Author: Frangulian Shushan

Armenpress: Classes at higher educational institutions to resume from SeptemberSeptembe

Frangulian Shushan

Classes at higher educational institutions to resume from September

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 19:14, 17 August, 2020

YEREVAN, AUGUST 17, ARMENPRESS. The Commandant’s Office has made a decision about resuming classes at higher educational institutions from September (same decision for schools was made earlier), ARMENPRESS reports Minister of Education Arayik Harutyunyan wrote on his Facebook page.

”Dear students and professors, based on the discussions with the Commandant’s Office today a decision was made to resume classes also at the higher educational institutions’’, Harutyunyan wrote, adding that classes will start for some from September 1 and for others from September 15.

The Minister once again emphasized the importance of following anti-pandemic rules to avoid future limitations.

State of emergency has been prolonged until September 11.

Editing and translating by Tigran Sirekanyan

Turkish press: Excavation underway around Anatolia’s first Turkish mosque

Frangulian Shushan
 KARS ARTS 
AUG 12, 2020 12:50 PM GMT+3
A young man is seen at the excavation site at Ebu’l Manuçehr Mosque, Kars, eastern Turkey.

Excavation and restoration work at Ebu’l Manuçehr, the first Turkish mosque in Anatolia, has entered its second month. The mosque, located at the Ani Ruins in eastern Turkey’s Kars, will be opened to worshippers once the restoration is complete.

It was built by Ebu’l Manuçehr Bey, after Seljuk Sultan Alparslan won the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. Situated near the middle of two deep bottlenecks of the Arpaçay River on the Turkish-Armenian border, Ani Ruins is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The mosque is named after Ebu’l Manuçehr Bey who built it.

Ani was ruled by the Bagrationi dynasty from 884 to 1045 and by the Byzantine Empire from 1045 to 1064. It became Turkish territory after it was seized by Sultan Alparslan on Aug. 16, 1064. Having served as home to at least 23 different civilizations since its foundation, Ani consists of religious buildings, including mosques, churches and cathedrals, which all share different beauty and historical value. The site is also home to numerous invaluable historical buildings and cultural treasures. Ani is of particular importance as the first gateway from the Caucasus to Anatolia.

Excavation work at and around Ebu’l Manuçehr, which is one of the most significant mosques in Ani, began in July with the permission of the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums of the Culture and Tourism Ministry. The project is headed by the Kars Museum Directorate, under the scientific supervision of Muhammet Arslan, head of the Department of Art History at Kars University. Currently, work continues at four different points in the area.

The excavation site around Ebu’l Manuçehr Mosque, Kars, eastern Turkey, Aug. 10, 2020. (AA PHOTO)

Islamic-era coins

Arslan, the academic advisor of the excavation, told journalists that the scientific excavations at the Ani Ruins started on July 6 and will continue until Sept. 10.

He added that they are carrying out excavations with a team of 42 people from various universities. “Under a protocol, signed by the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the General Directorate of Development Agencies, the Ebu’l Manuçehr Mosque will be restored. Meanwhile, a team of archeologists continues excavation work to prepare Ebu’l Manuçehr for detailed restoration. Glazed and unglazed ceramic pieces, ornamented and patterned ceramics have been found during excavations. We’ve also found coins from Bagrationi, Seljuk and Islamic eras.”

A photo from the interior of the Ebu’l Manuçehr Mosque, Kars, eastern Turkey, Aug. 10, 2020. (AA PHOTO)

Arslan said they have unearthed the remains of another mosque, which they think belonged to the Seljuk period. “We have unearthed the mosque, with some parts of its walls and mihrab (a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca). We continue to work with the license and financing from the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums. In addition, Serhat Development Agency is also supporting our work to a large extent,” he said.

Armenian Christian Cemetery Desecrated

Frangulian Shushan
Aug 14 2020

08/14/2020 Turkey (International Christian Concern) – Recently, the graves in the cemetery belonging to the Armenian Holy Savior and Surp Karasun Manuk churches in Ankara were desecrated. Mustafa Yeneroğlu, Istanbul deputy and vice chairman of the Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA), reported that the graves were vandalized and the remains were scattered.

It is believed that the vandals were searching for gold (such as gold teeth). A common misperception among many Muslims is that Christians are wealthy. This often leads to grave desecration, and sometimes more violent incidents.

“The bones need to be buried again and the area must be secured. To be civilized one has to preserve cemeteries and cultural heritage,” Yeneroğlu said. He is currently working with Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş to remedy the issue.

This incident also occurs within the context of a growing retreat from secularism, and movement toward Islamism, that has begun under President Erdogan’s administration. In recent months, the repression of religious minorities and direct attacks on religious freedom have only increased. The international community must urge Turkey to protect all citizens equally.

Azerbaijani propaganda event in LA cancelled after Armenian community protests

Frangulian Shushan

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 10:42,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 13, ARMENPRESS. An Azerbaijani propaganda event scheduled for August 12 in Los Angeles has been cancelled after protests from the Armenian community, Asbarez reports.

Montebello City Councilmember Jack Hadjinian had earlier announced that he was resigning his position on the Board of Directors of the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation in protest of Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s decision to host a forum to “discuss concerns within the Azerbaijani-American community.”

The online event, which was scheduled to take place on Wednesday afternoon and has angered the Armenian-American community, has since been cancelled.

 “I can no longer support such a reckless leader as Sheriff Villanueva who continues to challenge the Board of Supervisors, and now has planned an event with a terrorist group known as the Azerbaijani Community,” said Hadjinian in a Facebook post announcing his resignation.

“The Azeris are spreading anti-Armenian propaganda and Sheriff Villanueva is giving them a platform to further extend their lies across the County of Los Angeles. I will never compromise my principles just to carry a badge or an ID card,” added Hadjinian.

Hadjinian cited several recent examples of aggression by the Azerbaijanis against the Armenian-American community, including the July 24 vandalism at the Krouzian-Zekarian Vasbouragan Armenian School in San Francisco, where the building was spray painted with crude pro-Azerbaijani graffiti.

Hadjinian, who was appointed to the board four years ago, has been a supporter of the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation, raising more than $100,000 to help disadvantaged kids by implementing many after school programs, Asbarez reported.

“I truly believe in the Foundation’s purpose and goals,” said Hadjinian in the resignation letter. “But I refuse to be associated with a reckless person as Sheriff Villanueva.”

On Tuesday afternoon, individuals who had signed up to take part in the forum received notification of the event’s cancellation, despite which announcements promoting the event were being posted on Twitter.

Georgia opposition slams authorities over deadly incident in densely-Armenian populated town

Frangulian Shushan
News.am, Armenia
Aug 9 2020

19:06, 09.08.2020
                  

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party leader’s lawyers to file appeal with court

Frangulian Shushan
News.am, Armenia
Aug 9 2020

14:45, 09.08.2020
                  

UNIFIL’s Armenian contingent was never in danger during blast – foreign ministry

Frangulian Shushan

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 15:53, 5 August, 2020

YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian peacekeepers of UNIFIL were not in danger at the time when the devastating blast hit Beirut, the foreign ministry told ARMENPRESS.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan told ARMENPRESS that the Armenian Embassy maintains constant contact with the peacekeepers. “Ambassador Atabekyan contacted them this morning. He said that the peacekeepers are serving in the direction of the southern border, which is rather far away from the blast area,” she said, adding that the Armenian peacekeepers carry on with their service normally. 

UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force Lebanon) said earlier in a statement that one of its Maritime Task Force ships was damaged and some of UNIFIL naval peacekeepers were injured.

“As a result of a huge explosion that rocked Beirut Port this evening, one of the UNIFIL ships of the Maritime Task Force docked in the port was damaged, leaving some UNIFIL naval peacekeepers injured – some of them seriously. UNIFIL is transporting the injured peacekeepers to the nearest hospitals for medical treatment. UNIFIL is currently assessing the situation, including the scale of the impact on UNIFIL personnel” the mission said in a statement.

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Del Col said: “We are with the people and the Government of Lebanon during this difficult time and stand ready to help and provide any assistance and support.”

More than 2700 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in the port of Beirut at a warehouse on Tuesday, sending massive shockwaves through the Lebanese capital. More than 100 people are dead and 4000 are wounded. Heavy damages occurred across the city.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Film: Stories of resilience: Documentary focuses on Armenian genocide and the 100 years since

Frangulian Shushan
Albuquerque Journal
July 31 2020
Friday, July 31st, 2020 at 12:02am

Crew members Joseph Myers and Stephanie Ayanian film in Armenia with John Sweers. (Courtesy of Stephanie Ayanian)

As a filmmaker, Stephanie Ayanian never knows what to expect.

She can plan all she wants, yet it always takes a different course.

Take, for example, her film “What Will Become of Us.” When starting the project, she wanted to tell a history of the Armenian genocide, which began in 1915. During a short time, 1.5 million Armenians were killed or expelled by Ottoman Turks.

What she found along the way were stories of all kinds – though mostly of resilience.

“We wanted to have a broad geographic demonstration of stories,” she says. “We wanted there to be different age groups. They all have different stories. It was important to look at all the aspects of culture.”

Ayanian traveled to Armenia to document many of the stories, though most were conducted in the United States.

The film is getting a national PBS premiere on Thursday, Aug. 6.

Read more here: https://www.abqjournal.com/1480704/message-of-hope.html

It’s not often that an actor gets a huge gig right out of the gate. Brandon Gilpin is the exception. The Morehouse College student snagged a role on the Starz series “P-Valley.” Read more about Gilpin’s journey here: https://www.abqjournal.com/1480689/women-empowerment.html

As health orders continue to keep people at home, museums continue to churn out new material for online learning.

The New Mexico History Museum not only started a “Quarantine Diaries” writing series, but there is a New Mexico map curriculum ready for download. Read more here: https://www.abqjournal.com/1480736/virtual-growth-new-mexico-history-museum-has-vastly-expanded-online-offerings.html

Studios are also adjusting to change and releasing movies to streaming services.

The first of the reviews is “The Rental” starring Dan Stevens. Read a review here: https://www.abqjournal.com/1480730/stay-home.html

The second review is the Marie Curie story called “Radioactive,” from Amazon Pictures. The reviews is here: https://www.abqjournal.com/1480721/bold-biopic.html

Another week has passed, and I thank you for continuing to turn to Venue for what’s happening around the state.

Stay tuned for what we have in store in coming issues.

Respectfully,
Adrian Gomez
Venue editor


Turkish press: Turkish, Azerbaijani soldiers mark Eid al-Adha – Turkey News

Frangulian Shushan
  • 09:39:39

Turkish and Azerbaijani soldiers participating in joint military exercises marked Eid al-Adha on July 31 with an event, Turkey’s National Defense Ministry said.

Eid messages of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov were read at the event.

The aerial exercises are projected to continue until Aug. 10, while land forces’ drills will end on Aug. 5.

The exercises come on the heels of an Armenian attack on Azerbaijani troops in the northwestern Tovuz border region. At least 11 Azerbaijani soldiers – including a major general and a colonel – were killed.

Azerbaijan accused Armenia of “provocation,” with Ankara throwing its weight behind Baku, and warning Yerevan that it would not hesitate to stand against any kind of attack on its eastern neighbor.

Situation over coronavirus significantly improves in Armenia – PM Pashinyan

Frangulian Shushan

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 18:15,

YEREVAN, JULY 29, ARMENPRESS. The situation over novel coronavirus has significantly improved in Armenia, ARMENPRESS reports Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said in a briefing following the Commandant’s Office session.

‘’Based on the data of the recent 4-5 days we can say that we have returned to the level we had at the end of May, in terms of patients in serious situation we have again returned to the level we had at the end of May, while in terms of patients in critical situation we are at the level we had at the beginning of June. Of course, this is a relative comparison, because unfortunately, the number of patients in serious or critical situation has declined not only because of their recoveries, but also deaths. By now Armenia has reported 723 coronavirus-linked deaths’’, Pashinyan said.

308 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been registered in Armenia in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 37,937, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention said today.

467 more patients have recovered. The total number of recoveries has reached 27,824.

4 people have died in one day, raising the death toll to 723.

The number of active cases stands at 9,165.

The number of people who had a coronavirus but died from other disease has reached 225 (2 new such cases).

So far, 160,380 people have passed COVID-19 testing.