Category: 2022

WATERTOWN, Mass.—Twelve years later, New York Times bestselling author of 23 books, Chris Bohjalian, returns to the Armenian Museum of America to talk about his latest novel The Lioness with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Kurkjian.

Chris Bohjalian

The highly anticipated discussion will take place at the Armenian Museum of America on May 18 at 7 p.m. ET.

Bohjalian’s most recent novel Hour of the Witch was published in May 2021 and was an instant New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today and IndieBound bestseller. It’s a novel of historical suspense set in 1662 Boston, a tale of the first divorce in North America for domestic violence—and a subsequent witch trial. The Washington Post called it “historical fiction at its best.” The New York Times called it “harrowing.” 

His 2018 novel The Flight Attendant debuted as a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly and National IndieBound Bestseller. It is now an HBO Max series, starring Kaley Cuoco that has been nominated for numerous Emmy, SAG and Golden Globe awards. It was recently renewed for a second season. Bohjalian’s work has been translated into 35 languages and three times have become movies.

When Bohjalian spoke at the museum in 2012, he discussed the Armenian-themed The Sandcastle Girls, a sweeping historical love story that probes the depths of love, family and secrets during WWI. Now, in contrast, The Lioness tells the story of a luxurious African safari that turns deadly for a Hollywood starlet and her entourage. Set in 1964 in Tanzania, actress Katie Barstow and her new husband have invited a glittering entourage of co-stars, managers and publicists for a safari adventure. Envisioning candlelit dinners and capturing wildlife on film, the group instead faces a team of Russian mercenaries and a botched kidnapping as violence and rebellion rage next door in the eastern Congo.

Stephen Kurkjian

Kurkjian is one of the most acclaimed investigative reporters in the country. A 40-year veteran of the Boston Globe, he is the paper’s former Washington bureau chief and a founding member of its investigative Spotlight Team. Kurkjian has won more than 25 national and regional awards, including the Pulitzer Prize on three occasions. 

“We are delighted to host the two esteemed authors under the auspices of the museum’s Library Committee, since books continue to be an integral part of our mission and our collection,” says executive director Jason Sohigian. “We are proud to share the launching of on-site events since 2019 with Chris Bohjalian and Steve Kurkjian. We hope you will mark your calendars and join us on this very special evening.”

Signed copies of The Lioness will be available for purchase at the event, which is free and open to the public. Registration is required via Eventbrite.

Recently, I had the occasion of visiting with the family of Berge Panosyan. Berge was the driving force behind the digitization of the Hairenik newspapers until his untimely death last year. This visit was bittersweet and jarring as well. The last time I had met with Berge was by chance at the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC, in the immediate aftermath of the 2020 Artsakh War. 

As we looked through his files, I saw his handwritten notes regarding the various issues of the Hairenik Amsakir, a monthly magazine published from 1922 through the 1960s and a quarterly for the last few years of its run. Berge had been working on adding digital copies of the Amsakir to the Hairenik Digital Archives at the time of his passing.

Still resting on the tray to his printer was an envelope addressed to me. With the help of his son, we were able to locate the files, and now this incredibly important publication has been added to the online archives. The images are crisp and searchable, supplying easy access for the first time to the Amsakir. 

The value of this collection is evident from the very first issue which contained articles written by such luminaries as Simon Vratsian, Armen Garo and Ashod Armen. Coincidentally, we have recently begun cataloging a section of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Archives which includes correspondence and original manuscripts of those submitting for publication in the Amsakir. I am certain this collection will be equally useful for scholars and Hairenik readers alike.

Connecticut commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, Abrahamian Auditorium, April 23, 2022

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — A solemn day of remembrance of the 107th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide took place in Connecticut on Saturday. The Connecticut Armenian American community, together with non-Armenian supporters, met at the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection in New Britain to commemorate the solemn event.

The day began with the martyrs’ service, which was created on the centennial of the Genocide and the canonization of the martyrs.

Following the service in the sanctuary of the church, the program moved to the Abrahamian Auditorium where the American and Armenian national anthems were performed. Welcoming remarks were made by Master of Ceremonies and Connecticut State Auditor John C. Geragosian, Genocide Commemoration Committee chair Melanie Kevorkian Brown and State Representative Edwin Vargas.

Poetry recitals were rendered by Ara and Anie Mnatsakanian followed by a clarinet solo of “Cilicia” by Armen Arakelian.

Professor Armen Marsoobian of Southern Connecticut State University introduced keynote speaker Lillian Avedian, a poet and journalist, who works as a staff writer for the Armenian Weekly. Avedian reports on domestic and geopolitics in the South Caucasus. She is also pursuing masters degrees in journalism and Near Eastern Studies at New York University.

Lillian Avedian, April 23, 2022

Avedian, drawing upon her insights as a journalist, spoke on “Narrating Genocide: Journalism Without Facts, Art Without Truth.” She gave a moving presentation starting with her family’s  history and including her personal life, tracing Armenian experiences before, during and after the Genocide and drawing parallels from the current situation in Artsakh. Stressing the  necessity for fidelity to facts and the need for impartiality, she told the story of suffering and victimization, commonly known and at times unknown. She focused on the wisdom and resilience of the Armenian spirit and supplemented her narrative comments with her original poetry.

Atty. Harry Mazadoorian, a member of the Genocide Commemoration Committee and Representative Vargas made presentations to her following her talk, including a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly.

Lillian Avedian, Harry Mazadoorian and Representative Edwin Vargas, April 23, 2022

A reception followed wherein Avedian had an opportunity to engage one on one with many of the attendees.

Every year since 1999 on the eve of April 24, thousands of Armenians participate in a torchlit march to Dzidzernagapert to pay their respects to the 1.5 million who perished during the Armenian Genocide.

The crowd gathered at Republic Square at 7:15 p.m. local time. The theme song, “Zartnir Lao,” was played frequently and loudly with images of past marches on the jumbo screens. 

Crowd gathers in Republic Square, April 23, 2022 (Photo: Tsoleen Sarian)

During the program, which was all organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Youth Association, National Assembly vice-president and ARF Supreme Council chairman Ishkhan Saghatelyan called on all Armenians to join the new Sardarabad, to join in fighting for the security of Artsakh and Armenia. He also announced the launch of the opposition’s resistance movement and called for everyone’s participation. The crowd began chanting “Armenia without Nikol,” “Armenia Without Turks” and “Traitor Nikol.” 

The torches were lit by the flames that engulfed the Turkish and Azeri flags.

Turkish and Azeri flags burned in protest, flames used to light torches, April 23, 2022 (Photo: Tsoleen Sarian)

The rhetoric of the evening along with the theme song expressed that the thousands gathered were not just commemorating the 107th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, but were being called to stand up for Artsakh and Armenia from dangers within and outside the country. 

After a while, it is my turn to join the procession, following clergy, torchbearers, the flags of the nations who recognize the Armenian Genocide, giant Armenian and Artsakh flags, individuals holding Armenian flags and candles. A truck with speakers rolled along the route playing familiar patriotic songs that I sang along to. As we walked through the streets, it was pleasant to meet up with and walk with friends along the way, but I was soon separated from my original group. Walking uphill, I tried to weave through the crowd to find pockets of open space. I kept getting caught behind teenagers or children who could not walk in a straight line. I found myself getting annoyed. The jostling was endless. 

Torchlit march through the streets of Yerevan (Photo: Tsoleen Sarian)

Finally, we entered the grounds of the Dzidzernagapert complex which is also on an incline, uphill. More than four hours have already passed in this march. I am hungry and tired. My legs are sore. As I’m grumbling to myself, I realized the silence. I woke up from my petulant thoughts and reflected. 

Dzidzernagapert, April 23, 2022 (Photo: Tsoleen Sarian)

My four grandparents were very young in 1915, each with their own miraculous story of survival from Gesaria through the desert to the orphanages in Lebanon, and from Aintab with their families to relocate in Syria. 

I watched nearby parents wrestling with young children to keep them close and safe from being lost in the crowd and imagined my great-grandparents wrangling and tending to their young, tired, hungry and frightened little ones.

I am shaken by the realization that I have a warm bed to return to tonight, food in the refrigerator. I have safety and security in Yerevan and freedom to join thousands in protest against our government. It was a pleasant night. We were not walking under the hot sun, relentless wind or driving rain. 107 years ago, my family was not as fortunate.  

Their ordeal wasn’t for a few hours like mine was on Saturday night. It was for weeks through the unyielding desert. They had no assurance of their destination or whatever may come. Every single step held mortal danger.

I thought about how much they overcame, how much they sacrificed and worked hard for in foreign lands. The privileges I have today, thanks to them, are truly countless. 

Saturday night’s march was not only to pay our respects to the martyrs and extend our gratitude to survivors. It was also a call to action to unite against Turkey and Azerbaijan who continue to intimidate and inflict indiscriminate violence upon our people. It was a call to action against the Armenian administration that has chosen to work toward normalization with our neighbors despite the many POWs still in captivity and is allowing Armenian lands to be taken away.

I resolve to serve my nation, every day, not just on April 24th. Moving to Armenia last September was only the beginning. I must participate in serving my homeland continually. 

As I walk back down the hill out of the complex, I notice the crowds have dissipated as it’s past midnight. In my ears another song circulates, Abrilian Nahadagner, which tells the martyrs to rest in peace because generations of Armenians will walk on your path toward the light, the future.

Dzidzernagapert, April 23, 2022 (Photo: Tsoleen Sarian)

Opposition protest in Yerevan (Armenia Alliance, April 27)

The opposition factions in Armenia have launched a series of protests this week in preparation for a mass rally to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Vice President of the National Assembly and chair of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Supreme Council of Armenia Ishkhan Saghatelyan announced on April 22 that nationwide protests would take place every day starting on April 25. 

“We are facing not only new concessions from the homeland, but also the real danger of losing statehood. These are not just words. This is the bitter reality,” Saghatelyan said in a video address. 

The movement, which is calling itself “Zartnir, Lao” in reference to the Armenian revolutionary folk song, emerged in response to a controversial speech delivered by Pashinyan at the Armenian National Assembly on April 13. Pashinyan received widespread criticism from political figures and civic activists from Armenia and Artsakh for his call to “lower the bar” regarding the status of Artsakh in negotiations on a peace deal with Azerbaijan.

“Zartnir, lao” banner at opposition rally in Yerevan (Armenian Revolutionary Federation, April 26)

“Today, the international community again tells us to lower the bar a bit regarding the question of the status of Artsakh, and you will ensure a great international consolidation around Armenia and Artsakh,” Pashinyan said during his address. “Status in the current situation is not a goal, but rather a means to guarantee the security and rights of the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh.” 

Supporters of the Armenia Alliance and I Have Honor Alliance, the two parliamentary opposition groups, have held demonstrations in Yerevan and nearby towns for the past three consecutive days. 

On April 25, demonstrators marched through Yerevan, chanting “Armenia Without Nikol” and “Armenia Without Turks.” The police detained 11 protesters at the Civil Contract Party headquarters, according to I Have Honor MP Tigran Abrahamyan. 

“It is already clear that Pashinyan has instructed the police, particularly the infamous structure of red berets, to prevent any protest action by the strictest means,” Abrahamyan wrote on Facebook. 

Another small group of protesters marched from Pashinyan’s hometown of Ijevan to Yerevan to join the rally. 

The following day, a group of ARF youth were detained by the police during a demonstration in Yerevan. 

The staff of the office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia has visited 24 protesters from the opposition movement detained at various police stations. The detainees told the Human Rights Defender’s office that the police had used excessive force against them and arrested them without providing justification. 

More than 100 relatives of deceased soldiers from the 2020 Artsakh War also held a rally in Yerevan on April 26. They demanded that Pashinyan be prosecuted for the mass murder of the fallen soldiers.  

The rally responded to Pashinyan’s confession during his April 13 address to parliament that he could have prevented the 2020 Artsakh War. 

“It is my fault that in 2018, 2019 I did not stand in front of our society and did not voice that all, I repeat, all our friends, close and not so close friends, expect us to surrender the seven famous regions to Azerbaijan in one way or another and bring down our benchmark for the status of Artsakh,” Pashinyan said during his speech.

“By surrendering, I might have saved thousands of lives, but by not surrendering, I actually became the author of decisions that resulted in thousands of victims,” Pashinyan continued. 

During the April 26 rally, the protesters placed t-shirts with bloody handprints on the steps of the government building then marched to the Prosecutor General’s Office to call for an investigation against Pashinyan. 

Relatives of deceased soldiers place t-shirts with bloody handprints on the steps of the government building (Tigran Abrahamyan, April 26)

Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan spoke with the families and said that Pashinyan’s statement alone is not sufficient to accuse him of murder.

“If we had ceded parts of our homeland without a fight, should there also have been an indictment by the same logic?” Davtyan said to the protesters. 

Nonetheless the families submitted two formal requests to the Prosecutor General’s Office to include Pashinyan as a defendant and the fallen soldiers as victims in an ongoing case investigating the causes of the “catastrophic war.” 

During a separate opposition rally on April 26, Armenia Alliance MP Gegham Manukyan announced that he would continue the march to the Prosecutor General’s Office in support of the families of deceased soldiers.

That same day, a 28-year-old pregnant woman died after she was hit by a police car that was accompanying Pashinyan’s motorcade at the Leo-Paronyan intersection of Yerevan. Armenia’s Investigative Committee has filed charges against the officer. 

Yerevan-based democracy activist Daniel Ioannisyan criticized what he described as the ongoing reckless driving demonstrated by Pashinyan’s police escorts. 

“Traffic police escorts have long been driving with unprecedented obscenity,” he wrote on Facebook. “All the policemen who have endangered people’s lives for these cases remain unpunished.”

During a rally hosted by the ARF on April 27, Armenia Alliance MP Kristine Vardanyan said that the spilled blood of the pregnant woman is their blood. 

The demonstrators poured red paint in front of the government building and “bloodied” their hands as a sign of the government’s “thirst for blood,” while chanting “Nikol, murderer” and “Nikol, murderer of Armenians.” 

Eighteen more protesters were detained during demonstrations that day, 11 of them at Republic Square and seven at Tumanyan St. 

Pashinyan has insisted in response to criticism of his April 13 speech that his government does not plan to surrender Artsakh.

“If we were to surrender Artsakh, we would not have spent tens of billions of drams to ensure the return of Artsakh residents to their homes after the 44-day war,” he said during an April 22 cabinet meeting. “Our strategy in the short, medium and long terms is as follows: to ensure a situation or solution whereby the people of Artsakh will continue to live in Artsakh.”

He did not specify what kind of status of Artsakh would be acceptable to the Armenian government. 

Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan has said that no document on the status of Artsakh is being discussed at this stage. Following a meeting with Pashinyan, Harutyunyan said that the two leaders have a clear agreement that “in case of any discussion on the future status of Artsakh at the international level, the position of the Armenian side must be agreed upon with the Nagorno Karabakh Republic authorities and people.”