Author: nina hovnanian

Film about Armenian Istanbul Premieres in Turkey

by Lilly Torosyan

April 6, 2013

`I Left My Shoes in Istanbul,’ a documentary film by Beirut-based
writer and director Nigol Bezjian, was screened at the Istanbul
Independent Film Festival in February. The film chronicles the journey
of a Lebanese-born Armenian poet through his first visit to the city,
and the discovery of his cultural roots. It first premiered at the
Golden Apricot Film Festival in Yerevan last summer, and finally made
its way to the titular city of Istanbul.

A scene from the film
In an interview with the Armenian Weekly, Bezjian talks about the
premiere in Istanbul and other projects to come.

Lilly Torosyan – When and where did the film premiere?

Nigol Bezjian – I first showed the film at the Golden Apricot Yerevan
International Film Festival in July 2012. It was my first time seeing
the film on a big screen with an audience. I had to make some changes,
adjustments, and corrections. The newly completed version premiered in
Istanbul last February during the festival. The screening had a full
house with an audience of nearly 650 people in the Cinemaximum 4, the
largest movie theatre in Istanbul. There was a gathering of Armenians,
Turks, Kurds, Alevis, Islamists, and who knows who else!

LT – How did the audience react to the film?

NB – I heard the audience reacting to the film during the screening,
either by humming along with the music, laughing at funny scenes, or
at times whispering to each other. And then there was the loud
applause of a full house at the end credits. I knew the film had won
over the audience.

I had no idea what to expect. In fact, I had no feelings at all, but
at the end of the film when I walked in front of the audience for the
Q&A, I found myself in a very emotional state – almost speechless. I had
never experienced this sort of impassioned moment at any of my
previous film showings. They were seconds that seemed to be infinitely
expanding along a myriad of thoughts that covered the tense of times.
It was an insurmountable instant.

LT – You have another project that revolves around Istanbul. Tell us a
little bit about that.

NB – I have completed one other film, `Milk, Carnation, and a Godly
Song,’ about the literal legacy of Daniel Varoujan. The film is three
hours long and covers the development of the Armenian mind from pagan
times to Daniel Varoujan, with the film ending in Istanbul on April
24, 2010. I am trying to start showing this film now, along with `I
Left My Shoes in Istanbul.’

LT – Any other projects in the works that you would like to share?

NB – At the moment, I am excited to prepare myself for a new film that
has to do with the 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic Rumi. I
had no idea that one day I would be in Istanbul making a film and
showing it there, and now this invitation by the University of Iowa’s
International Writing Program is giving me the opportunity to go to
Konya and Cappadocia. Suddenly, I have a lot to do!

Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem tries to change Javakhk’s ethnic composition

Saturday,
April 06

“The former Georgian authorities along with Mikhail Saakashvili
supported somewhat the return of Meskhetian Turks to Javakhk. In the
Soviet period up to 2009, about 300 families returned to Javakhk,’
Johnny Melikian, an expert on Georgia, told the correspondent of
Aysor.am, when commenting on the recent events related to Meskhetian
Turks’ return to Javakhk.

According to J. Melikian, some 30,000-35,000 Meskhetian Turks
currently live in Turkey, the North Caucasus and Central Asia. In his
words, the Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem promotes their return to
Javakhk, understanding that Javakhk is of great importance not only to
Georgia, but also to Armenia.

`Turkey and Azerbaijan want to change the ethnic composition of
Armenian-populated Javakhk and the demographic situation in that
region,’ J. Melikian noted.

According to him, there are still some legislative obstacles to
Meskhetian Turks’ return to Javakhk, and they have to collect a great
number of documents to be allowed to come back.

`Meskhetian Turks will have to live in Aspindza region mostly
populated by Georgians – the Georgian authorities want to show there
are no problems with Armenians,’ the expert said. He noted that the
return of Meskhetian Turks to Javakhk is not in the national and state
interests of Armenia.

According to Melikian, the issue of Meskhetian Turks will be raised
during the Georgian president’s visit to Turkey, and today the Turkish
side is prepared to restore Georgian churches in the territory of
Turkey in return for Georgia’s permission for Turkey to build a mosque
in Georgia.

TODAY, 16:45

Aysor.am

Chinese company interested in Cyprus Airways

19:41 – 06.04.13

A Chinese company is interested in buying ailing national carrier
Cyprus Airways (CY), Cyprus Mail reported.

In a statement to investors, CY said officials from Beijing Yi Xiang
Da Investment Co Ltd held talks with finance ministry and airline
officials.

Signs for a conclusion appear to be encouraging, the airline said, but
there has not been an agreement yet.

The government said it was prepared to talk to anyone with the aim of
finding a strategic investor.

`It is well known that the government is faced with a huge problem
that concerns Cyprus Airways,’ government spokesman Christos
Stylianides said. `Unfortunately we have also inherited this (problem)
and the government is prepared to consult and talk with anyone in a
bid to find a strategic investor.’

The government’s aim is to be able to ensure that the company
continued to participate in the effort to serve the greater national
interest.

At the same time, Communications Minister Tasos Mitsopoulos said
yesterday that his counterpart, Commerce Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis
met with the chairman of Middle East Airlines on Thursday to discuss
CY. MEA had shown interest in CY in the past.

`I think this interest has been renewed in a way and MEA chairman
voiced his readiness to visit Cyprus to explore the potential,’
Mitsopoulos said.

The airline is currently going through what is perhaps the most
critical period since its creation, unable to keep up with competition
from cheaper carriers and rising fuel costs.

It has been kept afloat with state assistance, which however, EU
competition regulators are currently investigating.

Armenian News – Tert.am

Aleksandr Varbedian’s announcement

06:05 PM | TODAY | SOCIAL

Ontologist Aleksandr Varbedian’s Facebook statement: note that Mr.
Varbedian who is the Co-founder of the Union of Exiled Armenian
Writers and Intellectuals has been kept in captivity by for two days
in special dwelling space of “Zvartnots” airport transit zone in
Yerevan.

Crack looks for a breach, the ray for a crack…

With the greatest responsibility I declare that our exile that lasted
more than a decade besides the cultural and ideological activities are
directly related to the state crime of October 27.

One of the reasons for the prohibition of access to homeland is that.
And the other reason is the informational isolation. The best solution
is my disappearing, if not here, then certainly elsewhere.

Do not consider an accident or natural event any case that can occur
to me in the upcoming period of time.

Other discoveries will soon be…

Once a semi-independent Armenian was beheaded: now Armenia is
completely occupied!
But my suffered nation saw even worse things and was never suppressed.
My nation deserves a decent existence and it will have!

Crack looks for a breach, the ray for a crack…
Both of them exist…

ARS Social Services: My Rewarding Experience in the Heart of Glendale

Friday, April 5th, 2013

Selin Petrosians
BY SELIN PETROSIANS

I have been volunteering at the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA
Social Services (ARS-SS) office in Glendale, California since June
2012. My interest in volunteering at this non-profit organization grew
when I learned they are a major source of social service programs and
educational programs in the Armenian community here. Another reason
why I became interested in volunteering at the organization was
because I came across an obstacle during my undergraduate years when I
decided to write a paper on gender roles in working Armenian couples.
I was surprised to find very few articles that I could use for my
research so I decided to do my own gender roles research on Armenian
working couples. I am very passionate about the Armenian community and
I believe there is much needed research to be done on them since they
are one of the largest communities here in Southern California.

As a Sociology Major at California State University, Los Angeles, I
was interested in the Armenian community, especially the new
immigrants and the elderly. Since I have been volunteering at ARS-SS,
I have experienced firsthand the passionate staff that goes far beyond
what their job requires to serve their community as the waves of
hopeful clients walk in the doors. Whether it is simple bill payment
or immigration paperwork, ARS-SS staff is ready to help by educating
and filling out the proper paperwork. One major program is finding
jobs for the unemployed. From building resumes, to applying for jobs
and teaching interview techniques, ARS-SS staff dedicates their time
to do their best in serving the population. ARS-SS provides senior
citizens with citizenship and English as Second Language (ESL) classes
to help them adjust and adapt to the American society and gain
independence. Other services that the center provides is helping the
needy with basic necessities and helping immigrants with a smooth
transition to a new culture and community.

In my experience, I was able to not only learn more about the needs of
the Armenian community, but the needs of the organization as well. I
am proud to say that for the past year it has been my privilege to
work with this dedicated and passionate staff side by side and helping
them with whatever it is they need me to do. I have been fortunate to
teach a Citizenship class and an ESL class to an elderly group and I
must say it was not only educational for me, but it was a lot of fun.
I recently graduated from California State University, Los Angeles
with a Major in Sociology and a Minor in Gerontology and I must say
that volunteering at ARS-SS has definitely been one of the most
rewarding experiences that I have had.

Selin Petrosians is a 29 year old volunteer at the Armenian Relief
Society of Western USA’s Social Services office. She holds a Bachelor
of Arts Degree in Sociology with a minor in Gerontology from the
California State University, Los Angeles.

The Armenian Relief Society: A Part Of My Life

Friday, April 5th, 2013

The Armenian Relief Society
BY STELLA S. RUSTIGIAN
(1912-2000)

If I am an Armenian today, it is thanks to the Armenian Relief Society
(ARS). If at least one of my children is also dedicated to the
Armenian way of life here in the United States, it is again thanks to
the ARS.

Our beginning was set by my mother, a founding member of the Hartford,
CT chapter in 1913, and also a founder of the Syracuse, N.Y. chapter
in 1921. It was in the ARS that my mother, Eliza Sachaklian, learned
the mechanics of organizational life. From the glamorous positions in
the executive to the nitty-gritty of selling tickets and raising the
where-with-all to finance the many overseas charities, she has given
outstandingly seventy-three years of her active life. Now in her
nineties, she is still supporting its many projects.

I was born into the organization. Back in those days, the institution
of the baby-sitter was as yet unknown, and I would be parked in my
carriage backstage while my mother trod the boards in `Rouzon,
Hyrenaser Oryortuh’ and other dramatic productions.

The Tzeghagrons, later called the Armenian Youth Federation, prepared
me in the intricacies of parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules.
Surprisingly, this stood me in good stead throughout my school years,
and I can thank my Armenian organizations for giving me the stage
presence I was able to exhibit in non-Armenian public appearances,
too.

Joining the Armenian Relief Society as a new bride in a new community,
this magnificent organization gave me the opportunity to try my wings
at public service and civic duties. Knowing that I was part of a
worldwide network of others like myself and like my mother, gave me
the stability to surmount the ethnic biases which prevailed in my
youth.

More, the A.R.S. provided a forum for the use and practice of the
Armenian which we of my generation had to learn piecemeal. Three hours
a week on Saturday mornings we struggled with `aib, ben, gim’ and `ov
gerav vorsortin abouruh?’ Armenian History ended each term with the
story of Ara Keghetsig and Shamiram. Each new term, history began back
again with Hayg and Bel, and proceeded up to Ara and Shamiram – and
the end of that term, too. It was years before I learned the
continuation of Armenian history.

But, armed with my rudimentary knowledge of Armenian language and a
smattering of history, life in a small community like Syracuse, N.Y.
does not afford much opportunity for the use and practice of the
Armenian we had learned. It was only in organizational life, in the
Armenian Relief Society in my case, that I was able to develop what
Armenian I had learned in Saturday School. Conducting a meeting in the
Armenian language; keeping minutes in Armenian; trying out and testing
new Armenian words that I had heard from the lips of field-workers who
visited our community periodically; asking questions of them;
listening to their lectures. This was a true education in Armenian. We
learned about the tribulations of our fellow Armenians overseas, and
conducted fund drives and clothing drives. World War II was brought
home to us as we took displaced Armenians into our homes, found them
employment and permanent housing.

My joy was complete when one of my children decided to go to Beirut to
study at the A.R.S.-supported Jemaran. Though her studies were
interrupted by the Arab-Jewish war of 1967, in seven short months she
learned enough Armenian to be thoroughly conversant and knowledgeable
in Armenian. Arsine has devoted herself to teaching Armenian
youngsters, and today she is the principal of one our Armenian Day
Schools in the United States supported in part by the ARS.

Yes, the Armenian Relief Society is a world in which the Armenian
American can give free rein to the Armenian being within each one of
us, and acquire a sense of our place in the global network Armenian
Diaspora.

Azerbaijan and Turkey are carrying out partition of Iran – Armenian expert

April 06, 2013 | 15:19

YEREVAN.- The recent events show that Azerbaijan and Turkey are
jointly carrying out partition of Iran. Especially it refers to
northern Turkic-speaking part of the Iranian state, expert in Iranian
studies Armen Israelyan said.

`I think that the very creation of the state of Azerbaijan was aimed
at partition of Iran. This was mainly supported by Turkey.
Unfortunately, at that time Iran did not have a capacity of preventing
creation of a false state,’ he said.

The expert noted that `World Azerbaijanis Congress’ organization holds
regular meetings to raise the question on Turkic-speaking Iranian
Azeris.

The recent events show that the policy of Azerbaijan and Turkey
against Iran has become unprecedented.

`Back in 2010-11, territorial claims on northern Iran were voiced with
the help of media and historians. Starting from the second half of
2012, the demands are already voiced by officials,’ Israelyan noted.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

Arthur Baghdasaryan: Armenia should pass to `open sky’ policy in aviation

14:58, 6 April, 2013

YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS: In the field of aviation Armenia should
pass to `open sky’ policy not excluding the availability of the
national air carrier. According to Armenpress, this opinion was stated
at the press conference by the Secretary of the National Security
Council of the Republic of Armenia Arthur Baghdasaryan touching upon
the bankruptcy of Armavia Air Company and its circumstances.

`We should do everything to have the world’s largest air carriers
functioning in Armenia. It is necessary that the air area of our
country is liberalized’, – said Arthur Baghdasaryan.

As stated by the Secretary of the National Security Council of the
Republic of Armenia, he has got a bad attitude to the bankruptcy of
Armavia and hopes that the mistakes registered in this sphere would be
corrected, so that Armenia would have a developing aviation.

Arthur Baghdasaryan informed that the discussions on the national air
carrier at the Government would be carried out after the formation of
the new government.

ANCA-Pasadena, GenEd, and PUSD host Genocide education training

14:20 06.04.20130

In an effort to more permanently include the Armenian Genocide and
other 20th century genocides into the Pasadena high school curriculum,
The Genocide Education Project (GenEd) provided a full-day
professional training workshop for Pasadena high school history
teachers, Asbarez reports.

Led by GenEd’s Education Specialist, Sara Cohan, the comprehensive
workshop covered a range of topics related to genocide, including the
California state requirements on Armenian Genocide instruction, the
genesis and meaning of the term, common conditions leading to
genocide, and the `eight stages of genocide.’

The basic history of the Armenian Genocide was provided, and teachers
were introduced to a variety of resources to use in class, including
GenEd-developed lesson plans, `Human Rights and Genocide: A Case Study
of the First Modern Genocide of the 20th Century,’ `Nicole’s Journey,’
an online, interactive course, `The Armenian Journey: From Despair to
Hope in Rhode Island,’ a documentary video and classroom study guide
produced by GenEd.

Guest Speaker, Lorna Touryan Miller, spoke about her extensive work
documenting the oral histories of Armenian Genocide survivors and
survivors of the genocide in Rwanda. Herself a daughter of genocide
survivors, Miller first recorded her father’s story of survival, which
spurred her and her husband, Donald Miller, to continue recording the
oral histories of other genocide survivors. They are currently editing
a new book titled, Survivor Voices: From Ottoman Turkey to Rwanda.

`It was excellent,’ said Pasadena teacher Joe Shady. `The personal
stories from Lorna were very moving.’ Shady said he plans to use the
workshop’s resources in preparing his social studies courses. `I want
to incorporate the eight stages of genocide, so that way my students
can compare genocides throughout history and across eras and regions.’

Teachers in attendance engaged in robust discussions about `best
practices’ around teaching the subject of genocide and the most
effective ways of communicating the important society themes that run
through the continuum of genocides of modern history.

`We applaud the Pasadena Unified School District for hosting this
unique and useful professional development activity to enhance their
teachers’ readiness for bringing lessons on the Armenian Genocide into
their classrooms,’ said Shoghig Yepremian, chairperson of the Armenian
National Committee of America’s Pasadena Chapter. The ANCA-Pasadena
chapter was instrumental in bringing the city’s attention to the need
for the Pasadena schools to incorporate this topic into their standard
curriculum, and the organization led the effort to organize and fund
the teacher-training workshop.

ANCA-Pasadena initiated and organized the workshop, and secured
funding from Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian
Cultural Foundation, the Armenian Youth Federation Juniors, the
Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts (Homenetmen), PUSD and
California State Senator Carol Liu.

`We’re very grateful to all the organizations and Senator Liu for
recognizing the need for this instruction and pooling resources to
make it happen,’ said Yepremian. `We’re also sincerely appreciative to
The Genocide Education Project and particularly Sara Cohan for sharing
her incredible knowledge about genocide and human rights and
delivering such valuable mentorship to educators,’ said Yepremian.
`Likewise, sincere thanks to Lorna Touryan Miller, whose extensive
knowledge of the traumatic experiences of genocide victims helps
teachers and students put a human face on an otherwise faraway,
historic event.’

The Genocide Education Project is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization
that assists educators in teaching about human rights and genocide,
particularly the Armenian Genocide, by developing and distributing
instructional materials, providing access to teaching resources and
organizing educational workshops.

ARARAT-AVENTURE
Un explorateur Russe gravira le mont Ararat à la recherche de l’Arche de Noé

L’agence de presse russe « Ria-Novosti » annonce que le célèbre homme
d’église et explorateur Russe Fiodor Konioukhov va à l’automne
prochain gravir le mont Ararat à la recherche de l’Arche de Noé. «
Après le Pôle sud, le Groenland je dois me rendre un mois en Turquie à
la recherche de l’Arche de Noé » a confié F. Konioukhov à l’agence de
presse russe. Durant 30 jours, l’équipe Russe tentera de percer les
secrets de l’Ararat. Souhaitons que l’explorateur aura plus de chance
que les dizaines d’autres qui l’on précédé…

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 6 avril 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com