tells the story of Armenia - Armenian Reporter
tells the story of Armenia - Armenian Reporter
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An<br />
interview<br />
with Roger<br />
Strauch<br />
“Fabric <strong>of</strong> a<br />
Culture” to<br />
unfold at<br />
ALMA<br />
Hoy Lari releases<br />
new DVD for<br />
children<br />
See <strong>story</strong> on page 3 m See <strong>story</strong> on page 4 m See <strong>story</strong> on page 13 m<br />
800 AMD<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong> Edition<br />
Number 137<br />
November 7, 2009<br />
<strong>the</strong> armenian<br />
reporter<br />
The center panel <strong>of</strong> Grigor Khanjyan’s mural/triptych at <strong>the</strong> Cafesjian Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts in Yerevan.<br />
Grigor Khanjyan’s mural “<strong>tells</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>story</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>”<br />
Restored work to be unveiled at <strong>the</strong> Grand Opening<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cafesjian Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts on November 8<br />
Visit us at reporter.am<br />
See <strong>story</strong> on page 10 m
The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009
Number 137<br />
November 7, 2009<br />
Hi<strong>story</strong> in <strong>the</strong> making<br />
This meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diocesan Representative<br />
Assembly was indeed<br />
historic. “Anytime a major organi<strong>the</strong><br />
armenian<br />
reporter<br />
National<br />
Venture capitalist Roger Strauch discusses his<br />
investments in <strong>Armenia</strong> in an interview<br />
Roger Strauch, who launched Ask<br />
Jeeves (now Ask.com) years ago, and<br />
now invests in high-tech companies,<br />
had <strong>the</strong> vision to create inexpensive,<br />
reliable, and fast broadband Internet<br />
access in Yerevan, “with <strong>the</strong><br />
idea that if it we were successful,<br />
we could create <strong>the</strong> business model<br />
for providing this type <strong>of</strong> service to<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r developing countries or areas.”<br />
With Adam Kablanian he launched<br />
iCON Communications, which uses<br />
cutting-edge WiMax technology.<br />
We spoke to Mr. Strauch about his<br />
connection to <strong>Armenia</strong>, which goes<br />
back to 1970.<br />
See <strong>story</strong> on page 3m<br />
Michael Kimmelman to speak at <strong>the</strong> Grand<br />
Opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cafesjian Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts<br />
Community<br />
Michael Kimmelman, <strong>the</strong> lead art<br />
critic <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> New York Times, will<br />
take part in a series <strong>of</strong> special<br />
events marking <strong>the</strong> grand opening<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cafesjian Center for <strong>the</strong><br />
Arts on November 8. An influential<br />
force in contemporary art, Mr.<br />
Kimmelman will deliver a lecture<br />
on his Pulitzer Prize–nominated<br />
book, The Accidental Masterpiece:<br />
On <strong>the</strong> Art <strong>of</strong> Life and Vice Versa.<br />
See <strong>story</strong> on page 2m<br />
Services in conjunction with <strong>the</strong> third Diocesan Representative Assembly at Etchmiadzin. Photo: Mo<strong>the</strong>r See.<br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>r See adopts model<br />
bylaws for Church governance<br />
Vatche and Tamar Manoukian, left, with Berge and Vera Setrakian at a gala on<br />
October 17. Photo: Melik Baghdasaryan/Photolure.<br />
Vatche and Tamar Manoukian donate $11 million<br />
to AGBU Pasadena Center and High School<br />
Vatche and Tamar Manoukian<br />
donated $11 million to <strong>the</strong> AGBU<br />
Pasadena High School and Center<br />
in Sou<strong>the</strong>rn California. The gift<br />
was announced by AGBU president<br />
Berge Setrakian during a gala held<br />
Mannequins will turn into muses<br />
at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Library and Museum<br />
<strong>of</strong> America when “Fabric <strong>of</strong><br />
a Culture: Traditional <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Costumes” opens in <strong>the</strong> museum’s<br />
The much anticipated Art in Fall exhibition<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> works <strong>of</strong> prominent<br />
artists Hakob Hakobyan and three<br />
generations <strong>of</strong> Elibekians was held<br />
A conference at Antelias, Lebanon,<br />
focused on <strong>the</strong> 100th anniversary<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> massacres at<br />
Adana, while ano<strong>the</strong>r conference<br />
Community<br />
“Fabric <strong>of</strong> a Culture” to unfold at ALMA<br />
Community<br />
Community<br />
by <strong>the</strong> AGBU Sou<strong>the</strong>rn California<br />
District Committee (SCDC) on October<br />
17 at <strong>the</strong> Sheraton Universal<br />
in Studio City, California.<br />
See <strong>story</strong> on page 6m<br />
See editorial on page 18m<br />
John Simourian Family Gallery<br />
(mezzanine level) on Thursday, November<br />
14.<br />
100th anniversary <strong>of</strong> Adana massacres<br />
remembered in Antelias<br />
See <strong>story</strong> on page 4m<br />
Hovnanian School Complex holds “Art in Fall”<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Hovnanian School Complex<br />
on Saturday, October 17.<br />
See <strong>story</strong> on page 4m<br />
on <strong>the</strong> topic was set to begin in<br />
Istanbul, Turkey.<br />
See stories on page 16m<br />
See book review on page 18m<br />
Subject to NEA<br />
approval in 2011<br />
by <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> staff<br />
YEREVAN – The International<br />
Monetary Fund disbursed a fresh<br />
$60 million installment <strong>of</strong> an $830<br />
million emergency loan to <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
designed to help <strong>the</strong> country<br />
cope with <strong>the</strong> economic crisis. A total<br />
<strong>of</strong> about $479 million has been<br />
disbursed so far under <strong>the</strong> loan, or<br />
“stand-by arrangement,” which was<br />
approved in March and expanded<br />
in June.<br />
“The authorities have fully implemented<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir economic program,<br />
which calls for <strong>the</strong> continuation <strong>of</strong><br />
fiscal and monetary easing and a<br />
flexible exchange rate,” Takatoshi<br />
Kato, <strong>the</strong> IMF’s deputy managing<br />
director, said in a statement.<br />
“The short-term outlook remains<br />
challenging. As external conditions<br />
improve, growth is expected to resume<br />
gradually in 2010, although<br />
risks remain, including a slower recovery<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> global economy. Continued<br />
reforms, particularly in <strong>the</strong><br />
areas <strong>of</strong> tax policy and tax reform<br />
administration, <strong>the</strong> financial sector,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> business environment<br />
will be necessary to boost <strong>the</strong> medium-term<br />
growth potential <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
economy,” Mr. Kato added.<br />
Meanwhile, <strong>the</strong> Asian Development<br />
Bank undertook to release a<br />
first, $60 million tranche <strong>of</strong> a $500<br />
million loan for <strong>the</strong> restoration<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Yerevan-Batumi highway,<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>’s Ministry <strong>of</strong> Transportation<br />
announced on November<br />
VAGHARSHAPAT, <strong>Armenia</strong> – The<br />
third Diocesan Representative Assembly<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Church<br />
was held in <strong>the</strong> Mo<strong>the</strong>r See <strong>of</strong> Holy<br />
Etchmiadzin from October 31 to<br />
November 4 to review, discuss, and<br />
approve <strong>the</strong> guidelines on Diocesan<br />
Bylaws and Parish Policies.<br />
Karekin II, Catholicos <strong>of</strong> All <strong>Armenia</strong>ns,<br />
presided over <strong>the</strong> meetings,<br />
with <strong>the</strong> participation <strong>of</strong> representatives<br />
from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Patriarchates <strong>of</strong> Jerusalem and<br />
Constantinople; Diocesan Primates<br />
from <strong>Armenia</strong> and <strong>the</strong> diaspora;<br />
high-ranking clergy; members <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Supreme Spiritual Council; and<br />
representatives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> laity.<br />
Taking part in <strong>the</strong> opening ceremonies<br />
were President Bako Sahakian<br />
<strong>of</strong> Nagorno-Karabakh and<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>’s Prime Minister Tigran<br />
Sarkisian.<br />
In his remarks, <strong>the</strong> Catholicos reflected<br />
on <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> general<br />
guidelines for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Church in recent hi<strong>story</strong>, affirming<br />
that <strong>the</strong> mission <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church is<br />
aided by uniform administration.<br />
4. The loan, to be disbursed over<br />
seven years, had been approved on<br />
September 29.<br />
The first tranche is for <strong>the</strong> restoration<br />
<strong>of</strong> an 18 km section <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Yerevan-Ashtarak road and for improving<br />
<strong>the</strong> safety <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Yerevan-<br />
Ararat road. The <strong>Armenia</strong>n government<br />
will contribute $10 million to<br />
<strong>the</strong> project in co-financing.<br />
The ADB credit will be provided<br />
for 32 years, <strong>the</strong> grace period being<br />
<strong>the</strong> first 8 years. The interest rate<br />
over <strong>the</strong> grace period will be 1% p.a.,<br />
afterwards will grow to 1.5% p.a.<br />
“The establishment <strong>of</strong> guidelines<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Diocesan Bylaws will create<br />
stable circumstances for administering<br />
Diocesan life. The adoption<br />
<strong>of</strong> this document will be a substantial<br />
step in <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> establishment<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Church<br />
Constitution, and will reinforce <strong>the</strong><br />
historical-canonical character <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Church,” stated <strong>the</strong><br />
pontiff.<br />
Continued on page m<br />
IMF and Asian Bank approve fresh<br />
loan tranches for <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
Nienke Oomes,<br />
<strong>the</strong> IMF Resident<br />
Director in<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>.<br />
Photo: Tigran<br />
Tadevosyan/<br />
Photolure.<br />
In an interview with RFE/RL,<br />
<strong>the</strong> resident director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IMF<br />
in <strong>Armenia</strong>, Nienke Oomes, said<br />
“More competition is needed in a<br />
lot <strong>of</strong> sectors. A lot <strong>of</strong> sectors are<br />
dominated by one or two large<br />
companies that have a monopoly<br />
or oligopoly.” Referring to advice<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered two weeks earlier by <strong>the</strong><br />
managing director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> World<br />
Bank, Ms. Oones added, “We fully<br />
agree with <strong>the</strong> World Bank that<br />
this is something that should deserve<br />
<strong>the</strong> highest attention <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
government.”<br />
f
The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009<br />
National<br />
Washington briefing<br />
by Emil Sanamyan<br />
Emil Sanamyan filed this report from<br />
Karabakh.<br />
Governance, business<br />
climate, technology in<br />
focus <strong>of</strong> U.S.-<strong>Armenia</strong><br />
talks<br />
The United States and <strong>Armenia</strong> drew<br />
up a new action plan focusing on<br />
“good governance, addressing regional<br />
issues, and enhancing <strong>the</strong> business<br />
climate in <strong>Armenia</strong>,” <strong>the</strong> U.S. State<br />
Department reported on November<br />
4. The two countries also signed a<br />
memorandum <strong>of</strong> understanding on<br />
science and technology cooperation.<br />
The agreements were reached<br />
in <strong>the</strong> U.S.-<strong>Armenia</strong> Task Force<br />
(USATF) meetings in Washington<br />
that were co-chaired by Economics<br />
Minister Nerses Yeritsian and <strong>the</strong><br />
Nerses Yeritsian. Photo: Photolure.<br />
State Department’s coordinator for<br />
assistance to Europe and Eurasia<br />
Dan Rosenblum.<br />
USATAF has met on biannual basis<br />
since 2000 to discuss U.S. assistance<br />
to <strong>Armenia</strong> and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
economic and political issues <strong>of</strong><br />
mutual concern. Mr. Yeritsian’s<br />
delegations met with <strong>of</strong>ficials from<br />
Departments <strong>of</strong> State, Treasury<br />
and Commerce, as well as Office <strong>of</strong><br />
U.S. Trade Representative and <strong>the</strong><br />
National Science Foundation.<br />
Following <strong>the</strong> Washington<br />
meetings, Mr. Yeritsian’s delegation<br />
was expected to join Prime<br />
Minister Tigran Sarkisian and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong>ficials and business leaders<br />
for <strong>the</strong> ArmTech 2009 conference<br />
held in San Jose, California<br />
from November 5 to 8.<br />
Sen. Harry Reid<br />
(D-Nev.)<br />
Report: U.S. warns<br />
Azerbaijan over<br />
Karabakh war threats<br />
The State Department has denied<br />
reports that it warned Azerbaijan<br />
that <strong>the</strong> United States might move<br />
to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh’s<br />
independence if Azerbaijan were<br />
to launch a new aggression against<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n region. The claim was<br />
published by an opposition Azerbaijani<br />
newspaper, Yeni Musavat, and<br />
publicized by o<strong>the</strong>r Azerbaijani and<br />
Russian media on November 3.<br />
The Azerbaijani newspaper<br />
claimed that <strong>the</strong> warning came<br />
from Tina Kaidanow, <strong>the</strong> U.S.<br />
Deputy Assistant Secretary <strong>of</strong> State<br />
in charge <strong>of</strong> Caucasus policy, who<br />
visited Azerbaijan early last week.<br />
The U.S. Embassy in Baku dismissed<br />
<strong>the</strong> report as “manufactured.”<br />
Ms. Kaidanow “said nothing like that.<br />
Tina Kaidanow did speak at length<br />
about U.S. support for a peaceful<br />
resolution to <strong>the</strong> Nagorno-Karabakh<br />
conflict,” <strong>the</strong> embassy stated.<br />
U.S. <strong>of</strong>ficials, particularly <strong>the</strong><br />
Bush Administration’s Assistant<br />
Secretary <strong>of</strong> State for Eurasia Dan<br />
Fried, have long cautioned Azerbaijan<br />
over its recurring threats to<br />
use military force, arguing that it<br />
would be unable to prevail in a new<br />
war against <strong>Armenia</strong>ns and risked<br />
fresh setbacks.<br />
Senate Democratic<br />
leader raises concerns<br />
over <strong>Armenia</strong>-Turkey<br />
protocols<br />
In a letter to Secretary <strong>of</strong> State<br />
Hillary Clinton, Sen. Harry<br />
Reid (D.-Nev.) communicated his<br />
constituents’ concerns over <strong>Armenia</strong>-Turkey<br />
agreements signed last<br />
month. Mr. Reid leads <strong>the</strong> majority<br />
Democratic Party in <strong>the</strong> Senate.<br />
Tina Kaidanow.<br />
Photo: Mkhitar<br />
Khachatryan/<br />
Photolure.<br />
Writing on October 20, ten days<br />
after Secretary Clinton helped secure<br />
signing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n-Turkish<br />
deal in Zurich, Switzerland, Sen.<br />
Reid noted that he “received many<br />
letters from Nevadans who do not<br />
support <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> an international<br />
commission to examine <strong>the</strong><br />
historical record on <strong>the</strong> genocide<br />
and who believe that <strong>the</strong> agreements<br />
are unfair to <strong>Armenia</strong>.”<br />
The <strong>Armenia</strong>-Turkey agreements,<br />
in addition to establishment <strong>of</strong><br />
diplomatic relations and opening<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> border, envision creation <strong>of</strong><br />
a bilateral panel on “historical dimension”<br />
<strong>of</strong> relations, a measure<br />
that <strong>the</strong> Turkish government hopes<br />
would help it fight resolutions condemning<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Genocide.<br />
Sen. Reid’s letter, made public by<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n National Committee<br />
<strong>of</strong> America (ANCA) on October<br />
Richard Armitage.<br />
30, also encouraged <strong>the</strong> secretary<br />
<strong>of</strong> state to meet with <strong>Armenia</strong>n-<br />
American groups to discuss <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
concerns. In its press release, ANCA<br />
noted that both Secretary Clinton<br />
and President Barack Obama<br />
have repeatedly declined its <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
to meet to discuss <strong>Armenia</strong> policy.<br />
A strong supporter <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n-<br />
American concerns, Sen. Reid is expected<br />
to face a tough Republican<br />
Party challenge in <strong>the</strong> 2010 elections.<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n American businessperson<br />
Danny Tarkanian is<br />
among leading candidates for <strong>the</strong><br />
GOP nomination in that election.<br />
Turkish lobby group<br />
picks ex-State Dept. No.<br />
2 as chair<br />
Former Deputy Secretary <strong>of</strong> State<br />
Richard Armitage will replace former<br />
National Security Advisor Brent<br />
Scowcr<strong>of</strong>t as chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> board <strong>of</strong><br />
directors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> American-Turkish<br />
Council (ATC), <strong>the</strong> group reported<br />
on October 29. The appointment will<br />
take effect at <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> 2010.<br />
ATC is an umbrella group for <strong>the</strong><br />
Turkish lobby funded primarily by<br />
large American arms and energy<br />
companies with interests in Turkey,<br />
as well as large Turkish companies.<br />
Admiral Scowcr<strong>of</strong>t, who has led<br />
<strong>the</strong> ATC since 2000, will remain a<br />
board member. He was national<br />
security advisor under President<br />
Bush Sr. in 1989-93.<br />
Mr. Armitage was <strong>the</strong> second<br />
most senior <strong>of</strong>ficial at <strong>the</strong> State<br />
Department from 2001 to 2005; he<br />
has since established a consulting<br />
group and has sat on various corporate<br />
and pr<strong>of</strong>essional boards.<br />
From November 16 to 20, <strong>the</strong><br />
outgoing and incoming chairs will<br />
travel to Turkey “for senior-level<br />
discussions with its government,<br />
military and business leadership,”<br />
ATC reported.<br />
f<br />
Michael Kimmelman to speak at Cafesjian Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts opening<br />
YEREVAN – Michael Kimmelman,<br />
<strong>the</strong> lead art critic <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> New York<br />
Times, will take part in a series <strong>of</strong><br />
special events marking <strong>the</strong> grand<br />
opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cafesjian Center<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Arts on November 8. An<br />
influential force in contemporary<br />
art, Mr. Kimmelman will deliver a<br />
lecture on his Pulitzer Prize–nominated<br />
book, The Accidental Masterpiece:<br />
On <strong>the</strong> Art <strong>of</strong> Life and Vice<br />
Versa.<br />
A book signing will follow <strong>the</strong><br />
lecture, providing a unique opportunity<br />
for <strong>the</strong> public to meet <strong>the</strong><br />
author.<br />
“Good art is generous,” Mr. Kimmelman<br />
said. “It’s about encouraging<br />
people to look more closely at<br />
what’s around <strong>the</strong>m.” Mr. Kimmelman<br />
<strong>tells</strong> <strong>of</strong> his approach with great<br />
color in his book, placing both art<br />
and art viewers into a cultural context<br />
and in communication with<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> introduction to The Accidental<br />
Masterpiece, Mr. Kimmerlman<br />
writes that his goal was to<br />
explore how “art provides us with<br />
clues about how to live our own<br />
life more fully. Put differently, this<br />
book is, in part, about how creating,<br />
collecting, and even just appreciating<br />
art can make living a daily masterpiece.”<br />
The book includes discussions<br />
on artists as wide-ranging<br />
as Bonnard, Vermeer, de Kooning,<br />
and Duchamp, but it also includes<br />
a chapter about Dr. Hugh Hicks,<br />
who runs a private museum from<br />
his basement showcasing his collection<br />
<strong>of</strong> over 75,000 light bulbs.<br />
Born and raised in Greenwich<br />
Village, New York, Mr. Kimmelman<br />
attended Yale and did his graduate<br />
work in art hi<strong>story</strong> at Harvard<br />
University. He is currently based<br />
in Berlin, writing <strong>the</strong> “Abroad” column<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Times on culture and<br />
society across Europe.<br />
Tickets to <strong>the</strong> event can be reserved<br />
by phone and purchased in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Visitor Center on <strong>the</strong> day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
event. The book can be purchased<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Museum Store.<br />
Yerevan’s Cascade has been completely<br />
transformed into one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
world’s outstanding contemporary<br />
art centers. The grand opening <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Cafesjian Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts<br />
was to begin on <strong>the</strong> evening <strong>of</strong> Saturday,<br />
November 7, with a spectacular<br />
fireworks display near <strong>the</strong> Cascade<br />
monument. On Sunday, November<br />
8, <strong>the</strong> public will be able to<br />
view all <strong>the</strong> renovations that have<br />
taken place inside <strong>the</strong> Cascade and<br />
to enjoy an outstanding schedule <strong>of</strong><br />
exhibitions, visiting lecturers, book<br />
signings, concerts, and events. f<br />
connect:<br />
374-10-54 19 32<br />
info@cmf.am<br />
www.cmf.am<br />
Michael<br />
Kimmelman.<br />
Courtesy<br />
Impressions<br />
Advertising.
The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009<br />
National<br />
<br />
Venture capitalist Roger Strauch discusses <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
Roger Strauch is a first generation<br />
American who resides with his<br />
family in <strong>the</strong> Bay Area. He is a successful<br />
venture capitalist and chairperson<br />
<strong>of</strong> The Roda Group, which<br />
works primarily with cutting-edge<br />
high-tech firms. He has built and<br />
run several public companies and<br />
he has co-founded private companies<br />
that have been sold to industry<br />
leaders, including HP and Logitech.<br />
He is a well-known philanthropist<br />
who generously supports education<br />
and arts programs in <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States and <strong>Armenia</strong>. So, why does<br />
Mr. Strauch have a passion for<br />
things <strong>Armenia</strong>n and why does he<br />
frequently travel to <strong>Armenia</strong>?<br />
The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> had an<br />
opportunity to interview Roger<br />
Strauch recently.<br />
AR: Roger, could you please tell<br />
our readers about your background<br />
and how you became a venture<br />
capitalist.<br />
RS: Growing up, my family lived<br />
in Massachusetts and I successfully<br />
launched my first company while in<br />
high school. My company employed<br />
a team <strong>of</strong> technicians that provided<br />
services to <strong>the</strong> R & D departments<br />
<strong>of</strong> high-tech Route 128 businesses. I<br />
attended Cornell University for my<br />
undergraduate degree in electrical<br />
engineering and Stanford University<br />
for my master’s degree in electrical<br />
engineering. I very much enjoy<br />
developing an idea into a successful<br />
business model, and with <strong>the</strong><br />
technology in <strong>the</strong> world changing<br />
so rapidly, I focused on <strong>the</strong> highgrowth<br />
market <strong>of</strong> telecommunications.<br />
I co-founded a company that<br />
I ran for 14 years and when I retired<br />
from that venture, I wanted to do<br />
for o<strong>the</strong>rs what my original investors<br />
did for me – create an environment<br />
that would attract and support<br />
<strong>the</strong> success <strong>of</strong> ambitious, hardworking<br />
entrepreneurs with clever<br />
ideas that could solve big problems<br />
in enormous markets.<br />
AR: As a venture capitalist, how<br />
do you work with a company and<br />
what have been some <strong>of</strong> your successes?<br />
RS: Generally speaking, we are<br />
a business-incubator type venture<br />
capitalist. We put up <strong>the</strong> initial<br />
funds to validate an idea in<br />
<strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> a business. The Roda<br />
Group, a company that I formed<br />
with my college buddy, Dan Miller,<br />
not only invests financial resources<br />
into companies that we see as having<br />
a potential for growth, but also<br />
invests <strong>the</strong> human resources <strong>of</strong><br />
management and mentorship. Dan<br />
and I currently sit on <strong>the</strong> boards<br />
<strong>of</strong> only 5 or 6 companies. In addition,<br />
we have successfully launched<br />
a few companies <strong>of</strong> our own, including<br />
PolyServe, which we recently<br />
sold to HP. The Roda Group<br />
launched Ask Jeeves, now Ask.com,<br />
which was sold to Barry Diller’s IAC<br />
and more recently, we were actively<br />
involved with SightSpeed, a voice<br />
and video IP conferencing on line<br />
service provider that we sold to<br />
Logitech late last year.<br />
AR: In February, you were in<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong> at <strong>the</strong> launch <strong>of</strong> iCON<br />
Communications (www.icon.am),<br />
a new internet service provider in<br />
Yerevan. Can you tell us about your<br />
involvement with iCON?<br />
RS: Several years ago, I was in<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong> with my good friend,<br />
Adam Kablanian. I told Adam<br />
<strong>of</strong> my vision to create inexpensive,<br />
reliable, and fast broadband Internet<br />
access in Yerevan, with <strong>the</strong><br />
idea that if it we were successful,<br />
we could create <strong>the</strong> business model<br />
for providing this type <strong>of</strong> service<br />
to o<strong>the</strong>r developing countries or<br />
areas. Two years ago, we formed a<br />
small partnership and with Adam<br />
at <strong>the</strong> helm, launched iCON Communications.<br />
Our infrastructure is<br />
built upon a state-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-art network<br />
utilizing WiMax technology<br />
– which is more advanced than what<br />
is <strong>of</strong>fered in <strong>the</strong> U.S. We successfully<br />
attracted additional investors<br />
from abroad, who enabled us to<br />
build <strong>the</strong> infrastructure in <strong>the</strong> Yerevan<br />
and <strong>the</strong>n launch our service in<br />
Yerevan in February. Our customer<br />
base is growing rapidly. Customers<br />
can pay as little as 8,000 AMD or<br />
about $21 per month for unlimited,<br />
wireless Internet that is about five<br />
times faster than <strong>the</strong> dial up that is<br />
available on <strong>the</strong> market currently.<br />
Our wireless technology works well<br />
because it allows users with laptops<br />
to use <strong>the</strong> service in multiply<br />
locations using a small USB stick.<br />
We seem to have a prestige thing<br />
going at <strong>the</strong> moment with people<br />
demanding mobile, broadband<br />
Internet. We even have designed<br />
packages for visitors to <strong>Armenia</strong> to<br />
be able to purchase equipment and<br />
simply pay for <strong>the</strong> usage while <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are in <strong>Armenia</strong>.<br />
AR: : So do you consider iCON a<br />
successful business?<br />
RS: Nope and Yup. We are not<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>itable yet. Our investors are investing<br />
in growth and in <strong>the</strong> future<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country’s need for more accessible<br />
and faster Internet access.<br />
And that is expensive – and let’s<br />
face it – a bit risky. However, we<br />
were able to enter <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
market as foreigners, work with<br />
<strong>the</strong> government to address a critical<br />
need that will help businesses,<br />
<strong>the</strong> government, and <strong>the</strong> population<br />
connect with <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
world. We have created are more<br />
than 50 pr<strong>of</strong>essional jobs and have<br />
plans to increase that number to 80<br />
by year’s end. And finally, we were<br />
able to have a dream, launch a hightech<br />
company, and attract both foreign<br />
talent and foreign resources<br />
from well known industry leaders<br />
in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> telecommunication<br />
to <strong>Armenia</strong> in only several years.<br />
AR: iCON sounds like a business<br />
that would work in many different<br />
cities around <strong>the</strong> world. So why<br />
did you pick <strong>Armenia</strong> as a launch<br />
point? What is your connection to<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>?<br />
RS: My connection to <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
started when I was 14 years old. My<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r, Karl Strauch, was <strong>the</strong> Chairman<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Physics Department at<br />
Harvard University and involved in<br />
collaborative scientific exchanges<br />
with <strong>the</strong> top laboratories in <strong>the</strong><br />
Soviet Union. My fa<strong>the</strong>r was working<br />
with Soviet scientists on accelerator<br />
technology and research in<br />
<strong>the</strong> late 60s and early 70s. In 1970,<br />
my fa<strong>the</strong>r, at <strong>the</strong> invitation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
famous <strong>Armenia</strong>n physists Artem<br />
and Alik Alikhanyan, brought our<br />
family to <strong>Armenia</strong>. As a teenager,<br />
I was impressed with <strong>the</strong> people<br />
with whom my fa<strong>the</strong>r worked and<br />
became and remain friends with<br />
several <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m, including, Tina<br />
Asatiani, a Georgian physicist and<br />
Academy member who spent <strong>the</strong><br />
majority <strong>of</strong> her life working in <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
and was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most<br />
honored female physists in <strong>the</strong> Soviet<br />
Union.<br />
When I was at Stanford working<br />
on my masters, I met and fell<br />
in love with Julie Kulhanjian, an<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n-American girl from Detroit<br />
who was pre-med. She was<br />
impressed that I had been to <strong>Armenia</strong>!<br />
After Julie completed medical<br />
school in Michigan, we married.<br />
We have three teenage children, all<br />
<strong>of</strong> whom have been to <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
multiple times and have worked on<br />
many <strong>Armenia</strong>n-related projects.<br />
Our family is a member <strong>of</strong> St. Vartan’s<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Church in Oakland,<br />
Calif. In addition, we are active in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n-American community<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Bay Area and nationally.<br />
AR: What are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> organizations<br />
you and your family support<br />
through your philanthropy?<br />
RS: Julie and I believe it is important<br />
to set a strong example for<br />
not only our children, but for <strong>the</strong><br />
community. We are involved with<br />
Cornell University and UC Berkeley,<br />
where I serve on engineering<br />
oversight committees, <strong>the</strong> Berkeley<br />
Repertory Theatre, where I have<br />
served as president, and we helped<br />
establish <strong>the</strong> UC Berkeley <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Studies Program. In addition,<br />
Julie and I supported and played an<br />
active role producing San Francisco<br />
Opera’s performance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arshak<br />
II, eight years ago. We are life members<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Assembly <strong>of</strong><br />
America and support many smaller<br />
and impressive <strong>Armenia</strong>n organizations.<br />
In 2006, our family created<br />
<strong>the</strong> Paros Foundation (www.parosfoundation.org)<br />
and we became its<br />
organizational sponsor.<br />
AR: What does <strong>the</strong> Paros Foundation<br />
do?<br />
RS: The Paros Foundation works<br />
with six organizations in <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
involving <strong>the</strong> arts, children and<br />
people with disabilities. Our executive<br />
director, Peter Abajian, and I<br />
have identified organizations that<br />
we feel serve as leaders in <strong>the</strong>ir respective<br />
fields. Our support comes<br />
in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> organizational operating<br />
funds, <strong>of</strong>fice space and<br />
operational resources and mentoring.<br />
Our goal is help <strong>the</strong>se modest<br />
size projects manage <strong>the</strong>ir growth<br />
and attract more financial, human,<br />
and physical resources to <strong>the</strong>ir respective<br />
causes. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, we<br />
British <strong>of</strong>ficials engaged in genocide<br />
denial to appease Turkey’s<br />
concerns, according to government<br />
documents obtained by human<br />
rights lawyer who conducted<br />
an independent probe requested<br />
by <strong>the</strong> British-<strong>Armenia</strong>n community,<br />
British and o<strong>the</strong>r media<br />
reported.<br />
Ge<strong>of</strong>frey Robertson, who had<br />
served as president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.N. war<br />
crimes court for Sierra Leone, issued<br />
a 44-page report titled “Was<br />
<strong>the</strong>re an <strong>Armenia</strong>n Genocide?” on<br />
October 9.<br />
Through Freedom <strong>of</strong> Information<br />
Act requests, Mr. Robertson<br />
obtained government opinions<br />
that urged British <strong>of</strong>ficials not to<br />
use <strong>the</strong> genocide term because<br />
“Turkey is neuralgic and defensive<br />
about <strong>the</strong> charge <strong>of</strong> genocide.”<br />
While acknowledging <strong>the</strong> ethical<br />
shortcomings <strong>of</strong> this position,<br />
<strong>the</strong> government also suggested in<br />
a 1999 briefing that “recognising<br />
<strong>the</strong> genocide would provide no<br />
have built a staff <strong>of</strong> travelling and<br />
in-country resources that o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
philanthropists or philanthropic<br />
institutions may choose to utilize<br />
to support <strong>the</strong>ir efforts to improve<br />
<strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> life and culture in <strong>Armenia</strong>.<br />
AR: What organizations does<br />
<strong>the</strong> Paros Foundation work with in<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong> and how can people learn<br />
more about getting involved?<br />
RS: We focus on improving <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunities for at risk kids on<br />
<strong>the</strong> streets, economically disadvantaged<br />
kids, talented artists and<br />
disabled people to be effective contributors<br />
and to fully express <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
in a <strong>the</strong> country <strong>the</strong>y all love<br />
so much. The programs we support<br />
The Strauch<br />
Kulhanjian<br />
Family during<br />
a visit to<br />
<strong>the</strong> historic<br />
Monastery<br />
Complex at Datev.<br />
Pictured left to<br />
right: Nairi, Paul,<br />
Alex, Roger and<br />
Julie.<br />
The Strauch family in 1970 during a visit to <strong>Armenia</strong>. Pictured at <strong>the</strong> table is<br />
Dr. Artem Alikhanian at <strong>the</strong> head. His wife Marina, my mo<strong>the</strong>r Maria, and two<br />
colleagues to his right. Roger Strauch (Age 14) and his bro<strong>the</strong>r Hans (Age 13) to<br />
his left.<br />
practical benefit to <strong>the</strong> UK,” while<br />
its denial helped relations with<br />
Turkey.<br />
Government reports also encouraged<br />
British <strong>of</strong>ficials to decline<br />
to pay respect to <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
victims, while encouraging debate<br />
about validity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> genocide.<br />
Mr. Robertson argued that<br />
currently are <strong>the</strong> Paros Chamber<br />
Choir (www.paros.am), Unison<br />
NGO (www.unison.am), Manana<br />
Youth Center (www.mananayouth.<br />
org), Ghoghanj Children’s Center<br />
(www.childrenscenter.am), <strong>the</strong><br />
Vanadzor Music School #3 (www.<br />
vanadzormusic.org) and <strong>the</strong> Vanadzor<br />
Museum <strong>of</strong> Fine Arts (www.<br />
vanart.org).<br />
People and organizations that<br />
are interested in implementing<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir projects via <strong>the</strong> Paros Foundation<br />
or donating can contact us<br />
through our website (www.parosfoundation.org)<br />
.<br />
AR: Thank you Roger. We wish<br />
you continued success in your<br />
many endeavors.<br />
f<br />
Report charges UK with denying <strong>Armenia</strong>n genocide<br />
Ge<strong>of</strong>frey_<br />
Robertson<br />
Britain’s policy sought “to evade<br />
truthful answers, because <strong>the</strong><br />
truth would discomfort <strong>the</strong> Turkish<br />
government”.<br />
And also that “it is a matter <strong>of</strong><br />
legal judgment, and not a matter<br />
for historians, as to whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />
past events amount to a crime <strong>of</strong><br />
genocide.”<br />
f
4 The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009<br />
Community<br />
“Fabric <strong>of</strong> a Culture” to<br />
unfold at alma<br />
Traditional<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n costumes<br />
on display Nov. 14<br />
WATERTOWN, Mass. – Mannequins<br />
will turn into muses at <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Library and Museum <strong>of</strong><br />
America (alma) when “Fabric <strong>of</strong><br />
a Culture: Traditional <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Costumes” opens in <strong>the</strong> museum’s<br />
John Simourian Family Gallery<br />
(mezzanine level) on Thursday, November<br />
14.<br />
Colorful silks, angora wool, and<br />
goat hair dating from <strong>the</strong> late 19th<br />
century to 1915 are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
extraordinary textiles featured in<br />
this exhibit by alma Curator Susan<br />
Lind-Sinanian.<br />
“This exhibit presents a rare opportunity<br />
to see original costumes<br />
from many regions <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong> all<br />
in one location,” explains Ms. Lind-<br />
Sinanian.<br />
Located on a major crossroad between<br />
Europe and Asia, <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
developed a wide-range <strong>of</strong> folk costumes<br />
and styles reflecting <strong>the</strong> culture<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> different regions. Visitors<br />
can survey <strong>the</strong> rich heritage <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns, ranging from <strong>the</strong><br />
district <strong>of</strong> Kessaria in <strong>the</strong> West to<br />
<strong>the</strong> mountains <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caucasus in<br />
<strong>the</strong> East, through <strong>the</strong> 18 costumes<br />
on view.<br />
The costumes on display are rare<br />
family heirlooms that have been<br />
donated to alma. A complete man’s<br />
costume from <strong>the</strong> town <strong>of</strong> Bitlis<br />
features a goat hair vest over silk<br />
and wool woven and embroidered<br />
pants and shirt with a turban-like<br />
hat. A woman’s blue two-piece silk<br />
Woman’s silk brocade jacket and skirt<br />
from Dikranagert, third quarter <strong>of</strong><br />
19th century. Donated by Edward<br />
Stamboulian.<br />
jacket with hyper-long sleeves and<br />
skirt from Dikranagert reflects <strong>the</strong><br />
silk weaving in <strong>the</strong> region.<br />
The museum houses <strong>the</strong> largest<br />
collection <strong>of</strong> traditional <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
costumes outside <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Republic<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>.<br />
<br />
connect:<br />
almainc.org<br />
Art in Fall<br />
committee<br />
members.<br />
Hovnanian School holds “Art in Fall”<br />
featuring Hakob Hakobyan, o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
NEW MILFORD, N.J. – The<br />
much anticipated Art in Fall exhibition<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> works <strong>of</strong> prominent<br />
artists Hakob Hakobyan and three<br />
generations <strong>of</strong> Elibekians was held<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Hovnanian School Complex<br />
on Saturday, October 17. The<br />
school’s cafeteria was converted<br />
into a warm gallery where over 80<br />
works <strong>of</strong> art were displayed and<br />
enjoyed by over 100 supporters <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> school and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Radio<br />
Hour <strong>of</strong> New Jersey.<br />
“It was a major undertaking and<br />
<strong>the</strong> success was beyond expectation,”<br />
said <strong>Armenia</strong>n Radio Hour<br />
board member Adi Abdo. “The<br />
committee is upbeat and eager to<br />
repeat similar programs.”<br />
The following restaurants and<br />
St. Gregory Church <strong>of</strong> Springfield/Indian<br />
Orchard celebrates 75th anniversary<br />
INDIAN ORCHARD, Mass.<br />
– The St. Gregory <strong>the</strong> Illuminator<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Apostolic Church celebrated<br />
its 75th anniversary at a<br />
lavish banquet on September 27th<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Country Club <strong>of</strong> Wilbraham<br />
in Wilbraham, Mass.<br />
The community had Archbishop<br />
Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate, and<br />
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian,<br />
Vicar General, as <strong>the</strong>ir guests.<br />
More than 150 guests attended<br />
<strong>the</strong> sold-out event – many <strong>of</strong> whom<br />
came from all over New England<br />
and as far away as California – representing<br />
families and friends <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Church’s founding fa<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
Following <strong>the</strong> Holy Liturgy, celebrated<br />
by Archbishop Choloyan,<br />
<strong>the</strong> banquet began with a cocktail<br />
reception, which was highlighted<br />
by a touching video depicting <strong>the</strong><br />
hi<strong>story</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> church through<br />
scenes <strong>of</strong> past generations <strong>of</strong><br />
members partaking in events, activities,<br />
and dedicated community<br />
service.<br />
Sarkis Garibian, chairperson<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees, served as<br />
<strong>the</strong> master <strong>of</strong> ceremonies for <strong>the</strong><br />
event. After <strong>the</strong> opening prayer,<br />
Sonia Merigian sang a beautiful<br />
rendition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Star Spangled<br />
Banner followed by <strong>the</strong> St. Gregory<br />
Sunday school children, who sang<br />
Mer Hayrenik.<br />
The program continued with Ladies’<br />
Guild member Sonia Arakelian,<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Relief Society member<br />
Mary Garibian, and <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
National Committee member<br />
Gary Setian giving congratulatory<br />
remarks.<br />
The next important item on <strong>the</strong><br />
banquet agenda was <strong>the</strong> honoring<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> church’s founders and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
wives. Salpie Cavros and Leo<br />
Vartanian exposed guests to <strong>the</strong><br />
Church’s unique hi<strong>story</strong> and provided<br />
background information on<br />
<strong>the</strong> founders: Nazaret Atanian,<br />
Sam Aykanian, Arsen Derderian,<br />
Zadig Derderian, Krikor<br />
Derstepanian, Kevork Jamgochian,<br />
Mgrditch Janigian, Avedis<br />
John Jansizian, Toran Kalagian,<br />
Kapriel Kojian, Miran<br />
Margosian, Hachadoor Meldonian,<br />
Mardiros Meregian (aka<br />
Mike Melikian), Onnik Melikian,<br />
Antranig Piligian, Henry<br />
Piligian, Stepan Piligian,<br />
Hovsep Setian, Nishan Setian,<br />
Yeprem Setian, Nishan Tanelian,<br />
John Tarpinian, Oksan<br />
Tarpinian, Onnig Tarpinian,<br />
Negohos Vartanian and Nishan<br />
Vartanian.<br />
Program highlights included <strong>the</strong><br />
St. Gregory School children who<br />
also performed. The younger boys<br />
beautifully recited “Hay em Yes”<br />
while <strong>the</strong> girls followed with “Masees.”<br />
The Sunday school children<br />
included Taline Brubach, Van<br />
Brubach, Vasken Fereshetian,<br />
Anna Garibian, Eddie-John<br />
Garibian and Sophie Pariseau.<br />
The children’s rousing spirits and<br />
excitement was certainly contagious.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> children’s performance,<br />
humorist Dottie Bengoian entertained<br />
<strong>the</strong> guests with her uniquely<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n humor, which recalled<br />
<strong>the</strong> days <strong>of</strong> growing up in an <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
family and community in<br />
America where <strong>Armenia</strong>ns could<br />
build <strong>the</strong>ir own <strong>Armenia</strong>n church.<br />
Fr. Antranig Baljian, current<br />
pastor <strong>of</strong> St. Stephen’s church in<br />
Watertown, Mass., had a chance<br />
to give some thoughtful remarks<br />
to his former congregation. Der<br />
Antranig was St. Gregory’s pastor<br />
from 1976 to 1994.<br />
The event came to a close with<br />
Church pastor Rev. Bedros Shetilian<br />
who gave an address honoring<br />
<strong>the</strong> founding members and<br />
introduced Archbishop Choloyan<br />
who gave <strong>the</strong> keynote address and<br />
closing benediction followed by <strong>the</strong><br />
singing <strong>of</strong> Giligia.<br />
St. Gregory <strong>the</strong> Illuminator <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Apostolic Church, one <strong>of</strong><br />
New England’s oldest <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
churches, was built in 1934 by 26<br />
founding members who not only<br />
cleaned <strong>the</strong> bricks <strong>the</strong>mselves but<br />
also helped dig <strong>the</strong> foundation <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> church. The church survived a<br />
devastating fire in June 1966 when<br />
<strong>the</strong> original structure burnt to <strong>the</strong><br />
ground. The Indian Orchard community<br />
rebounded and two years<br />
later <strong>the</strong> church was beautifully<br />
and artistically rebuilt.<br />
This event not only served as<br />
a celebration, but it also symbolized<br />
<strong>the</strong> strong community spirit<br />
and commitment <strong>the</strong> Indian Orchard<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n community has<br />
to helping educate, preserve and<br />
promote <strong>Armenia</strong>n traditions for<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n people living in <strong>the</strong><br />
Diaspora.<br />
A video showing <strong>the</strong> founding<br />
and building <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> church with<br />
beautiful <strong>Armenia</strong>n background<br />
music was developed by Scott Brubach,<br />
Claudia Muradian-Brubach,<br />
Armen Tashjian, and Leo<br />
Vartanian. The videos are available<br />
at St. Gregory Church. <br />
prominent chefs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> metropolitan<br />
area donated <strong>the</strong>ir culinary<br />
talents: Suren Kilerjian <strong>of</strong><br />
Cornetta’s Seafood, Nina Marie<br />
Bojekian <strong>of</strong> Oh La La Catering,<br />
Anahid Krichian <strong>of</strong> Krichian<br />
Catering, BNY Mellon Executive<br />
Chef Viken Mesropian, Rose<br />
Hajjarian <strong>of</strong> Rose’s Place, Executive<br />
Chef Arthur Toufayan, Private<br />
Chef Holly Guber, Keledjian<br />
<strong>of</strong> L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon<br />
at Four Seasons Hotel, and<br />
Karoline and Karine Cakirdas<br />
<strong>of</strong> Keremo Designs.<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Khoren Nalbandian<br />
donated <strong>the</strong> wine, and Silva<br />
Setrakian donated <strong>the</strong> flower arrangement.<br />
The combination <strong>of</strong><br />
food, drinks, art, and friends made<br />
<strong>the</strong> evening a memorable and jovial<br />
event.<br />
The committee members who<br />
worked over a year to prepare<br />
this exhibit were Karen Nargizian,<br />
Christine Casali, Melanie<br />
Toufayan, Ruby Gulian, Taline<br />
Aynilian, and Adi Abdo.<br />
An impressive number <strong>of</strong> paintings<br />
were sold in two hours. It<br />
was a win-win situation for <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Radio Hour and Hovnanian<br />
School – <strong>the</strong> institutions that<br />
sponsored <strong>the</strong> evening – as well as<br />
for <strong>the</strong> artists whose works were<br />
purchased by art lovers.<br />
“We are encouraged by <strong>the</strong> response<br />
to art and may turn similar<br />
exhibitions into annual events,”<br />
said Adi Abdo.<br />
<br />
2010 agbu N.Y. Summer<br />
Intern Program<br />
applications now available<br />
NEW YORK – The agbu New<br />
York Summer Internship Program<br />
(nysip) has announced that applications<br />
for <strong>the</strong> 2010 program are<br />
available online.<br />
The deadline for <strong>the</strong> 2010 program<br />
will be Tuesday, December<br />
1, 2009. Now entering its 23rd<br />
season, nysip continues to attract<br />
<strong>the</strong> best and brightest college students<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n descent for<br />
eight action-packed weeks in New<br />
York City.<br />
The program brings toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
30-35 distinguished students <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n descent from around<br />
<strong>the</strong> world. In 2009, 32 students<br />
from 11 countries participated in<br />
<strong>the</strong> program. Participants ga<strong>the</strong>r<br />
in <strong>the</strong> world’s financial capital <strong>of</strong><br />
New York with <strong>the</strong> common goals<br />
<strong>of</strong> gaining an edge in <strong>the</strong> pursuit<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir future careers, establishing<br />
a deeper connection to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
cultural heritage, and developing<br />
ties to o<strong>the</strong>r like-minded college<br />
students. The two-month experience<br />
continues to be a truly<br />
unique adventure, allowing students<br />
to form lasting memories<br />
and lifelong friendships.<br />
nysip participants are housed<br />
in a New York University residence<br />
hall and placed in fulltime<br />
internships based on each<br />
individual’s interests and career<br />
goals.<br />
Recent nysip alumni have<br />
been placed in top institutions<br />
such as Deutsche Bank, Merrill<br />
Lynch, Columbia University<br />
Medical Center, Eurasia Group,<br />
Rothschild, axa Advisors, Entertainment<br />
Weekly, Isaac Mizrahi,<br />
<strong>the</strong> National Hockey League, and<br />
scores <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r prestigious companies<br />
and institutions.<br />
During evenings and weekends,<br />
students are involved in various<br />
educational, cultural, social, and<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional networking events.<br />
Events include a visit to Saint<br />
Vartan <strong>Armenia</strong>n Ca<strong>the</strong>dral for a<br />
private tour and dinner with <strong>the</strong><br />
Primate, a community service<br />
project at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Home for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Aged, various social outings<br />
and numerous talks by industry<br />
experts.<br />
Interns also benefit from an interactive<br />
Mentoring Program organized<br />
by <strong>the</strong> agbu Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />
<strong>of</strong> Greater New York,<br />
which works to increase one-onone<br />
interactions between local<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n mentors and summer<br />
interns over an extended period<br />
<strong>of</strong> time. This mentoring program<br />
is an excellent opportunity for<br />
interns to be paired with a pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir field <strong>of</strong> interest<br />
and meet several times throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> summer to discuss various<br />
issues and seek general guidance.<br />
nysip has sister programs located<br />
in Paris and Yerevan. The<br />
agbu nysip staff has begun accepting<br />
applications for <strong>the</strong> 2010<br />
session.<br />
<br />
connect:<br />
agbu.org/nysip<br />
1-212-319-6383
The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009 5<br />
Community<br />
Calendar <strong>of</strong> Events<br />
cafesjian center<br />
for <strong>the</strong> arts<br />
Address: Cascade Complex, Yerevan<br />
Phone: (+374 10) 541932<br />
Grand Opening Events Calendar<br />
NOVEMBER 7, 10:00 pm<br />
Fireworks Display at Cafesjian<br />
Sculpture Garden, Cascade<br />
NOVEMBER 8, 10:00 am<br />
Public Opening Ceremony<br />
10:00 am-10:00 pm<br />
First Public Admission Day,<br />
Cascade<br />
10:30 am<br />
Book Signing, Jaroslava Brychtová,<br />
Museum Store<br />
11:00 am<br />
Opening Reception, Libenský<br />
Brychtová: For <strong>Armenia</strong>, Sasuntsi<br />
Davit Hall<br />
1:00 pm<br />
Live Interview with Cynthia<br />
Lennon and Pattie Boyd, Special<br />
Events Auditorium<br />
Tickets required. General Public: 10,000<br />
amd, cca Members: 9,000 amd<br />
2:30 pm<br />
Book Signing, Cynthia Len-<br />
Wea<strong>the</strong>r forecast<br />
non: John, Special Events Auditorium<br />
2:30 pm<br />
Opening Reception, Book<br />
Signing, Pattie Boyd: Yesterday<br />
and Today, Sasuntsi Davit Garden<br />
Gallery<br />
7:00 pm<br />
Lecture, Michael Kimmelman,<br />
Lead Art Critic <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> New York<br />
Times, Khanjyan Hall<br />
Tickets required. General Public: 2,000<br />
amd, cca Members: 1,800 amd<br />
a. spendiarian<br />
opera and ballet<br />
Address: 54 Tumanyan St., Yerevan<br />
Phone: (+374 10) 586311, 520241, 527992<br />
NOVEMBER 08 19:00<br />
“ Sukhishvili-R amishvili”<br />
Georgian National Ballet<br />
NOVEMBER 09 19:00<br />
“Don Quijote” Ballet by L. Mincus.<br />
Conductor: A. Arakelyan<br />
NOVEMBER 12 19:00<br />
“Aleko” Opera by S. Rakhmaninov.<br />
Conductor: K.<br />
Durganyan<br />
Artistic Director: E. Gabidov<br />
a. khachaturian<br />
concert hall<br />
Address: 46 Mashtots Ave., Yerevan<br />
Phone: (+374 10) 560645, 545742, 540746<br />
NOVEMBER 10 18:00<br />
Anahit Sahakyan Recital. Participants:<br />
Arsen Grigoryan,<br />
Lusine Markosyan, “Barelamutyun”<br />
State Dance Ensemble<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
NOVEMBER 12 18:30 Gousan<br />
Haykazun Recital<br />
g. sundukian<br />
academic <strong>the</strong>atre<br />
Address: 6 G. Lusavorich Str., Yerevan<br />
Phone: (+374 10) 527670, 521852, 589622<br />
NOVEMBER 7 19:00<br />
“The Forty Days <strong>of</strong> Musa Dagh”<br />
by F. Werfel<br />
NOVEMBER 8 19:00<br />
“A Streetcar Named Desire”<br />
by T. Williams<br />
mher mkrtchyan<br />
artistic <strong>the</strong>atre<br />
Address: 18 Khorenatsi Str., Yerevan<br />
Phone: (+374 10) 564227, 565709, 580199<br />
NOVEMBER 7 19:00<br />
“Don’t Go Away Mad” by W.<br />
Saroyan. Artistic Director: Albert<br />
Mkrtchyan<br />
h. ghaplanyan<br />
drama <strong>the</strong>atre<br />
Address: 28 Issahakian Str., Yerevan<br />
Phone: (+374 10) 524723, 524733<br />
NOVEMBER 07 19:00<br />
“Mamma Mia” by Ken Ludwig<br />
Artistic Director: A. Khandikyan<br />
NOVEMBER 08 19:00<br />
“Silence Voice or <strong>the</strong> 6th Commandment”<br />
by V. Chaldranyan,<br />
G. Khanjyan. Artistic Director:<br />
Armen Khandikyan<br />
NOVEMBER 09 19:00<br />
“Favourite Old Songs” /concert/.<br />
Participants: Andranik Papazyan,<br />
Eva. Program: I.Krutoy,<br />
I.Alegova, M. Dobrinin etc.<br />
state <strong>the</strong>atre <strong>of</strong><br />
young spectator<br />
Address: 3 Moskovian Str., Yerevan<br />
Phone: (+374 10) 563040, 565061, 563127,<br />
NOVEMBER 12 19:00<br />
“Ardaghion” State Pantomime<br />
Theatre. Artistic Director: Jirayr<br />
Dadasyan<br />
“Goy” experimental<br />
<strong>the</strong>atre<br />
Address: 6 G.Lusavorich Str., Yerevan<br />
Phone: (+374 10) 525211<br />
NOVEMBER 08 19:00<br />
“The Parallel” Choral Performance.<br />
“Hover” Chamber<br />
Choir.<br />
Conductor: Sona Hovhannisyan<br />
demirchyan sportconcert<br />
complex<br />
Address: Tsitsernakaberd Park, Yerevan<br />
Phone: (+374 10) 399803, 399913, 390001<br />
NOVEMBER 12 19:30<br />
George Benson<br />
7 November 8 November 9 November 10 November 11 November 12 November 13 November 14 November 15 November<br />
Yerevan<br />
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The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009<br />
Community<br />
Vatche and Tamar Manoukian donate $11 million to AGBU<br />
Pasadena Center and High School<br />
Honored at gala<br />
event<br />
PASADENA, Calif. – In a singular<br />
act <strong>of</strong> generosity, Vatche and<br />
Tamar Manoukian donated $11<br />
million to <strong>the</strong> AGBU Pasadena High<br />
School and Center in Sou<strong>the</strong>rn California.<br />
The gift was announced by<br />
AGBU president Berge Setrakian<br />
during a gala held by <strong>the</strong> AGBU<br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>rn California District Committee<br />
(SCDC) on October 17 at <strong>the</strong><br />
Sheraton Universal in Studio City,<br />
California.<br />
Close to 500 people were present<br />
at <strong>the</strong> event, among <strong>the</strong>m Rep.<br />
Adam Schiff (D.-Calif.), Ray Irani,<br />
<strong>the</strong> chairperson and CEO <strong>of</strong> Occidental<br />
Petroleum, AGBU Central<br />
Board members Carol Aslanian,<br />
Aris Atamian, Yervant Demirjian,<br />
Sam Simonian, Berge Papazian,<br />
Sinan Sinanian, Judge<br />
Dickran Tevrizian, and Yervant<br />
Zorian, SCDC chair Berge Shahbazian,<br />
and members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SCDC<br />
board.<br />
Vatche and Tamar Manoukian <strong>of</strong><br />
London were <strong>the</strong> honorees <strong>of</strong> this<br />
year’s gala. They are longtime benefactors<br />
<strong>of</strong> AGBU and <strong>the</strong> global <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
community, and <strong>the</strong> AGBU<br />
Center and High School in Pasadena<br />
will be renamed in <strong>the</strong>ir honor.<br />
The AGBU Pasadena Complex is<br />
<strong>the</strong> center <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> organization’s activities<br />
in <strong>the</strong> region. In addition to<br />
<strong>the</strong> three-year-old AGBU High School<br />
in Pasadena, which has over 120 students,<br />
and athletic facilities that host<br />
hundreds <strong>of</strong> youths every weekend,<br />
<strong>the</strong> AGBU Pasadena Center is home<br />
to <strong>the</strong> organization’s many cultural<br />
and educational programs, including<br />
<strong>the</strong> Ardavazt Theater Company,<br />
Generation Next Mentorship Program,<br />
Hye Geen, Sardarabad Dance<br />
Ensemble, and <strong>the</strong> Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />
<strong>of</strong> Los Angeles.<br />
Vatche and Tamar Manoukian, left, with Berge and Vera Setrakian at <strong>the</strong> Saturday night gala.<br />
Meeting with local<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
On Friday, October 16, members<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> AGBU Central Board and <strong>of</strong><br />
SCDC visited <strong>the</strong> AGBU Manoogian-<br />
Demirdjian School in Canoga Park,<br />
Calif., which <strong>of</strong>fers K–12 instruction<br />
to over 800 students. During<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir visit, <strong>the</strong>y toured classrooms<br />
and <strong>the</strong> new Artemis Nazarian<br />
Pre-School facilities, familiarized<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves with <strong>the</strong> high school’s<br />
cutting-edge robotics program,<br />
and joined <strong>the</strong> school’s Parent-<br />
Teacher Organization for a luncheon.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> evening, <strong>the</strong> group met<br />
with <strong>the</strong> chairs <strong>of</strong> AGBU chapters<br />
and committees in Sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
California. A focus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> meeting<br />
was <strong>the</strong> Central Board’s statement<br />
<strong>of</strong> support for <strong>the</strong> protocols<br />
on <strong>the</strong> normalization <strong>of</strong> relations<br />
between Turkey and <strong>Armenia</strong>,<br />
signed in Zurich a few days earlier.<br />
A most generous gift<br />
Saturday night’s gala at Sheraton<br />
Universal featuring a cocktail reception<br />
followed by a formal dinner.<br />
The event featured remarks<br />
by Mr. Manoukian and words by<br />
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,<br />
Primate, who relayed <strong>the</strong> blessing<br />
<strong>of</strong> Karekin II, Catholicos <strong>of</strong> All <strong>Armenia</strong>ns.<br />
Berge and Vera Setrakian, along with AGBU Board Members<br />
Aris Atamian, Carol Aslanian, and Sinan Sinanian, tour<br />
kindergarten classrooms at <strong>the</strong> AGBU Manoogian-<br />
Demirdjian School.<br />
Students <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> newly constructed Artemis Nazarian Preschool<br />
greet AGBU President Berge Setrakian, his wife Vera<br />
Setrakian, AGBU Central Board and SCDC members during<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir tour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School.<br />
In a speech, Mr. Setrakian, <strong>the</strong><br />
AGBU president, lauded <strong>the</strong> Manoukians<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir strong dedication<br />
to <strong>the</strong> values that form <strong>the</strong><br />
cornerstone <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
community. “Vatche and Tamar,<br />
both <strong>of</strong> whom were born into<br />
families with strong <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
values, have achieved a dream<br />
life with a warm family <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
own, financial success, and unsparing<br />
philanthropy, all <strong>the</strong><br />
while perpetuating and promoting<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n values which<br />
were inculcated in <strong>the</strong>m by <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
parents.”<br />
In his message, Karekin II said,<br />
“Vatche and Tamar Manoukian’s<br />
names are cherished in <strong>the</strong> diaspora<br />
as well as in <strong>the</strong> hearts<br />
<strong>of</strong> all <strong>Armenia</strong>ns in <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>rland.<br />
The lives <strong>of</strong> our future<br />
generations should be positively<br />
affected by <strong>the</strong> generosity <strong>of</strong> our<br />
benefactors, Vatche and Tamar<br />
Manoukian.”<br />
In honor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Manoukians, <strong>the</strong><br />
AGBU Pasadena Center will be renamed<br />
<strong>the</strong> Vatche and Tamar Manoukian<br />
Center and <strong>the</strong> AGBU High<br />
School Pasadena will also bear <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
names.<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong> Manoukians’<br />
donation, <strong>the</strong> SCDC Gala<br />
raised $400,000, including a gift<br />
<strong>of</strong> $160,000 from <strong>the</strong> Turpanjian<br />
Family Education Foundation <strong>of</strong><br />
California.<br />
f<br />
AGBU Manoogian School celebrates 40th anniversary, unveils<br />
new high school building<br />
by Dickran Toumajan<br />
SOUTHFIELD, Mich.7 – On October<br />
10, 2009 <strong>the</strong> A.G.B.U. Alex and<br />
Marie Manoogian School in Southfield,<br />
Michigan, celebrated its 40th<br />
anniversary with a dinner-dance to<br />
<strong>the</strong> delight <strong>of</strong> nearly 500 graduates,<br />
community leaders, and supporters<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> school, former and current<br />
school board members, principals,<br />
faculty, staff, and students.<br />
The school’s mission is to <strong>of</strong>fer a<br />
high-quality education in a safe, secure,<br />
and family-oriented environment,<br />
and to preserve and promote<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n heritage through <strong>the</strong><br />
teaching <strong>of</strong> language, literature, hi<strong>story</strong>,<br />
culture, music, and dance. In<br />
<strong>the</strong> mid-1990s, under <strong>the</strong> guidance<br />
<strong>of</strong> longtime principal Dr. Nadya<br />
Sarafian, <strong>the</strong> school experienced<br />
a smooth transition from a private<br />
to a charter institution.<br />
Dr. Hosep Torossian, <strong>the</strong> current<br />
principal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Manoogian<br />
High School, and several key members,<br />
past and present, <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> school<br />
board had a vision <strong>of</strong> seeing <strong>the</strong><br />
school expanded into a modern two<strong>story</strong><br />
facility, equipped with state-<strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>-art<br />
science laboratories, expansive<br />
classrooms, and an auditorium.<br />
Their goal was realized thanks to <strong>the</strong><br />
generosity and largesse <strong>of</strong> Richard<br />
Manoogian and Louise Manoogian<br />
Simone, who maintain <strong>the</strong><br />
tradition and continue <strong>the</strong> legacy<br />
established by <strong>the</strong>ir unparalled parents,<br />
Alex and Marie Manoogian,<br />
<strong>the</strong> school’s original benefactors.<br />
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newly upgraded. City gas. 24-hour water.<br />
On a quiet street steps away from Baghramian Ave.,<br />
<strong>the</strong> location is peaceful yet accessible. Contact Martha at<br />
armenia.home@gmail.com for more information.<br />
The school has grown from 10 students<br />
and two teachers (both Keghanoush<br />
Keledjian and Yvonne<br />
Korkoian were in attendance) in<br />
1969 to a student body <strong>of</strong> over 400<br />
and a faculty and staff <strong>of</strong> 55. The<br />
school has been honored by <strong>the</strong><br />
State <strong>of</strong> Michigan with two Golden<br />
Apple Awards for academic excellence.<br />
A high percentage <strong>of</strong> Manoogian<br />
graduates continue <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
education in institutions <strong>of</strong> higher<br />
learning, and several have distinguished<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves and brought<br />
credit to <strong>the</strong>ir families and alma<br />
mater as doctors, lawyers, teachers,<br />
and businesspersons.<br />
The festivities began with welcoming<br />
remarks from master <strong>of</strong><br />
ceremonies Richard Dickran<br />
Kurjian, a 1979 graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
school and now treasurer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
school Board <strong>of</strong> Directors. He and<br />
his wife Mona (also a graduate<br />
and classmate) have two fine sons<br />
in <strong>the</strong> school. His parents were<br />
among those who emigrated from<br />
Istanbul along with many o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>ns in <strong>the</strong> 1960s, believed<br />
in <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> an <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
school in <strong>the</strong> metropolitan Detroit<br />
area, and became members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Cultural Society <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
from Istanbul, constant supporters<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Manoogian School.<br />
Dr. Richard Marburger, <strong>the</strong><br />
dynamic and energetic president<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Manoogian School Board<br />
High school<br />
students and<br />
teachers infront<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new<br />
building<br />
and president emeritus <strong>of</strong> Lawrence<br />
Technological University in<br />
Southfield, brought greetings and<br />
salutations from his hard-working<br />
colleagues on <strong>the</strong> board. He is<br />
married to an <strong>Armenia</strong>n, considers<br />
himself an adopted <strong>Armenia</strong>n, and<br />
has dedicated much <strong>of</strong> his time to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Detroit <strong>Armenia</strong>n community.<br />
He mentioned how proud he was<br />
about <strong>the</strong> opportunity for select<br />
honors students to take an engineering<br />
course at Lawrence Tech.<br />
Dr. Torossian, <strong>the</strong> high-school<br />
principal, announced with pride<br />
that <strong>the</strong> class <strong>of</strong> 2010 has already<br />
garnered nearly $400,000 in schol-<br />
Continued on page m
The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009<br />
Community<br />
<br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>r See adopts model bylaws for Church governance<br />
n Continued from page <br />
zational change takes place, it is a<br />
milestone,” Dr. Varoujan Altebarmakian,<br />
former chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Western<br />
Diocesan Council and current<br />
member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Supreme Spiritual<br />
Council, told <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong>.<br />
“This document created a governing<br />
structure, a new format, which is<br />
more consistent. The fact that delegates<br />
from all <strong>the</strong> dioceses took part<br />
in this session was very important.”<br />
The work involved in drafting a<br />
new constitution for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Church goes back to <strong>the</strong> election <strong>of</strong><br />
Catholicos Karekin I in 1995.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> Catholicos<br />
Vazken I in 1994, a National Ecclesiastical<br />
Assembly (NEA) was convened<br />
for <strong>the</strong> first time since 1955<br />
to elect a new Catholicos.<br />
The Catholicos <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Great<br />
House <strong>of</strong> Cilicia was elected as <strong>the</strong><br />
new Catholicos <strong>of</strong> All <strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
and became Karekin I. Because<br />
<strong>the</strong> NEA is <strong>the</strong> highest body in <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Church, during <strong>the</strong> election<br />
in 1995 for a new Catholicos, it<br />
also discussed one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church’s<br />
most pressing issues – <strong>the</strong> creation<br />
<strong>of</strong> a constitution for <strong>the</strong> worldwide<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Church.<br />
Delegates voted to charge <strong>the</strong><br />
newly elected Catholicos Karekin I<br />
with this task, which entailed convening<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> NEA.<br />
This meeting would in essence,<br />
serve as a constitutional convention<br />
that was to be held in Holy<br />
Etchmiadzin sometime before <strong>the</strong><br />
year 2000.<br />
Although a committee was appointed<br />
for this task, Karekin I fell<br />
ill only a few years after his election.<br />
According to Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian,<br />
<strong>the</strong> foreign press secretary <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Mo<strong>the</strong>r See, <strong>the</strong> task was too<br />
monumental and “<strong>the</strong> draft documents<br />
coming from <strong>the</strong> committee<br />
were lacking in scope, quality,<br />
depth, and understanding.”<br />
After <strong>the</strong> untimely death <strong>of</strong><br />
Karekin I, ano<strong>the</strong>r NEA was convened<br />
in October 1999 to elect a new<br />
Catholicos. Karekin II was elected<br />
as Catholicos. During <strong>the</strong> meeting,<br />
<strong>the</strong> 450 delegates from around <strong>the</strong><br />
world again raised <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
constitution and charged <strong>the</strong> new<br />
Catholicos to form a more comprehensive<br />
committee <strong>of</strong> clergy and<br />
lay people to do <strong>the</strong> work. “This<br />
time <strong>the</strong>y also voted to empower<br />
a smaller group <strong>of</strong> people to do <strong>the</strong><br />
actual job <strong>of</strong> meeting every three<br />
to four years to review progress on<br />
<strong>the</strong> document and vote to accept it<br />
when it was finally ready,” Der Ktrij<br />
explained.<br />
The 450 delegates also agreed<br />
that it would be more effective to<br />
meet in smaller numbers for a constitutional<br />
convention. Therefore it<br />
was decided that each diocesan primate,<br />
each diocesan council chair or<br />
vice chair (non-clergy), members <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Supreme Spiritual Council, and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r bishops (who may not have<br />
administrative responsibilities)<br />
would form a new body called <strong>the</strong><br />
Diocesan Representative Assembly<br />
(DRA), which would be made up <strong>of</strong><br />
approximately 100 people in total.<br />
This body, which would be easier to<br />
organize and more practical than<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>ring 450 people in <strong>Armenia</strong>,<br />
would meet every four years.<br />
A new constitution committee<br />
composed <strong>of</strong> clergy and lay people<br />
began <strong>the</strong>ir work and provided<br />
progress reports twice a year to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Supreme Spiritual Council and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Catholicos, and also an interim<br />
progress report to <strong>the</strong> full Diocesan<br />
Representative Assembly in 2003.<br />
The constitution committee decided<br />
to compartmentalize and<br />
tackle this task in phases. “They realized<br />
that over <strong>the</strong> past 100 years,<br />
each diocese in each country developed<br />
its own customs and traditions<br />
based upon local and regional<br />
needs,” explained Der Ktrij. “At<br />
times dioceses contradicted each<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r and sometimes <strong>the</strong>y even<br />
contradicted centuries <strong>of</strong> Church<br />
canons and traditions.”<br />
With <strong>the</strong> blessing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Catholicos<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Supreme Spiritual<br />
Council, <strong>the</strong> constitution committee<br />
decided that before proceeding<br />
<strong>the</strong>y first needed to have uniformity<br />
in <strong>the</strong> over 40 dioceses throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> world before <strong>the</strong>y could<br />
actually have one comprehensive<br />
constitution for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Church. They began working on<br />
parish bylaws and diocesan bylaws,<br />
which eventually merged into a<br />
document called <strong>the</strong> Guidelines for<br />
Diocesan Bylaws for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Church. This document, consisting<br />
<strong>of</strong> 17 articles and approximately 95<br />
clauses, would need to be approved<br />
by all dioceses and incorporated<br />
Catholicos <strong>of</strong> All <strong>Armenia</strong>ns Karekin II. Photo: Mo<strong>the</strong>r See.<br />
into <strong>the</strong>ir local dioceses and parishes.<br />
The Guidelines for Diocesan Bylaws<br />
for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Church was<br />
finally ready this year. It was presented<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Supreme Spiritual<br />
Council, which approved it for presentation<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Diocesan Representative<br />
Assembly.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> meantime, draft versions<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> document were sent to <strong>the</strong><br />
dioceses for review. “All <strong>the</strong> dioceses<br />
received multiple drafts over <strong>the</strong><br />
years,” explained Dr. Altebarmakian<br />
and added that this process was<br />
one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reasons that <strong>the</strong> meeting<br />
went as smoothly as it did. “It<br />
created a concensus, a flexibility.<br />
While it is not a perfect document<br />
yet, it is a great foundation.”<br />
A meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> DRA was finally<br />
convened to coincide with <strong>the</strong> 10th<br />
anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> election and enthronement<br />
<strong>of</strong> Catholicos Karekin<br />
II.<br />
The meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> DRA this past<br />
week in Holy Etchmiadzin was extremely<br />
productive according to<br />
<strong>the</strong> foreign press secretary. “The<br />
meetings were lively, inclusive, and<br />
productive. All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> delegates,<br />
both clergy and lay took this task<br />
seriously and understood <strong>the</strong> importance<br />
<strong>of</strong> what <strong>the</strong>y were doing.<br />
Each article and clause was discussed<br />
separately, each item in <strong>the</strong><br />
document was voted on individually,”<br />
he explained.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> final session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> meeting,<br />
after each article and clause<br />
had been voted on individually<br />
and approved, <strong>the</strong> entire document<br />
was put to a vote. The document<br />
was ratified overwhelmingly and<br />
each diocese will now have to take<br />
<strong>the</strong> document back to <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />
communities and incorporate <strong>the</strong><br />
Guidelines into <strong>the</strong>ir existing bylaws<br />
where applicable or write new<br />
bylaws where <strong>the</strong>y don’t exist.<br />
“Concurrent to that work, now<br />
that <strong>the</strong> Guidelines for Diocesan<br />
Bylaws are approved, <strong>the</strong> constitutional<br />
committee will continue<br />
writing <strong>the</strong> actual Constitution for<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Church and ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Diocesan Representative Assembly<br />
has been tentatively scheduled for<br />
2011, where we expect to receive<br />
<strong>the</strong> final draft <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Constitution,”<br />
Der Ktrij said.<br />
At that time, <strong>the</strong> Diocesan Representative<br />
Assembly will have to<br />
make a number <strong>of</strong> decisions, including<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y want to approve<br />
<strong>the</strong> document <strong>the</strong>mselves,<br />
or reconvene <strong>the</strong> entire National<br />
Ecclesiastical Assembly to have a<br />
constitutional convention and ratify<br />
<strong>the</strong> document.<br />
“This is not <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> process.<br />
We will take this document back<br />
with us to our dioceses where it will<br />
undergo continuous modification,”<br />
Dr. Altebarmakian said.<br />
The general feeling among who<br />
took part in this process is that<br />
<strong>the</strong> headquarters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Church, finally, after genocide and<br />
after seventy years <strong>of</strong> Soviet rule is<br />
in a position and has <strong>the</strong> resources<br />
to lead <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> improving<br />
and better administering church<br />
governance.<br />
f<br />
AGBU Manoogian School celebrates 40th anniversary, unveils new<br />
high school building<br />
n Continued from page <br />
arships to study in colleges and universities<br />
in Michigan and beyond.<br />
Brenda L. Lawrence, mayor <strong>of</strong><br />
Southfield, spoke about her fondness<br />
for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n community,<br />
which has been active in <strong>the</strong> development<br />
and growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy<br />
in <strong>the</strong> area.<br />
Artoun Hamalian, New Yorkbased<br />
director <strong>of</strong> education for <strong>the</strong><br />
AGBU, had visited <strong>the</strong> school earlier<br />
in <strong>the</strong> week and met with members<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n faculty. He spoke<br />
<strong>of</strong> his favorable impressions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
school.<br />
James Goenner, executive director<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Center for Charter<br />
Schools at Central Michigan University,<br />
talked about <strong>the</strong> success<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Manoogian School and how<br />
it has served as a model for o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
schools in <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
Dyana Kezelian, principal <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Manoogian Pre-K, Elementary,<br />
and Middle School, was <strong>the</strong><br />
next speaker. As a long-time 2ndgrade<br />
teacher, later head teacher,<br />
and now principal, Dyana has<br />
been <strong>the</strong> living embodiment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
school for <strong>the</strong> past 35 years. She<br />
has seen two generations <strong>of</strong> students<br />
grow, mature, and graduate.<br />
She remarked how heartwarming<br />
it was to see children <strong>of</strong> graduates<br />
now attending <strong>the</strong> school.<br />
Edmond Azadian, vice-chairperson<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> School Board, was<br />
given a plaque honoring him for 40<br />
years <strong>of</strong> uninterrupted and dedicated<br />
service to <strong>the</strong> school.<br />
Mr. Manoogian, accompanied<br />
by his wife, Jane, thanked all<br />
those, past and present, associated<br />
with <strong>the</strong> well-being <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Ribbon cutting.<br />
school and reminisced how <strong>the</strong><br />
students would brighten his fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
and mo<strong>the</strong>r’s day during <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
frequent visits. He quipped how<br />
proud <strong>the</strong>y were when <strong>the</strong> school<br />
was mentioned in <strong>the</strong> media, even<br />
for snow-day announcements.<br />
Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian, former<br />
pastor <strong>of</strong> St. John <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Church and a fixture at <strong>the</strong> school<br />
for all special events, <strong>of</strong>fered a<br />
prayer in closing. This was followed<br />
by <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial cutting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ribbon<br />
and formal unveiling <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Manoogian<br />
High School. Guests were<br />
given tours <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> school by smiling<br />
high school students in uniform.<br />
Guests enjoyed a lavish mezze table<br />
prepared by a small but extraordinary<br />
group <strong>of</strong> teachers, parents,<br />
and grandparents. The dinner was<br />
catered by well-known chef Gary<br />
Reizian and his crew.<br />
Entertainment was provided by<br />
Arthur Apkarian and his band<br />
from Montreal.<br />
They mesmerized <strong>the</strong> audience<br />
late into <strong>the</strong> night with an inexhaustible<br />
repertoire <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
popular and patriotic songs.<br />
Kudos to <strong>the</strong> Dinner/Dance<br />
Committee comprised <strong>of</strong> Linda<br />
Darian Karibian, Ani Kasparian,<br />
Sonia Kalfayan, Dyana<br />
Kezelian, Mona Kurjian, Silva<br />
Sagherian, Sylvia Samarjian,<br />
Seran Tcholakian, and Shoghig<br />
Torossian.<br />
f
Record crowds attend arpa Film Festival<br />
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Record<br />
crowds turned out at <strong>the</strong> legendary<br />
Egyptian Theatre for a<br />
weekend <strong>of</strong> film screenings and<br />
receptions and a star-studded<br />
closing-night awards gala as <strong>the</strong><br />
Arpa International Film Festival<br />
marked its 12th consecutive<br />
year in <strong>the</strong> creative capital <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> world.<br />
More than 20 nations including<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>, Venezuela, Turkey,<br />
Brazil, France, Peru, Canada,<br />
Mexico, Malawi, Israel, Spain,<br />
China, Bhutan, India, and Iran,<br />
were represented among <strong>the</strong><br />
feature films, shorts, documentaries,<br />
music videos, and animations<br />
that screened during<br />
<strong>the</strong> weekend <strong>of</strong> October 23.<br />
Such filmmakers as Alex<br />
Webb (director <strong>of</strong> Hove, starring<br />
Olympia Dukakis),<br />
Lucy Martens and Marjorie<br />
Wright (filmmakers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
2009 Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian<br />
Award recipient Voices<br />
from Inside: Israelis Speak) and<br />
Ghazaros Kerjilian (<strong>the</strong> subject<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mehmet Binay’s Talking<br />
Pictures, a companion piece<br />
to Whispering Memories) flew in<br />
from around <strong>the</strong> world to attend<br />
this year’s festivities.<br />
Awards were handed out at<br />
a star-studded closing night<br />
awards ceremony on Sunday,<br />
October 25. Attendees included<br />
actress Ann Magnuson (Chasing<br />
Tchaikovsky); caa agents<br />
Ara Keshishian and Stuart<br />
Manashil; Emmy- and Academy<br />
Award–nominated producer<br />
Stuart Sender; actor<br />
and television anchor Vachik<br />
Mangassarian; Maria Armoudian<br />
(kpfk 90.7 FM onair<br />
host); actor Marco Khan<br />
(Iron Man, 10,000 B.C.); awardwinning<br />
actress and human<br />
rights activist Mary Apick;<br />
award-winning filmmaker Eric<br />
Nazarian (The Blue Hour);<br />
voice-over actress Eliza Jane<br />
Schneider (Comedy Central’s<br />
“South Park” and MTV’s Popzilla);<br />
and screenwriter Peter<br />
Briggs (Hellboy).<br />
Venezzia premieres<br />
opening night<br />
On Friday, October 23, <strong>the</strong><br />
festival premiered Haik Gazarian’s<br />
highly anticipated<br />
directorial debut, Venezzia, a<br />
Venezuelan production starring<br />
two <strong>of</strong> Latin America’s<br />
top film and television stars,<br />
Alfonso Herrera and Ruddy<br />
Rodriguez. Gazarian, along<br />
with star Ruddy Rodriguez and<br />
screenwriter Valentina Rendon,<br />
were in attendance for<br />
<strong>the</strong> red-carpet event attended<br />
by over 500 fans and hosted<br />
by reelzChannel’s Jill Simonian.<br />
Several dozen fans <strong>of</strong><br />
Alfonso Hererra also attended<br />
<strong>the</strong> screening, hoping to get a<br />
glimpse <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> star, who was<br />
unable to attend.<br />
Sold-out screenings<br />
Saturday’s highlights included<br />
two sold-old screenings. This<br />
year’s recipient <strong>of</strong> Arpa International<br />
Film Festival’s Armin<br />
T. Wegner Humanitarian Award,<br />
which is awarded annually to a<br />
motion picture that contributes<br />
to <strong>the</strong> fight for social conscience<br />
and human rights, was Voices<br />
from Inside: Israelis Speak. “This<br />
feature-length documentary<br />
film is based on <strong>the</strong> stories <strong>of</strong> 16<br />
12th annual arpa International Film<br />
Festival award recepients:<br />
Best Documentary: Return to<br />
Mexico City (USA/ Mexico)<br />
Best Short Film: The Tangent<br />
(La Tangente) (France)<br />
Best Animated Film: Dress<br />
Story (<strong>Armenia</strong>)<br />
Best Screenplay: Venezzia<br />
(Venezuela)<br />
Best Director: Sonbahar<br />
(Autumn) (Turkey)<br />
Best Film: Venezzia<br />
(Venezuela)<br />
Arpa Breakthrough Award<br />
2009: Greg Lalazarian for<br />
Chasing Tchaikovsky (USA)<br />
Arpa/AT&T Award for<br />
Environmental Conservation<br />
and Stewardship: Battle for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Xingu (Brazil/ USA)<br />
Arpa Foundation Award:<br />
presented to <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Educational Foundation<br />
(AEF) for <strong>the</strong> film, Because<br />
Education Matters directed<br />
by Sevag Vrej, produced by<br />
Christina Hacopian.<br />
Armin T. Wegner<br />
Humanitarian Award:<br />
presented to Lucy Martens<br />
and Marjorie Wright for <strong>the</strong><br />
film Voices from Inside: Israelis<br />
Speak<br />
Members <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Educational<br />
Foundation,<br />
recipient <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> 2009 Arpa<br />
Foundation<br />
Award.<br />
Jewish Israeli voices <strong>of</strong> conscience,<br />
each representing a different<br />
facet <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> peace movement<br />
inside Israel,” said Zaven<br />
Khatchaturian, Arpa International<br />
Film Festival curator, who<br />
invited <strong>the</strong> filmmakers, producer/director<br />
Lucy Martens and<br />
producer Marjorie Wright, to<br />
<strong>the</strong> festival. The screening attracted<br />
a capacity audience and<br />
was followed by a discussion<br />
with <strong>the</strong> filmmakers.<br />
Saturday’s daylong screenings<br />
culminated with <strong>the</strong> premiere<br />
<strong>of</strong> Chasing Tchaikovsky, a hillarious<br />
comedy about marriage<br />
and moviemaking directed by<br />
Greg Lalazarian and starring<br />
veteran actress Ann Magnuson.<br />
Art Aroustamian, Boyd<br />
Banks, and Josie Davis also<br />
star in <strong>the</strong> film. The screening<br />
was attended by over 500<br />
guests, and included a red-carpet<br />
prereception party for <strong>the</strong><br />
cast and crew.<br />
Documentary and short<br />
winners<br />
In <strong>the</strong> documentary lineup,<br />
this year’s <strong>of</strong>ficial selection<br />
included <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> such acclaimed<br />
figures as Sting in <strong>the</strong><br />
film Battle for <strong>the</strong> Xingu. The<br />
film was honored with <strong>the</strong> inaugural<br />
Arpa/AT&T Award for<br />
Environmental Conservation<br />
& Stewardship. AT&T’s Troup<br />
Coronado presented <strong>the</strong><br />
award on behalf <strong>of</strong> AT&T Real<br />
Yellow Pages, <strong>the</strong> festival’s Presenting<br />
Sponsor this year. The<br />
current issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Glendale-<br />
Burbank Real Yellow Pages features<br />
Arpa International Film<br />
Festival on its cover. Battle for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Xingu <strong>tells</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>story</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Xingu, a tributary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Amazon,<br />
which is home to 10,000<br />
indigenous people who rely on<br />
<strong>the</strong> river for survival. The Brazilian<br />
government is proposing<br />
what would be <strong>the</strong> world’s<br />
third-largest hydroelectric<br />
dam, threatening to destroy<br />
<strong>the</strong> bio diversity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> region<br />
and depriving <strong>the</strong>se people <strong>of</strong><br />
a sustainable future.<br />
The award for Best Documentary<br />
was given to Return<br />
to Mexico City, a documentary,<br />
narrated by “24” star Kiefer<br />
Su<strong>the</strong>rland, which includes<br />
interviews with President<br />
Barack Obama and Tom Brokaw.<br />
The film <strong>tells</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>story</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Olympic medalists Tommie<br />
Smith and John Carlos<br />
who return to Mexico City 40<br />
years after stirring controversy<br />
by raising <strong>the</strong>ir fists in <strong>the</strong> air<br />
during <strong>the</strong>ir medal ceremony<br />
and, in <strong>the</strong> process, raising<br />
awareness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> struggle for<br />
civil rights in America and basic<br />
human rights throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> world.<br />
The award for Best Short Film<br />
went to France’s La Tangente<br />
while Dress Story from <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
received <strong>the</strong> award for Best Animated<br />
Film.<br />
Recipients<br />
The <strong>Armenia</strong>n Educational Foundation<br />
(aef) received this year’s<br />
Arpa Foundation Award. Over<br />
its 60 year hi<strong>story</strong>, aef has been<br />
committed to youth and <strong>the</strong> pursuit<br />
<strong>of</strong> academic scholarship. The<br />
organization has built and supported<br />
<strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> hundreds<br />
<strong>of</strong> day schools around <strong>the</strong><br />
world. A short documentary film,<br />
produced by Christina Hacopian<br />
(Gossip Girl, Bride Wars, Dirty<br />
Dancing) and directed by Sevag<br />
Vrej (award-winning feature film<br />
director <strong>of</strong> N-4 and Serj Tankian’s<br />
mvpa-nominated “Feed Us”<br />
music video), documenting aef’s<br />
educational endeavors, screened<br />
during <strong>the</strong> closing-night awards<br />
ceremony. The award was presented<br />
by past Arpa Foundation<br />
Award recipient, actress and activist<br />
Mary Apick. The award was<br />
received by <strong>the</strong> filmmakers and<br />
board members <strong>of</strong> aef, including<br />
Alex Baghdassarian.<br />
Hollyscoop hosts apra<br />
gala and reception<br />
The illustrious Hollyscoop Girls –<br />
Diana Madison, Nora Gasparian,<br />
and Ani Esmailian served as<br />
this year’s Closing Night Awards<br />
Gala emcees. Hollyscoop host a<br />
new weekly half-hour entertainment<br />
and pop-culture television<br />
program that airs at midnight on<br />
<strong>the</strong> CW, ktla 5 in Los Angeles. <br />
connect: www.affma.org<br />
Arpa<br />
International<br />
Film Festival<br />
committee<br />
and volunteers<br />
attend <strong>the</strong><br />
Closing Night<br />
Awards Gala.<br />
Photos: Arpa<br />
Film Festival.<br />
8 <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> Arts & Culture | November 7, 2009
Elen Khougoyan, right, 15, knitting a Vaspourakan lace and wearing <strong>the</strong> typical Vaspourakan dress, and Meline Ghaletyan, 13, knitting an Aintab lace, wearing a typical Aintab dress. Photo: Araz Artinian.<br />
Araz Artinian explores <strong>the</strong> past<br />
Project Under<br />
Construction<br />
by Elaine Krikorian<br />
After an in-depth examination<br />
<strong>of</strong> her <strong>Armenia</strong>n identity with<br />
<strong>the</strong> 2005 film The Genocide in<br />
Me, Araz Artinian was tired <strong>of</strong><br />
exploring what she called “<strong>the</strong><br />
Genocide issue.”<br />
“I didn’t want to hear <strong>the</strong> word<br />
‘<strong>Armenia</strong>’ or ‘<strong>Armenia</strong>n,’” Artinian<br />
told <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong>.<br />
“I was ready to give up my <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
identity.... I had begun<br />
by fighting against my dad’s<br />
obsession with his nationalism,<br />
but I became worse.”<br />
She told herself, “If I stay<br />
in <strong>Armenia</strong>, I’ll do something<br />
with kids. I’ll do something<br />
about <strong>the</strong> future <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
and something that touches<br />
<strong>the</strong> art world.… I started doing<br />
research.”<br />
Artinian’s new project is to create<br />
an interactive website. Like<br />
“20 Voices,” a site she began after<br />
finishing The Genocide in Me, this<br />
website will include a map, in<br />
this case <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong> today.<br />
Elaine Krikorian, a graduate <strong>of</strong> UC<br />
Berkeley, is interning with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
<strong>Reporter</strong> in Yerevan through <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Volunteer Corps.<br />
“The main reason I started<br />
[this project],” says Artinian,<br />
“was I thought that <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
hi<strong>story</strong> was not that well taught<br />
in our school.... I said it will be<br />
interesting, even for me, to recreate<br />
scenes from <strong>the</strong> 22 past<br />
centuries <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong> so kids<br />
can have something visual to<br />
base <strong>the</strong>ir knowledge on, and by<br />
remembering <strong>the</strong> photos <strong>the</strong>y<br />
can remember <strong>the</strong> hi<strong>story</strong>.”<br />
In order to choose <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>mes<br />
for <strong>the</strong> 22 centuries <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>’s<br />
hi<strong>story</strong>, Artinian sought<br />
out 30 children, ages 10 to 17,<br />
from all 12 districts <strong>of</strong> Yerevan,<br />
each <strong>of</strong> whom practices an art<br />
form that is disappearing in <strong>Armenia</strong>.<br />
With <strong>the</strong>se children she<br />
travelled as far as Karabakh to<br />
create <strong>the</strong> moments that represent<br />
each century.<br />
The website will have two<br />
components, fiction and documentary.<br />
Artinian began her<br />
project by visiting schools in<br />
Yerevan and photographing <strong>the</strong><br />
students. “I looked for kids who<br />
were photogenic and talented.<br />
And I would ask <strong>the</strong> teacher,<br />
‘who would you suggest?’... I<br />
went mostly after <strong>the</strong> talent.”<br />
The 22 centuries <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
have <strong>the</strong>mes ranging from musical<br />
instruments (duduk, zurna,<br />
and dhol in earlier centuries;<br />
kanun, oud, and kamancha after<br />
<strong>the</strong> 15 c.), and visual arts (ceramics,<br />
miniature painting, lace)<br />
to horseback riding and <strong>the</strong> acrobatic<br />
arts, as well as famous<br />
figures (e.g. Mesrop Mashtots,<br />
representing literature).<br />
For <strong>the</strong> documentary portion<br />
<strong>of</strong> her site, photographed<br />
by Karen Mirzoyan, Artinian<br />
interviewed and collected information<br />
on <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
children who learn and perform<br />
<strong>the</strong>se arts. They are photographed<br />
in front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir homes<br />
Continued on page 14 <br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> Arts & Culture | November 7, 2009 9
Grigor Khanjyan’s mural <strong>tells</strong><br />
by Gregory Lima<br />
YEREVAN – Grigor Khanjyan<br />
spent a large part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> last eight<br />
years <strong>of</strong> his life on a scaffold with<br />
his color box and brushes in a<br />
broad hall allotted to him in Yerevan’s<br />
Cascade. Here he painted<br />
al fresco <strong>the</strong> vast triptych that is<br />
his final masterwork.<br />
His last days on <strong>the</strong> scaffold<br />
were in bitterly cold wea<strong>the</strong>r;<br />
old, sick, and eyesight failing,<br />
he seemed to know <strong>the</strong> end<br />
would soon come. On <strong>the</strong> day<br />
before his death, working on<br />
<strong>the</strong> final panel, <strong>the</strong> “Rebirth<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>,” he summoned<br />
his last reserves <strong>of</strong> strength,<br />
completing – one could say illuminating<br />
– in a single day <strong>the</strong><br />
critical central area that had remained<br />
unfinished; on this day<br />
he painted <strong>the</strong> beautiful face <strong>of</strong><br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Armenia</strong> and her child,<br />
<strong>the</strong> new <strong>Armenia</strong>. Only hours<br />
later, he passed away.<br />
The huge triptych, completed<br />
and in full restoration, graces<br />
<strong>the</strong> entire wall in its own designated,<br />
stately hall, open and<br />
free to <strong>the</strong> public, an integral<br />
part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new Cafesjian Center<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Arts.<br />
In this environment I see it<br />
and feel it as a sacred space. I<br />
believe Grigor Khanjyan also<br />
thought <strong>of</strong> it that way.<br />
He created a mural <strong>of</strong> this<br />
ancient Christian land and<br />
its people, telling <strong>of</strong> struggles,<br />
early triumphs, tragedy, and rebirth<br />
in independence. He did it<br />
with heart and soul on a public<br />
wall for everyone who wishes<br />
to know what it means to be an<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n.<br />
He would do it in a way that<br />
speaks to <strong>the</strong> generations into<br />
which he was born, inspiring<br />
and legible to <strong>the</strong> common man<br />
and woman.<br />
Who was Grigor Khanjyan?<br />
Born in Yerevan in 1924, he<br />
graduated from art schools in<br />
<strong>the</strong> city as World War II ended.<br />
His work spans <strong>the</strong> second<br />
half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 20th century. He<br />
lived to see <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> Stalin,<br />
<strong>the</strong> resurgence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Apostolic<br />
Church, and to take active<br />
part in <strong>the</strong> movement for <strong>the</strong><br />
independence <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>. He<br />
passed away in <strong>the</strong> year 2000,<br />
with red, blue, and orange on<br />
his palette and under <strong>the</strong> skin<br />
<strong>of</strong> his hands.<br />
Khanjyan, was a man <strong>of</strong> prodigious<br />
talent, understanding<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n literature, and<br />
abiding religious faith. As an<br />
artist he possessed an uncanny<br />
ability to catch, and to express<br />
graphically, <strong>the</strong> decisive narrative<br />
moment.<br />
It led him to unfashionable<br />
clarity. By choice, because it<br />
suited his way <strong>of</strong> thinking, he<br />
was as modern as <strong>the</strong> vivid moment,<br />
capturing its mood, its<br />
light, its musical movement.<br />
He recomposed for dramatic<br />
effect, painting <strong>the</strong> world as<br />
he felt it before his eyes, but<br />
without painterly devices that<br />
might compromise lucidity at<br />
<strong>the</strong> popular level.<br />
Trained as a prodigy by his <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
teachers, he learned how<br />
to get along within <strong>the</strong> system,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Soviet regime finding little<br />
to criticize besides too little <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> rootless, mass modern man<br />
and too much specifically <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
national consciousness<br />
in his work. Under <strong>the</strong>se circumstances,<br />
he turned to <strong>the</strong> masterpieces<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n literature<br />
as an effective shield, becoming<br />
its most successful graphic<br />
interpreter. As a consequence,<br />
with <strong>the</strong> strength <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> literature,<br />
combined with <strong>the</strong> artistic<br />
strength and clarity <strong>of</strong> his illustrations,<br />
<strong>the</strong> highest exhibition<br />
prizes and honors in <strong>the</strong> Soviet<br />
Union began to heap up.<br />
In his earliest period his favorite<br />
writer was Hovhannes<br />
Toumanian. Khanjyan illustrating<br />
Toumanian’s beautiful<br />
“Anoush,” <strong>the</strong> <strong>story</strong> “Gikor,” and<br />
<strong>the</strong> poem “Sako from Lory,” for<br />
each <strong>of</strong> which he received great<br />
praise and prizes. He turned<br />
Grigor Khanjyan,<br />
right, with<br />
Catholicos<br />
Vazgen I. The<br />
two men had a<br />
strong friendship<br />
and a productive<br />
working<br />
relationship.<br />
to Khachatur Abovyan for The<br />
Wounds <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>, receiving an<br />
award <strong>of</strong> “The Best Book <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Year” in <strong>the</strong> Soviet Union.<br />
He was able to use this success<br />
as a passport to <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
He was first able to visit Albania.<br />
What he saw <strong>the</strong>re, his exhibited<br />
works suggest, is a nation<br />
that had kept a vital connection<br />
to <strong>the</strong> genius <strong>of</strong> its traditional<br />
handicrafts – something he<br />
would come back to fight for in<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>.<br />
He also recognized <strong>the</strong> deep,<br />
emotional attachment on <strong>the</strong><br />
popular level <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> people<br />
<strong>of</strong> Albania to <strong>the</strong>ir own Vartan,<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir Scanderbeg, <strong>the</strong><br />
abducted Christian Albanian<br />
who learned as a general in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Turkish Army how best he<br />
could destroy <strong>the</strong> oppressive<br />
Turks, leading greatly outnumbered<br />
but victorious Christian<br />
Albanian armies against <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
There was an affinity to <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
struggles that Khanjyan<br />
would also not forget.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> next few years he<br />
would go on to tour Poland,<br />
France, and Italy. In Rome he<br />
would visit and sketch a reverent<br />
scene in <strong>the</strong> Sistine Chapel.<br />
In a sense a part <strong>of</strong> him never<br />
left <strong>the</strong> scaffold that held Michelangelo<br />
al<strong>of</strong>t.<br />
He returned do some <strong>of</strong> his<br />
best work in <strong>the</strong> illustrations<br />
for Paruir Sevak’s “The Ever-<br />
Tolling Bell Tower,” dealing<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Genocide and <strong>the</strong> life<br />
and death <strong>of</strong> beloved Komitas.<br />
No work <strong>of</strong> art was more completely<br />
embraced by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
public in its time. It would<br />
find a place here in virtually every<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n household.<br />
10 <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> Arts & Culture | November 7, 2009
Mural/Triptych at <strong>the</strong> Cafesjian<br />
Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts in Yerevan. First<br />
conceived by Khanjyan as a set <strong>of</strong><br />
giant tapestries to be woven in France<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Catholicos’s residence at<br />
Etchmiadzin, <strong>the</strong> work was received<br />
with popular acclaim when <strong>the</strong><br />
original tapestries were completed<br />
and hung in place in 1985. Khanjyan<br />
was determined, however, to bring<br />
his murals to a more accessible public<br />
forum. In his travels he had been<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>oundly influenced by visiting<br />
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and by<br />
<strong>the</strong> revolutionary murals in public<br />
spaces <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mexican artists Rivera,<br />
Orozco, and Siqueiros – particularly<br />
Siqueiros. In <strong>the</strong> last years <strong>of</strong> his life,<br />
in failing health and with dimming<br />
eyesight, he climbed <strong>the</strong> scaffolding<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Cascade, painting alfresco a<br />
new version <strong>of</strong> his famous Vardanank<br />
(center panel), <strong>the</strong> battle in 451 where<br />
Prince Vardan Mamikonian fought<br />
<strong>the</strong> Zoroastrian Persians to retain<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Christianity. Khanjyan<br />
conceived <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> struggle as ongoing<br />
to <strong>the</strong> present day. In <strong>the</strong> right panel,<br />
he incorporated <strong>the</strong> emergence <strong>of</strong><br />
independent <strong>Armenia</strong>.<br />
The artist and his Vardan Mamikonian.<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>story</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
More success followed with<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r illustrations <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
literature and travel<br />
abroad. A critical journey was<br />
in 1974 to Mexico. He had earlier<br />
been to Spain, but it was<br />
in Mexico that he caught <strong>the</strong><br />
spirit <strong>of</strong> Latin rhythms, <strong>the</strong><br />
focus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mind on what is<br />
personally most hallowed and<br />
important that distinguishes<br />
prayer, along with <strong>the</strong> momentary<br />
relief from oppression and<br />
<strong>the</strong> spiritual qualities that may<br />
be found in some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> popular<br />
arts. His canvases from this<br />
period done in Mexico and<br />
back in <strong>Armenia</strong> have an especial<br />
brilliance.<br />
In Mexico he studied <strong>the</strong> wall<br />
murals <strong>of</strong> Diego Rivera, Orozco,<br />
and Siqueiros, discussing<br />
al fresco painting and becoming<br />
a close friend <strong>of</strong> Siqueiros’.<br />
He would devote his moving<br />
“Where are you, Son <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Lord?” to Siqueiros. It was in<br />
this period that he also decided<br />
to openly reconnect with his<br />
church.<br />
In 1975, he painted “He Returned,”<br />
and accompanied Catholicos<br />
Vasken I to Jerusalem,<br />
developing a strong friendship<br />
and productive working relationship<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Catholicos<br />
that directly bears on <strong>the</strong> murals<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Cascade.<br />
While applying himself to<br />
plans to restore to brilliance <strong>the</strong><br />
Holy See at Etchmiadzin, he illustrated<br />
Avetik Isahakyan’s<br />
“Fables” and a personal favorite,<br />
Gevorg Emin’s “The Dance <strong>of</strong><br />
Sassoon,” which now hangs in<br />
Yerevan’s National Art Gallery,<br />
and he went on to complete <strong>the</strong><br />
illustrations for “Western <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Poetry.”<br />
At Etchmiadzin <strong>the</strong> church<br />
was in disrepair. The adjacent<br />
residence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Catholicos <strong>of</strong><br />
All <strong>Armenia</strong>ns, <strong>the</strong> “Veharan,”<br />
used to house refugees from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Genocide, was in even more<br />
<strong>of</strong> a shambles, having soon afterward<br />
been commandeered<br />
by <strong>the</strong> army for use as a military<br />
headquarters, <strong>the</strong>n as an<br />
army field hospital, finally as<br />
a grain storehouse. Khanjyan<br />
talked about doing painting on<br />
<strong>the</strong> walls. The Catholicos said<br />
he had a better idea. Create<br />
tapestries. At least <strong>the</strong>y can be<br />
rolled up and saved.<br />
Khanjyan completed <strong>the</strong> design<br />
and details <strong>of</strong> what is called<br />
<strong>the</strong> “cartoon” <strong>of</strong> two tapestries:<br />
“The <strong>Armenia</strong>n Alphabet”<br />
and “Vardanank” in 1982. The<br />
“cartoons,” later to be adapted<br />
as basic designs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wall<br />
paintings in <strong>the</strong> Cascade, were<br />
shown in Yerevan, receiving<br />
critical acclaim. They were <strong>the</strong>n<br />
sent to France, to Obussion, to<br />
be woven in <strong>the</strong> workshop <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Pantene Bro<strong>the</strong>rs. Upon<br />
completion, <strong>the</strong>y were hung<br />
as treasures in <strong>the</strong> Veharan in<br />
Etchmiadzin.<br />
In 1983 <strong>the</strong> composition for<br />
“Vardanank” won <strong>the</strong> State Prize<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>. This generated a<br />
swell <strong>of</strong> interest in having a version<br />
<strong>of</strong> it done in a permanent<br />
place in Yerevan. With <strong>the</strong> construction<br />
underway <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cascade,<br />
<strong>the</strong> place was decided. The<br />
design for <strong>the</strong> “Rebirth <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>”<br />
was started at this time.<br />
It can be said that Khanjyan<br />
worked on <strong>the</strong> great triptych in<br />
<strong>the</strong> final Cascade version for a<br />
period <strong>of</strong> 15 years, with most <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> labor on <strong>the</strong> wall following<br />
<strong>the</strong> declaration <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n independence.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> year <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n independence,<br />
1991, Khanjyan’s<br />
beautiful “Madonna and Child”<br />
was consecrated and placed<br />
over <strong>the</strong> central altar in <strong>the</strong> ca<strong>the</strong>dral<br />
<strong>of</strong> Etchmiadzin.<br />
“The <strong>Armenia</strong>n Alphabet” was<br />
completed on <strong>the</strong> Cascade wall<br />
in 1994. “Vardanank” was completed<br />
in 1998; “Rebirth” had an<br />
unfinished area <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fresco at<br />
his death in 2000.<br />
Describing <strong>the</strong> difference<br />
between <strong>the</strong> frescos and <strong>the</strong><br />
tapestries, Khanjyan is said to<br />
have replied, <strong>the</strong> difference is<br />
that <strong>the</strong> angels have been left<br />
in <strong>the</strong> church.<br />
In this illumination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
saga <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n hi<strong>story</strong>,<br />
Grigor Khanjyan, whose emphasis<br />
throughout his life as<br />
an artist was on <strong>the</strong> vitality<br />
and drama and what can be<br />
achieved in <strong>the</strong> present moment,<br />
gives us a hi<strong>story</strong> that<br />
remains as vital and alive as<br />
<strong>the</strong> present moment. He peoples<br />
<strong>the</strong> triptych with many<br />
recognizable faces. Hi<strong>story</strong>,<br />
he appears to say, lives in <strong>the</strong><br />
people, generations past, <strong>the</strong><br />
people present today, and<br />
those to come – but it is most<br />
alive on this very day because,<br />
today as we live, we carry it in<br />
us in a vital way and can do<br />
something about it to fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
our freedom and dignity.<br />
The mural in <strong>the</strong> Cascade was Khanjyan’s labor <strong>of</strong> love.<br />
Thus, with hi<strong>story</strong> as continuity,<br />
is not surprising to see <strong>the</strong><br />
very recognizable visage <strong>of</strong> Vazgen<br />
I near that <strong>of</strong> Saint Mesrop<br />
Mashtots, nor fur<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong><br />
triptych a whole pan<strong>the</strong>on <strong>of</strong><br />
familiar faces <strong>of</strong> poets, musicians,<br />
dramatists, and artists,<br />
and as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> anonymous<br />
populace, his own children. We<br />
can recognize <strong>the</strong> features <strong>of</strong> his<br />
son, Ara, and among <strong>the</strong> graces,<br />
Continued on page 12 <br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> Arts & Culture | November 7, 2009 11
Khanjyan’s mural <strong>tells</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>story</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
Continued from page 11<br />
his lovely daughter, Seda, who<br />
has greatly helped as a source<br />
in <strong>the</strong>se paragraphs.<br />
This vital connection <strong>of</strong> past<br />
with <strong>the</strong> present is a <strong>the</strong>me<br />
that has been elaborated many<br />
times. Vazgen I, who commissioned<br />
“The <strong>Armenia</strong>n Alphabet,”<br />
was to put it this way: “The<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n language is our essence,<br />
our honor, our identity,<br />
<strong>the</strong> foundation <strong>of</strong> our culture.<br />
. . . We cannot live without our<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r tongue.” Among <strong>the</strong><br />
challenges <strong>of</strong> current <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
hi<strong>story</strong> is to keep <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
tongue alive in <strong>the</strong> diaspora and<br />
to create fur<strong>the</strong>r opportunities<br />
for all <strong>Armenia</strong>ns to express<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves in <strong>the</strong> common human<br />
language <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sciences<br />
and <strong>the</strong> arts.<br />
That is a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> strength<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Vardanank. A small<br />
band <strong>of</strong> beleaguered people<br />
have heavenly help as standing<br />
among <strong>the</strong>ir dead <strong>the</strong>y fend <strong>of</strong>f<br />
an almost overwhelming army<br />
<strong>of</strong> foes surrounding <strong>the</strong>m. But<br />
heavenly help or not, <strong>the</strong> dead<br />
and <strong>the</strong> dying are many, and<br />
while <strong>the</strong> Bible is held al<strong>of</strong>t and<br />
an armed prelate proclaims, it is<br />
<strong>the</strong> will <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> people to struggle<br />
on that is holding <strong>the</strong> day.<br />
While Vartan is in <strong>the</strong> center,<br />
on his armored stallion with his<br />
sword and arm raised in a V for<br />
victory, in <strong>the</strong> composition, nowhere<br />
is <strong>the</strong> will <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> people<br />
better seen than in <strong>the</strong> lower<br />
left hand corner. Here is a man<br />
with nei<strong>the</strong>r sword nor arrows.<br />
He joins <strong>the</strong> fight with his bare<br />
hands. And notice, standing beside<br />
him a woman steps beyond<br />
<strong>the</strong> shields to become forefront,<br />
a leader in struggle that will<br />
have no end.<br />
Before moving to <strong>the</strong> “Rebirth,”<br />
let’s review <strong>the</strong> characterization<br />
in <strong>the</strong> first two panels.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> center <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first<br />
Grigor Khanjyan (center) at <strong>the</strong> Cascade under construction.<br />
panel is St. Mesrop Mashtots<br />
holding <strong>the</strong> newly created <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
alphabet in <strong>the</strong> 5th century.<br />
It is seen as <strong>the</strong> beginning<br />
<strong>of</strong> a new era. The bookstand<br />
beside him symbolizes <strong>the</strong> rise<br />
<strong>of</strong> a new literature and <strong>of</strong> learning.<br />
Indeed, <strong>the</strong> texts <strong>of</strong> more<br />
than one hundred poems will<br />
be attributed to Mashots himself<br />
in <strong>the</strong> flowering <strong>of</strong> written<br />
literature immediately after his<br />
creation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> alphabet.<br />
Pictured above Mashtots is<br />
King Vramshapuh, <strong>the</strong> queen on<br />
one side, Vahan Amatouni on<br />
<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r, Mount Ararat above.<br />
The vault <strong>of</strong> heaven gains interest<br />
in <strong>the</strong> composition as <strong>the</strong><br />
palpable spirituality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> moment<br />
has <strong>the</strong> fragrant hues <strong>of</strong><br />
incense and lighted honey wax<br />
candles.<br />
The Vardananz <strong>tells</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>story</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> war <strong>of</strong> 451, when Prince<br />
Vardan Mamikonian led <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
to a decisive victory over<br />
<strong>the</strong> Persians, enabling <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
to <strong>the</strong>reafter retain its separate<br />
identity and its devotion<br />
to Christianity as integral to<br />
this identity. Among <strong>the</strong> heroic<br />
figures peopling <strong>the</strong> canvas,<br />
connoisseurs with a deeper<br />
acquaintance with Khanjyan’s<br />
time will discover familiar faces.<br />
It also contains a self-portrait<br />
<strong>of</strong> Grigor Khanjyan in <strong>the</strong> tradition<br />
<strong>of</strong> earlier masters. You may<br />
also be able to find Komitas,<br />
Varuzhan, Charents, Paruir Sevak,<br />
and even William Saroyan.<br />
By popular demand, Khanjyan<br />
also painted in General Andranik<br />
among <strong>the</strong> soldiers.<br />
But it is <strong>the</strong> “Rebirth” that<br />
holds an even wider pan<strong>the</strong>on<br />
<strong>of</strong> distinguished <strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> modern era. If <strong>the</strong> visitor<br />
needs help in identifying a<br />
who’s who in <strong>the</strong> compositions,<br />
a useful key can be found in <strong>the</strong><br />
major street names <strong>of</strong> Yerevan<br />
and in <strong>the</strong> faces <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most<br />
warmly chiseled statues holding<br />
court in all <strong>the</strong> parks. Identifying<br />
<strong>the</strong> figures may well be a<br />
game for <strong>the</strong> centuries.<br />
Can you find Aram Khatchaturian?<br />
He is shown with white<br />
hair. Easy should be Martiros<br />
Saryan; harder to his side is<br />
<strong>the</strong> actor Hrachia Nerssissyan<br />
in <strong>the</strong> flowing golden cape. The<br />
poet Hovhaness Shiraz is <strong>the</strong>re,<br />
as well as might be expected,<br />
Hovhaness Toumanian.<br />
The suggestion was made that<br />
a key to all <strong>the</strong> major historic<br />
figures in <strong>the</strong> triptych be made,<br />
each numbered in <strong>the</strong> key, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> answers placed up-side<br />
down nearby. It would help this<br />
great masterwork to not only<br />
be more educational for <strong>the</strong><br />
young, but also fun to score<br />
Grigor Khanjyan<br />
in his studio.<br />
and to study. One can wish this<br />
is followed through.<br />
To stand before this mural in<br />
this sacred place is a pleasure to<br />
<strong>the</strong> eyes, a celebration in being<br />
an <strong>Armenia</strong>n, and a challenge<br />
to our efforts to sustain this<br />
hi<strong>story</strong> with good work <strong>of</strong> our<br />
own.<br />
<br />
The artist photographed in his studio, two years before his death in 2000.<br />
12 <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> Arts & Culture | November 7, 2009
Richard H. Tashjian paintings capture <strong>the</strong> nature<br />
that surrounds him<br />
SANTA FE, N.M. – <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
artist Richard Tashjian’s paintings<br />
were recently part <strong>of</strong> a<br />
group show titled, “Six from<br />
Santa Fe,” at <strong>the</strong> Art Exchange<br />
Gallery in Santa Fe, where he<br />
currently resides.<br />
For more than 80 years,<br />
Tashjian has been creating<br />
artwork, primarily landscape<br />
paintings. According to Jeff<br />
Tabor <strong>of</strong> Art Exchange Gallery,<br />
Tashjian painted <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
scenes for years, “but now, living<br />
in Santa Fe, he has been<br />
able to capture <strong>the</strong> beauty <strong>of</strong><br />
this diverse landscape. Art Exchange<br />
Gallery is fortunate to<br />
have <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> Richard H.<br />
Tashjian.”<br />
Born in Chelsea, Mass., in<br />
1926, Richard served in <strong>the</strong> U.S.<br />
Navy Reserve during World War<br />
II as a photographer and later<br />
graduated from <strong>the</strong> Museum<br />
School <strong>of</strong> Fine Arts in Boston.<br />
He studied design under Pr<strong>of</strong>.<br />
Gyorgy Kepes at M.I.T. School<br />
<strong>of</strong> Visual Design Architectural<br />
Center in Cambridge, Mass.<br />
Richard’s talents resulted in a<br />
successful career in advertising<br />
art, where he worked as a commercial<br />
artist and art director<br />
South Rim, Grand Canyon. Oil on canvas, 24x40.<br />
for various distinguished ad<br />
agencies throughout <strong>the</strong> Boston<br />
area. For several years, he<br />
owned and operated an art studio<br />
and gallery in Watertown,<br />
Mass.<br />
The time since his relocation<br />
with his wife from Boston has<br />
been a fruitful period <strong>of</strong> painting<br />
<strong>the</strong> Southwest, which he<br />
has since grown to love. Tashjian’s<br />
inspiration portraying New<br />
Mexico’s nature and rock formations<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir warm, rich<br />
colors has been his trademark.<br />
His views are not typical, as he<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten wanders <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> beaten<br />
path to capture a new perspective<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Southwest.<br />
His palette is clean and crisp,<br />
Richard Tashjian.<br />
like <strong>the</strong> New Mexico air, and is<br />
clearly depicted in each <strong>of</strong> his<br />
works. He mentions that many<br />
artists have come <strong>the</strong>re to paint,<br />
and he feels honored to be part<br />
<strong>of</strong> this wonderful experience.<br />
While he finds his inspiration<br />
in <strong>the</strong> natural and beautiful landscape<br />
<strong>of</strong> New Mexico, Tashjian<br />
grew up in <strong>the</strong> Pacific Northwest.<br />
“As a boy I while away a lot<br />
<strong>of</strong> school days secretly drawing<br />
pictures <strong>of</strong> airplanes, ships and<br />
tanks. During those days, I was<br />
a great fan <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cartoons that<br />
appeared in Mad Magazine,” recounts<br />
<strong>the</strong> painter. <br />
connect:<br />
www.aegallery.com<br />
Hoy Lari releases new dvd, gets ready for children’s concert<br />
Hoy Lari children’s music announced<br />
<strong>the</strong> release <strong>of</strong> its first<br />
musical dvd directed by Gor<br />
Kirakosian. The dvd promises<br />
to entertain and educate kids<br />
<strong>of</strong> all ages with upbeat and interactive<br />
songs. The dvd will be<br />
available at Hoy Lari’s upcoming<br />
concert in Los Angeles. Two performances<br />
will take place on Saturday,<br />
November 28, at El Portal<br />
Theatre in North Hollywood at<br />
11 a.m. and 4 p.m.<br />
Paola Kassabian and Janet<br />
Yetenekian toge<strong>the</strong>r form <strong>the</strong><br />
dynamic duo that is Hoy Lari,<br />
captivating children <strong>of</strong> all<br />
ages. The music is designed to<br />
encourage children to sing in<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n and develop <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
language in <strong>the</strong>ir formative<br />
years, while stimulating<br />
imagination, cognition, and<br />
self-expression.<br />
Hoy Lari’s debut album Jamanagn<br />
eh received much praise<br />
from children and parents alike.<br />
Hoy Lari also released <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
second album titled Getseh<br />
Pokreegner. Hoy Lari takes children<br />
on imaginary adventures<br />
with amusing songs about an<br />
elephant, monkeys, astronauts,<br />
mixing colors, and healthy foods.<br />
The dvd will also be available at<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n retailers. <br />
connect:<br />
www.hoylari.com<br />
www.itsmyseat.com<br />
Be prepared for a<br />
lively children’s<br />
concert by Hoy<br />
Lari.<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> Arts & Culture | November 7, 2009 13
Program Grid<br />
9 – 15 November<br />
12:30 pm<br />
1:00 pm<br />
1:30 pm<br />
2:00 pm<br />
2:30 pm<br />
3:00 pm<br />
3:30 pm<br />
4:00 pm<br />
4:30 pm<br />
5:00 pm<br />
5:30 pm<br />
6:00 pm<br />
6:30 pm<br />
7:00 pm<br />
7:30 pm<br />
8:00 pm<br />
8:30 pm<br />
9:00 pm<br />
9:30 pm<br />
10:00 pm<br />
10:30 pm<br />
11:00 pm<br />
11:30 pm<br />
12:00 pm<br />
12:30 am<br />
01:00 am<br />
01:30 pm<br />
02:00 am<br />
02:30 am<br />
03:00 am<br />
03:30 am<br />
04:00 am<br />
04:30 am<br />
05:00 am<br />
05:30 am<br />
06:00 am<br />
06:30 pm<br />
07:00 am<br />
07:30 pm<br />
08:00 am<br />
08:30 am<br />
09:00 am<br />
09:30 am<br />
10:00 am<br />
10:30 am<br />
11:00 am<br />
11:30 am<br />
12:00 pm<br />
9 November 10 November 11 November 12 November 13 November 14 November<br />
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY<br />
Monday<br />
Immigrants<br />
28-32<br />
Kyanqi Gine<br />
Americayi Dzayn<br />
Immigrants<br />
28-32<br />
Kargin haghordum<br />
Yere1<br />
2 Yeres<br />
Repeat 6<br />
Barev, yes em -Sunday<br />
Sassounian Commentary<br />
Hamerg<br />
Fort Boyard-Hayer<br />
3<br />
Karmir te sev<br />
Immigrants<br />
31-32<br />
Bari Luys Hayer<br />
Americayi dzayn<br />
Khohanotz<br />
YO YO<br />
News<br />
2 Yeres<br />
1 original<br />
Mer Lezun, mer xosqe<br />
Blef<br />
Barev, yes em-Saturday<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happiness<br />
Original 1<br />
Yere1<br />
Kyanqi Gine<br />
Original 1<br />
Immigrants<br />
33<br />
Irakanum<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Tuesday<br />
Bari Gisher hayer<br />
Kyanqi gine-Repeat 1<br />
Immigrants 33<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happiness-Repeat<br />
2 Yeres<br />
Repeat<br />
News<br />
Khohanotz<br />
Barev, yes em-Sunday<br />
Mer Lezun, mer xosqe<br />
News<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Mi Katil Meghr<br />
2 Yeres<br />
1 Repeat<br />
Barev, yes em-Saturday<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happinessrepeat<br />
1<br />
Yere1<br />
Kyanqi Gine-<br />
Repeat 1<br />
Immigrants<br />
33<br />
Irakanum<br />
Bari Luys Hayer<br />
Karmir te sev<br />
YO YO<br />
News<br />
2 Yeres<br />
2 original<br />
MARIKA<br />
Yere1<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happiness<br />
2 Original<br />
Los Armenios<br />
Kyanqi Gine<br />
Original 2<br />
Immigrants<br />
34<br />
Irakanum<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Wednesday<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Kyanqi Gine-Repeat 2<br />
Immigrants 34<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happiness-Repeat<br />
2 Yeres<br />
Repeat<br />
News<br />
Khohanotz<br />
Fort Boyard<br />
News<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Mi Katil Meghr<br />
2 Yeres<br />
2 Repeat<br />
Yere1<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happiness-<br />
Repeat 2<br />
Los Armenios<br />
Kyanqi Gine-<br />
Repeat 2<br />
Immigrants<br />
34<br />
Irakanum<br />
Bari Luys Hayer<br />
Fort Boyard<br />
YO YO<br />
News<br />
2 Yeres<br />
3 original<br />
TITUS<br />
Los Armenios<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happiness<br />
3 Original<br />
Yere1<br />
Kyanqi Gine<br />
Original 3<br />
Immigrants<br />
35<br />
Irakanum<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Thursday<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Kyanqi Gine-Repeat 3<br />
Immigrants 35<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happiness-Repeat<br />
2 Yeres<br />
Repeat<br />
News<br />
Khohanotz<br />
Barev, yes em-Saturday<br />
Kargin Haghordum<br />
News<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Mi Katil Meghr<br />
2 Yeres<br />
3 Repeat<br />
Los armenios<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happiness-<br />
Repeat 3<br />
Yere1<br />
Kyanqi Gine-<br />
Repeat 3<br />
Immigrants<br />
35<br />
Irakanum<br />
Bari Luys Hayer<br />
MARIKA<br />
Aybenaran<br />
News<br />
2 Yeres<br />
4 original<br />
KIA<br />
TATOYAN<br />
Yere1<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happinnes<br />
4 Original<br />
Kargin Haghordum<br />
Kyanqi Gine<br />
Original 4<br />
Immigrants<br />
36<br />
Irakanum<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Friday<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Kyanqi Gine-Repeat4<br />
Immigrants 36<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happiness-Repeat<br />
2 Yeres<br />
Repeat<br />
News<br />
Khohanotz<br />
Karmir te sev<br />
News<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Mi Katil Meghr<br />
2 Yeres<br />
4 Repeat<br />
Yere1<br />
News<br />
Unlucki Happiness-<br />
Repeat 4<br />
Kargin Haghordum<br />
Kyanqi Gine-<br />
Repeat 4<br />
Immigrants<br />
36<br />
Irakanum<br />
Bari Luys Hayer<br />
Mer lezun, mer xosqe-Monday<br />
Khohanotz<br />
Aybenaran<br />
News<br />
2 Yeres<br />
5 original<br />
STEPAN<br />
RUBINA<br />
Unlucky Happiness<br />
5 Original<br />
Yere1<br />
Kyanqi Gine<br />
Original 5<br />
Imigrants<br />
37<br />
Irakanum<br />
Bari Gisher Hayer<br />
Saturday<br />
Bari Gisher, Hayer<br />
Kyanqi gine-Rep.5<br />
Immigrants 37<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happiness-Repeat<br />
2 Yeres<br />
Repeat<br />
News<br />
HAYTNUTYUN<br />
Mi Katil Meghr<br />
News<br />
Fort Boyard-HAYER<br />
Mer lezun, mer xosqe<br />
2 Yeres<br />
5 Repeat<br />
Kargin Haghordum<br />
News<br />
Unlucky Happiness-<br />
Repeat 5<br />
Yere1<br />
Kyanqi Gine-<br />
Repeat 5<br />
Immigrants<br />
37<br />
Irakanum<br />
RUBINA<br />
Arajnordaran<br />
Gor<br />
Vardanyan<br />
Sassounian Commentary<br />
2 Yeres<br />
6 original<br />
Mi katil Meghr<br />
Yere1<br />
Los Armenios<br />
Sassounian Commentary<br />
Blef<br />
Barev, yes em<br />
Kargin Haghordum<br />
Fort Boyard-HAYER<br />
Hamerg<br />
Unlucky Happinnes<br />
15 November<br />
SUNDAY<br />
Sunday<br />
Unlucky Happiness<br />
Sassounian Commentary<br />
Unlucky Happiness<br />
Sassounian Commentary<br />
Mer Lezun, Mer Xosqe<br />
Yere1<br />
Sassounyan Commentary<br />
Los Armenios<br />
Mi Katil Meghr<br />
2 Yeres<br />
6 Repeat<br />
Yere1<br />
Sassounian Commentary<br />
Blef<br />
Barev yes em<br />
Kargin haghordum<br />
Fort Boyard-Hayer<br />
Hamerg<br />
TITUS<br />
Mer Lezun, Mer Xosqe<br />
Arajnordaran<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Teletime<br />
Americayi Dzayn<br />
Los Armenios<br />
Hamerg<br />
Sassounian Commentary<br />
Mi Katil Meghr<br />
Barev, yes em<br />
Fort Boyard-HAYER<br />
Karmir te sev<br />
Immigrants<br />
Araz Artinian explores <strong>the</strong> past<br />
Continued from page 9<br />
and <strong>the</strong>ir schools, and while<br />
performing <strong>the</strong>ir art forms.<br />
Beneath <strong>the</strong> photos are quotes<br />
from <strong>the</strong> parents and teachers,<br />
with information on how much<br />
<strong>the</strong> teachers are paid and what<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir lives are like. The site “is<br />
going to show <strong>the</strong> social life <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>, and how hard it is for<br />
parents to send <strong>the</strong>ir kids to<br />
<strong>the</strong>se art schools.”<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first schools Artinian<br />
visited was <strong>the</strong> Seven-Year<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Folk Instruments<br />
Music School in Shengavit, a<br />
district <strong>of</strong> Yerevan. At some<br />
point during her visit she went<br />
to use <strong>the</strong> restroom: “<strong>the</strong>y<br />
brought me to this room (and<br />
it’s a big school) it was a hole in<br />
<strong>the</strong> floor; <strong>the</strong> toilets were maybe<br />
50 years old and <strong>the</strong>y were broken…I<br />
freaked out.” Later, upon<br />
requesting funding for her current<br />
project and getting turned<br />
down, she received an <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>of</strong><br />
funding “only to be used in helping<br />
<strong>the</strong> schools [she’d] visited.”<br />
Before this, Artinian states, “I<br />
didn’t have an idea that I wanted<br />
to do humanitarian work<br />
… but I said ‘yeah, give me <strong>the</strong><br />
funding and I’ll do it.’”<br />
With this start, and later<br />
funding, Artinian raised<br />
$250,000 dollars. The largest<br />
donor is MTS-Vivacell. She<br />
used <strong>the</strong> money to renovate <strong>the</strong><br />
toilets in <strong>the</strong> schools in Yerevan.<br />
“I said if I’m gonna help<br />
Araz Artinian<br />
in Jrambar,<br />
Province <strong>of</strong><br />
Aragatsotn.<br />
This is one <strong>of</strong><br />
22 locations<br />
selected for <strong>the</strong><br />
website project.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> back is<br />
<strong>the</strong> 6th-century<br />
Poghos-Petros<br />
Church, which<br />
is underwater<br />
half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year.<br />
Photo: Ani<br />
Manukian.<br />
one school, I’m helping all <strong>the</strong><br />
schools. I did a list <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong> art<br />
and music schools in Yerevan;<br />
<strong>the</strong>re’s about 50 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m. There<br />
are different schools, but I<br />
didn’t differentiate. I said ‘if I’m<br />
helping you, you have to give<br />
me <strong>the</strong> names <strong>of</strong> three o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
schools in your district because<br />
I’m helping everyone.’”<br />
The “fictional” photographs<br />
will be representations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
hi<strong>story</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> century and <strong>the</strong><br />
region. One photo, depicting<br />
“<strong>the</strong> art <strong>of</strong> wood,” shows a young<br />
boy holding a long fisher’s cane,<br />
elaborately decorated. He made<br />
<strong>the</strong> cane himself. He stands<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Argichi River across<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Kotavank church; he’s<br />
a fisher. “The business <strong>of</strong> fish<br />
was booming during <strong>the</strong> ninth<br />
century,” Artinian said. “Grigor<br />
Supan II who built this church,<br />
he betrayed <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n nation,<br />
and he was <strong>the</strong> son <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Princess Mariam who had built<br />
<strong>the</strong> churches on Sevan Island.”<br />
(Artinian visited “more than<br />
400 churches” while choosing<br />
locations for this project.)<br />
The costumes <strong>the</strong> young artists<br />
are wearing in <strong>the</strong> photos<br />
were made over a two-year period<br />
by Souzanna Baghdassarian<br />
under Artinian’s direction.<br />
Their designs are based on miniature<br />
paintings, researched by<br />
Artinian at <strong>the</strong> Matenadaran<br />
repository <strong>of</strong> ancient manuscripts<br />
to reflect <strong>the</strong> fashion <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> periods <strong>the</strong>y represent.<br />
“Except for this one,” Artinian<br />
mentions, “I couldn’t find<br />
a photo <strong>of</strong> a miniature painting<br />
<strong>of</strong> an astronomer. But I found<br />
something from <strong>the</strong> time with<br />
all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se symbols on it that related<br />
to <strong>the</strong> subject, so we made<br />
a costume with <strong>the</strong> symbols on<br />
it.” She is pointing to <strong>the</strong> photo<br />
depicting Ananya Shirakatsi.<br />
“This is Dvin, seventh century.<br />
Ananya Shirakatsi was invited<br />
to Dvin by <strong>the</strong> Catholicos.” The<br />
young boy in <strong>the</strong> photo, in an<br />
astronomer’s clo<strong>the</strong>s, gesturing<br />
toward <strong>the</strong> sky is standing on a<br />
ruin. “This is <strong>the</strong> only thing left<br />
from Dvin where <strong>the</strong>y had <strong>the</strong><br />
meeting.”<br />
Not only helpful as hi<strong>story</strong><br />
lessons, Artinian adds, <strong>the</strong>se<br />
photos will provoke interest in<br />
<strong>the</strong> different sites she visited. “If<br />
<strong>the</strong>y’re interested in coming to<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>, [people will] where to<br />
go, but not your typical places.”<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> historical characters<br />
depicted in <strong>the</strong>se photographs<br />
stand in <strong>the</strong> midst <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> very ruins <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir age. For<br />
<strong>the</strong> 8th century photograph,<br />
Artinian comments, “I went<br />
through hell looking for <strong>the</strong> location.<br />
I had seen <strong>the</strong> photo <strong>of</strong><br />
this khachkar [stone cross]; it<br />
was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
but you have to walk two<br />
kilometers to find it in this village<br />
in Talin.” Or in <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> 12 c. (“stone”), <strong>of</strong> St. Krikor<br />
Continued on page 15 <br />
14 <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> Arts & Culture | November 7, 2009
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Satellite Broadcast Program Grid<br />
9 – 15 November<br />
9 November 10 November 11 November<br />
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY<br />
12 November 13 November 14 November 15 November<br />
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY<br />
19:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
20:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
21:00 Yere1<br />
21:40 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
22:30 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
23:15 In Reality<br />
23:30 Good<br />
Night,<strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
0:30 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
1:15 “Immigrants”-Film<br />
2:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
2:30 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
3:10 Telekitchen<br />
3:40 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
4:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
5:00 Blef<br />
5:30 Our Language,Our<br />
Speech<br />
6:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
6:30 Yere1<br />
7:00 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
7:40 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
8:10 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
8:45 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
9:15 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
10:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
10:30 Good<br />
Morning,<strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
12:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
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12:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
13:20 Telekitchen<br />
14:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
15:00 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
15:45 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
16:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
17:00 Fort Boyard<br />
17:40 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
18:00 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
19:00 Yere1<br />
19:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
20:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
21:00 Los-Armenios<br />
21:40 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
22:30 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
23:15 In Reality<br />
23:30 Good<br />
Night,<strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
0:30 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
1:15 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
2:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
2:30 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
3:10 Telekitchen<br />
3:40 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
4:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
4:30 Yere1<br />
5:00 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
5:30 Blef<br />
6:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
6:30 Los-Armenios<br />
7:00 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
7:40 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
8:10 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
8:45 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
9:15 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
10:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
10:30 Good<br />
Morning,<strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
12:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
12:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
13:20 Telekitchen<br />
14:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
15:00 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
15:45 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
16:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
17:00 Fort Boyard<br />
18:00 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
19:00 Los-Armenios.<br />
19:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
20:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
21:00 Yere1<br />
21:40 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
22:30 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
23:15 In Reality<br />
23:30 Good<br />
Night,<strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
0:30 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
1:15 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
2:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
2:30 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
3:10 Telekitchen<br />
3:40 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
4:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
4:30 Los-Armenios<br />
5:00 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
5:30 Our Language,Our<br />
Speech<br />
6:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
6:30 Yere1<br />
7:00 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
7:40 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
8:10 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
8:45 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
9:15 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
10:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
10:30 Good<br />
Morning,<strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
12:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
12:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
13:20 Telekitchen<br />
14:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
15:00 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
15:45 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
16:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
17:00 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
17:30 Hello, it’s me<br />
18:00 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
19:00 Yere1<br />
19:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
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20:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
21:00 Cool Program<br />
21:40 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
22:30 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
23:15 In Reality<br />
23:30 Good<br />
Night,<strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
0:30 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
1:15 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
2:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
2:30 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
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4:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
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6:30 Cool Program<br />
7:00 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
7:40 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
8:10 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
8:45 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
9:15 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
10:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
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Morning,<strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
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12:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
13:20 Telekitchen<br />
14:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
15:00 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
15:45 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
16:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
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17:00 Fort Boyard<br />
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22:30 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
23:15 In Reality<br />
23:30 Good<br />
Night,<strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
0:30 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
1:15 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
2:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
2:30 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
3:10 Telekitchen<br />
3:40 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
4:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
4:30 Cool Program<br />
5:00 Our Language,Our<br />
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6:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
6:30 Yere1<br />
7:00 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
7:40 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
8:10 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
8:45 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
9:15 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
10:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
10:20 The <strong>Armenia</strong>n Film<br />
12:00 The Hour(<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
12:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
13:30 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
14:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
15:00 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
15:45 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
16:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
17:00 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
17:30 Los-Armenios<br />
18:00 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
19:00 Yere1<br />
19:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
20:00 Blef<br />
20:30 Hello, it’s me<br />
21:00 Cool Program<br />
21:30 Fort Boyard<br />
22:30 Concert<br />
0:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
2:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
3:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
4:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
4:30 The <strong>Armenia</strong>n Film<br />
6:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
6:30 Yere1<br />
8:00 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
9:00 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
9:50 Our Language,Our<br />
Speech<br />
10:30 The <strong>Armenia</strong>n Film<br />
12:00 Fort Boyard<br />
13:00 Cool Program<br />
13:20 Yere1<br />
14:45 Los-Armenios<br />
15:20 Blef<br />
15:45 Hello, it’s me<br />
16:00 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
17:00 voa(The Voice <strong>of</strong><br />
America)<br />
17:30 Yo-Yo<br />
18:00 Concert<br />
19:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
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20:00 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
20:30 Hello, it’s me<br />
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22:00 Red or Black<br />
0:00 “Immigrants”- Film<br />
2:30 “Cost <strong>of</strong> life”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
4:00 voa(The Voice <strong>of</strong><br />
America)<br />
4:30 Yo-Yo<br />
5:00 “Unhappy Happiness”-<br />
Telenovela<br />
10:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
10:30 Good<br />
Morning,<strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
12:00 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
12:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
13:20 Telekitchen<br />
14:10 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
14:30 Red or Black<br />
15:45 A Drop <strong>of</strong> Honey<br />
16:30 The Hour (<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
News Edition)<br />
17:00 Our Language,Our<br />
Speech<br />
17:30 Blef<br />
18:00 “Celebrity”-Telenovela<br />
19:00 Hello, it’s me<br />
Araz Artinian<br />
explores <strong>the</strong> past<br />
Continued from page 14<br />
Partsrakashi Church“ it was<br />
totally destroyed. You have to<br />
walk down a valley to get to it.”<br />
These remote locations are<br />
brought to our attention in <strong>the</strong><br />
photographs, and <strong>the</strong> eroding<br />
historical sites, ruins, and monuments<br />
seem naturally to give<br />
rise to <strong>the</strong> ghosts positioned<br />
beside <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> photos. Or<br />
do <strong>the</strong> young artists and models<br />
in <strong>the</strong> pictures give rise to<br />
ghost ruins? In ei<strong>the</strong>r case, <strong>the</strong><br />
physical scene is repopulated by<br />
<strong>the</strong> living counterparts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
people <strong>of</strong> those times <strong>the</strong> current<br />
practitioners <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se disappearing<br />
arts. The ruins stand<br />
in relief as testimony from <strong>the</strong><br />
past, issuing a quiet threat concerning<br />
<strong>the</strong>se art forms, about<br />
<strong>the</strong> disappearances that come<br />
with time and forgetting.<br />
Artinian is still looking for<br />
funding to help with <strong>the</strong> postproduction<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> website. The<br />
website is set to be launched<br />
on International Children’s Day,<br />
June 1, 2010.<br />
<br />
Your news goes right here<br />
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Watch a Hye on your local<br />
news? Write <strong>the</strong> <strong>Reporter</strong>, and<br />
we’ll get crackin’ to pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
<strong>the</strong> son or daughter <strong>of</strong> Hayk<br />
in an upcoming issue.<br />
Point and click an ‘e’ to<br />
arts@ reporter.am (dot am<br />
on <strong>the</strong> ‘net is for all things<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n!).<br />
connect:<br />
arts@reporter.am<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> Arts & Culture | November 7, 2009 15
16 The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009<br />
International<br />
100th anniversary <strong>of</strong> Adana massacres remembered<br />
Catholicos Aram I,<br />
“If Victor Hugo had<br />
been here and had<br />
seen <strong>the</strong>se pictures,<br />
he would have said<br />
that <strong>the</strong> Turks had<br />
passed through here.”<br />
by Tatul Hakobyan<br />
BEIRUT – Returning temporarily<br />
to Cilicia, Catholicos Sahak on November<br />
29, 1921, wrote poignantly<br />
about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns who had lost<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir homes and were dispersed<br />
along <strong>the</strong> shores <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean.<br />
He explained why it was<br />
important to find a safer place for<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns rescued from Cilicia<br />
and move <strong>the</strong>m away from <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
homes.<br />
“My residence in Sis is a pile <strong>of</strong><br />
destruction. I am in Adana temporarily<br />
to relocate to Syria, where<br />
my flock is just as numerous as it<br />
is in <strong>the</strong> province <strong>of</strong> Adana. My<br />
request is <strong>the</strong> supreme appeal <strong>of</strong><br />
Cilicia – to rescue by all means, <strong>the</strong><br />
beloved and wretched fragments <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n people; to find a safe<br />
refuge; to secure <strong>the</strong>ir daily bread<br />
until a new possibility <strong>of</strong> a safe haven<br />
is secured,” wrote Catholicos<br />
Sahak.<br />
“If we, Cilicians are to die, <strong>the</strong>n<br />
let us die far away, very far away so<br />
that we do not, through our blood<br />
and bones turn Cilicia into a hated<br />
place for our people,” Catholicos<br />
Sahak appealed to his flock.<br />
One hundred years ago, in April<br />
1909 by <strong>the</strong> shores <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean,<br />
where in <strong>the</strong> Middle Ages<br />
for almost 300 years <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
kingdom <strong>of</strong> Cilicia was created and<br />
prospered (1080–1375), <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
massacres took place in two stages,<br />
which in <strong>Armenia</strong>n hi<strong>story</strong> is<br />
known as <strong>the</strong> tragedy <strong>of</strong> Cilicia or<br />
<strong>the</strong> massacres <strong>of</strong> Adana.<br />
It was on <strong>the</strong> occasion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
100th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se massacres<br />
that a string <strong>of</strong> events, organized<br />
by and under <strong>the</strong> auspices<br />
<strong>of</strong> Aram I, Catholicos <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Great<br />
House <strong>of</strong> Cilicia, took place in Lebanon.<br />
On October 28 in <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r ca<strong>the</strong>dral<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Great House <strong>of</strong> Cilicia,<br />
<strong>the</strong> placement <strong>of</strong> stone-crosses<br />
and <strong>the</strong> opening <strong>of</strong> a photo exhibit<br />
dedicated to <strong>the</strong> Adana massacres<br />
took place with <strong>the</strong> participation<br />
and blessing <strong>of</strong> Aram I.<br />
“What took place a hundred years<br />
ago was not inadvertent, but <strong>the</strong> result<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ottoman Empire’s policy<br />
<strong>of</strong> exterminating <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns.<br />
What took place at <strong>the</strong> hands <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Ottoman Empire was a premediated<br />
massacre,” Aram I said during<br />
<strong>the</strong> opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> photo exhibit.<br />
More than 30,000 <strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
perished during those massacres,<br />
approximately 8,000 children<br />
were orphaned, more than 4,000<br />
women were widowed, and more<br />
than 30,000 <strong>Armenia</strong>ns became<br />
homeless. Thirty two churches, 19<br />
At <strong>the</strong> conference in Antelias on <strong>the</strong> 100th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cilicia tragedy. Photos: Tatul Hakobyan.<br />
Aram I: “We demand reparations from Turkey”<br />
During his closing remarks at <strong>the</strong><br />
conference dedicated to <strong>the</strong> 100th<br />
anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Adana massacres,<br />
Catholicos Aram I said that<br />
<strong>the</strong>se kinds <strong>of</strong> events are important<br />
to help “refresh our collective<br />
memory.” It is equally important<br />
that we are able to look at <strong>the</strong> past<br />
in order to make <strong>the</strong> right decisions<br />
about <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
Catholicos Aram I stressed that<br />
<strong>the</strong> struggle for <strong>the</strong> international<br />
recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Genocide must not only continue,<br />
but <strong>the</strong> time has come for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
people to raise <strong>the</strong> question<br />
<strong>of</strong> restitution for <strong>the</strong> Genocide.<br />
The following are excerpts<br />
from that speech.<br />
“We demand reparations from<br />
Turkey,” Aram I said. “The international<br />
community, <strong>the</strong> defender<br />
<strong>of</strong> justice and supporter <strong>of</strong> human<br />
rights must also remember that in<br />
1909 <strong>Armenia</strong>ns who were living<br />
peacefully and who were faithful<br />
citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ottoman Empire<br />
were subjected to, with <strong>the</strong> direct<br />
and indirect fault <strong>of</strong> that same<br />
state, massacres in Adana. The international<br />
community does not<br />
have <strong>the</strong> right to remain silent in<br />
<strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> such crimes. Hi<strong>story</strong><br />
has shown that when massacres<br />
schools, close to 3,000 homes, 600<br />
stores, and o<strong>the</strong>r structures were<br />
burned, looted, and destroyed.<br />
“These are not imaginary numbers.<br />
These are <strong>the</strong> testimonials by<br />
witnesses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day,” said Aram I.<br />
And <strong>the</strong> testimonials by <strong>the</strong> witnesses<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Adana massacres<br />
are devastating. An article in <strong>the</strong><br />
April 19, 1909 issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> New York<br />
Times reads: “The situation in Cilicia<br />
is obviously very difficult and<br />
<strong>the</strong> telegrams confirm <strong>the</strong> hopelessness<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> situation. Large<br />
parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city have been burned,<br />
including <strong>the</strong> neighborhood where<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns live, who tried in<br />
Catholicos Aram I at an event commemorating <strong>the</strong> 100th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Adana massacres. Tatul Hakobyan/<strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong>.<br />
and genocides are unpunished<br />
<strong>the</strong>y encourage crimes such as<br />
genocide to be carried out against<br />
humanity.<br />
“Justice must remain above every<br />
kind <strong>of</strong> geopolitical interests....<br />
Remembering <strong>the</strong> 100th anniversary<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Adana massacres for<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n people means that<br />
vain to resist while causing losses<br />
to <strong>the</strong> adversaries, until <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
finally defeated. The city <strong>of</strong> Tarsus<br />
is burning. The Christians <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
peaceful, but <strong>the</strong> Muslims are killing<br />
and looting.”<br />
A few days later, in <strong>the</strong> April 23,<br />
1909, issue, <strong>the</strong> same newspaper<br />
writes: “The entire population <strong>of</strong><br />
Qerqkhan, which is found between<br />
Aleppo and Alexandretta have been<br />
slaughtered, even newborn babies<br />
were not spared…<strong>the</strong> massacres are<br />
accompanied by cruelty, even women<br />
and children are not spared.”<br />
Addressing those taking part in<br />
<strong>the</strong> commemoration ceremony on<br />
Aram I addressing <strong>the</strong> conference.<br />
not only <strong>the</strong> international community<br />
but also and especially<br />
present-day Turkey who is considered<br />
<strong>the</strong> continuation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ottoman<br />
Empire, must be reminded<br />
that a collective massacre was carried<br />
out against <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns in<br />
Adana and call <strong>the</strong>m to account.<br />
“We repeat, <strong>the</strong> Adana massacres<br />
October 28 in <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r ca<strong>the</strong>dral<br />
<strong>of</strong> Antelias, Aram I said that a hundred<br />
years have passed since <strong>the</strong><br />
Adana massacres; however even<br />
a millennium later <strong>the</strong> tragedy <strong>of</strong><br />
Cilicia and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Genocide<br />
will remain rooted in our people’s<br />
collective memory.<br />
“We will remind <strong>the</strong> international<br />
community that 100 years ago<br />
Ottoman Turkey carried out <strong>the</strong><br />
Adana massacres and <strong>the</strong> grandchildren<br />
and great-grandchildren<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> martyrs remember and demand<br />
justice and compensation,”<br />
added <strong>the</strong> Catholicos.<br />
Adana 1909 focus <strong>of</strong> international workshop in Istanbul<br />
were not accidental, <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
planned with <strong>the</strong> encouragement<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turkish state and in fact<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were <strong>the</strong> first step toward<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Genocide <strong>of</strong> 1915.<br />
Present-day Turkey is required to<br />
take on <strong>the</strong> responsibility <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
planned and organized massacres<br />
carried out by <strong>the</strong>ir forefa<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
and to compensate <strong>the</strong> grandchildren<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> victims, who as a result<br />
<strong>of</strong> Turkey’s massacres, oppression<br />
and exile are dispersed to <strong>the</strong> four<br />
corners <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
“And now, <strong>the</strong> Catholicosate<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Great House <strong>of</strong> Cilicia, in<br />
<strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> children, grandchildren<br />
and great-grandchildren<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> victims <strong>of</strong> those who were<br />
massacred in Adana and its surrounding<br />
cities, has <strong>the</strong> moral,<br />
spiritual, and legal responsibility<br />
according to international laws, to<br />
demand from <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> presentday<br />
Turkey restitution for human<br />
and property losses.<br />
“The Great House <strong>of</strong> Cilicia, as<br />
<strong>the</strong> legal successor <strong>of</strong> church properties<br />
in Adana and its surrounding<br />
cities and villages, has <strong>the</strong><br />
right and responsibility to once<br />
again according to international<br />
laws, demand restitution from <strong>the</strong><br />
state <strong>of</strong> Turkey.”<br />
f<br />
On October 29–30 a conference<br />
dedicated to <strong>the</strong> Adana massacres<br />
took place with <strong>the</strong> participation <strong>of</strong><br />
historians, scholars, and specialists<br />
in <strong>Armenia</strong>n studies from <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
and <strong>the</strong> diaspora.<br />
Among <strong>the</strong>m were Claude Mutafian,<br />
Vergine Svazlian, Zaven<br />
Yekavyan, Aramais Baloyan,<br />
Yervant Pambukian, Hayk Demoyan,<br />
and Houri Azezyan.<br />
During opening remarks, Aram<br />
I admonished <strong>the</strong> participants not<br />
only to discuss <strong>the</strong> tragic events <strong>of</strong><br />
Adana but to find scientific answers<br />
to <strong>the</strong> question <strong>of</strong> why <strong>the</strong> tragedy<br />
<strong>of</strong> Cilicia took place.<br />
f<br />
LONDON – The Gomidas Institute<br />
is cosponsoring a workshop in Istanbul,<br />
“Adana 1909: Hi<strong>story</strong>, Memory,<br />
and Identity from a Hundred-Year<br />
Perspective.” The workshop was to<br />
take place on November 6 and 7 on<br />
<strong>the</strong> premises <strong>of</strong> Sabanci University,<br />
with participants from Europe and<br />
North America. The o<strong>the</strong>r co-sponsors<br />
are Sabanci University, Istanbul<br />
Bilgi University Hi<strong>story</strong> Department,<br />
<strong>the</strong> International Hrant Dink<br />
Foundation, and Bogazici University<br />
Hi<strong>story</strong> Department.<br />
“The Gomidas Institute originally<br />
organized such a meeting in London.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong> London event<br />
was rescheduled for Istanbul, when<br />
Turkish colleagues expressed interest<br />
in hosting a bigger meeting in<br />
Turkey,” said Ara Sarafian, director<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gomidas Institute. “In<br />
order to attract new scholars, especially<br />
from Turkey, a fresh call<br />
for papers was made in May 2009<br />
– in English, Turkish and <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
languages. We had a good response.<br />
The workshop now has some excellent<br />
presentations, including papers<br />
by scholars using original Ottoman<br />
archival records.”<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> papers had been distributed<br />
among <strong>the</strong> participants to<br />
promote fruitful discussion at <strong>the</strong><br />
workshop. This meeting also promised<br />
to promote lasting bridges<br />
among scholars <strong>of</strong> different backgrounds<br />
who are interested in Ottoman<br />
hi<strong>story</strong>.<br />
The Gomidas Institute on October<br />
11 co-sponsored a multimedia<br />
event, “Remembering Adana,” in<br />
Glendale, California, with a monthlong<br />
photographic exhibition (from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Columbia University Rare Book<br />
and Manuscript Library) at <strong>the</strong><br />
Glendale Public Library. f<br />
connect:<br />
info@gomidas.org
The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009 17<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong><br />
From <strong>Armenia</strong>, in brief<br />
EU to provide 16<br />
million euros for<br />
judicial reforms in<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong> for 2009-2011<br />
According to a report by Armenpress,<br />
<strong>the</strong> European Union is expected<br />
to provide 8 million euros<br />
this year for <strong>the</strong> implementation<br />
<strong>of</strong> judicial reforms in <strong>Armenia</strong> and<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r eight million in <strong>the</strong> coming<br />
two years.<br />
At a joint session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National<br />
Assembly’s Standing Commission<br />
on State and Legal Affairs and <strong>the</strong><br />
Standing Commission on Financial-<br />
Credit and Budget Affairs, Justice<br />
Minister Gevorg Daniyelyan said<br />
that a significant portion <strong>of</strong> those<br />
funds will be directed toward reconstruction<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country’s prison<br />
system underscoring <strong>the</strong> construction<br />
<strong>of</strong> new prison facility in Goris.<br />
The state budget had not released<br />
funds for this facility.<br />
Gevorg Daniyelyan. Photo: Mkhitar<br />
Khachatryan/Photolure.<br />
all border points on a 24-hour regime.<br />
“Cases have been registered in<br />
neighboring countries; we must<br />
be very cautious to prevent <strong>the</strong> entrance<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> infection to our republic,”<br />
<strong>the</strong> minister said.<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong> has reserves <strong>of</strong> medication,<br />
which may help combat <strong>the</strong><br />
disease if it occurs <strong>the</strong> minister assured<br />
reporters.<br />
Yerevan-based painters<br />
donated canvases<br />
to Yerevan Hi<strong>story</strong><br />
Museum<br />
Sixty-four distinguished painters<br />
from Yerevan each donated one <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir paintings to <strong>the</strong> Yerevan Hi<strong>story</strong><br />
Museum within <strong>the</strong> framework<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Happy Birthday Yerevan<br />
initiative. The paintings were<br />
exhibited on November 3 at <strong>the</strong><br />
museum.<br />
The president decorates <strong>the</strong> Catholicos. Photo: Press <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> President.<br />
Karen Aghamyan, <strong>the</strong> chair<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Artists’ Union<br />
told reporters that it is an honor<br />
for any painter to have his or her<br />
work on display in <strong>the</strong> gallery<br />
provided within <strong>the</strong> museum. “I<br />
think many painters will be honored<br />
to donate <strong>the</strong>ir best works<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Yerevan Hi<strong>story</strong> Museum,”<br />
he said.<br />
as well as showcase products and<br />
services.<br />
The exhibition was sponsored by<br />
Orange says “hello” to <strong>Armenia</strong>. Photo: Tigran Tadevosyan/Photolure.<br />
Orange opens<br />
operations in <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
On November 5, France Telecom’s<br />
affiliate company, Orange, began<br />
its operations in <strong>Armenia</strong> after receiving<br />
a 15-year license to provide<br />
mobile communication in November<br />
<strong>of</strong> 2008. CEO Didier Lombard,<br />
and Serge Smessow, <strong>the</strong> ambassador<br />
<strong>of</strong> France to <strong>Armenia</strong>, attended<br />
<strong>the</strong> grand opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> head <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
on Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Avenue in downtown<br />
Yerevan.<br />
Olaf Swantee, VP <strong>of</strong> France<br />
Telecom, stated in a press conference<br />
that around 65,000 numbers<br />
have already been reserved for <strong>the</strong><br />
Orange <strong>Armenia</strong> network. Registration<br />
for <strong>the</strong> new operator has<br />
been available since mid-October<br />
at www.orangearmenia.am. Swantee<br />
also stated that 83 percent <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>’s population, in 500 areas,<br />
will be able to use <strong>the</strong> service. Orange<br />
has 13 service centers in Yerevan,<br />
and a total <strong>of</strong> 38 in <strong>Armenia</strong>.<br />
Half <strong>of</strong> Orange’s service centers<br />
have been franchised to private<br />
businesspeople. The company has<br />
pledged to provide its clients with<br />
<strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> all forms <strong>of</strong> payment:<br />
on-line, via bank transfers, credit<br />
cards, and service at <strong>the</strong> company<br />
<strong>of</strong>fices. Subscriber support is available<br />
24 hours.<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Writers’<br />
Union gets new<br />
publishing house with<br />
<strong>the</strong> support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> AGBU<br />
The opening <strong>of</strong> a new publishing<br />
house for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Writers’<br />
Union took place on November 3<br />
in Yerevan. The <strong>Armenia</strong>n General<br />
Benevolent Union (AGBU) provided<br />
<strong>the</strong> funds for <strong>the</strong> publishing house,<br />
which is named after American-<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
writer Levon Zaven Surmelian.<br />
The funds were extended from<br />
<strong>the</strong> AGBU Levon Z. Surmelian Fund<br />
for <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> acquiring <strong>the</strong><br />
proper equipment for <strong>the</strong> publishing<br />
house. Taking part in <strong>the</strong> opening<br />
ceremonies was AGBU President<br />
Berge Setrakian and <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
Writers’ Union Chair Levon<br />
Ananyan. The establishment <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> publishing house will promote<br />
<strong>the</strong> extension <strong>of</strong> AWU publishing<br />
programs and publication <strong>of</strong> books<br />
by writers from <strong>Armenia</strong> and <strong>the</strong><br />
diaspora.<br />
No cases <strong>of</strong> H1N1<br />
registered in <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
According to <strong>Armenia</strong>’s Health<br />
Ministry no cases <strong>of</strong> H1N1 (swine<br />
flu) have been registered in <strong>Armenia</strong>.<br />
Health Minister Harutyun<br />
Kushkyan told reporters on<br />
November 4 that <strong>the</strong>y have been<br />
closely monitoring all clinics and<br />
have been working to prevent <strong>the</strong><br />
infection in <strong>the</strong> country through<br />
strict controls.<br />
The minister said that specialists<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Hygienic Anti-Epidemic<br />
Inspection Agency are working at<br />
Harutyun Kushkyan. Photo: Photolure.<br />
Berge Setrakian with Levon Ananyan. Photo: Hayk Badalyan/Photolure.<br />
The mayor <strong>of</strong> Yerevan Gagik<br />
Beglaryan said, “Today nearly<br />
88,000 samples are kept in <strong>the</strong> Yerevan<br />
Hi<strong>story</strong> Museum, over 1,000<br />
<strong>of</strong> which are paintings. The donated<br />
canvases will be a great compliment<br />
to that collection.”<br />
Catholicos Karekin<br />
II awarded with St.<br />
Mesrop Mashtots Order<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>’s President Serge Sargsyan,<br />
through an October 30 presidential<br />
decree, awarded Catholicos<br />
<strong>of</strong> All <strong>Armenia</strong>ns Karekin<br />
II with <strong>the</strong> St. Mesrop Mashtots<br />
Order for his contribution to <strong>the</strong><br />
preservation and development <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> spiritual life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
nation.<br />
A month earlier, President Serge<br />
Sargsyan had awarded <strong>the</strong> St. Mesrop<br />
Mashtots Order to famous Russian<br />
singer Alla Pugacheva.<br />
Tourism expo “Country<br />
<strong>of</strong> Talking Stones”<br />
opens<br />
Approximately 53 companies were<br />
to take part in <strong>the</strong> 9th annual international<br />
tourism exhibition,<br />
“Country <strong>of</strong> Talking Stones,” which<br />
was to take place in Yerevan, November<br />
6–7. The exhibition was organized<br />
by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Union <strong>of</strong><br />
Tourist Agents.<br />
Lusine Stepanyan, coordinator<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> exhibition, told Armenpress<br />
that besides <strong>Armenia</strong> and Nagorno-<br />
Karabakh, participants were to<br />
be from Belgium, Georgia, Israel,<br />
Greece, and Finland. The exhibition<br />
was to have 30 pavilions. Representatives<br />
<strong>of</strong> tourism agencies, airlines,<br />
tour-operators, hotels, and leading<br />
brandy producers were to take part<br />
in <strong>the</strong> event.<br />
Ms. Stepanyan said that <strong>the</strong><br />
exhibition was an opportunity to<br />
exchange useful information and<br />
experiences, establish business ties,<br />
At <strong>the</strong> Yerevan<br />
Hi<strong>story</strong> Museum.<br />
Photo: Hayk<br />
Badalyan/<br />
Photolure.<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Economy Ministry<br />
and funding by USAID’s CAPS.<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>’s Foreign<br />
Minister receives<br />
special representative<br />
<strong>of</strong> NATO Secretary<br />
General<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Foreign Minister Edward<br />
Nalbandian received Robert<br />
Simmons, <strong>the</strong> special representative<br />
<strong>of</strong> NATO’s Secretary General<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Caucasus and Central<br />
Asia on November 5.<br />
According to <strong>the</strong> press <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ministry, Mr. Nalbandian<br />
noted that <strong>Armenia</strong> places importance<br />
on <strong>the</strong> mutually beneficial<br />
cooperation established with<br />
NATO and hopes to consolidate<br />
that relationship through <strong>the</strong><br />
implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>-<br />
NATO Individual Partnership Action<br />
Program.<br />
Mr. Nalbandian also pointed<br />
out that <strong>Armenia</strong> will continue<br />
its cooperation within <strong>the</strong> framework<br />
<strong>of</strong> NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Cooperation<br />
Council as well as its<br />
role in <strong>the</strong> peacekeeping process,<br />
<strong>the</strong> fight against terrorism, <strong>the</strong><br />
elimination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> consequences<br />
<strong>of</strong> natural disasters and o<strong>the</strong>r areas.<br />
For his part, Mr. Simmons,<br />
highlighting <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong><br />
cooperation with <strong>Armenia</strong>, said<br />
that <strong>the</strong> North-Atlantic Alliance<br />
highlights partnership with <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
and expressed hope that<br />
<strong>the</strong> 2009-2010 Individual Partnership<br />
Action Plan program will also<br />
be successfully implemented. The<br />
NATO representative highlighted<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>’s contribution to <strong>the</strong> activity<br />
<strong>of</strong> international peacekeeping.<br />
During <strong>the</strong>ir discussion Mr. Simmons<br />
said he is pleased with <strong>the</strong><br />
progress <strong>of</strong> normalization <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n-Turkish<br />
relations. f
18 The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009<br />
Commentary<br />
Editorial<br />
<strong>the</strong> armenian<br />
reporter<br />
A big boost for <strong>Armenia</strong>n day schools<br />
This week we report on two milestones<br />
in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n day school movement<br />
in <strong>the</strong> United States. Vatche and Tamar<br />
Manoukian <strong>of</strong> London made a generous<br />
donation <strong>of</strong> $11 million to <strong>the</strong> AGBU Pasadena<br />
High School and Center in Sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
California. And <strong>the</strong> AGBU Alex and Marie<br />
Manoogian School in Southfield, Michigan,<br />
unveiled a new, state-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-art high-school<br />
building, as it celebrated its 40th anniversary.<br />
The new building had <strong>the</strong> generous<br />
support <strong>of</strong> Richard Manoogian and Louise<br />
Manoogian Simone.<br />
Committed to continuing and developing<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n heritage in <strong>the</strong> United States,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Manoukian and Manoogian families,<br />
through <strong>the</strong>ir contributions to <strong>the</strong>se institutions,<br />
have invested heavily in <strong>the</strong> future<br />
<strong>of</strong> our communities. In this worthy cause,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are joined by o<strong>the</strong>r donors and <strong>the</strong><br />
AGBU, <strong>the</strong> principals, teachers, parents, and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs involved.<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n day schools have always elicited<br />
a range <strong>of</strong> reactions from parents. Practically<br />
everyone appreciates <strong>the</strong> noble mission<br />
<strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> schools, to perpetuate<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n culture, to teach <strong>the</strong> children <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n language, along with <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
literature, hi<strong>story</strong>, and culture.<br />
Quality, <strong>of</strong> course, is a primary concern.<br />
And many <strong>Armenia</strong>n day schools have developed<br />
into centers <strong>of</strong> educational excellence<br />
and can proudly point to <strong>the</strong> accomplishments<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir students and alumni<br />
– from high standardized-test scores for<br />
students, high college-acceptance rates for<br />
recent graduates, and career accomplishments<br />
for older alumni. These results are<br />
<strong>the</strong> direct result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> investments made<br />
by philanthropists as well as <strong>the</strong> efforts <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> staff, parents, and volunteers.<br />
Some parents want to see <strong>the</strong>ir children<br />
in a more diverse environment, and consider<br />
<strong>the</strong> diversity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> student body in o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
schools to be an essential part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> quality<br />
<strong>of</strong> education. O<strong>the</strong>rs celebrate <strong>the</strong> fact<br />
that by attending an <strong>Armenia</strong>n day school,<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir children interact primarily with o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n-American children, developing a<br />
strong circle <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n friends. The parents<br />
are, in some cases, surprised to find<br />
that a shared <strong>Armenia</strong>n heritage is not<br />
enough to isolate <strong>the</strong>ir children from <strong>the</strong><br />
social challenges that are commonplace in<br />
American schools.<br />
Parents <strong>of</strong>ten complain, too, that <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
children speak English with <strong>the</strong>ir classmates<br />
outside <strong>of</strong> formal <strong>Armenia</strong>n-class<br />
settings. The pervasiveness <strong>of</strong> English is<br />
hard to overcome even where children are<br />
surrounded by peers who speak <strong>Armenia</strong>n.<br />
The cost <strong>of</strong> tuition is always a concern,<br />
especially in parts <strong>of</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn California<br />
where some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> benefits <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
day schools can be derived in public schools<br />
as well. The Manoogian School in Michigan<br />
some years ago chose to become a charter<br />
school; it receives public funding and charges<br />
no tuition.<br />
A major challenge for <strong>Armenia</strong>n day<br />
schools is <strong>the</strong> fact that students come<br />
from homes in which various forms <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
are spoken and written – if <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are spoken and written at all. The parents<br />
<strong>of</strong> students from Western <strong>Armenia</strong>n families<br />
might speak Western <strong>Armenia</strong>n and<br />
write in <strong>the</strong> classical orthography. The<br />
parents <strong>of</strong> students from Iranian-<strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
families may use <strong>the</strong> same classical<br />
orthography, but speak Eastern <strong>Armenia</strong>n.<br />
And <strong>the</strong> parents <strong>of</strong> students from<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong> may use reformed orthography<br />
and speak Eastern <strong>Armenia</strong>n. Get six <strong>of</strong><br />
each in a classroom and ask <strong>the</strong>m what<br />
form <strong>of</strong> transportation <strong>the</strong>y might use<br />
to fly. One may say “odanav,” one may<br />
say “inknatir,” ano<strong>the</strong>r may say “samolyot”<br />
(<strong>the</strong> Russian term), and yet ano<strong>the</strong>r may<br />
say, “airplane.” And if <strong>the</strong> class settles on,<br />
say, “odanav,” some will spell it with <strong>the</strong><br />
letter “vev,” o<strong>the</strong>rs with <strong>the</strong> letter “hiun”<br />
in <strong>the</strong> final position. No one said it would<br />
be easy!<br />
These are challenges we hope to air more<br />
fully in our pages in <strong>the</strong> coming weeks. We<br />
invite our readers to contribute to this discussion<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir essays and letters.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> meantime, we thank Vatche and<br />
Tamar Manoukian and Richard Manoogian<br />
and Louise Manoogian Simone for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
leadership in investing in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
education <strong>of</strong> future generations. Vartzkernit<br />
gadar – or, should we say, vardzknerd<br />
katar?<br />
f<br />
New book on Cilicia, 1909, is a service to <strong>the</strong> generations<br />
by Varoujan Der Simonian<br />
FRESNO, Calif. – A new abridged English<br />
translation by Ara Stepan Melkonian and Ara<br />
Sarafian was just released by <strong>the</strong> Gomidas<br />
Institute under <strong>the</strong> title Cilicia 1909: The Massacre<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns. The book, by Hagop H.<br />
Terzian, was originally titled Giligio Aghede<br />
(The Cilician catastrophe). It was published<br />
in Istanbul in 1912, but confiscated by <strong>the</strong> Ottoman<br />
government. Terzian, a pharmacist by<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ession, documented his own and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
eyewitnesses’ experiences during <strong>the</strong> 1909<br />
massacres in Adana province. Born in Hadjin<br />
in 1879 and educated in Constantinople,<br />
he barely escaped <strong>the</strong> horrific events. Ultimately,<br />
he was arrested on April 24, 1915, and<br />
killed alongside many <strong>of</strong> his colleagues.<br />
Mr. Sarafian introduced <strong>the</strong> new volume<br />
on October 12, as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n Studies<br />
Program Lecture Series at California<br />
State University, Fresno, in observation <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> 100th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Adana massacres.<br />
The detailed descriptions that Terzian<br />
recorded in his diary are chilling, to say <strong>the</strong><br />
least, but should be widely required reading.<br />
The suffering to which <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n population<br />
<strong>of</strong> Adana was subjected by mobs – in<br />
two stages – could be summarized as “going<br />
through hell and back,” if you survived.<br />
The slide presentation at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> Mr.<br />
Sarafian’s talk brought me flashbacks. My<br />
grandparents were from Adana. I remembered<br />
sitting at my grandmo<strong>the</strong>r’s bedside as<br />
she described how she and her siblings had<br />
survived, having been next in line to be assassinated<br />
by a police squadron. Their corpses<br />
were to be dumped in <strong>the</strong> Sihoun River. I<br />
wonder now why she chose to hold back <strong>the</strong><br />
descriptions <strong>of</strong> so many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> atrocities that<br />
Varoujan Der Simonian is <strong>the</strong> executive director <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Technology Group, Inc., in Fresno, Calif.<br />
Terzian so painfully documented in his book<br />
– including raping young girls and wives in<br />
public, and <strong>the</strong> slaughter <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n men,<br />
women, and children <strong>of</strong> all ages, while amputating<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir arms and legs with axes. Was my<br />
grandmo<strong>the</strong>r hoping to protect her teenage<br />
grandson’s tender young feelings by holding<br />
back so much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> violent behavior?<br />
According to <strong>the</strong> book, over 21,000 <strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
were murdered during less than two<br />
weeks <strong>of</strong> massacres. As a result <strong>of</strong> lootings,<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Adana province <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns lost an<br />
estimated 5,400,000 gold liras in economic<br />
and personal property (in 1909 value). *<br />
As I read <strong>the</strong> unfolding events, an amazing<br />
pattern <strong>of</strong> behavior emerged. Over and over<br />
again, while <strong>the</strong> organized mob and looters<br />
were moving from one city, town, or village<br />
to <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> same pattern emerged: deception<br />
and cunning. They characterized <strong>the</strong><br />
nature <strong>of</strong> Turkish politics and re-emphasized<br />
<strong>the</strong> separate findings <strong>of</strong> a scholar:<br />
“In <strong>the</strong> more ghastly episodes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Abdul<br />
Hamit era and 1909 Adana massacres, for example<br />
(barring few exceptions), <strong>the</strong> muftis<br />
in general played a decisive role by formally<br />
sanctioning <strong>the</strong> regional and local mass<br />
murders by declaring <strong>the</strong>m permissible by<br />
<strong>the</strong> canons <strong>of</strong> Muslim law.” (See Vahakn N.<br />
Dadrian, Warrant for Genocide: Key Elements<br />
<strong>of</strong> Turko-<strong>Armenia</strong>n Conflict. New Brunswick<br />
and London: Transaction Publishers, 1999.)<br />
Under review: Hagop H.<br />
Terzian, Cilicia 1909: The<br />
Massacre <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns,<br />
translated by Ara Stepan<br />
Melkonian and edited by Ara<br />
Sarafian (London: Gomidas<br />
Institute, 2009)<br />
And, also:<br />
“A closer scrutiny <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> manner in which<br />
Sultan Abdul Hamit handled <strong>the</strong> matter is<br />
instructive <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> covert designs and intentions<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ottoman authorities confronting<br />
<strong>the</strong> emerging <strong>Armenia</strong>n Question. One becomes<br />
readily cognizant <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rudiments <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> governmental tactic <strong>of</strong> publicly declaring<br />
a policy, which is <strong>the</strong>n countermanded by secret<br />
orders.” (ibid.)<br />
Or, fur<strong>the</strong>r:<br />
“Ethnic groups [i.e., Kurds, Circassians,<br />
Lazes] in appreciable numbers were co-opted<br />
by Ottoman-Turkish authorities to serve as<br />
allies and surrogates ... that is, killer bands in<br />
search <strong>of</strong> loot and spoils.” (ibid.)<br />
It is mindboggling to read, in <strong>the</strong> new<br />
translation <strong>of</strong> Terzian’s document, how <strong>the</strong><br />
local Turkish governmental and religious<br />
leaders act very much <strong>the</strong> same way in over<br />
57 communities where <strong>the</strong>y committed mass<br />
killings and destruction – even while assuring<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>ns that <strong>the</strong>y need not worry for<br />
nothing will happen to <strong>the</strong>m. For example,<br />
in one incident (and <strong>the</strong> following is only<br />
my abbreviated version), when on Monday,<br />
April 19, <strong>the</strong> news <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Adana massacres<br />
was confirmed in Antioch, concerned <strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
closed <strong>the</strong>ir shops and took refuge<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir homes. The Turkish kaymakam (regional<br />
governor) and his <strong>of</strong>ficers invited all<br />
<strong>the</strong> notable <strong>Armenia</strong>ns to a meeting at <strong>the</strong><br />
Prelacy headquarters to calm <strong>the</strong> tense situation,<br />
assuring <strong>the</strong>m that “<strong>the</strong>re’s nothing<br />
happening; let everyone open his shop and<br />
carry on his business.” However, <strong>the</strong> minute<br />
<strong>the</strong> Turkish representatives departed<br />
<strong>the</strong> meeting, <strong>the</strong> mob, which was assembled<br />
outside, invaded <strong>the</strong> Prelacy, murdering everyone<br />
inside, including <strong>the</strong> Catholicos’ vicar<br />
and <strong>the</strong> monks at <strong>the</strong> monastery. The mob<br />
looted <strong>the</strong> church <strong>of</strong> its vessels and furniture,<br />
and in a few hours all <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
<strong>of</strong> Antioch (some 800 total, except 20) were<br />
killed. After <strong>the</strong> massacres, <strong>the</strong>y burned <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n Apostolic and <strong>Armenia</strong>n Evangelical<br />
Churches to <strong>the</strong> ground.<br />
The new publication is a must-read, also,<br />
for anyone hoping to better understand <strong>the</strong><br />
impact that <strong>the</strong> Adana massacres had on<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n literature and music. Poems like<br />
Siamanto’s “The Dance,” or “The Suffocated,”<br />
or “Red News from my Friend,” or Taniel<br />
Varoujan’s “The Red Soil” and o<strong>the</strong>r works,<br />
remain as vivid poetic expressions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>ound<br />
psychological effects left by <strong>the</strong> experiences<br />
documented in <strong>the</strong> Terzian book. The<br />
unnerving classical music composed by Pr<strong>of</strong>.<br />
Continued on page 19 m<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> (ISSN 0004-2358), an independent newspaper,<br />
is published weekly by <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> llc.<br />
Copyright © 2009 by <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
<strong>Reporter</strong> llc. All Rights Reserved<br />
Gerard L. Cafesjian, President and ceo<br />
The views expressed, except in <strong>the</strong> editorial, are<br />
not necessarily those <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> publishers.<br />
November 7, 2009<br />
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The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009 19<br />
Commentary<br />
Living in<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong><br />
The rise <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oligarch, <strong>the</strong> decline <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nation<br />
by Maria Titizian<br />
Only those people who have everything and<br />
don’t need to make money should be involved<br />
in politics. This is what Gagik Tsarukyan, one<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>’s most powerful businesspeople<br />
told reporters a few days ago in Yerevan. The<br />
leader <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prosperous <strong>Armenia</strong> Party, a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ruling coalition with four<br />
ministerial posts in <strong>Armenia</strong>’s government,<br />
stated, “The <strong>Armenia</strong>n economy has not been<br />
effectively monopolized by a handful <strong>of</strong> oligarchs.”<br />
It seems that <strong>the</strong> fine line between business<br />
interests and politics in <strong>Armenia</strong> is invisible.<br />
Here business and politics go hand in hand.<br />
Businesspeople have made <strong>the</strong>ir fortunes and<br />
maintained direct involvement in <strong>the</strong> political<br />
life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. What <strong>the</strong> country has<br />
an abundance <strong>of</strong>, relative to its size, is oligarchs<br />
and monopolies.<br />
Countries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> former Soviet Union have<br />
much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir recent hi<strong>story</strong> in common. For<br />
most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 20th century <strong>the</strong>y lived in a centralized<br />
planned economy and a totalitarian<br />
political regime. These conditions left a deep<br />
imprint on <strong>the</strong> psychology, values, and political,<br />
social, and economic systems <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />
countries, and that can still be felt almost<br />
20 years after <strong>the</strong> collapse <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> communist<br />
system,<br />
While most countries in Central and Eastern<br />
Europe have been relatively successful in<br />
confronting issues <strong>of</strong> social justice, freedom<br />
<strong>of</strong> speech, and protection <strong>of</strong> human rights,<br />
post-Soviet countries like <strong>Armenia</strong> are still<br />
tackling crippling problems such as a lack <strong>of</strong><br />
democratic values and political and economic<br />
instability.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> global economic downturn, <strong>the</strong><br />
lack <strong>of</strong> diversification <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>’s economy,<br />
and a reliance on transfers – which had<br />
reached $2 billion last year but have declined<br />
sharply as a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> downturn – <strong>Armenia</strong>ns<br />
are struggling to survive in a lagging<br />
economy. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> challenges that must be<br />
overcome is that lucrative business opportunities<br />
have been monopolized by a small<br />
number <strong>of</strong> families.<br />
The problem <strong>of</strong> oligarchs and monopolies<br />
is not unique to <strong>Armenia</strong>. They were not invented<br />
following <strong>the</strong> collapse <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Soviet<br />
Union, although <strong>the</strong> communist nomenclature<br />
did transform itself into present-day<br />
oligarchs in Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and<br />
elsewhere. In <strong>Armenia</strong>’s case, it could be<br />
argued that <strong>the</strong> present-day oligarchs have<br />
nothing to do with <strong>the</strong> nomenclature <strong>of</strong> Soviet<br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>.<br />
Bulgaria is an interesting case in point. According<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Center for <strong>the</strong> Study <strong>of</strong> Democracy,<br />
<strong>the</strong> World Bank has found corruption in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Bulgarian tax administration to be higher<br />
than corruption levels in most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Balkans<br />
and <strong>the</strong> former Soviet republics.<br />
The lessons <strong>of</strong> hi<strong>story</strong><br />
Amassing great personal fortune while pursuing<br />
unfair business practices has a long hi<strong>story</strong>.<br />
The robber barons <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States<br />
– <strong>the</strong> Rockefellers, <strong>the</strong> Carnegies, and o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
– were influential families that had amassed<br />
personal fortune while pursuing unfair business<br />
practices.<br />
In 1890 <strong>the</strong> U.S. Congress passed <strong>the</strong><br />
Sherman Antitrust Act, which sought to<br />
curb cartels and monopolies in <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
The act was named after Senator John<br />
K. Kalfayan, “Requiem” – released in Paris<br />
in 1913 – still moves <strong>the</strong> listener to wonder<br />
about <strong>the</strong> emotional trauma <strong>the</strong> artist was<br />
undergoing while arranging his notes.... Only<br />
after reading Cilicia 1909 could one even begin<br />
to approximate, perhaps, <strong>the</strong> turmoil and<br />
suffering that produced such music.<br />
I had long been wondering why <strong>the</strong> Adana<br />
Massacres took place in <strong>the</strong> Ottoman Empire<br />
at that particular period in its hi<strong>story</strong>. After<br />
all, <strong>the</strong> city was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> thriving centers<br />
<strong>of</strong> commerce in <strong>the</strong> empire. As I reached <strong>the</strong><br />
half-way point <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> book, one sentence<br />
– now highlighted – struck my mind. It exists<br />
in <strong>the</strong> following paragraph:<br />
Sherman, <strong>the</strong> chairperson <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Senate<br />
Finance Committee. This act and o<strong>the</strong>r antitrust<br />
acts in <strong>the</strong> future sought to oppose<br />
<strong>the</strong> combination or merging <strong>of</strong> entities that<br />
could possibly harm competition by creating<br />
monopolies or cartels, and placed <strong>the</strong><br />
responsibility <strong>of</strong> investigating or pursuing<br />
trusts, companies, and organizations suspected<br />
<strong>of</strong> violating <strong>the</strong> act on <strong>the</strong> U.S. federal<br />
government.<br />
So, over a hundred years ago, <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States sought to reign in <strong>the</strong> growing power<br />
<strong>of</strong> a few influential businesspeople.<br />
The Sherman Act, while progressive, was a<br />
vague law. The meaning <strong>of</strong> “monopolize” and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r terms were ambiguous at <strong>the</strong> time. Because<br />
<strong>the</strong> law didn’t have any teeth, it was<br />
mostly ignored, as was evident by <strong>the</strong> growing<br />
number <strong>of</strong> mergers at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 19th<br />
century in <strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
The first famous implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Sherman Act was in 1911 against Standard<br />
Oil, which was owned by John D. Rockefeller.<br />
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Standard<br />
Oil was in violation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sherman Act and it<br />
ordered <strong>the</strong> breakdown <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> company into<br />
several smaller ones. At <strong>the</strong> time, Standard<br />
Oil was <strong>the</strong> largest oil refiner in <strong>the</strong> world<br />
and one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first and biggest multinational<br />
corporations.<br />
Some argue that in order to appease voters<br />
while not antagonizing major corporations,<br />
<strong>the</strong> U.S. Congress knowingly adopted a vague<br />
law. However, while <strong>the</strong> act was weak, <strong>the</strong><br />
role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> courts in <strong>the</strong> United States increased<br />
significantly. The courts in <strong>the</strong> early<br />
part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 20th century needed a guideline<br />
to determine whe<strong>the</strong>r a company was acting<br />
like a monopolist; <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong>y focused on<br />
<strong>the</strong> structure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> industry to determine<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>re was a monopolist power in<br />
that industry. That is why <strong>the</strong> case against<br />
Standard Oil in 1911 is interesting. The company<br />
owned about 90 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil refineries<br />
and that information was enough<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Supreme Court to find <strong>the</strong> company<br />
guilty <strong>of</strong> violating <strong>the</strong> antitrust law.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> 1930s <strong>the</strong> Supreme Court changed<br />
its guideline and instead <strong>of</strong> focusing on <strong>the</strong><br />
structure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> industry, <strong>the</strong>y starting focusing<br />
on <strong>the</strong> conduct <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> company to<br />
determine whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y were violating <strong>the</strong><br />
antitrust law. This implies that a company<br />
could control 90 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> market, but<br />
if <strong>the</strong> company was not abusing its market<br />
power and was not artificially reducing <strong>the</strong><br />
quantity available in <strong>the</strong> market and was not<br />
artificially raising <strong>the</strong> market price, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong><br />
company would not be guilty.<br />
One argument that those <strong>of</strong> a more conservative<br />
persuasion would use in order not<br />
to implement antitrust laws is that <strong>the</strong> market<br />
is no longer domestic, but global. In order<br />
for companies to compete in <strong>the</strong> world<br />
market, <strong>the</strong>y must be large even if <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
dominating <strong>the</strong> domestic market.<br />
Expanding into foreign<br />
markets?<br />
This argument could have some validity in<br />
<strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>. <strong>Armenia</strong>’s domestic<br />
market is very small. In order for an <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
company to compete in <strong>the</strong> world<br />
market, that company might be very large<br />
relative to <strong>Armenia</strong>’s market. In this case<br />
<strong>the</strong> focus <strong>of</strong> antitrust laws should be on <strong>the</strong><br />
“conduct” <strong>of</strong> those monopolies that exist in<br />
<strong>the</strong> country.<br />
“The sad days and hours that made us<br />
tumble were impossible to forget, and <strong>of</strong><br />
course our grandchildren and even <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
children will remember <strong>the</strong> terrible things<br />
we suffered. The great, rich and proud Cilician<br />
City <strong>of</strong> Adana that had never deigned<br />
to request assistance or beg for help was<br />
forced, after terrible calamity, to open its<br />
hand to <strong>the</strong> public and ask for aid and beg<br />
for assistance. One month before <strong>the</strong> massacre,<br />
<strong>the</strong> city <strong>of</strong> Adana, which had collected<br />
thousands <strong>of</strong> liras for <strong>the</strong> needy <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>,<br />
was reduced to <strong>the</strong> same needy state itself. It<br />
was as if <strong>the</strong> destiny <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>ns was<br />
to be massacred, looted, and burned, and<br />
to always seek help and assistance from humanity.”<br />
(emphasis added)<br />
A good first question would be whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong><br />
company is even trying to compete in foreign<br />
markets.<br />
The <strong>Armenia</strong>n anti-trust laws and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>n<br />
courts should make sure that a company,<br />
even if it is controlling 90 percent <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Armenia</strong>’s domestic market, is not abusing<br />
its market power and is not artificially reducing<br />
<strong>the</strong> quantity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> goods available and is<br />
not artificially raising <strong>the</strong> prices.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r case in point: if a company is primarily<br />
an exporter <strong>of</strong> goods manufactured<br />
in <strong>Armenia</strong>, that may justify a condition <strong>of</strong> a<br />
monopoly, according to some economists. In<br />
<strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> importers, <strong>the</strong> opposite is true: if<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is only one importer <strong>of</strong> sugar, gas, oil,<br />
flour, etc., <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>re should be regulations<br />
so <strong>the</strong> state, in <strong>Armenia</strong>’s case, could supervise<br />
<strong>the</strong> conduct <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> importer.<br />
Today <strong>the</strong>re is a new draft antitrust regulatory<br />
law waiting to be heard in <strong>the</strong> National<br />
Assembly. Among o<strong>the</strong>r things, it calls for <strong>the</strong><br />
merging <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> existing State Commission for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Protection <strong>of</strong> Economic Competition and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Public Services Regulatory Commission<br />
to create a single anti-trust commission.<br />
Unfortunately <strong>the</strong>se commissions in <strong>the</strong><br />
past have proven to be ineffective. Recently<br />
<strong>the</strong> president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State Commission for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Protection <strong>of</strong> Economic Competition<br />
said, “I promise that <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> sugar will<br />
not go up.” When asked how he knew or how<br />
he could guarantee maintaining <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong><br />
sugar, he said that he had spoken with <strong>the</strong><br />
importer <strong>of</strong> sugar to <strong>the</strong> country and <strong>the</strong> importer<br />
(who obviously has a monopoly on<br />
sugar imports) had promised he wouldn’t<br />
raise prices. That’s one form <strong>of</strong> regulating, I<br />
suppose.<br />
The State Revenue Committee this week<br />
said that budgetary expenditures had to be<br />
cut because it had failed to meet revenue<br />
targets. In <strong>the</strong> first 10 months <strong>of</strong> this year,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re was a 16 percent decrease in tax and<br />
To fur<strong>the</strong>r comprehend with <strong>the</strong> enormity<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> crime committed in 1909 against humanity,<br />
world culture, and civilization, it is<br />
worth mentioning <strong>the</strong> series <strong>of</strong> scholarly papers<br />
presented at a UCLA conference in 2000<br />
and later released by Richard Hovannisian in<br />
<strong>the</strong> volume <strong>Armenia</strong>n Cilicia.<br />
With <strong>the</strong>ir translation, Ara Stepan Melkonian<br />
and Ara Sarafian have done a great<br />
service, not only for historians but also for<br />
<strong>the</strong> illumination <strong>of</strong> our coming generations.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> book encompasses many disturbing<br />
and graphic descriptions <strong>of</strong> eyewitness<br />
accounts, it is easy to read and should<br />
be read by every student <strong>of</strong> humanity. It provides<br />
a preview <strong>of</strong> what followed six years<br />
later, during <strong>the</strong> 1915 <strong>Armenia</strong>n Genocide.<br />
duty revenues compared with last year. Part<br />
<strong>of</strong> that decline can be attributed to <strong>the</strong> fall<br />
in <strong>Armenia</strong>’s gross domestic product, which<br />
contracted by 18.3 percent in <strong>the</strong> same period.<br />
But tax evasion, too, is a problem in <strong>the</strong><br />
country. One thing <strong>the</strong> owners <strong>of</strong> big businesses<br />
do is to take <strong>the</strong>ir money out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
country. Last month a Bulgarian company,<br />
Gorna Banya, which produces bottled spring<br />
water, was purchased for 25 million euros by<br />
an <strong>Armenia</strong>n businessperson.<br />
The growing polarization between <strong>the</strong><br />
rich and <strong>the</strong> poor, <strong>the</strong> drastic reduction <strong>of</strong><br />
economic growth, rampant corruption, falling<br />
birth rates, monopolies, oligopolies. . . .<br />
These are challenges we have to confront if<br />
we want our country to prosper. Sure, we<br />
can talk about <strong>the</strong> great opportunities awaiting<br />
us if and when <strong>the</strong> border with Turkey<br />
is opened and we have whole new markets<br />
spread out before us. But an open border is<br />
not a panacea; we have to have something<br />
to export to <strong>the</strong>se new markets, and that<br />
requires <strong>the</strong> kind <strong>of</strong> innovation and opportunities<br />
that come with a truly competitive<br />
playing field.<br />
When I think <strong>of</strong> that shining house on a<br />
hill, I think <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mansions and villas that<br />
<strong>the</strong> wealthy <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong> have built on hills<br />
overlooking Yerevan. I think <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> private<br />
chapels <strong>the</strong>y have constructed on <strong>the</strong>ir properties.<br />
I think <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wild animals <strong>the</strong>y keep<br />
in cages on <strong>the</strong>ir private grounds.<br />
When we think <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>’s security, perhaps<br />
we should not think only <strong>of</strong> external<br />
challenges and relations with neighbors. The<br />
country’s survival requires growth and opportunity<br />
for all. Sometimes <strong>the</strong> personal<br />
interests <strong>of</strong> businesspeople in politics are in<br />
tension with this need. But I want to believe<br />
that <strong>the</strong>re are enough people in politics who<br />
put <strong>the</strong> common good first, so that <strong>Armenia</strong><br />
may come out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current crisis stronger<br />
than it was going in.<br />
f<br />
New book on Cilicia, 1909, is a service to <strong>the</strong> generations<br />
n Continued from page 18<br />
Many members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>’s National Assembly lead major business interests. Hayk Badalyan/Photolure.<br />
Anyone who would like to educate younger<br />
people about atrocities that may be committed<br />
by humankind against humans, or provide<br />
help with interpreting unfolding current<br />
events, with <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> preempting and<br />
preventing genocidal recurrences, should<br />
hand <strong>the</strong>m a copy <strong>of</strong> Cilicia 1909. f<br />
*One Ottoman gold lira contains 6.62 grams <strong>of</strong><br />
pure gold, which is equal to about 0.24 ounces.<br />
An ounce <strong>of</strong> gold is valued at $1,060 today.<br />
Hence, in today’s currency, 0.24 ounces <strong>of</strong> gold<br />
would be valued at $254, and 5,400,000.00 gold<br />
liras <strong>of</strong> 1909 would amount to $1.4 billion in<br />
principal alone. What could have been <strong>the</strong> potential<br />
return on investments <strong>of</strong> $1.4 billion over<br />
<strong>the</strong> past 100 years?
20 The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009<br />
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The <strong>Armenia</strong>n <strong>Reporter</strong> | November 7, 2009
November 7, 2009<br />
arts<br />
culture<br />
<strong>the</strong> armenian<br />
&<br />
reporter<br />
Araz Artinian explores <strong>the</strong> past<br />
See page 9<br />
Araz Artinian, who made <strong>the</strong> film, The Genocide in Me, is creating an interactive website celebrating <strong>Armenia</strong>n hi<strong>story</strong>. It involves children and costumes in various parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>Armenia</strong>. Photo: Karen Mirzoyan.