THE SARKIES ARE IN TOWN
By JEREMY TAN and CHRISTINA CHIN
The Star
Nov 18 2011
Malaysia
GEORGE TOWN: Once a Sarkies, always a Sarkies.
For sisters Loretta Regina and Jessie Ripsie, carrying the Sarkies
surname is a matter of immense pride which is understandable
considering its historical significance.
Their grandfather, Arathoon Martin Sarkies, was a cousin of the
Armenian Sarkies brothers Martin, Tigran, Aviet and Arshak best known
for founding a chain of landmark hotels throughout South-East Asia.
Among them was Penang’s Eastern and Oriental (E&O) Hotel, which the
sisters, the last remaining descendants of the clan in Asia, stayed
at during a short visit to the island on Wednesday.
Carrying the legacy: Sisters Loretta (left) and Jessie showing some
old photographs of the Sarkies clan during a press conference in
Penang yesterday.
“Even though I am married, I still sign my name as Sarkies. We’re
very proud of all the beautiful hotels our granduncles built,” said
Loretta, now 71, at a press conference yesterday.
But more significantly, the sisters later visited Arshak’s grave
at the Western Road Cemetery, laying flowers, lighting candles and
saying prayers in a simple ceremony. It is believed they are the
first descendants to do so in around 40 years.
“We have not seen any of their graveyards before. This is our first
visit, and it is indeed a significant and moving moment for us,”
said Jessie, aged 65.
Born, raised and residing in Singapore, where the Raffles Hotel was
also founded by the Sarkies brothers, Loretta and Jessie only ever
heard about the E&O from their father James Arathoon Martin Sarkies
and were delighted to finally walk its historic hallways.
Bringing things full circle, their visit continues the Sarkies’
love affair with Penang.
“Everyone here is so nice and friendly. We did quite a bit of shopping
and the food was great,” said Loretta.
Both were also full of praise for the E&O Hotel along Lebuh Farquhar
here which was founded in 1884.
Jessie, who was here last year, said Penangites were “very friendly”.
“When people here find out our last name, they are genuinely interested
in knowing more about our family.
“We just felt like princesses and would love to make annual visits
to Penang now,” she said.
The sisters will leave the island on Saturday and are planning to
return next year.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
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