Istanbul: Application pending, waiting for the referendum

February 13, 2017 By administrator

(Agos) General Vicar of Patriarch Aram Ateşyan said, “The President knows about the problem concerning the patriarchal election. Thus, we won’t apply to the governor’s office.”

Surp Pırgiç Armenian Hospital Foundation Chair Bedros Şirinoğlu, after he came together with President Erdoğan, stated that “Erdoğan will deal with the patriarchal election after the referendum.” This statement caused an uncertainty concerning the election. Recently, General Vicar of Patriarch Aram Ateşyan said, “The President knows about the problem concerning the patriarchal election. Thus, we won’t apply to the governor’s office.”

On October 26, 2016, the Clerical Assembly decided to hold an election, and after that, General Vicar of Patriarch Aram Ateşyan and Head of the Clerical Assembly Bishop Sahak Maşalyan wrote a letter to send to the governor’s office. In order to deliver it to Governor Vasip Şahin directly, the governor’s office was expected to set a meeting. For about 2 months, the governor’s office hadn’t taken any step and on January 6, Archbishop Aram Ateşyan said that they will deliver the letter to the governor’s office, if they don’t set a meeting. After these developments, Surp Pırgiç Armenian Hospital Foundation Chair Bedros Şirinoğlu came together with Erdoğan on January 18. Erdoğan stated that he will deal with the election after the referendum, causing an uncertainty concerning the application that will be made to the governor’s office. General Vicar of Patriarch Aram Ateşyan stated that they won’t make an application to the governor’s office. Speaking to Agos, Archbishop Ateşyan said: “Bedros Şirinoğlu talked about this problem during his meeting with President Erdoğan. Since the President knows about the problem concerning the patriarchal election, we won’t apply to the governor’s office.” Thus, the process of election is interrupted and postponed to be dealt with after the referendum.

US director to screen movies for free for Armenian spectators

February 13, 2017 By administrator

A US film director who is now in Yerevan as part of a cultural program is organizing a free screening of American movies for Armenian spectators.
At a news conference on Monday, Jeanette Grillo said he planning to conduct also master classes for Armenian filmmakers.

Ambassador Richard Mills described the idea as a good opportunity in terms of not only familiarizing the Armenian audience with the American culture and cinema art but also improving local movie-makers’ professional skills.

Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of US-Armenia relations, the ambassador said they are planning also a range of other events highlighting the importance of the two countries’ friendship.
The organizers are going to screen the movies in both capital Yerevan, and the second and third largest cities of Gyumri and Vanadzor.
Film critic Melik Karapetyan, Program Executive in Armenia, said that the movies are a means of showing American life in its different aspects. The entrance will be free.

Ms Jeanette Grillo, who said she is on her first – but not last – visit to Armenia, added that she has an honor to show her film in Armenia.
Her film is a story about an autistic child and, as a mother who felt the complications, shows her feelings by means of a movie.

Armenian Minstrels and Armenian Echoes, Treasure Trove of Delights

February 11, 2017 By administrator

Armenian-minstrels (worldmusiccentral.org) Hagop Goudsouzian – Armenian Minstrels and Armenian Echoes (Hagop Goudsouzian Productions)

When was the last time you had a hostess sit before a neatly set table, complete with floral china cups, and offered her guests a charming, a cappella folk song while wearing a lime green Nestlé Frutina T-shirt? Probably never would be my guess. But that’s exactly what you get and so much more with Armenian and Canadian filmmaker Hagop Goudsouzian’s collection of films Armenian Minstrels and the three-part series Armenian Echoes.

Producer and director of a bevy of television programs, as well as the films Apricot Armenian Gold, Armenian Exile and My Son Shall Be Armenian produced by the National Film Board of Canada, Mr. Goudsouzian has set his sights on capturing Armenia’s musical soul by way of Armenian Minstrels and Armenian Echoes. Maybe some have caught these gems on your local PBS stations, but for those who haven’t these films they are not-to-be-missed glimpses into the riches of the heart of the often overlooked Armenian people.

Mr. Goudsouzian is generous as he introduces viewers to the Sayat-Nova Minstrel Song Ensemble in Armenian Minstrels and to artists like Minstrel Andranik Ujanci and Minstesl Makhmour, as well as the studio work of the group and the students of the Jivani School of Minstrel Art.

We get a listen to the vocals of Tovmas Poghosyan, a professor and the artistic director and president of the Sayat-Nova Cultural Union in the recording studio, a peek into Garine Haroyan’s archival work for the center and a behind-the-scenes look as the ensemble prepare for a concert.

The interview with Minstrel Kochar as he explains his early singing roles during his Soviet era school years and his backyard performance at his village home in Yeghis is indeed a delight. It also leave the viewer wanting, because, hey, what are these fruits that the bears eat in the mountains?

It’s easy to fall headlong into the kaleidoscope of colors and sounds with the trilogy Armenian Echoes as the films follow the work and artists of the Aram Merangulyan Folk Instruments Ensemble and its kamancha maker, player and concertmaster Onik Galstyan, the deeply lovely vocals of National Chamber Choir under direction of Robert Mikeyan and collaboration with composer and musicologist Arthur Shahnazarian, the reverence of song of the Choir of the Mother Cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the bright work of the Naregatsi Folk Instruments Ensemble.

What’s easier is to fall under the spell of is the elderly minstrel Edik Safaryan as he sings one his songs dedicated to his wife Knarig, the dancers of the Vardanyan Sisters Dance Troupe and Edmon Safaryan playing the duduk along with fellow musicians Khatchik Sogoyan, Gargan Hakopyan and Ura Hakopyan.

Perhaps my favorite is Bogdan G. Hovhannisyan, amateur folk song collector and khachkar (an Armenian stone carving with origins dating back to the 9th century) carver and engraver. Amid the jumble of his workshop, Mr. Hovhannisyan treats viewers and his assistant to a song before he explains his passion for folk songs that began under the Soviets when it was not encourage and his founding of a folk choir in the Lori region of Armenia.

Despite all the charms of the landscape Mr. Goudsouzian offers, the smiles of dancers and joyful offerings of song throughout these films, viewers are reminded of the seriousness with which all these artists have devoted themselves.

There are reminders of a sometimes harsh reality as the director of the Sayat-Nova Cultural Union struggles with financing now that the state no longer provides funds, the sorrow that many Armenians simply emigrate to other countries to find better lives, the remaining scars of lands that once belonged to the Armenian people, a genocide and the horrific ravages of the 1988 Armenian earthquake that killed some 50,000 people and destroyed nearly 500,000 buildings. But there is a stubborn perseverance to keep going and to take the business of cultural preservation seriously. Nothing could sum up this sentiment better than a young singer from the Surb Tiramayr Choir from Vanadzor when she says, “Singing spiritual songs is a very difficult and a big responsibility. We have taken it upon ourselves, because they are the heartfelt songs of our people and they don’t take it very well if it’s poorly sung. You must sing it very well or resign.”

There are no slick rock star musicians, no big haired divas, no Dancing with the Stars anywhere in sight in Armenian Minstrels and Armenian Echoes – no, these small town dancers, striped shirted religious singers and mountain side saz players and minstrels are better. By way of Armenian Minstrels and Armenian Echoes, Mr. Goudsouzian had opened a treasure trove of the delights of the Armenian soul.

Purchase the videos at http://www.hagopgoudsouzian.com/world_music2

Students across US & Canada stage silent protest against Armenian Genocide denial

February 10, 2017 By administrator

On Thursday, February 9th, the All-Armenian Student Association (All-ASA) coordinated the annual “Stain of Denial” silent protest against the continuous denial of the Armenian Genocide. The protests were simultaneously held by ASA chapters and affiliated organizations on their respective college and university campuses. “Stain of Denial” was initiated in 2011 as a silent protest in order to raise awareness of the ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide and the need for recognition and reparations.

The students, faculty, and community members who participated on Thursday stressed that the Armenian Genocide is not an issue only reserved for the month of April, but it has a profound effect on Armenians every day. Whereas April 24th is traditionally the day that the world commemorates the Armenian Genocide, the memory of the genocide and its ensuing denial continues to be a daily struggle. The All-ASA prioritizes this campaign because Armenian students in college, where the free interchange of ideas and perspectives is encouraged, continuously find that the denial of their history is an injustice that they are blatantly faced with.

The participating ASA’s have continuously increased throughout the years. This year, Armenian students from various schools in the West coast, East coast, and Canada organized on their respective campuses. The participating schools in this years protests were: UC San Diego, UC Riverside, UC Los Angeles, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, Glendale Community College, Pasadena Community College, Occidental College, University of Southern California, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Northridge, Woodbury University, Massachussets College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Emmanel College, Boston University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, Suffolk University, Yale University, and Princeton University. For the first time, the protests reached an international scope, with participation from the following Canadian universities: University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and the University of Montreal. Members from the following organization also participated: ARF Shant Student Association, Armenian Youth Federation, Alpha Gamma Alpha, and Alpha Epsilon Omega.

Thousands of Armenian students, community members, and faculty, both Armenian and non-Armenian, took a stand and reiterated that the Armenian Genocide is not just a “day in April,” but a year-round struggle for justice.

The campaign also included an online component, as those who were not able to attend raised awareness through social media, by incorporating the hashtags #StainofDenial, #ArmenianGenocide, and #DivestTurkey into their online posts. While the protests highlighted the history of the Armenian Genocide and the consequences that still continue, it also raised awareness of the #DivestTurkey initiative. This included education about resolutions that ASAs have passed through their student government councils, including both Armenian Genocide recognition and divestment bills, the latter of which targets over $70 million of University of California funds allocated toward the Turkish government.

UC Berkeley February 10 @ 7:15 pm screening Documentary Armenian “Havresc”

February 9, 2017 By administrator

HAVRESC: STAND ON COURAGE

There will be a one time screening, opening presentation and Q&A session with the director David Ritter at the

University Of California Berkeley, 105 North Gate Hall. February 10 @ 7:15 pm

Refreshments will be provided and admission is free.

Sponsored by – Institute of Slavic, East European and Eurasia studies and the Armenian Studies program.

Filmmaker David Ritter has shot a documentary about a remarkable Armenian village somewhere in Iraq with about 200 to 500 people. It is surviving through courage, faith, fortitude and about 22 dedicated men against the massive force of the Islamic State group. Its name, Havresc, translates to big revenge, and its history dates back to 1915, when survivors of the Genocide constructed it, The Armenian Mirror-Spectator reports.

On December 8, the Zohrab Information Center hosted Ritter, who has spent months in the village, who presented his documentary titled, “Havresc, Stand on Courage”, to a large audience, detailing the daily struggles of Armenian and Assyrian Christian Iraqis and the village they have built on the edge of IS-controlled territory.

About the Film

HAVRESC: STAND ON COURAGE is a documentary on the struggles of Armenian and Assyrian Christian Iraqis and the village they have formed on the edge of ISIS controlled territory. Standing in the face of adversity, bigotry, hatred and oppression they have protected themselves from the Islamic state and created a community that is a home to all Christians facing persecution.

HAVRESC: STAND ON COURAGE

Directed by David Ritter
Narration by Jeff Gardner
Music by Michael Dunbar, Peter Bell and Christopher Freedom Laroche

Armenia should have expected Lapshin’s extradition – political scientist

February 8, 2017 By administrator

In an interview with Tert.am, political scientist Styopa Safaryan spoke of steps that could follow the handover of blogger Alexander Lapshin to Azerbaijan. Among his proposals is stripping the Armenian ambassador to Belarus of his diplomatic status and thinking of severing diplomatic relations with Belarus.

Mr Safaryan, Alexander Lapshin has been handed over to Azerbaijan. Are there any diplomatic means to do anything?

I should say it should have been expected and the Armenian side should have been concerned over Azerbaijan’s desire to create favorable conditions for a raid on Nagorno-Karabakh. And active work should have been done. Yes, Lapshin did not expect Armenia to do anything, but one thing was clear: Armenia should have clearly seen that Azerbaijan and Belarus were overtly violating international law in that although the region [Nagorno-Karabakh] remain unrecognized, people enjoy a right to free movement and visiting Nagorno-Karabakh, and no national law could strip people of this right.

Well, what should Armenia do now?

It should have been said long ago. But I am sure that our foreign office has never set itself such a task. So expecting requests to produce results without showing Alexander Lukashenko his own place – I do not think our foreign office ever set itself such a task. It is Nagorno-Karabakh that is in question, it is not Lapshin alone that is in question. The fact is that our strategic partner in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) that is violating international law. And now I think Armenia is faced with a serious problem to prevent a dangerous precedent for Nagorno-Karabakh. Numerous friends of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh were “blacklisted” by Azerbaijan for visiting Artsakh. By setting such a precedent, Azerbaijan is trying to prevent people from freely visiting Artsakh.
Our Foreign Ministry described this prosecution against Lapshin as a disgraceful move. And nevertheless, should Yerevan have expected Lapshin’s handover to Baku
In a way, [Belarusian President Alexander] Lukashenko opened certain brackets earlier this year when he said that Russia and Israel – whose citizenship Lapshin simultaneously holds – were not enthusiastic at all to apply to them; yet, they had no other choice but to hand over Lapshin, who is practically “wanted” by the Interpol.
So was Lukashenko giving a warning that he would behave like Pontius Pilate, washing his hands of the process?
Yes, and he also made a second point, saying that that Azerbaijan, Israel and Belarus cooperate closely enough to agree [on such a plan]. So what we now see is the result of their agreement. And Russia, regrettably, – as the other home country of Lapshin – demonstrates an absolutely neutral behavior, not hampering the process. I remember Lapshin crying out [for help] from his isolation ward earlier this year (together with his girlfriend) and saying that they send letters to the Russian and Israeli consuls, but none of them visited him. I don’t think Lapshin is now under threat, so I believe his only choice at the moment is to apologize to Aliyev for visiting Artsakh. He will have to do that to be in freedom.

You said that all this is for barring the entry to those who have visited Artsakh. Among them, however, we know such world-famous opera singers as Montserrat Coballe and Lyubov Kazarnovskaya. Are they also going to face prosecution now?

Practically, that’s what Azerbaijan wants, i.e.- to make pointless any visit to Artsakh and impart a certain [legal] effect to its ridiculous list which is never seriously treated by the world. I am now confident that this fuss will produce a certain impact – be it though not with a 100% effect. So Aliyev kind of created a precedent in the countries where he has a certain clout. Aliyev, certainly, is too minute a figure to apply to the Interpol for Monserat Coballe, yet Azerbaijan is trying to create precedents with those countries and in relation to those people it has power over.

Anush Dashtents

Armenian Genocide documentary to premiere in Istanbul on February 9

February 8, 2017 By administrator

Armenian-Genocide-documentary-premiere-Istanbul Armenian Genocide documentary “The Children of Vank” will premiere at Istanbul’s Beyoglu Cinema on February 9, Ermenihaber.am reports.

The documentary is a story about Armenian family that survived the Dersim Massacre in 1938. All members of the family were driven away and lived in different cultures and beliefs.

Zeynep is a schoolteacher who lives in Izmir. In 2000s, she accidentally learns that her mother is an Armenian woman born in Dersim (Tunceli). Following the 1938 Massacre, she was given out for adoption and her name was changed to Fatma Kiremitci from AslihanKiremitciyan, her ethnic identity and belief changed to Turkish and Sunni.

She organizes a reunion with some of her mother’s relatives in the village that her mother lived. She traces the stories of her mother and tries to feel and appreciate what she lived in her childhood. Zeynep learns more about the village named Vank and its monastery.

The documentary was screened in Yerevan as part of the Golden Apricot Film Festival in 2016.

Armenians from the Greater NY-NJ area Celebrating Keghart and Independent Media

February 7, 2017 By administrator

Armenians from the Greater NY-NJ area gathered at a luncheon program in January 2017 to celebrate independent Armenian media and honor the Armenian opinion and analysis website Keghart.com

Armenians from the Greater NY-NJ area gathered at a luncheon program in January 2017 to celebrate independent Armenian media and honor the Armenian opinion and analysis website Keghart.com and its principals, Publisher Dr. Dikran Abrahamian and English Language Editor Jirair Tutunjian.

Sponsored by Friends of Keghart, the program featured a Kinetson, or book dedication with wine, of Keghart: Vol. III – a compendium of editorials penned in 2015 and 2016 by the Keghart Collective.

Nearly 30 guests invited by Friends of Keghart learned about the history of Keghart and independent Armenian Diaspora media from Abrahamian and about the objectives and achievements of Keghart from Tutunjian. Keynote speaker David Boyajian, an independent journalist based in Boston, discussed a number of contemporary American and Armenian issues and how these issues shape the public’s understanding of current events. Mistress of Ceremonies Lucine Kasbarian, independent journalist and political cartoonist, introduced speakers Abrahamian, Tutunjian and Boyajian.

The overall intention of the gathering was to generate interest in ensuring the future survival of Keghart. Citing circumstances such as mounting expenses personally taken on by Publisher Abrahamian, Keghart suspended operations in September 2016. A group of concerned individuals called Friends of Keghart stepped forward in an effort to sustain the online opinion and analysis magazine.

Keghart – the Armenian word for spear or lance, referring to that which pierced Christ – was founded in 2007 by Dr. Abrahamian.

The assassination of Hrant Dink in January of 2007 was a major motivation in starting Keghart.com. Its initial mission was to inform and educate non-Armenian audiences about Canadian and international political and human rights issues, as well as issues crucial for the global Armenian nation. However, because of the March 2008 government killings of protesters in Armenia, Keghart decided to focus primarily on Armenian issues.

In some years, Keghart.com has reached close to one million unique visitor hits. Global readers hailed from more than 80 countries, predominantly the USA, Canada, Europe, Armenia, Russia, Australia, Latin America, the Middle East, India, in that order, and occasionally from China and Japan.

In his Introduction to Keghart: Volume III, veteran journalist Douglas Kalajian pointed out, “Keghart has become a unique voice in the Armenian media because it is independent of political parties and related interests, so its writers aren’t pressured to bend the truth or to avoid offense. There is no hidden agenda. As a result, these editorials are unusually forthright and thoughtful. Reading them can be a bracing experience because none of Armenia’s problems are ever sugar-coated by the Keghart team: corruption in government, corruption in the church, the underhandedness of Armenia’s enemies, the treachery of Armenia’s supposed allies.”

The Ontario-based Abrahamian explained to the luncheon attendees the history of independent media in the Armenian Diaspora leading up to the establishment of Keghart. Abrahamian defined “independent” media as “not being beholden to any political organization, having the luxury of providing equal opportunity to various opinions, and reporting events as they occur without bending them to fit a certain political or other agenda(s).” Abrahamian used the term “Armenian Diaspora” to refer primarily to the foreign nations to which Armenians were dispersed after the 1915-23 genocide.

He spoke of the legacy and necessity of independent Armenian media, citing among them predecessors such as Antranig Zaroukian’s Nayiri, Simon Simonian’s Spurk (Diaspora), Yeridasart Hay (Young Armenian), the early editions of AIM and others.

Abrahamian’s capstone message urged Armenians and others to utilize Keghart as a free marketplace of ideas in the Armenian struggle to spread truth in a media world tainted with propaganda and falsehood.

The Toronto-based Tutunjian, an award-winning newspaper and magazine journalist, spoke of his experiences with and contributions to Keghart. Upon joining Keghart, he surveyed editorials that had appeared in a dozen or so Diaspora Armenian publications. Tutunjian found that many of their articles were overly partisan as the publications were owned by political parties.

(L-R) David Boyajian, Jirair Tutunjian, Dikran Abrahamian & Mcee Lucine Kasbarian

The pieces lacked punch and there were often not enough “calls to action.” Abrahamian and Tutunjian decided that Keghart editorials would stand out by being hard-hitting and addressing topics that most Diaspora papers hadn’t touched. They wanted Keghart’s editorials to emphasize independent thought and non-partisan approaches.

Tutunjian said that Keghart editorials had another aim: to provide readers the English words, phrases, memes and facts which readers could use to present the Armenian Case to non-Armenians to rebut Turkish propaganda.

While Tutunjian could not be certain of the demographics of Keghart readers, he followed his gut feeling about what readers might respond to. His guess turned out to be accurate. Keghart soon began to receive many letters. Many agreed with the stands taken in Keghart editorials. Those who didn’t were the trigger for stimulating exchanges among readers. Keghart discovered a “virtual political party” of Armenians… from such places as Sydney, Beirut, London, Switzerland, Honduras and Chile.

They comprised readers who were unhappy with the Armenian status quo and welcomed Keghart’s independence with open arms. Keghart became an open market for constructive ideas about the Armenian world. Issue after issue, readers could see that Keghart provided a forum that aired ideas with which Keghart didn’t necessarily agree. If a letter or article were coherent, made interesting points and wasn’t abusive, Keghart would publish it, uncensored.

David Boyajian talked about several popular topics that the American media had discussed in the previous months, such as: “fake news,” media bias and conspiracy theories.

Boyajian also assessed the performance of journalists of Armenian descent who reported on Armenian topics in non-Armenian mainstream media. He said that they were generally a disappointment but that their editors and supervisors were probably responsible because the latter were usually uninterested in, or unfriendly towards, Armenian topics.

Boyajian cited his favorite Keghart editorials in categories from the practical to the historical, the political and the humorous. He also talked about “Heroes & Villains” – among his favorite recurring features in Keghart – which annually singles out commendable and condemnable newsmakers in the global and Armenian worlds.

Boyajian also praised Keghart for taking up activist causes, hosting panel discussions and organizing public polls. In describing Keghart’s unique position in the Armenian media universe, Boyajian said: “Keghart has a point of view: it’s frankly Armenian. It vigorously defends Armenian interests. It does not hesitate to critique – but in a fair way – the Armenian community, its leaders, the church, Armenia, and Artsakh – but also seeks to improve Armenian life, not beat it down. I truly cannot think of any other Armenian website that has editorials with such erudition, imagination, and wit.”

Emcee Kasbarian praised Keghart for a series of articles that contained practical suggestions and guidelines to Armenian article and letter writers who wished to reach non-Armenians about the topic of the 2015 Genocide Centennial. Keghart sent these to every Armenian church and organization for which Keghart possessed email addresses with a request that they republish them in their newsletters.

Kasbarian also cited a memorable instance of media analysis and criticism in which Tutunjian excoriated Western media outlets for their dishonest coverage of the April 2016 Azeri attacks on Artsakh.

In his editorial titled “The First Casualty,” reprised on p. 177 of Keghart: Vol. III, Tutunjian recited, chapter and verse, the typical falsehoods carted out by mainstream media. A modified version of his editorial was sent to – and appeared in – 15 non-Armenian independent and alternative media outlets.

Kasbarian concluded, “We cannot afford to lose Keghart.”

Friends of Keghart took up the mission to continue Keghart’s successful publication and expand its reach with professional editors and technical personnel at the helm. In October 2016, an online appeal issued by Dr. Berge Minassian raised over $22,000 in donation pledges. In connection with this Kinetson, donation pledges of more than $4,000 have been collected to date. When a new Keghart gets off the ground, a new guard of non-partisan individuals intend to approach those who pledged to fulfill their intentions to donate and discuss ways and means to remain self-sustaining.

Before ceremoniously pouring wine onto an open Keghart Vol. III, writer C.K. Garabed performed the Kinetson saying, “I dedicate this publication, in friendship, to all those free and independent spirits who refuse to be coerced into believing that they see the Emperor’s New Clothes when their eyes clearly tell them otherwise.”

The guest speakers were presented with gifts as thanks for their dedication and service.

To ensure the future survival of Keghart, Kinetson attendees suggested starting an online crowd-funding campaign through KickStarter.com or similar websites, establishing non-profit status, and engaging auditing firms to handle budgetary issues.

Friends of Keghart invites further suggestions and ideas from supporters and readers as it moves forward with garnering support for this unique and beloved online analysis and opinion magazine.

Additional donation pledges (not checks at this time) may be sent to Dr. Berge Minassian at: berge.minassian@sickkids.ca or Lucine Kasbarian at: editor@lucinekasbarian.com.

Keghart: Volumes I, II and III are downloadable on Keghart.com.

Publisher’s Note

Dr. Minas Kojayan could not attend the kinetson. As the Armenian language primary editor of Keghart.com, he has been one of the pillars of the website. A veteran editor and teacher, Armenologist Dr. Kojayan has taken the pulse of the Armenian Diaspora through his well-informed and brilliantly-penned articles providing practical solutions to the challenges the Diaspora faces.

Armenian Women – Not just a pretty face “Scholarship”

February 7, 2017 By administrator

Scholarship Armenian Women – Not just a pretty face

To promote awareness of the achievements of Armenian Women, we are offering a scholarship of $500 to eligible students.
The topic is “Armenian Women – Not just a pretty face”
Eligibility: Undergraduate or post graduate student in an accredited educational institution
Check the bottom of this post for more details

Armenian Women have long been adored and respected for their beauty and with the 2015 poll of 44,000 Americans where we were voted the Most Beautiful Women of the World; an emphasis on Armenian women has increased.Though we are a race of beauty, Armenians have much more to offer to the world and Armenian women have contributed a lot to the world.

The common perception of Armenian women is that they have hair that is long and dark and that they have eyes which are brownish black. However, Armenian women have an amazing array of looks and more importantly, intelligence and wit to match.

Armenia as a country is a place which has a history and culture which is very rich. Along with having gorgeous women and hospitable people, it also has delicious food and very beautiful landscapes.

As one of the very first countries to officially accept Christianity as a state religion in 301 A.D., Armenians have a very rich and varied culture.

At an average life expectancy of 77 years and an adult literacy rate of 99% (source), Armenian women are some of the most educated women in the world.

Would you like to know what an Armenian woman is really like?

Armenian women are some of the most devoted wives. They are hard-workers and intelligent. They are excellent mothers and great companions.

Another exceptional thing about Armenian Women is that they have a very feminine aspect and take pride in looking good.

Like many Americans, most young Armenian ladies especially in the cities take a lot of pride in their appearance and may even save up to a whole months earnings to buy a new dress.

Another great aspect of a modern day beautiful Armenian lady is that she has been raised to make sure that her husband and children are always cared for. They are very traditional and have strong family values. So if you are marrying one, you are not only marrying them but there whole family.

They make sure that their children are well cared for and are brought up with good values since over 90% of Armenians practice Christianity and are devout Christians.

In terms of marriage, most Armenian girls would be encouraged by their family to marry other Armenian Christians as religion is very important. But modern Armenians today are open to marriage out of religion as they want their daughter happiness before anything else

Life in the capital city is very different from most of the country and here you will find the women much more exposed to western concepts and outlook.

Armenian women, who live in Yerevan, have much more independence to express them and are much more approachable.

Armenian women across the world are proud of their rich and varied heritage. An Armenian lady may be born or live in any other part or the world but deep within, they still consider themselves Armenian.

Read More: http://www.armenianwomen.org/

Scholarship

To promote awareness of the achievements of Armenian Women, we are offering a scholarship of $500 to eligible students.

The topic is “Armenian Women – Not just a pretty face”

Eligibility: Undergraduate or post graduate student in an accredited educational institution

How to Submit your Application

Write a Thesis of 1,000+ words and submit to us via a word .doc file with the details listed below.

Personal Details (First & Last Name, Phone, and Address).
School Name.
Area of Study.
Any document which can proof that you are a Student.

By submitting your article, you give us the right over the content in the thesis.

All decisions of the assessors are final.

Deadline

The final date for submission is November 30th, 2017 and we will choose the winner by December 15th, 2017 and the check will be mailed by December 20th, 2017.

The $500 check will be drawn on your name but will sent directly to your college.

This is an annual scholarship program.

THOSE STRANGE SOUNDING ARMENIAN FAMILY NAMES

February 6, 2017 By administrator

By Vahe Hayrikian,

Have you ever thought about the meaning of “ian”?

Most Armenian names end in “ian” or “yan,” meaning the “son of ,” but
some Diaspora Armenians have changed these endings to blend in their
host societies.
Today in Turkey “oglu” often replaces “ian,” while Russian Armenians
may change the endings to “ov”; e.g., Gary Kasparov, Serge Parajanov.
A name ending in “ian” is not always exclusively Armenian, since the
ending can also be occasionally found in names in Irish, Persian,
English, Philippine and some other cultures.
Armenian last names generally fall into five specific categories:
Aristocracy, Parent, Geography, Occupation or Trait.

Aristocracy
     The ancient Armenian aristocracy (“Nakharar” class) was derived from
Parthian-Persian stock and many of their names ended in “uni” or “ooni.”
Most of these families were destroyed over the centuries but some
still survive today; e.g., Sasuni, Rshtuni.

Parent
     Many Armenian names are derived from the first names of an ancestor;
e.g. Davidian, “son of David,” Stepanian, “son of Stepan,” or
Krikorian, “son of Krikor/Grigor.” Until the 19th century, virtually
all first names had a religious origin, so most of those last names
are also religious.

Geography
     Some last names are based on geographic origin and end in “lian”
(Turkish) or “tsian” (Armenian). Typical examples are Sivaslian “from
Sivas,” Urfalian “from Urfa” and Vanetzian “from Van.” These names
were typically given to an immigrant who migrated from a different
region of Armenia. Obviously everyone living in Marash would not call
himself or herself “Marashlian”.

Occupation
     Most last names were taken from the professions of an ancestor. These
names frequently originated with the tax collectors who needed to
identify all individuals for tax purposes. Typical examples are
Najarian “son of a carpenter,” Arabian “son of a wagon/teamster,” and
Vosgerichian “son of a goldsmith.” Many of these occupations are not
Armenian, since the tax man(typically a Moslem Turk, Persian, Arab,
etc.) would use his own native word for the occupation; e.g., the
name Boyajian is based on the Arab/Turkish term “boyaji” “one who dyes.”

Trait
     The most confusing and curious names are those based on some trait of
an ancestor. Typical examples are Topalian “son of the cripple,”
Dilsizian “son of the tongueless one,” or Sinanian “son of the
spearpoint.” Many of the origins of these names are unclear unless one
understands the original context. As an example, Dilsizian indicates
that an ancestor had his tongue cut out by the Turks for using the
Armenian language, while the term “Sinan” was a slang term applied to
somebody either with a very erect military-like carriage or who was
“hung like a horse.”
Some of these traits are not physical, but rather reflect personality
or social status; e.g., Melikian “son of the king”
or
Harutunian “son of the resurrection.” The name Harutunian could be based
on an ancestor named Harutune (so-named because he was born around
Eastertime), or adopted by a convert to Protestantism to show his
status as a “born-again Christian.”
Many last names today have been shortened or modified to aid
pronunciations by non-Armenians; e.g., the name Mugerditchian/
Mkrtichian” becomes “Mugar,” “Husseniglian”,becomes “Hewsen,” and
Samourkashian” becomes “Samour.” These abbreviated names often drop
the ian” ending, and are not immediately identifiable as being
Armenian to an outsider.

The name categories of Occupation and Trait can differ significantly
between Eastern Armenians and Western Armenians, since the eastern
names often have Persian, Georgian or Russian roots, while the western
names may have Turkish, Arab, or Greek roots. Names with the prefix
“Der” or “Ter” show that one of the ancestors was a “Der Hayr” a
married parish priest), a position of great social status among Armenians;

e.g., DerBedrosian, Ter Petrosian.

The study of Armenian Names is a fascinating exercise, since virtually
every aspect of the culture is reflected in names.

There have been extensive studies of Armenian names in the Armenian
language, but little has appeared in English and many Armenians (born
outside of Armenia) do not understand the significance of their own names.