The California Courier Online, December 14, 2017
1 – Commentary
Fifth Century Historian Describes
Deplorable State of Armenian Society
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher,
The California
Courier
The California
Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
2 – Surabian
Added in
Added in
Politico
Power List
Power List
3 – NASA Awards
Georgian-Armenian
Georgian-Armenian
Female Pilot
Nadezhda Benklyan
Nadezhda Benklyan
4 – Private
Investor to Explore For Oil In Armenia
Investor to Explore For Oil In Armenia
5 – Hamshen Armenian
Activists
Released
Released
From
Turkish Prison
Turkish Prison
6 – Catholicos Aram I
Rejects Jerusalem
As Israeli Capital
7- Tillerson:
U.S.
Backs
U.S.
Backs
OSCE
Minsk Group
Minsk Group
Efforts
on Karabakh
on Karabakh
8 – Serj
Tankian Plans to Create Armenian Coffee Brand
Tankian Plans to Create Armenian Coffee Brand
9 – ANCA-WR Endorses Tarkanian for U.S. Senate
10- New
Book Reaffirms Armenian Ethnicity
Book Reaffirms Armenian Ethnicity
Of
Master Architects Behind Istanbul's
Look
Master Architects Behind Istanbul's
Look
******************************************
1 – Commentary
Fifth Century Historian Describes
eplorable State of Armenian Society
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
A friend
recently sent me an excerpt written in the 5th Century by historian Movses
Khorenatsi in which he described the deplorable societal conditions in ancient Armenia.
recently sent me an excerpt written in the 5th Century by historian Movses
Khorenatsi in which he described the deplorable societal conditions in ancient Armenia.
My
friend commented: “St. Movses could have easily written these words about our
Armenian clergy, leaders, church, organizations, judges, institutions and us
today in 2017 as he did in the 5th Century. So what has changed in 1,600 years?
What will change? What if nothing changes? What if this is who and what we are?
The greatest challenge we face as Armenians is how to survive and succeed on
the world stage in spite of ourselves and not give up hope. Because despite the
worst of our nature that St. Movses describes, somehow this small nation found
a way to survive to this day. Let’s not lament over Armenia. Let’s rejoice over our
children, grandchildren and the bright future that each of us can create for
our nation.”
friend commented: “St. Movses could have easily written these words about our
Armenian clergy, leaders, church, organizations, judges, institutions and us
today in 2017 as he did in the 5th Century. So what has changed in 1,600 years?
What will change? What if nothing changes? What if this is who and what we are?
The greatest challenge we face as Armenians is how to survive and succeed on
the world stage in spite of ourselves and not give up hope. Because despite the
worst of our nature that St. Movses describes, somehow this small nation found
a way to survive to this day. Let’s not lament over Armenia. Let’s rejoice over our
children, grandchildren and the bright future that each of us can create for
our nation.”
The
quotation below is from Movses Khorenatsi’s trailblazing book, “History of the
Armenians.” The chapter is titled, “Lament over the removal of the Armenian
throne from Arsacid Family and of the archbishopric from the family of St.
Gregory.” The book has been translated from Armenian into English by Prof.
Robert W. Thomson of Harvard
University. I have added
in brackets a few clarifications to the translation.
quotation below is from Movses Khorenatsi’s trailblazing book, “History of the
Armenians.” The chapter is titled, “Lament over the removal of the Armenian
throne from Arsacid Family and of the archbishopric from the family of St.
Gregory.” The book has been translated from Armenian into English by Prof.
Robert W. Thomson of Harvard
University. I have added
in brackets a few clarifications to the translation.
Movses
Khorenatsi wrote:
Khorenatsi wrote:
“I
lament over you Armenia;
I lament over who you are superior to all the nations of the north. For your
king and priest, counselor and teacher, have been removed. Peace has been
disturbed, disorder has taken root, orthodoxy has been shaken, and heresy has
strengthened through ignorance.
lament over you Armenia;
I lament over who you are superior to all the nations of the north. For your
king and priest, counselor and teacher, have been removed. Peace has been
disturbed, disorder has taken root, orthodoxy has been shaken, and heresy has
strengthened through ignorance.
“I pity
you, church of Armenia, which has lost the splendor of
the sanctuary and has been deprived of the noble pastor and his companion. No
longer do I see your rational flock pastured in a verdant place and by peaceful
waters nor gathered in a fold and protected from wolves, but scattered to the
wilderness and precipices. ….
you, church of Armenia, which has lost the splendor of
the sanctuary and has been deprived of the noble pastor and his companion. No
longer do I see your rational flock pastured in a verdant place and by peaceful
waters nor gathered in a fold and protected from wolves, but scattered to the
wilderness and precipices. ….
“The
teachers are ignorant and presumptuous, taking honor by themselves and not
called by God, elected by money and not by the [Holy] Spirit; lovers of gold
and envious, they have abandoned gentleness, where God dwells, and have become
wolves, tearing their own flocks.
teachers are ignorant and presumptuous, taking honor by themselves and not
called by God, elected by money and not by the [Holy] Spirit; lovers of gold
and envious, they have abandoned gentleness, where God dwells, and have become
wolves, tearing their own flocks.
“The
religious are hypocritical, ostentatious, vainglorious, lovers of honor rather
than lovers of God.
religious are hypocritical, ostentatious, vainglorious, lovers of honor rather
than lovers of God.
“The
[senior] clergy are proud, slothful, frivolous, lazy, haters of the arts and
instructive words, lovers of commerce and buffoonery.
[senior] clergy are proud, slothful, frivolous, lazy, haters of the arts and
instructive words, lovers of commerce and buffoonery.
“The
students are lazy to study and eager to teach; they are theologians before
their examinations [before they finish their studies].
students are lazy to study and eager to teach; they are theologians before
their examinations [before they finish their studies].
“The
laity are arrogant, insubordinate, blusterers, loafers, topers [drunks],
pernicious, and they flee their patrimonies.
laity are arrogant, insubordinate, blusterers, loafers, topers [drunks],
pernicious, and they flee their patrimonies.
“The
soldiers are cowards, false boasters, hating their weapons, negligent, lovers
of ease, intemperate, thieves, drunkards, marauders, imitators of brigands.
soldiers are cowards, false boasters, hating their weapons, negligent, lovers
of ease, intemperate, thieves, drunkards, marauders, imitators of brigands.
“The
princes are rebellious, companions of thieves, robbers [bribable], rapacious
[greedy], avaricious, grasping, plunderers, despoilers of the land, depraved,
likeminded with their subjects [servants].
princes are rebellious, companions of thieves, robbers [bribable], rapacious
[greedy], avaricious, grasping, plunderers, despoilers of the land, depraved,
likeminded with their subjects [servants].
“The
judges are inhuman, false, deceitful, venal, [not protectors of rights] ignorant
of the law, volatile, contentious.
judges are inhuman, false, deceitful, venal, [not protectors of rights] ignorant
of the law, volatile, contentious.
“And [in
general], love and shame have been entirely removed from all….”
general], love and shame have been entirely removed from all….”
“The
kings are cruel and evil rulers, imposing heavy and onerous burdens and giving
intolerable commands. Governors do not [keep the order] correct disorders and
are unmerciful. Friends are betrayed and enemies strengthened. Faith is sold
for this vain life. Brigands have come in abundance and from all sides. Houses
are sacked and possessions ravaged. There is bondage for the foremost and prison
for the famous. There is exile abroad for the nobility and innumerable outrages
for the common people. Cities are captured and fortresses destroyed; towns are
ruined and buildings burned. There are famines without end and every kind of
[epidemic] illness and death. Piety has been forgotten and expectation is for
hell….”
kings are cruel and evil rulers, imposing heavy and onerous burdens and giving
intolerable commands. Governors do not [keep the order] correct disorders and
are unmerciful. Friends are betrayed and enemies strengthened. Faith is sold
for this vain life. Brigands have come in abundance and from all sides. Houses
are sacked and possessions ravaged. There is bondage for the foremost and prison
for the famous. There is exile abroad for the nobility and innumerable outrages
for the common people. Cities are captured and fortresses destroyed; towns are
ruined and buildings burned. There are famines without end and every kind of
[epidemic] illness and death. Piety has been forgotten and expectation is for
hell….”
My
friend who sent me this “lament” is comparing Movses Khorentasi’s description
of the deplorable state in Armenia
1,600 years ago to today’s conditions in general both in Armenia and the Diaspora! Of
course, one cannot generalize to everyone in Armenian society. There are
respectable exceptions in every segment of our society, among the teachers,
clergy, military, students, judges, and rulers.
friend who sent me this “lament” is comparing Movses Khorentasi’s description
of the deplorable state in Armenia
1,600 years ago to today’s conditions in general both in Armenia and the Diaspora! Of
course, one cannot generalize to everyone in Armenian society. There are
respectable exceptions in every segment of our society, among the teachers,
clergy, military, students, judges, and rulers.
I agree
with my friend when he expresses the hope that our nation will survive despite
all the shortcomings and setbacks, and despite all enemies inside and outside
of the country, as it has for centuries since Movses Khorentatsi wrote his
highly critical observations!
with my friend when he expresses the hope that our nation will survive despite
all the shortcomings and setbacks, and despite all enemies inside and outside
of the country, as it has for centuries since Movses Khorentatsi wrote his
highly critical observations!
**************************************************************************************************
2- Surabian
Added in
Added in
Politico
Power List
Power List
WASHINGTON, DC (News.am) – A senior adviser for
the "Great America Alliance," a former special assistant to Trump,
Andy Surabian is included in the list of politicians, activists and operatives
across the country who are poised to have a big year in 2018.
the "Great America Alliance," a former special assistant to Trump,
Andy Surabian is included in the list of politicians, activists and operatives
across the country who are poised to have a big year in 2018.
Surabian, a 28-year-old from Shrewsbury,
Massachusetts, is the political right hand of US
President Donald Trump’s former senior adviser Steve Bannon.
Massachusetts, is the political right hand of US
President Donald Trump’s former senior adviser Steve Bannon.
Surabian is recruiting and meeting with
potential 2018 candidates, who are in line with Trump’s “America First”
populist agenda, and developing a long-term political strategy for
Bannon.
potential 2018 candidates, who are in line with Trump’s “America First”
populist agenda, and developing a long-term political strategy for
Bannon.
Politico Power List, including 18 names of
perspective politicians, is published on the Politico website.
perspective politicians, is published on the Politico website.
***************************************************************************************************
3 – NASA Awards Georgian-Armenian
Female Pilot
Nadezhda Benklyan
Nadezhda Benklyan
TBLISI, Georgia (News.am) – NASA astronaut
Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper has awarded Georgian-Armenian female pilot
Nadezhda Benklyan with The International Women of Courage Award from the U.S
embassy. Nadezhda is the first and only female pilot in Georgia’s civil aviation, Sputnik Georgia
reported.
Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper has awarded Georgian-Armenian female pilot
Nadezhda Benklyan with The International Women of Courage Award from the U.S
embassy. Nadezhda is the first and only female pilot in Georgia’s civil aviation, Sputnik Georgia
reported.
The awarding ceremony was held at the Georgian Aviation University.
NASA’s astronaut met with the students and shared her experience.
NASA’s astronaut met with the students and shared her experience.
Piper has achieved the rank of Captain in the
United States Navy. The astronaut flown into space in 2006 for the first time.
United States Navy. The astronaut flown into space in 2006 for the first time.
“It is a great honor for me, especially because
such a significant person has awarded me. I am thrilled. It is an incredible
feeling when such a person admires you. It turns out that she wanted to become
a pilot, but was unable due to vision problems," said Benklyan.
such a significant person has awarded me. I am thrilled. It is an incredible
feeling when such a person admires you. It turns out that she wanted to become
a pilot, but was unable due to vision problems," said Benklyan.
Benklyan began working for the Georgian Airways
a few months ago.
a few months ago.
*****************************************************************************************************
4 – Private
Investor to Explore For Oil In Armenia
Investor to Explore For Oil In Armenia
YEREVAN
(Azatutyun.am) – A newly established company controlled by Russian-Armenian
billionaire Samvel Karapetian has asked for a government permission to explore
for oil and gas in northern Armenia.
(Azatutyun.am) – A newly established company controlled by Russian-Armenian
billionaire Samvel Karapetian has asked for a government permission to explore
for oil and gas in northern Armenia.
The company called Armenian Oil and Gas
held mandatory public hearings in Gyumri
on the environmental impact of oil exploration sought by it in the surrounding
Shirak province and two other regions in the country’s north. They were
attended by officials from the Environment Protection Ministry, geologists and
ecologists.
held mandatory public hearings in Gyumri
on the environmental impact of oil exploration sought by it in the surrounding
Shirak province and two other regions in the country’s north. They were
attended by officials from the Environment Protection Ministry, geologists and
ecologists.
Under Armenian law, such hearings are must
precede the ministry’s decisions on whether or not to allow particular
companies to take the first step towards exploiting natural resources.
precede the ministry’s decisions on whether or not to allow particular
companies to take the first step towards exploiting natural resources.
Speaking at the discussion, an Armenian Oil and
Gas representative, Erik Ananian, said the company would use nuclear magnetic
resonance, as opposed to traditional drilling, to determine whether the area
close to Georgia
has commercially viable hydrocarbon reserves. In Shirak, he said, the
exploration would be carried out near six rural communities.
Gas representative, Erik Ananian, said the company would use nuclear magnetic
resonance, as opposed to traditional drilling, to determine whether the area
close to Georgia
has commercially viable hydrocarbon reserves. In Shirak, he said, the
exploration would be carried out near six rural communities.
“If we see that there is a certain industrial
potential [for oil production] we will switch to the next phase,” added
Ananian. He would not say whether the company already has any tentative
estimates to that effect.
potential [for oil production] we will switch to the next phase,” added
Ananian. He would not say whether the company already has any tentative
estimates to that effect.
It also remained unclear when it would start the
exploratory work in case of securing clearance from the government.
exploratory work in case of securing clearance from the government.
Hmayak Hovannisian of the Geophysics Institute
in Yerevan said
it is still too early speculate about the potential size of oil or gas fields
in the area. But he stressed that magnetic resonance allows for deeper
penetration than exploratory drilling done in Armenia to date.
in Yerevan said
it is still too early speculate about the potential size of oil or gas fields
in the area. But he stressed that magnetic resonance allows for deeper
penetration than exploratory drilling done in Armenia to date.
Another scientist working at the institute,
Roland Gasparian, claimed that the possible discovery and extraction of oil
would pose an “enormous danger” to local agriculture, while some
environmentalists expressed concern at the new method of oil exploration.
Roland Gasparian, claimed that the possible discovery and extraction of oil
would pose an “enormous danger” to local agriculture, while some
environmentalists expressed concern at the new method of oil exploration.
Several Western companies have already explored
for but found no major oil deposits in Armenia over the past two decades.
for but found no major oil deposits in Armenia over the past two decades.
The company in question belongs to Karapetian’s
Tashir Kapital group that owns Armenia’s
national electric utility and will soon also manage the country’s state-owned
power transmission network. A Tashir subsidiary is also planning to build,
together with other Russian-Armenian and Western investors, two major
hydroelectric plants. In addition, it recently launched Armenia’s first-ever solar power
plant.
Tashir Kapital group that owns Armenia’s
national electric utility and will soon also manage the country’s state-owned
power transmission network. A Tashir subsidiary is also planning to build,
together with other Russian-Armenian and Western investors, two major
hydroelectric plants. In addition, it recently launched Armenia’s first-ever solar power
plant.
The Armenian-born tycoon further underscored his
growing involvement in the Armenian economy on November 13 when he inaugurated
another massive shopping mall built by Tashir in Yerevan.
growing involvement in the Armenian economy on November 13 when he inaugurated
another massive shopping mall built by Tashir in Yerevan.
*************************************************************************************************
5 – Hamshen
Armenian
Armenian
Activists Released
From
Turkish Prison
Turkish Prison
By Weekly Staff
HOPA, Turkey – Political activists Nurcan
Vayiç Aksu and Cemil Aksu —both of Armenian origin—were released from a Turkish
prison on Friday, after being incarcerated for several weeks.
Vayiç Aksu and Cemil Aksu —both of Armenian origin—were released from a Turkish
prison on Friday, after being incarcerated for several weeks.
Political activist Nurcan Vayiç Aksu was taken
into police custody on Oct. 19 after a house raid. Her husband, journalist and
environmental activist Cemil Aksu, was arrested a few days later in the city of
Artvin, for
supposedly “praising crime and criminals” in his social media posts.
into police custody on Oct. 19 after a house raid. Her husband, journalist and
environmental activist Cemil Aksu, was arrested a few days later in the city of
Artvin, for
supposedly “praising crime and criminals” in his social media posts.
According to reports, Vayiç is a human rights
activist and a member of the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP). Aksu is
the local co-chair of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and one of
the editors of the Gor-Hemshin cultural magazine.
activist and a member of the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP). Aksu is
the local co-chair of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and one of
the editors of the Gor-Hemshin cultural magazine.
The couple is from the town of Hopa in Artvin, commonly known as the Hemshin
(Hamshen) region, about 12 miles from the Georgian border. As long-time
political activists, the two have spoken out about the local history and Armenian
identity of the Hemshin region, as well as on environmental matters and women’s rights issues. Both have been
critical of the Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
(Hamshen) region, about 12 miles from the Georgian border. As long-time
political activists, the two have spoken out about the local history and Armenian
identity of the Hemshin region, as well as on environmental matters and women’s rights issues. Both have been
critical of the Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Upon being released, the couple posted photos on
social media with their eight-year-old child Arev, who was being taken care of
by his aunt while the two were imprisoned.
social media with their eight-year-old child Arev, who was being taken care of
by his aunt while the two were imprisoned.
*****************************************************************************************************
6- Catholicos Aram I
Rejects Jerusalem
As Israeli Capital
ANTELIAS, Lebanon
(PanArmenian.net) – Catholicos Aram
I of the Great House of Cilicia rejected the U.S.
move to recognize Jerusalem
as the Israeli capital.
(PanArmenian.net) – Catholicos Aram
I of the Great House of Cilicia rejected the U.S.
move to recognize Jerusalem
as the Israeli capital.
U.S.
President Donald Trump's move to recognize Jerusalem
as Israel's capital reversed
decades of U.S.
policy on December 6. The fate of Jerusalem is
one of the thorniest issues between Israel and the Palestinians.
President Donald Trump's move to recognize Jerusalem
as Israel's capital reversed
decades of U.S.
policy on December 6. The fate of Jerusalem is
one of the thorniest issues between Israel and the Palestinians.
Eight of the
15 nations who are currently members of the United Nations Security Council
have called for the body to hold an urgent meeting on the U.S. decision
by the end of the week.
15 nations who are currently members of the United Nations Security Council
have called for the body to hold an urgent meeting on the U.S. decision
by the end of the week.
The Armenian Catholicos discussed the matter
with Lebanese president Michel Aoun.
with Lebanese president Michel Aoun.
According to the Patriarch, the U.S.
approach is not consistent with international law, justice and historical truth.
approach is not consistent with international law, justice and historical truth.
According
to the Catholicos, such a move may have negative repercussions in a volatile
region of the Middle East and may jeopardize
the peace process. Catholicos Aram
I also emphasized the need to respect the legitimate rights of Palestinians and
to preserve the rights of three monotheistic religions in Jerusalem.
to the Catholicos, such a move may have negative repercussions in a volatile
region of the Middle East and may jeopardize
the peace process. Catholicos Aram
I also emphasized the need to respect the legitimate rights of Palestinians and
to preserve the rights of three monotheistic religions in Jerusalem.
President Aoun shared the same view.
*****************************************************************************************************
7- Tillerson:
U.S.
Backs
U.S.
Backs
OSCE
Minsk Group
Minsk Group
Efforts
on Karabakh
on Karabakh
WASHINGTON, DC – (PanArmenian.net) – The United States
supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group to find a solution to the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict, said U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group to find a solution to the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict, said U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
“We must make progress in the settlement of the
Karabakh conflict,” Tillerson said addressing the OSCE Ministerial Conference
in Vienna on
December 6.
Karabakh conflict,” Tillerson said addressing the OSCE Ministerial Conference
in Vienna on
December 6.
“We are pleased with the commitments made by the
presidents of Azerbaijan and
Armenia
at the summit in October to intensify the negotiations and to reduce the
tension along the line of contact. Substantive progress can be made when there
is a political will,” added the U.S.
secretary of state.
presidents of Azerbaijan and
Armenia
at the summit in October to intensify the negotiations and to reduce the
tension along the line of contact. Substantive progress can be made when there
is a political will,” added the U.S.
secretary of state.
Following Armenian
foreign minister Edward Nalbandian
Dec. 6 meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs in Vienna to discuss the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, he met with his
Azerbaijani counterpart, Elmar Mammadyarov.
foreign minister Edward Nalbandian
Dec. 6 meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs in Vienna to discuss the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, he met with his
Azerbaijani counterpart, Elmar Mammadyarov.
Both meetings focused on agreements reached at
summits in Vienna, Saint
Petersburg and Geneva.
summits in Vienna, Saint
Petersburg and Geneva.
Also, the parties agreed to hold one more
meeting of foreign ministers in early 2018 and discussed the dates for the
co-chairs next visit to the region.
meeting of foreign ministers in early 2018 and discussed the dates for the
co-chairs next visit to the region.
*******************************************************************************************************
8- Serj
Tankian Plans to Create Armenian Coffee Brand
Tankian Plans to Create Armenian Coffee Brand
HOLLYWOOD,
CA – System Of A Down frontman
Serj Tnakian is planning to create an Armenian coffee brand. The artist
revealed the plans in an interview with “Expert” Magazine.
CA – System Of A Down frontman
Serj Tnakian is planning to create an Armenian coffee brand. The artist
revealed the plans in an interview with “Expert” Magazine.
Asked about the most important thing to him
right now, Tankian said: “Today the most important thing to me is my family, my
son. Spending time with him is more valuable to me than anything else in the
world. I would nullify all of my music just for one of his smiles. He is my
priority number one.”
right now, Tankian said: “Today the most important thing to me is my family, my
son. Spending time with him is more valuable to me than anything else in the
world. I would nullify all of my music just for one of his smiles. He is my
priority number one.”
“If we talk about creativity it’s exactly what
I’m doing right now. I will continue to write music. And I got quite a few
other ideas. Including to create an Armenian coffee brand, because it’s one of
those things I really love. There are many activities that I would like to try.
Let’s see where it will lead me,” the singer said.
I’m doing right now. I will continue to write music. And I got quite a few
other ideas. Including to create an Armenian coffee brand, because it’s one of
those things I really love. There are many activities that I would like to try.
Let’s see where it will lead me,” the singer said.
In the interview Serj Tankian talked about
orchestral music and social activities.
orchestral music and social activities.
The first of Tankian’s two new film scores,
for a movies called “Intent To Destroy”, was released digitally via iTunes and Apple on
November 17, while the second, for a movie titled “Furious: The Legend Of Kolovrat”,
will arrive digitally on December 8.
for a movies called “Intent To Destroy”, was released digitally via iTunes and Apple on
November 17, while the second, for a movie titled “Furious: The Legend Of Kolovrat”,
will arrive digitally on December 8.
“Intent to Destroy”, from Oscar-nominated
director Joe Berlinger, is a documentary that examines genocide denialism.
The film outlines the century-old denial campaign of the Armenian Genocide by
the Turkish government and brings it into the current age of disinformation and
scare tactics. The film was released in theatres on November 10.
director Joe Berlinger, is a documentary that examines genocide denialism.
The film outlines the century-old denial campaign of the Armenian Genocide by
the Turkish government and brings it into the current age of disinformation and
scare tactics. The film was released in theatres on November 10.
Tankian called “Intent to
Destroy” “one of the most powerful films I’ve ever seen let alone been a
part of.”
Destroy” “one of the most powerful films I’ve ever seen let alone been a
part of.”
Meanwhile, “Furious: The Legend Of
Kolovrat” is a Russian historical fantasy film about a 13th century knight
named Evpaty Kolovrat, who led a 17-man squad against thousands of Mongol
warrior hordes.
Kolovrat” is a Russian historical fantasy film about a 13th century knight
named Evpaty Kolovrat, who led a 17-man squad against thousands of Mongol
warrior hordes.
Tankian said about this project: “I’m a
huge fan of historical action films, so I welcomed the opportunity to create my
first epic score for ‘Furious’.”
huge fan of historical action films, so I welcomed the opportunity to create my
first epic score for ‘Furious’.”
Tankian’s other film work includes scores or
musical pieces for “1915”, “The Inhabitant”, “The
Promise” and others. He also has composed for TV and video games.
musical pieces for “1915”, “The Inhabitant”, “The
Promise” and others. He also has composed for TV and video games.
His other solo work includes three rock albums,
a live set, a classical symphony and a jazz recording.
a live set, a classical symphony and a jazz recording.
*****************************************************************************************************
9- ANCA-WR Endorses Tarkanian for U.S.
Senate
Senate
GLENDALE –
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region announced on Dec. 8
its endorsement of Danny Tarkanian, Republican candidate for the US Senate from
Nevada.
Tarkanian will face incumbent Senator Dean Heller in the 2018 primary.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region announced on Dec. 8
its endorsement of Danny Tarkanian, Republican candidate for the US Senate from
Nevada.
Tarkanian will face incumbent Senator Dean Heller in the 2018 primary.
“I am
honored and grateful to receive ANCA-WR’s endorsement and look forward to
working with them during my campaign and after elected as the first American
Armenian US Senator on issues of importance to our country and the
Armenian-American community. As someone whose grandparents lived through the
Genocide, I will be a strong voice for improving the bilateral relations
between Armenia and the United States, and I will work tirelessly
alongside ANCA-WR towards the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the United States
government,” said Tarkanian.
honored and grateful to receive ANCA-WR’s endorsement and look forward to
working with them during my campaign and after elected as the first American
Armenian US Senator on issues of importance to our country and the
Armenian-American community. As someone whose grandparents lived through the
Genocide, I will be a strong voice for improving the bilateral relations
between Armenia and the United States, and I will work tirelessly
alongside ANCA-WR towards the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the United States
government,” said Tarkanian.
“As the grandson of Armenian Genocide
survivors, Danny Tarkanian is committed to the cause for justice not just for
his own family, but for all Armenians. Having him in the United States Senate
will surely empower our community, and we look forward to working closely with
him to achieve our common goals,” said ANCA-WR Chairperson Nora Hovsepian.
survivors, Danny Tarkanian is committed to the cause for justice not just for
his own family, but for all Armenians. Having him in the United States Senate
will surely empower our community, and we look forward to working closely with
him to achieve our common goals,” said ANCA-WR Chairperson Nora Hovsepian.
A
prominent businessman and son of renowned college basketball coach, the late
Jerry Tarkanian who was honored at the ANCA-WR Gala Banquet in 2013 as the
“People’s Champion” and Las Vegas City Council member Lois Tarkanian, Danny has
proven to be a passionate advocate of Armenian American issues. In the past,
the ANCA has endorsed Tarkanian as he narrowly lost his bid for Congress in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional
District in 2016.
prominent businessman and son of renowned college basketball coach, the late
Jerry Tarkanian who was honored at the ANCA-WR Gala Banquet in 2013 as the
“People’s Champion” and Las Vegas City Council member Lois Tarkanian, Danny has
proven to be a passionate advocate of Armenian American issues. In the past,
the ANCA has endorsed Tarkanian as he narrowly lost his bid for Congress in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional
District in 2016.
“Danny
Tarkanian and his family have been great supporters of the Armenian community
in Las Vegas.
They have contributed not only with the proud legacy of Danny’s late father,
Jerry Tarkanian, Las Vegas’ iconic and beloved UNLV basketball coach, but also
with Lois’ dedication to the community including recounting of genocide stories
she heard from Jerry’s surviving family at the Centennial Commemoration. Danny
and his family are with the Armenian community every step of the way as major
donors to the Armenian Genocide Monument
in Clark County,
a memorial plaque & tree at UNLV as a tribute to Armenian Genocide
survivors and supporting every significant community event from Genocide
commemoration, Independence Day celebrations & telethons in Las Vegas,” said ANCA
Nevada co-chair Lenna Hovanessian.
Tarkanian and his family have been great supporters of the Armenian community
in Las Vegas.
They have contributed not only with the proud legacy of Danny’s late father,
Jerry Tarkanian, Las Vegas’ iconic and beloved UNLV basketball coach, but also
with Lois’ dedication to the community including recounting of genocide stories
she heard from Jerry’s surviving family at the Centennial Commemoration. Danny
and his family are with the Armenian community every step of the way as major
donors to the Armenian Genocide Monument
in Clark County,
a memorial plaque & tree at UNLV as a tribute to Armenian Genocide
survivors and supporting every significant community event from Genocide
commemoration, Independence Day celebrations & telethons in Las Vegas,” said ANCA
Nevada co-chair Lenna Hovanessian.
Tarkanian
is the founder of the non-profit Tarkanian
Basketball Academy,
an organization that helps at-risk youth develop basketball and life skills. He
earned his bachelor’s degree at UNLV, and his law degree at the University of San Diego. He’s worked as a lawyer,
served as assistant coach with his father in Division I basketball, and started
his own real estate development firm. Danny and his wife, Amy, together have
four children.
is the founder of the non-profit Tarkanian
Basketball Academy,
an organization that helps at-risk youth develop basketball and life skills. He
earned his bachelor’s degree at UNLV, and his law degree at the University of San Diego. He’s worked as a lawyer,
served as assistant coach with his father in Division I basketball, and started
his own real estate development firm. Danny and his wife, Amy, together have
four children.
“Tarkanian
has been a pillar and supporter of the Las Vegas-Armenian community,” added
ANCA Nevada
co-chair Hera Armenian. “He and his dedicated wife, Amy Tarkanian, have always
been present at our community events. Recently, in June 2015, Danny and his two
daughters, Lois and Ava, visited Armenia for the first time and fell in love
with Armenia’s nature and culture and reinvigorated their passion towards the
Armenian-American community.”
has been a pillar and supporter of the Las Vegas-Armenian community,” added
ANCA Nevada
co-chair Hera Armenian. “He and his dedicated wife, Amy Tarkanian, have always
been present at our community events. Recently, in June 2015, Danny and his two
daughters, Lois and Ava, visited Armenia for the first time and fell in love
with Armenia’s nature and culture and reinvigorated their passion towards the
Armenian-American community.”
*******************************************************************************************************
10- New
Book Reaffirms Armenian Ethnicity
Book Reaffirms Armenian Ethnicity
Of
Master Architects Behind Istanbul's
Look
Master Architects Behind Istanbul's
Look
YEREVAN
(Armenpress) – Hundreds of buildings have been built in Istanbul by the Balyan family.
(Armenpress) – Hundreds of buildings have been built in Istanbul by the Balyan family.
For many years Turks dened the fact that the
Balyans were Armenians, but today, this fact is being accepted already in Turkey
itself.
Balyans were Armenians, but today, this fact is being accepted already in Turkey
itself.
Ashot Grigoryan’s “Treasures of the Gardens of
the Armenian People: Balyans” book once again affirms the Armenian ethnicity of
the family.
the Armenian People: Balyans” book once again affirms the Armenian ethnicity of
the family.
Head Scientific-Secretary of the A. Tamanyan
National Museum-Institute of Architecture Ashot Grigoryan said that collecting
an archive about Armenian architects in foreign countries has been on the
museum-institute’s agenda.
National Museum-Institute of Architecture Ashot Grigoryan said that collecting
an archive about Armenian architects in foreign countries has been on the
museum-institute’s agenda.
“Upon collecting materials on architects who
lived or still are living in Turkey,
it turned out that there is a big gap about the Balyan architect generation.
The Balyan’s were very famous architects in Turkey, but their Armenian
ethnicity was rejected for many years”, he said.
lived or still are living in Turkey,
it turned out that there is a big gap about the Balyan architect generation.
The Balyan’s were very famous architects in Turkey, but their Armenian
ethnicity was rejected for many years”, he said.
The book shows facts, how the Balyan’s appeared
in Istanbul, who they were, whether or not it
was a coincidence that Armenian architects were also working in Istanbul even before the
Balyans. “And it turned out that before the Balyans, architect Sinan was
working in Istanbul, and Turkey again denies his Armenian
background”, he said.
in Istanbul, who they were, whether or not it
was a coincidence that Armenian architects were also working in Istanbul even before the
Balyans. “And it turned out that before the Balyans, architect Sinan was
working in Istanbul, and Turkey again denies his Armenian
background”, he said.
Grigoryan says materials about the Balyans were
found in Italy
upon research.
found in Italy
upon research.
Grigoryan said the Balyan’s have hundreds of
works in Istanbul,
both Ottoman and Armenian buildings. “These are palace and military buildings,
residential homes, towers, bridges, dams. The Balyan’s are also the architects
of many districts. They also built churches and hospitals for the Armenian
community. Nearly 90% of their buildings are preserved today”, he said.
works in Istanbul,
both Ottoman and Armenian buildings. “These are palace and military buildings,
residential homes, towers, bridges, dams. The Balyan’s are also the architects
of many districts. They also built churches and hospitals for the Armenian
community. Nearly 90% of their buildings are preserved today”, he said.
Grigoryan says the Dolmabahçe Palace of Istanbul
is among the most famous works of the Balyans.
is among the most famous works of the Balyans.
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the Armenian News News Service with a few of the articles in this week's issue of The
California Courier. Letters to the
editor are encouraged through our e-mail address, [email protected]. However,
authors are requested to provide their names, addresses, and/or telephone
numbers to verify identity, if any question arises. California Courier
subscribers are requested not to use this service to change, or modify mailing
addresses. Those changes can be made through our e-mail, , or by
phone, (818) 409-0949.
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