Interview with the Raphael Lemkin Scholarship winner Ivan Gaztañaga González
“My Last Step Will Be To Try That Spanish Parliament Recognizes Armenian Genocide.”
13.10.2017
Iván Gaztañaga is political scientist and M.D in International Law and International Relations (University of Granada) and expert in Middle East Studies (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) and now is completing his Ph.D in International, European and Comparative Law focused on Armenian Genocide with the following topic: “The Genocide against the Armenian people in the diplomatic and consular letters (1914-1925)”.
- Ivan, the program is coming to an end, have you done all your research?
- I am completing my PhD in International Law and Genocide Studies at the University of Granada (Spain). My research experience in Armenia was a part of comparative resources, comparative frameworks, diverse point of views and theories regarding Armenian Genocide. In AGMI, I was advised and directed by the historian Robert Tatoyan, who provided me with the basic and general literature, as well as detailed investigations in different fields: statistics, history, political science, journalism and art.
John Malkovich visited Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial
10.10.2017
Hollywood legend, actor, director, screenwriter and producer John Malkovich visited Armenian Genocide Museum accompanied by Sergey Smbatyan, the principal conductor and director of the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia.
Lusine Abrahamyan, the Deputy Director of AGMI presented in details the history of Armenian Genocide to the famous guest. After the tour John Malkovich left a note in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests.
AGMI Acting Director Suren Manukyan presented the Hollywood actor Hayk Demoyan’s book “The Coverage of the Armenian Genocide on the Front Pages of the World Press”, and another one authored by Hayk Demoyan and Lusine Abrahamyan “Aurora’s Road. Odyssey of Armenian Genocide Survivor”. After that AGMI Acting Director Suren Manukyan accompanied the actor to the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex.
Nansen with Armenian children in the orphans' town
10.10.2017
The photo is of a Norwegian polar explorer, great humanist Fridtjof Nansen. In 1925, during his visit to Soviet Armenia he got acquainted with the conditions of orphans' care in one of the orphanages in Alexandrapol. It is dinner time: Nansen did not hesitate and ate the soup that was intended for children in order to have an idea about the quality of the food. This was a vivid proof that Nansen was very serious and caring in his mission.
Pro-Armenian work had a special place in the activities of Fridtjof Nansen. He made vigorous efforts to improve the conditions of Armenian deportees.
As High Commissioner of the League of Nations in 1925, he visited Soviet Armenia to study on the spot the issue of settling and creating tolerable conditions for the Armenian deportees.
The President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Paid Tribute to the Memory of the Armenian Genocide Victims
04.10.2017
The Delegation, headed by Milan Štěch, the President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, accompanied with Vardan Bostanjyan, the Chair of the RA NA Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
Milan Štěch laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and the guests put flowers at the eternal fire. They honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
The members of the Czech delegation visited also the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, got acquainted with the documents proving the Armenian Genocide.
After the tour Milan Štěch, the President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, left a note in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests.
Ernest Hemingway about Smyrna disaster
30.09.2017
During the years of World War I American writer Ernest Hemingway left for Europe, took part in the War and was seriously injured. In September 1922 by assignment of the Canadian “Toronto Daily Star” newspaper’s editorial office, Hemingway left for Turkey as a reporter.
In September 1922 the Kemalist troops organized a real carnage in Smyrna, setting on fire the Armenian and Greek quarters. The aim was to terrorize the Christian population of the city and made them to leave it. The districts were covered with the corpses of Armenians and Greeks. Those, who tried to survive and be saved by Italian, British and American worship witnessing the fire, were sunk in the sea. The author was shocked by the atrocities organized by the Turkish government, sufferings of Armenians and Greeks living in Smyrna. In a short Story collection “In our Time” printed in 1925, in a short story called “On the Quai at Smyrna”, where Hemingway wrote.
“… It’s impossible to convince them to give the death children back. About 6 days they kept death children and didn’t give them. We couldn’t do anything. We had to snatch them from Turks... All of them were on the cliff, and the scene was not like an earthquake or something like that, it was something else, they could never understand Turks. They could never know what was going to do the old Turk…
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Poland Visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
28.09.2017
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Poland Bartosh Tschichotski and his delegation visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex.
The guests from Poland put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
The delegation from Poland had a guided tour in the museum and was introduced to the history of Armenian Genocide.
Afterwards Bartosh Tschichotski left a note in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests.
Participants of the “Armenia-Diaspora” conference honored the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims.
19.09.2017
The participants of the “Armenia-Diaspora” 6th conference headed by Hranush Hakobyan, the Minister of Diaspora of RA, visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex and honored the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims. The delegation was accompanied with Suren Manukyan, Director Designee of AGMI.
The Minister Hranush Hakobyan laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and participants of the conference put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
All the people who were present sang “Cilicia” song at the eternal fire.
A silver fir was planted in the Ally of Memory by the participants of the Conference.
95th anniversary of Smyrna disaster is in September.
Saint Stephan church of Smyrna
15.09.2017
1922 Smyrna disaster was one of the last episodes of Armenian Genocide. During only several days the prosperous city known as the “East Star” for its beauty, stopped to exist. The city, which was once the place of Christianity in Asia Minor with an emphasized Christian character was called “Giavur Izmir” by Muslim population, remained only Turkish. The most part of the Christian civilians were massacred, and the buildings which belonged to them was set to fire and turned to ruins.
Armenians had many Christian and educational institutions in Smyrna. Saint Stephan church was unique for its architecture and luxury. The oldest scripts concerning the church are from the 17th century. The church is supposed to be built in the 16th century. Before the disaster of Smyrna in 1922 according to the inscription on marble stones around the main door of the church, the church was rattled from the 1688 earthquake and was rebuilt in 1689. The fire of 1845 caused great damage to Saint Stephan church. It was again renovated by Melqon Eramyan in 1853.
Saint Stephan church was one of the luxurious and biggest buildings of Smyrna. It had seven doors, and the main one was opened only on special occasions. The right side door was the one that was used every day, and was opened day and night for the believers. The church had a luxurious dome, golden altars, marble high cornerstone, high columns, and numerous windows.
Armenian Genocide Museum as Best Museum
13.09.2017
«Армения Туристическая» magazine has recognized Armenian Genocide Museum as “Museum of the Year”.
On 9th of September, 12 nominations were presented at the award ceremony of «Армения Туристическая 2017» 4th Tourism Industry Awards. The winners were awarded by bronze statuettes of Margarita Matulyan. Specialists involved in the tourism sector took part in the voting.
The purpose of the event is to develop the tourism sector in Armenia, award the companies recognized as the best by voting, as well as encouraging the more successful projects in the sector.
The scientific concept of the new exhibition of Armenian Genocide Museum reopened in April 2015 has been developed and implemented by the staff of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute headed by Doctor of Historical Science and Secretary of commission on the coordination of events dedicated to Armenian Genocide Centennial. The interior design of the museum was developed and carried out by Lusine Matevosyan and Christine Abrahamyan.
Israeli Delegation visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
12.09.2017
Israeli delegation headed by deputy speaker of the Israeli Knesset, Israel-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group Leader Tali Ploskov visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. Tali Ploskov laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and members of the delegation put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
The delegation was accompanied with AGMI Acting Director Suren Manukyan who presented to the guests the construction history of the Memorial Complex.
The guests also visited the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the details and episodes of the Armenian Genocide. The guests also left notes in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests.
Deputy Speaker of the People's Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
04.09.2017
On 31st of August, Deputy Speaker of the People's Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex accompanied with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Armenia Judy Chrisnand.
Mr. Fadli Zon and the accompanied delegation laid flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
The guests also visited the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the details of the genocide history. After the visit Mr. Fadil Zon and Mr. Judy Chrisnand left their notes in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests.
The Israeli Minister paid tribute at Armenian Genocide Monument
28.07.2017
Within an official visit to Armenia Israeli Regional Cooperation Minister Tzachi Hanegbi and the accompanied delegation visited Armenian Genocide Monument. The delegation was accompanied by RA Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Armen Papikyan, Honorary Consul of Israel in Armenia Ashot Shahmuradyan, sraeli Ambassador to Armenia Eliezer Yerushalmi and his wife, as well as Deputy Director of Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Suren Manukyan.
Minister Tzachi Hanegbi laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and members of the accompanied delegation put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
The guests also paid a visit to the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the proofs of the greatest crime of 20th century.
Deputy Director of Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Suren Manukyan was elected as IAGS Board member
11.07.2017
During the 13th conference of International Association of Genocide Scholars in the University of Queensland in Australian city of Brisbane Henry Theriault was elected President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, Vice Presidents; Adam Muller (Canada, Manitoba University) and Melanie O’brien (Australia, University of Queensland), board members; Hollie Brehm (USA, Ohio State University), Sara Brown (USA, Shoa Foundation), Hilary Earl (Canada, Nipissing University), Christina Gudehus (Germany, Ruhr-Bohum University), Suren Manukayan (Armenian, Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute), and Andrew Woolford (Canada, Manitoba University).
The IAGS was founded in 1994 and is the largest organization uniting genocide scholars in the world. In 8-12 July 2015 Yerevan hosted the 12th conference of IAGS.
A Mirror which was belonged to an Armenian family was handed to the Armenian Genocide Museum
07.07.2017
Alevi Hasan Dvin living in Germany handed to Armenian Genocide Museum a mirror, which was appeared near his grandfather in 1915.
Hasan was born in historical Yerznka. The mirror with a wooden case was given to Hasan’s grandfather by his Armenian neighbors during the deportation and atrocities against the Armenians hoping that one day they would be able to take their belongings back.
Unfortunately, as it is known Yerznka is one of those most suffered regions from the Turkish atrocities. Almost all the Armenians of Yerznka were deported and brutally killed. The intellectuals of the place were also arrested and shot dead.
"I would not even wish my enemy see what I saw those days"
Shogher Tonoian’s testimony
1901, Mush, village of Vardenis
06.07.2017
Shogher Tonoyan’s story begins in 1915 on the day of the Feast of Vardavar, when massacre started in their village. First they looted their village, took away the cattle, then gathered all the men, seized the girls and young women and led away. Both the elderly and children were burned in stables. 60 of her relatives were burnt, and only she and her brother suvived. On the road of exile they met the group of Andranik, and headed to Persia, Khoy, Nakhchivan, Karabakh and Kapan … In 1922 they reached the village of Katnahbyur of Talin region where Shogher married Grigor Tonoyan from Sasun and gave birth to nine children: Ahavni, Vardush, Gulnaz, Mkrtich, Sarkis, Vachagan, Hreghen, Anahit, Shushik.
Tajikistan president visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
14.06.2017
Within the circle of his official visit to Armenia by an invitation from RA President Serzh Sargsyan Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex.
Emomali Rahmon was accompanied with RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan, Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan, and AGMI Director Hayk Demoyan, who presented to the guest the history of Genocide Monument construction.
President of Tajikistan laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and the members of the delegation put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
Foreign Minister of Estonia Visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
12.06.2017
Today Foreign Minister of Estonia Sven Mixer visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex accompanied with Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Karen Nazaryan and RA Ambassador to Estonia Tigran Mkrtchyan.
Estonian Foreign Minister laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
Director of Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan presented to the Minister the history of the Genocide Monument construction.
Mayor of Australian City Willoughby Visited Armenian Genocide Museum
09.06.2017
Mayor of Australian city of Willoughby Gail Giles-Gidney visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex accompanied with Head of Armenian Diocesan Council of Australia and New Zealand and Head of Yerevan Municipal Foreign Relations Department.
Members of the delegation made a tour in the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the facts of Armenian Genocide and the history of Australian humanitarian aid.
At the end of the visit Madam Gail Giles-Gidney left a note in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests.
CIS Frontier Troops Headquarters Visited Armenian Genocide Museum
07.06.2017
CIS Frontier Troops Headquarters visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. Members of the delegation put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
Guests of the CIS countries also had a tour in the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the tragic facts of the Armenian Genocide.
At the end of the visit members of the delegation left a note in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests.
Head of Vatican Secret Archives and Apostolic Library visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
07.06.2017
On 2nd of June, Head of Vatican Secret Archives and Apostolic Library Monsignor Jean-Louis Bruguès and professor of church law at the Pontifical Oriental Institute Father Georges-Henri Ruisen visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. They laid flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
The Vatican delegation also made a tour in the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the tragic episodes of the Armenian Genocide.
Monsignor Jean-Louis Bruguès and Father Georges-Henri Ruisen left notes in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests. Director of Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan presented to the guests the English edition of “Armenian Genocide: Front page coverage in the world press” and "Fridtjof Nansen" gold medals of gratitude for their contribution to the study and recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Chairman of Goethe Institute visited Armenian Genocide Museum
02.06.2017
Chairman of the largest cultural institution in Germany; Goethe Institute Klaus-Dieter Lehman and his wife visited Armenian Genocide Museum accompanied with German Ambassador to Armenia Mr. Bernhard Matthias Kisler. The put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
After which the German guests made a tour at the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the facts of the Armenian Genocide.
At the end of the visit Chairman of Goethe Institute Klaus-Dieter Lehman left a note in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests. Director of Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute presented to the guest the English edition of “Armenian Genocide: Front page coverage in the world press” and the German edition of “Austria-Hungary and Armenia, 1912-1918 archival documents” by Artem Ohanjanyan.
“Aurora” Prize nominee Fartuun Adan visited Armenian Genocide Museum
26.05.2017
Today, “Aurora” Prize 2017 nominee Fartuun Adan visited Armenian Genocide Museum. She made a tour at the Genocide Museum accompanied with the deputy director of the museum Lusine Abrahamyan and got acquainted with the facts and episodes of the Armenian Genocide.
Fartuun Adan also visited the temporary exhibition of the museum, where an exhibition dedicated to Aurora Martiganian has been opened.
After the touching tour in the museum Fartuun Adan expressed her thanks to the museum staff and left a note in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests.
Brandenburg Minister of Science and Culture visited Armenian Genocide Monument
21.05.2017
On 22 of May, Brandenburg regional Minister of Science, Research and Culture Martina Münch visited Armenian Genocide Monument.
Doctor Martina Münch and German Ambassador to Armenia laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
Brandenburg regional Minister of Science, Research and Culture also visited the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the exhibition and the facts of the Armenian Genocide.
“Let us all pray that the word “genocide” shall be relegated to the history book”
“Aurora” prize nominee Tom Catina paid tribute at Armenian Genocide Monument
21.05.2017
Today, “Aurora” prize nominee Dr. Tom Catina visited Armenian Genocide Monument. Dr. Catina laid flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence. Tom Catina also visited the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the proofs and facts of the Armenian Genocide.
Dr. Catina also visited the temporary exhibition of the museum, where an exhibition dedicated to Aurora Martiganian has been opened.
AGMI Director Hayk Demoyan presented to Sudanese humanitarian doctor the life story of the brave Armenian woman who had survived those crimes and passed her all life trying to heal the painful consequences of that tragedy.
“To Proud Armenians, I sincerely thank you for your incredible courage”
Margaret Barankitseh visited Armenian Genocide Museum
20.05.2017
On 20th of May, the winner of “Aurora Prize” Margaret Barankitseh visited Armenian Genocide Museum. She laid flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
AGMI Director Hayk Demoyan presented to Mrs. Barankitseh the history of the Genocide Monument and the Memory wall where on the one side the names of the Armneian populated cities of Eastern Armenia are engraved and the other side contains the jars filled with soil brought from the graves of those foreign political figures and intellectuals who raised their voices in protest against the genocide perpetrated the Armenians by the Turks.
Margaret Barankitseh planted a fir in the Memory Alley of the Genocide Monument.
After which Margaret Barankitseh visited the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with crimes and tragic consequences committed against humanity a hundred years ago.
Governor of Saint Petersburg visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
05.05.2017
During his official visit to Yerevan Governor of Saint Petersburg Georgy Poltavchenko and the visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex accompanied with Deputy Mayors of Yerevan Kamo Areyan and David Ohanian, and Russian Ambassador to Armenia Ivan Volynkin.
The guests were welcomed by AGMI Deputy Director Suren Manukyan.
Saint Petersburg Governor laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and members of the accompanying delegation put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
Armenian Children Participating in Van Resistance
03.05.2017
The photo was published in the second issue of «National Geographic» magazine in 1919, attached to the article of Meynard Ouen Williams. The little heroes of the photo, the oldest of whom is only 12 years old, had reached Van through different hardships without the permission of the guardians of Artemid. This photo was definitely taken soon after the heroic defence of Van in 1915, and later published in an American periodical. “They had come to Hambardzumiants, governor of Van, with wooden rifles asking for real ones, because they were ready to fight till the very end to defend their relatives, some of whom they had already lost» - the author of the article wrote.
During the years of the Armenian Genocide a number of self-defense fights took place in different town of West Armenia. The fierce fightings between Armenians and Turkish soldiers in Van, which started in 7 April and lasted till 6 May 1915, ended with victory. The self-defense battle of Van, which was distinguished for its perfect organization, was the longest and the most dramatic one.
The Armenians of Van were fighting with all their power: women and girls, elderly and children, all of them had become participants of the bloody battles realizing the importance of defending their own homeland and own dignity.
Lebanese Minister of Planning Visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
29.04.2017
In 29 of April, Lebanese Minister of Planning Michael Pharaon visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. Mr. and Mrs. Pharaon and the accompanying delegation laid a wreath at the Genocide Memorial and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
The Lebanese Minister also visited the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the historical proofs and episodes of the Armenian Genocide.
Michael Pharaon also left a note in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests.
Princess of Jordan Paid Tribute at Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
29.04.2017
Today, Princess of Jordan Dina Mired visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex.
Her Majesty laid flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
Madam Dina Mired also visited The Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the proofs and facts of the Armenian Genocide.
Jordan princess left a note in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests, after which she planted a fir in the Memory Alley of the Memorial Complex.
Humbled Flowers Collecting at Armenian Genocide Monument
26.04.2017
Today the annual flower collecting activity took place at Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. The humbled flowers at the eternal fire on the occasion of 24th April were collected to have a second life.
With the initiative of Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets, since 2010the humbled flowers at Armenian Genocide Monument have been gathered and used to undergo a special processing. Flower stalks are switches off the petals: compost is derived from the first part and the flower petals are used in preparing of recycled handmade paper.
The compost is used to enrich the soil of Memory Alley at Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, and the handmade papers for making letters of appreciation and cards.
Using special technology 40 sheet of paper is made out of one kilogram flower, which is called flower-paper. This event serves to give a “second life” to the flower by recycling it by special treatment and use it again in another form.
Czech Parliament Recognized Armenian Genocide
26.04.2017
On 25th April, the Czech Parliament recognized the Armenian Genocide. The resolution passed with 104 votes.
The resolution reads: “The Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic condemns the crimes against humanity carried out by the Nazis during the Second World War on the Jewish, Roma and Slavic populations in the controlled territories, the genocide of Armenians and other national and religious minorities in the Ottoman Empire during World War I, as well as genocidal acts committed in other parts of the globe, and calls on the international community to effectively halt human and civilian rights violations in the world as well as resolve disputes through peaceful means…”.
Earlier President Milos Zeman also commemorated the 102th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and expressed his support to the Armenian community of Czech Republic.
Vice President of India Paid Tribute at the Armenian Genocide Monument
25.04.2017
On 25th of April, within the circle of an official visit to Armenia Indian Vice President Muhammad Hamid Ansari visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex accompanied with RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan.
Indian Vice President laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and near the eternal fire honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
Muhammad Hamid Ansari also visited the genocide museum and got acquainted with the historical proofs and episodes of the Armenian Genocide.
The Indian Vice President left a note in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests.
Tribute to the memory of martyrs of Armenian Genocide
24.04.2017
Today is the remembrance day of the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, the 102nd anniversary of Armenian Genocide. Every year on April 24, hundreds of thousands of people from Armenia, Diaspora, as well as, foreigners visit Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex to lay flowers at the eternal fire and honor the memory of the innocent martyrs.
On April 24, commemoration ceremonies are held in every part of Armenia and Diaspora. Protest calls are raised against the Turkish denial policy and messages to the international community to recognize the greatest crime of the 20th century. Liturgy is hosted at all dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church. In 1920’s April 24 was marked as the commemoration day of the most tragic page of the Armenian History.
Opening of Temporary Exhibition at the Armenian Genocide Museum
24.04.2017
Today a new temporary exhibition was opened at Armenian Genocide Museum. The first visitors of the new exhibition were RA President Serzh Sargsyan with the First Lady Rita Sargsyan, RA Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, RA National Assembly Speaker Galust Sahakyan, and high-ranking officials.
The exhibition includes exhibits and samples 25th anniversary of the Independence of Armenia and the 50th anniversary of the construction of the Genocide Monument.
The exhibition also includes unique original units acquired by AGMI in the past year.
RA President and High-Ranking Officials visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
24.04.2017
RA President Serzh Sargsyan, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, RA Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, RA Parliament and government members visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex.
They paid tribute at the eternal fire and His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians held a memorial service for the peace of souls of the Armenian Genocide victims.
Legislative and executive representatives, top military officers, politicians, intellectuals, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia, and members of non-governmental organizations also paid tribute and commemorated the memory of the innocent martyrs.
RA President and the accompanied delegation also visited the museum, where Director of Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan presented the new opened temporary exhibition dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Independence of Armenia and the 50th anniversary of the construction of the Genocide Monument.
At the Origins of Commemoration:
102nd Anniversary of Declaring April 24 as a Day of Mourning and
Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide
24.04.2017
2017 marks the 102nd anniversary of April 24 as a day of commemoration. A special committee was formed in Constantinople, in March 1919, by a group of Ottoman Armenian intellectuals who survived the Armenian Genocide. The main goal of this committee was the organization of commemoration ceremonies dedicated to the 4th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The committee, known as “The April 11th Board of Ceremonial Mourning” consisted of 13 members including Yevphime Avetisian, Zaruhi Galamkarian, Mari Stambulian, Perchuhi Parsamian, Miss Arpiar, Tigran Zaven, Merujan Parsamyan, Hakob Siruni, Gevorg Mesrop, Tagvor Suqiasian, Dr. Barsegh Tinanian, Shahan Perperian and Hovhannes Poghosian. Due to the efforts of these people the memory of the victims of Armenian Genocide was commemorated among the Armenians of Constantinople for the first time in 1919. Armenian writer, publicist and public figure Hakob Siruni wrote in his memoirs: “The mourning ceremony became a tradition. Since then, the 24th of April was adopted as a symbol of mourning.”
According to the committee, commemoration ceremonies were intended to be held from April 11th through the 18th, but due to the Armenian Patriarch’s illness at the time, the date was delayed by one day.
Bishop Mesrop Naroian held a liturgy for the victims of the Armenian Genocide from April 15th to the 25th in St. Trinity church of Bera district of Constantinople.
Press Conference at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute
21.04.2017
Today, a press conference took place at the conference hall of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.
During the meeting AGMI Director Hayk Demoyan presented the works and achievements of the museum-institute in the past ten years, as well as, the upcoming projects.
2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Genocide Memorial Construction. AGMI is planning some events and a temporary exhibition dedicated to this occasion.
“This year we are going to present a temporary exhibition which presents the chronology of the construction of Armenian Genocide Monument; historical photographs during construction works, few samples of how individuals participate in construction work, and samples of photographs printed on different carriers. Looking back we can see the great mission it had on all Armenians in the last fifty years”, said AGMI Director Hayk Demoyan.
"Song can become a weapon in the fight for freedom".
Norwegian "LIDERHORN" Choir at Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
12.04.2017
In April 12, "Liderhorn" choir of Norwegian Bergen city visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex.
The Norwegian choir performed a couple of songs near the Monument. Swedish, Norwegian, Chilean and African spiritual songs have been voiced. The choir has also prepared some Armenian songs for their concert in Armenia.
After the performance the Norwegian guests laid flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
At the end of the visit "Liderhorn" choir singers presented to AGMI Deputy Director Suren Manukyan an illustrated catalog about their hometown Bergen.
Hayk Demoyan, the director of AGMI had a speech in the Congress building of USA, Washington, during the annual event dedicated to the Armenian Genocide
08.04.2017
An event dedicated to the Armenian Genocide was held a few days ago in the US Congress building of Washington. It was organized by the Armenian Assembly of America, the Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues, the Armenian Embassy in USA, Representative of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh and the Armenian National Committee In America. A number of American congressmen, Heads of the Armenian Community and Armenian organizations, as well as diplomats attended the Event.
Hayk Demoyan, the Director of AGMI stressed the importance of maintaining the history or the Armenian Genocide in his speech.
“Commitment of Preventing Genocide is a constant anxiety, and it is very important for Armenians, that America share our values to confront the threat of violations of human rights,” mentioned AGMI director.
Hayk Demoyan Attended the Opening Ceremony of the Armenian Genocide Library in Washington
07.04.2017
The opening of the Armenian Genocide Library of the Armenian National Institute was held on April 5 in Washington. Although the books presented here do not reflect Armenian history and national character, but they provide detailed information on the Armenian Genocide, the most tragic event in the Armenian history.
Hayk Demoyan, Doctor of Historical Sciences and the director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute also attended the library opening ceremony. He welcomed the opening of the library and the cooperation prospect with Armenia.
“The opening of the Armenian information center in Washington is a very important event. Firstly the establishment of such center in the US capital is already a serious achievement, and secondly this center will become a place for meetings and discussions, as well as a center for organizing coordinated activities. This is more than a library or information center,” Hayk Demoyan said.
"Armenian Genocide and the European History and Memory"
Article by Hayk Demoyan was published in the German Scientific Collection
16.03.2017
An article by Hayk Demoyan, Doctor of Historical Sciences, and AGMI director, was published in an English-language collection “European Commemoration:Locating World War I.” The collection is dedicated to events of World War I.
Materials of the collection were first presented during the international conference “European Commemoration – 2014”, dedicated to the centennial of World War I.
In the article titled “The Armenian Genocide and the European History and Memory” Hayk Demoyan briefly presents the most tragic periods in the history of the Armenian Genocide during World War I based on the European sources, mainly the responses and memories of the European eyewitnesses and diplomats.
Fundraising for Genocide Survivors (New York)
14.03.2017
In 1917 representatives of the small Armenian community of New York organized a unique action in one of the city streets, trying to attract public attention to help the Armenians in need. Girls in the images of Mother Armenia and orphans raised a poster with the following note: “We mourn for our 1,000,000 lost, You can help the 1,500,000 survivings”.
During and after the Armenian Genocide the US government, Americans citizens, as well as the Armenian community of U.S. put much effort to provide humanitarian aid to the Armenian survivors. Most of the survivors found their shelter in the Middle East, Greece, Caucasus and elsewhere.
Together with humanitarian relief organizations established by the U.S. government, local Armenian community was also engaged in those activities in various means.
Greek foreign minister visited Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute
09.03.2017
On March 10 within an official visit to Republic of Armenia Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotziasn visited Armenian Genocide Monument.
The Minister laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
After which, along with AGMI Director Hayk Demoyan the Greek Minister visited the Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the tragic episodes and proofs of Armenian Genocide.
At the end of the visit Minister Minister Nikos Kotziasn left a note in the Memory Book of Honorable Guests.
Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute won a prize
03.03.2017
Today Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute won the prize of RA Government in field of investments in international standards 2016.
Director of Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan thanked the organizers for evaluating the work of the museum and mentioned that AGMI works are based on the respect of the memory of Armenian Genocide victims.
The award of a number of large and popular Armenian associations is organized by National Institute of Standards in collaboration with Ministry of Economic Development and Investment and National Council of confidence.
“Times of Mantashyants; Armenian Business Life in 19-20th Centuries”
Temporary exhibition at Armenian National Center of Aesthetics
03.03.2017
Today, at Armenian National Center of Aesthetics in cooperation with Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia a temporary exhibition was opened dedicated to the 175th anniversary of famous Armenian benefactor Alexander Mantashyans.
The event started with postcard fading, after which Director of Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute presented to the guests the rare collection of historical instruments of ratification of Mantashyants and the Armenian business life of 19-20 centuties, as well.
The exhibition includes items and exhibits related to Armenian business life in the Ottoman Empire and Tsarist Russia, such as, postcards, photos, commercial forms, bank securities, theoretical manuals and guides related to Armenian merchants.
Speaker of the State Duma of the RF Federal Assembly Vyacheslav Volodin paid tribute at Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
03.03.2017
Within the framework of an official visit to Yerevan Speaker of the State Duma of the RF Federal Assembly (FA) Vyacheslav Volodin visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex accompanied with RA National Assembly Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov.
Vyacheslav Volodin laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and Russian and Armenian parliamentarians put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
Russian parliamentarians also visited Armenian Genocide Museum and got acquainted with the tragic episodes and proofs of the Armenian Genocide.
RA Diplomats visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
03.03.2017
On March 3, RA Foreign Minister and Heads of diplomatic missions abroad visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex.
RA Diplomats laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
During these days the regular meeting of RA Foreign Ministry, Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia abroad, permanent representatives of Armenia in international organizations and consuls general are being held.
Corinna Shattuck. The Armenians life-saving American
16.02.2017
In 1894-1896, Miss Corinna Shattuck an employee of organization of American Council of authorized representatives of foreign missions (OALAKH- American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions or ABCFM) performed great work In order to mitigate the massacre horrors of western Armenians.
The result of her heroic efforts was that she ensconced and saved the life of the 240 Armenians (60 men and the rest women and children) in the house allocated to her, risking her own live during the massacres at Urfa in 1895. She even did not use the right reserved to herself to move Ayntap preferring to help the Armenians suffered from the massacres.
AGMI awarded famous armenian intellectual Yervand Pambukian with a gold medal
11.02.2017
On 10 February, the presentation of 12th volume of archival documentary “Materials for the history of ARF” edited by Yervand Pambukian took place in Yerevan.
The volume recently has been published in Beirut. The theme of the volume is the Armenian Genocide. The volume includes historical materials of primary sources on the theme of the Armenian Genocide kept in the RAF central archives.
The volume also includes testimonies of genocide survivors collected by Shavarsh Misakyan, who was one of the first who collected and recorded those testimonies about Armenian Genocide.
Hayk Demoyan awarded Shahan Gantaharyan Chief Editor of “Aztag” daily
08.02.2017
Director of Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan awarded Shahan Gantaharyan; Director and Chief Editor of “Aztag” daily with "Henry Morgenthau" gratitude medal.
AGMI highlights and appreciates the editorial staff of “Aztag” daily, particularly the supports of chief editor Shahan Gantaharyan and his participation in coordinating the cooperation of Hayk Demoyan; Secretary of Armenian Genocide 100th anniversary events with the Armenian community of Lebanon.
Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and Armenian daily newspaper “Aztag” published in Lebanon have close collaboration for long years. “Aztag” daily covers the activities of Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and the information published on its website. Articles of AGMI researchers are also published in “Aztag” exceptional volumes.
Chairman of the Foreign Relations Commission of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Sweden visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
07.02.2017
Today, a delegation headed by Chairman of the Foreign Relations Commission of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Sweden visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex.
Commission Chairman Kenneth G Forslund and the accompanying delegation put flowers at the eternal fire of the Memorial Complex and honoured the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
Swedish parliamentarians also visited Armenian Genocide Museum and got acquainted with proofs, facts and episodes of Armenian Genocide.
"The Ancestor Syndrome": Transmission of Genocide Trauma to Generations
02.02.2017
Devastation caused by the Armenian Genocide was immense not only in physical but also in psychological and spiritual levels. Psychological studies of genocide deal with traumas, psychological and mental characteristics of survivors, different psychological effects of genocide on generations of the survivors and other similar issues.
An important observation on an aspect of psychological trauma of genocide was done by French psychologist Anne Ancelin Schützenberger in her book titled “The Ancestor Syndrome: Transgenerational Psychotherapy and the Hidden Links in the Family Tree”, first published in 1998. This book is generally focused on the influence of emotional experiences and their transmission through generations. Here Anne Schützenberger creates her own method of therapy, and the main tool of the latter is genosociogram. With the help of genosociogram Anne Schützenberger examines the complex knots of tragic family histories and by highlighting the transgenerational links she offers a method to stop the intergenerational unconscious repetitions.
Anne Schützenberger touches upon the psychological trauma of genocide and its penetration in lives of survivors and their descendants. The author views this phenomenon on the example of some psycho-somatic features of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and their generations through building their genosociograms. Working with family cases she comes across the case of a French woman of Armenian descent-Jacqueline- as transmitted unconscious repetition as well as somatic and neurotic manifestation of trauma caused by the Genocide.
The refugee camp of the deported Armenians in Ras al-Ayn
31.01.2017
This rare photo was taken in 1915/1916 in the surroundings of Ras al-Ayn; a Syrian locality, where the Armenian deportees from the Western Armenia and other places of the Ottoman Empire have been settled. The photo was taken secretly from the second floor of a building near the refugee camp. Probably the photographer tried to be unnoticed realizing that he/she could be severely punished by the Ottoman censorship law, which banned taking photo of the caravans of the deported Armenians and the refugee’s concentration camps.
During the years of the Genocide the Arabian village of Ras al-Ayn; located on Euphrates, became the cantered refugee camp of the deported Armenians from Sebastia, Diyarbakir and Kharberd, and from Constantinople and Cilicia afterwards. According to the eye witnesses, 500-600 people died daily of cold, hunger or epidemics. In 4 months 3-14 thousand people passed away in Ras al-Ayn, for which the local governor asked not to stop the replacement of the Armenian deportees in that locality.
Dear visitor,
The Armenian Genocide Museum will be closed from Jan. 28 - 30.
Best regards,
The Armenian Genocide Museum – Institute
Sara Corning - 145
Lived to serve others
25.01.2017
Sara Corning was born in Chegoggin City, in 1872, eight kilometers north of Yarmouth (south-eastern Canada). She joined the American Red Cross during the First World War (1914-1918) and left for the Ottoman Empire as a volunteer to assist the Armenian refugees and orphans rescued from the Turkish massacres. In those days the Canadian media (Toronto World, The Halifax Herald, La Presse and etc.) largely covered the Armenian massacres to make the public aware of the problem.
In 1922 Sara signed up for the Near East Relief and left for Smyrna.
In September 1922, the Kemalists invaded Smyrna, which was mainly populated by refugees. Sara remembers: “The area was filled with lot of sick refugees and we had to open a clinic in order to take care of them, but it was soon closed by soldiers”.
Chinese edition of Memories of Aurora Martiganian
20.01.2017
In late 2016, the Chinese edition of “Ravished Armenia” had been published in Taiwan.
The book is translated and published by David Vang, by the permission of Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.
The book presents the memories of Armenian Genocide young survivor Aurora Martiganian (Arshaluys Martikian), the cruel and inhuman hardships she has passed through along with her nation.
''Turkish gendarmes came with whips in hands, began to carry us to Deir ez-Zor slashing and beating us''
Mariam Baghdishian’s testimony
1909, Musa Ler, Village of Haji-Habibli
19.01.2017
Genocide survivor Mariam Baghdishian comes from the village of Haji-Habibli of Musaler. She says that during the first days of massacres her father was called up to the Ottoman army, and her mother with three young children did not manage to climb the mountain and appeared to be among the deportees. Mariam tells how they were brought to Adana and left without water and bread. Her mother and younger sister died of hunger, and she, along with her other sister, ended up in an orphanage.
The Murder of Hrant Dink
18.01.2017
Istanbul, Shishli, January 19, 2007.
The photo is of the dead body of Hrant Dink; editor of “Agos” weekly published in Turkey.
This murder was the result of nationalist and intolerant atmosphere increasing day by day in Turkey, which is encouraged by the Turkish government. Hrant Dink was the victim of hatred disseminating policy towards Armenians and the policy of denying the Armenian Genocide on state level. This murder gave birth to a new resolution; 1.500.000+1.
Hrant Dink was murdered in January 19, 2007, by three firearm shots in the back of his head, in front of “Agos” editorial office in Shishli. Leaving away the killer had exclaimed “giaour”, which gives reason to believe, that the murder was committed on ground of nationalism.
Karen Jeppe – 140
27.12.2016
Karen Jeppe was born in 1876 in Giling, Denmark.
Like his contemporaries, Jeppe first heard about 1894-1896 Armenian massacres from European press. 1902 became a turning point in her life. After listening to a lecture delivered by Danish scholar, humanist Oge Meyer Benediksen, Karen Jeppe becomes member of “Danish Friends of Armenians” humanitarian organization and meets Johannes Lepsius; founder and president of the German Orient Mission with a willing to work with them.
Jeppe was not a missioner. Jeppe and Benediksen were deeply convinced that in order to help Armenians in the Ottoman Empire and stimulate their development they have to respect their religion and culture.
Jeppe and the leaders of “Danish Friends of Armenians” organization had understood that in order to cooperate with German and American missionary organizations, and local authorities, as well, they must have a support in the Ottoman Empire.
Georgian Interior Minister visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
16.12.2016
Georgian Interior Minister Georgy Mgebrishvili visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex with his Armenian colleague RA Chief Police Officer Vladimir Gasparyan.
Georgian Interior Minister laid a wreath at the Genocide Monument, after which members of Georgian delegation put flowers at the eternal fire and honored the memory of the innocent martyrs with a minute of silence.
AGMI Deputy Director Suren Manukyan presented to the guest the construction history of the Genocide Monument. Than the delegation visited Armenian Genocide Museum and got acquainted with proofs and facts of the Armenian Genocide.
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