Azad-Hye Blog

Historical tours of Armenian locations in India

2008-04-20T22:11:00.001+04:00

Azad-Hye special.

Helena Cray (Carapetian) is the descendent of an Indian Armenian family. She has lived in India and Iran for a long time and is based in the USA since 1989. Most recently, she returned to her native India as an overseas tour organizer and a coordinator of a travel agency.

She explains to the readers of Azad-Hye about her motivation: "My ultimate goal is to expose the beautiful churches we have in India and definitely bring Armenians from all over the world to meet and familiarize themselves with a culture that is rich in history and to see for
themselves that even in a place like India within a multitude of religions, castes and creeds we have been able to live there all these centuries without the fear of persecution, discrimination and bigotry. We have been given free land by the Indian Kings and nobleman of the past to construct our churches giving us the freedom to practice our religion".

Referring to her grandparents who have been the last caretakers of the Saidabad Armenian Holy Virgin Mary church, Helena says: "They served the church for many many years and I grew up in the compounds of the church. My grandfather was Armenian from Iran, he married my grandmother who was Indian. Last year I was fortunate to have been invited by the Church
committee to attend the re-consecration of the Saidabad church and the honoring of my deceased grandparents. It was a nostalgic event, as each one of my trips has been".

Initially Helena moved with her husband to Iran, where she lived for almost a decade, witnessing the revolution, the hostage crisis and the Iran/Iraq war. In 1989 she moved with her family to the United States. Her husband passed away in 2004. Helena has two lovely daughters, Melina and Narine.

An ex-student of the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy (ACPA), she talks about her feelings when returning back to India after 23 years of absence: "I cannot tell you how
good it felt to be back in a place I have always cherished. Upon seeing the hard work that is going into the maintaining of our churches I felt it my responsibility to bring a population of people from all over the world to share in this large unselfish sacrifice made by Fr. Gulgulian and the efforts and hard work of a group of individuals who consider this their calling as
well".

Helena is a witness of the current situation of the Armenian community in India. She says that the community is gradually dwindling and it will be a great loss if people are not taught and
introduced to an age old Armenian civilization. According to her, foreigners also are interested in the Armenian culture in India. "I have no doubt that non Armenians will also have a great interest in our churches, it is just a matter of spreading the word through the appropriate channels. People all over the world are experiencing the hostility that is gradually taking over the world".

INTERVIEW WITH HELENA CRAY.

- How long did you stay in India and what can you tell us about ACPA life at your
time?
I was born in India in 1957. I grew up in the school, although my parents lived in the city I lived at the school and went home on holidays only. Life in the ACPA was okay, not like it is now. We had more strict rules and regulations, we never got to go anywhere. The quality of our food was
very bad as was the quantity. We went to bed hungry and could not concentrate on studying because hunger over took our minds. Our educators were underpaid so we did not receive the best education. We turned to one another for comfort and we grew up to become one large family.

No one was compassionate towards us, not the educators nor the committee members. The schools had a board of directors as did the church but we could not turn to anyone with our pain.

- What was your motivation to work in the tourism sector?
Upon visiting India after 23 years and after having lived a life of denial I realized I was wealthier than all the people I associated with. I had had the opportunity of living in a country that
was rich in its cultures, they maintained their spirituality and were the most humble of all human beings. How could I turn away from such wealth. I witnessed the work that was being done by Deacon Tigran and Fr. Gulgulian and the efforts of the church wardens it was then that I decided to do something to spread the word. I felt a sense of responsibility and a sense of betrayal. My responsibility was to bring people to see for themselves what was being done. My sense of betrayal was that I had closed my heart and mind to the earth that had
fed me and the air that I had breathed. It was my duty to showcase this and to bridge the communities of the West with the East.

- Do you believe that we can create Armenian tourism (that is tourism based on visiting Armenian sites) even outside Armenia? Can you explain us the case of the Armenian sites in India?
YES! we can - I firmly believe we can, it requires team work, people with the same goals and
plenty of voices to spread the word. We need to make the internet our voice, we need the world wide web to spread our message. We have 5 Armenian Churches, two schools, plenty of properties and a community that is fading away. We can move the older Armenian people who are retired and living in countries where they are alone and have no financial support to Kolkata. They can volunteer their time and contribute towards the schools and the community. I am sure with a little work and research we can delegate somebody to approach the local Chairman and
the wardens with this idea.

- Do you believe the above trend can cover other Armenian communities in the Middle East and elsewhere?
Yes I absolutely believe so! We need to come up with a great marketing plan and we can join as colleagues and try and do something. Count me in!

- Who are the clients for such tourist excursions? Can non-Armenian be interested in such tourism?
Currently I am targeting the Armenian market, but I am certain non-Armenians would also be interested.

- And now for a classical question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In five years I see myself, with the help of supporters leading thousands of people to various parts of the world introducing them to the Armenians and their ancestors in such countries. We have spent many years taking people to see the grandeur of current tourism but no one is making an effort to show people the old Armenian churches nestled in villages across the world, deteriorating with neglect. People do not hesitate to spend money to visit France, Greece, Italy and Spain … We have our heritage that is being totally ignored.

PRESS RELEASE.

February 2008 tour of India (Delhi and Kolkata).

A tour organized and conducted by Helena Cray, overseas tour organizer and coordinator of TNI Holidays, to visit the historical Palaces of the Mughal Dynasty in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra and the historical Armenian churches, schools and community in Kolkata, India.

A group of six individuals from the United States accompanied by Helena Cray, a one time member of the Armenian Community of India, visited India from 11-21 February 2008.

There are a total of 5 Armenian churches in Kolkata and its neighboring cities. A boy’s
School, Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy (ACPA) and a girls’ school, Davidian Girl's School in the city of Kolkata.

Last year the Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth celebrated its 300th anniversary. No formal celebrations were held because His Holiness Karekin II was unable to attend to perform the ceremonies and blessings.

Official celebrations are being held in November of 2008 for the reconsecration of the Armenian Holy Virgin Mary church in Madras (Chennai).

NOVEMBER 2008.
TOUR OF INDIA.
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THIS UNIQUE TOUR.

This is to inform everyone that I am organizing a tour to India for November 2008. I have attached a flier for your information and would really appreciate it if you can forward it to
people that you know or think may be interested in going.

His Holiness Karekin II will be re-consecrating the Armenian Holy Virgin Mary church In Chennai (Madras), there will a celebration banquet dinner for the 300th anniversary of the Holy Church of Nazareth too. Delegates from all over the world will be attending and it will be a historical event, yet another event for the Armenians in and from India.

For those of you who have never been to India or for those of you who did and have not been back since, will discover that there has been major changes to the churches and schools and
the Armenian community. It is very nostalgic when you witness the places you saw as a child and it is interesting for those who have not been to India to see first hand what it has been like for the Armenian to live in a culturally diverse country with the freedom to practice their religion and live without the fear of persecution.

I have put together an itinerary which will give you the opportunity to visit not only the Armenian Historical aspect of the country but also the Rich and Colorful History of the Mughal Empire, visiting the renowned Amir Fort, Spectacular Taj Mahal and experiencing the Camel ride into the sunset of the Rajasthan desert.

If I have been able to arouse some curiosity please be kind enough to forward to all your friends, family and acquaintances.

I thank you for your help and support.

Helena Cray.
TNI Holidays.
Overseas Branch.

You can see the following photos in the article in our website:
Picture of the recent group which went in India in February 2008.
Saidabad Armenian Church.
Picture of Helena Cray with His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.
With Armenian Ambassador and Archbishop Aghan Baliozian (2007).
The wall slab was erected honoring Helena's grandparents.

Ambassador Poladian begins his new mission in Damascus

2008-02-21T01:03:00.000+04:00

Azad-Hye special

Dr. Arshak Poladian is known to the Gulf Armenians as the first Ambassador of Armenia in the United Arab Emirates and a non-resident Ambassador of Kuwait and Bahrain. Now his new mission is based in the country where he was born, long before his eventual immigration to Armenia with his family at the age of 13.

Azad-Hye had the following interview with Ambassador Poladian:

What are your impressions about Damascus?

I am very happy that I am in Damascus. I feel intimacy towards this city and Syria in general, especially as it is a friendly country. Syria has always been and will continue to be an integral part of the Armenian-Arab cultural and historical sphere. With Syria we have centuries old relations.

The Armenian population has lived in Syria since unmemorable times and has developed very active presence in both the past and present, in political, trade, economical and cultural fields.

Considering the importance of this country, Armenia - right after its independence - established one of its first foreign representations in Damascus (November 1992), and having in mind the existence of a large community in Aleppo, we established a General Consulate there soon afterwards (March 1993).

I have always mentioned in my interviews that despite the immense problems that we were facing during the early 1990s, we managed to overcome the crisis situation and with the help of the community here, we established two diplomatic centers, Embassy in Damascus and Consulate in Aleppo, the third of such instance in our diplomatic reality after the United States of America and the Russian Federation.

How can you describe the course of the relations between Armenia and Syria?

The bilateral relations had a very intensive beginning. There were highest level delegations, exchange of visits, etc. The legal-contractual field was almost completely covered, but in recent years, we might say, a certain drop of cooperation between the two countries was recorded, especially - I have to underline - in the trade sector, although Syria is one of the geographically closest countries to Armenia, but, sadly, the exchange between the two countries is at the level of only two million dollars annually. The overall situation as explained above worries the leadership of our countries. Both Presidents have mentioned this fact and asked me to move forward to change the situation, especially in view of the friendship between the two countries. I have been appointed to my position here to make this idea work. I have specific recommendations from the authorities in Armenia, primarily from His Excellency the President Robert Kocharian, who has recommended to do whatever possible to raise the level of the relationship.

The works have started in this direction. I am here for one and half month now*, during which, I presented my credentials to His Excellency President Dr. Bashar Al Assad on 7th October 2007, five days after my arrival, and since then my official tenure has started.

During this short period of time I had several meetings with members of the Syrian government, including Vice President Dr. Najah Al Attar. These meetings will naturally be continued, but on the same time I am trying to cover the whole country, without limiting myself to Damascus. Already I have visited Aleppo and met with the Governor and with various Armenian organizations and representatives of spiritual and civil society.

Tomorrow I will start my visit to the Syrian Al Jazira region. I will be visiting Hassakeh and Der Zor, where it is scheduled to meet with Governors.

I will have a special visit to the monument of our martyrs. I will certainly visit also our churches and meet with members of Armenians associations in the region. I would like to listen to the people, understand how they live and what they think about their country, what plans they have in their minds, what suggestions they would make. In other words, I am trying to have all-around approach to all subjects and provide possible solutions in due course.

How do assess the attitude of the Syrian authorities towards your mission?

Listen High honors have been bestowed upon me by the Syrian government and I have felt the warmth of this country and the very kind attitude of its political leadership in the person of President Bashar Al Assad. His Excellency highly appreciates the role of the Armenian community in Syria and has very serious approach regarding the Syrian-Armenian cooperation. Therefore the political will is there from both sides, there is a fertile soil to develop the cooperation, and we, the diplomats, should take advantage of these favorable circumstances and turn all expectations into reality, for the benefit of our both countries and peoples.

*Interview taken on 27 November 2007

Photo: Ambassador Dr. Arshak Poladian in his Damascus office.

P.S.: Ambassador Poladian conveys his best wishes to the Armenians in the Gulf countries, assuring that he carries the best memories from his experience there.

Read also:

Interview with the outgoing Ambassador of Armenia Dr. Arshak Poladian

Ambassador Poladian awarded “Independence Order”

Click here to read the above in the original website, including text in Armenian.

A celebration of beauty through Ten Years… Armenia

2007-12-30T01:55:00.000+04:00

Interview with Carlos Jose Bourdjian on the occasion of his exhibition in Yerevan (13-21 October 2007).

Report and interview by Nanor Mikayelian.

Azad-Hye Special.

"It is not necessary to always use a professional camera, as long as it comes from your heart and soul"Carlos Jose Bourdjian Carlos Jose Bourdjian graduated with honor from Aleppo University, Faculty of Business and Economics in 1994, holding a BA in Business Administration, but as many of us, his passion was always the arts, so he attended classes for professional photography at "Le Pont gallery" by Issa Touma in 1997, and then improved himself to adopt his own style in classic and abstract themes.

Carlos has always loved life, and skimming through his works, one can definitely feel his positive outlook, something that makes him the free spirited man and artist he is today. The photographer recently had his first solo exhibition in Yerevan, entitled "Ten Years…Armenia", which embodied ninety six interesting photos of the country, landscapes and the artist - friends Carlos has made during his several visits to Motherland Armenia.

The exhibition was held at The Club, in two separate halls, as it was divided into three categories: the first part included photos of Syria (where the artist is from). The second part presented Armenia in two different aspects: Holy Armenia with its churches and different sacred places, and Armenia in general, which included scenes from Yerevan, several monuments and of course the mount of all Armenians – Ararat. As for the third part which was presented in a different hall, there were portraits of celebrity artists with whom Carlos got acquainted within the last ten years, where one could also listen to a CD of songs and performances by the eminent artists themselves throughout all ten days of the exhibition.

It’s worth mentioning that all the Ararat photos were framed in barbed wires to symbolize - as Carlos expressed - how powerful yet how captivated Ararat is.

Days after his return to Syria, we sat down and had this casual chat which I’d like to share with you all. Read more.

The art of Andrey Antonyan

2007-12-08T21:26:00.000+04:00

By Sylvia Bourdjian – Matta

Azad-Hye special

"The Art of Andrey Antonyan" is a newly published book depicting Andrey’s art in 3 branches: Paintings, Iconography and Restoration with views from various art critics. The book is rich in photos illustrating the artist’s works.

I met him in Aleppo in 1993 when he came to restore the old holy icons of the Forty Martyrs' Cathedral and stayed until 1997. He was invited by Archbishop Souren Kataroian (then Primate of Aleppo and the surroundings until 2003) to restore and revive 25 paintings that were produced from 17th - 19th centuries and represented the expression of Armenian thought and creativity in Aleppo. Read more.

Interview with Father Issahag Minasyan in Jerusalem

2007-12-05T21:23:00.000+04:00

It is sad that many Armenian communities living in the Middle East can't make pilgrimage to Jerusalem, says Father Minasyan.

Azad-Hye Special

You have been in Jerusalem for more than a decade now? What changes do you notice during this period?

It depends what kind of changes you are looking for. A decade ago I haven't had chance to know the city and the people so well. I guess some positive changes have taken place, but they are tiny and do not allow to evaluate correctly. Read more.

Each and every year should be considered 'The year of the Armenian language'

2007-11-30T21:20:00.000+04:00

By Nishan Basmajian

Azad-Hye special

I refer to Catholicos Aram I's declaration of the year 2007 as "The year of the Armenian Language" and my subsequent comment*.

Recently I was reading an article in Aztag daily newspaper (1st October 2007 issue) with the following title: "Vdankevadz lezounerou tej vayrer" (Location list of endangered languages), where Ms L.Guloyan-Srabian quotes and comments on the research about languages in danger. The research is done by two linguists, D. Harrison and L. Campbell.

As per Prof. Harrison, in most of the cases it is the children who decide to abandon a mother tongue. Children living in environments where two languages are spoken tend to use the higher evaluated language and they abandon the one which is given less importance (makes sense!). Read more.

9th anniversary of the Armenian Church in Sharjah

2007-11-30T21:18:00.000+04:00

"Go ahead and create an active community life", says Bishop Papken Charian.

The 9th anniversary of the inauguration of the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Sharjah took place on 16th November 2007.

Following a special ceremony and the blessing of meat and salt, some 10 volunteers spent the whole night of 15th November 2007 in the church yard, preparing the sacrificial offerings (madagh). Read more.

ATOP Mission to Armenia

2007-11-28T21:15:00.000+04:00

10-Year Follow-up for Trauma Outreach and Prevention Project

The Association for Trauma Outreach and Prevention’s (ATOP) Mental Health Outreach Project (MHOP) is embarking on a humanitarian mission to Armenia from 23 October to 04 November 2007.

The first team to be deployed comprises Dr. Ani Kalayjian, the President of ATOP, and Danielle Reid, the Vice President of Public Relations. The team will provide postwar humanitarian outreach and recovery training for psychologists and orphanage personnel, as well as mass-trauma training and generational healing and prevention of genocide. Read more.

Renovated St. Gregory the Illuminator church re-opens its doors in Cairo

2007-11-28T21:13:00.000+04:00

After almost one year of renovation works, the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic church of Cairo opened up its doors once again to reveal the beauty of this genuine Armenian architectural edifice, one of the most exquisite Armenian churches of the diaspora.

On this Sunday morning of 25th November 2007, the masses, gathered at our 80 year old beloved church, witnessed the re-opening and official blessing of our revered house of worship which underwent massive renovation works consisting of a complete indoor and outdoor infrastructure restoration. Read more.

Yerevan Chamber Choir performs in three Syrian cities

2007-11-21T20:45:00.000+04:00

By Elsy Melkonian

Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Riad Nassan Agha, Minister of Culture in Syria and the Higher Institute of Music, in collaboration with the Embassy of Armenia in Damascus, a musical concert was given by the Yerevan Chamber Choir in three Syrian cities: Aleppo, Latakia and Damascus on 20, 22 and 25 October 2007.

The Choir was conducted by Haroutyoun Topikian, one of the eminent Armenian musicians. Read more.

The Birds' Nest: home for Armenian children in need

2007-11-21T19:29:00.000+04:00

“The Birds' Nest”, an orphanage directly supported by the Catholicosate of Cilicia is the home of our entire nation. As the shelter of Armenian children in need of care, it is the center of attention to all the philanthropists of the Armenian nation.

As an expression of continued Pontifical support for the “Birds' Nest”, Catholicos Aram I recently appointed V. Rev. Yeghishe Mandjigian as the new spiritual dean and Mr. Kevork Toroyan as its new principal. The new heads of this institution work hard - in consultation with His Holiness and the board of trustees - to create a cozy Armenian environment and make the Armenian children happier. Read more.

One year… with and without you

2007-11-18T20:54:00.000+04:00

By Carlos Jose Bourdjian

Azad-Hye Special

Her superior ability to deliver Armenian soul music through the contemporary multi-faceted vocal interpretations is astonishing. She is an exceptional new-generation Armenian jazz and soul vocalist that will definitely amaze anyone with her unique and sophisticated style.

A year has passed since the tragic death of Vartuhi Vartanian. Her memory lives among thousands of her music admirers, friends and relatives. Several memorial services have been organized in Yerevan, Los Angeles, Beirut and other cities in memory of "Tutush" (her well known nickname), to keep her image forever cherished in their hearts. Read more.

Armenian Lebanese solidarity song by Gassan Rahbani

2007-11-18T20:50:00.000+04:00

Azad-Hye Special

"We live here" a bilingual Arabic - Armenian song by Gassan Rahbani has been released in Beirut (In Arabic: Nehna haoon men ish; In Armenian: Menk hos gabrink).

See song on Youtube below.

Gassan Rahbani is the nephew (in-law) of the great Lebanese singer Fayrouz. His father is famous lyrical author, composer, orchestra arranger and conductor Elias Rahbani, one of the three Rahbani Brothers.

Gassan's first piano teacher was Agop Arslanian (read biography below). Read more.

"We live here" starts with a preface: To the beloved Armenian people, I donate these feelings.

Iraqi pop band 'Unknown to No One' is no more unknown

2007-11-16T21:05:00.000+04:00

Artin (Art) Haroutiounian, Shant Garabedian and their three colleagues advance in their career

Azad-Hye special

The new single song of the Iraqi band "Unknown to No One" (UTN1) is on air after months of hard work. The video clip has been displayed on pan-Arab music channel Melody Hits (on Nilesat) since late October 2007 and has been broadcasted on major Middle Eastern channels and radio stations. Read more.

Chair of Western Armenian Language in Yerevan State University

2007-11-12T21:03:00.000+04:00

Azad-Hye Special

The Yerevan State University (YSU) announces that starting from the academic year 2008 - 2009 students will be able to enroll at the newly formed "Chair of Western Armenian Language" within the Faculty of Armenian Philology.

The tuition would be US$ 1.100 yearly (or the equivalent).

The University undertakes to secure free residence permits for overseas students covering their period of study. Read more.

'The knock at the door' wins USA News Best Book of 2007 Award

2007-11-11T20:59:00.000+04:00

Memoir of Armenian Genocide sweeps World History Category

A book by Margaret Ajemian Ahnert

Synopsis: In 1915, Armenian in Turkey were forced to change their religion, barred from speaking their language, and often driven out of their homes as the Turkish army embarked on a widespread campaign of intimidation and murder. In this riveting book, Margaret Ajemian Ahnert relates her mother Ester's terrifying experiences as a young woman during this period of hatred and brutality.

At age 15, Ester was separated from her foster family during a forced march away from her birth town of Amasia. Though she faced unspeakable horrors at the hands of many she met on the road, and was forced into an abusive marriage against her will, she never lost her faith, quick wit, or ability to see the good in people. Eventually she escaped and made her way to America. Read more.

Constantinople 1920: a new book by Haig Tahta

2007-11-11T20:42:00.000+04:00

Constantinople 1920, the second book in Haig Tahta's projected trilogy, chronicles the impending fall of the Ottomans and explores the circumstances and atmosphere of Constantinople during the British occupation of the city from 1920 to 1922. It carries forward the same characters from Mr. Tahta’s first novel, April 1915 (See Azad-Hye article here), set in the Ottoman Empire at a critical moment following its fateful decision to join the Great War in November 1914.

Olga, an Armenian girl, and Selim, a Turk, are impossibly in love. Their relationship, much more difficult and problematic than Romeo and Juliet, develops and unfolds during the Greco-Turkish War, reaching its shocking climax in the burning of Smyrna. An historical novel of deep insight and high passions, Constantinople 1920 brings to focus a time which echoed throughout the world and set in train events that would engulf Europe in flames a few decades later. Read more.

Pro Educatio raises questions on Melkonian Educational Institute

2007-11-06T20:32:00.000+04:00

A Paris based forum called "Pro Educatio" has recently issued a communique titled "Remarks and Questions on issues of minorities and human rights in relation with Melkonian Educational Institute".

See below parts of this communique compiled for our readers: (The complete text in PDF format is availabe here). The Melkonian Educational Institute (MEI), based on its campus in Nicosia, Cyprus closed its doors in June 2005 to students coming mostly from overseas countries where people of the Armenian Diaspora are settled. The MEI is closed down by the decision of the Board of Directors of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) with its Head offices in New York, USA. Read more.

The Armenian Culture Week in the UAE

2007-11-01T20:47:00.000+04:00

Azad-Hye special

Last week, starting from October the 20th the United Arab Emirates experienced the entire beauty of Armenia.

Taking into consideration the feedback and appraisals of various public circles, as well as media coverage, we can assert that the cultural extravaganza week (named “Taste of Armenia”) was an unprecedented event.

A large group of 45 professional and highly acclaimed performers and artists conveyed the cultural and historical heritage and the spirit of our country to the UAE nationals and expatriates living here. Read more.

The active shepard ... Der Housig Setragian

2007-09-30T02:24:00.000+04:00

Interview by Sylvia Bourdjian-Matta

Azad-Hye Special

Der Housig Setragian is one of those priests you would like to sit and converse with. You will feel that you are talking to a friend not a priest. Recently I had the opportunity to discuss with him about his first volume "Vark Kahanayatz Perio Temi 1850-2005" (Biographies of Aleppo Diocese's Priests 1850-2005). He has invested plenty of time and energy to make this book a reality.

Film on Karekin Njdeh displayed in Yerevan

2007-09-09T01:10:00.000+04:00

"Haverj Oughin" (The Path of the Eternal) film on Karekin Njdeh (Garegin Nzhdeh) was displayed in Yerevan (and various other locations in Armenia, including divisions of the Armenian Army).

The film is created by Arthur Babyan and Armen Tevanian and its mass production is sponsored by MP Vahe Hagopian.

Syrian National Symphony Orchestra to perform in Abu Dhabi

2007-02-25T15:37:00.000+04:00

Placido Domingo, the world-renowned tenor, will be performing at a specially created desert village in Al Khatim, between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) on 26 February 2007, according to organisers.

Domingo will be performing in the UAE as part of the upcoming Education Without Borders (EWB) conference to be held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi from 25 till 27 February 2007.

Domingo's performance will be the main cultural event during the conference, accompanied by the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra. Eugene Kohn will be the conductor for the event. The principle conductor and the trainer of the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra is Misak Baghbudarian.

Boghos Mardirossian interviewed by Kuwaiti Al Siyasa daily

2007-02-25T15:32:00.000+04:00

"The new Middle East includes South Caucasus states by the side of Gulf Arab states"

"Armenia is lacking the activity and tools of Azeri-Turkish anti Armenia diplomacy in the Islamic world especially in Gulf Arab states"

Azad-Hye: In an interview with Kuwaiti newspaper "Al Siyasa" (16 February 2007 / see PDF format file in Arabic below), a prominent International relations expert Boghos Mardirossian residing in Kuwat, has said "Russian-Iranian alliance is not that strong and it could be broken and weakened in front of serious test by western world."

Mr. Mardirossian has analyzed in depth the strength of Iran-Russia relation. He stated "Russia and Iran have fought many wars in the past and only improved their relations after Islamic regime came to power in 1979 having a common enemy the USA in their foreign policy agenda. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia continued to retain good relations with Iran's Islamic regime".

Yerjanik Avetisian wins the women's title at Dubai Shooting Championship

2007-02-25T15:30:00.000+04:00

By Alaric Gomes, Staff Reporter

Dubai: Overnight leader Yerjanik Avetisian fumbled a bit, but held her nerves to clinch the top spot in the women's skeet at the Dubai Shooting Championships yesterday.

At the impressive Jebel Ali International Shooting Club range, victory did not come easy for the stocky Russian as she slipped up a bit on the penultimate station missing a target.

However, she did enough to recoup and hold her nerve in the shoot-off against Germany's Christine Brinker.

The Armenians in East Jerusalem and Haifa

2007-02-25T15:25:00.000+04:00

By Hayg Panoyan

Protest condemning the murder of Hrant Dink On Tuesday, 23rd of January 2007 at 11:00am, on the same day when Hrant Dink was being buried in Istanbul, members of the Armenian community in Jerusalem, Haifa and Jaffa gathered in front of the Turkish consulate in East Jerusalem, condemning the murder of Hrant Dink.

The event organized by the Hay Tad Committee of Jerusalem, brought forward more than 100 protestorsm who carried banners written "Hrant Dink:the Genocide continues", "We are all Hrant Dink, we are all Armenians", etc. The protestors chanted Armenian nationalistic songs. The protest lasted for an hour which was documented and photographed by various reporters. A letter of condemnation was handed by the Hay Tad Committee to the consulate.