“The Last Tightrope Dancer in Armenia”—produced by Vardan Hovhannisyan and directed by Inna Sahakyan and Arman Yeritsyan of Bars Media (with support from ITVS)—is a 55-minute documentary which follows two of Armenia’s most celebrated tightrope dancers and highlights the vanishing art form they practiced at the height of their careers.
The film will be shown as part of the Dance on Camera Festival at the Walter Reade Theater (165 West 65th Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave., in New York City).
It is presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and Dance Films Association, Inc., with the participation of the Eastern Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center
The Heritage of Armenian Literature, edited by Agop J. Hacikyan, Gabriel Basmajian, Edward S. Franchuk and Nourhan Ouzounian, is a three volume set that traces the anthology of Armenian literature. Highlighting periods of Armenian literature, from the oral tradition to the golden age to modern times, The Heritage of Armenian Literature contains Armenian literary masterpieces that have been translated into English in order to preserve the literary traditions of Armenians. The talented writers featured in these volumes include literary giants who have contributed significant value to Armenian culture and history, including Yeghishe, Movses Khorenatsi, Grigor Narekatsi, Mkhitar Gosh, Mesrop Mashtots, Sayat-Nova, Hakob Paronian, Siamanto, Daniel Varuzhan and Yeghishe Charents, among many others. Not only does The Heritage of Armenian Literature compile the biographies and literary pieces of each of these authors, it also provides historical context and covers the development of Armenian literature — one of the oldest in the world — over the past 3,000 years.
The series includes:
The Heritage of Armenian Literature Volume 1: From the Oral Tradition to the Golden Age
The Heritage of Armenian Literature Volume 2: From the Sixth to the Eighteenth Century
The Heritage of Armenian Literature Volume 1: From the Eighteenth Century to Modern Times
The Zohrab Center’s library collection contains over 20,000 books and resources ranging from Armenian literature, history and religion to Armenian newspapers, journals and periodicals. Each week, one of the center’s holdings will be highlighted to familiarize the general public about the contents of the Zohrab Center.
“Sacred Wrath: The Selected Poems of Vahan Tekeyan” contains 68 of this prolific writer’s works. The poems, published both in Armenian and in English (translated by Diana Der Hovanessian and Marzbed Margossian), fall under the themes of love, patriotism and religion. Some of the author’s most acclaimed poems are in this book, including “The Armenian Church,” “Your Name,” and “The Armenian Spirit.”
To learn more about Vahan Tekeyan, please visit our “cultural tidbits” section.
The Zohrab Center’s library collection contains over 20,000 books and resources ranging from Armenian literature, history and religion to Armenian newspapers, journals and periodicals. Each week, one of the center’s holdings will be highlighted to familiarize the general public about the contents of the Zohrab Center.
The series “Azgapatum,” compiles the history of the Armenian Church and the Armenian people beginning with 301 AD, the year Armenia adopted Christianity, through the end of the 20th century. The author of the first three volumes, His Beatitude Maghakia Ormanian, (1841-1918) served as the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople from 1896 until 1908 when he was removed from office by the Young Turk Party. He spent the rest of his life writing several monumental books including “Azgapatum” (National History). The work of noting important events in the Armenian Church’s history was continued by Rev. Fr. Zaven Arzoumanian, Ph.D who published three more volumes (divided into the following years: 1910-1930; 1930-1955; 1955-1995). An expert in the history of the Armenian Church, Rev. Fr. Arzoumanian received his Ph.D from Columbia University and has published numerous books about religion and philosophy.
The Zohrab Center’s library collection contains over 20,000 books and resources ranging from Armenian literature, history and religion to Armenian newspapers, journals and periodicals. Each week, one of the center’s holdings will be highlighted to familiarize the general public about the contents of the Zohrab Center.
Dr. Steven Wilson presented his most recent publication, “The Ghosts of Anatolia: An Epic Journey to Forgiveness,” on Thursday, November 11 in the Zohrab Center. He spoke about his background, his profession as an eye surgeon and how he segued into writing books. Turning his attention to the Armenian Genocide and “The Ghosts of Anatolia,” Dr. Wilson explained his interest in Armenians and their history emerged during a trip he took to Jerusalem in 1996 to attend a medical lecture. While there, he toured the Armenian Quarter where he learned more about Armenian history and the Armenian Genocide.
“The Ghosts of Anatolia” is an historical fiction adventure novel that takes place in Diyarbekir and traces the courageous journey of Sirak Kazerian and his family during the Armenian Genocide. Dr. Wilson is also the author of “Ascent from Darkness” and “Winter in Kandahar.”
Following his presentation, Dr. Wilson answered questions from the audience and signed books. For more information about Dr. Wilson or “Ghosts of Anatolia,” please visit http://www.hailey-grey-books.com/
An evening was held in celebration of acclaimed author Agop J. Hacikyan’s literary career on Friday, October 29, in New York City.
The event was held at the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) under the auspices of the Primate, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.
A sizeable audience gathered in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium to honor the Canadian-Armenian author whose epic novel, A Summer Without Dawn, has been lauded widely by both the Armenian and international press.
Mr. Hacikyan, the author of some two dozen books—including the monumental three-volume Heritage of Armenian Literature, andhis most recent work, The Lamppost Diary—stressed the importance of the novel as a tool to teach about historical events—especially those that might otherwise escape wide notice. The novel’s potential to reaches a wider audience makes it a powerful genre to teach about genocide, Hacikyan said. “It is essential to produce genocide fiction, as long as we don’t fictionalize genocide,” he urged.
Referencing the Armenian Genocide, its subsequent denial by the perpetrators, and the deficiency of global recognition, Mr. Hacikyan asserted that “we [Armenians] will keep producing and publishing to ensure our history its deserved perpetuity.”
When writing the international bestseller ASummer Without Dawn—an historical novel set between 1915 and the early 1920s—Hacikyan strove to write a powerful yet captivating story that would keep readers in suspense. His reading, family stories, and imagination contributed to the final work, which has been described by reviewers as an Armenian epic on the scale of Doctor Zhivago and Gone with the Wind.
The novel, which moves from Anatolia and the Middle East to Europe and America, was first published in Quebec, where it made the bestseller lists. German and Spanish translations soon followed; a Turkish translation, which was well-received, is currently in its third printing. Since its original publication in French in 1991, it has been translated into eight languages.
“Print is still the primary means of preserving memory, disseminating information, inculcating ideologies, distributing wealth, and exercising power,” said Mr. Hacikyan, who in his academic persona is Professor Emeritus of English at the Royal Military College of Canada. “The book has always been the foundation of Armenian theology, Armenian culture, and Armenian survival. Nevertheless, unless the book becomes world property, it cannot fulfill its purpose fully: to reach as wide an audience as possible.”
Archbishop Barsamian, in concluding remarks, said it was significant to honor Agop Hacikyan in October, when Armenians observe Armenian Cultural Month.
“Through the centuries Armenians have expressed their identities in many ways, especially through literature,” said Archbishop Barsamian. “That spirit to preserve our heritage remains alive in people like Agop Hacikyan.”
Introducing the guest of honor were three distinguished literary figures of the Armenian community, each of whom provided their insights into the author’s life and works.
Delivering remarks in Armenian, Hagop Vartivarian, an active member of the Tekeyan Cultural Association and a contributor to the Armenian press, spoke of Summer Without Dawn’s impact on supporting the Armenian cause.
“A Summer Without Dawn is inherently a political endeavour, presented in artistic fashion,” said Vartivarian. “In essence, the author is presenting the Armenian Genocide in its pan-humanitarian aspect.”
In addition he noted the significance of the book’s translation into Turkish since it “ignited a wide interest among Turkish intellectuals and young scholars regarding the Armenian Question in the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 20th century.”
Osheen Keshishian, founding editor and publisher of California’s Armenian Observer newspaper, spoke in English about Hacikyan’s literary career. He traced his youthful beginnings as a poet, and spoke about Hacikyan’s foray into prose, which ultimately led to the writing of A Summer Without Dawn in 1991, and his subsequent novels.
Berc Araz, the evening’s master of ceremonies, spoke of Hacikyan’s immense contributions to genocide literature, and to the broader literary community. Noting that Hacikyan’s work has made bestseller lists in Canada and abroad, he urged members of the Armenian American community to continue supporting such endeavors by reading and spreading the word about Hacikyan’s oeuvre.
A book signing and reception followed the presentation.
This event was organized and co-sponsored by the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Tekeyan Cultural Association, Constantinople Armenian Relief Society, Tibrevank Alumni, Esayan-Getronagan Alumni, Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills, and the Armenian-American Support and Educational Center.
Agop Hacikyan’s books are also available from the St. Vartan Cathedral Bookstore, 630 Second Avenue, in New York City, or on the web at www.stvartanbookstore.com.
(l to r) Berc Araz, Osheen Keshishian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Agop Hacikyan and Hagop Vartivarian
Brazilian-Armenian guitarist Joao Kouyumdjian performed for a sizable audience in Kavookjian Hall of the Diocesan Complex on Friday evening, November 5. A Julliard graduate, the talented Kouyumdjian played pieces by J.S. Bach, Isaac Albeniz and Heitor Villa-Lobos. In addition, he played Armenian selections by Iakovos Kolanian, including Nazeli Bar, Noubar Noubar and Yaman Yar. Guest performers included fellow Julliard students Solange Merdinian (mezzo-soprano), Gohar Vardanyan (guitar) and Joe Arndt (piano). This event was sponsored by the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, the New York Armenian Students’ association and the Armenian Network of Greater New York.
The AGBU UN Special Interest Group, in cooperation with UNFPA, invites you to attend “Happy Mothers–Healthy Babies: Access to Prenatal Care across Armenia” which will be held on Tuesday, November 9 at 7 pm at Norwood, a private members-only club, (located at 241 W. 14th St, between 7th and 8th avenues). Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. RSVP and donation of $50 must be received in advance. Proceeds will fund UNFPA’s gynecologist/obstetric teams that travel to remote areas of Armenia. Visit agbu.org/un to RSVP.
The 2010 Armenia Fund Telethon’s primary goal is to solve the water supply challenges that plague many rural Armenian communities. Volunteers are needed to help answer incoming pledge calls for their annual telethon, which will be held on Thanksgiving Day, November 25.
In addition, volunteers are also needed on November 18, 19, 20, and 21 to man telephones and make the community aware of this important cause.
For more information, please view the flyer below or contact Pierre Hacopian at Pierre@armeniafundusa.org or at
917-226-7792.
Award-winning author Dr. Steven E. Wilson recently published his latest adventure novel “The Ghosts of Anatolia: An Epic Journey to Forgiveness” a story about three families, two Turkish and one Armenian, at the start of World War I. After a trip to Jerusalem, Dr. Wilson, an ophthalmologist and scientist by profession, was inspired to write a historical novel about the Armenian Genocide. “The Ghosts of Anatolia” is his third publication. Taleen Babayan recently interviewed Dr. Wilson, who will present his newest book at the Zohrab Center on Thursday evening, November 11.
Taleen Babayan: What motivated you to write a novel with the Armenian Genocide serving as the backdrop?
Dr. Steven Wilson: Like many Americans, I knew very little about what happened in the Ottoman Empire, until my first trip to Jerusalem in 1996. While I was there to give medical lectures, my wife and I had a few days to tour the city. We were fascinated to find the city’s Armenian Quarter, especially because the living areas of the quarter were inaccessible to ordinary tourists like us. As we were leaving, we found a large banner hanging on a corner in the quarter. It was a photograph of a group of Armenian men hanging from scaffolds in Aleppo, Syria in 1915, and block letters that read, “Don’t forget the Armenian Genocide.” That image, and its message, stuck with me for years after that trip. Once I started writing historical novels, I wanted to write one with this story as the backdrop. As it turns out, “The Ghosts of Anatolia” was my third novel, but my best to date, at least in my opinion, after deriving more writing experience from the first two.
TB: You are quite detailed in your descriptions of Armenian-populated cities in Anatolia as well as the genocide. How did you conduct your historical research for the book?
SW: After my first experience in Jerusalem, I began reading everything I could get my hands on about what happened in the Ottoman Empire. I read dozens of related books over the next twelve years. Among those that influenced me, and my novel, were “Days of Tragedy in Armenia: Personal Experiences in Harpoot” by the American missionary Henry H. Riggs, the writings and photographs of Armin T. Wegner, “Black Dog of Fate,” by Peter Balakian, and “My Brother’s Road: An American’s Fateful Journey to Armenia,” by Markar Meikonian.
TB: Did you talk to any genocide survivors in order to gain more insight into the tragedies of the genocide?
SW: Yes, I did. In 2008, when I made my most recent trip to Jerusalem, George Hintlian, the archivist at the Armenian Patriarchate, took me on a personal tour of the Armenian Quarter. During that tour, I met several elderly genocide survivors and had a chance to talk with them for quite some time. One woman I met there was the inspiration for my character, “Mariam Simouian,” the compassionate gardener who cared for my protagonist Sirak Kazerian and his sister when they arrived in Jerusalem. And yes, the woman I met in Jerusalem really did love caring for the plants in her impressive garden.
TB: You are also the author of the acclaimed “Winter in Kandahar,” an adventure novel that takes place in Afghanistan post-9/11. How did you develop an interest in chronicling conflict in this part of the world?
SW: I am also an academic ophthalmologist and cell biologist. My medical and scientific career has provided me the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world. During the past twenty years, I’ve made over fifty trips to the Middle East and Asia (including Turkey, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Israel, etc.) and I became fascinated with the history, geography and peoples of these intriguing regions of the world. I love to write adventure novels. What could be more fascinating than these enthralling countries and the people who live there? One thing all of my novels have in common is conflict between ethnic groups—the Tajiks and the Pashtun in Afghanistan in “Winter in Kandahar,” the Kurds and the Arabs in Iraq and Syria in “Ascent from Darkness,” and the Armenians and the Turks in Anatolia, Syria and America in “The Ghosts of Anatolia.”
TB: You are, by profession, an eye surgeon and scientist. How does your profession help inspire your writing? Do you find it challenging to find time to write your novels?
SW: My academic career in ophthalmology and cell biology helped me develop a love for writing. Medical and scientific writing is a very different style of prose compared to novel writing. However, it’s still writing, and I became very fond of composing the hundreds of papers and grants I’ve written, and ultimately turned to writing novels. However, you might be interested to know that my earliest creative writing was actually song lyrics that I composed during my college years!
It is nearly impossible to find time to write my novels when I am home in Cleveland because the demands of my family and my medical/scientific career. However, my extensive travel schedule affords me a lot of time to spend on my novels and medical/scientific writings. You’d be amazed how much writing you can get done on a twenty-hour flight to Singapore! Virtually one hundred percent of all three of my novels was written on airplane flights.
TB: What are any upcoming projects you have in the works?
SW: I am in the beginning stages of writing my fourth adventure novel “Dalliance in Dubai,” a novel that focuses on the dichotomy of culture between the conservative Arabs that rule Dubai and the people from around the world they’ve brought in to work in this fascinating city. I’ve received dozens of letters angrily asking me why I dropped the character Stone Waverly (Protagonist in “Ascent from Darkness” and major character in “Winter in Kandahar”) from “The Ghosts of Anatolia.” Waverly didn’t fit in “The Ghosts of Anatolia,” but he returns in “Dalliance in Dubai.”
Dr. Wilson’s book presentation will take place on Thursday, November 11 at 7 pm at the Zohrab Center, located in the Diocesan Complex, at 34th Street and 2nd Avenue, New York, NY. A book signing and wine and cheese reception will follow the program. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Taleen Babayan at 212.686.0710.
