Author: Anna Tamamian

Vahakn N. Dadrian Archive Project: Digitizing a Legacy of Armenian Genocide Studies

Anna Tamamian
Feb 27 2024

The Ararat-Eskijian Museum Research Center (AEMRC) and the Armenian Genocide Research Program (AGRP) at UCLA are embarking on an ambitious project to preserve and digitize the extensive archive of Professor Vahakn N. Dadrian, a seminal figure in Armenian Genocide studies. This initiative aims to make Dadrian's invaluable collection of documents, books, and unpublished manuscripts accessible to researchers and the public worldwide.

With a collection that spans over 110,000 pages, including materials in various languages from archives around the globe, the project faced a monumental task. By 2018, approximately 28,000 pages were digitized, a process significantly accelerated by a generous grant received in 2023. Housed at the University of Southern California's Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library, the collection has been accessible by appointment. Efforts are now focused on enhancing digital accessibility, spearheaded by Professor Taner Akçam and Dr. Anna Aleksanyan, a postgraduate student actively involved in the digitization process.

The project's goal extends beyond preservation; it aims to facilitate research and education on the Armenian Genocide. By making the collection searchable through keywords, researchers worldwide will gain unprecedented access to primary sources and analyses. The completion of the digitization project, anticipated by December 2025, promises to transform the field of genocide studies, offering new insights into the Armenian Genocide's origins, execution, and aftermath.

The Vahakn N. Dadrian Archive Project not only honors the legacy of a pioneering scholar but also ensures that future generations have the resources to study the Armenian Genocide in depth. The AGRP's upcoming webinar this spring will offer further details on the project, marking an important step in genocide education and research. The Ararat-Eskijian Museum, founded by genocide survivor Luther Eskijian, continues its mission as a cultural and educational center, with the Dadrian Archive Project serving as a testament to the enduring importance of documenting and understanding history.

Armenpress: Macron does not rule out sending Western troops to Ukraine

Anna Tamamian

 10:15,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. President Emmanuel Macron of France said “nothing should be ruled out” after he was asked about the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine, The New York Times reports.

Mr. Macron, speaking on Feb. 26, after a meeting of European leaders in Paris to bolster support for Ukraine, stressed that the talks had not resulted in any consensus on putting troops on the ground “in an official, approved and endorsed way.” But he insisted that “anything is possible if it is useful to reach our goal,” which he said was to ensure that “Russia cannot win this war.”

His statements were a stark departure from the usual caution that Western leaders — including Mr. Macron himself — have exercised. They have repeatedly said that they want to avoid escalating the conflict and previously ruled out sending any ground troops to Ukraine.

Ahead of the conference, Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia warned that some Western countries were considering sending soldiers to Ukraine, adding that he opposed the idea.

Mr. Macron did not explicitly say which countries supported or rejected such an option.

“I won’t dispel the ambiguity of tonight’s debates by naming names,” he said. “I’m saying that it was mentioned among the options.”

The gathering of nearly 30 heads of state and top officials drew officials mostly from European countries, including Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain.

The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing for two years. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said on Feb. 25 that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed during the two years of war, acknowledging for the first time a concrete figure for Ukraine’s toll in the war. But, according to The New York Times, his tally is far lower than U.S. estimates, which put the death toll about 70,000.

Breaking Barriers: Armenia’s ‘Accessible Dilijan’ Project Opens Doors to Deaf Tourists

Anna Tamamian
Feb 26 2024

Imagine a world where the beauty and history of a place are accessible to all, regardless of physical abilities. This is the vision behind the groundbreaking 'Accessible Dilijan' tourism project in Armenia, a pioneering initiative designed to welcome individuals with hearing impairments to the picturesque city of Dilijan. Launched with the collaborative efforts of the Destination Management Organization GoToDili, the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, and AR-trails, this project is not just a testament to technological innovation but a bold step towards an inclusive future in tourism.

The core of the 'Accessible Dilijan' project lies in its use of augmented reality (AR) to create immersive tours guided by virtual sign language interpreters. Available in Armenian, Russian, and English, these tours are designed to cater to the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, providing a rich, autonomous travel experience. Visitors can explore Dilijan's historic landmarks, traverse the lush paths leading to hidden waterfalls in the National Park, and virtually visit the tourist information center, all through the AR-Trails app. With a total of 15 locations covered, the initiative promises a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Dilijan's cultural and natural treasures.

The introduction of 'Accessible Dilijan' marks a significant milestone in Armenia's journey towards inclusive tourism. This effort not only showcases the country's commitment to providing equal travel opportunities for all but also emphasizes the potential of technology to bridge gaps in accessibility. By integrating AR with sign language interpretation, the project ensures that the beauty, history, and culture of Dilijan are shared with a wider audience, including those who have previously been marginalized in travel experiences due to their hearing impairments.

The 'Accessible Dilijan' project is more than just an innovation in tourism; it is a celebration of diversity and a call to action for other destinations worldwide. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity in all aspects of society, encouraging other cities and countries to explore how technology can be harnessed to make travel experiences more accessible for everyone. This initiative not only enriches the travel experience for individuals with hearing impairments but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a world where everyone can explore and enjoy the beauty of our planet without barriers.

In embracing the 'Accessible Dilijan' project, Armenia paves the way for a future where tourism transcends physical limitations, inviting travelers from all walks of life to discover the wonders of its landscape and culture. As this project continues to gain recognition, it holds the promise of inspiring similar initiatives around the globe, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and accessible world of travel.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/armenia/breaking-barriers-armenias-accessible-dilijan-project-opens-doors-to-deaf-tourists


Iranian-Armenian artist Grigor Yaghoubi honored at Iranology Foundation Culture

Anna Tamamian
TEHRAN TIMES, Iran
Feb 21 2024
  1. Culture
– 21:59


TEHRAN-An exhibition of artworks by the veteran Iranian-Armenian artist Grigor Yaghoubi was launched at the Iranology Foundation in Tehran on February 19.

At the opening ceremony, Mohammad Hossein Rajabi Davani, the president of the Iranology Foundation, called the event a commemoration of a lifetime of efforts by Yaghoubi in the field of painting and considered Armenians to have a brilliant history in the field of art of Iran, ILNA reported.

Also speaking at the event, Razieh Yasini, Deputy of Research at the Foundation, pointed out the brilliant history of Armenians in Iran and considered Armenian compatriots to be hardworking in the field of culture and art. 

She further listed the services of Armenians in the field of social development, culture, art, translation, and architecture from the Safavid era to the present day and named artists, architects, and writers such as Karapet Derderian, Vartan Hovanessian, Paul Abkar, Ovanes Ohanian, Loris Tjeknavorian, and Marcos Grigorian. 

She emphasized that Yaghoubi worked in the context of the rise of modern art in Iran, while his art shows the effects of Iranian culture and the atmosphere in which he grew up. “His paintings represent the important events of Iran's history such as the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, as well as Iran's culture, art and architecture, although gradually his style tends to abstraction and moves away from naturalism,” Yasini noted.

For his part, Yaghoubi, 87, thanked the Iranology Foundation, the organizers, and those present at the ceremony, and wished happiness to the lovers of art and culture. Then he was presented with a plaque of appreciation for his years of effort by the Iranology Foundation.

Yaghoubi is one of the most notable Armenian abstract painters there is. He is also known for his natural landscape oil masterpieces.

His paintings have been showcased in exhibitions all over the world in 50 different countries including Greece, England, France, and the U.S.

The Iranology Foundation was founded in 1997 to create a center for students and professors who share a deep interest in Iran and its rich history and culture. The foundation seeks to give people worldwide a comprehensive notion of the Iranian civilization and is willing to cooperate with foreign Iranologists in this regard.

The exhibition of paintings by Grigor Yaghoubi will run until March 5 at the Iran Art Hall of the Iranology Foundation located at Iranshenasi St., South Sheikh Bahayi St.

SS/

Students from Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia share Berlin apartment: new episodes of Dolma Diaries

Anna Tamamian
Feb 18 2024
  • JAMnews

Three new episodes of the unique cross-Caucasian comedy web series “Dolma Diaries” have been released.

You can watch all three videos below.

This series chronicles the lives of three young men—an Armenian, an Azerbaijani, and a Georgian—cohabiting in a rented flat nestled within the bustling streets of Berlin. Their journey unfolds against the backdrop of their pursuit of education in Germany, supported by scholarships contingent upon the prerequisite of cohabitating with a perceived adversary.

A consortium of South Caucasian and German civil activists and media producers helm the series, with a mission to lampoon entrenched stereotypes.

“Despite the ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, we aspire to peaceful coexistence and are confident that the stories of friendship and trust evolving among the characters of the Armenian and Azerbaijani series can serve as an example,” says the series producer, Oliver Meuser.

The first, pilot, episode was released with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in the fall of 2022, and you can watch it here. It’s worth watching the pilot episode first, as it introduces you to the main characters and highlights the main plotlines.

Oliver Meuser also explains how the “Dolma Diaries” series came about there. “Why not ridicule thinking that allows war as a possible solution to problems?” – says Meuser.

The comedy web series “Dolma Diaries” is being produced with the support of the German ministry of foreign affairs.

Starring: Beka Buchukuri, Sos Petrosyan and Anar Rzayev

Also starring: Elina Vildanova, Nino Ananiashvili, Anahit Krishchyan, Parvin Guliyev and Marie Scharf

Written and directed by Oliver Müser
Co-authors: Ashot Danielyan, Magerram Zeynalov, Sergey Sargsyan, Georgi J, Anar Rzyaev and Giorgi Janelidze.

Cinematography by Joshua Behrens

Edited by Sebastian Lehde

Watch the videos at https://jam-news.net/students-from-azerbaijan-armenia-and-georgia-share-berlin-apartment-new-episodes-of-dolma-diaries/

Armenian investigators treat Azeri gunfire attack at Armenian troops as hate-fueled murder

Anna Tamamian

 16:29, 13 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The Investigative Committee of Armenia has opened a criminal case on hate-fueled murder and attempted murder after Azerbaijani forces shot and killed 4 Armenian soldiers in Syunik Province on February 13.  Another soldier was wounded in the shooting.

In a statement, the Investigative Committee said the Azerbaijani troops were motivated by racial, ethnic or national hatred when they murdered the 4 Armenian troops near Nerkin Hand, Syunik.

“A preliminary investigation is underway. The necessary and urgent investigative and other procedural actions are being taken,” the Investigative Committee added.

Alexander Stubb wins close-fought Finnish presidential election

Anna Tamamian

 10:56,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 12, ARMENPRESS. Alexander Stubb of the centre-right National Coalition Party narrowly won Finland's presidential election on Sunday, defeating liberal Green Party member Pekka Haavisto, who conceded defeat, Reuters reports.

Stubb, a former prime minister, is pro-European and a strong supporter of Ukraine who has taken a tough stance towards Russia, according to Reuters.

He declared himself winner in the run-off vote after securing 51.6% of the votes as 99.7% of ballots had been counted, against Haavisto's 48.4%, justice ministry data showed.

In televised remarks Stubb called his victory "the greatest honour" of his life.

"The feeling is calm, humble but of course at the same time I am extremely happy and grateful that the Finns in such large numbers have voted and that I get to serve as president of the Republic of Finland," he said.

Haavisto congratulated Stubb as "the 13th president of Finland".

"I believe Finland now gets a good president for the republic. Alexander Stubb is an experienced, competent person for the job. No more babble," he said.

Why are EU and US unable to reconcile Yerevan and Baku? Analysis

Anna Tamamian
Feb 8 2024
  • Arthur Khachatryan
  • Yerevan

The Western stance

The Karabakh conflict risks falling into oblivion, and this, at least, does not contradict the interests of the West in the South Caucasus region. Taking over the role of the main moderator of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Brussels aimed to construct the entire dialogue based primarily on the principle of the countries’ territorial integrity. This meant that official Yerevan had to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, which, indeed occurred.

However, current events are unfolding differently from the anticipated scenario. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has long been unwilling to resume negotiations on Western platforms. Meanwhile, the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict remains unresolved. With Baku’s reluctance to engage in talks, there is a significant risk of renewed hostilities, despite warnings from Western partners about their unacceptable nature.

  • Signing of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty is only theoretically possible
  • How Armenia solves the problems of the Karabakh people: are the government’s projects effective?
  • Stories and memories of Karabakh Armenians

October 5, 2023, could have marked a significant moment in the history of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations. A five-party meeting was scheduled in Granada, Spain, facilitated by European Council President Charles Michel. Alongside the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron were slated to attend. While the Armenian Prime Minister arrived in Spain, Ilham Aliyev declined to participate, citing France’s perceived bias. He also proposed inviting the president of Turkey, a suggestion opposed by Paris and Berlin.

This refusal sparked a period of turmoil in the negotiation process between Yerevan and Baku. However, this was just one aspect of the issue. In Granada, the leaders of the two conflict-ridden nations in the South Caucasus were meant to sign a declaration acknowledging mutual territorial integrity. Yet, only Pashinyan’s signature appeared on the document.

  • “Pashinyan seeks peace, while Aliyev pursues war”: opinion from Yerevan
  • Ilham Aliyev: “People and cargo from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan should pass without inspection”

The outcomes of the 44-day Karabakh war in 2020 appeared to bolster Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus region. Through Moscow’s mediation, a trilateral ceasefire declaration was inked, effectively designating Russia as the guarantor for its enforcement. Just days following the cessation of hostilities, the Russian peacekeeping force was deployed to the territory of the unrecognized republic.

A few months into the Ukrainian conflict, the European Union visibly heightened its engagement in the Karabakh issue. While Moscow grappled with military matters, Brussels primed itself to assume the lead mediator role between Yerevan and Baku. And they succeeded in their endeavor.

In 2022-2023, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan primarily convened in Brussels and other European capitals for their meetings. Consequently, the war of 2020, which was supposed to strengthen Russia’s influence, initiated another process: the Kremlin’s retreat from the region.

  • Opinion: “Armenia can develop relations with NATO without exiting CSTO for now”
  • “I don’t expect an invasion, but strong pressure on Armenia” – Tom de Waal on Baku’s plans
  • Pashinyan proposes to establish arms control. Will Baku agree?

“Today the international community is telling us: lower your bar a little on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, and you will ensure greater international consolidation around Armenia and Artsakh. Otherwise, says the international community, please don’t count on us – not because we don’t want to help you, but because we can’t help you”.

It’s evident now that Armenia has not just lowered its ambitions but completely relinquished its stance on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. However, it never gained consolidation around itself.

Why did the West prioritize the principle of territorial integrity over the right to self-determination in the context of the Karabakh conflict? Before the 2020 war, Azerbaijan had offered Karabakh significant autonomy within its borders. However, post-war, Baku changed its stance, refusing to discuss any status for the region. Concurrently, the West became highly invested in a definitive resolution to the Karabakh issue, with emerging realities suggesting that such a resolution would hinge on upholding the principle of territorial integrity.

The eventual resolution of the Karabakh conflict rendered the presence of Russian peacekeepers in the region obsolete, a goal pursued by Brussels and Washington from the outset. This outcome materialized as anticipated.

While the peacekeeping contingent remains in Karabakh, the withdrawal of Russian forces from the region seems imminent following the exodus of nearly the entire Armenian population. The peacekeeping mission’s mandate expires in 2025, and Azerbaijan appears unwilling to extend it. And there are all formal grounds for this.

  • “Russians ‘saved’ Artsakh, now they want to pass to Armenia”. Opinion from Yerevan
  • “Baku does not recognize Armenia’s territory”: opinion on the “West Azerbaijan” narrative

Once Azerbaijan secured verbal and written acknowledgment from Armenia, recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, Baku lost interest in Western platforms. Ilham Aliyev has boycotted several meetings and consistently declined invitations to attend events in Brussels or Washington. Instead, the Azerbaijani leader extends invitations to his Armenian counterpart to meet in Russia.

“Zangezur corridor” refers to a route that would link Azerbaijan with its exclave, Nakhichevan. The Azerbaijani authorities insist that the road should not be under Armenian control.

Baku is well aware that it stands to gain the most from negotiations on these matters if they occur in Moscow. Russia aligns with Azerbaijan on these issues, driven by its own strategic interests. Specifically, Russia seeks to assert control over the road passing through Armenian territory.

“Our Western counterparts prefer a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia to be signed exclusively on their soil. This is a fact. Also factual is Azerbaijan’s readiness to sign it on Russian territory, where the initial efforts to end the conflict and establish a comprehensive system of interaction to address all issues began. As for Yerevan’s readiness for this, I am uncertain, although signals in that regard have been sent to the Armenian capital for some time.”

This statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accurately portrays not only the Kremlin’s stance on the negotiations but also Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.

On the contrary, Armenian authorities anticipate increasing involvement from the West and are making progress in this regard. Specifically, they have succeeded in boosting the number of civilian observers from the EU mission tasked with patrolling the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

The primary concern now revolves around whether Baku will initiate military action. Many in Armenia are convinced that it’s only a matter of time, and under favorable weather conditions, the border will become turbulent once again.


The faces leading Armenia & Cyprus’ creative industry

Anna Tamamian
GUAP
Feb 6 2024

Hey everyone, I’m Katie Bedrossian! You’re probably wondering where that long surname comes from. It’s Armenian! Some Armenian creatives you may know of include Kim Kardashian and Cher but there are so many more out there. There’s also many talented Cypriot creatives out there. I’m here to shine a light on these talented creatives..but first let me tell you a bit about myself. 

So I’m Katie, a social impactadvocate passionate about my Armenian heritage. You might be wondering where Armenia is. It’s a beautiful country in the middle east known for its amazing sights, churches, people and the food is the best part! I could write a whole piece just on Armenian food alone, but we will save that for another time. 

Alongside my Armenian background, I am also an advocate for my Cypriot heritage and connecting diverse Cypriot communities. As someone who comes from a family of refugees that fled to Cyprus after the Armenian Genocide  and later to the UK,  this has always inspired me to tell stories of often marginalized communities. 

I’m a bubbly person with a big energy for life and I can also be a deep thinker (I blame that on me studying Sociology at uni). I am very much driven by social impact and using my creativity to share important stories like this article I’m writing now! 

My creativity is explored in different ways through poetry, events, creating content, dance, webinars, and podcasts. I aim to leave the world in a better place than when I found it. Throughout my work one thing is always there: my desire to have impact and shine a light on diverse voices. Now that intro is out the way, let’s dive into this article properly and see what Armenian and Cypriot creatives to look out for…

Find insta: Garen Tchobanian Co-Founder of AZAT MARD

First up, we have ‘AZAT MARD,’ which is a cool Armenian men’s clothing fashion company by Armenian Co-Founder Garen Tchobanian alongside his business partner  Neil Malhotra. The words ‘AZAT MARD’ translates to ‘Free Man/People.’ Garen used to represent Armenia’s football team with a business and fashion background. The aim behind this fashion brand was to create comfortable clothing for men that also looked fashionable. Their experience of fashion and personal journey led to the creation of ‘AZAT MARD.’ 

Many celebrities like KSI, Anthony Joshua and Cristiano Ronaldo have been spotted wearing the clothing. It’s so good to see an Armenian fashion brand thrive with unique graphics on different products.

There’s the number 610 printed on most of the clothing which is a reference to the date AZAT MARD was made (6th October). I love the different graphic designs on the t-shirts and caps. One of my favourite designs is the t-shirt with Ararat brandy , food and Mount Ararat. If you’ve never had Armenian brandy, it’s very strong!

I love the thought and detail that has gone into this authentic clothing brand. There are also some interesting graphic prints of various Armenian artists including boxer  Kirk Kerkorian and French-Armenian artist Charles Aznavour There are hubs in New York, South of France, and Los Angeles. Go check out their website and start supporting this Armenian brand! 

Jessie Bedrossian

Next up we have Jessie Bedrossian. So you noticed the surname is the same as mine right? That’s because she’s my sister! 

Jessie Bedrossian is an Armenian actor who has recently finished shooting a film playing the supporting lead opposite Danny Dyer, and ended last year performing a lead role at Shakespeare’s Globe. Hard to summarise how talented she is without writing a full-on essay, but I’ll try to keep it brief. 

So what is she doing at the moment? She’s in post-production on a short film, ‘Pomegranate,’ which she starred in and co-produced. The film explores an intergenerational Armenian family living in the UK, and the rippling effect of denied trauma from the Armenian genocide. Jessie can also be seen in season 8 of  ITV’s Grantchester (available now on ITV hub), and she will shortly be seen in the Bush Theatre’s ‘Protest Series’, which will be streamed online. 

She is passionate about creating and championing minority artists and underrepresented stories within the arts, and is currently developing her first short which explores her Armenian culture and heritage. So go check out her stuff and support! Can’t wait to see what’s next in store for her. (Keep shining sis!)

Elen Yeremyan (also known as Brunette):  Armenian Singer and Eurovision Song contest 2023

Elen is an Armenian singer. Her career with music started from an early age. She released single ‘’Love the Way You Feel,’’ and also represented Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 with a song she wrote called ‘’Future Lover.’’Her performance was beautiful and she also is part of Project 12, which is a band in Armenia known for great music. They performed when I was in Armenia last year and it was a lovely evening dancing and hearing different songs as well as remix versions of other songs. 

Andre Spight: Armenian Basketball, Sportsperson and Gold Medallist 

Andre is Armenian from America, and is part of the Armenia National Basketball Team helping them to win during FIBA European Championship and was recently featured on MIASEEN meaning ‘’Together’’ (an Armenian led platform that shares news on the community). Andre spoke with MIASEEN about his sports experience, career journey and what motivates him, with a big part of his motivation coming from his mother. Alongside this, he also has a tattoo of Kobe Bryant’s sheath logo which remains an important symbol for him of his personal journey and success.

In 2023, he was part of the Pan Armenian Games for the third time and spoke about previous success stories, and representing black Armenian communities. It’s great to see an athlete like Andre thrive.  

Ruben Koulaksezian: Founder of Little Armenias 

Ruben is a French-Armenian creative who created a travel guide helping Armenian diaspora communities to find Armenian attractions around the world. This is something that I think is so important as it allows us to see lovely Armenian places across the globe that we probably didn’t know about before. Even the name itself is cute. Ruben explains more detail in ‘Armenian Weekly’ about his personal journey and helping the diaspora feel connected.

It all started when Ruben was interested in travelling and documenting Armenian restaurants, churches, and sights he visited. After sharing vlogs of his journey across the world connecting to Armenian diaspora and sights, he began to grow a following online. It’s beautiful to see how many Armenian sight attractions there are in different countries. I have learnt so much just by following his page. Little Armenias was voted best project from AGBU FOCUS in Brazil. (Just to also add in for context that AGBU is a great organisation raising awareness and connecting Armenian communities through socials and events). 

Ruth Ismayelyan: Founder of Radiant Cosmetics, Forbes 30 Under 30

Ruth’s journey is inspiring. She was tired of damage that kept being caused by acrylic nails so she wanted to explore ways to enhance nail growth and healthy nails. Her journey began when she started looking at cuticle oil and making her own one. The results were great as she was able to create a cuticle oil that helped with nail growth. 

She started sharing content on her TikTok which gained attention from many people. Ruth started selling the cuticle oil and made ‘Radiant Cosmetics,’ selling cuticle oil as well as other products. She was on Forbes 30 under 30and continues to promote nail growth through her cuticle oil which have amazing results! 

Go check out her page and who knows maybe you might even test out the cuticle oil yourself, I know I will be.

Cypriot Creatives

Anthony Anaxagorou:

Anthony  is a Cypriot poet, publisher, and educator. He was featured in Merky Books with publication‘How to write it,’ which focuses onpoetry, literature, race, and class. It also explains the creative writing process by giving advice to new creative writers. This is something I think is important as it’s helping people know how to write creatively.

Some of the themes Anthony focuses on in his poetry,I resonate with especially  where he speaks about the impacts of being a refugee. I felt connected to this piece as someone with Cypriot heritage too.. Poetry is a beautiful way to create stories and Anthony is definitely a creative person to look out for and support. 


Sophia Hadjipanteli: Model 

Sophia is a Greek-Cypriot model that is an active advocate for beauty and normalising being comfortable in your own skin and how you look. She is now the creative founder of the Unibrow Movement that helps overcome society pressures to fix or to hide who you are or what you look like. It’s great to see Sophia be an advocate for beauty and helping build confidence in young women to be your authentic self and not conform to societal pressures. I think this is so beneficial by helping young girls see beauty within themselves and strive to be confident in who they are.  Whilst Sophia gained attention from 2017 with her unibrow, she has become a beauty advocate ever since and a model for Premier Models. She is a definitive role model for the younger generation and has been in many publications one being Vogue and Vanity Fair to name a few. 

B-Young: Singer

B-Young is Turkish-Cypriot who is best known for being a rapper and songwriter.  He started gaining a following alongside other well-known artists of Hardy Caprio, Fredo, NSG, Not3s and Ramz. He also collaborated with Tion Wayne on ‘Last Night.’ Hismusic is a vibe and has a mix of genres ranging from R & B,and Hip-Hop categories.  In 2017, he released‘’Jumanji’’ which went to number 13 on UK chart. I remember when this song came out, I had it on repeat. His other song ‘’079ME’’  was another great hit. And let’s not forget about his other great tune ‘’Catch Me Outside.’’ This is also one of my favorite tracks. 

Maria Christodoulou: Founder of ‘Root to Vine’ podcast. 

Maria is a Cypriot creative that helps raise awareness on Cypriot diaspora communities by having important conversations on the  ‘Root to Vine’ podcast. It is the first podcast series that is shining a light on Cypriot identity and heritage  through the diaspora. She has had a range of people on this podcast series. It’s great how through having conversations, people are able to learn more about Cyprus, the culture and people’s individual perceptions. 

With each episode focusing on a different theme linked to Cyprus, it shows power in expressing yourself, your heritage through having important talks. Ultimately it’s through having important conversations that we are able to learn more about different cultures. Go check out the podcast episodes!

Hovig Demirjian: Armenian-Cypriot Singer

Hovig Demirjian is an Armenian-Cypriot singer and songwriter from Cyprus.  He started performing in various venues including clubs in Cyprus. He was part of the Greek equivalent to  X factor and came 7th, which then helped him to release songs and do tours. Hovig also represented Cyprus in the Eurovision multiple times.  

I enjoy hearing the blend of Greek and Armenian songs and I saw Hovig perform last year in Cyprus and really enjoyed it. Whenever I’m out and the music is a vibe, you will find me on the dance floor and Hovig’s tracks are great. It’s lovely to see Hovig succeed in his music journey whilst representing the Armenian Cypriot community. 

And that’s only a few Armenian, and Cypriot creatives. There are so many more to look out for and support. It’s been lovely writing this piece and showing some emerging talent out there. I love how people ultimately use creativity in different ways to express themself. The people I have written about in this article inspire me to continue doing the work I am doing. One thing all these creatives have in common is how they use their heritage in their pieces of work. I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it. Until next time, Katie x

https://guap.co/the-faces-leading-armenia-and-cyprus-creative-industry/

Armenpress: Ukraine shelling of Russian-controlled city of Donetsk kills 27, officials say

Anna Tamamian

 09:37,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Twenty-seven people were killed and 25 injured when Ukrainian forces shelled the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, Denis Pushilin, the Russian-appointed head of the Donetsk region, said on Sunday.

Reuters cited Alexei Kulemzin, the city's Russian-installed mayor, as saying that Ukrainian forces bombarded a busy area where shops and a market are located. Pushilin said the city was shelled by Ukrainian artillery.

In his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy did not address the attack but said that in a single day, Russia had shelled more than 100 cities, towns and villages in nine regions in Ukraine, and that the attacks in Donetsk region had been "particularly severe."

Ukraine's forces in the Tavria, or southern zone, said in a Facebook post that soldiers under its command were not responsible. "Donetsk is Ukraine!" it said. "Russia will have to answer for taking lives of Ukrainians."

Pushilin said 18 of the injured were hospitalised and seven being treated as outpatients.

In Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry called the attack "a barbaric act of terrorism" by Ukraine that was carried out "with the use of weapons supplied by the West".

The governor of the Ukrainian-controlled part of the region, Vadym Filashkin, said Russian attacks killed at least two people at two locations west of the city of Donetsk on Sunday.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned an attack on the city of Donetsk, but refused to pin the blame for the shelling that left at least 27 civilians dead and over two dozen injured, including several children. 

The Secretary-General strongly condemns all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including today’s shelling of the city of Donetsk in Ukraine,” the spokesperson for the UN chief said in a brief statement on Sunday night.

“Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law, are unacceptable and must stop immediately,” it added.