

he gamely answered questions from manyfans.

14 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

ARTS & LIVING

S A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2

Actor/Writer Eric Bogosian Delves into Armenian History

From left, Susan Giragosian, Karen Hovsepian, Cheryl Panjian, Eric Bogosian, Nellie Bogosian,Karen Diranian and Brenda Khedrian

Sayat Nova Dancers to Perform at Armenian Genocide Observance April 15

WATERTOWN, Mass.— Prof. Taner Akçam,Kaloosdian & Mugar Professor of ArmenianGenocide Studies at Clark University, will dis-cuss new perspectives on the ArmenianGenocide based on his latest book at a pro-gram at the Armenian Library and Museumof America (ALMA) on Sunday, April 15,beginning at 2 p.m.The book, The Young Turks’ Crime

Against Humanity: the Armenian Genocideand Ethnic Cleansing in the OttomanEmpire, has just been released by PrincetonUniversity Press. In it, Akçam introduces newevidence from more than 600 secret Ottomandocuments that demonstrate in unprecedent-ed detail that the Armenian Genocide result-ed from an official effort to engage in demo-graphic engineering and assimilation in orderto rid the Turkish Empire of its Christian sub-jects.These previously inaccessible documents,

from deep inside the bureaucratic machineryof Ottoman Turkey, along with the author’sexpert context and analysis, show how adying empire embraced genocide and ethniccleansing.This book follows another major study by

Akçam released last fall, Judgment atIstanbul, coauthored with genocide scholarVahakn Dadrian, in which the indictmentsand verdicts of the Turkish Military Tribunals

held at the end of World War I werepublished in English for the first time.These tribunals court-marshaledwartime cabinet ministers, Young Turkparty leaders and a number of othersfor crimes committed against theArmenians.One of the first scholars of Turkish

origin to publicly acknowledge theArmenian Genocide, Akçam has pub-lished a serious of groundbreakingbooks and articles on the subject,including A Shameful Act: TheArmenian Genocide and the Questionof Turkish Responsibility. He also lec-tures and participates in conferencesthroughout the United States andabroad.Born in of a small town in north-

eastern Turkey, Akçam graduated fromthe Middle East Technical University inAnkara. Active in the Turkish studentdemocracy movement, he was arrestedand sentenced to 10 years of imprison-ment. After one year he managed toescape to Germany, where he earnedhis doctorate from Hanover University,writing a thesis on Turkish Nationalism andthe Armenian Genocide. He was associateprofessor of history at the University ofMinnesota, before joining the faculty at Clark

in 2008.The ALMA program is free to the public. A

reception and book-signing will follow theprogram.

Cover of Taner Akçam’s latest book

ALMA to Host Book Presentation by Prof. Taner Akçam

T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O RS A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2

ARTS & LIVING

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BOYADJIAN, from page 13The idea of a sculpture evolved from a couple

of parallel goals. One was to complement theexisting footstone memorials to the state’s 153victims — two long strips installed on SherwoodIsland in September 2003 — by creating a keyto the location of individual names as well asplaques with more biographical material abouteach victim. Another goal stemmed from arequest by Paul Kirwin, whose son Glenn hadbeen among the Cantor Fitzgerald employeeswho died, to do what many other memorialshad done: obtain a steel I-beam that had beenin a tower to exhibit intact.The Department of Energy and

Environmental Protection, which runs theSherwood site as part of its park there, mergedthe two ideas, deciding in the process to obtainsome of the aluminum the Port Authority hasamong its remnants from the buildings becauseit would withstand the elements — particularlysalt spray from Long Island Sound — betterthan steel.Those competing for the $10,000 commis-

sion had to be able to work with aluminum andhad to come up with a design to fit in a spacethat was about nine-feet-high and 24-feet-wideand would incorporate plaques for each victim,

to be produced by Rumney Associates inMadison along with other signage.While not a requisite, the artists also had to

be mindful that emotions have run high aroundSeptember 11 memorials, with survivors oftenclashing with government and others over whatought to be done.“It did have the potential for being messy,”

said Deanna Lia, who was on the committeethat chose the artists and was also one of twostate officials lent from other departments — inher case Children and Families — to form theOffice of Family Support, established by thestate not long after the attack to assist familiesof victims. “What we tried to do was be asrespectful as possible.”“It is a dance of sorts,” she said. “You have to

remember these people have been touched in away that few of us can really understand. I thinkit’s been handled well. I do.”Boyajian admitted that people are likely to

have different opinions about the memorial,but, he said, “you have to be on the outside ofthis thing — I think artists have always donethat.” Boyajian and Rink’s design, named“Sanctuary,” grew from Boyajian’s perceptionof the Trade Center arches as trees, and hisnotion that trees were the first room, the first

form of shelter. The theme is rebirth — new lifegrowing from the remains.New aluminum with a brushed finish was

used for tree trunks on each side of what inessence is a frame around the name plaques.The artists fashioned 79 leaves for a canopyacross the top. Scattered across the tree topsare large, poppy-like flowers — one for each yearsince the attack — transformed from the old alu-minum, but retaining its history in the visibleholes, tears, scars, corrugations and dulled exte-riors. The folds and angles catch light and shad-ows unevenly, casting faint, almost ghostlyimages as if a body had been there.Reshaping remains from the site instead of

leaving them whole is unusual amongSeptember 11 memorials. And making that firstcut back in July had the two artists decidedlyanxious.“How do I feel about cutting those pieces

up?” asked Boyajian at the time. “I don’t feellike really great about that, to tell you the truth.But in terms of where we’re going and whatwe’re doing it becomes an important part.”Rink added: “I think we come at it from a

humble perspective and with good intentions,trying to respect and honor the materials asmuch as we possibly can through the way thatwe actually work with them, which I thinkcomes from trying to preserve as much of thesurface detail as possible.”That concept has resonated with those who

saw the sculpture before its September 8 unveil-ing at the site’s annual memorial service.“The way in which he shaped the aluminum

from the World Trade Center left me with areally deep feeling,” said Susan Frechette, adeputy commissioner at the ConnecticutDepartment of Energy and EnvironmentalProtection who was also part of the selectioncommittee. “You look at the floral images hemade out of the aluminum and see the scars; itwas painful, yet I think it had the desired effect,which was to make you remember — and at thesame time it provides a sense of beauty.”Frechette and many others said they appreci-

ated the reverence the artists had for the WorldTrade Center metal.“What impressed me is you could see the

numbers on the material,” Kirwin said. “I thinkit’s beautiful. It has a nice feeling to it. They dida beautiful job. No complaints.”The 9/11 Living Memorial is in Sherwood

Island State Park, Sherwood Island Connector,Westport, 8 a.m. until sunset, year round. Forinformation, visit ct.gov/deep or friendsofsher-woodisland.org.

The Delicate Task of Reshaping Remnants of 9/11

Ara Ghazarians to SpeakAt Ararat-Eskijian MuseumOn Swiss HumanitarianJakob KünzlerMISSION HILLS, Calif. — The Ararat-Eskijian

Museum will host a presentation about JakobKünzler by the curator of theArmenian CulturalFoundation of, ArlingtonMass., Ara Ghazarians, onTuesday, April 17, at 7:30p.m.Künzler was a Swiss of

German origin who residedin an Orient mission in Urfaand witnessed the Genocide.From 1915-1917, Künzler

became an eyewitness of the Genocide aimed atthe Armenians, and he writes about this in hisbook, In The Land of Blood and Tears (1921).Even though his life was in peril, he helped pro-vide for thousands of Armenian orphans andresumed the hospital in Urfa.Ghazarians received his PhD from the

Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, TuftsUniversity. He has translated and edited 10books, including three books by and about theprolific Armenian writer Karapents, includingHakob Karapents: A Bibliography.In the Land of Blood and Tears will be avail-

able for sale after the talk, as well as other pub-lications by the Armenian Cultural Foundation.For more information contact the Ararat-

Eskijian Museum at ararat-eskijian-muse-um@netzero.net.

Ara Ghazarian

Play on Armenian Genocide to BeStaged in New YorkNEW YORK (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Libra 6 Productions, Inc. presents “Silence,” an orig-

inal play by Herand Markarian, directed by Kevin Thompson, starring Lorraine Serabian andbeginning May 4, Broadwayworld.com reports.Set against the backdrop of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, “Silence” is the story of a

woman’s journey to survive, embrace her family and preserve her Armenian heritage.“‘Silence’ holds the power to enlighten us to the tangible effects that the Armenian

Genocide has left upon families and individuals during the past 100 years. It evokes thesilence of history and the silence of those who survived the Genocide. As we move towardthe 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide it is time to educate the world that thisatrocity really happened. Moreover, we must learn from ‘Silence’ to draw parallels to currentworld affairs in Syria, Darfur and other parts of Africa,” according to Broadwayworld.com.“Silence” will begin previews on May 4, at The Shell Theater and run through May 24, with

talk-backs following the performances on May 4, 9, 12 and 24.

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AAPPRRIILL 2211--2222 —— AArrmmeenniiaann FFoooodd aanndd MMuussiicc FFeesstt -- 22001122.. Saturday, 11a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday, 12-5 p.m. Armenian food, pastries, includingMediterranean specialities. Arts and crafts vendors and music, KidsFun Zone, bounce houses, face painting, games and fun surprises. St.Mary Armenian Church, 4050 NW 100 Ave., Cooper City. FestivalHotline: (954) 450-5578. For information, e-mail stmaryfl@aol.com.

AAPPRRIILL 1155 —— ““OOuurr DDaayy ttoo RReemmeemmbbeerr,,”” a memorial tribute toArmenian martyrs featuring Sayat Nova Dance Ensemble, 3 p.m.,North Andover High School, 430 Osgood St., sponsored byArmenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of MerrimackValley. Adults, $15. Students, $5. Reception to follow.

MMAAYY 2244 —— CCeelleebbrraattiinngg 8800 yyeeaarrss aanndd bbeeyyoonndd,, BBeenneeffiitt GGaallaa ooff tthheeAArrmmeenniiaann MMiirrrroorr--SSppeeccttaattoorr.. Thursday, reception, 6:30 p.m.; dinner7:30 p.m., Boston Royal Sonesta, Cambridge. Keynote speaker, VigenSargsyan, chief of staff of the President of the Republic of Armenia.2012 Lifetime Achievement Award will be bestowed upon Dr.Gregory H. Adamian, chancellor and president emeritus of BentleyUniversity; 2012 Award of Excellence will be bestowed upon JanetShamalian, national correspondent for “NBC News” from Texas, andCharles Mahtesian, Politico newspaper’s national policy editor,Washington, DC. For information, call (617) 359-0413.

MMAAYY 1199,, 22001122 —— HHMMAADDSS GGaallaa DDiinnnneerr DDaannccee.. Details to follow, June25. HMADS 30th Commencement Exercise at 8 p.m., Kalustyan Hall.

OOCCTTOOBBEERR 2288 —— SSaavvee tthhee ddaattee.. TThhee AArrmmeenniiaann AAmmeerriiccaann SSuuppppoorr ttaanndd EEdduuccaattiioonnaall CCeenntteerr,, HHyyee DDoooonn,, cceelleebbrraatteess iittss 3355tthh aannnniivveerr--ssaarryy.. Felician College, Lodi. With the participation of Akh’tamarDance Ensemble and other talented guest performances. Details tofollow.

AAPPRRIILL 2222 —— ““TTuurrkkeeyy iiss GGuuiillttyy ooff GGeennoocciiddee,, DDeennyy iinngg tthheeUUnnddeenniiaabbllee iiss AA CCrriimmee,,”” AArrmmeenniiaann GGeennoocciiddee CCoommmmeemmoorraattiioonnaatt TTiimmeess SSqquuaarree.. 2 p.m., 43rd and Broadway, New York City.Sponsored by Knights and Daughters of Vartan, Inc. Co-sponsored byAGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian NationalCommittee of America, ADL-Ramgavars, Armenian Council ofAmerica with the participation of: Diocese of the Armenian Churchof America (Eastern), Prelacy of the Armenian Church of America(Eastern), Armenian Missionary Association of America, ArmenianCatholic Eparchy for US and Canada, ACYOA, AYF, Armenian youthorganizations, Armenian university and college clubs. For free bus

transportation to and from Times Square, call: Diocese (212) 686-0710; Prelacy (212) 689-7810, NJ; Sona (551) 427-8763; HolyMartyrs, John, (718) 631-2247; St. Sarkis, Eddy, (917) 885-9729; St.Vartanantz, NJ, Kostan, (201) 741-9789; Paramus, Andy (201) 368-2791; Holy Cross, NJ, Very Rev. Vazken Karayan (201) 865-2790,Queens Armenian Center, Sako, (516) 805-5816 and Brooklyn,Tigran, (374) 291-7765 or visit www.knightsofvartan.org, click April24, http://april24nyc.com, www.armenianradionj orwww.theforgotten.org.

AAPPRRIILL 2288 —— RReebbiirr tthh CCoonncceerr tt:: dedicated to the 20th anniversary ofboth the Armenian National Military and Armenia’s membership tothe United Nations. Organized by the Tekeyan Cultural Association ofNY/NJ. With the participation of renowned artists from Armenia andthe Philharmonic Symphonic Orchestra of Rhode Island, to take placeat 8 p.m.; the Merkin Concert Hall of Kaufman center, 129 West67th St., New York City. Save the date. Details to follow.

MMAAYY 1122 —— SShhuusshhii hhoossttss aa GGaallaa DDiinnnneerr DDaannccee for an evening of“Celebration,” 20th anniversary of Shushi’s liberation, Mother’s Day.Anniversary of Shushi Dance Ensemble, Kavookjian Hall, 630 SecondAve., New York City. Details to follow.

CC AA L E N D A RL E N D A R

On April 28, a concert dedicated to the 20thanniversary of both the Armenian NationalMilitary and Armenia’s membership to theUN, featuring the Philharmonic SymphonicOrchestra, will take place at 8 p.m. at theMerkin Concert Hall of Kaufman Center, pic-tured above, 129 West 67th St., New YorkCity.

NEW JERSEY

MASSACHUSETTS

NEW YORK

FLORIDA

Entertainment Fridaysand Saturdays

‘Rebirth’ Concert in NYCUnites CommunityREBIRTH, from page 1musicians, under the direction of KonstantinPetrossian, who has undertaken the musicalarrangements and will be conducting anddirecting the concert.The evening will highlight the two legendary

artists from Armenia: Ruben Matevosyan andRaysa Megerdchian. Also participating will be twoopera singers, Yeghishe Manucharyan, who is atenor with the Metropolitan Opera, and VictoriaAvetisyan, a mezzo soprano with the Boston Opera. Other popular singers will perform as well:

Vicken Tarpinian from France and ArevikGharibyan and Johnny Roubian from Yerevan. Also participating in the commencement of the

concert will be the Hamazkayin Arekag chorus,under the direction of Vagharshag Ohanian.This event brings together the different cul-

tural community organizations, in the NewYork Metropolitan area.

— Shoghig Chalian

Sibil Debut Concert in NJSIBIL, from page 13many months and until the last minute for thesuccess of the event. The result was fantastic.Inviting Sibil to New York was a daring but bril-liant idea. Second, being able to fill the hallwith nearly 1,000 people was a great feat. Third,coordinating the performance of so many musi-cians and dancers on the stage with onerehearsal alone was amazing. With her uniquevoice and style Sibil immediately enchanted theaudience. Burak Bedikyan on the piano and theMelik Ohanian Orchestra conducted by veteran-musician Majak Tosikyan in the backgroundgave cumulative eloquence to the concert. Theperformance of the Shushi Dance Ensembleoverjoyed their fans once again. All in all, it wassuch a memorable evening.” Similar congratu-latory messages were heard and received frommany other attendees.Special thanks went to CARS from Herman

Hintiryan, who wrote: “…without the generosityand hard work of organizations such as CARS,Terchoonian Home Orphanage (in Armenia)would not be as successful as it is today.”

(Report courtesy of the Armenian RadioHour New Jersey.)

Zerounian Ensemble toPerform at RegattabarCAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Julia Zerounian

and the Zerounian Ensemble will performat the Regattabar on April 19 at 7:30 p.m.The following musicians comprise the

ensemble: Kista Buckland Reisner, violin;Marco Granados, flute; Claudio Ragazzi,guitar; Grant Smith, percussion; MarkHenry, bass and Sarkis Zerounian, piano. For reservations and additional infor-

mation go to the Regattabar website.

WYNNEWOOD, Penn. — Shaking things upin Philadelphia, a 20-member committee of vol-unteers is working for Birthright Armenia’s pre-mier Philadelphia event, Art & Jazz SpringFeston the Main Line, taking place on Saturday,May 5, in the newly-renovated Memorial Hall ofSt. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church.“Our team of volunteers has put their best

out-of-the-box thinking into every step of theevent planning trail,” said Committee ChairLisa Manookian. “What started out as a just aconcept over dinner 10 months ago, has turnedinto an elegant, cutting-edge and much antici-pated event for all of us here in Philadelphia.What attracted me to Birthright Armenia,enough to motivate me to volunteer numeroushours each week, is its ability to transform thelives of a generation of young adults who visitour homeland and return to their communitieswith a vigor and compassion to serve. The spir-it of volunteerism and civic responsibilityinstilled by the organization is inspiring, partic-ularly among those who never grew up with anArmenian connection. The proceeds of thisevent will go to further expand upon the greatwork Birthright Armenia has solidly producedover the last eight years. We’re hoping to spon-sor at least an additional 30 volunteers toArmenia in 2012 with SpringFest’s success,”said Manookian.The event will showcase more than 130

pieces of original artwork by 32 artists ofArmenian descent, with a portion of their salesbenefiting the hosting organization. In additionto the art, hors d’oeuvres, raffle items, open barfrom 7 to 8 p.m. and the first area appearanceof Boston’s Black Sea Salsa Band are all includ-ed in admission price.“It is a coming out event for Birthright

Armenia that includes many ‘firsts’ for us,” saidExecutive Director Linda Yepoyan. “SpringFestis a completely new concept for the Philadelphiaarea and our hardworking committee is pullingout all the stops to ensure its success. Whatattendees are used to experiencing here in termsof fundraisers will not be found at SpringFest.Like everything Birthright Armenia does, weenjoy mixing things up and raising the bar a bithigher to challenge ourselves and others to dothings just a bit differently than what mostexpect or consider traditional. And we are proudto be bringing Black Sea Salsa to town, as thiswill mark their first appearance outside of NewEngland,” added Yepoyan.Led by composer and trumpeter Dan Teager,

Black Sea Salsa is a 15-piece world-music groupmade up of six horns, four vocalists and a five-piece rhythm section, playing an original blendof Latin jazz and blues that can best bedescribed as “Armenian salsa.” Yepoyan added,“I just keep promising people the salsa, mamboand Armenian line-dancing all in one, which

attendees are surely anticipating.”Featured will be the following diverse artists

from throughout the US, Canada and Armenia:Virginia Arakelian, Alice Aznavourian, MargaretBoyajian, Elizabeth Derderian, Areg Elibekian,Robert Elibekian, Vagharshag Elibekian, TigranGhuylan, Lynne Dian Gulezian, ArmenGyulamiryan, Sayyat Hacikoglu, HakobHakobian, Lucy Kalian, Rosanne Kaloustian,Armen Kankanian, Jackie Kazarian, MoniqueKendikian-Sarkessian, Mher Khachatryan,Roudolf Kharatian, Jeanette Koumjian, RoseManteghian, Sema Ohanian Mellian, AdrienneMinassian, Varteni Mosdichian, RudikPetrosyan, Mary-Roud, Simon Samsonian, Serli,Christina Vandian, Irene Vandian, ArmenYepoyan and Ara Zeibarian.“The works of Vagharshag Elibekian and

Simon Samsonian, both deceased, are notedcollectibles in the art world. Birthright Armeniais grateful to their grandsons, Areg Elibekianand Alan Semerdjian, for sharing their grandfa-thers’ works for this special event,” saidYepoyan.For tickets, contact Arpie Zerounian at

a_zero@comcast.net. Or purchase ticketsonline via Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/events/211436842272166.For additional information, visit

http://www.birthrightarmenia.org.

Art & Jazz SpringFest on the Main Line to Benefit Birthright Armenia

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18 S A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

COMMENTARY

By Edmond Y. Azadian

Why is the Armenian Genocide relevant today, after 97 years?This question is asked often by non-Armenians and sometimeseven by Armenians themselves. Therefore, we need a broader def-inition of that act of ethnic cleansing that befell the Armeniannation in order to understand its relevance today.

First of all, the Genocide is not an act that began and endedin 1915. It had a long history before that date — and it has beencontinuing since that date — with the single purpose of extermi-nating the entire Armenian race from the face of the earth.

Nazi Germany invented the concept of “vital space” just beforeand during World War II. Their goal was to extend and expandGermany at the expense of other nations. But the Turks hadalready been practicing that philosophy ever since they set footon the Anatolian plateau by displacing and exterminating thelocal people, and from there on, building their empire.

The major obstacle in their way was the declining ByzantineEmpire, which was destroyed effectively by Fatih SultanMuhammad in 1453 AD.

The corruption, political myopia and loss of self-respect con-tributed to the downfall of the Byzantines, perhaps more thanthe might of the emerging Ottomans.

Armenia and the Armenians became the collateral damage inthat apocalyptic collision.

From then on, it was a natural process for the Turks to seekand attain that vital space in their need for settlement and expan-sion.

The process of genocide began against the Armenians with theimposition of the Ottoman rule on historic Armenia.

The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of theCrime of Genocide, which was adopted by the United Nations onDecember 9, 1948, can be applied retroactively against theTurkish government, which continually violated the principles ofthat convention.

Article 2 of the UN Convention defines genocide in the fol-lowing terms:

a) killing members of the group;b) causing serious bodily or mental harm to the members of

the group;c) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calcu-

lated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;d) imposing measures intended to prevent birth within the

group ande) forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.All the above conditions were imposed on the Armenians by

the Ottoman rulers, a time which Turkey’s present foreign min-ister considers one when there were ideal and idyllic relationsbetween the rulers and their slave society.

The most cynical condition imposed on the Armenians wassection (e) of the article 2, namely “forcibly transferring childrenof the group to another group.” This case was a wicked compo-nent of the Janissary system, whereby the Ottoman governmentwould seek and kidnap (or “collect,” as the term was) therecruits as part of devshirmes, the name given to the young kid-napping victims. After years of rigorous military training, theseconverts were transformed into the most brutal force used torepress the Armenians and other Christians, the very peoplewho had given birth to them.

The 1915 Genocide was only a modern version of what wasbeing perpetrated against the Armenians for centuries beforethat date.

But the Genocide was not a single act that took place at a cer-tain date and ended at a certain date. It is a process that has con-tinued since 1915 and continues even to this day. That is why itis important to broaden its definition and its existential impacton the Armenian history.

After Turkey was defeated during World War I, the Ittihadistleaders fled the country to avoid the punishments the militarytrials were expected to mete out, but the rank and file, the gov-ernment apparatchiks who actually carried out the grisly ordersof their leaders, were still in the country and ready to changetheir skin and enter the service of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,whose policy of the Turkification of Turkey was no differentfrom that of his predecessors. That is why the Kemalist forceswere equally ruthless in dumping the Greeks into the sea inSmyrna and deporting the Armenians from Cilicia.

One of the reasons historian Taner Akçam believes Turkey isreluctant to recognize the Genocide is the fear of compensation,since most of the families ruling Turkey’s economy now havebeen sitting on wealth confiscated from the Armenians.

Ataturk’s Turkification policy was more modern, effective andthorough, albeit with all the trimmings of racism, which theWest chose to ignore.

Ataturk and his successors were no more charitable than theirIttihadist predecessors, as they demonstrated time and againtheir ruthless policies against the minorities, especially theArmenians, virtually destroying Armenian schools and applyingall manner of legal gymnastics to the terms of the Treaty ofLausanne of 1923.

And then, another deportation during World War II and itsaftermath, concocting a tax rule, called Wealth Tax (VarlikVergisi) which ruined the Armenian, Greek and Jewish commu-nities and murdered many of its business leaders in the laborcamps of Ashkala.

This was the visible phase of the continuing Genocide told byArmenians leaving Istanbul, especially after the barbaric attacksof September 6, 1955, in demonstrations sanctioned and orga-nized by the government, as later revelations came to prove.

Incidentally, similar demonstrations were organized by thegovernment in Istanbul to commemorate the “genocide” ofKhojali (in Karabagh), with the participation of the IstanbulMayor Kadir Topbas and the Minister of Interior Idris NaimSahim. The latter spoke to a bloodthirsty crowd vowing toavenge the blood of Khojali victims.

While these violent acts of terror were being perpetratedagainst Armenians in Istanbul recently, the inexorable process ofgenocide was continuing against the surviving Armenians in theinterior. Millions of them have been silently converted to Islamor have tried to conceal their identity in any way they could inorder to escape arbitrary killing, persecution, property confisca-tion and abuse for being “gavours.”

The outside world seldom hears about the plight of those leftbehind.

Recently, an interesting book was published by a young writerwhose family had survived in the interiors, in Palu, close to theSyrian border. The book is titled Grey Wolves and White Doves.Although it is presented as a work of fiction, every abuse, insultand murder perpetrated against Armenians in that region anddescribed in the book can be corroborated by eyewitnessaccounts.

The book does not delve into the Genocide era nor theAshkala period; instead, it gives insights into the 1960s and ’70s.

The description of a single incident gives the entire tenor ofthis 400-page docudrama.

The protagonist, Jonah, and his two brothers, are being takento the passport office in Istanbul to receive exit visas to leave forthe Armenian seminary in Jerusalem: “[the passport officer] wasclearly intrigued. Armenians from the Mardin District. His tonewas one of astonishment mixed with a healthy dose of contempt.‘I thought we had solved the Armenian question and no gavourswere left in Anatolia.’”

The reluctance of the officer — who had taken the boys to beJews — softens upon receiving the proper amount of bribes andhe issues the visas with the following comments: “What do I careif the Jewish bastards go to Jerusalem or not? As far as I’m con-cerned, it would be so much the better for Turkey if they did. Weneed to get rid of all of you! Jews, Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians,Kurds — all the same despicable vermin!”

Today, the official mentality of the government is no different.The Turkish government today continues to commit cultural

genocide against 2,000 Armenian churches and monasteries,showcasing only the Akhtamar and Diyrabekir churches to dupeEurope.

The Genocide not only killed 1.5 million, but also many moreunborn millions. This is not an unusual demographic projection,since it has its precedence. Thus, when Poland joined the EU, itspresident demanded that his country be given voting power inthe EU Parliament than its actual population warranted, arguingthat Poland’s population today would have been 25 million morehad it not been for the Nazi extermination. Today the number ofKurds in Turkey has grown to 20-22 million. Had Armeniansbeen left in their historic habitat, they would certainly havematched that number.

Therefore, the guilt of the Genocide extends over the unborn,which would have ranked Armenia among the major powers inthe region.

Unfortunately, today the Azeri President Ilham Aliyev speakswith contempt about the dwindling population of Armenia, adirect result of the Turkish-Azeri blockade in their continuingpolicy of destroying Armenia.

The Genocide has also another dimension, which we considerto be our curse, but we seldom relate to the Turkish plan ofassimilating Armenians. During the negotiations leading to thesigning of the Lausanne Treaty, Lord Curzon of Britain askedthe Turkish representative, Ismet Onunu, whether Turkey wouldbe willing to absorb the surviving Armenian refugees, andOnunu cynically retorts: “There are vast and vacant lands inCanada and Brazil. Why don’t you settle them there?”

And Armenians did exactly what Onunu had prescribed forthem.

Yes, indeed, Armenians are living in affluent societies, butmaterial wealth does not compensate for the loss of identity. Andwho said that had Armenians continued to live in their ancestrallands, they would be less affluent than they are today in theWest?

The child who cannot utter his mother tongue is a continuingvictim of the Genocide, no matter how much opulence is afford-ed to him.

Unfortunately, world powers are still courting their “trustedally” and dancing around the word “genocide” while Turkey’sguilt is festering and poisoning modern history and civilization.

Established 1932

An ADL Publication

EDITOR

Alin K. Gregorian

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Aram ArkunART DIRECTOR

Marc Mgrditchian

PRODUCTION

Dilani Yogaratnam

SENIOREDITORIAL COLUMNIST:Edmond Azadian

CONTRIBUTORS:Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian,Daphne Abeel, Dr. HaroutiuneArzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof.Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana DerHovanessian, Philip Ketchian, KevorkKeushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido,Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, HagopVartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian

CORRESPONDENTS:

Armenia - Hagop AvedikianBoston - Nancy KalajianPhiladelphia - Lisa Manookian

Contributing Photographers:Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, JirairHovsepian

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Mirror-Spectator

Armenian Genocide in ProgressCOMMENTARY

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By Dr. Arda Jebejian

“We must know the white man language to sur-vive in this world. But we must know our lan-guage to survive forever.” (Darryl Babe Wilson, aNative American)

The recent well-justified alarm that westernArmenian is among the world’s thousands ofendangered languages (that is, predicted to die inthe next 100 years), important though it is, is notenough. What this language, culture and peopleneed is the development of therapeutic under-takings and approaches.

The case of endangered languages is just ashort-cut way of referring to endangered culturesand cultural identities, especially in an era whereglobalization, definitely not a culturally neutral orimpartial phenomenon, has rendered reversinglanguage shift an unequal struggle for linguists.

As an Armenian sociolinguist, not only am Icommitted to pursue the goals of strengtheningmy own endangered language, culture and iden-tity via objective persuasion and advocacy of pos-itive attitudes to foster intergenerational continu-ity but also to seek a reasonable compromise withrespect to the culturally stronger dominant lan-guages neighboring Armenian diasporic commu-nities. Admittedly, such a combination of sensitiv-ity and of priorities is difficult to achieve; hence,the demanding task of strengthening endangered

languages. Linguists have identified thousands of the

world’s languages that are endangered because ofa recognizable syndrome that varies in kind anddegree, from one endangered language to anoth-er. Similarly, the cures must also vary.

The bulk of Armenian diasporic communitieswere formed after the 1915 Genocide. Since then,the impact of forced dispersal, survival in hostcountries and the dominant majority languageson the status of their language and the linguisticand attitudinal behavior of their members hasbeen tremendous.

Seven years ago, when I began researching thevitality of western Armenian in Beirut, Lebanon,the findings almost shocked the Armenian com-munity but slowly generated an awareness of thecurrent trends in language maintenance, lan-guage shift and transmission of their ethnic,minority language whose alphabet, like the TenCommandments, was bestowed on MesrobMashdots in a divine vision.

What unfolds is deterioration in the status ofwestern Armenian and the oral fluency of itsspeakers. The generational disparities in attitudesand perceptions demonstrate that along with thesignificant changes in the way different genera-tions of Armenians grasp their ethno-culturalidentity, there are also considerable differencesregarding feelings of loyalty to their ethnic lan-guage, homeland and heritage.

After 97 years of diasporic existence, some

Armenian communities seem to have developed adefeatist, pessimistic stance towards the preserva-tion of their ethnic language, with a stubbornconviction that

I am French. Why should I speak Armenian?What good will it do me in France?I am American. I feel American. The fact that

my ancestors were Armenian a 100 years ago hasno significance to me.

Why do we always have to make it hard on our-selves? We have to move on with our lives.

Who cares if nobody ever speaks Armenian anymore?

We will never go back to Armenia or westernArmenia. What is the good of wasting time, pres-suring our kids, demanding that they speakArmenian?

I don’t speak Armenian but I feel Armenian.Let’s admit it. In today’s world, Armenian is a

useless language.Armenian is so difficult. English is much much

easier.English is my mother tongue now. I do every-

thing in English and don’t need Armenian. Forget it. It’s a lost case. Have you ever heard

how Armenians speak Armenian in Armenia? Letthem worry about their language.

I don’t want to hear about it. It makes me feelguilty.

Life is already hard. Don’t make it any harder. I wasn’t born in Armenia. Why should I speak

Armenian? How is Armenian going to help my children

find a job? There is no future in Armenian.Indeed, there is very little a sociolinguist can do

when faced with such attitudes emanating frommembers of a group whose ethnic language isendangered.

At this moment, many Armenian children arenot being taught Armenian, and parents do notrealize that soon it will not be there to be revived.As a sociolinguist I must make this as clear as pos-sible, but it may not change many minds.

Rightly, linguists assert that besides being lin-guistically expressed, behaviors such as the edu-cation, the religious beliefs and observances, theself-governmental operations, the literature, thefolklore, philosophy of morals and ethics, themedical code of illnesses and diseases, childhood

socialization, establishment of friendship and kin-ship ties, greetings, jokes, songs, benedictionsand maledictions are usually enacted through thespecific language with which these activitiesendured, have been identified and inter-genera-tionally associated. Hence, as efforts and aware-ness campaigns are directed at slowing downenvironmental damage, similar efforts should bedirected at helping the world’s endangered lan-guages and cultures, including western Armenianand culture. Any reduction of language diversitydiminishes the adaptational strength of thehuman species, which constitutes a huge intellec-tual loss and reduces the most direct glimpses atthe creativity of the human mind. Also, it repre-sents an incalculable loss of scientific data, whichcauses a loss of traditional cultures and identities,stultifies human creativity and leads to totalitari-anism.

Joshua Fishman, the prominent linguist,describes the proponents of “one language, oneculture as ‘reductionists’ whose ‘realism’ reduceshuman values, emotions, loyalties and philoso-phies to little more than hard cash and bruteforces.” Alts’iisi, a Navajo, puts it this way:

“When the words of all people become one,then the world will come to an end. Our languageis holy, and when it is gone, the good in life willbe gone with it. When the old ones said that theworld would end with the disappearance of ourlanguage, they meant that the young peoplecould not hear, understand and heed the teach-ings, words of encouragement, expressions oflove, scoldings and corrections that were offeredby the parents and elder relatives; nor would theybe able to pray. Without prayers, our lives cannotbe good, for without words there can be noprayers.”

These are far from being exhaustive lists, buthopefully they get across the message that opti-mally all efforts must be exerted to instill pride inthe Armenian language and identity and create alinkage system, whereby young Armenian par-ents, adolescents and children utilize theArmenian language or relearn it and transmit itintergenerationally.

(Dr. Arda Jebejian received her PhD in linguistics and teaches at universities in

Lebanon and Cyprus.)

S A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 1 2 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 19

COMMENTARY

Turkey’s Foreign Minister InSearch of ‘Soft’ Armenians

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkey’s “man onthe run,” has added to his extremely busy schedule the newtask of traveling around the globe trying to recruit “sensi-ble” Armenians.

Davutoglu has embarked on such a desperate initiativeafter the failure of all Turkish attempts to divide and con-quer the Armenians and weaken their resolve to pursuetheir just cause. The Turkish foreign minister openlyacknowledged that his urgent efforts are prompted by thelooming 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide thathangs like a Damoclean Sword over his country.

After the collapse of the Turkish ArmenianReconciliation Commission (TARC) and Turkey’s futileattempts to seek “friendly” Armenians around the world,Ankara gave up on the diaspora altogether and turned itsattention to a “softer target” — the government of Armenia.

Initially, Turkey registered some success when theArmenia-Turkey Protocols were signed by both coun-tries, under the guise of opening their mutual border.However, this latest attempt to drive a wedge between“soft” Armenian officials and “hard-line” diasporans alsofailed, when the much-touted Protocols were not rati-fied.

Realizing that Turkey had to deal with the diaspora, notjust Armenia to resolve Genocide related issues, Davutogluonce again turned his attention to Armenian communities

worldwide. During a March 24, 2010 CNN-Turk interview,he announced that Turkish authorities would initiate a dia-log with “sensible” Diaspora Armenians.

To pursue this stratagem, in April 2010 Davutoglu metin Washington with Turkey’s ambassadors to the UnitedStates and Canada and consul generals in Chicago,Houston, Los Angeles and Toronto. He instructed them tocontact Armenians who are open to dialog, and to avoid“hard-line groups,” according to the Turkish Today’sZaman newspaper.

A few weeks later, Hurriyet reported that the ForeignMinistry issued a 10-point action plan, instructing Turkishdiplomats worldwide to:

Invite and involve local Armenians in Turkish events;Participate in Armenian community activities;Contact Armenians who are materially benefiting from

making Genocide claims as well as recent immigrants fromTurkey and invite to Turkey those who harbor anti-Turkishsentiments;

Establish good relations with Armenian diplomats andattend their official events;

Accept speaking opportunities at local community anduniversity events to explain Turkey’s position on Armeniangenocide claims;

Establish contacts with local academics to explain tothem Turkey’s position;

Develop contacts with diplomats of countries neighbor-ing Turkey and familiarize them with Turkey’s position onArmenian Genocide claims;

Advocate the creation of “a joint commission of histori-ans”; Promote normalization of Armenian-Turkish rela-tions and Emphasize that the peaceful resolution of theKarabagh conflict would benefit Armenian-Turkish rela-tions.

In December 2011, Turkey announced a revised conceptof “Diaspora” to include all descendants of “Anatolia,”regardless of their religion or sect. Davutoglu instructed allTurkish diplomats to hold “face-to-face” meetings withsuch individuals in order to discuss their “joint history”

and “the suffering of all Ottoman people during the inci-dents of the World War I era.”

Dissatisfied with the efforts of his diplomats, Davutogludecided to take matters into his own hands. Last month, hespent several hours in Washington meeting privately withseveral Armenians and non-Armenians from the LosAngeles area to discuss “Armenian-Turkish reconciliation.”The Turkish Foreign Minister also invited the attendees tocome to Ankara and bring along other “prominent”Armenians. Since then, Davutoglu has held similar meet-ings elsewhere.

Meanwhile, another Turkish-initiated group on“Armenian-Turkish reconciliation” will be launched onApril 12 in Washington. The host group “HasNa” is set tomeet at the offices of Arnold & Porter, a lobbying firmhired by the Turkish government. The attendees willinclude some Armenians and Turks, US government offi-cials, members of the media, non-governmental organiza-tions, academics and others.

Armenians who choose to get involved in Turkish recruit-ment schemes could well be seeking fame or fortune, or arewell-intentioned, but naive do-gooders. However, regardlessof the reasons for their involvement in such questionablepractices, they should be mindful of the consequences oftheir actions:

Dialog for the sake of dialog could do more damage thangood to the Armenian Cause. The Turkish governmentwould exploit such efforts to create the false impressionthat Armenians and Turks are in the process of reconciling,thereby derailing the recognition of the ArmenianGenocide by other countries.

Unless a specific positive outcome is agreed upon inadvance, there is a good chance that the Armenian partici-pants would end up holding an empty bag.

Only Armenian officials and credible leaders with diplo-matic expertise should be negotiating with shrewd andskilled Turkish diplomats. Otherwise, Turkish officials willcleverly cut a deal with those who are bound to be lessdemanding and more accommodating.

My TurnBy Harut Sassounian

To the Editor:This April marks the 100th anniversary of the

sinking of the Titanic, in which one and a halfthousand souls perished through an act of God.There will be appropriate expressions ofremorse over this tragic loss of life in theEnglish-speaking world and beyond. In anotherApril, three years hence, it will be the 100thanniversary of the Armenian Genocide in whichone and a half million souls perished because

of an act of human depredation. I don’t expectthe descendants of the perpetrators of this bar-baric crime to indulge themselves in any showof remorse, but it would be entirely fitting forthe more civilized members of the human raceto express a sense of anguish over the cruel andsenseless destruction of such a large portion ofinnocent humanity.

— Berge TatianStoneham, Mass.

Titanic Deaths Get More Ink than Genocide Victims

L E T T E R S

Western Armenian Is Nearing Extinction

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