Dr.Omar Khalidi to lecture-Armenian Heritage in India.June 4th 2009.
Belmont, Mass. – Dr. Omar Khalidi of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic
Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology will give an
illustrated lecture titled, `Three Centuries of Armenian Heritage in
India,’ on Thursday, June 4, at 8:00 p.m., at the National Association
for Armenian Studies and Research Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont,
Mass.
This lecture is the second talk given in memory of Arshag Merguerian
(1926-2005), architect and active member and friend of NAASR for
nearly
50 years. The expenses for the lecture will be covered by funds
contributed to NAASR in Mr. Merguerian’s memory.
Though Armenians were in India from early times, the Armenian presence
in India is well-documented from the 16th century, after the
establishment of the important mercantile community in New Julfa in
Persia. The community grew in size and importance in the 17th and 18th
centuries, with many Armenians rising to positions of prominence, and
publishing and the arts thrived.
Dr. Khalidi’s lecture will give an overview of India’s Armenian
diaspora, its churches, cemeteries, and related art, in such locations
as Kolkata (Calcutta), Bombay, Delhi, Agra, Surat, Hyderabad, Madras,
and Dhaka (in modern Bangladesh).
Dr. Khalidi has a Ph.D. in Islamic studies from the University of
Wales. Born and raised in Hyderabad, he is the author of several books
and articles
on art and architecture and Indian politics and history, including
"Approaches to Mosque Design in North America" and Muslims in Indian
Economy. He was invited by the Armenian Church in Calcutta for its
300th anniversary celebration in November 2008.
Admission to the event is free. The NAASR Center is located in Belmont
opposite the First Armenian Church and next to the U.S. Post
Office. Parking is available around the building and in adjacent
areas. The lecture will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m.
connect:
1-617-489-1610
naasr.org