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The Armenian Weekly; Volume 73, No. 45; Nov. 10, 2007
Community:
1. 'Lark Farm' Premieres in U.S.
Arslan Speaks in NY About Novel 'Skylark Farm'
By Andy Turpin
2. Armenian Monuments of the Nakhichevan Region
NAASR Panel Condemns UNESCO Inaction
By Andy Turpin
3. St. James Saturday School Holds Annual Banquet
4. AMF Presents 'Fascinatin' Rhythm: A New Gershwin Revue'
5. Detroit AESA Chapter Celebrates 10th Anniversary
By Betty Apigian-Kessel
6. HMEM Celebrates 30th Anniversary
***
1. 'Lark Farm' Premieres in U.S.
Arslan Speaks in NY About Novel 'Skylark Farm'
By Andy Turpin
NEW YORK, N.Y. (A.W.)-On Nov. 6, Paolo and Vittorio Taviani's film "The Lark
Farm" made its U.S. premiere at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York
in the presence of Antonia Arslan, the author of Skylark Farm, upon which
the film is based.
"We are proud to introduce the first U.S. screening of 'The Lark Farm,'"
said Sylvie Keshishian, co-organizer of the event and public relations
director for the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center of the Eastern
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.
"I am very appreciative to the government of Italy," said Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian. "I'll always remember how the Italian people responded to help
Armenia during the 1988 earthquake. Even the anchor on RAI Uno started
crying. This is another sign of the wonderful nature of the Italian spirit,"
he said of the Italian Cultural Institute's hosting of the film. "There is
great humanity to that spirit."
Arslan said of the film, "I hope maybe the story of our people will now
become the story of everyone."
The previous day, on Nov. 5, the Italian Cultural Institute and the Eastern
Diocese presented a public discussion with Arslan about her novel. Italian
Cultural Institute curator Renato Miracco introduced Arslan. "This is my
first day [at the Institute] so I'm like a pupil at school," he said. "This
is a big honor. During the 18-hour flight I read the book. It gave me so
much to feel, so much to dream."
He continued, "My father was Greek Orthodox and came to Italy in the
beginning of the 19th century. Reading the book, I found so many feelings
that I cannot even share tonight."
Keshishian spoke next about the integral role books like Skylark Farm play
in educating people about the history of the Armenian genocide and Armenian
culture. "The mandate of our center is that it should provide information
about all things Armenian," she said. "We believe it is of the utmost
importance that people from all backgrounds make efforts to learn about each
other's cultures."
Arslan then spoke, telling of her family and how she came to write the
novel. "My father was raised totally Italian-style," she said. "My
grandfather was so scared from the genocide period that he cut his name from
Arslanian to Arslan. . My knowledge of Armenian language was not allowed. My
uncle visited the monks of San Lazaro, but because of my grandfather was
forbidden to speak Armenian."
Yet, she continued, "we are no longer a forgotten people. For the Armenian
people, now is a very important moment. It was by chance my book was
published at the right time."
Arslan said of Skylark Farm's popularity in Italy, "Bravo to the Italian
readers. It was so sudden! In three months, six editions!"
She continued, "Not everyone knows that in Italy there are only 2,000
Armenians, which is nothing. But it sold 20,000 in Italy-purely passage di
parola, by word of mouth."
Arslan's longtime friend, author Siobhan Nash-Marshall, said, "I suspected
Antonia was a great novelist-and she didn't. I said to her, 'I will come to
Padova, and if you don't write it, I will return that day on the next
flight!"
She added, "My threats are very, very serious. I'm not a literary critic,
I'm a metaphysician."
"The difference between being an Armenian descendent of the genocide is that
you can't go back, you can't transmit it," she continued. "By creating
something beautiful, Antonia has given us something to admire. But we can't
live there, and we wouldn't want to."
Asked why the Italians loved the book so vehemently, Arslan replied, "I
often think about this. The Italian people ask about the tragedy. They say,
'Why don't we know about this in schools? We have the right to know!' And
it's true. There is nothing in Italian history books about the Armenian
genocide. Today they feel like knights fighting for a good cause."
She recounted of her book tour in Italy, "I was talking at a high school and
500 people had read the book!" Of one engagement in the low-literacy Italian
city of Bergamo she remembered, "Two weeks ago there, 700 people had read
it! In Bergamo!"
She laughed, saying, "People write to me in friendship with the characters
of the book. One even from my editor said, 'I'm really sad about the
priest's wife, you just abandoned her!'"
For future events from the Italian Cultural Institute of New York, visit
www.iicnewyork. esteri.it/IIC_Newyork. For more information about future
events from the Zohrab Information Center, visit www.ZohrabCenter.org.
---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
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2. Armenian Monuments of the Nakhichevan Region
NAASR Panel Condemns UNESCO Inaction
By Andy Turpin
BELMONT, Mass. (A.W.)-On Nov. 1, the National Association for Armenian
Studies and Research (NAASR) hosted a panel discussion on the now-demolished
Armenian monuments of the Nakhichevan region in present-day Azerbaijan.
Among the experts present were James R. Russell, Mashtots Professor of
Armenian Studies at Harvard University; Argam Ayvazian, deputy director of
the Agency on Protection of Historical and Cultural Environment in Yerevan;
Steven Sim, an architectural historian from Glasgow, Scotland; and Anahit
Ter-Stepanian, an architectural historian at Sacred Heart University in
Connecticut.
The Nakhichevan region was historically a part of Armenia, and had an
uninterrupted Armenian presence until the last decade. It is now the site of
thousands of destroyed Armenian monuments.
Ayvazian has assembled a photo exhibition of the monuments, currently on
display and open to the public at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian
Studies at Harvard. He's served on the Commission for the Preservation of
Ancient Monuments in Armenia, and is the author of numerous books including
The Historical Monuments of Nakhichevan, published in 1990 and translated
into English by Fr. Krikor Maksoudian.
Steven Sim is the co-author of the 2006 report to UNESCO titled "The
Destruction of Jugha and the Entire Armenian Cultural Heritage in
Nakhijevan," prepared jointly with Ayvazian, Lucy Der Manuelian and Patrick
Donabedian. He has traveled throughout historic Armenia for the past two
decades documenting thousands of vanishing and at-risk monuments. He was one
of the last Westerners to see the Jugha khatchkars destroyed by the Azeri
military in 2005.
NAASR director of programs and publications Marc A. Mamigonian introduced
the panelists and thank them for their participation.
Russell spoke first and analyzed the symbols and calligraphy on
Nakhichevan's numerous khatchkars and sacred stone markers using images
taken from the sites. Speaking of the unique nature of the Armenian Vishap
(dragon/snake stones), he said, "These were boundary stones." He showed
images of other stones, explaining how "the earlier khatchkars showed the
holy sign, usually above a pair of wings." Other notable symbols on the
stones were the Head of Adam, who "wanted to be freed by the blood of the
Messiah." Images of rings seen in the reliefs were an "ancient symbol of
glory given to kings," he explained.
Many of the Nakhichevan grave stones and markers were carved in the form of
rams, though, Russell noted, "The Yezidi carved stone horses instead of
rams, to ferry the departed souls to the other world."
Russell decried the destruction of the Nakhichevan monuments, stating,
"These objects were priceless to world history and art itself."
In 1994, he witnessed the destruction of a church from Narek, "as in the
context of Gregory of Narek," he recounted. "It is difficult to comprehend
the scale of the crime record. No government or international organization
has mounted any effective protest" to the monuments' destruction, he said.
Russell praised Ayvazian's efforts, saying, "As long as such good men labor,
there is still light."
Ayvazian spoke next about the Nakhichevan monuments and their imminent
extinction, showing slides of artifacts dating as far back as the 3rd
millennium B.C. "Science has nothing to do with politics and they have to be
viewed as separate things," he said. "Our colleagues in Azerbaijan are
erasing history and creating a new history. I have never done this and never
will. Today's lecture is not a political talk but a history of the monuments
and what they represent."
Referring to the destruction at the hands of the Azeri government, he said,
"A group of people with hammers are destroying a 2,000 year old culture of
another people."
He explained that no other Armenian studies center has as much material
about the Nakhichevan site as he does-"and it needs to be published," he
added. "Let's hope we find sponsors in Europe, Armenia and in the U.S."
A slideshow of Nakhichevan's former collection of runes, markers and
churches included a cave dwelling near Sisian (1st Millenium B.C.), a
fish-like Vishap stone near the dwelling, and a cuneiform example (820 B.C.)
that represents the oldest form of writing in the Trans-Caucasus region.
Ayvazian also included a dated picture of the Biblical figure Noah's reputed
mausoleum in Nakhichevan, from which Nakhichevan derives its namesake,
stating, "It survived until the 1940s."
Bringing the history to the precipice of its destruction date, Ayvazian
explained, "Ram-shaped tombstones were often used in ancient Armenian and
Azeri cemeteries. During the 1904-05 Baku railroad construction, 5,000
khatchkars were used as stones for the foundation of the railroad." He
ended, condemning, "Today not a single Armenian church has survived in
Nakhichevan."
Scottish art historian and former UNESCO advisor Steven Sim spoke next about
his experiences in 2005, when he was prevented from conducting adequate
research on Armenian monuments in the Nakhichevan area by Azeri authorities.
"I am here," he said, "to talk about nothing, because nothing is what I
found."
Sim characterized Koïchiro Matsuura, the still-current director-general of
UNESCO, as the primary villain in the struggle to have Nakhichevan declared
a protected World Heritage site.
He stated of Matsuura, "He's done nothing to condemn the destruction in
Nakhichevan that's ongoing."
Speaking about the Armenian cemetery khatchkars and their condition in
August 2005, Sim noted, "Most of the gravestones were toppled but not
destroyed." Turning to speak of the Aber-Khunis Armenian church that had
once stood in the Nakhichevan region, but has since been demolished and
whose existence at all was vehemently denied by locals, Sim approximated, "I
suspect the church was destroyed in 2004, because if it had been longer than
a year there would have been some grass growing [on its former site]."
Sim said resolutely of the sites' complete destruction, "It does imply a
thought process to totally eliminate Armenian culture in Nakhichevan."
Of the UNESCO hearings in 2005 and 2006, in which Sim and other experts
appealed for the protection of Nakhichevan's monuments, Sim detailed, "I was
probably the only person who had actually been to Julfa." He was given two
minutes to make the case for protection to Matsuura. Yet, in six years,
Matsuura "hasn't done anything," Sim said. "I think we can assume it's a
deliberate effort. He's given himself a get-out clause that will never end."
Although UNESCO inspectors have informally seen the site from the Iranian
side of the border, Sim said it's doubtful that they "will ever see anything
officially as long as Matsuura is in power. It's an endemic problem with how
UNESCO is being led."
At the beginning of the allotted question and answer session that followed
the scholars' presentations, a male Harvard Kennedy School of Government
graduate student, who at the time remained anonymous but was subsequently
presented in the Azeri Press Agency as a woman, and has since been
identified as Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, approached the podium and told Mamigonian
he wished to make a few remarks.
Mamigonian informed Hajiyev that the scheduled time was designated for
questions rather than comments but allowed him to speak on the agreed
condition that his remarks could be cut short for the purpose of time.
Hajiyev agreed to this precondition. He made his Azeri identity known and
voiced his objection to a specific map used in the presentation, and the
Armenian archeological sites and artifacts studied. He said he took offense
to the lands being called "Armenian," historical or otherwise, and to what
he saw as the political rather than archeological nature of the conflict. He
said, "In 2005, one of my Armenian colleagues said, 'It's not time to talk
about Nagorno-Karabakh, it's time to talk about Nakhichevan. We will start a
campaign to get our lands back!'"
He appeared sincere in his belief that this sole unnamed Armenian spoke for
the entire Armenian people in desiring a military campaign to reclaim the
Nakhichevan region. His remarks were greeted immediately by angered Armenian
voices from the crowd at such a belief.
Russell spoke first to Hajiyev, clarifying his scholarship and the evening's
presentation. "All my courses deal with Armenian history, mythology and
literature, none of which I have seen you attend, but to which you are
welcome," he said. "There is, in the Armenian Studies department, no bias
against Azeri or Turkish culture," he added resolutely.
In the face of allegations then made by Hajiyev that Russell was an
Armenian, Russel said, "You know nothing of my courses and you know nothing
of me."
Russell then stated for the historical record that "the ethnic cleansing of
the Armenians in Nakhichevan began in the Stalinist era." He explained
Stalin's divide and conquer land distribution schemes and political
suppression of Armenian and Ukrainian nationalism through purges and
cultural desecration in the 1930s, bringing home that "Azerbaijan is not the
only country responsible for the cultural destruction of monuments."
At this point, Hajiyev distributed a single Azeri press release to
Mamigonian concerning the Nakhichevan Armenian destruction of Azeri
monuments and exited the meeting hall without further remark.
Emotionally engaged by the evening's remarks and information presented,
audience members clamored to know if there was anything activist-related to
be done, and if the stones and khatchkars in Nakhichevan were truly forever
lost.
Sim responded first and supposed, "Theoretically, [restoration] could be
done if you knew where a majority of the stones had been dumped. Each stone
would have broken into about 20-30 pieces."
Contrastingly, Ayvazian answered, "Nothing can be done now. The khatchkars
cannot be replaced and UNESCO is a useless organization. It is no use going
to them at this point."
Sim closed the meeting by ending poignantly about the Nakhichevan
destruction, "What the Azeris did to the cultural monuments in Nakhichevan,
you can assume the Azeris would do to real people if given the chance.
That's the political aspect."
------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------
--------- --------
3. St. James Saturday School Holds Annual Banquet
WATERTOWN, Mass. (A.W.)-On Nov. 4, the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian
School held its annual banquet at the Keljik Hall of the St. James Armenian
Apostolic Church.
Der Arakel Aljalian delivered the opening prayer, followed by opening
remarks by the school's Board of Directors chairman Sarkis Soukiasian, M.D.,
and the school's superintendent Marina Minasian, who talked about the
challenges facing the school and the importance of the community's support
in overcoming them.
The Saturday School students then delivered a musical program, performing
songs dedicated to the Armenian culture.
The keynote speaker at the event was Armenian Weekly editor Khatchig
Mouradian, who talked about the difference between celebrating culture and
commemorating it.
"There are many cultures-some of which have made a great impact on human
civilization-that do not exist today," Mouradian said. "They are
commemorated and remembered at academic conferences and in history books.
We, on the other hand, are celebrating our culture, and it is our
responsibility to perpetuate the celebration and avoid making the Armenian
culture one that is commemorated," he added.
After an auction to benefit the school, Der Arakel Aljalian thanked all
those who contributed to the success of the event and concluded the event
with a prayer.
------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
--------------- -
4. AMF Presents 'Fascinatin' Rhythm: A New Gershwin Revue'
BOSTON, Mass.-A full house greeted the New England Light Opera (NELO) for
the performance of "Fascinatin' Rhythm: A New George Gershwin Revue,"
presented by the Andreassian Music Fund (AMF) on Oct. 26 at the Emmanuel
Church in Boston.
The NELO, now in its 6th season, has performed for the AMF on four other
occasions in this venue.
In his welcoming remarks, Armand Andreassian said that it had been a
pleasure to work with Mark Morgan, co-founder and artistic director of the
NELO. He also identified some guests in the audience who the other members
would enjoy meeting during the intermission or the post-performance
reception.
Present that evening were emmy-award winner, playwright and TV commentator
Dick Flavin; host, producer and director of "Prime Time" Barbara Brilliant
and her husband Dr. Elwin Brilliant; and executive director of "Ballets
Russes 2009" (a multi-media festival in Boston celebrating the 100th
anniversary of the Ballets Russes) Peter Rand and his wife.
Also in the audience were musical director of the St. Stephen's Armenian
Church Karen Demirjian and her mother, Queenie Aykanian; Seta Gananchian,
(daughter of the late famed composer, Parsegh Ganachian) visiting from
Beirut, Lebanon, with her daughter and son-in-law Tsolig and Ara Chamlian;
New York violinist and Julliard graduate Emil Altschuler; and writer for the
Back Bay Courrier Lisa Beane.
As with other shows (Cole Porter, Richard Rodger, Jerome Kern) conceived by
Mark Morgan and his team, the musical selection contained some standards
such as "Summertime" and more obscure songs that added an element of
surprise.
The show was elegantly and smoothly directed by Michael Byrne, who has
extensive experience with Tufts University, the University of Massachusetts
and the Lyric Stage Company of Boston. Performers included June Baboian,
musical director of the Armenian Memorial Church in Watertown; Kaja
Schupert, soprano, who has performed with several opera and theater
companies; Michael Ricca, tenor, who has performed with some productions
with the Huntington Theater as well as with the New, Speakeasy Stage Company
and Boston Theatre work; and Mark Morgan, who has appeared with the Lyric
Stage of Boston, the Seacoast Repertoire Theatre, Ohio Light Opera, Ocean
State Lyric Opera and many others.
The pianist, Markus Hauch, was trained as a classical pianist in Germany
before studying jazz on a scholarship at Berklee College of Music. He has a
Masters Degree in choral conducting from the Boston Conservatory and is one
of the founders of Boston Opera Collaborative.
The event was most enjoyable for the performance as well as for the
socializing during the reception. Marie-Elise Gately of Brookline, who was
attending her first AMF event of a NELO production, said she is anxiously
awaiting the Cole Porter show ("Night and Day: A Cole Porter Celebration,"
back by popular demand) scheduled for March 7, 2008. Presented by the AMF,
it will again be held at the Emmanuel Church.
------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
--------------- ---
5. Detroit AESA Chapter Celebrates 10th Anniversary
By Betty Apigian-Kessel
It may have been Detroit's best kept secret in the past, but the Armenian
Engineers and Scientists of America's (AESA) Michigan section came out with
a bang at their 10th anniversary banquet held at St. John Armenian Church's
Cultural Hall in Southfield, Mich., on the evening of Oct. 27.
Three hundred guests filled tables beneath ceilings holding lavish crystal
chandeliers and elegantly draped windows, adding to the distinction of this
cultural room adjoining the famous Michigan landmark of the "gold-domed
church."
Banquet chairman Ned Apigian welcomed the guests and said, "Tonight you'll
learn what we are all about. Our primary concern as a group is to avoid
brain drain in Armenia. No other Detroit organization does this and we need
everyone's help if Armenia is to survive and thrive." Apigian explained that
AESA's membership comes from all parts of the Armenian community.
Apigian acknowledged the presence of Rev. Fr. Abraham and Yg. Shakeh
Ohanesian, Rev. Dr. Vahan and Rosette Tootikian (Emeritus) of Armenian
Congregational Church, Rev. Fr. Daron and Sossi Stepanian of St. Sarkis
Church, Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian of St. John's Church, and Hayr Soorp Andon
Atamian of the Armenian Catholic Church.
Fr. Diran Papazian gave an impressive invocation revealing his
intellectualism in matters not exclusive to religion. The Armenian and
American National Anthems were sung by Deacon Rubik Mailian accompanied on
piano by Alice Berberian Haidosian, who also provided musical interlude
while guests arrived and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres prior to dinner.
AESA president George Mouradian attributed the evening celebration "The
inspiration of Ned Apigian," thanking the community for the impressive
turnout. He explained his group is a chapter of AESA headquartered in
Glendale, Calif., and their main purpose is to create a forum for
architects, engineers and scientists of Armenian heritage in Michigan. Their
second goal is generate worthwhile technical projects coupled with financial
help for the well-being of Armenia. Mouradian spoke of the important work
being done at the Cosmic Ray Division (CRD) and how scientists from all over
the world go to Armenia to collaborate on the important work done there. He
also encouraged young professionals to join the local AESA group.
Noted area architect Ovsep Sarafian introduced Ashot Kirakosyan, executive
director of the Armenian Social Investment Fund (ASIF) in Yerevan.
Kirakosyan explained the ASIF was established in 1996 by the newly
independent Republic of Armenia. "People learn to work in new social
economic conditions. Our goal is to improve the quality of the community
infrastructure," he said. With their focus on rural villages, they renovate
schools, build schools for children with special needs, build community
centers, orphanages, irrigation systems and sanitation improvement, and
print books in Armenian.
Kirakosyan recognized Detroit's Knights of Vartan for their significant
financial support and thanked the Armenian community for their help.
The Aragats Space-Environmental Center in Armenia conducts research in the
field of galactic cosmic rays and solar physics. Two research stations on
Mt. Aragats are equipped with modern scientific detectors, which allow the
scientists to make new discoveries in high energy astrophysics. They are
developing space weather forecasting and early warning systems to allow the
international community to develop a reliable global space weather
forecasting service, vital to protect astronauts and satellites in space and
power grids on the ground for all mankind.
AESA's concern has been to prevent the "brain drain" from Armenia, some of
which they have accomplished through their efforts with the Cosmic Ray
Division (CRD) Alikhanyan Physics Institute, whose world famous executive
director Prof. Ashot Chilingarian was introduced by Anahid Yeremian, a
physicist at Stanford University.
Prof. Alikhanyan said, "I want to stay in Armenia and encourage my students
whom it has been a pleasure to work with. Detroit has made immense financial
contributions to the CRD." He said if we need a strong Armenia we need
science to assist us by giving direction. We need more time to acquire
experience since Armenia is still a young country. He continued, "Cosmic
rays are a window on the world. We are establishing intern programs for
students from the United States to study with my students."
Plaques were exchanged denoting appreciation and recognition of each other's
work by the AESA and their distinguished guests from Armenia. The
Benediction was given by Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian.
It was a glowing evening of camaraderie but one had to wonder at the absence
of the Armenian and American flags at such an important event.
------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
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6. HMEM Celebrates 30th Anniversary
On Oct. 27, the Homenetmen (HMEM) of the Eastern United States celebrated
its 30th anniversary with a special gala event at the Framingham Sheraton
Hotel.
Attending the event were Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, representing the
sponsor of the event; Prelate Oshagan Choloyan; members of the HMEM
executive board Vahram Tanielian and Koko Balian; members of the regional
executive board; representative of the Canadian regional board Vahan
Tchalikian; Fr.Antranig Baljian of the St. Stephen's Church; Fr. Rafael
Andonian of the Armenian Catholic Church; and Rev. Avedis Boynerian of the
Armenian Memorial Church.
The gala began with the entrance of the HMEM scouts, with the U.S., Armenian
and HMEM flags. Sevag Khatchadourian then sang the American and Armenian
national anthems, as well as "Haratch Nahadag." Avo Barmakian, the evening's
emcee and member of the organizing committee, welcomed the crowd of 400 and
spoke of the HMEM's mission, which for 90 years has been to ensure that
young Armenians grow up as responsible, educated and conscientious
individuals.
Razmig Panosian, chairman of the Boston region executive committee,
addressed the attendees on behalf of the host chapter, and thanked those who
provided moral and financial support to the organization.
Hagop Ishkhanian then delivered the central executive board's address, and
emphasized the importance of trusting the HMEM with the Armenian education
of the younger generation.
Vahan Chalikian, representative of the Canadian regional board,
congratulated the Eastern Region HMEM for having reached its 30th
anniversary milestone. He reminded the attendees of the first baby steps the
organization took, when the HMEM in Canada and in the Eastern Region were
one and the same.
Haig Oshagan delivered the address of the ARF Eastern Region's Central
Committee. In his speech, he spoke of the HMEM's role in restoring the
Armenian heritage, bringing Armenians together from all over the world, and
being a bridge between diasporan youth and independent Armenia. Oshagan also
commented on the difficulties the organzation is currently facing in the
region and promised that the ARF would support the HMEM in any possible way,
so that the latter could continue to play an important role in our lives.
Vahram Tanielian, HMEM cental executive board chairman, emphasized the role
the Eastern U.S. has played within the global HMEM network during the last
30 years. He called upon the audience to entrust their children to the HMEM
and to continue supporting the organization in the name of their education.
Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian delivered the closing remarks. He passed
along the blessings and gratitude from Prelate Oshagan Choloyan, then
emphasized that alongside the Armenian Church and the Armenian school, the
HMEM, with its chapters and centers, has been an important factor in
preserving the Armenian language and tradition.
Singer Adiss Harmandian and his band performed after the program.
The members of the organizing committee were enthusiastically praised for
having put together a succesful and memorable event.
--Boundary_(ID_tFTXpYzQF/hn3GOvBe6mFQ)--
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown MA 02472 USA
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http://www.ar menianweekly.com
The Armenian Weekly; Volume 73, No. 45; Nov. 10, 2007
Community:
1. 'Lark Farm' Premieres in U.S.
Arslan Speaks in NY About Novel 'Skylark Farm'
By Andy Turpin
2. Armenian Monuments of the Nakhichevan Region
NAASR Panel Condemns UNESCO Inaction
By Andy Turpin
3. St. James Saturday School Holds Annual Banquet
4. AMF Presents 'Fascinatin' Rhythm: A New Gershwin Revue'
5. Detroit AESA Chapter Celebrates 10th Anniversary
By Betty Apigian-Kessel
6. HMEM Celebrates 30th Anniversary
***
1. 'Lark Farm' Premieres in U.S.
Arslan Speaks in NY About Novel 'Skylark Farm'
By Andy Turpin
NEW YORK, N.Y. (A.W.)-On Nov. 6, Paolo and Vittorio Taviani's film "The Lark
Farm" made its U.S. premiere at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York
in the presence of Antonia Arslan, the author of Skylark Farm, upon which
the film is based.
"We are proud to introduce the first U.S. screening of 'The Lark Farm,'"
said Sylvie Keshishian, co-organizer of the event and public relations
director for the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center of the Eastern
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.
"I am very appreciative to the government of Italy," said Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian. "I'll always remember how the Italian people responded to help
Armenia during the 1988 earthquake. Even the anchor on RAI Uno started
crying. This is another sign of the wonderful nature of the Italian spirit,"
he said of the Italian Cultural Institute's hosting of the film. "There is
great humanity to that spirit."
Arslan said of the film, "I hope maybe the story of our people will now
become the story of everyone."
The previous day, on Nov. 5, the Italian Cultural Institute and the Eastern
Diocese presented a public discussion with Arslan about her novel. Italian
Cultural Institute curator Renato Miracco introduced Arslan. "This is my
first day [at the Institute] so I'm like a pupil at school," he said. "This
is a big honor. During the 18-hour flight I read the book. It gave me so
much to feel, so much to dream."
He continued, "My father was Greek Orthodox and came to Italy in the
beginning of the 19th century. Reading the book, I found so many feelings
that I cannot even share tonight."
Keshishian spoke next about the integral role books like Skylark Farm play
in educating people about the history of the Armenian genocide and Armenian
culture. "The mandate of our center is that it should provide information
about all things Armenian," she said. "We believe it is of the utmost
importance that people from all backgrounds make efforts to learn about each
other's cultures."
Arslan then spoke, telling of her family and how she came to write the
novel. "My father was raised totally Italian-style," she said. "My
grandfather was so scared from the genocide period that he cut his name from
Arslanian to Arslan. . My knowledge of Armenian language was not allowed. My
uncle visited the monks of San Lazaro, but because of my grandfather was
forbidden to speak Armenian."
Yet, she continued, "we are no longer a forgotten people. For the Armenian
people, now is a very important moment. It was by chance my book was
published at the right time."
Arslan said of Skylark Farm's popularity in Italy, "Bravo to the Italian
readers. It was so sudden! In three months, six editions!"
She continued, "Not everyone knows that in Italy there are only 2,000
Armenians, which is nothing. But it sold 20,000 in Italy-purely passage di
parola, by word of mouth."
Arslan's longtime friend, author Siobhan Nash-Marshall, said, "I suspected
Antonia was a great novelist-and she didn't. I said to her, 'I will come to
Padova, and if you don't write it, I will return that day on the next
flight!"
She added, "My threats are very, very serious. I'm not a literary critic,
I'm a metaphysician."
"The difference between being an Armenian descendent of the genocide is that
you can't go back, you can't transmit it," she continued. "By creating
something beautiful, Antonia has given us something to admire. But we can't
live there, and we wouldn't want to."
Asked why the Italians loved the book so vehemently, Arslan replied, "I
often think about this. The Italian people ask about the tragedy. They say,
'Why don't we know about this in schools? We have the right to know!' And
it's true. There is nothing in Italian history books about the Armenian
genocide. Today they feel like knights fighting for a good cause."
She recounted of her book tour in Italy, "I was talking at a high school and
500 people had read the book!" Of one engagement in the low-literacy Italian
city of Bergamo she remembered, "Two weeks ago there, 700 people had read
it! In Bergamo!"
She laughed, saying, "People write to me in friendship with the characters
of the book. One even from my editor said, 'I'm really sad about the
priest's wife, you just abandoned her!'"
For future events from the Italian Cultural Institute of New York, visit
www.iicnewyork. esteri.it/IIC_Newyork. For more information about future
events from the Zohrab Information Center, visit www.ZohrabCenter.org.
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2. Armenian Monuments of the Nakhichevan Region
NAASR Panel Condemns UNESCO Inaction
By Andy Turpin
BELMONT, Mass. (A.W.)-On Nov. 1, the National Association for Armenian
Studies and Research (NAASR) hosted a panel discussion on the now-demolished
Armenian monuments of the Nakhichevan region in present-day Azerbaijan.
Among the experts present were James R. Russell, Mashtots Professor of
Armenian Studies at Harvard University; Argam Ayvazian, deputy director of
the Agency on Protection of Historical and Cultural Environment in Yerevan;
Steven Sim, an architectural historian from Glasgow, Scotland; and Anahit
Ter-Stepanian, an architectural historian at Sacred Heart University in
Connecticut.
The Nakhichevan region was historically a part of Armenia, and had an
uninterrupted Armenian presence until the last decade. It is now the site of
thousands of destroyed Armenian monuments.
Ayvazian has assembled a photo exhibition of the monuments, currently on
display and open to the public at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian
Studies at Harvard. He's served on the Commission for the Preservation of
Ancient Monuments in Armenia, and is the author of numerous books including
The Historical Monuments of Nakhichevan, published in 1990 and translated
into English by Fr. Krikor Maksoudian.
Steven Sim is the co-author of the 2006 report to UNESCO titled "The
Destruction of Jugha and the Entire Armenian Cultural Heritage in
Nakhijevan," prepared jointly with Ayvazian, Lucy Der Manuelian and Patrick
Donabedian. He has traveled throughout historic Armenia for the past two
decades documenting thousands of vanishing and at-risk monuments. He was one
of the last Westerners to see the Jugha khatchkars destroyed by the Azeri
military in 2005.
NAASR director of programs and publications Marc A. Mamigonian introduced
the panelists and thank them for their participation.
Russell spoke first and analyzed the symbols and calligraphy on
Nakhichevan's numerous khatchkars and sacred stone markers using images
taken from the sites. Speaking of the unique nature of the Armenian Vishap
(dragon/snake stones), he said, "These were boundary stones." He showed
images of other stones, explaining how "the earlier khatchkars showed the
holy sign, usually above a pair of wings." Other notable symbols on the
stones were the Head of Adam, who "wanted to be freed by the blood of the
Messiah." Images of rings seen in the reliefs were an "ancient symbol of
glory given to kings," he explained.
Many of the Nakhichevan grave stones and markers were carved in the form of
rams, though, Russell noted, "The Yezidi carved stone horses instead of
rams, to ferry the departed souls to the other world."
Russell decried the destruction of the Nakhichevan monuments, stating,
"These objects were priceless to world history and art itself."
In 1994, he witnessed the destruction of a church from Narek, "as in the
context of Gregory of Narek," he recounted. "It is difficult to comprehend
the scale of the crime record. No government or international organization
has mounted any effective protest" to the monuments' destruction, he said.
Russell praised Ayvazian's efforts, saying, "As long as such good men labor,
there is still light."
Ayvazian spoke next about the Nakhichevan monuments and their imminent
extinction, showing slides of artifacts dating as far back as the 3rd
millennium B.C. "Science has nothing to do with politics and they have to be
viewed as separate things," he said. "Our colleagues in Azerbaijan are
erasing history and creating a new history. I have never done this and never
will. Today's lecture is not a political talk but a history of the monuments
and what they represent."
Referring to the destruction at the hands of the Azeri government, he said,
"A group of people with hammers are destroying a 2,000 year old culture of
another people."
He explained that no other Armenian studies center has as much material
about the Nakhichevan site as he does-"and it needs to be published," he
added. "Let's hope we find sponsors in Europe, Armenia and in the U.S."
A slideshow of Nakhichevan's former collection of runes, markers and
churches included a cave dwelling near Sisian (1st Millenium B.C.), a
fish-like Vishap stone near the dwelling, and a cuneiform example (820 B.C.)
that represents the oldest form of writing in the Trans-Caucasus region.
Ayvazian also included a dated picture of the Biblical figure Noah's reputed
mausoleum in Nakhichevan, from which Nakhichevan derives its namesake,
stating, "It survived until the 1940s."
Bringing the history to the precipice of its destruction date, Ayvazian
explained, "Ram-shaped tombstones were often used in ancient Armenian and
Azeri cemeteries. During the 1904-05 Baku railroad construction, 5,000
khatchkars were used as stones for the foundation of the railroad." He
ended, condemning, "Today not a single Armenian church has survived in
Nakhichevan."
Scottish art historian and former UNESCO advisor Steven Sim spoke next about
his experiences in 2005, when he was prevented from conducting adequate
research on Armenian monuments in the Nakhichevan area by Azeri authorities.
"I am here," he said, "to talk about nothing, because nothing is what I
found."
Sim characterized Koïchiro Matsuura, the still-current director-general of
UNESCO, as the primary villain in the struggle to have Nakhichevan declared
a protected World Heritage site.
He stated of Matsuura, "He's done nothing to condemn the destruction in
Nakhichevan that's ongoing."
Speaking about the Armenian cemetery khatchkars and their condition in
August 2005, Sim noted, "Most of the gravestones were toppled but not
destroyed." Turning to speak of the Aber-Khunis Armenian church that had
once stood in the Nakhichevan region, but has since been demolished and
whose existence at all was vehemently denied by locals, Sim approximated, "I
suspect the church was destroyed in 2004, because if it had been longer than
a year there would have been some grass growing [on its former site]."
Sim said resolutely of the sites' complete destruction, "It does imply a
thought process to totally eliminate Armenian culture in Nakhichevan."
Of the UNESCO hearings in 2005 and 2006, in which Sim and other experts
appealed for the protection of Nakhichevan's monuments, Sim detailed, "I was
probably the only person who had actually been to Julfa." He was given two
minutes to make the case for protection to Matsuura. Yet, in six years,
Matsuura "hasn't done anything," Sim said. "I think we can assume it's a
deliberate effort. He's given himself a get-out clause that will never end."
Although UNESCO inspectors have informally seen the site from the Iranian
side of the border, Sim said it's doubtful that they "will ever see anything
officially as long as Matsuura is in power. It's an endemic problem with how
UNESCO is being led."
At the beginning of the allotted question and answer session that followed
the scholars' presentations, a male Harvard Kennedy School of Government
graduate student, who at the time remained anonymous but was subsequently
presented in the Azeri Press Agency as a woman, and has since been
identified as Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, approached the podium and told Mamigonian
he wished to make a few remarks.
Mamigonian informed Hajiyev that the scheduled time was designated for
questions rather than comments but allowed him to speak on the agreed
condition that his remarks could be cut short for the purpose of time.
Hajiyev agreed to this precondition. He made his Azeri identity known and
voiced his objection to a specific map used in the presentation, and the
Armenian archeological sites and artifacts studied. He said he took offense
to the lands being called "Armenian," historical or otherwise, and to what
he saw as the political rather than archeological nature of the conflict. He
said, "In 2005, one of my Armenian colleagues said, 'It's not time to talk
about Nagorno-Karabakh, it's time to talk about Nakhichevan. We will start a
campaign to get our lands back!'"
He appeared sincere in his belief that this sole unnamed Armenian spoke for
the entire Armenian people in desiring a military campaign to reclaim the
Nakhichevan region. His remarks were greeted immediately by angered Armenian
voices from the crowd at such a belief.
Russell spoke first to Hajiyev, clarifying his scholarship and the evening's
presentation. "All my courses deal with Armenian history, mythology and
literature, none of which I have seen you attend, but to which you are
welcome," he said. "There is, in the Armenian Studies department, no bias
against Azeri or Turkish culture," he added resolutely.
In the face of allegations then made by Hajiyev that Russell was an
Armenian, Russel said, "You know nothing of my courses and you know nothing
of me."
Russell then stated for the historical record that "the ethnic cleansing of
the Armenians in Nakhichevan began in the Stalinist era." He explained
Stalin's divide and conquer land distribution schemes and political
suppression of Armenian and Ukrainian nationalism through purges and
cultural desecration in the 1930s, bringing home that "Azerbaijan is not the
only country responsible for the cultural destruction of monuments."
At this point, Hajiyev distributed a single Azeri press release to
Mamigonian concerning the Nakhichevan Armenian destruction of Azeri
monuments and exited the meeting hall without further remark.
Emotionally engaged by the evening's remarks and information presented,
audience members clamored to know if there was anything activist-related to
be done, and if the stones and khatchkars in Nakhichevan were truly forever
lost.
Sim responded first and supposed, "Theoretically, [restoration] could be
done if you knew where a majority of the stones had been dumped. Each stone
would have broken into about 20-30 pieces."
Contrastingly, Ayvazian answered, "Nothing can be done now. The khatchkars
cannot be replaced and UNESCO is a useless organization. It is no use going
to them at this point."
Sim closed the meeting by ending poignantly about the Nakhichevan
destruction, "What the Azeris did to the cultural monuments in Nakhichevan,
you can assume the Azeris would do to real people if given the chance.
That's the political aspect."
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3. St. James Saturday School Holds Annual Banquet
WATERTOWN, Mass. (A.W.)-On Nov. 4, the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian
School held its annual banquet at the Keljik Hall of the St. James Armenian
Apostolic Church.
Der Arakel Aljalian delivered the opening prayer, followed by opening
remarks by the school's Board of Directors chairman Sarkis Soukiasian, M.D.,
and the school's superintendent Marina Minasian, who talked about the
challenges facing the school and the importance of the community's support
in overcoming them.
The Saturday School students then delivered a musical program, performing
songs dedicated to the Armenian culture.
The keynote speaker at the event was Armenian Weekly editor Khatchig
Mouradian, who talked about the difference between celebrating culture and
commemorating it.
"There are many cultures-some of which have made a great impact on human
civilization-that do not exist today," Mouradian said. "They are
commemorated and remembered at academic conferences and in history books.
We, on the other hand, are celebrating our culture, and it is our
responsibility to perpetuate the celebration and avoid making the Armenian
culture one that is commemorated," he added.
After an auction to benefit the school, Der Arakel Aljalian thanked all
those who contributed to the success of the event and concluded the event
with a prayer.
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4. AMF Presents 'Fascinatin' Rhythm: A New Gershwin Revue'
BOSTON, Mass.-A full house greeted the New England Light Opera (NELO) for
the performance of "Fascinatin' Rhythm: A New George Gershwin Revue,"
presented by the Andreassian Music Fund (AMF) on Oct. 26 at the Emmanuel
Church in Boston.
The NELO, now in its 6th season, has performed for the AMF on four other
occasions in this venue.
In his welcoming remarks, Armand Andreassian said that it had been a
pleasure to work with Mark Morgan, co-founder and artistic director of the
NELO. He also identified some guests in the audience who the other members
would enjoy meeting during the intermission or the post-performance
reception.
Present that evening were emmy-award winner, playwright and TV commentator
Dick Flavin; host, producer and director of "Prime Time" Barbara Brilliant
and her husband Dr. Elwin Brilliant; and executive director of "Ballets
Russes 2009" (a multi-media festival in Boston celebrating the 100th
anniversary of the Ballets Russes) Peter Rand and his wife.
Also in the audience were musical director of the St. Stephen's Armenian
Church Karen Demirjian and her mother, Queenie Aykanian; Seta Gananchian,
(daughter of the late famed composer, Parsegh Ganachian) visiting from
Beirut, Lebanon, with her daughter and son-in-law Tsolig and Ara Chamlian;
New York violinist and Julliard graduate Emil Altschuler; and writer for the
Back Bay Courrier Lisa Beane.
As with other shows (Cole Porter, Richard Rodger, Jerome Kern) conceived by
Mark Morgan and his team, the musical selection contained some standards
such as "Summertime" and more obscure songs that added an element of
surprise.
The show was elegantly and smoothly directed by Michael Byrne, who has
extensive experience with Tufts University, the University of Massachusetts
and the Lyric Stage Company of Boston. Performers included June Baboian,
musical director of the Armenian Memorial Church in Watertown; Kaja
Schupert, soprano, who has performed with several opera and theater
companies; Michael Ricca, tenor, who has performed with some productions
with the Huntington Theater as well as with the New, Speakeasy Stage Company
and Boston Theatre work; and Mark Morgan, who has appeared with the Lyric
Stage of Boston, the Seacoast Repertoire Theatre, Ohio Light Opera, Ocean
State Lyric Opera and many others.
The pianist, Markus Hauch, was trained as a classical pianist in Germany
before studying jazz on a scholarship at Berklee College of Music. He has a
Masters Degree in choral conducting from the Boston Conservatory and is one
of the founders of Boston Opera Collaborative.
The event was most enjoyable for the performance as well as for the
socializing during the reception. Marie-Elise Gately of Brookline, who was
attending her first AMF event of a NELO production, said she is anxiously
awaiting the Cole Porter show ("Night and Day: A Cole Porter Celebration,"
back by popular demand) scheduled for March 7, 2008. Presented by the AMF,
it will again be held at the Emmanuel Church.
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5. Detroit AESA Chapter Celebrates 10th Anniversary
By Betty Apigian-Kessel
It may have been Detroit's best kept secret in the past, but the Armenian
Engineers and Scientists of America's (AESA) Michigan section came out with
a bang at their 10th anniversary banquet held at St. John Armenian Church's
Cultural Hall in Southfield, Mich., on the evening of Oct. 27.
Three hundred guests filled tables beneath ceilings holding lavish crystal
chandeliers and elegantly draped windows, adding to the distinction of this
cultural room adjoining the famous Michigan landmark of the "gold-domed
church."
Banquet chairman Ned Apigian welcomed the guests and said, "Tonight you'll
learn what we are all about. Our primary concern as a group is to avoid
brain drain in Armenia. No other Detroit organization does this and we need
everyone's help if Armenia is to survive and thrive." Apigian explained that
AESA's membership comes from all parts of the Armenian community.
Apigian acknowledged the presence of Rev. Fr. Abraham and Yg. Shakeh
Ohanesian, Rev. Dr. Vahan and Rosette Tootikian (Emeritus) of Armenian
Congregational Church, Rev. Fr. Daron and Sossi Stepanian of St. Sarkis
Church, Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian of St. John's Church, and Hayr Soorp Andon
Atamian of the Armenian Catholic Church.
Fr. Diran Papazian gave an impressive invocation revealing his
intellectualism in matters not exclusive to religion. The Armenian and
American National Anthems were sung by Deacon Rubik Mailian accompanied on
piano by Alice Berberian Haidosian, who also provided musical interlude
while guests arrived and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres prior to dinner.
AESA president George Mouradian attributed the evening celebration "The
inspiration of Ned Apigian," thanking the community for the impressive
turnout. He explained his group is a chapter of AESA headquartered in
Glendale, Calif., and their main purpose is to create a forum for
architects, engineers and scientists of Armenian heritage in Michigan. Their
second goal is generate worthwhile technical projects coupled with financial
help for the well-being of Armenia. Mouradian spoke of the important work
being done at the Cosmic Ray Division (CRD) and how scientists from all over
the world go to Armenia to collaborate on the important work done there. He
also encouraged young professionals to join the local AESA group.
Noted area architect Ovsep Sarafian introduced Ashot Kirakosyan, executive
director of the Armenian Social Investment Fund (ASIF) in Yerevan.
Kirakosyan explained the ASIF was established in 1996 by the newly
independent Republic of Armenia. "People learn to work in new social
economic conditions. Our goal is to improve the quality of the community
infrastructure," he said. With their focus on rural villages, they renovate
schools, build schools for children with special needs, build community
centers, orphanages, irrigation systems and sanitation improvement, and
print books in Armenian.
Kirakosyan recognized Detroit's Knights of Vartan for their significant
financial support and thanked the Armenian community for their help.
The Aragats Space-Environmental Center in Armenia conducts research in the
field of galactic cosmic rays and solar physics. Two research stations on
Mt. Aragats are equipped with modern scientific detectors, which allow the
scientists to make new discoveries in high energy astrophysics. They are
developing space weather forecasting and early warning systems to allow the
international community to develop a reliable global space weather
forecasting service, vital to protect astronauts and satellites in space and
power grids on the ground for all mankind.
AESA's concern has been to prevent the "brain drain" from Armenia, some of
which they have accomplished through their efforts with the Cosmic Ray
Division (CRD) Alikhanyan Physics Institute, whose world famous executive
director Prof. Ashot Chilingarian was introduced by Anahid Yeremian, a
physicist at Stanford University.
Prof. Alikhanyan said, "I want to stay in Armenia and encourage my students
whom it has been a pleasure to work with. Detroit has made immense financial
contributions to the CRD." He said if we need a strong Armenia we need
science to assist us by giving direction. We need more time to acquire
experience since Armenia is still a young country. He continued, "Cosmic
rays are a window on the world. We are establishing intern programs for
students from the United States to study with my students."
Plaques were exchanged denoting appreciation and recognition of each other's
work by the AESA and their distinguished guests from Armenia. The
Benediction was given by Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian.
It was a glowing evening of camaraderie but one had to wonder at the absence
of the Armenian and American flags at such an important event.
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6. HMEM Celebrates 30th Anniversary
On Oct. 27, the Homenetmen (HMEM) of the Eastern United States celebrated
its 30th anniversary with a special gala event at the Framingham Sheraton
Hotel.
Attending the event were Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, representing the
sponsor of the event; Prelate Oshagan Choloyan; members of the HMEM
executive board Vahram Tanielian and Koko Balian; members of the regional
executive board; representative of the Canadian regional board Vahan
Tchalikian; Fr.Antranig Baljian of the St. Stephen's Church; Fr. Rafael
Andonian of the Armenian Catholic Church; and Rev. Avedis Boynerian of the
Armenian Memorial Church.
The gala began with the entrance of the HMEM scouts, with the U.S., Armenian
and HMEM flags. Sevag Khatchadourian then sang the American and Armenian
national anthems, as well as "Haratch Nahadag." Avo Barmakian, the evening's
emcee and member of the organizing committee, welcomed the crowd of 400 and
spoke of the HMEM's mission, which for 90 years has been to ensure that
young Armenians grow up as responsible, educated and conscientious
individuals.
Razmig Panosian, chairman of the Boston region executive committee,
addressed the attendees on behalf of the host chapter, and thanked those who
provided moral and financial support to the organization.
Hagop Ishkhanian then delivered the central executive board's address, and
emphasized the importance of trusting the HMEM with the Armenian education
of the younger generation.
Vahan Chalikian, representative of the Canadian regional board,
congratulated the Eastern Region HMEM for having reached its 30th
anniversary milestone. He reminded the attendees of the first baby steps the
organization took, when the HMEM in Canada and in the Eastern Region were
one and the same.
Haig Oshagan delivered the address of the ARF Eastern Region's Central
Committee. In his speech, he spoke of the HMEM's role in restoring the
Armenian heritage, bringing Armenians together from all over the world, and
being a bridge between diasporan youth and independent Armenia. Oshagan also
commented on the difficulties the organzation is currently facing in the
region and promised that the ARF would support the HMEM in any possible way,
so that the latter could continue to play an important role in our lives.
Vahram Tanielian, HMEM cental executive board chairman, emphasized the role
the Eastern U.S. has played within the global HMEM network during the last
30 years. He called upon the audience to entrust their children to the HMEM
and to continue supporting the organization in the name of their education.
Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian delivered the closing remarks. He passed
along the blessings and gratitude from Prelate Oshagan Choloyan, then
emphasized that alongside the Armenian Church and the Armenian school, the
HMEM, with its chapters and centers, has been an important factor in
preserving the Armenian language and tradition.
Singer Adiss Harmandian and his band performed after the program.
The members of the organizing committee were enthusiastically praised for
having put together a succesful and memorable event.
--Boundary_(ID_tFTXpYzQF/hn3GOvBe6mFQ)--