Manjikian: Facing Your History

I am far from being a historian, but it is safe to claim that we all have a history. And there are various types of stories that characterize our existence—personal, medical, family, cultural, religious, and racial, to name but a few.

A part of my own story, of where my life journey has taken me, overlaps [...]

Kessab Roots: A Survivor’s Story

As a Diasporan Armenian connected to Armenia, as well as historical Armenia (currently in Turkey), part of the multitude of attachments I carry is with Kessab, a region and a town located in the northwestern part of Syria, on the Mediterranean Sea, at the Turkish border. Apparently, it has been inhabited by Armenians since the [...]

Manjikian: Tradition and Togetherness, and ‘Kermesse’

As certain neighborhoods of London were rising up, in large part due to social inequalities and racial tensions, I couldn’t help but wonder about how some governments and municipalities address cultural difference in their cities. Multi-ethnic communities and public spaces are said to be celebrated for the contributions and conviviality they bring to the urban [...]

Manjikian: All in a Day’s Train Ride

Some days on the commuter train are more interesting than others. A few weeks ago, as usual, I took the commuter train home from the downtown station. I was in store for an eye-opening trip, little did I know.
Living in a part of town where the Armenian population is relatively dense, I am used to [...]

Manjikian: Ode to Aznavour

Start spreading the news: Aznavour is taking over Manhattan! An early gala celebrating Armenia’s 20th anniversary will take place in New York City on May 20 and will pay tribute to globally renowned songwriter and singer Charles Aznavour.

Leaving my teenage years behind (something Aznavour laments so masterfully in 'Hier Encore'), his songs continue to resonate [...]

Power to the Medium, the Message, and the People

Like many people, I find myself gravitating increasingly towards the computer to get the news. I turn to Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates – all crammed in 140 characters. I sign in on Facebook to partake in mobilization campaigns and grassroots lobbying efforts. I then browse through news websites for articles, and I go to YouTube [...]

Manjikian: A Letter to Zaruhi

Twenty-year-old Zaruhi Petrosyan became one of the latest victims of domestic violence in Armenia last month when she was viciously beaten to death by her husband and mother-in-law.
Dear Zaruhi,
It’s another hectic day, miles away from Armenia. The weather here is rainy and grey. I’m restless because I don’t know whether you are truly in a [...]

Manjikian: Becoming Extinct? Armenian Schools in the Diaspora

I was born in arid land, a country where Armenian schools are as scarce as snow. Consequently, I was homeschooled by my mother with textbooks she had brought with her from Beirut.
These lessons weren’t exactly my favorite way to spend time over the weekend because it interfered with my play. However, as much as I [...]

Manjikian: Passages from the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora

“What is an ocean between us, we know how to build bridges.”
—Claudia Jones
My first encounter with Claudia Jones was a few years ago. I recently stumbled upon the article that first introduced me to her and still find her story to be fascinating and inspiring. As someone who is intrigued by exile and the migratory [...]

Manjikian: To Look Armenian (or Not)

Here in the North American hemisphere, we just welcomed the summer solstice, which means longer days of sunlight and the official beginning of vacation season. We have all felt that sense of liberation when taking off on a much-needed break. Less stress, the degree of anonymity that often comes with landing in a new spot, [...]