“Dikran,” the stranger responds, sipping his beer.

“And what do you do my friend?”

“I’m a criminal lawyer. I work as a bartender at another pub.” A pause. “Where are you from?” he asks us.

“Australia,” my husband says.

“Australia… That’s where I want to go.”

It is an awkward moment. Our visit is coming to an end and we have rarely been able to spend time alone, so we decide to have a few drinks after a family dinner. Instead, we find ourselves befriending complete strangers—as you do in Armenia—bonding and arguing with them, listening to their problems and hopes.

Dikran has never been to Australia. I’m not even sure he seriously wants to move there. He is simply looking for a way out, just like the two bartenders we meet, a young man from Beirut and a woman from Javakhk.

He tells us he pays half his wages for rent and is looking for opportunities in Dubai. She says she is a teacher by profession but is unable to find employment because she can’t afford to pay someone to hire her. Yes, pay someone to hire her. We learn it is common practice with some professions in Armenia, a residue of Soviet times. Not everyone can afford it but if you manage to pay a sum, you are guaranteed a job and a source of income. The only reason she is still in Armenia, she says, is because she has not had an opportunity to leave. The destination? It does not matter.

A little further into the conversation, I discover she is also a mother. I look at my watch. It is 3 a.m. There are five or six of us remaining. I get up and announce it is time for our bartender to get home to her baby. We disperse.

“How can you sleep in peace as president when you go to bed every night knowing another 20-30 families left the country that day?” a good friend asks us one morning over breakfast in his humble home on the outskirts of Yerevan. Sadly, people in Yerevan these days are talking about emigration in mass numbers.

It is meant to be a chat over morning coffee but we are greeted with a feast of a breakfast—delicious homemade pizza and pastries and the freshest fruits. The inviting, irresistible taste of Armenia in our mouths.

“No, I won’t leave. However bad it gets, I won’t,” he adds, stroking his two-year-old’s chestnut hair. We leave his house, our bellies full, and our hearts full, too.

We meet others like him—people, who are determined to stay regardless of the hardships they face. It is not just unemployment that is driving people away. A few days into our visit, we heard of the fatal shooting outside the Goris home of the notorious governor of Syunik, Suren Khachatryan, otherwise known as Litska. It has barely been a year since the beating to death of Army Doctor Vahe Avetian by the bodyguards of then-MP Ruben Hayrapetyan, Nemets Rubo. He is still the chairman of the Armenian Football Federation. And it’s only been a few months since the assassination of Artsakh war hero and Proshyan village Mayor Hrach Muradyan. There has been no serious investigation into or accountability for these crimes, at least not to the extent that pre-empts their re-occurrence. Oligarchic impunity seems to be reaching new levels in Armenia.

In the midst of all these stories and experiences, I feel heart-breakingly sad one moment, illogically euphoric the next. There is inexplicable warmth in my heart. It’s the warmth of the land, the unshakeable truth that it exists, it is here, I am standing on it, I need it, it needs me, it’s mine, it’s ours. It’s the unrelenting determination and commitment of people who are staying to fight the good fight, of diasporans who have left comfortable foreign shores to build new lives in Armenia. “It’s the best thing we did for our family,” one of them tells us. And it’s the warmth in the sincere embrace of complete strangers. They take me into their arms and lives, and thank me for listening to their problems. I feel humbled beyond words; I should be thanking them. The least I can do is promise to tell some of their stories in this column.

Back in the days when I used to visit Armenia, I would go looking for the positive. The flourishing Yerevan city center with its charming cafés and parks, the vibrant city life, the traditional Armenian artifacts at the Vernisage, the breathtaking beauty of the rugged mountains. These were the things I went looking for.

These days when I go to Armenia, I go looking for the truth. I’ve visited seven times since I first set foot in the country in 2001, and the old charms are not enough anymore. I am no longer interested in floating in and out like a tourist. I want the real—with all its positives and negatives. I want to thrive on everything that is good and expose myself to everything that is bad. I want the real, because before we understand the real, we will not be able to grasp all of the potential and opportunity the country has to offer. We will not be able to build the dream. This is also why I started writing this column six months ago.

It is time to leave. As we drive to the airport, I want to forget everything and immerse myself in the majestic view of Ararat standing tall and confident, a cleansing white so clearly visible that morning. However, I can’t escape the signs on what seems to be an endless row of shops and houses we pass by: “For Sale,” “For Rent.” It is a solemn reminder of that night in the pub and the many stories we heard during our 12-day visit.

I can still feel that warmth in my heart, stronger than before. At this stage I know nothing will change how connected I feel to this country.

It takes us 30 hours to get back to Australia and another 10 days to really get back and, needless to say, we are already planning our next trip.

Scenes from Javakhk Camp

Under the Georgian government, the people of Javakhk are suffering. They are unable to keep and preserve the ancient Armenian churches or even worship in them. More importantly, the government has turned most Armenian schools into Georgian Governmental Schools, and the children attending do not get an education in Armenian. As someone who is fascinated with Armenian history, in all my studies I had not come across anything about Javakhk, which was a part of Historic Armenia. Considering the situation the Armenians of Javakhk are in, they have succeeded in creating a community for themselves, teaching their children Armenian reading, writing, and history, and creating a youth center where all Armenian children can hang out. Taking into consideration the situation of the Javakhk Armenians today, they have managed to survive and thrive on yet another land that belongs to Armenians regardless of the Georgian government’s efforts.

It was by chance that I came upon the Tebi Javakhk Facebook page after my spring semester in 2012. Had it not been for my joblessness and boredom, I would never have known about this jampar (camp). After reading through the application and the various posts online about the Jampar, I decided to apply, figuring it would be a good experience and an opportunity to interact with other Armenians of my age. I sent in my application on a limb. I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was more of a leap of faith than anything else. I didn’t know much about Javakhk to begin with, so after sending in my application I attempted to do some research to learn about the situation of the people living there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anything I didn’t already know online or at the library about this part of the world. When I got the e-mail that I had been accepted as a counselor at the Javakhk Jampar, I was ecstatic!

Prior to leaving the states, we had a few conference calls where we discussed everyone’s responsibilities, what to expect, what not to expect, how we were getting to Javakhk, the dangers, etc. We all met on July 19 at JFK Airport, anxious to get there.

Scenes from Javakhk Camp

Our first day in Javakhk was spent in the town of Akhalkalak, which is primarily Armenian. We visited the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) offices of Akhalkalak, where the ungerouhis spoke about the situation of the Armenians in the town, but more so about how excited they were with our presence. We then walked to the youth center, passing the statue of Mesrob Mashdots, who not only created the Armenian alphabet but also created the Georgian alphabet. At the youth center, Unger Nayiri gave us a tour, showing us the many, many books about the ARF they have collected, the pictures of the fedayees, the pictures the children have drawn, and the clothes they have learned to sew. That night we talked logistics—how we were going to operate these camps and how we would have to modify the camp to fit our circumstances.

The next day, my group, who was going to Akhdzkha, another largely populated Armenian town, left anxious and overtly eager. Since that was the day our jampar was supposed to begin, we hastily dropped off our things at the hotel and headed to the youth center to meet and greet all the children and their parents. Since we did not have any materials, most of that day was spent buying supplies and preparing mentally and physically for the jampar.

The first day began bright and early at 9 a.m. We made the trek to the youth center as a group, set up our individual activities for the day, and waited anxiously for the children to arrive. Every morning was basically the same: We would begin with singing “Mer Hairenik,” then do marzank, or exercises—jumping jacks, hokey pokey, “head shoulders knees and toes,” etc. Then, everyone would head inside for their class. During these seven days, I taught the children how to make bracelets with string (almost every child wanted red, blue, and orange string), bracelets with beads, and key chains. I taught them about the city of Van/Vaspuragan, the kings, the kingdoms, the vishabs that lived on Lake Van, the story of Akhtamar, the other various islands on Lake Van, what remains on the island today. I also taught them about Erzerum, its Armenian name Garin (my middle name), where most of their grandparents had emigrated or escaped from; I taught them where it’s located, its role in the caravan, the large mountain ranges that surround it, the unique black stone that is found only there, and the story of the Moghez and the Megnag and the halva. I even taught them the words to the “Erzerumi Tamzara,” which was by far their favorite. We taught them songs and dances we’d learned at camp, or at panagoom, songs that would empower them to be Armenian, such as “Leran lanchin” or “Seropin yev Sossein Yerke,” but also fun songs. I read them the empowering story of Sassounsi Tavit. We played games with them, they drew, they colored; we even made a paper quilt and a paper chain with their drawings and writings.

Scenes from Javakhk Camp

These children were amazing. As with all children, there were those who were noisy and disobedient, but the majority of the children were wonderful. They all listened very attentively, raised their hands when they had questions, and most impressively, caught on quickly to whatever it was we were teaching them, whether a song or a poem or a story. They were very fast learners, in other words. They were also very eager to learn. When teaching them arts and crafts, they would all surround me in a flurry to see what I was doing and then learn how to do it themselves. During playtime, yes there were spats, but they would solve problems on their own without having to call an adult over. I was amazed at how well they conducted themselves. The older girls were always looking to help in the kitchen or set up tables for lunch.

Aside from interacting with the children, we got to try the various dishes unique to the Armenians in Javakhk, such as khingali. Whenever we could, we would help out in the kitchen, washing dishes, pouring meals into bowls, distributing meals, cutting the cheese, tomatoes, and cucumbers, wrapping dolma, learning how to make khingali, etc. The director of the youth center would tell us time and time again that many of these children would not have had anything to eat had we not provided it for them, because their parents cannot afford food on a daily basis. One day, the group from Akhalkalak came to visit us, and we all took a trip to the Armenian church, which is no longer functional. It was so eye-opening to see the rocky roads they have to walk or drive along to get to their homes or to church, as many people can’t afford cars. Afterwards, we went to the youth center director’s home for some soorj, and found it surprisingly small—everyone slept in one room. We got to see what cramped situations they often have live in.

My favorite experience by far was when we went to see a thousand-year-old Bible in the village of Tsughrut. Even though it was rainy and muggy, we got to get out of the city, see the farmland, the farmers, the fields of corn and sunflowers and grapes, the cow herders, the people who cared for the horses and the chickens. It was beautiful. It was what I had imagined Javakhk to be. Every family had a home, and behind their home was a little stable with chickens for eggs or for dinner; a horse; maybe a cow or two for milk; and the wood from trees cut up and prepared for the winter, lined up outside of their homes. We first headed to the church where we said our prayers and then trekked to the home of elderly woman who kept the Bible. While we were walking, everyone slowly came out of their homes to say hello; they welcomed us, told us to come back, told us they had sons that we would love. It was like a homecoming. These people, Armenians, didn’t know who we were, or where we came from, but were more than happy to talk to us, get to know us, hug us. It was one of the most heartwarming experiences I’ve ever had.

The woman who kept the thousand-year-old Bible was reluctant to let us in at first, thinking we were there to take the Bible away from her, but eventually we made her understand that we were only there to see and admire it. She willingly told us how her father had carried that Bible as the only thing in his possession during the genocide, from Erzerum to Tsughrut. He had hid it in his pants so the gendarmes would not see it, eventually leaving the caravan to find his way to freedom in Javakhk.

We got to do some sightseeing, as well. We saw the statue of the Georgian queen Tamar. We walked up to the Georgian fortress, encountering Armenian workers who again were more than happy to talk to us, acting as though we’d known them forever.

The last day of the jampar was the most difficult. All of the kids knew it was our last day, so the mood was quite solemn; however, we put on a marvelous hantess for the parents who applauded and cried, and thanked us again and again for coming from so far away to teach their children and to help keep them Armenian. They were so sweet, so sincere, that they brought me to tears. The children were even more emotional; they didn’t want to leave us. Even though we’d only been there for seven days, they had grown attached to us, as we had grown attached to them. Slowly, every child left, with tears in their eyes, and we with tears in ours, saying goodbye, not knowing when we would see them again. Every day since, I sit and look through my pictures from Javakhk and reminisce about what an amazing experience I had. In all my 22 years, I’ve never had an experience like this: teaching children who appreciate and understand what I’m teaching, reinforcing the values my parents taught me, but also being my friends, teaching me things in return, laughing at my jokes—and me at theirs—running, jumping, tickling, dancing with me, explaining to me why they love Akhdzkha, and their friends, and stating that one day Javakhk will be a part of Armenia again. It’s so empowering to hear children tell you that. It definitely gives me hope. Leaving the children was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, even though our time together was so short. I grew so fond of them, they were like my own brothers and sisters.

Yes, I’ve been to Armenia and even Artsakh with the Homenetmen and with my family, but this experience was far from what I imagined it to be. I not only got to interact with Armenian children living in the diaspora as both a teacher and a friend, but I got to witness a different way of life. In some ways the situation that the Javakhk Armenians are in is similar to that of Armenians living in America and the rest of the diaspora, in that they are trying in every way possible to keep their Armenian identity; however, they have the added strain of a government that is trying to get rid of them, watching their every move, looking for a reason to kick them out or throw them in jail. We were all very curious how these children knew how to speak, read, and write in Armenian, as we’d read that even the Armenian schools in Javakhk were only allowed one session of Armenian a day. We learned that they have a Saturday School that all the children attend, just as I attended, where they learn to read and write in Armenian, and learn Armenian songs and dances. I was overwhelmed at their commitment to being Armenian, when in America we see Armenians slowly drifting away, assimilating into the American culture. Their parents are owed so much for putting themselves and their children on the line to help them keep their Armenian heritage. The people of Javakhk, although under strain, are resilient in keeping their traditions. This experience humbled me, and even more so motivated me to stay involved in the Armenian community, and work harder to motivate others to do the same.

To become a counselor at Camp Javakhk this summer, e-mail Javakhk@ayf.org or send a message to our Facebook group, “Tebi Javakhk.” I promise, you won’t regret it!

A scene from the concert

A concert dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the birth of the great Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian was held at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Wed., June 5. The event was organized under the auspices of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), and Ambassador Garen Nazarian, the permanent representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations.

Karine Poghosyan, an award-winning pianist, performed a program she created to present the richness and diversity of Khachaturian’s style. First, there was Khachaturian the lyricist, whose heartwarming melodies—”Adagio” from “Spartacus” and “Lullaby” from “Gayaneh”—Poghosyan performed with passion and grace. The program also highlighted the energetic and rhythmic Khachaturian of his early piano work “Poem” (1927) and the familiar “Toccata” (1932).

Karine Poghosyan

Finally, the audience encountered Khachaturian the innovator—less well known but all the more powerful and demanding—through his large-scale piano composition, the “Sonata” (1961). Poghosyan closed her exhilarating concert with an encore: Khachaturian’s “Waltz” from the “Masquerade Suite.”

More than 300 people attended the evening concert, including more than 40 United Nations ambassadors and dignitaries. The concert marked the inaugural 2013-14 Season of “Classical Music, Concerts @ Saint Vartan.” Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian welcomed the audience and outlined the objective of the concert series, mentioning that there would be four more concerts in the coming season. She spoke of Khachaturian’s lasting legacy and said he enriched human culture with the timeless beauty of his heritage.

“Music is a universal language of mankind,” said Ambassador Nazarian. “It touches many hearts, and reminds us of our common humanity and common responsibility to work together in partnership to spread the message of solidarity and peace around the world.”
Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian closed the evening with a benediction. A reception followed. The Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, was instrumental in organizing the concert.

Aram Khachaturian was born on June 6, 1903 in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Sheriff Koutoujian, left, assumes his role as honorary chairman of the Merrimack Valley Armenian Genocide Monument Committee after a hectic day that saw him lead graduates of the Harvard University School of Government and rescue an assault victim in Harvard Square. Here he is joined by prominent Merrimack Valley artist Daniel Varoujan-Hejinian, center, and Carl Manikian.

It began with the former state representative serving as parade marshal for graduates at the Harvard University School of Government, from which he graduated 10 years ago.

There he was at his alma mater with top hat, tails, and ceremonial scepter in what has become a standard role for the sheriff. It even led to a bear hug from TV personality Oprah Winfrey, who was there as a commencement speaker.

One might have assumed it was Koutoujian and not the starlight receiving the honorary degree. Hours later, the sheriff found himself in Harvard Square en route to some office business before heading out to Chelmsford for a fundraising reception tendered by Armen and Sossy Jeknavorian for the Merrimack Valley Armenian Genocide Monument Committee.

As circumstances prevailed, Koutoujian came upon a raucous scene where a woman was being assaulted in broad daylight. The chivalrous sheriff needed no posse for this call. He rescued the damsel in distress and order was quickly restored in the square during the mid-afternoon bedlam.

Koutoujian pursued the assailant and brought him down with very little fanfare and strain, given his Herculean frame. It was all in the line of duty, he admitted modestly.

“I don’t think it was a heroic action or anything brave,” he revealed. “It was just an instinct.”

The unexpected transformation from Ivy League opening act to Cambridge’s Wyatt Earp was taken as nothing larger than a grain of salt.

“I was wearing a badge and a very formal-looking morning suit,” Koutoujian added. “People couldn’t tell what I was doing there.”

That evening Koutoujian found himself in a more sedate role among Armenians of Merrimack Valley, serving as honorary chairman of a monument committee bent on constructing a $33,000 memorial by Lowell City Hall.

The sheriff appeared at the reception unflustered and gave no hint to his rigmarole, much less the commencement. The focus was on greeting guests and encouraging their support for the project.

Koutoujian was also an instrumental figure in the completion of a $6.5 million memorial on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston, and helped to sponsor genocide activities during his term in public office with sidekick Rachel Kaprielian, now registrar of Motor Vehicles.

He may be back in government after announcing a bid for Congressman Ed Markey’s seat should he be elected to the U.S. Senate in the special election against Republican candidate Gabriel Gomez on June 25.

In referring to the backlash other cities have received from the Turks with their monuments, Koutoujian presented a more benign approach to any potential rebuttals. A crowd of 40 was there to welcome the sheriff and heed his words.

“We should just remain calm and not do anything to incite dissention,” he told the gathering. “This monument is a testament to all immigrants who settled in the Merrimack Valley and defied the genocide. It’s a tribute to all who served their heritage so generations could follow.”

The evening raised $7,500, which included an $850 bid for a painting donated by noted Chelmsford artist Daniel Varoujian-Hejinian. The craftsman designed this monument to show hands weaving lace, synonymous of mill workers plying their craft as newly arrived immigrants to Lowell.

Koutoujian also pledged $500 toward the project to arouse more sentiment.

Among others attending were former Lowell mayors James Milanazzo and Rita Mercier, who’ve embraced the project since its inception a year ago. But in the end, it was a nightcap Koutoujian welcomed dearly.

“Despite the tensions he faced earlier in the day, Peter engaged everyone at the reception with a warm smile and a handshake,” said Dr. Ara Jeknavorian of Chelmsford, a project activist. “He never let the emotions of the day interfere with the matter at hand. That says a lot for his personality.”

And what about that fabulous embrace from Oprah? That was very special indeed!

“I got to give her a hug,” he said. “As I finished adjourning the ceremony, I looked over and she was smiling at me. She put out her arms. I didn’t even have to ask for it. It was a really nice moment.”

Anoush Krafian at the state championship

Krafian competed in the Girls 100m Hurdles and, with 108 hurdlers entered, won in 17.49. Krafian is the Massachusetts state champion. As a 7^th-grader, she won the Division 1 title as well as the overall state title. She also competed in the Girls High Jump, with 60 high jumpers entered. Krafian and eighth-grade competitor Alex Macrides from RJ Grey Middle School of Acton, Mass., tied with a jump of 5’2”, a personal best for both girls. Macrides had one less miss than Krafian at 5’2”, thereby determining the tie. Krafian was awarded 2^nd in Division 1 and 2^nd overall in the state.

Krafian will also be competing in this season’s USA Track & Field (USATF) Junior Olympics competitions in the Pentathlon, as well as at the open events of the 100m Hurdles, the 200m Hurdles, the High Jump, and Long Jump. The USATF New England Associations outdoor Track & Field Championships will be held at Fitchburg State University on Sat., June 22. The USATF Region I Championships will be in New York on July 5-7. The top eight finishers in the New England Championships will move on to the Regionals; the top six finishers in the Regionals will move on to the Nationals.

Anoush Krafian is a member of the Greater Boston AYF “Nejdeh” Junior Chapter and the Boston Chapter of the Homenetmen. She is a student at St. Stephen’s Sunday School, a camper at Camp Haiastan, and a graduate of St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School. She is the daughter of Heather and Ara Krafian and the sister of Araxi, Nairi, and Knar Krafian of Belmont, Mass.

The four local ARS chapters—Agnouni, Bergen, Shakeh, and Spitak—organized the 2-mile walk, which drew in more than 75 ARS members, Homenetmen Girl Scouts, and community members. It began in front of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, following a prayer service by Rev. Father Hovnan Bozoian in front of the Armenian Genocide statue. The route continued to Cliffside Park lookout and back. The walkers were escorted by Ridgefield and Cliffside Park police for their safety.

Following the walkathon, all of the participants enjoyed a delicious lunch, donated and prepared by members of the ARS New Jersey chapters in the church’s large hall. Good food, good friends, and a soft heart makes a community.

The event would not have been possible without the hard work of the ARS EUSA, the chapters’ Walk Armenia Committee, and its members. They thank all of the participants, the donors, the and HMEM Girl Scouts, and especially Reverend Father Hovnan Bozoian and the Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church’s Board of Trustees.

As tens of thousands of demonstrators angrily protested throughout Turkey, expressing their dissatisfaction with Erdogan’s dictatorial rule, foreign ministry officials continued to pursue their routine denialist tasks, countering any and all efforts by other states to reaffirm the reality of the Armenian Genocide.

There were three such instances of Turkish reaction in recent weeks:

1) The Turkish government reacted harshly when Pope Francis acknowledged the Armenian Genocide, calling it “the first genocide of the 20th century.” The pontiff was speaking during the June 3 visit to the Vatican of a delegation of Armenian Catholics. Although Pope Francis had made similar remarks in the past while serving as a cardinal in Argentina, this is the first time he referred to the genocide since his recent papal election.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry was quick to lodge a formal protest to the Vatican, expressing its “disappointment” with the Pope’s statement. The Vatican’s ambassador in Ankara was promptly summoned to the foreign ministry and told that the pontiff’s remarks were “absolutely unacceptable” and could harm bilateral relations. An unnamed Turkish official even suggested that the Pope’s upcoming visit to Turkey might be in jeopardy after his remarks on the Armenian Genocide.

Rather than backing down, the Vatican made matters worse for Turkey by announcing that Pope Francis planned to visit Armenia on April 24, 2015, to perform a requiem service at the centennial commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

In view of the denialist mindset of Turkish officials, it is understandable that they would be displeased with the Pope’s factually candid and morally uplifting statement. After all, he is not only the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, but also a head of state. Yet, there was no need for the foreign ministry to get so agitated, since the Vatican recognized the Armenian Genocide twice, in 2000 and 2001.

Turkish officials don’t seem to realize that by overreacting to acknowledgments of the genocide, they are inadvertently promoting the very cause they are trying to undermine. Indeed, the Turkish condemnation of Pope Francis’ statement on the Armenian Genocide was reported by the media worldwide, helping to further publicize the facts of the Armenian Genocide. Ankara’s real intent in slamming anyone in the world who dares to speak out on the Armenian Genocide is to discourage all others from issuing similar statements, particularly in view of the upcoming centennial in 2015.

2) The Greek Parliament angered the Turkish authorities earlier this month when the ruling New Democracy Party, lifting a page from the French legislature, introduced a bill to punish xenophobia and the denial or distortion of genocides recognized by Greece, such as the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust. Violators of the proposed law would face up to 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of 5,000-20,000 euros. The Greek Parliament recognized the Armenian Genocide in 1996. Even though there has not been any public statements by Turkish officials against the newly introduced resolution, it is almost certain that pressure is being applied through Turkey’s ambassador in Athens and other diplomatic channels.

3) Ukrainian Parliamentary members Arsen Avakov, of the opposition Batkivshchina Fatherland Party, and Vilen Shatvoryan and Nver Mkhitaryan, of the ruling Party of Regions, introduced a resolution on June 6 calling for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Azernews reported that Azerbaijanis living in Ukraine protested outside the parliament against this resolution. A letter signed by several Azerbaijani organizations in Ukraine was sent to President Victor Yanukovych, claiming that the resolution is “of serious concern to the Turkic-speaking people of Ukraine, especially Azerbaijanis…and a serious blow to Azerbaijan and Turkey.” According to well-informed sources in Ukraine, the Turkish government is behind the Azeri protests, including the strong reaction from Mustafa Dzhemilev, the chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars and a member of the Ukrainian Parliament.

Despite the persistence of domestic instability, Turkish officials have continued to project their denialist policies around the globe, interfering with the internal affairs of other states. One would hope that the international community would reject the Erdogan regime’s pompous and arrogant attitude, as it is being rejected at home by large segments of the Turkish population.

The Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is considering a Genocide Education measure for the high schools. Working with one of the sponsors of the original measure, the reference to and teaching of the Armenian Genocide was included. Unfortunately—but not surprisingly—the Turks heard about it. A Turkish official has been making the rounds of the state’s Senators and Representatives (but not the original group!) and I have been informed that more than one bill is in the works—and none will include any reference to the Armenian Genocide!

Therefore, I am writing in hopes that readers of this publication residing in Pennsylvania will write to their State Senators and State Representatives urging them to be sure that the reference to and study of the Armenian Genocide be a part of any bill that comes before the Legislature. Readers who have relatives in Pennsylvania are urged to contact them and ask them to get involved.

The length of the letter is up to the individual, but it should include the facts that:

1. Unbiased historians and countless historical organizations accept without qualification that the Armenian Genocide was the first state-conceived, state-planned, state-executed genocide of the 20th century.

2. The steps that the Ottoman Turks undertook for the genocide set the template for future genocides.

3. When he was asked to explain the word “genocide,” which he coined, Raphael Lemkin said, “What the Turks did to the Armenians, and the Nazis did to the Jews.” In that interview, Lemkin explained that he had begun to pursue the task of making “genocide” an international crime when he was a law student, in the early 1920’s, and learned about the events in Ottoman Turkey, during World War I.

4. With the Centenary of the start of the genocide fast approaching, Pennsylvania, with the inclusion of the genocide, will have paid due homage to the 1.5 million Armenians who were killed.

Readers can explain that any study of genocide must begin with that of the Armenians, or it will be incomplete. Although the key, original legislators have been provided with this material, if readers have material to spare, include it with the letter. Community members can also indicate that they will be following up on the matter, and offer to provide more information as needed. Offer to meet during the summer break.

Be aware that this is a major battle. The Turks have failed to get similar measures removed from the education curriculum of other states, so their tactic is to ensure that nothing about the Armenian Genocide appears on any education program in the first place.

If we are successful, this could well be one of the key achievements of the Centenary in April 2015—100 years since the beginning of the genocide.

Avedis Kevorkian
Philadelphia, Pa.

You’re all invited to dinner with Robyn and Doug Kalajian inside their Armenian Kitchen online.

Chief cooks Doug and Robyn Kalajian happen to be celebrating an auspicious occasion with another delectable meal and perhaps a bottle of champagne.

They’re toasting a happy marriage as well as a happy website that has caught the attention of its one millionth page viewer.

“Raise the glasses and bring out the special tableware for this occasion,” bubbles Robyn. “What a milestone! You could knock us over with a feather.”

The big day arrived May 27 when the website registered 547 hits, a tad less than the previous day, which received 931. Over May, the site registered 27,580 views, and passed the million mark by 331.

It has anything and everything you wanted to know about Armenian food a million times over and still counting.

Among the latest queries was from Mark Gavoor with his oud in hand. He represents the voice of Chicago with an appetite to match, especially when it comes to such delectables as perper salata, Kharpert kufteh and topig. Just like medzmama’s cooking!

He has this to say about the Kalajians:

“Their Armenian Kitchen blog is an Armenian-American treasure. Their passion for the preservation and dialogue of our culinary roots is nonpareil. I wish I were more of a cook than simply an avid fan of results of Armenian cooking pros like Doug and Robyn. If I were, I’d certainly take advantage of their wonderful and voluminous collection of recipes. Maybe one day.”

Whether it’s their concoctions, a friend’s, or from another’s cookbook, it’s all up there for people to enjoy, says Gavoor.

“The Kalajians provide great stories and give ample credit to wherever the recipes may originate from,” he adds.

Their website—www.TheArmenianKitchen.com—shares everything you want to know about Armenian food one recipe and story at a time, whether it’s Aunt Arpie’s deviled eggs or Gavoor’s amazing cheese puff/bourag called “penerli.”

Put on an apron, wash your hands, and join the Kalajians on their epicurean journey.

“Armenian recipes are as varied as their regions and dialects,” agrees Robyn. “No two choreg recipes are alike. Food connects us across all boundaries. We like to think we’re preserving our heritage one recipe at a time.”

We caught up with the Kalajians in the comfort of their kitchen. No doubt, it’s their favorite room. And with the electronic era, they share it with the world.

Doug, too, is absolutely dumbstruck by the overall popularity of his nutmeg. As he understands it, the stats mean his website has been clicked on over a million times by almost 300,000 different readers.

“It tells us that people keep coming back,” he says. “We know this because Google tracks visits automatically and tells us what stories they read and where they may live, right down to the village in China, Africa, or the Middle East. It’s been an amazing journey over these past five years.”

Other remote areas include Mongolia, Laos, Iceland, Uzbekistan, and United Arab Emirates. A man from Australia was so desperate for the taste of basterma, he sought the recipe. A woman from Canada sent along an easy method of making madzoon in a microwave. Others are hoping to find lost family recipes.

Doug worked as an editor, reporter, and feature writer for over 16 years with the Palm Beach Post before retiring in 2008 from what he calls “a sadly shrinking newspaper industry.”

Along the way, he wrote a non-fiction book called Snow Blind about a crusading public defender caught up in Florida’s cocaine insanity of the 1980’s.

Robyn, a retired culinary arts teacher, remains the chief cook with this production duet; her husband calls himself a sous chef. Dining with them in an elaborate Florida restaurant is quite the appetizer.

“I’m absolutely dumbstruck by the overall popularity of YouTube, which has displaced traditional TV for so many people,” Doug points out.

Most popular so far is how to make shish kebab with more than 65,000 views. More so than the website, the videos seem to draw a diverse audience that includes many non-Armenians. The reaction has been powerful and sometimes overwhelming.

“Our cooking videos have been watched more than 230,000 times by viewers from around the world.” Doug notes that some videos have also become a lightning rod.

“There’s a furious international food fight being carried out among various groups claiming the identity and origin of dishes from throughout the Near and Middle East,” he confirms. “Armenian cuisine is under heavy fire, particularly from Azerbaijan and Turkey. The comments get downright nasty sometimes, but I rarely feel the need to reply because Armenian viewers jump in quickly with their own response.”

The Kalajians remain content to leave questions about the food industry to the experts while they try to satisfy a clear desire among Armenians to share their recipes and the traditions they represent.

One lesson that’s been driven home is that the Armenian menu is incredibly varied because it reflects the far-reaching experiences and travels of the Armenian people over centuries.

“Our cuisine is still evolving as Armenians adapt to the changing world,” he agrees. “Ask Armenians from Yerevan and Lebanon to describe a typical meal and you may get very different answers. But you might find the same divergence between two Armenians from New Jersey if one family came from Dikranagerd and the other from Van.”

After starting the website in March 2009 with nothing more than the thought of sharing recipes with an unknown global audience, it’s become an evolving turnstile.

“We always wanted to work on something together,” they said. “Robyn’s knowledge of food and cooking with my writing skills was an obvious conclusion.”

The Kalajians are based in Boynton Beach, where they cook and write. Both are involved with St. David’s Armenian Church and piped into the Armenian community. They’ve connected people with recipes, specific ingredients, and other curiosity-seekers. Through their website, they found a cousin named Maro Nalabandian, a noted pastry chef.

“I’d heard about her family over the years but we’d never met until this past April,” said Robyn. “The passion for food must be in our genes.”

Baking the distinctive cheese bread recipe that Robyn learned from her grandmother not only brings back memories, it gives the Kalajians a small taste of the little village in the shadow of Musa Dagh, which her ancestors left nearly a century ago.

A plea for assistance came from Tigran Shahverdyan, a scientist from Moscow participating in the International Space University’s studies program at Florida Institute of Technology.

He didn’t have a car and needed to know where the nearest Middle Eastern store was located. He wished to buy lavash for a cultural project to which he was committed. Being the only Armenian in the group, he wanted to do an Armenian-style barbeque.

Using her computer, Robyn located a store near his school that sold lavash and passed on the information diligently, much to the delight of the faculty and students.

“We’ve posted recipes related to certain Armenian traditions, celebrations, and holidays,” she brought out. “Our main purpose continues to find and preserve Armenian family-style recipes. Sometimes, it’s a challenge with regional dialect and recipe name/spelling differences, but we’re always up for that. At times, we turn to readers for help and someone usually comes to the rescue.”

The Kalajians would love to publish their own cookbook but the idea always seems to find “the back burner.” Yet, it’s not out of the question. A calendar has been suggested and that’s another possibility. It’s just a matter of time and timing.

As for television, that’s highly unlikely. They’ll stick to their YouTube videos for now. In the meantime, they’ll focus on being an interactive site that reaches far beyond their wildest dreams.

Suren Khachatryan

Tigran, 19, is reportedly being held at the Nubarashen penitentiary. He and his father’s bodyguard, Zarzand Nikoghosyan, were arrested following the murder of former mayoral candidate Avetik Budaghyan, 43, on June 1. They have been charged with murder (under Article 104 section 2 of Armenia’s criminal code) and the illegal possession of weapons (Article 235 section 1).

Governor Khachatryan, whose name has been linked with violent incidents in the southern province, applied to leave his post until the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, although the law does not allow that. The government accepted his resignation on June 6.

The shooting also left Artak Budaghyan, the brother of the deceased and a commander of a Karabagh army battalion, seriously injured. He was shot three times according to his doctors. Nikolay Abrahamyan, a relative of Governor Khachatryan and one of his bodyguards, also suffered injuries.

“[Budaghyan] was armed and he attacked. [My son] defended himself,” the governor told a reporter.

During the night of the incident, the Budaghyan brothers were reportedly at a lakeside party attended by dignitaries including Karabagh President Bako Sahakyan; Governor Khachatryan and his entourage were also there. An argument between Khachatryan and Avetik Budaghyan that night has been cited as the reason behind the shooting.

Governor office interprets events

On June 5, the governor’s office published a version of the events to, as it claims, set the record straight and counter “doubtful” accounts of what happened—accounts that aim to “distort reality,” “mislead the public,” and build tensions in Syunik and, specifically, Goris.

According to officials at the governor’s office who reviewed the security tape from June 1, his two sons came home at 10 p.m. in separate cars; the governor himself returned at 10:16 p.m., and does not appear in the tape thereafter. At 10:36 p.m., Avetik Budaghyan drove up to the house. The two sons, their driver, and two bodyguards approached him. They talked for 2-3 minutes; tensions ran high. The governor’s wife, Loretta Barseghyan, walked over, and soon Budaghyan drove away. At 11:06 p.m., Budaghyan returned to the house. The same five men and Loretta approached him again. A few minutes later, a second car approached. Commander Artak Budaghyan got out of the car and according to the governor’s office—opened fire on the group. The group dispersed, while Loretta moved towards Artak Budaghyan and grabbed his gun, in an effort to either take it away or prevent him from shooting. Budaghyan managed to get away from Loretta. Avetik Budaghyan then attempted to stop his brother, but both fell over. Avetik, visibly hurt, stood up. Nikolay Abrahamyan, the governor’s bodyguard, jumped him from behind and took away his gun. Avetik then pulled out another gun and fired at Nikolay, who fell to the ground and stayed there. Avetik tried to move up the driveway, but shots were fired at him; the shooters, however, weren’t captured on tape. Avetik pulled back, fired one more shot towards the gate, and fell to the ground. (The governor’s office fails to mention here that Avetik Budaghyan, it appears, was shot in the back.) During this entire time, Artak Budaghyan remained on the ground. By 11:30 p.m., the injured were taken to the hospital.

To view footage from the security cameras published by A1+, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTy4AYsMhfU.

Justice denied ushers in more violence

In the interim, former Deputy Governor Ara Dolunts has been appointed as acting governor. The Armenian media has responded to the governor’s temporary leave—and the possibility of a fair trial—with cynicism.

“Suren Khachatryan doesn’t picture himself holding a different position and he is hoping that, after the conclusion of the preliminary investigation and after he presents the incident as a case of self-defense, he is once again going to get away with it,” wrote Jamanag Daily on June 13.

ARF-Dashaktsutyun Parliamentary faction leader Armen Rustamyan has attributed the violence to the failures of the justice system, which by its very failure encourages citizens to take justice into their own hands. “There is an environment of impunity in the Syunik Province, and naturally this is not the first time that we hear of such things,” Rustamyan was quoted as saying. “There is no end in sight for this, because a real justice system is yet to be established, so that people can resolve their disputes in a lawful manner.” Speaking in parliament on June 14, he urged his colleagues to follow the case closely so that the guilty can be brought to justice.