From: Armenian Weekly Editor <[email protected]>
Subject: The Armenian Weekly; May 24, 2008; Community
The Armenian Weekly On-Line
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The Armenian Weekly; Volume 74, No. 20; May 24, 2008
Community:
1. Bournoutian Tells the Great (and Not So Great) History of Tigran Metz
By Andy Turpin
2. Earthsound Concert Under the Radar
Success for Jazz Nights at ALMA
By Andy Turpin
3. Worcester Commemorates Genocide
4. A Tribute to Virginia
By Lisa Dagdigian
5. In Memory of John Baronian
***
1. Bournoutian Tells the Great (and Not So Great) History of Tigran Metz
By Andy Turpin
BELMONT, Mass. (A.W.)-On May 5, historian George Bournoutian spoke at the
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) about his
most recent translation into English of Armenian historian Hakob H.
Manandyan’s (1873-1952) work Tigranes II and Rome.
Manandyan’s work is regarded as the first serious attempt to examine the 1st
century B.C. monarch, without appealing to patriotic sentiments and with a
grounding in Greek and Roman sources.
NAASR director of programs and publications Marc A. Mamigonian introduced
Bournoutian, saying, "He has spoken all over for us and logged many, many
miles on NAASR’s behalf. He is always interesting and entertaining as all of
you will find out."
Bournoutian began by giving context to Manandyan and his pioneering work in
writing Armenian history during the Stalinist Soviet period behind the Iron
Curtain. He explained that Manandyan’s efforts were rare, since "Stalin did
not like any nationalisms for Soviet minorities."
Of Tigran the Great (also referred to as Tigranes II or, in Armenian,
"Tigran Metz") Bournoutian said, "We Armenians only have one ‘Great’ and
that’s Tigran. Most of our dynasties were weak." He continued, "The
Tigranian period was the greatest height of Armenian history."
Of his translation and additional footnotes to Manandyan’s work, he added,
"My notes reflect the scholarship of 2007."
Bournoutian continued, "Tigran Metz has only been studied in a very cursory
fashion by those European scholars interested in the history of Rome and
Pontus."
"All of the European scholars relied heavily on highly inaccurate Roman
sources that painted Tigran as a caricatured monster." Of the dubious and
exaggerated nature of Roman sources, Bournoutian cited that the Jewish
historian Flavius Josephus once said, "Even eyewitness accounts have
tendencies to play up Roman victories."
And always in Roman annals, and later the European works that pedestaled
them, there was a total disregard for Greek, Pontic, and Armenian sources.
Bournoutian said of these biases and derogations, "[The Romans] called the
Eastern peoples ‘dogs’ in their fidelity. And Europeans viewed the whole
area as a war between east and west."
Of today’s research, Bournoutian stated, "Most historians say that had the
Greek and Armenians been allowed by Rome and Byzantium to build strong
cities, it would not have allowed for later the conquests of the Arabs, the
Mongols, and certainly not the Turks."
With great enthusiasm Bournoutian told of the Parthian Persian empire at the
time of Tigran and the role it played in shaping Armenian history. He
stated, "Both cultures had common gods. Zoroastrianism was big. Hellenism
and Hellenistic gods were big."
He explained of the Armenian royal crown that Tigran brought into prominence
and wore on his coinage during his reign, "It’s unique. It looks different
from all other crowns and is called the ‘Armenian Tiara.’"
Of the culture that pervaded during Tigran’s reign, Bournoutian made very
clear to myth-bust nationalist assumptions by stating, "Court was always in
Greek-the language at that time was Greek!"
However, he explained, what made Tigran unique was that "he minted his own
coins with no Hellenistic goddesses on them-unheard of for that period."
Of extreme importance to understanding the mentality and life of Tigran
Metz, Bournoutian explained that as a teen Tigran became a royal hostage of
the Persian court. He detailed that being a "royal" hostage is very
different in treatment from simply being a hostage. Tigran was trained in
Persian military techniques and education his whole adult life. The nobility
hostage system was a comparatively civil institution in every empire of the
period and ultimately its civility was its downfall. Noble hostages became
so well versed in their enemy’s tactics that inevitably it was almost always
a former hostage that heralded the downfall of that horde by commanding
armies against them with insider knowledge.
Such was the case with Julius Caesar destroying the pirates of Cilicia that
had held him; the downfall of Attila the Hun; and the defeat of the Ottoman
forces by Vlad "Dracula" Tepes outside the Romanian city of Targoviste in
1462.
Bournoutian said of Tigran that when he was finally released from Persia as
a hostage and free to be king in Armenia, "He was 45 years old. He had
conceded 70 valleys in what is today Azerbaijan to Parthia to allow him to
go home."
Of what that geographical home actually was, Bournoutian said of Armenia’s
capital Tigranagert, "Diyarbekir [in present-day Turkey] is not Tigranagert.
The site is actually at Silvan, very close to Diyarbekir."
Armenia’s stability relied heavily on royal alliances and, as with all royal
politics, intrigue and deception was rampant. To secure his borders, Tigran,
Bournoutian detailed, "married the daughter of the king of Pontus to cover
his flank from the west."
He also explained to quash false perceptions of Tigran as a one-woman family
man that "Tigran was not Christian. He had a harem. He killed four of his
boys-but with reasons, not because he was crazy."
Tigran executed his eldest son for rebeling against Armenia and siding with
Tigran’s enemies in a bid for the crown. A younger, handicapped son was
executed after he stole the crown from Tigran’s head on a hunting trip and
road to the capital proclaiming himself king as a lark. To save face, Tigran
called for his death.
Bournoutian explained, "You can’t blame his eldest son though. He was
restless. In a time when people didn’t live past their 50s, Tigran was 75
years old and refused to give up the crown. That’s the problem with some of
us, we don’t know when to quit." Tigran reigned for another 10 years, until
he was 85.
Of Tigran’s policies as a ruler, Bournoutian stated, "He brought new
populations to Tigranagert, especially Greeks. Not just Greek-speaking
peoples but real Greeks."
He continued, "He needed non-Armenians in his kingdom because populations
were not big in cities at that time. It would not do if someone inevitably
invaded his capital and was able to take the king and all the Armenian
people under control."
Of Tigran’s faults, Bournoutian noted that he married into the Pontic
kingdom but did not back his wife’s family when they were threatened by
Rome. He said, "Rome could not tolerate a strong Armenia united with a
strong Pontus. But Tigran’s big mistake was that he tried to remain
neutral."
In the end, the famous Roman general Pompey used deceitful tactics to gain
senate support to destroy Armenia and wage a long guerilla-war in Pontus on
the pretense that Tigran had placed 15,000 Armenian soldiers on the Pontic
border in a covert war alliance with the Greeks against Rome.
In fact, those 15,000 Armenians were mercenaries for Pontus, unknown to and
not commanded by Tigran. Bournoutian compared Pompey’s trick to the tactics
used by the Bush administration to gain approval to invade Iraq, but chided
that had Tigran supported Pontus initially he would not have made himself
vulnerable.
Bournoutian ended by saying of Tigran’s true character in history, "He was
an emperor of his time, a strong king. But we cannot make him something he
was not" through nationalism.
A very mixed audience reaction followed Bournoutian’s lecture. Many
history-oriented members expressed overwhelming thanks to Bournoutian for
his clear portrait, while others were more shaken. One attendee chimed that
Tigran "must not even have been Armenian." Bournoutian assauged the crowd by
explaining, "We’ve intermaried before! We’ve undergone the Greek Orthodox
mass over the centuries, too. This does not mean these people were bad
Armenians. It was a different time from today. Culture mixes. Art mixes."
Another member asked Bournoutian to explain why at an earlier point he did
not regard the early Urartian confederation as totally Armenian. Bournoutian
answered, "Urartu was not an Armenian dynasty. It was not a kingdom, it was
a confederation. And though it was in Armenia, there are almost no traces of
the Armenian language," only Sumerian-Akkadian cunieform.
Asked why such gaps exist in Urartian scholarship, Bournoutian stated
plainly, "There are no jobs. We complain about there being no scholars, but
we have no jobs to give them."
————————————– ————————————————-
2. Earthsound Concert Under the Radar
Success for Jazz Nights at ALMA
By Andy Turpin
WATERTOWN, Mass. (A.W.)-On May 2, the Armenian Library and Museum of America
(ALMA) presented a performance by Bossa Nova fusion group Earthsound as part
of their ongoing "Jazz Nights at ALMA" concert series.
ALMA pubic relations coordinator Christie Hardiman introduced the band to
the audience. "To those of you who are new, welcome, and to those that are
not we thank you for returning," she said.
ALMA’s "Jazz Nights" series has done an exceptional job of attracting a
diverse audience demographic. The crowd on this night consisted of Armenian
regulars as well as jazz, Brazilian, and non-Armenian music aficionados.
Earthsound is a Boston-based project group that showcases original world
music and jazz alongside recorded environmental sounds. The music draws upon
the sounds and styles of diverse composers such as Duke Ellington, Antonio
Carlos Jobim, Thelonious Monk, Maurice Ravel, and Igor Stravinsky.
Improvized pieces over recorded soundscapes of natural settings complement
the unique sound of the ensemble.
Bandleader Jason Davis introduced his fellow musicians as they began their
playing with a rendition of "Raindance" from Stravinsky’s controversial
"Rite of Spring." He noted, "Those of you familiar with Stravinsky will
recognize the song, but we mix it up with a Coltrane-like sound."
Next, Earthsound followed with "Os Cinco Companheiros," a classic of the
choro repertoire by prolific Brazilian composer Pixinguinha. Choro is a
tyape of urban folk music from Rio de Janeiro typically performed with
instruments such as the flute, guitar, and mandolin.
Those "environmental soundscapes" mixed in the rhythm of Earthsound may
sound abstract on paper, but to hear them, they meld smoothly and
seductively, and are reminiscent of the Nuevo Afro Samba and Bossa Nova
compositions that have come upon the music scene in the last 20 years
(examples of which include the Malian album "Mali: Les Escrocs-Mandinka Rap
>From Mali" and the Franco-Sambas of Coralie Clément).
The band then played the Komitas-collected Armenian folk song "Vagharshapti
Par." Davis added, "It’s only fitting that being in the Armenian museum we
should play some Armenian songs."
Of ALMA and its "Jazz Nights," he noted, "Christie and Mariam [Stepanyan,
ALMA’s director] have worked so hard on everything and been so supportive.
We all as music lovers really need to thank them and support the
organization’s concerts here."
Other highlights included a playing of "El Plebeyo," a Peruvian waltz that
means "the commoner" with lyrics that speak to a working-class man
hopelessly in love with an aristocratic woman.
Earthsound member Jorge Perez played this piece on the cajon, which is
literally a box used as a percussion instrument integral to this style of
Peruvian music.
Earthsound is new to the Boston area, but to those locals that have become
addicts of favella beats in Brighton-Allston or seek to resurrect "Black
Orpheus" memories, keep tabs on their upcoming gigs at
and don’t miss them next time they play. Their ALMA
performance was among the most well received, best played, yet under
attended "Jazz Nights" concerts to date.
——————————————– ———————————————-
3. Worcester Commemorates Genocide
WORCESTER, Mass. (A.W.)-On April 26, the Armenian community of Worcester
commemorated the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
The program opened with a prayer by Deacon Francis Merzigian, pastor of the
Armenian Church of the Martyrs. Mistress of ceremony Arpi Aprahamian
welcomed those attending and commented on the appropriateness of holding the
commemoration in the Church of the Martyrs, founded over 100 years ago by
those fleeing Turkish persecution.
Maral Saccoyan sang the U.S. national anthem and Worcester area youth sang
the Armenian national anthem.
Leena Verjabedian, president of the AYF Worcester "Aram" Chapter, talked
about the importance in remembering and commemorating the genocide and how
honored the youth were to participate in this year’s commemoration.
The program also served as a tribute to Armen Anush (Marashlian) on the 50th
anniversary of his passing.
Passages from Anush’s poignant account of surviving the genocide while
marching from Urfa to Der Zor ("Passage Through Hell") were read by Katie
Aghjayan, Andrew Abrahamian, Nooshig Varja-bedian, Angela Bahnan, Danielle
Kaprielian, Rita Bahnan, Chris Aghjayan, Anna Abrahamian, Dzovig
Varjabedian, and Sarah Aghjayan. Talin Avakian, Talar Aprahamian, and Kenar
Charchaflian read from additional passages.
The singing of "Es Inch Tsav Eh" followed the recitations.
Rev. Father Khatchadour Boghossian, pastor of the Holy Trinity Church,
commented that commemorating the genocide is a solemn occasion and that
there is much to be thankful for in the participation of the youth.
Rev. Father Boghossian led the closing prayer.
The Armenian Church of the Martyrs, the ANC of Central Massachusetts, the
ARS Worcester "Knar" Chapter, the ARF Worcester "Aram" Gomideh, the AYF
Worcester "Aram" Chapter, and Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church
sponsored the commemoration.
———————————– ————————————————– –
4. A Tribute to Virginia
By Lisa Dagdigian
Four plaques, each a cover of one of her books, hung above her kitchen
table. Later, during her last year of life, these were moved to the wall
across her bed at the nursing home. These four plaques told the story of
Virginia Tashjian:
She was an author.
She was a lover of books.
She was an Armenian.
She was a storyteller.
She loved music.
She loved people and especially children.
When Virginia graduated from Simmons College she was interviewed by the
director of the Newton Public library for the position of a children’s
librarian. She told me that at the interview she told the director that if
he hired her he would never be sorry for that decision. And she was true to
her word. From being one of the children’s librarians she became the head of
the children’s department, then director of one of the branches, after which
she was appointed assistant director and eventually director of the Newton
Libraries with a multi-million dollar annual budget. She planned and built
the new main library building of the city of Newton-a major accomplishment.
To honor her, the city named the children’s department the "Virginia
Tashjian Children’s Room."
At her house as one entered the hallway, one wall was covered by bookshelves
stacked high by books. This was true with the walls of some of the other
rooms. Of course some were Jimmy’s, too, who was an author himself.
Virginia wrote seven books; the best known among them were Once There was
and Was Not, Three Apples Fell from Heaven, The Miller King and Juba This
and Juba That. These were Armenian children’s stories that were told to her
by her mother. She wanted to record these stories for Armenian children in
the United States who could not read Armenian. Juba This and Juba That was a
book written for children’s librarians and included Armenian riddles, songs,
and games.
For over 20 years every fall, a storytelling event is held in the Metro West
and Central Massachusetts towns. Its name is "The Three Apple Story
Telling." Storytellers from all over the country attend these events to
tell stories. Their brochure always mentions that their name is of Armenian
origin and is the title of a children’s book by Virginia Tashjian.
As a storyteller, Virginia was in her true element. She could sit in front
of dozens of children and adults and spellbind them all by her stories. She
would become animated while telling these stories. Often she would not
finish the story and would tell the listeners that if they wanted to know
how the book ended, they could go to their library, find the book, read it,
and learn the ending. For adults, she reviewed books, would give a 5- to
10-minute synopsis of several books, and entice them to go and read them.
She had developed a few groupies who would go to various functions and
libraries just to listen to her book reviews. This had made her life
difficult because she had to review new books each time.
She served the city of Newton for 53 years. Her retirement was a citywide
function. She received congratulatory letters from the president of the
United States, Queen Elizabeth II, and many more dignitaries.
Virginia, together with her husband, were among the founders of FACS
(Friends of the Armenian Cultural Society). At that time, FACS also
sponsored a one-hour Sunday program on WCRB. In 1968, when I visited their
house for the first time, they and their guests were in the process of
stuffing and mailing envelopes for the upcoming Armenian Night at the POPS.
Every year, she reserved several tables for her friends and family.
I remember fondly her Christmas gatherings at her house. People of every age
would gather, eat scrumptious dishes of hors d’oeuvres, dinner, and finally
desert. She would hire an entertainer for the children to do magic and sing
song. She would prepare games for the kids to play, would pass out her
booklets of Christmas carols, and would accompany the guests on her piano.
Jimmy would play Santa Claus and bring gifts for everyone, young and old. At
these gatherings, I came to meet most of their family and friends, who would
come from all over New England and New York to be together.
It was only after her death that a friend told me about the amount of work
Virginia had put into starting the Sunday School of St. Stephen’s Church.
She had written the curriculum and trained the new teachers.
Virginia loved to travel and had visited most of the European countries. Her
most favorite place was China, from where she had brought back some
artifacts and a few pieces of exquisite embroidery. Before she became ill, I
had promised her a trip to Armenia, which unfortunately was never realized.
Virginia was a mentor for me; we were both in the same profession. Whenever
I needed help or advice I would turn to her and she never declined help. She
had been the president of the Mass Library Association a couple of times as
well as that of the New England Library Association. She was involved with
the American Library Association, where she had chaired the Children’s
Roundtable several times. Now when I meet some of my colleagues who knew
Virginia, invariably conversation turns to her, and everyone speaks of her
with admiration, awe and love.
Her loss was felt not only by her family and friends, but also by the entire
Armenian community and by the library community of of Massachusetts. She
will be missed dearly.
—————————————— ——————————————
5. In Memory of John Baronian
It is with great sadness that the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston has
learned of the passing of our friend John K. Baronian. We extend to you and
your entire families our deepest sympathies.
The Sayat Nova family will remember for many years the support and
encouragement that Mr. Baronian always showed to us in all of our endeavors.
He was a tremendous supporter who never once denied us a contribution when
he received our mailings. In fact, he was always one of the first envelopes
we received back in the mail. We could always count on Mr. Baronian to be at
our performances and support our various activities.
Many times over the years, he expressed to us his wish to have the dance
company perform at Tufts University. As recently as six months ago, as Josh
Tevekelian greeted him at the church, he said, "You know Josh, we should
really get Sayat Nova to dance at Tufts. I will get everyone there!" Our
entire group had no doubt that if we had performed there, he would have had
everyone there. He was a dynamic, friendly, and passionate man who was
dedicated to his people and their organizations, both Armenian and
non-Armenian.
We have lost a true friend of the dance group and the community at large.
May God bless you and your families as you deal with your loss, and may you
be comforted in knowing that your loss is shared by the many whose lives
were touched by Mr. Baronian and all of the things, known and unknown, that
he did for the advancement of the Armenian people and their organizations.
Sincerely, Apo Ashjian, Director, and Joshua A. Tevekelian,
on behalf of the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston
***
It is from the valley below Mount Ararat, the twin peaks of John Baronian’s
Armenian pride, that we join in mourning the loss of a true man and patriot.
The conscientious carrier of his parents’ cross of pain, the triumphant
titan of his favorite Medford field, and the soldier in the service of
liberty’s cause, Uncle John built his life day by day, becoming a respected
professional, a community captain, an institution unto himself.
My own path, childhood dreams, and career choices turned in no small measure
on the charisma, counsel, and passion that were and will always remain, in
each and every one of us, the hallmarks of John Baronian.
And so farewell, Uncle John, from the cabbage patches of old Kesserig to the
cigar-scented lessons in Lexington Square and the trusted School atop the
hill, day is done. But your sun will never set.
Hishadage orhnutiun yev luis anmar.
Sirov u khorin vishov,
Raffi and Armenouhi, Garin, Daron, Van, Shushi,
and Armen Richard Hovannisian
***
Our heartfelt condolences reach out to Mr. Baronian’s family during this
difficult time. Mr. Baronian, also known as "Mr. B" and "Uncle John" to
those who loved him was a kind and loving man. He treated all the students
at Tufts as his children and grandchildren.
My husband Shant and I, along with our families, loved him dearly and will
remember him and his Jumbo spirit fondly.
Ani Setrakian Manoukian
New York, N.Y.
www.EarthsoundOnline.com