Critics’ Forum
Literature
An Archive in a Footnote: The Legacy Project
By Hovig Tchalian
Now that the tumult of events surrounding Genocide commemoration has
subsided, it is worth taking pause and considering the aftermath.
The inevitable moment after (especially once the celebrations of May
28th are also past) brings up the difficult but enduring question-
“What now?” or, more skeptically, “Is this all there is?”
An ambitious project, sponsored by the Hamburg Institute for Social
Research and The Rockefeller Foundation, offers perhaps the most
satisfying and propitious answer – allowing the act of remembrance
to outlive the moment of its inception. The Project consists
primarily of a website () that, as the site’s
own description puts it, “will build a global exchange on the
enduring consequences of the many historical tragedies of the 20th
century.”
In essence, the site archives the various reactions to the
historical tragedies of the previous century, in the hope of
preventing their future occurrence, or at least dampening their
detrimental effects on society. The website’s “events index”
provides a comprehensive alphabetical list of the nearly 25 “events”
included in the archive-from “African Conflicts,” Apartheid, the
Armenian Genocide and the “Cambodian Killing Fields,” through the
Holocaust and the struggles of “indigenous peoples,” to the two
World Wars.
Admittedly, the strand tying all these “events” together – the issue
of social injustice, broadly conceived – is somewhat tenuous. And
the categorization scheme may be suspect. (What about “indigenous
peoples” constitutes a set of “events”?) Perhaps a better way of
linking these various themes together is under the even broader
theme of remembrance, the complex “legacy” that gives the project
its name. According to the website, “the Legacy Project offers a
channel for mutual recognition across generations and geography.
Through scholarly research and innovative presentation, The Legacy
Project will create new – and shared – frameworks for cultural
expressions of loss, drawn from Africa, the Americas, Asia and
Europe. Our work will help define the language of human loss – its
forms, its symbols, its grammar. . . . The Legacy Project seeks a
collective, retrospective reflection on the losses that constitute
the legacy of the last century.”
The real value of the project – the genuine goal of active
remembrance and comparative historical study facilitated by the
creation of a central archive of various human injustices – is
overshadowed by the quite ambitious but nonetheless diffuse goal of
defining “the language of human loss,” a goal arguably more akin to
academic studies than to historical reality. The site nonetheless
admirably achieves its more modest goal of preserving the poems,
plays, speeches, films, historical commentary, and a host of other
reactions to the tragedies that have defined our century and the
prior one.
Unlike the more strictly historical mission of, say, the Zoryan
Institute, which carries out the important work of preserving the
commentaries of Genocide survivors and legal and historical
documents related to the event itself, the Legacy Project preserves
the reactions of the generations that succeeded them. By doing so,
it carries out the equally important work of archiving in one place
what would otherwise constitute a scattered series of footnotes,
the “secondary” memory of the historical events that record the
shock registered in the minds and hearts of more than a century’s
worth of indirect witnesses. In this sense, the website performs
the much-needed function of commemorating the act of commemoration
itself – testimony to the enduring will of those who would see the
tragedies halted and continual fodder for all of us looking for a
viable answer to the question with which we began, “What now?”
The selections included on the site are nothing short of
remarkable. As of the last viewing, the website includes virtual
exhibitions of “Frank Stella, the Polish Village Series;” “The “Art
of Afterwards;” and a study of “Echoes of the Guernica.” There is
also a “Virtual Symposium” of Holocaust-related issues, as well as
the discussions of the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. The
site also includes a searchable database of the various literary,
artistic and film materials included on the site. Excerpts of the
work of Armenian poet and writer Peter Balakian are represented, as
are the enigmatic and powerful historico-philosophical ruminations
of the German-Jewish cultural critic, Walter Benjamin.
Despite the Legacy Project’s sophistication and the breadth and
depth of its archives, there are nonetheless some glaring omissions
in its website content. A search for Atom Egoyan or his
film, “Ararat,” for instance, will return no results. And there is
a noticeable dearth of items about the Genocide more generally.
Luckily, the remedy is readily available. The website provides the
following email address for feedback and suggestions: legacy@legacy-
project.org. What better way to make one’s voice heard while
helping transform the footnotes of the Genocide and other historical
tragedies into a growing archive that will survive the few weeks of
their commemoration?
All Rights Reserved: Critics Forum, 2006
Hovig Tchalian holds a PhD in English literature from UCLA. He has
edited several journals and also published articles of his own.
You can reach him or any of the other contributors to Critics’ Forum
at [email protected]. This and all other articles published
in this series are available online at To
sign up for a weekly electronic version of new articles, go to
Critics’ Forum is a group created to
discuss issues relating to Armenian art and culture in the Diaspora.

PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
Contact: Information Desk
Tel: (374-10) 52-35-31
Email: [email protected]
Web:
Interventio n de M. Vartan OSKANIAN, Ministre des Affaires étrangères de la
République d¹Arménie à la 116-ème session ministérielle du Comité des
Ministres – 19 mai 2006, Strasbourg

Monsieur le Président, Chers Collègues,

Ce n¹est pas sans une certaine émotion que je me retrouve ici parmi vous ;
il y a maintenant cinq ans l¹Arménie devenait membre du Conseil de l¹Europe.

Cette adhésion, nous l¹avons vécu, en ayant conscience de l¹ampleur de la
tche qui nous attendait : faire progresser la société arménienne sur la
voie des réformes démocratiques, donner à l¹Arménie un cadre législatif
conforme aux normes européennes, mettre en place des mécanismes de
protection des droits de l¹homme. En un mot, remplir nos engagements d¹Etat
membre.

Mais, en intégrant la famille européenne, l¹Arménie a également fait sienne
les problèmes de la société européenne, elle a apporté sa propre
contribution pour les résoudre ; elle s¹est ainsi employée à participer
activement aux travaux de notre Organisation; son implication dans la
création du Forum pour l¹avenir de la démocratie, dans l¹élaboration du
mémorandum d¹accord entre le Conseil de l¹Europe et l¹Union européenne, dans
le travail relatif au dialogue interculturel, aussi bien que l¹organisation
à Erevan, en octobre prochain, de la Conférence européenne des Ministres de
la Justice, en portent le témoignage.

La liste des réformes réalisées serait longue à énumérer; le succès, l¹an
dernier, de la réforme constitutionnelle aura, à elle seule, permis un
rééquilibrage de nos institutions au profit du parlement, un renforcement de
l¹indépendance du système judiciaire et de la protection des droits de
l¹homme.
Sans elle, je n¹aurais pu être en mesure de signer aujourd¹hui le Protocole
13 relatif à l¹abolition de la peine de mort en toutes circonstances, acte
de confiance en l¹avenir.

Durant ces cinq années, l¹Arménie a emprunté la voie d¹une transition
maîtrisée vers la démocratie, de sa consolidation par l¹adoption des
réformes qui, par leur ancrage dans le temps, sauront porter des résultats
en profondeur.

Ce regard jeté sur le cours des réformes n¹entame en rien notre
détermination à poursuivre le processus de transformation démocratique et à
¦uvrer pour la réalisation de tous nos engagements.
Ce sont là également des enjeux pour l¹intégration européenne de l¹Arménie.

Dans cette perspective, le renforcement de la coopération entre l¹Union
européenne et le Conseil de l¹Europe s¹avère indispensable ; et, le futur
mémorandum d¹accord entre ces deux organisations devra pleinement prendre en
compte le principe de la complémentarité, de manière à favoriser les
synergies, à valoriser les apports respectifs et à accroître l¹efficacité de
cette coopération.
Permettez-moi, à cet égard, de remercier la présidence roumaine pour les
efforts qu¹elle a déployés en vue de parvenir à un accord, et de féliciter
le Premier Ministre luxembourgeois, M. Jean Claude Juncker, pour son rapport
et la qualité de ses recommandations qui devront, dans toute la mesure du
possible, être prises en considération. Nous exprimons l¹espoir que la
Présidence entrante sera en mesure de finaliser, le plus rapidement, ce
mémorandum.

De fait, la préservation de l¹intégrité du système européen des droits de
l¹homme doit demeurer un impératif commun ; il représente, en effet, un
acquis majeur pour plus de 800 millions de citoyens européens et la
responsabilité nous incombe de le protéger durablement. Dans cet esprit, je
souhaite réitérer notre entière confiance au Groupe des sages pour mener à
bien ses travaux et apporter des solutions à long terme.

Monsieur le Président,

En évoquant les cinq années de notre adhésion et l¹accomplissement de nos
engagements en matière de paix et de processus démocratique, je voudrais
porter les considérations suivantes :

Premièrement, au moment où les processus démocratiques progressent à travers
le monde, assurant le développement de sociétés libres où la liberté
d¹expression est une composante essentielle du bien être du peuple, le
gouvernement turc devient de plus en plus agressif en niant, à l¹étranger,
la réalité du génocide arménien et en réprimant tout débat sur cette
question sur son territoire. La réponse naturelle à de tel déni, dans
certains de nos pays membres, a été de tenter de mettre en place des
législations visant à interdire toute expression négationniste. Il est
ironique de constater que le gouvernement turc considère de telle action
comme portant atteinte à la liberté d¹expression alors qu¹il se réserve le
droit de punir ses propres citoyens qui reconnaissent le génocide arménien.

En second lieu, j¹aurai souhaité que les idées et les idéaux de l¹Europe
s¹acquièrent en même temps que l¹adhésion. Dans ce cas, je ne serais pas ici
aujourd¹hui à constater, avec tristesse, la destruction irréversible,
irrationnelle et intentionnelle du cimetière médiéval arménien sur le
territoire de l¹Azerbaïdjan. Des milliers de sculptures de pierre uniques
qui ont survécu à travers des siècles ont aujourd¹hui disparu.

Un cimetière a été littéralement rasé et remplacé par un champ de tir. Cette
destruction est une tentative flagrante d¹effacer les traces de la présence
arménienne de ces territoires.

Finalement, en devenant membres du Conseil de l¹Europe, l¹Arménie et
l¹Azerbaïdjan ont pris l¹engagement de résoudre pacifiquement le conflit du
Haut-Karabakh.

Il y aujourd¹hui des éléments positifs dans le processus de négociations
dans lequel nous avons été impliqués ces dernières années, mais des
résultats tangibles ne pourront être enregistrés que si les parties
comprennent – et déclarent clairement – qu¹il ne saurait y avoir ici
d¹option militaire. L¹Europe nous offre un cadre nouveau de négociations, de
coopération régionale et de réconciliation post-conflit. C¹est l¹Europe, cet
espace de paix et de cooperation, à laquelle nous deux pays appartiennent.

Monsieur le Président,

Je ne voudrais pas conclure cette intervention sans vous avoir félicité pour
l¹excellent travail accompli durant cette présidence et souhaiter, en même
temps la bienvenue à la Présidence russe du Comité des Ministres et lui
adresser tous mes v¦ux de réussite.

Je vous remercie.

Azad-Hye
Doha – May 27, 2006
The Mesrobian One Day Armenian School of Qatar completed its second
academic year. On the occasion of the annual Easter visit of the
Prelate Archbishop Gorun Babyan to Qatar, who was accompanied by the
perish priest of UAE Father Aram Dekermendjian, a gathering was
organized to complete the activities of the school under the patronage
of Serpazan Hayr, and Der Hayr, with the presence of students,
parents, teachers, administration, the chairman and representatives of
Armenian national council of Qatar.
In his welcoming speech, the school administrator of the current academic
year Sarkis Kerkezian, thanked the parents and the teachers for their
support and cooperation which helped the school to overcome all the
difficulties and the challenges during the passed academic year. He
emphasized the importance of the learning the Armenian language, religion
and History that will evolve the Armenian spirit among the new generation.
The students prayed collectively the Holy prayer, sang songs and recited
poems learned during the past two academic years. Through their performance
they were able to give a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction to their
parents and the audience.
Archbishop Gorun Babyan was invited to deliver his message to the students
and the parents. He emphasized the importance of the continuity and
persistence to overcome all the challenges of the school. He gave several
examples from the Armenian communities of neighboring gulf countries and how
they started with the same humble beginnings and now have grown into a full
fledge organized schools. He said that some of the students who had
graduated from the One day Armenian schools have pursued careers and
doctorate degrees in Armenian Literature and History. Serpazan Hayr stressed
on the importance of commitment and dedication to the objectives of the
school which will enhance the presence of the Armenian character in this
rapidly developing community. He thanked the Lebanese Ambassador and the
director of the Lebanese school for providing the school facilities.
Father Aram Dekermendjian, who visits Qatar every Christmas and Easter to
perform the Holy Mass and the blessing of the Armenian homes, gave a word of
encouragement to the school administration and the council with whom he has
been interacting in the last few years. He described the current status of
the two Armenian one day schools in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi and the zealous
effort that the community members are putting in their preservation and
growth.
The event ended with a souvenir photo session, which was followed by a
community lunch.
Tghtagits
About Mesrobian Armenian one day school of Qatar
Mesrobian Armenian one day School was established by the Armenian National
Council of Qatar in 2004. The School was named after St. Mesrob since its
establishment date coincided with the 1600 centenary celebrations of the
Armenian alphabet invention.
Currently, the school has 13 registered students divided into 4 classes by
there corresponding age groups (from 4 – 12 years old). The 2 hour/week one
day school is held over the weekend according to the convenience and the
agreement of all the parents.
The curriculum of the school mainly focuses on teaching Armenian Language,
grammar, Armenian history and Religion. The classes are conducted in the
premises of the Lebanese School of Doha.
In addition to the books, workbooks, and software, the school provides a
pick up bus facility to the students.
See photos at: 34ajj67

Panorama.am
11:52 26/05/06

A RESIDENT BURNS HIMSELF IN GYUMRI
Shirak region reports that on May 26, at 7.40 p.m.
Gyumri resident Rubik Sahakyan has used petrol to burn
himself. The victim has been transported to a local
hospital with 1st and 2nd grade burns. Doctors say R.
Sahakyan is in serious state.
This is the second similar incident during this month.
On May 13, at 7 a.m. similar case was reported from
Garegin Njdeh station of Yerevan subway. A 65 years
old cleaner Emma S. used fuel to burn herself.
/Panorama.am/

GEGHAM MANUKIAN ELECTED “ARF” FACTION SECRETARY

YEREVAN, MAY 26, NOYAN TAPAN. Gegham Manukian, completed the deputies’
staff on May 22, undertook by the faction’s decesion the vacant post
of the RA National Assembly “ARF” faction Secretary. Hrayr Karapetian,
the newly elected head of the faction informed the Noyan Tapan
correspondent about it. Before it, Levon Mkrtchian, undertaken the
post of the RA Minister of Education and Science on May 17 was the
faction head, and Hrayr Karapetian was the faction Secretary.

CITY OF BERD TO HAVE CHURCH AT LAST

BERD, MAY 26, NOYAN TAPAN. The city of Berd of the Tavush marz will
again have a church: after destroying the only church of the city in
1930s, a new church has not been build yet. As Andranik Sharian, the
Berd Mayor informed the Noyan Tapan correspondent, construction of the
new church in the city will start this year and end, perhaps, in
2008. According to the Mayor, the place where the church will be built
have already been decided and the necessary geological works have
already been done. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, with
benefactors’ assistance, will care expenses for contruction of the new
church.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PEOPLE ARE THE CORE OF ORINATS YERKIR
Lragir.am
26 May 06
There is no information on a mass desertion of the regional organizations of
Orinats Yerkir, stated the deputy leader of the Orinats Yerkir Party Gagik
Mkheyan and Gagik Avetyan. They mentioned that over the ten years of existence
of Orinats Yerkir many people joined and left the party but the core stayed.
Gagik Avetyan says people are the core of the Orinats Yerkir Party. The
Orinats Yerkir members of parliament said they did not have information that
there is pressure on the regional organizations of the party to disband the
political party.
Gagik Avetyan thinks that people are making a fuss about the party, but the
real danger is smaller than the noise. Gagik Avetyan has announced that the
question of pressure from law enforcement agencies on him was settled several
months ago. `It lasted and came to an end, a positive end,=80=9D said Gagik
Avetyan, adding that all the charges were dismissed.

ARF AND REPUBLICAN SUPPORT TIGRAN TOROSYAN
Lragir.am
26 May 06
Galust Sahakyan is going to nominate speaker of the National
Assembly. He told this to the news reporter of Lragir.am on May
26. Galust Sahakyan endorses the candidacy of Tigran Torosyan and
denied that he would be nominated too.
In the meantime, others are likely to nominate Galust Sahakyan, namely
Member of Parliament Hakob Hakobyan, Peoples Deputy Group, from
Echmiadzin. `They did not strengthen my position inside the party, by
this wish they were trying to do me a favor. There cannot be such a
question because for the Republican Party a post is not an end in
itself,’ says Galust Sahakyan, commenting on Hakob Hakobyan’s
initiative. Of course, he says his position was not weakened either.
`I have my duties which are very important for me, and over these
years there were cases when I bore greater responsibility. I
personally think that our debates will be focused on this direction,
and in the plenary meeting I will prove that the election of Tigran
Torosyan is the right choice,’ says Galust Sahakyan.
He did not deny that after the election of Tigran Torosyan to the post
of speaker the vacant post of the deputy speaker will be given to the
newly established Businessman Group. Member of Parliament Hrair
Karapetyan, ARF,also endorsed Tigran Torosyan. He said they are
faithful to their arrangement, and the ARF will give their 12 votes to
Tigran Torosyan. Galust Sahakyan does not doubt that Tigran Torosyan
will be elected in the first round. The only concern of the Republican
leader is the number of votes Tigran Torosyan will get.

The construction works at the North Avenue were of high quality

ArmRadio.am
27.05.2006 15:06
President Robert Kocharyan received today the delegation of the
delegation of Russian `Makarios’ company, which carried out the
construction works at the North Avenue.
Representatives of the Company thanked for trust and noted that they
took the work very seriously. The construction works were of very high
quality and were carried out according to the preset schedule. They
informed that the works at the Chief Avenue will continue, programs
should be implemented in the sphere of hydroelectricity.
The President expressed the confidence that further cooperation would
also be effective. According to Robert Kocharyan, this was just the
start of the North Avenue; its final appearance will be rather
interesting.
Reference was made to other construction projects in Yerevan.

Bush urges Azeri leader to be consistent in Karabakh settlement
Turan news agency
26 May 06

Baku, 26 May: US President George Bush has congratulated Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev on the national holiday – Day of the Republic
(28 May).
Recalling his meeting with Aliyev in Washington last month, Bush
called it a “historical opportunity” for the development of “common
interests in the sphere of security, energy and democracy”. “Your
government is continuing to build a successful future full of hope for
the Azerbaijani people,” Bush wrote. He expressed the hope that the
Aliyev government will continue democratic and economic reforms to
ensure Azerbaijan’s success in the future.
Bush also expects Aliyev to conduct a consistent policy to achieve a
peaceful solution to the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict.
[Passage omitted: Aliyev has also received congratulations from other
world leaders]