Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

COINS OF ERIVAN (YEREVAN) MINTED UNDER PERSIAN RULE

As a result of struggle between Akkoyunlu and Karakoyunlu tribes,
some territories of the region had been under their alternate rule.

The rule of the Hulaguids in Armenia was followed by numerous Muslim
dynasties, including the Jalayirids, a Mongol Jalayir dynasty which
ruled over Iraq and western Persia after the breakup of the Mongol
Khanate of Persia (or Ilkhanate) in the 1330s.

October 18, 2013

PanARMENIAN.Net – Under their rule, Armenia was devastated and
plundered.

The Jalayirid sultanate lasted about fifty years, until disrupted
by Tamerlane’s conquests and the revolts of the “Black Sheep Turks”
or Karakoyunlu Turkmens. After Tamerlane’s death in 1405, there was
a brief attempt to re-establish the sultanate in southern Iraq and
Khuzistan. The Jalayirids were finally eliminated by Karakoyunlus
in 1432.

As a result of struggle between Akkoyunlu and Karakoyunlu tribes, some
territories of the region had been under their alternate rule. Some
coins minted by the Jalayir, Karakoyunlu and Akkoyunlu dynasties are
known. The collection of the Central Bank of Armenia includes one
silver coin with Arab inscription of Akkoyunlu dynasty minted in Ani.

Silver coin of Uzun Hasan from Akkoyunlu dynasty minted in Ani

By the middle of the 15th century, nomadic Ottoman tribes gain power
and captured Constantinople, making the Byzantine Empire, which
survived for nearly 1000 years, fall. Small silver coins were minted
in the territory of Western Armenia at that time.

The Eastern Armenia, meanwhile, came under the rule of Persian
conquerors, the dynasties of Safavids, Afsharids, Zands and Qajars.

Silver coins 1 Shahi, 2 and 5 Shahi, Abbasi coins as well as copper
city Fuluses – were in circulation at that time. Some rulers,
especially Shah Hossein from the Safavid dynasty, ordered to mint
rectangular coins. These were minted in Erivan (Yerevan), Nakhijevan
and Ganja.

Description of coins

The coins of Persian rulers were of the same type: they carried Arab
inscriptions. Some showed animals and legends. The coins were minted
in huge amounts and were later found buried across Armenia. Iranian
rulers issued silver and copper city coins, as each city, including
Erivan, minted its own coins. These types of coins featured the images
of peacock, camel, monkey and lion, which later became the symbol of
the Persian Empire along with the sun (known as Lion and Sun symbol).

Persian copper city coins minted in Erivan

Some sources say that Yerevan Brandy Company was built in the vicinity
the Erivan mint that was located in the territory of Sardar palace.

Gold coins were uncharacteristic for that time.

Coins of Ottoman sultans of different value – Akce, Altin, Para,
Kurus – minted in Erivan, Erzrum, Ganja as well as in Kars and Van
during the later periods.

Description of coins

The coins of the Ottoman sultans featured inscriptions in Turkish.

Some of them carry Tughra, an intricate decorative device that served
as the imperial monogram of the Ottoman sultans and was the ultimate
symbol of their power.

The constant struggle for power and capture of territories gave
birth to ‘defector-coins’. When Ottoman sultans seized territories in
Transcaucasia, they ordered to mint their own coins, as it happened
in Erivan and Ganja.

Silver coin of Ottoman sultan Ahmed III minted in Erivan

The material was prepared in cooperation with Gevorg Mughalyan,
the numismatist of the Central Bank of Armenia.

Viktoria Araratyan / PanARMENIAN.Net, Varo Rafayelyan / PanARMENIAN
Photo

From: Baghdasarian

HSBC BANK ARMENIA WILL HELP ARMENIAN COMPANIES TO WIN NEW FOREIGN MARKETS, HSBC BANK ARMENIA CEO

YEREVAN, October 18. / ARKA /. HSBC Bank Armenia will help Armenian
companies to win new foreign markets, HSBC Bank Armenia CEO Thies
Clemenz said today during the eighth Academy of Trade Finance.

He said local companies are constantly faced with a dilemma either
to continue to expand their operations within the country or seek new
foreign markets, where they are likely to face serious risks associated
with legal, organizational, logistical problems and return of funds,
which makes their access to global markets more difficult.

He said not only Armenian, but many other companies, including in
developed countries face such problems, but added that HSBC has the
experience to help companies navigate in the world of commerce.

He said the bank’s advantage lies in the fact that it conducts numerous
studies in various fields, looking deep into the economic situation,
trade trends and is ready to provide the results to businesses.

In turn, deputy British ambassador to Armenia Maes Moores , praised
HSBC for making major changes in the banking system of Armenia through
introduction of high standards.

Moores also said that the embassy is working hard to promote British
businessmen running businesses in Armenia and Armenian companies to
enter the UK market.

HSBC Bank Armenia launched the Trade Finance Academy in 2010 to
provide business people with tools for financing foreign trade, risk
assessment and effective management necessary to enter new markets.

HSBC Bank Armenia is a member of HSBC Bank plc. Seventy percent of
its shares are owned by HSBC Europe BV and 30 percent by the Wings
Establishment. HSBC Bank Armenia joined NASDAQ OMX Armenia stock
exchange in 2009 January. ($1-406,36 drams). .-0-

– See more at:

From: Baghdasarian

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN ATTENDS ARMPRODEXPO SPECIALIZED EXHIBITION

15:46 18.10.2013

Today, President Serzh Sargsyan attended the opening of the annual
Armprodexpo specialized exhibition at the Yerevan Expo hall of the
Yerevan Science and Research Institute of Mathematical Machines,
President’s Press Office reported.

The President toured the pavilions exhibiting agro and foot production
of the Republic, familiarized himself with the products and services
of over 50 Armenian companies, conversed with their representatives
about the companies’ ongoing programs, problems, and prospects for
development.

In the outdoor pavilions opened in the courtyard of the exhibition
complex all marzes of Armenia participated in the Armprodexpo
exhibition, displaying their products.

From: Baghdasarian

STATUE OF JESUS CHRIST, CAST IN ARMENIA, ERECTED IN SYRIA

15:13 18.10.2013

Armneia, Syria

A statue of Jesus Christ has been installed in war-torn Syria. The
statue titled “I have come to save the world” rises above the historic
pilgrimage route from Constantinople to Jerusalem, on top of the
mountain near the Monastery of the Cherubim in the Syrian city of
Saidnaya (2,100 meters above see level), Komsomolskaya Pravda reports.

The height of the bronze statue is 39 m together with the plinth,
which is taller than the statue of the Christ in Rio de Janeiro (38 m).

One can see the sculpture from Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel.

The installation coincided with the Orthodox feast day of the
Protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary and the Muslim feast of
Kurban Bayram.

The military actions were stopped in the region during the three days
the statue was being installed. The statue was cast in Armenia.

From: Baghdasarian

MEDIA PROFESSIONAL SEES DANGERS OF RESTRICTIONS ON PRESS FREEDOM IN ARMENIA

SOCIETY | 18.10.13 | 11:24

Photolure

By SIRANUYSH GEVORGYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter

Head of the Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardyan fears that
restrictions on freedom of speech will become a “more and more serious
challenge” in Armenia in the time to come.

Navasardyan, who is also the national coordinator of the Eastern
Partnership Civil Platform, links these concerns to the “lowered
interest” of Armenia in deepening relations with the West, in
particular with the European Union.

Now we have found ourselves in a little bit different situation [he
refers to the choice of the Russian-led Customs Union over European
integration] and it can be predicted that maybe not that fast, not in a
very active and cruel manner, but restrictions on freedom of expression
will grow to become a more and more serious challenge in Armenia and
in that case the unwillingness of individual journalists to work in
that situation, under such conditions will be understandable to me,”
said Navasardyan.

The Yerevan Press Club’s president says the information field went
through great disappointment after the elections.

“In fact, our well-known concern that the fairly high quality of
election coverage was not so much a reflection of the freedom of
speech as a matter of clear instructions from the government has been
justified. Though, it is not bad either, but the instruction to be
free should be for as long a period as possible, so that it becomes
a customary thing for the media. Unfortunately, this period was too
short for the tradition of being free to stay with some of our media
representatives,” says Navasardyan.

International observers who monitored the most recent elections in
Armenia positively evaluated the election campaign coverage, stressing
that all the candidates and political parties had an equal chance of
being covered.

Navasardyan emphasizes that only in the election period when Armenia
was in the center of attention of the international community and,
in fact, only due to the influence of external factors, the country
managed to have a more or less positive period in terms of press
freedom.

Editor-in-chief of Hetq.am Edik Baghdasaryan, known for his
journalistic investigations, recently raised the issue of the
distortion of the media environment and authorities’ taking media
under their immediate control. He expressed the opinion that “Armenia’s
authorities have managed to destroy the media field where journalists
no longer are able to find their place and find themselves in an
extremely hopeless condition, as the entire media field, and the
journalistic profession, are distorted.”

“The media have become the most controlled field in Armenia. Control
over materials, subjects, organization of their publication have
become precise. The problem is that traditional sources of information
no longer work. There is no longer a need to conduct journalistic
investigations (and it often takes months), to find your own sources
of information to present one issue or another comprehensively. Now
sources of information have their own media and are able to spread
the information at once framing it the way that suits them most. Now
every official and department have their media,” Baghdasaryan said
to Media.am.

Meanwhile, government representatives in Armenia have stressed on
various occasions that freedom of the press and expression has not
been subjected to pressure during Serzh Sargsyan’s presidency. And
Sargsyan himself several times in his public speeches described it
as one of the greatest achievements of his leadership.

From: Baghdasarian

EX-ENVOY REGRETS DIPLOMATS IN ARMENIA CAN’T VISIT ARTSAKH (VIDEO)

October 18, 2013 – 13:53 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Former German ambassador to Armenia, Hans-Jochen
Schmidt, regrets that the diplomats accredited to Armenia have no
right to visit Nagorno Karabakh.

“It’s a sad fact but now I am happy to be here,” Mr. Schmidt told the
Artsakh television on the sidelines of an international conference
held in Stepanakert.

According to him, to assess the situation, it’s essential to do it
on-site. “It’s a matter of security. And if there is an election
being held, you had better be here to see the real picture,” he
said. “Even the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs do not visit the region
frequently enough.”

As to the EU activity, Mr. Schmidt said the organization has its
priorities in relations with the countries of the region. “They do
not talk about it publicly, but no one denies this fact on an informal
level,” he said.

However, he said, the armament race is the most troubling factor.

“Unfortunately, Azerbaijan has wider possibilities and it’s
inadmissible that the international community did not show a strong
reaction to its $1bn defense contract with Israel. The purchase of
weaponry from Russia is also alarming. It will not contribute to the
resolution of the Karabakh conflict,” Mr. Schmidt said.

Addressing the conference on Artsakh national liberation war,
he reminded that in 1920s Armenians made 90% of the population of
Nagorno Karabakh, however, as a result of the soviet rule, it was
reduced to 72%.

The German diplomat also emphasized that Baku uses the refugees as
a tool of pressure and prevents their integration into the society.

The conference brought together participants from Artsakh, Armenia,
Russia, France, Germany, UK, Austria, Belgium, Greece and other
countries.

From: Baghdasarian

AZERBAIJANI EMBASSY “INVESTIGATING” THE REPORTS ON THE VISIT OF HUNGARIAN STUDENTS TO KARABAKH

18:19 17.10.2013

The Hungarian Embassy in Azerbaijan is investigating the reports that a
group of Hungarian students led by Professor of Armenian studies Balint
Kovacs visited Armenia, and then the Nagorno Karabakh, APA reports.

Karabakh-open.info reported earlier about the meeting of Hungarian
and Armenian students at the Artsakh State University. Professor of
Armenian studies Dr. Balint Kovacs said after the meeting that the
Armenian-Hungarian relations have a long history: a strong Armenian
community has formed in Hungary since the late middle Ages, and there
were four Armenian cities in Transylvania. He mentioned that these
Armenian cities contributed to the development of the region.

“The issue of Ramil Safarov is a subject of broad discussions
in Hungary. This is the disposition of our government, not just
the Hungarians. I hope this would not become a stumbling block in
our further relations,” the Hungarian professor told reporters in
Stepanakert.

“I am a lecturer and, of course, I cannot t make political decisions,
but I hope that our politicians will find a way to resolve the
situation. This issue is an evidence of the fact that the Armenians
and Hungarians are friends, and their friendship must go on,” he said,
continuing the topic of Ramil Safarov’s extradition from Hungary to
Azerbaijan. Kovacs noted that the extradition of Safarov was not a
right step, and it should be corrected.

“Karabakh is an integral part of the Armenian culture. I believe
Christianity unites Armenians and Hungarians, and my students,
whether Catholic or Orthodox, are here by the traces of faith. To
get acquainted with the Armenian culture, we found it appropriate
to visit not only Armenia, Tatev, but also Artsakh – Gandzasar and
Shushi. We will continue the study of Armenian history in Hungary,
and in the future, I am sure our students will choose as a topic for
their research works the history of Armenia, Artsakh and Nakhichevan,
which is part of Armenia,” concluded the Hungarian Professor.

From: Baghdasarian

PRESS RELEASE
Nor Serount Cultural Association
440 W Colorado St
Glendale, CA 91204-1541
Tel: 818-545-9049
Email: [email protected]

Academic Conference Dedicated to the 1650th Anniversary of Mesrob Mashtots

A new world order is in the making and history dictates that those nations,
who do not rise to the challenge, will be sidelined from the world stage.
The spread of Christianity in the 4th century led to the establishment of a
new world order. The Armenian nation rose to the challenge, thanks to
Gregory the Illuminator and specially Mesrob Mashtots. The invention of the
Armenian alphabet reshaped our national identity and contributed to the
creation of our Golden Age.
The invention of printing and the Renaissance in the 15th century and onward
reshaped the world once again. The Armenian nation was able to keep pace,
thanks to Mekhitar of Sebastia. His movement became the catalyst for the
reawakening and rediscovering of the Armenian Identity.
For the past several decades, the internet has been revolutionizing our
lives and changing the world. Globalization is threatening the sovereignty
of small nations. Can the Armenian nation rise to the challenge once again?
What role will our past play in shaping our future?

To explore the above mentioned issues, an academic conference will be held
at the Fletcher Jones Auditorium of Woodbury University, 7500 N. Glenoaks
Blvd. Burbank , CA 91504 on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 9 am to 5 pm.
The conference is jointly organized by the Armenian General Benevolent
Union, Ararat Eskijian Museum, Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural
Society, Nor Serount Cultural Association and the Organization of Istanbul
Armenians.
The organizing committee is honored that the following distinguished
academics have accepted its invitation and agreed to take part in the
conference.
The program will consist of the following presentations:

Prof. Father Levon Zekyian
The Symbolism of Mesrob Mashtots: A Retrospect into the Past Sixteen
Centuries

Prof. Abraham Terian
The Sturcture and Purpose of Koriwn’s “Life of Mashtots”

Dr. Srbuhi Hayrapetian
The Conceptualization and Rooting of National Identity

Rev. Dr. Abel Manoukian
The Plan to Create a Spiritual Statehood and Preserve National Identity in
the 5th Century and Today

Dr. Yervant Zorian
The Mission of the Armenian Virtual College and its Contribution to
Preserving Armenian Identity

Prof. Hagop Gulludjian
Place, Role, and Prospects of Language Facing Globalization

Prof. Robert Hewsen
Mesrob Mashtots and Mekhitar of Sebastia: the Second and Third Illuminators
of the Armenian People

We are glad to inform that the conference will be live streamed in its
entirety. You can follow the program by visiting NorSerount.com.

Admission is free, but seating is limited. Seats could be reserved by
contacting 818.357.1606 or [email protected] or Nor Serount on
Facebook.

From: Baghdasarian

HRAPARAK: JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT CASE TO BE CLOSED, THE ACCUSED TO BE FREED UNDER AMNESTY

11:38 18/10/2013 ” DAILY PRESS

Court of Cassation chairman Arman Mkrtumyan returned from his vacation
yesterday and got down to work, Hraparak reports. The paper notes
that rumors persisted that he will resign after the vacation and
that the case of enforcement agents was mentioned as the reason of
his resignation.

Yet, as the paper said earlier, that case will be closed soon. The
damage will be paid completely and the accused will be freed under
the amnesty.

Source: Panorama.am

From: Baghdasarian

RUSSIA’S INTENTIONS REGARDING ARTSAKH HAVE BEEN REVEALED

As it could be expected, Putin did not respond to Zori Balayan’s
letter, and the chief of staff of the Russian president announced
that they have learned about the letter from the press and they see
no need to reply to it.

Why should Putin respond if he does not have such an issue? Zori
Balayan announced that he is not so ingenuous to think that Putin
would read and respond. And certainly Zori Balayan is not ingenuous.

Ingenuous people would never receive 300,000 dollars from the budget
of a country in crisis to go on a voyage round the world.

The author of the letter Zori Balayan did not need Putin’s reply. His
letter addresses another issue. It feels the pulse of the society in
Artsakh and Armenia. Putin’s reply would only hinder it because what
should the Russian president say? He certainly would not quarrel or
cause problems with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, Iran and most
importantly Azerbaijan and Turkey. At the same time, a denying or
indefinite answer would not hinder the initiative of feeling the
pulse either.

The bird has been sent into the air so let it fly. Now Putin has
nothing to do. It’s the turn of those who should start announcing
that annexation of Artsakh by Russia is their childhood dream.

On the other hand, the response of the Russian president’s
administration prompts that Zori Balayan has thwarted some plan.

Apparently, it was an overdose. At least, the statement that they
learned about the letter from the press is aimed at downgrading the
already low status of the piece of correspondence. The Kremlin has
obviously categorized Zori Balayan’s letter among ordinary events
and has reasons for that.

In fact, Zori Balayan has revealed Russia’s strategic secrets. In this
regard, it is not ruled out that Balayan did a subversive act against
Russia, revealing something that Russia was trying to achieve through
a series of steps. Hence, Zori Balayan deserves the title of double
hero of Artsakh and a trip round the world for two persons not to
part from Lady Caroline Cox for a long time.

Hardly anyone could explain to the public Russia’s military and
political ambitions relating to Artsakh more thoroughly. And if Zori
Balayan had hesitated for a while, it could have been too late, and
what he described and hinted in his letter – annexation of Artsakh
by Russia – could have already come true.

Meanwhile, Obama who has rid of the debt crisis, Hollande who
has passed the chair to Serzh Sargsyan after the Customs Union,
Aliyev preparing placement of the next order to the Russian defense
industry, Rowhani expecting progress in nuclear negotiations with the
international community over six months will ask questions to Putin.

What should Putin answer to all of them, especially in the context of
economic upheavals in Russia? Although Putin could go on to accuse
everyone of pushing Balayan to write the letter intended to corner
Putin. “So you answer Balayan now?” Putin said.

Hakob Badalyan 10:45 18/10/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

From: Baghdasarian