established in 1919 and the first
classes were held in Alexandropol
(today’s Gyumri), Armenia, as
sufficient facilities were not
available in Yerevan. Classes
were held in Alexandropol from
February to May 1919. Among
the prominent faculty that taught
during the first year of the
HAYrmE eSnHiaAnR ZAHcOtiOoMn
FA| <AR VOUM 41 Year
California State University, Fresno
Armenian Studies Program
and Armenian Students Organization
5245 N. Backer Ave. M/S PB 4
Fresno, CA 93740-8001
Change Service Requested
December 2019 Vol. 41, No. 2 (148) Ethnic Supplement to The Collegian
See SAS page 4
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
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Permit No. 262
FRESNO, CA
Krikorian Performs in Keyboard Concert Series
Ari Şekeryan Appointed as 16th
Kazan Visiting Professor in ASP
Left to right: Alison Vacca, Vice-President; Bedross Der Ma-tossian,
President; Dzovinar Derderian, Secretary; Christo-pher
Sheklian, Advisor; and Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Trea-surer,
at the SAS Executive Council meeting.
See YSU Page 6
See Krikorian Page 6
Photo: ASP Archive
Yerevan State University Marks
100th Anniversary of its Founding
Photo: ASP Archive
Michael Krikorian performed October 20 at Fresno State.
Dr. Ari Şekeryan
Society for Armenian Studies Holds 45th Annual
Membership Meeting in New Orleans in November
See Garabedian Page 2
On the left, Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, with Dr. Paul Haid-ostian,
President of Haigazian University.
Photo: Maral Haidostian
See Şekeryan Page 3
Garabedian Foundation Establishes $25,000
Scholarship Endowment for Fresno State Students
Photo: Andrew Hagopian
st
Staff Report
Armenian Studies Program
Director Prof. Barlow Der
Mugrdechian announced the
appointment of Dr. Ari Şekeryan
as the 16th Henry S. Khanzadian
Kazan Visiting Professor in
Armenian Studies for the Spring
2020 semester at Fresno State.
Dr. Şekeryan graduated from
the Department of Oriental
Studies at the University of
Oxford, defending his dissertation
entitled, “The Armenians in the
Ottoman Empire after the First
World War (1918-1923).” In the
2018-2019 academic year, Dr.
Şekeryan was an Honorary Fellow
at the University of Wisconsin-
Madison, Institute for Research in
the Humanities. Şekeryan was a
Visiting Lecturer in the Faculty of
Oriental Studies at Yerevan State
University (summer of 2018)
and a Research Assistant in the
Department of Sociology at the
University of Oxford in 2016.
Şekeryan’s interest in the field
of Armenian Studies started to
grow while he was working at the
Istanbul-based Aras Publishing
House. Teaching Armenian his-tory
is prohibited in the Armenian
schools in Istanbul and there
were only Armenian literature
classes offered, but the content
was limited due to the strict
regulations. It was at Aras that
Şekeryan became more interested
in Armenian literature and history,
and then started to read works
from famed Armenian authors.
At the same time, he decided
to pursue a Master’s degree at
Bogazici University, where he
had the chance to study the Late
Ottoman period and the minorities
in the Ottoman Empire. These
two institutions, Aras Publishing
and Boğaziçi University, had a
great impact on his intellectual
development.
When Şekeryan was visiting
the Bayazid State Library to
check on a few issues of Turkish
and Armenian dailies for a book
Staff Report
The Society for Armenian
Studies held its 45th Annual
Membership Meeting on
Thursday, November 14 at the
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, in
New Orleans, Louisiana.
SAS President Bedross Der
Matossian opened the meeting
and welcomed members. Der
Matossian reported on SAS
activities for 2019 and also
presented plans for the future
activities of the Society.
Among the highlights of the
past year’s activities was the
initiation of the SAS Podcast
series, which is comprised of
interviews with more than 30
scholars on a variety of topics. The
interviews highlight new books
and a variety of themes, and were
conducted in various languages,
such as English, Armenian, and
French.
Der Matossian also reported
that the SAS has awarded Society
for Armenian Studies Research
and Travel Grants to 11 students
in 2019, each awarded $500 to
conduct research and for travel
costs to conference. The Grants
are awarded semi-annually to the
graduate members of SAS and are
supported by Armenian Studies
Chairs and Directors in addition
to the Gulbenkian Foundation,
NAASR, and the AGBU Nubarian
Library.
Der Matossian announced the
election of two new members
to the SAS Executive Council:
Tamar Boyadjian (Michigan
State University) and Christopher
Sheklian (Zohrab Information
Center, New York), who
Staff Report
Armenian Studies Program
Coordinator Prof. Barlow Der
Mugrdechian participated in the
celebratory activities marking the
100th anniversary of the founding
of Yerevan State University, which
were held in Yerevan, Armenia,
September 26-27, 2019.
Yerevan State University was
Staff Report
Armenian Studies Program
Berberian Coordinator Prof.
Barlow Der Mugrdechian an-nounced
that the Bertha and John
Garabedian Foundation has made
a generous donation of $25,000
to establish the Bertha and John
Garabedian Foundation Armenian
Studies Endowed Scholarship at
Fresno State.
Together with previous year’s
donations, the Garabedian
Foundation has awarded more
than $140,000 in grants to the
Armenian Studies Program.
John Garabedian, born in
Fresno on February 28, 1909,
was a prominent Californian
grower, businessman, and po-litical
activist. He married his
Christine Pambukya n
Staff Writer
Dr. Michael Krikorian is a
pianist, composer, and educator
who has won countless top prizes
all around the world and has
performed and competed across
the United States, Italy, France,
China, and South Korea.
At 3:00PM on Sunday, October
20, the Los Angeles-based pianist
and Fresno native, Dr. Krikorian
performed in the Concert Hall
at Fresno State as part of the
48th season of the Philip Lorenz
International Keyboard Concerts
series. The Concert was held in
collaboration with the Armenian
Studies Program of Fresno
State and his performance was
part of the “Young Armenian
Talent” series. The Thomas A.
Kooyumjian Foundation provided
major funding for the Concert.
As Dr. Krikorian was a Fresno
native and a musician with a
great reputation, the Concert Hall
was packed with family, friends,
teachers, and students of the
young pianist.
Much like a master class,
Dr. Krikorian explained the
historical context and theme
of each piece with a humorous
approach before he performed
them. This approach helped keep
the audience of all ages engaged
and involved as Dr. Krikorian
performed his prelude and
interpretation of Paul McCartney
and John Lennon’s “Yesterday,”
Hye Sharzhoom
2
December 2019
Staff Writers
Arshak Abelyan
Sosse Baloian
Yervand Boyajyan
Christine Pambukyan
Carina Tokatian
Dustin Vartanian
HYE SHARZHOOM
FA| <ARVOUM
Advisor
Barlow Der Mugrdechian
barlowd@csufresno.edu
Online Library and Photo Archive
The site can be accessed at
http://www.fresnostate.edu/artshum/
armenianstudies/library/index.html
Armenian Studies Program Faculty:
Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Berberian Coordinator, Armenian Studies Program and Director of the Center for Armenian Studies, ASO Advisor, Hye Sharzhoom Advisor
(barlowd@csufresno.edu)
Sergio La Porta, Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies
Hagop Ohanessian, Lecturer, Armenian Studies Program
Dickran Kouymjian, Berberian Professor Emeritus of Armenian Studies
ASO members at the annual Halloween party.
Give Your Way
to the Armenian Studies Program
There are many ways to support
the Armenian Studies Program.
1) A gift today could come through the donation of cash, stock, or goods.
2) The Armenian Studies Program can also be supported in the future in estate plans.
California State University, Fresno
Armenian Studies Program
Spring 2020 Schedule of Courses
Course Units Time Day Instructor
General Education-Breadth, Humanities, Area C2
• Arm 1B-Elementary Armenian 4 10:00A-11:50A MW B. Der Mugrdechian (Class #32262)
General Education-Breadth, Arts, Area C1
• ArmS 20-Arts of Armenia 3 11:00A-12:15P TuTh B. Der Mugrdechian
(Class #333214)
General Education-Breadth, Area D3
• ArmS 10-Intro Arm Studies 3 09:00A-09:50A MWF H. Ohanessian
(Class #33526)
General Education-Integration, Area IC
• Arm 148-Mastrpcs Arm Cult 3 2:00P-3:15P MW H. Ohanessian
(Class #33296)
• Arm 148-Mastrpcs Arm Cult 3 2:00P-3:15P TuTh H. Ohanessian
(Class #33706)
Upper Division Armenian Studies Course
• ArmS 108B-Arm History II 3 9:30A-10:45A TuTh B. Der Mugrdechian
(Class #32261)
• ArmS 120T-Arm Ottom Emp 3 2:00P-3:15P MW Kazan Visiting Prof.(Class #36896)
Get a Minor in Armenian Studies.
For more information call the Armenian Studies Program at 278-2669.
Check on requirements for the Minor in Armenian Studies in the current catalog.
http://www.fresnostate.edu/catalog/subjects/armenian-studies/armenia-mn.html
Editor
Andrew Hagopian
Layout
Barlow Der Mugrdechian
Photographers
Andrew Hagopian
Barlow Der Mugrdechian
Hye Sharzhoom is an ethnic supplement of The Collegian and is the newspaper of the Fresno State Armenian Students Organization and the Armenian Studies Program and is funded by the Associated Students. Articles may be reprinted provided Hye Sharzhoom is acknowledged. Hye Sharzhoom welcomes prose, poetry, articles and other material from its student readers. For further information concerning the newspaper or the Armenian Studies Program contact us at:
Armenian Studies Program
5245 N. Back er Ave. PB 4
F
resno, CA 93740-8001
T
elephone 559.278.2669
www.fresnostate.edu/armenianstudies
barlowd@csu fresno.edu
Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian
G
a
rabedian, From Page 1
Armenian Students Organization Enjoys Active Fall Semester
Andrew Hagopian
E
ditor
The Armenian Students Organization (ASO) remained very active during the Fall 2019 semester, recruiting many new members. The year kicked off with an Armenian Social Night, which had students enjoying their fellowship over traditional Armenian Khorovadz (Barbeque).
The ASO’s next event was a “Halloween Costume Party,” which was a huge success. Held on October 25, students dressed up as their favorite Halloween character, participated in a costume contest, and competed in a Halloween edition “Gingerbread House Building Competition.” Students were judged on their creativity, effort, and scariness.
In November ASO members gathered to celebrate Friendsgiving to show their appreciation for one another and their Armenian heritage. We would like to thank all of those members who came out in support of these events, making them successful and memorable. We encourage all of our members and friends to join us for upcoming events in the Spring Semester.
Check out our Facebook Page for updates or reminders for events! Facebook: FresnoStateASO and Instagram: @fresnostateaso.
A “Friendsgiving” celebration was held in November.
wife, Bertha, on August 10, 1928. Garabedian grew and bred fruit for 50 years in the Madera and Fresno region, patenting 45 new varieties of plums, grapes, nectarines, and peaches.
Garabedian was a generous benefactor who actively supported his community. In 1973, he donated $100,000 to St. Agnes Hospital, which was used to dedicate the fourth floor of their new hospital. Garabedian regularly supported Fresno State and its students.
During the fund drive for the Haig and Isabel Berberian Endowed Chair in Armenian Studies, Garabedian donated $50,000 to the Armenian Studies Program. The Armenian Studies offices at Fresno State have been named after Garabedian and display a plaque in honor of his gift.
After John Garabedian’s death in 1992, the Bertha and John Garabedian Foundation was established in 1993, and con-tinues his charitable work.
Thanks to the Garabedian Foundation, dozens of Fresno State students have benefited over the years from scholarships. He also set up grants for Spanish speaking students from Madera interested in studying horticulture or viticulture. It was his goal to make farming more affordable and accessible for young people.
The Bertha and John Garabedian Foundation has made a lasting contribution to the success of students at Fresno State.
Photo: ASP Archive
Visit the Armenian Studies Program3
December 2019
Hye Sharzhoom
Dr. Ümit Kurt on the Young Turks and Their Pan-Turkist Ideology
Left to right: Garo Minasian, Dr. Sergio La Porta, Dr. Ümit Kurt, Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Ariana Garabedian, Matthew Mugrdechian, and Yervand Boyajyan. Dr. Kurt gave a talk on “The Young Turks: Racism and the Construction of National Identity.
Şekeryan, From Page 1
Ayşenur Korkmaz with students and faculty after the October 30 lecture at Fresno State.
Photo: Andrew Hagopian
Korkmaz on “Ergir” and Attachment to Homeland
Photo: Andrew Hagopianº
Arshak Abelyayan
Staff Writer
Armenian refugees from the Ottoman Empire, who were able to escape the Genocide, experienced another traumatic shock by settling in the new Soviet Union. “Living under a new political order necessitated a total transformation of these ex-Ottoman subjects, into loyal Soviet citizens,” stated guest speaker Ayşenur Korkmaz.
On Wednesday, October 30, 2019, Korkmaz explored the question of attachment to homeland(s) in three periods in Soviet Armenia, through her lecture, “‘No Place Like Home’: Ergir and the Ex-Ottoman Armenians in Soviet Armenia.” The lecture was sponsored the Armenian Studies Program, with the generous support of the Clara Bousian Bedrosian fund.
Korkmaz argued that Armenians under Soviet rule were subjected to three distinct periods in reference to the term of “Ergir.” The first period, from the 1920s to the 1930s, was when Armenians were able to express their feelings of exiled and nostalgia. This was evident in the literature of the time, in childhood memoirs, and even in music. One example was the song Qele Lao, which reflects the yearning to go back to “Ergir.” Vagharshak Norents was one of many poets who wrote about the dream of returning to “Ergir” and his work emphasized how important this time period was in providing a first-hand perspective of those refugees and their attachment to their homeland.
Armenians also established new settlements in Soviet Armenia based on the ones left behind in the lost Ergir, such as Nor (New) Arabkir and Nor Malatia.
The second period was the Stalinist period, which lasted from 1936 until 1953. “In an environment like this, the concept of ‘Ergir’ completely disappeared from literary works,” said Korkmaz. With censorship, espionage, and terror that led to many Armenians to be exiled to Siberia, the number of literary works dramatically declined. She also emphasized that Stalin’s regime suspected Armenians since they resisted collectivization and because Soviet Armenia was on the very border of the union.
The concept of “Ergir” was revived in the post-Stalinist period, especially after 1960, and literary production boomed. “Even though Stalin’s regime had achieved its goal of silencing the mention of Ottoman life or the Genocide, it had unintentionally laid the groundwork for a new period when the narratives of Ergir gained in popularity,” said Korkmaz.
Ler Kamsar was a notable author who lived and experienced the censorship which landed him in prison. Dr. Korkmaz read excerpts from one of his literary works, where he said “I was deprived of the two most essential things to live, homeland and liberty.” Without these literary works, the first-hand experiences of those refugees from the Ottoman period would not have been preserved.
Korkmaz has a specific interest in this period in Armenian history when it was under Soviet control. “I see a big void in the field of literature pertaining to Soviet Armenia,” concluded Korkmaz. She attended an American school in Turkey, which was more liberal in interpreting Turkish history. With this background knowledge and seeking to learn more, she visited Armenia and conducted research there, as well as learning fluent Armenian.
Korkmaz is optimistic that more can be done by other researchers to fill further gaps left in Soviet Armenian history. “Reaching that generation of those who lived in that period through the more recent generation is the best way we can fill the gaps in the oral history in the Soviet period.
Yervand Boyayajyayan
Staff Writer
Over a hundred years has passed, and the Turkish government has yet to recognize the atrocious genocide of the Armenian people. It is a topic about which modern-day Turkey stays silent and continues to deny what the Ottoman Turkish Empire did to the Armenian people in 1915.
On Friday, November 8, 2019, Dr. Ümit Kurt gave an impressive presentation, “The Young Turks: Racism and the Construction of National Identity,” as part of the Armenian Studies Program Fall Lecture Series and co-sponsored by the Center for Ethics, Character, and Civic Education.
Dr. Kurt spoke about the rise of Turkish Nationalism and how growing nationalist ideas lead to the Genocide of the Armenian people. He explored Turkish Nationalism, its dangers, and its impact on minorities within the Ottoman Empire.
Dr. Kurt is a historian of the modern Middle East with a focus specifically on the Ottoman Empire. He has studied the Ottoman Empire extensively, in particular, the Empire’s nationalistic tendencies and the consequences of these tendencies. Dr. Kurt has also conducted numerous studies on Genocides of the 20th century, including the Armenian Genocide.
Much of Dr. Kurt’s research for this lecture was based on two publications, “The Balkan Wars and the Rise of the Reactionary Modernist Utopia in Young Turk Thought,” and the journal Turk Yurdu (Turkish Homeland). This latter publication explores the effects of the Balkan Wars on the Ottoman Empire and more specifically, the Committee of Union and Progress Party (CUP).
The lecture began with brief background and introductory information regarding Turkish Nationalism, especially in the years from 1911 to 1916, and how it led to the Armenian Genocide. Dr. Kurt outlined how the earliest effort of nationalism in the Ottoman Empire began with the attempt to simplify and cleanse the Turkish language of Arabic and Persian influences. Dr. Kurt then talked about the idea of a Turko-Aryan, which suggests that the Turks are a superior race and all other races in the Middle East and eastern Asia derive from a single Turkic race.
These concepts were for a purpose: for the unification of Ottoman subjects. Ottoman Nationalism really picked up pace after the devastating loss of the Balkan Regions to four Balkan countries in 1912-1913. In truth, the Ottoman leaders were embarrassed by their massive loss. In part, they blamed the defeat on minorities, including Armenians. The Ottoman Empire advocated nationalism to unite and promote Turkism throughout the empire so that its subjects did not feel ashamed of their leaders and their country.
Minorities within the Ottoman Empire, Greeks, Armenians, Kurds and others, did not fit into the Ottoman nationalist concept. As a result, these minority communities wanted to sever ties with the Ottoman Empire.
Turkish Nationalism began to take shape with the establishment of a nationalistic journal, Turk Yurdu. Yusuf Akçura was one of the founders of the journal and was one of the lead writers. Dr. Kurt added that the concept of Pan-Turkism was developed and popularized by Akçura himself. The goal of the journal was to elaborate on the roots of the Turkish people with one goal: the unification of Turkish subjects in the Ottoman Empire.
Dr. Kurt added that the founders of Turk Yurdu did not use religion to unite the Turkish people, but rather the idea of tribalism, based on the belief that all Turkish people came from one place and that they shared a common Turkish ancestor. By using tribe, as Dr. Kurt argued, the contributors to Turk Yurdu were able to claim that the Turkish people originated long before other people like the Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, or Arabs.
Dr. Kurt’s lecture provided insight into the development of the CUP ideology, and how the racist views expressed by some Turkish intellectuals ultimately led to the Armenian Genocide.
project that they were working on at Aras, a librarian, after seeing Şekeryan’s name on request forms, brought several volumes of Armenian newspapers, asked him to help them in cataloging. No one knew Armenian among the library staff, and he felt obligated to help them. These were the volumes of Zhamanag daily in 1918 and 1919.
Şekeryan helped the library staff in cataloguing these volumes and afterwards he visited the library twice a week to read the news items, articles, and editorials.
He was surprised when he realized the significant gap that exists in Armenian historiography regarding the Armistice years (1918-1923).
Rather than focusing on diplomatic documents, which are not great sources to analyze the inner dynamics of communities, he focused on the Ottoman Turkish and Armenian dailies to track the political and social developments and most importantly the reactions of the community leadership as well as members.
Şekeryan’s Ph.D. dissertation, “The Armenians in the Ottoman Empire after First World War (1918-1923)”, analyzes the transformation of the Ottoman Armenian political stance and the impacts of social and political developments of the period on the post-genocide Armenian community by examining the Ottoman Turkish and Armenian press as well as the Ottoman archives.
Şekeryan is currently working on two projects. One is a book, An Untold Story of Survival, which is a significant revision of his Ph.D. dissertation and secondly, he is writing an article about the story of Armenian orphans in Corfu, who were transferred from Istanbul in 1923 following the defeat of the Greek forces by the Turkish Nationalists.
Students will have the opportunity to enroll in a three-unit course, “Armenians in the Ottoman Empire after the Genocide,” to be taught by Şekeryan in the Spring 2020 semester.
The course will survey the aftermath of the Genocide in the Ottoman Empire and will analyze the Armenian community in the Ottoman Empire and modern Turkey after the First World War.
Şekeryan will also give three public lectures in the Spring semester, under the general theme of “Armenians in the Ottoman Empire After the Genocide.” Based on a collection of Armenian and Ottoman Turkish press, the lectures provide new research on a neglected period in the history of the late Ottoman Empire and Ottoman Armenians.
The first lecture, on Friday, February 7, 2020, is entitled “An Untold Story of Survival: the Armenian Community in Istanbul During the Armistice Years (1918-1923),” and will present an overview of the political and social developments that happened in the Ottoman Empire during the Armistice period and it explores how the Armenian community organized itself while facing political turmoil.
Şekeryan has never been to Fresno but is excited about meeting the Armenian community in Fresno and is looking forward to participating in community events.
“Fresno has a unique place in Armenian history and culture, and I am sure I will learn a lot from the community,” concluded Şekeryan.Hye Sharzhoom
4
December 2019
Isabel Lion Bequest of $5,000 to Armenian Studies
“All Things Armenian”
Sundays 2:00PM - 3:00PM
on Multicultural1600AM
A live radio show with interesting interviews
and original music.
https://www.multicultural1600am.com/
Fresno State student Michaela Walkup, right, with Prof. Ken Martin, who taught a photo-journalism course that Walkup took as part of the AUA “Summer Study” program.
SAS, From Page 1
Isabel Lion
Participants at the SAS Conference “Stateless Diaspora” held at UCLA October 12-13.
Photo: ASP Archive
Photo: Veronique Parker
SAS Holds Annual Membership Meeting
will serve as advisors on the Executive Council. They join continuing members Bedross Der Matossian, President; Alison Vacca, Vice-President; Dzovinar Derderian, Secretary; Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Treasurer; and Vartan Matiossian, Advisor. Der Matossian thanked outgoing members Anna Aleksanyan and Vahe Sahakyan for their service.
The winners of the SAS “Der Mugrdechian Outstanding Book Award” for 2018-2019 were announced at the Annual Meeting. Houri Berberian’s Roving Revolutionaries: Armenians and the Connected Revolutions in the Russian, Iranian, and Ottoman Worlds (Oakland: UC Press, 2019) and Heghnar Zeitlian Watenpaugh’s The Missing Pages: The Modern Life of a Medieval Manuscript, from Genocide to Justice (Stanford University Press) were chosen as the co-recipients of the Award. An honorable mention was awarded to James Barry’s Armenian Christians in Iran: Ethnicity, Religion, and Identity in the Islamic Republic (Cambridge University Press, 2018).
The SAS also awards an annual “Best Graduate Conference Paper Award” and a biennial “Best Dissertation Award.” In 2019, the “Nina G. Garsoïan Graduate Research Grant for Ancient and Early Mediaeval Armenian History” was established, which will award $500 on an annual basis to a graduate student in the field of Ancient and Medieval Armenian History. The grant is funded by Dr. Levon Avdoyan, who recently retired as the Area Specialist for Armenia and Georgia at the African and Middle Eastern Division of the Library of Congress. Der Matossian expressed the hope to establish more named awards that would cover different categories in the field of Armenian Studies.
A new initiative is the establishment of e-SAS (Entries of the Society for Armenian Studies), edited by Dzovinar Derderian, an online open access, peer-reviewed platform for the publication of short, scholarly pieces pertaining to Armenian Studies.
The Journal of the Society for Armenian Studies has been a valuable publication providing a forum for a variety of topics. President Der Matossian announced that Brill Publishing has agreed to become the publisher of the JSAS, thus elevating the prestige of the Journal. Tamar Boyadjian was named the new editor of JSAS, succeeding Sergio La Porta.
The SAS has also started an SAS Publication Series, in conjunction with the Armenian Series of The Press at California State University, Fresno. The first publication in the Series was Western Armenian in the 21st Century: Challenges and New Approaches. The publication of the second and third volumes in the Series are well underway.
On the occasion of its 45th Anniversary, the SAS is embarking on a major Capital Campaign to increase its current endowment fund, with the goal of reaching $200,000.
Thanks to the efforts of previous Presidents and Exec-utive Councils, the SAS had established an endowment fund that now stands at $48,000, the interest of which is used for SAS special projects.
The SAS Annual Membership meeting was preceded by a meeting by the SAS Executive Council. Next year’s Membership Meeting will be held in October in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the Middle East Studies Association Annual Conference.
Soss e Baloian
Staff Writer
Early this summer, second-year Mechanical Engineering student Sarkis Tatarian and senior Landscape Architecture Design student Michaela Walkup attended the American University of Armenia’s “Summer Study” program in Yerevan. During the six-week program, both enrolled in one general education course and were housed in apartments close to the campus. At the end of each week, Tatarian and Walkup met up with two other program participants to go on excursions throughout Armenia.
The Kashian Family Foundation has, since 2016, been a generous underwriter in providing Fresno State students the opportunity to spend either a semester or summer abroad at the American University of Armenia. The Kashian Family Foundation grant provides students with tuition, full room and board, transportation, and educational expenses while in Armenia.
The American University of Armenia (AUA), founded in 1991, offers graduate and undergraduate education courses taught primarily in English. The AUA Main Building was previously used as a meeting house for Soviet elites. Walkup described the building’s remarkable marble staircase and velvet plushy seats in admiration.
Tatarian and Walkup spoke highly about their professors, Khachatur Gasparyan and Tatevik Arakelyan (Pyschology 120) and Ken Martin (Photojournalism). When I asked about the most influential person they encountered on the trip, both responded with grateful comments about their instructors. Tatarian said that Dr. Gasparyan told him, “don’t think about what other people think. Just let them do what they want. Just live your own life.”
This was the first time these Fresno State students had traveled to Armenia. They described Yerevan as a densely-populated city with a safe environment and lively nights. Outside of the city, one might feel a culture shock from witnessing the vast, rural landscape. Walkup shared a first-time experience in which her car was stopped by a herd of cattle crossing the street.
Tatarian’s most memorable experience was visiting the areas where his parents grew up. “I heard stories about my parents’ past that I had never heard before,” he says after traveling to his mother’s hometown of Gyumri.
For Walkup, the day she spent going to Khor Virap was a journey forever ingrained in her memory. Walkup befriended her taxi driver, Gago, who had also never been to the Khop Virap monastery, where St. Gregory was imprisoned in the fourth century. Not only does the monastery symbolize a vital piece of Armenian history, but the all-powerful view of Mount Ararat draws your attention to its commanding beauty.
Walkup said her biggest take-away from Armenia was the attitude that “less is more.” “When going to a person’s house they likely had a 20-year-old oven, a 30-year-old refrigerator. Their plates were clearly a pattern from the 80s, but they don’t feel this need to keep up with the Joneses,” said Walkup. “Everything had its place, all of their things had value. There was an atmosphere of modest dignity
Fresno State Students Walkup and Tatarian Enjoy AUA “Summer Study” Programin an Armenian home. As long as something works then why throw it out. It was something that I very much respected while over there.”
Tatarian and Walkup highly recommend that Fresno State students travel to Armenia through the AUA “Summer Study” Program. For a freshman or sophomore, Walkup “would absolutely, one hundred percent say [to] do your General Education there and have the time of your life.”
Tatarian encourages students who enjoy experiencing new cultures to study abroad and to learn about the Armenian heritage.
Fresno State student Sarkis Tatarian.
Staff Report
Armenian Studies Program Coordinator Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian announced that a bequest of $5,000 was made from the estate of the late Mrs. Isabel (Keklikian) Lion to the Armenian Studies Program for scholarships.
Mrs. Lion passed away on February 22, 2018. She was a long-time supporter of the Armenian Studies Program.
In 1946, she married Herbert Lion, who had recently returned from the war in Europe, where he had served in the Battle of the Bulge. Isabel and Herbert had two children Larry, born in 1948, and John, born in 1953.
Mrs. Lion was a patron of the musical arts, especially as performed by the Tulare County Philharmonic.
After learning to play the piano, without fanfare or bravado, she shared her gift at a local nursing home. She was also a member of St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem.
The Armenian Studies Program appreciates this bequest which will benefit students enrolled in Armenian Studies courses at Fresno State.
Photo: ASP Archive
Photo: ASP ArchiveHye Sharzhoom
5
December 2019
Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian during the airing of “All Things Armenian” radio hour.
Sixth from left: Director and producer Mimi Malayan who presented the documentary “The Stateless Diplomat” to a full house in the Fresno State University Business Center. Malayan is the great-granddaughter of Diana Apcar.
Have you moved?
Please let us know
of any change
in address.
Call us at 278-2669
or email: barlowd@csufresno.edu
Photo: Andrew Hagopian
Photo: Andrew Hagopian
“All Things Armenian” Radio Hour Premieres on Multicultural 1600AM Radio
“The Stateless Diplomat: Diana Apcar’s Heroic Life” Screened in Fresno Premiere
Photo: ASP Archive
Left to right: Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Suzanna Ekmekchyan, Andrew Hagopian, Dustin Vartanian, Matthew Mugrdechian, and Ariana Garabedian on the set of “All Things Armenian.”
D
us
tin Vartanian
Staff Writer
Turn up the volume and tune in to Multicultural 1600 KGST-AM Radio. The Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State has brought back its “All Things Armenian” radio program hosted by Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian. The original “All Things Armenian” program aired in 2003-2004 through the Fresno State radio station (KFSR) but, the new program’s airing this year have a new twist to them. This program is recorded live and listeners are encouraged to call in to join discussions about relevant topics about the local Armenian community and Armenian news from around the world. “All Things Armenian” also includes interviews from a diverse group of people and different selections of Armenian music.
The host, Prof. Der Mugrdechian, explains that each episode will be related to Armenian Studies. This gives students involved in the Armenian Studies Program an opportunity to be engaged in other discussions outside of the classroom. The content of the program is targeted for the local community; however, now that the program is streamed online, anyone around the world will be able to tune in. Prof. Der Mugrdechian believes the audience will extend beyond the Fresno community because of the interesting content of the program. “Normally you don’t get to talk to someone and hear them go into depth on a given topic. I want to bring in experts and interesting people so I think it will be a broad audience,” stated Prof. Der Mugrdechian.
“All Things Armenian” is one of the several cultural programs aired through the Multicultural Radio Station. Multicultural Radio highlights the many different cultures found in the diverse Fresno area. Melissa Del Carlo, the General Sales Manager for Lotus Fresno Corporation, explains that the radio programs aired on Multicultural radio are essential for others to learn about different cultures around the community. She says that listening to these programs are some of the only ways to explore different cultures in the Fresno area. The radio programs “help our community really be able to connect with all the different cultures that are here,” said Del Carlo. The Fresno Armenian community is a big and active community and many others living in the area do not understand the Armenian culture and do not understand other cultures as well.
Del Carlo also sees potential for expanding the “All Things Armenian” program. It is possible that the program could be aired more than once a week in the future. “I’d love to integrate a weekly program that is dialed in Monday through Friday at a set time,” said Del Carlo.
“All Things Armenian” is aired every Sunday afternoon from 2:00pm to 3:00pm on 1600 KGST-AM and live streamed on the Multi-cultural 1600 website, found at https://www.multicultural1600am.com/. All of the programs will also be archived at the site.
Carina Toka tian
Staff Writer
“The more I delved into her [Diana Apcar’s] story, the more I discovered the magnitude of her contribution to Armenia and the Armenian people. And with each discovery, the more awe I felt for this incredible woman,” stated film director and producer Mimi Malayan, who is the great-granddaughter of Diana Apcar.
On Tuesday, October 8, the Armenian Studies Program, the Armenian National Committee, Central California, and the Hamazkayin Taniel Varoujan Chapter sponsored the screening of the 2018 film, “The Stateless Diplomat: Diana Apcar’s Heroic Life.” The event was held in the University Business Center, Alice Peters Auditorium, where Malayan was also present to discuss her great-grandmother’s story.
Diana Agabeg Apcar’s story began in Rangoon, Burma where she was born. As a young woman, she attended a convent in Calcutta, India, until she later returned to Rangoon to marry an Armenian merchant, Michael Apcar. The couple relocated to Yokohama, Japan to pursue greater business opportunities. Unfortunately, in 1906, her husband Michael passed away, and she was left to raise their three children alone, as well as to run the family business. In addition to these responsibilities, Apcar was fascinated with writing and wrote fictional stories such as Susan and Home Stories of the War. She also showed much interest in religion and politics, often inviting political leaders and clergymen to her home for discussions.
When Apcar learned of the 30,000 Armenians massacred in Adana, Turkey in 1909, she changed the focus of her writing. Beginning in 1910, she published books such as The Truth about the Armenian Massacres and Betrayed Armenia. This was followed by six more publications, one of which Apcar’s granddaughter Lucille Apcar published in 2004, called From the Book of 1000 Tales: Stories of Armenia and its people 1892-1922.
In addition to books, Apcar wrote letters to missionaries, ministers, the Red Cross, politicians, presidents, and kings pleading for their support of Armenia. While her skilled writing and rhetoric certainly invoked a sense of urgency, she still faced setbacks. For instance, imperialists and political leaders preferred to preserve the “equilibrium of Europe” by maintaining the Ottoman Turkish Empire’s dominion over Armenians. Yet, Apcar remained determined and soon busied herself with another humanitarian effort—assisting Armenian Genocide refugees who fled to Japan. She sold jewelry and other possessions to pay for ship passages for the refugees and also assisted them in obtaining passports to America.
Apcar also arranged for housing, schools, and jobs for the Genocide victims in the months they were expected to stay in Japan. Furthermore, she searched for refugees’ relatives in order to reunite families and then possibly resettle them in Armenia. She hoped that “Wilsonian Armenia,” U.S. President Woodrow Wilson’s boundary for the newly recognized Republic of Armenia, would become a reality. Unfortunately, “Wilsonian Armenia” never became a reality as Armenia was quickly annexed into Communist Russia in 1920.
Nevertheless, throughout all of this, Apcar’s spirituality had a major impact on her endeavors; she even wrote a prayer for Armenia to be recited in churches. Due to the Great Japanese Kanto Earthquake of 1923, much evidence from Apcar’s life was lost. However, her writings and numerous testimonies of her humanitarian efforts verify the noble legacy she left behind.
Malayan said that she was always aware that there was something special about her great-grandmother, but she did not become passionate about Diana Apcar’s story until 2004 when she discovered one of Apcar’s “lost” writings. As soon as Malayan retired, she delved further into the story and initiated the idea of making a movie about Diana Apcar.
The film utilizes a unique combination of sketched illustrations and real-life footage to depict Apcar’s life. It was originally Malayan’s co-director, Artur Muradyan, who suggested the use of the Japanese scroll effect (illustrated by Lu Ke and edited by Todd Dayton) as a substitute for the limited number of real-life visuals available from Apcar’s life. They also felt it was appropriate, given that she resided in Japan while aiding the Armenians. Along with these illustrations, the film incorporates interviews with scholars and descendants of those who were aided by her.
Additionally, the film’s title is curiously worded, relying on a paradox, “The Stateless Diplomat,” to emphasize how Apcar was appointed as “Honorary Consul to Japan” for barely six months. Japan was not able to officially recognize her before Armenia was annexed. Despite this, it did not seem to matter to Apcar if she served in an official or unofficial capacity. All that mattered was that she served.
Acknowledging how Diana Apcar’s accomplishments have exceeded those of the average person, Malayan’s ultimate goal through the film is to gain recognition of Apcar’s notable achievements. For instance, Malayan recently discovered a newspaper article published in 1920 which recognized Apcar’s assistance to 2,500 people.
Considering that female involvement in political affairs was almost unheard of in the early twentieth century, Apcar certainly left much more than just a mark on the world. Her persistence and selflessness deserve not simply recognition but imitation.
Diana Apcar left an example for us all.
To learn more about Diana Apcar’s story, visit https://dianaapcar.org/.Left to right: Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Andreas Werz, Clarice Krikorian, Michael Krikorian, Ben Krikorian, and Dr. Hagop Ohanessian.
Hye Sharzhoom
6
December 2019
Photos: Andrew Hagopian
Kriorian, From Page 1
Photo: Andrew Hagopian
YSU, From Page 1
Krikorian in Keyboard Concert
Number of Armenian Studies Minors Growing
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as well the works of classical and contemporary composers Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Liszt, Alexander Scriabin, Béla Bartók, and Armenian composers Arno Babadjanian and Komitas.
Throughout the concert, the energy was high. The audience laughed at Dr. Krikorian’s jokes and watched in awe as he moved his fingers across the ivory with such intensity and precision that one could see that his fingers were turning red. As he moved with every note, playing from memory with his eyes closed, he was able to convey the theme and emotion of each piece. When the last note of Bartók’s “Sonata” resounded throughout the Concert Hall, the audience was on their feet, cheering and asking for even more.
For his encore, Dr. Krikorian played Komitas Vardapet’s “Vagharshapat Dance.” When he finished the last note, he jumped to his feet and bowed, ending the afternoon concert with the same vigor and excitement with which it began.
Dr. Krikorian earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music at Fresno State as a student of Andreas Werz. Then, Krikorian earned his Master’s in Music at the Manhattan School of Music in New York, in the studio of Arkady Aronov. He completed a DMA in piano performance at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, as a student of Antoinette Perry.
A private piano teacher, a member of the La Cañada School of Music and the South Pasadena Music Center and Conservatory, and a recently appointed adjunct professor of music at Los Angeles Pierce College, Dr. Krikorian also composes music for concerts on stage and visual media. In fact, his most recent composition was a score for a video game based on Beethoven’s Fidelio, titled The Fidelio Incident.
After the concert, audience members were able to meet and talk to the talented pianist, as they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres. Overall, the Concert made for an exciting, informative, and entertaining Sunday afternoon.
Soss e Baloian
Staff Writer
The Armenian Studies Program Minor at Fresno State requires students to complete six to seven courses in Armenian language, art, culture, literature, and his-tory. In the Fall of 2019 more than 30 students, an all-time high, have registered to complete their Minor in Armenian Studies.
Garo Minasian
History
Who or what influenced you to Minor in Armenian Studies? Why is it important to you?
My Armenian heritage mainly influenced my decision to Minor. I knew I wanted a Minor to complement my major and Armenian Studies was the most interesting subject I was looking forward to. As an Armenian born in Syria who immigrated to the United States, I am excited to pursue this Minor because it helps shape my identity.
What has been your favorite Armenian Studies course? Why?
Armenian Studies 10, with Professor Hagop Ohanessian, has been my favorite course so far because we have discussed Armenian history, immigration, and identity. We learned about the major developments of the first and second Armenian Republics, and we discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Professor Ohanessian is one of the best instructors at Fresno State because his courses are well organized and very interesting.
In what ways can you apply a Minor in Armenian Studies in relation to the broader Armenian community?
Armenian Studies courses are helping me shape my identity in Fresno, while maintaining my relationships with Armenians outside of the United States. Learning about Armenian history has made me more confident about sharing it to other Armenian or non-Armenian people. Being a part of the Armenian community in Fresno makes me happy and excited.
What would you say to a student interested in pursuing a Minor in Armenian Studies?
I would highly recommend minoring to anyone who is interested because the Program is filled with many intriguing courses taught by professional instructors. Armenian courses can also help students financially if they choose to apply for a scholarship. Throughout history, Armenians have interacted with several cultures and kingdoms. Therefore, they are a part of every single community worldwide. Education is an essential key to open up closed doors with hope and dedication to make anything become possible.
Mark Soghomonian
Biochemistry
Who or what influenced you to Minor in Armenian Studies? Why is it important to you?
After taking my first classes in Armenian Studies, Armenian 1A and Armenian Studies 10, I was compelled to learn more. I am very thankful for the opportunity to learn about my cultural history in an academic setting.
What has been your favorite Armenian Studies course? Why?
So far, my favorite Armenian Studies course has been Armenian Studies 10 because of its broad area of focus on history as well as culture.
In what ways can you apply an Armenian Studies Minor in relation with the broader Armenian community?
I can apply my knowledge of Armenia’s captivating history in conversations with members of the community. By doing this, I can connect more personally with Armenians whose ancestors lived through similar experiences, ultimately preserving a unique culture of dignity.
What would you say to a student interested in pursuing a Minor?
I would encourage any student interested in an Armenian Studies Minor to deepen their awareness of Armenian culture and history by taking related classes in the Armenian Studies Program.
Tatiana Samouie
Biochemistry
Who or what influenced you to Minor in Armenian Studies? Why is it important to you?
From a young age, I have always been drawn to learning more about who I am and where I come from. My Armenian heritage and my involvement in the Armenian community is a big part of who I am. Therefore, it was an easy decision to pursue a Minor. I am only one quarter Armenian, so it is important for me to learn about my Armenian background. I will be able to pass down to future generations the knowledge I gain through the Minor.
What has been your favorite Armenian Studies course? Why?
My favorite course thus far has been the Armenian language class because it allows me to perfect and practice my reading and writing skills in Armenian.
In what ways can you apply a Minor in Armenian Studies in relation with the broader Armenian community?
I have always been greatly involved in my Armenian community. One way I have contributed is through Homenetmen Scouting. As a leader of my troop, I am able to assist the young scouts in learning and understanding more about Armenian history and customs. As a role model, I plan to pass along the information I learn to others.
What would you say to a student interested in pursuing a Minor in Armenian Studies?
I would say it can be an endless road of possibilities. Armenians have such a rich history, heritage, and traditions that offer so much to learn.
university were Manuk Abeghian, Bishop Garegin Hovsepian, Stepan Malkhasyants, and Hagop Manandyan. There were 262 students enrolled in the first year of the University, with 32 faculty members.
Dues to war conditions in late 1919 and the Sovietization of the Republic of Armenia in 1920, classes were interrupted and did not resume until January of 1921. By then the decision had been made to move the University to the capital of Yerevan, in a refurbished building, the Sev Shenk (Black Building-named for the black stone from which it was constructed) on Abovian Street.
In 1953, new buildings were constructed at today’s site of the University, located at 1 Alex Manoogian Street in Yerevan. Today the University is thriving with more than 22,000 students and over a thousand-member academic staff. YSU has more than 50 Bachelor’s programs and 120 Master’s programs, as well as more than 90 Doctoral programs.
Presidents and faculty from leading universities across the globe participated in the September events. On Thursday, September 26, the university delegations arrived at the Yerevan State University main campus to congratulate Acting University President Dr. Gegham Gevorgyan, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the University. Among the many guests were Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University; Dr. Andrei Karol, Rector, Belarus State University; Dr. Vahan Agopyan, Rector Universidade de São Paulo; Dr. Tasos Christofides, Rector of the University of Cyprus; Dr. Giorgi Sharvashidze, Rector, Tbilisi State University; Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Berberian Coordinator of the Armenian Studies Program, and Dr. Kevork Bardakjian, Manoogian Professor of Armenian Language and Literature at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
In the afternoon guests were given a tour of the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran (State Library of Ancient Manuscripts), followed by a visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum. Dr. Harutyun Marutyan, director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, gave a tour of the Memorial and the Museum, and then the guests planted a memorial tree in the Genocide Grove, to mark the anniversary of the University.
Friday, September 27, marked the main day of activities, opening with a symposium entitled, “Higher Education, Research and Innovation in the 21st Century.” Following the symposium, guest donned their university robes and a group photograph was taken in front of the main building of YSU. The participants then walked from the University to the A. Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet National Academic Theatre, where a special commemorative event was held, including a musical concert, and a congratulatory address by Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.
The evening concluded with a gala dinner at the Florence Restaurant.Hye Sharzhoom
7
December 2019
Thank You Annual Fund Donors
(received as of November 24, 2019)
Group photograph, Asbarez newspaper staff, c. 1921-1922.
#5. Vahan Tekeyan-$15
The Armenian Series at Fresno State
General Editor: Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian
Callisphere Incorporates Armenian Studies
Archives in Online University of California Library
Photo: ASP Archive
#3. Armenian
Poetry-$20
#6. Fifty Years of Armenian Literature in France-$20
All books in the Armenian Series are available
through Amazon
Carina Toka tian
Staff Writer
The Fresno State Armenian Studies Program received some exciting news for 2020. It is anticipating the publication of some of its digital archives on an online database known as Calisphere by the beginning of the New Year. The University of California first established the California Digital Library in 1977, later creating Calisphere as one of its branches. Calisphere is a free website that publishes a wide assortment of media including documents, recordings, and photographs of historic value. About a year ago, a representative from the website contacted the Armenian Studies Program, asking for permission to incorporate the Program’s archives into its database. With a librarian’s degree and experience as a book conservator, Armenian Studies Program archivist Malina Zakian has been working on the project ever since.
Zakian recalled how Calisphere initiated the project after coming across the Armenian Studies Program’s Flickr page. Flickr is basically a miniature online database, similar to Calisphere, where website visitors can access photos and videos independently published on the site. While viewers can access public webpages, the Armenian Studies Program had a Flickr Commons site, a page exclusively available to institutions, which is where Calisphere originally discovered the archives.
Currently, the Studies Program has six albums of around 350 photos published on its Flickr page. Many of these historic archives pertain to the Fresno Armenian community and were acquired from local Armenians.
“Fresno has a tremendous historic memory,” Zakian asserted. She contrasted Fresno to some of the more transient Armenian communities where Armenians tend to pass through and follow the flow of jobs. This unique quality of Fresno feeds into the reason why she is so fascinated with the project. “I am interested in the natural accumulation of community collections,” she revealed.
Zakian believes there are many benefits associated with the archives’ publication on Calisphere. She mentioned how Calisphere will increase “foot traffic,” broadening the exposure of the images to a broader audience. Unlike Flickr, any key phrases tagged to an image on Calipshere’s website will automatically cause that image to “pop-up” when typed into a general search engine like Google.
This idea of tagging images can pose challenges, however. For instance, Zakian explained how labeling photos is important, yet it still raises a “question of granularity.” If the description of an image is too specific in detail, it can restrict its audience significantly. On the other hand, if an image presents little context and is therefore labelled with a generic tagline, the image could become “amputated in value.” For this reason, the project is a very delicate and tedious task. Information matters. If an image is identified with an improper name or location, it could have serious effects on research accuracy. This can particularly be an issue after the information becomes standardized on Calisphere’s website.
The beauty of Calisphere is that it encourages “crowd-sourcing” or the idea of several individuals visiting these archives. Zakian suggested that this could be “a way of engaging the community.” Collections can be shared with the community, granting individuals full access without any website fees or institutional affiliation required to view them.
Specifically, for Fresno State Armenian Studies students, Zakian stated how she hopes “it will provide them with resources that they can use in their own research.”
She noted how “part of it is understanding the importance of primary sources.”
The exposure of students to the images, Zakian believes, will nurture their interest in not only their homeland abroad, but also their homeland in Fresno.
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Supporters
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in memory of Zabel Moradian
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Mrs. Jackie Kurkjian
Dr. Ron Marchese
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Armen S. Kouymjian Memorial Fund
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#7. Western Armenian in the 21st Century: Challenges and New Approaches-$20
An Excellent Christmas Present!
The Armenian Studies Program
presents
“Sojourners, Smugglers, and Dubious
Citizens: The Politics of Armenian
Migration to North America, 1885-1915”
by
Dr. David Gutman
Manhattanville College, New York
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
7:30PM
University Business Center
Room 191, Auditorium • Fresno State
Free admission and parking (with parking code)
Ordering information:
The Press at California State
University, Fresno
2380 E. Keats, MB 99
Fresno CA 93740-8024
559-278-3056
or by email at:
press@csufresno.edu
#4. David of
Sassoun-$208
December 2019
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Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, left, receiving the “SAS Lifetime Achievement Award” from SAS President Dr. Bedross Der Matossian at the SAS 45th Anniversary Banquet.
Thank You Donors
Mr. & Mrs. Russell Adams Fresno
Richard Asadoorian Bend, OR
David Barsamian Pasadena
Jack & Barbara Bousian Hayward
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Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian Fresno
in memory of Kevork Ajamian
Aram & Barbara Garabedian Fresno
Gina Injayan Walnut Creek
Gloria Kaprielian Walnut Creek
Robyn Marootian Fresno
Leo & Marlene Pilibosian Fresno
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Society for Armenian Studies 45th Anniversary Banquet
Staff Report
Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Berberian Coordinator of the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State, was awarded the Society for Armenian Studies (SAS) “Lifetime Achievement Award” by current SAS President Dr. Bedross Der Matossian at the 45th Anniversary Banquet of SAS held October 12, 2019. Dr. Der Matossian highlighted the unconditional support that Prof. Der Mugrdechian has rendered to the Society over the past several decades.
Past SAS President Dr. Kevork B. Bardakjian (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor) was also among those awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Over 130 people attended the Banquet, including members of the greater Los Angeles community, as well as participants of the SAS 45th Anniversary International Conference on the Armenian Diaspora that took place October 12-13 at the University of California, Los Angeles. Academic community members of the University of Southern California and UCLA, which were among the co-sponsors of the SAS conference, also attended the Banquet.
Prof. Der Mugrdechian served as the Master of Ceremonies of the Banquet. SAS President Dr. Der Matossian (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) welcomed the guests and thanked the Organization of Istanbul Arm-enians (OIA) for hosting the 45th Anniversary Banquet. He then gave an in-depth review of SAS activities over the past two years.
Professor Houri Berberian, Meghrouni Family Presidential Chair in Armenian Studies and Director of the Armenian Studies Program at the University of California, Irvine, spoke on behalf of the Armenian Studies Chairs and Directors of the United States. She highlighted the new collaborative initiatives that have begun between the Armenian Studies Programs and Chairs.
In a musical tribute to the 150th anniversary of the birth of the composer Komitas, musicians Greg Hosharian and Martin Haroutunian played interpretations of Armenian Folk Melodies. After the musical inter-lude, SAS Executive Council member Dr. Dzovinar Derderian read from letters sent by former SAS presidents, Richard Hovan-nissian, Dennis Papazian, Dickran Kouymjian, Ronald G. Suny, and Joseph Kechichian.
Der Matossian also awarded a “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Dr. Khachig Tölölyan (Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Wesleyan Uni-versity) and founding editor of the Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies, a Zoryan Institute publication.
Dr. Vahram L. Shemmassian (Director of the Armenian Stud-ies Program, California State University, Northridge) gave the concluding remarks.
Archbishop Levon Zekiyan, the Armenian Catholic Archeparch of Istanbul concluded the banquet with his congratulatory words and a prayer.
Benefit Concert
for the House of Hope-Mer Hooys Program in Yerevan, Armenia
Featuring:
Michael Krikorian-pianist;
Armen Der Kevorkian-violinist;
Garik Terzian-cellist
Vocalists:
Lauren Hazarian Movsesian,
Collette Compton, and Clarisse Compton
Saturday, February 22, 2020
7:00pm (doors open 6:30pm)
co-sponsored by the Armenian Studies Program, Fresno State
The Concert Hall, East Music Building, Fresno State
2380 E. Keats Ave., Fresno State •
Free parking at the corner of Maple and Shaw Aves.
Tickets: $25 General • $10 Student
Call the Armenian Studies Program
at 559-278-2669 for more ticket information.
The Armenian Studies Program
presents
“An Untold Story of Survival:
The Armenian Community in Istanbul
During the Armistice Years (1918-1923)”
by
Dr. Ari Şekeryan
Kazan Visiting Professor
in Armenian Studies
Friday, February 7, 2020
Reception • 6:30PM • Lecture • 7:30PM
University Business Center
Room 191, Auditorium
The Armenian Studies Program
presents its
“32nd Annual Banquet”
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Reception • 5:00PM
Dinner • 6:00PM
Fort Washington Country Club
10272 N. Millbrook Ave., Fresno
Tickets Required
Save the Date!
The Armenian Studies Program
presents
“Roving Revolutionaries: Armenians
and the Connected Revolutions in the
Russian, Iranian and Ottoman Worlds”
by
Dr. Houri Berberian
Meghrouni Family Presidential Chair
in Armenian Studies, UC Irvine
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 • 7:30PM
University Business Center
Room 191, Auditorium
