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The largest circulation Armenian
online e-magazine on the WWW
PASTOR SHOCKS TURKISH TV VIEWERS BY BOLD REMARKS ON GENOCIDE
By Harut Sassounian Publisher, The California Courier
Even though the Turks are supposed to be on their best behavior in
order to convince the Europeans that they are civilized enough to join
the
European Union, they are still extremely intolerant of anyone who dares
to
bring up the taboo subject of the Armenian Genocide.
Last month, when Orhan Pamuk, an internationally-known Turkish
novelist, boldly told a foreign reporter that one million Armenians were
killed around 1915, just about all Turkish commentators, historians
(government-paid propagandists) and politicians severely condemned the
writer for making such a statement. A radical Turkish group even called
for
the murder of this `traitor.' Furthermore, a Turkish publisher is being
prosecuted by the government for releasing the Turkish translation of an
English language book that urges the acknowledgment of the Armenian
Genocide. Around six months ago, in the midst of trying to qualify for
the
start of membership talks to join the EU, the Turkish Parliament adopted
a
new law that makes it a crime for anyone to acknowledge the Armenian
Genocide. If this is how the Turkish government is acting, while trying
to
impress the Europeans, imagine what it would do if its actions were not
under scrutiny!
Given all the controversy this issue has generated within Turkey,
the
Turkish `Flash TV' decided to air earlier this month a five-hour live
talk
show on the Armenian Genocide. The host of the program requested that
the
Armenian Patriarchate send a represen tative to take part in this show.
However, the Patriarchate refused to participate by saying that it did
not
have an expert on the subject to be discussed. The host then invited
Rev.
Krikor Aghabaloghlu, the outspoken and courageous pastor of a local
Armenian
evangelical church, to present `the Armenian point of view.' Rev.
Aghabaloghlu is a well-known activist who has already been jailed once
for
challenging the confiscation of his church's property by the Turkish
government.
While there have been many talk shows on the Armenian issue, no one
has
ever dared to go on Turkish TV and repeatedly assert in a bold and
brazen
manner, as Rev. Aghabaloghlu did, that there is no doubt a genocide was
committed against the Armenians. Both Hulki Jevizoglu, the host of the
show,
and his main guest, historian Mehmet Saray were dumb-founded and
tongue-tied
by the Armenian clergyman's unexpectedly outspoken remarks. In a very
calm
and congenial manner, and with always a smile on his face, Pastor
Aghabaloghlu said on national Turkish TV that all Turks in Anatolia know
the
truth about the Armenian Genocide. He said that no one dared to talk
about
this subject and that anyone who had the courage to speak about it, is
called a traitor, condemned by the media, taken to court, and sent to
jail.
Despite all attempts to shut him up during the show, Rev.
Aghabaloghlu
kept on insisting that as a clergyman he has the obligation to tell the
truth. When asked to back up his comments, he said that he knew the
facts
first-hand from the experiences of his own family. Besides, he added,
there
is plenty of evidence for the Genocide in thousands of books and that
everyone knew that the Armenians in Anatolia were the victims of
Genocide.
Otherwise, he said, what did happen to the Armenians inhabiting
that
region? Did they evaporate? Did they decide to migrate en masse? Are
there
any Armenians left in Anatolia?
Making the Turks even angrier, Rev. Aghabaloghlu said that since
Armenians are mistreated in Turkey today, one can only imagine how much
worse their treatment must have been back then under the Ottoman Empire?
Mehmet Saray, the Turkish historian, was so enraged by the Armenian
clergyman's assertions that he kept asking the host of the show, `where
did
you find this man?' Saray said he would have refused to appear on the
show
if he had known that he would take part in such a `low quality'
discussion
and that his years of research and his books on this issue would be
ignored.
When a viewer from Erzeroum called to say that mass graves of Turks
were recently uncovered, Rev. Aghabaloghlu immediately retorted: `How do
you
know that these bones did not belong to Armenians?'
This astounding conversation, broadcast live to millions of Turkish
viewers, went on until the wee hours of the morning.
Rev. Aghabaloghlu is the courageous shepherd not only of his own
flock,
but that of all Armenians in Turkey who dare not to speak out fearing
for
their lives! The good pastor risked his life by making such bold remarks
on
a taboo subject in Turkey. European Union officials should warn the
Turkish
government that Turkey's EU membership prospects would be seriously
jeopardized should anything happen to this brave Armenian servant of God
who, as he says, has an obligation to tell the truth!
HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISER TO THE PM OF TURKEY RESIGNS
By Jonny Dymond 25 March 05 - BBC News, Istanbul - The chairman of the
Turkish prime minister's human rights advisory board has confirmed to
the
BBC that he will resign from his post. Yavuz Onen, who is leaving with
five
others, has bitterly criticised the attitude of the Turkish government
towards human rights.
His departure is an embarrassment for the government.
It has worked hard over the last three years to persuade the world
its
attitude to human rights has changed.
The advisory board and the government had clashed before, following
a
report from the board which criticised the country's attitude towards
its
minorities and questioned some of the fundamentals of Turkey's
constitution.
The government effec tively ignored it; at one point, locking it
out of
its own offices.
Mr Onen complained that he and 30 other members of the board had
tried
to get to see the foreign minister, but with no success.
No consultation
He condemned what he called the government's insincere attitude towards
human rights and its lack of consultation with the board.
The resignation of Mr Onen and five other members of the board
comes at
a time when Turkey's human rights record is once again under the
spotlight.
The EU, which has given Turkey a date for membership negotiations
to
start, has made it clear that those negotiations are contingent upon
continuing human rights improvements.
Many were deeply shocked by pictures of women demonstrators being
assaulted by the police earlier this month in Istanbul.
And human rights groups in the sout h-east of the country have told
the
BBC that the situation there has got worse in the last few months.
TWELVE TRIBAL LEADERS OF SYRIA ARRIVE IN YEREVAN
28.03.2005 YEREVAN (YERKIR) - A delegation comprised of the leaders of
12
Arab tribes inhabiting in northeastern Syria, accompanied by
representatives
of the Armenian Church's Beria Prelacy, arrived in Yerevan on Monday,
Dashnaktsoutiun press service reported.
Armenian National Assembly's Dashnaktsoutiun faction secretary
Hrair
Karapetian and Bureau's Hay Tad and Political Affairs Office director
Giro
Manoyan met the honorable guests at Yerevan's Zvartnotz airport.
The influential tribal leaders, some of whom reside in Saudi
Arabia,
Jordan, Iraq and Qatar, are in Armenia to take part in the events
commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, pay tribute
to
the Genocide victims and once again remind the world of the vicious
crime,
the perpetrators of which are still tryi ng to deny it.
Their hospitable ancestors gave refuge to the fragments of the
Armenians who had miraculously survived in the Genocide; today, many of
those Armenians and their heirs still live side-to-side with the
friendly
Arab people and enjoy equal rights.
VAHAN BEDELIAN
In Artsagang's March 2005 issue, Asdghig Tavitian reviews the newly
published biography of Music Master Vahan Bedelian, who taught the likes
of
internationally acclaimed violinists, Manouk Parikian (soloist with the
Liverpool Philharmonic), Haroutune Bedelian (B.B.C Prize Winner) and
Levon
Chilingirian (of the Chilingirian Quartet).
Bedelian also taught at the Melkonian for 35 years,
Melikian-Ouzounian
elementary school for 50 years, the English School for 15, the Turkish
Lycee
for ten and the Cyprus National Conservatory for 50.
In every school he taught Bedelian formed orchestras, bands and
choirs.
He was a lso the Choir Master of the Sourp Asdvadzadzin Choir for more
than
six decades. He started serving the Armenian Church at the age of six in
his
home town of Adana - Cilicia.
He was a composer of several songs and hymns.
He was decorated by the Queen of England with a Coronation Medal,
by
The Catholicos Khoren of Cilicia with the Order of Knighthood of Cilicia
and
was honoured by the Government of Cyprus for his multidimensional
contribution to the cultural life of Cyprus. He was known as "The father
of
Music of Cyprus".
The book - that has been written by former Melkonian Principal
Antranik
Dakessian - will be available in Cyprus soon.
The Melkonian Alumni and the Oshakan Cyprus Chapter of the
Hamazkayin
Cultural and Educational Association are co-organising a Book-Launch and
a
cultural evening dedicated to Vahan Bedelian in spring.
; Follow Gibrahayer e-magazine and the Cyprus Armenian printed
media on
how to obtain your own copy, which parallel to Vahan Bedelian's
biography is
also a testimony on the history and evolution of the Armenian community
of
Cyprus.
The book includes interesting and rare documents and photographs.
RECOMMENDED SITE
www.aina.org
Turkish Parliamentarians are preparing to formally challenge the
authenticity of the 1916 British Parliamentary Blue Book on the Armenian
Genocide, the Gomidas Institute (UK) reported on Tuesday. As part of
their
formal challenge, they intend to send a delegation to make
representations
to the Houses of Parliament.
www.gomidas.org
You are invited to read www.Azad-Hye.com
The website of the Armenians in the Middle East.
California Court case Postponed
Today was due to be the date of the Court hearing in the case brought
about
by the Istanbul Patriarch against the AGBU, has at the last minute been
postponed, without any explanation.
The California Alumni & Friends website, simply states
The AGBU Hearing March 15th, at 9:15AM
Court date postponed. New date will be announced as soon as it is final.
As informative as ever
* Has there been some sort of behind the scenes deal?
* Have they (the AGBU) seen the error of their ways and given up?
* Has the court postponed it due to lack of time or on legal grounds?
Considering the overall secrecy of this whole case, anything co uld have
happened.
I suppose time will tell, let's wait and see......
more from the savemelkonian.org website
Main Page
- Students handing over the cheque for tsunami relief to Mrs.
Panayiotou,
the Director of UNICEF in Cyprus
Diary section
- One court case postponed another couple on their way?
- Church, Ramgavars and the AGBU
- AGBU discontinues Hayatsk
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TATIANA'S CORNER
This corner is reserved for local artist Tatiana Ferahian's comic strips
which are amalgamations of Armenian-Cypriot social commentaries, painted
with her usual wry and ironic humour, to stimulate and encourage
awareness
and interest toward our community's everyday happenings.
NEWS IN BRIEF
* A drunk Jewish man assaulted two Armenian priests near the Church of
the
Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem's Old City on Easter Sunday night.
* Writer Orhan Pamuk's books along with flags of the outlawed Kurdistan
Workers' Party were burned during a flag display demonstration on Sunday
in
Bilecik, 313 kilometers west of Ankara.
* A car belonging to the chief of the Armenian customs Armen Avetisian,
was
rocked by an explosion early on Thursday in what law-enforcement
authorities
see as a botched attempt on the influential official's life. No
casualties
were reported.
* TURKEY has enlisted the help of a United States historian Justin
McCarthy,
as part of its campaign to counter Armenian efforts for world-wide
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
* With the initiative of ARF Dashnaktsoutiun Nikol Aghpalian student
Association about 30 youth and student organizations of Armenia sent a
letter on Thursday to the organisers of the concert featuring Russian
singer
Philip Kirkorov demanding that they cancel it, as they claim, he had has
cursed an Armenian journalist and had spoken of her origin in a
derogative
way.
* Electricity supply to 19 villages of Vayots Dzor region cut due to
heavy
snowfall has been restored.
* Kilikia" sailing boat, that visited Cyprus last summer presently
stationed
in Venice St.Lazzaro Island, will start its second four-month sailing on
May
9, 2005.
* Armenia moved above Andorra at the bottom of the group with a 2-1 win
in
Yerevan in the qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Cyprus take
on
Switzerland tonight.
* California youth will embark on a 215-mile 19-day walk to raise
awareness
about the unpunished crime of genocide committed against the Armenian
people
between 1915 and 1921.
MEET THE YOUNG SKI CHAMP
Meet Yannos Kouyoumdjian. He is eight years old, a student of
Nareg
Armenian elementary school and he is already familiar with concepts
like
practice schedules, giving 150% and being a champion.
You can all be sure that we will hear from this young man, often.
We
certainly will write about him and share his achievements with our
readers.
Yannos recently won a Pancyprian under 12 Ski Championship that
took
place in Troodos North Face Slope. In the giant slalom category he came
first among 30 participants, most of whom were older than him.
Yannos is a true champion. If the snow falls short on the Cyprus
mountains, he probably would do just as well in either soccer or tennis.
I
certainly hope he choses the latter.
g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r
* The committee of the Armenian Club of Larnaca invites you to a Lecture
on
Saturday 2nd April at 5:00 pm at the Nareg Armenian School in Larnaca.
Interpretation of ROBIN SHARMA'S "THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI" By
Avedis
Avedissian (lecture in Armenian). Tea and cakes after the lecture.
* MUSICAL LUNCH - Sunday 3rd April 1:00 pm - Larnaca Armenian Club. Live
Armenian Mu sic - Delicious Food and All Inclusive Drinks Participation:
7
CYP & 3 CYP for children. Sign Up:Mihran Boyadjian 24655139 99372274 -
Vart
Karageulian 24659245 Armenian Cultural Event ` Dance & Poetry April 8 ,
2005
at 7:30 pm, MEI Auditorium. Organised by the AGBU ` Melkonian
Educational
Institute with the participation of Melkonian Students. Organised by
Areta
Keshishian. Dance Instructor: Ashot Ordinian
* The "Sipan" Dance Group of Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association
of Cyprus will be presenting the Musical Performance of Toumanyian
"Famous
Children's Stories" on Sunday April 10, 2005 at 7:30 pm at PASIDY
Auditorium.
* Homenetmen London Presents: In commemoration of the 90th anniversary
of
the Armenian Genocide, a lecture: REMEMBER OUR PAST, EDUCATE OUR
FUTURE-The
Armenian Genocide by Public International Lawyer Dr Harry Hagopian.
Date:
16th April 2005. Place: Acton High School, Gunnersbury Lane, Acton W3
8EY
Time: 15:30pm for 16:00pm sharp start. For further information contact:
Armineh Gasparian at 07775 504 569 or by e-mail on
[email protected]
* Armenian Cypriot artist Nanor Tashdjian will be exhibiting her works
in
Cardiff, Wales. from April 12 - April 21, 2005 at the Temple of Peace,
Cathays Park.(Tel 02920 228549) The exhibition, entitled "The Battle
Field"
is partly a reflection by Nanor on her background. She was born during
the
Turkish invasion of Cyprus, and identifies strongly with her
grandparents,
orphaned during the genocide. The exhibition will be held in the foyer
of
the entrance to the Temple of Peace, from April 12 -21 from 9.00 a.m.
till
5.00p.m.(not the weekend). The exhibition will culminate in a
Commemorative
meeting at The Temple of Peace (up stairs Council Committee room) at
7.00
p.m. on Wednesday, 20th April.This will be the fifth Welsh National
Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, organised by Wales-Armenia
Solidarity , in co-operation with CRAG, London. Taking part will
Caerphilly
Labour Councillor and Human Rights campaigner Ray Davies and other
politicians and the well-known poet Mike Jenkins of Merthyr. He will
read
his poem "Komitas". Another Welsh poet Chris Williams will read hos poem
"Horseshoes" inspired by the reading of "The Burning Tigris" All the
major
Christian Churches will be represented. This meeting will emphasise once
again that the Welsh Political, Cultural and Religious establishment has
no
sympathy with the British Government denial of the genocide..
* Pancyprian Commemoration of APRIL 24 9OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE. Saturday April 23, 2005 - Picture Exhibition at Eleftheria
Square
from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm. At 7:00 pm March on Armenia street leading up to
the
Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church where a Memorial Service will be held. Keynote
speaker Dr.Antranik Ashdjian.
April 24, 2005. Holy Mass at Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church followed by
Memorial
Service at The Genocide Monument. More details in next week's issue of
Gibrahayer e-magazine.
* The "Timag" Theatre Company of Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association "Oshakan" Cyprus Chapter is getting ready for its annual
performance which will take place on Sunday May 8, 2005 at 8:30 pm (note
the
new date) at PASIDY. This year's performance will be Yervant Odian's
"Ser ou
Dzidzagh".
* Armenian musical duo of Jean Davidian and Marie Louise Kouyoumdjian
perform at the Palm Beach Hotel in Larnaca twice a week starting from
April
2005.
* Commemoration of The Armenian Genocide ` 90th Anniversary April 20,
2005
at 7:30 pm, MEI Auditorium. Organised by the AGBU ` Melkonian
Educational
Institute with the participation of Melkonian Students.
* Gathering on the occasion of the visit of the Chairperson of the
Central
Executive of the Armenian Relief Society (HOM), organised by the Cyprus
"Sosse" Chapter, on Wednesday 4 May, 2005.
* Lecture by Peter Balakian on Friday May 20, 2005 organised by The
Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus "Oshakan"
Chapter.
* Cyprus Dart Championships. AYMA/HMEM is participating in the Cyprus
Dart
League with home matches being played every other Thursday at AYMA.
* AYF Badanegan Mioutian get-togethers take place on Saturday at 3:30 pm
at
AYMA. Contact Vartoog Karageulian on 24-659245.
* Practices of the "Sipan" Dance Group of Hamazkayin Cultural and
Educational Association of Cyprus for the Musical Performance of
Toumanyian
"Famous Children's Stories" take place as follows: Every Friday and
Sunday
at 5:30 pm and every Saturday at 4:30 pm
* AYMA/HMEM Chicco Football practices take place every Friday from 7:00
-
8:30 pm for children starting from the age of 7. Contact Krikor
Mahdessian
on 99650897.
* AYMA/HMEM Table Tennis practices take place every Saturday from 5:30
pm
under the guidance of ex-Cyprus Champion Sirvart Costanian. Classes for
all
ages.
* AYF meetings every Wednesday at 9:00 pm at AYMA.
* AYMA/HMEM Football team practices take place every Thursday at 7:30
pm.
* For more details of the next Bible Study Class organised by the
Armenian
Prelature at the Vahram Utudjian Hall of The Armenian Prelature call
Father
Momik Habeshian direct on 99 307966 or at the Prelature Office on 22
493560
email [email protected]
* Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation via real
audio
on www.cybc.com.cy . Broadcast 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus time
(14:00-15:00
GMT)
* The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permits for the
Armenian
Cemetery visitations at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, are on Sunday
April 3 and 17, 2005.
* Every Wednesday from 7-8 pm (Cyprus time + 2 GMT) on CyBC's Trito,
Puzant
Nadjarian presents the "History of the Blue". Internet edition on
www.cybc.com.cy
e-magazine
[email protected]
http:// gibrahayer.cyprusnewsletter.com
The largest circulation Armenian
online e-magazine on the WWW
PASTOR SHOCKS TURKISH TV VIEWERS BY BOLD REMARKS ON GENOCIDE
By Harut Sassounian Publisher, The California Courier
Even though the Turks are supposed to be on their best behavior in
order to convince the Europeans that they are civilized enough to join
the
European Union, they are still extremely intolerant of anyone who dares
to
bring up the taboo subject of the Armenian Genocide.
Last month, when Orhan Pamuk, an internationally-known Turkish
novelist, boldly told a foreign reporter that one million Armenians were
killed around 1915, just about all Turkish commentators, historians
(government-paid propagandists) and politicians severely condemned the
writer for making such a statement. A radical Turkish group even called
for
the murder of this `traitor.' Furthermore, a Turkish publisher is being
prosecuted by the government for releasing the Turkish translation of an
English language book that urges the acknowledgment of the Armenian
Genocide. Around six months ago, in the midst of trying to qualify for
the
start of membership talks to join the EU, the Turkish Parliament adopted
a
new law that makes it a crime for anyone to acknowledge the Armenian
Genocide. If this is how the Turkish government is acting, while trying
to
impress the Europeans, imagine what it would do if its actions were not
under scrutiny!
Given all the controversy this issue has generated within Turkey,
the
Turkish `Flash TV' decided to air earlier this month a five-hour live
talk
show on the Armenian Genocide. The host of the program requested that
the
Armenian Patriarchate send a represen tative to take part in this show.
However, the Patriarchate refused to participate by saying that it did
not
have an expert on the subject to be discussed. The host then invited
Rev.
Krikor Aghabaloghlu, the outspoken and courageous pastor of a local
Armenian
evangelical church, to present `the Armenian point of view.' Rev.
Aghabaloghlu is a well-known activist who has already been jailed once
for
challenging the confiscation of his church's property by the Turkish
government.
While there have been many talk shows on the Armenian issue, no one
has
ever dared to go on Turkish TV and repeatedly assert in a bold and
brazen
manner, as Rev. Aghabaloghlu did, that there is no doubt a genocide was
committed against the Armenians. Both Hulki Jevizoglu, the host of the
show,
and his main guest, historian Mehmet Saray were dumb-founded and
tongue-tied
by the Armenian clergyman's unexpectedly outspoken remarks. In a very
calm
and congenial manner, and with always a smile on his face, Pastor
Aghabaloghlu said on national Turkish TV that all Turks in Anatolia know
the
truth about the Armenian Genocide. He said that no one dared to talk
about
this subject and that anyone who had the courage to speak about it, is
called a traitor, condemned by the media, taken to court, and sent to
jail.
Despite all attempts to shut him up during the show, Rev.
Aghabaloghlu
kept on insisting that as a clergyman he has the obligation to tell the
truth. When asked to back up his comments, he said that he knew the
facts
first-hand from the experiences of his own family. Besides, he added,
there
is plenty of evidence for the Genocide in thousands of books and that
everyone knew that the Armenians in Anatolia were the victims of
Genocide.
Otherwise, he said, what did happen to the Armenians inhabiting
that
region? Did they evaporate? Did they decide to migrate en masse? Are
there
any Armenians left in Anatolia?
Making the Turks even angrier, Rev. Aghabaloghlu said that since
Armenians are mistreated in Turkey today, one can only imagine how much
worse their treatment must have been back then under the Ottoman Empire?
Mehmet Saray, the Turkish historian, was so enraged by the Armenian
clergyman's assertions that he kept asking the host of the show, `where
did
you find this man?' Saray said he would have refused to appear on the
show
if he had known that he would take part in such a `low quality'
discussion
and that his years of research and his books on this issue would be
ignored.
When a viewer from Erzeroum called to say that mass graves of Turks
were recently uncovered, Rev. Aghabaloghlu immediately retorted: `How do
you
know that these bones did not belong to Armenians?'
This astounding conversation, broadcast live to millions of Turkish
viewers, went on until the wee hours of the morning.
Rev. Aghabaloghlu is the courageous shepherd not only of his own
flock,
but that of all Armenians in Turkey who dare not to speak out fearing
for
their lives! The good pastor risked his life by making such bold remarks
on
a taboo subject in Turkey. European Union officials should warn the
Turkish
government that Turkey's EU membership prospects would be seriously
jeopardized should anything happen to this brave Armenian servant of God
who, as he says, has an obligation to tell the truth!
HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISER TO THE PM OF TURKEY RESIGNS
By Jonny Dymond 25 March 05 - BBC News, Istanbul - The chairman of the
Turkish prime minister's human rights advisory board has confirmed to
the
BBC that he will resign from his post. Yavuz Onen, who is leaving with
five
others, has bitterly criticised the attitude of the Turkish government
towards human rights.
His departure is an embarrassment for the government.
It has worked hard over the last three years to persuade the world
its
attitude to human rights has changed.
The advisory board and the government had clashed before, following
a
report from the board which criticised the country's attitude towards
its
minorities and questioned some of the fundamentals of Turkey's
constitution.
The government effec tively ignored it; at one point, locking it
out of
its own offices.
Mr Onen complained that he and 30 other members of the board had
tried
to get to see the foreign minister, but with no success.
No consultation
He condemned what he called the government's insincere attitude towards
human rights and its lack of consultation with the board.
The resignation of Mr Onen and five other members of the board
comes at
a time when Turkey's human rights record is once again under the
spotlight.
The EU, which has given Turkey a date for membership negotiations
to
start, has made it clear that those negotiations are contingent upon
continuing human rights improvements.
Many were deeply shocked by pictures of women demonstrators being
assaulted by the police earlier this month in Istanbul.
And human rights groups in the sout h-east of the country have told
the
BBC that the situation there has got worse in the last few months.
TWELVE TRIBAL LEADERS OF SYRIA ARRIVE IN YEREVAN
28.03.2005 YEREVAN (YERKIR) - A delegation comprised of the leaders of
12
Arab tribes inhabiting in northeastern Syria, accompanied by
representatives
of the Armenian Church's Beria Prelacy, arrived in Yerevan on Monday,
Dashnaktsoutiun press service reported.
Armenian National Assembly's Dashnaktsoutiun faction secretary
Hrair
Karapetian and Bureau's Hay Tad and Political Affairs Office director
Giro
Manoyan met the honorable guests at Yerevan's Zvartnotz airport.
The influential tribal leaders, some of whom reside in Saudi
Arabia,
Jordan, Iraq and Qatar, are in Armenia to take part in the events
commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, pay tribute
to
the Genocide victims and once again remind the world of the vicious
crime,
the perpetrators of which are still tryi ng to deny it.
Their hospitable ancestors gave refuge to the fragments of the
Armenians who had miraculously survived in the Genocide; today, many of
those Armenians and their heirs still live side-to-side with the
friendly
Arab people and enjoy equal rights.
VAHAN BEDELIAN
In Artsagang's March 2005 issue, Asdghig Tavitian reviews the newly
published biography of Music Master Vahan Bedelian, who taught the likes
of
internationally acclaimed violinists, Manouk Parikian (soloist with the
Liverpool Philharmonic), Haroutune Bedelian (B.B.C Prize Winner) and
Levon
Chilingirian (of the Chilingirian Quartet).
Bedelian also taught at the Melkonian for 35 years,
Melikian-Ouzounian
elementary school for 50 years, the English School for 15, the Turkish
Lycee
for ten and the Cyprus National Conservatory for 50.
In every school he taught Bedelian formed orchestras, bands and
choirs.
He was a lso the Choir Master of the Sourp Asdvadzadzin Choir for more
than
six decades. He started serving the Armenian Church at the age of six in
his
home town of Adana - Cilicia.
He was a composer of several songs and hymns.
He was decorated by the Queen of England with a Coronation Medal,
by
The Catholicos Khoren of Cilicia with the Order of Knighthood of Cilicia
and
was honoured by the Government of Cyprus for his multidimensional
contribution to the cultural life of Cyprus. He was known as "The father
of
Music of Cyprus".
The book - that has been written by former Melkonian Principal
Antranik
Dakessian - will be available in Cyprus soon.
The Melkonian Alumni and the Oshakan Cyprus Chapter of the
Hamazkayin
Cultural and Educational Association are co-organising a Book-Launch and
a
cultural evening dedicated to Vahan Bedelian in spring.
; Follow Gibrahayer e-magazine and the Cyprus Armenian printed
media on
how to obtain your own copy, which parallel to Vahan Bedelian's
biography is
also a testimony on the history and evolution of the Armenian community
of
Cyprus.
The book includes interesting and rare documents and photographs.
RECOMMENDED SITE
www.aina.org
Turkish Parliamentarians are preparing to formally challenge the
authenticity of the 1916 British Parliamentary Blue Book on the Armenian
Genocide, the Gomidas Institute (UK) reported on Tuesday. As part of
their
formal challenge, they intend to send a delegation to make
representations
to the Houses of Parliament.
www.gomidas.org
You are invited to read www.Azad-Hye.com
The website of the Armenians in the Middle East.
California Court case Postponed
Today was due to be the date of the Court hearing in the case brought
about
by the Istanbul Patriarch against the AGBU, has at the last minute been
postponed, without any explanation.
The California Alumni & Friends website, simply states
The AGBU Hearing March 15th, at 9:15AM
Court date postponed. New date will be announced as soon as it is final.
As informative as ever
* Has there been some sort of behind the scenes deal?
* Have they (the AGBU) seen the error of their ways and given up?
* Has the court postponed it due to lack of time or on legal grounds?
Considering the overall secrecy of this whole case, anything co uld have
happened.
I suppose time will tell, let's wait and see......
more from the savemelkonian.org website
Main Page
- Students handing over the cheque for tsunami relief to Mrs.
Panayiotou,
the Director of UNICEF in Cyprus
Diary section
- One court case postponed another couple on their way?
- Church, Ramgavars and the AGBU
- AGBU discontinues Hayatsk
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TO GIBRAHAYER
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TATIANA'S CORNER
This corner is reserved for local artist Tatiana Ferahian's comic strips
which are amalgamations of Armenian-Cypriot social commentaries, painted
with her usual wry and ironic humour, to stimulate and encourage
awareness
and interest toward our community's everyday happenings.
NEWS IN BRIEF
* A drunk Jewish man assaulted two Armenian priests near the Church of
the
Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem's Old City on Easter Sunday night.
* Writer Orhan Pamuk's books along with flags of the outlawed Kurdistan
Workers' Party were burned during a flag display demonstration on Sunday
in
Bilecik, 313 kilometers west of Ankara.
* A car belonging to the chief of the Armenian customs Armen Avetisian,
was
rocked by an explosion early on Thursday in what law-enforcement
authorities
see as a botched attempt on the influential official's life. No
casualties
were reported.
* TURKEY has enlisted the help of a United States historian Justin
McCarthy,
as part of its campaign to counter Armenian efforts for world-wide
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
* With the initiative of ARF Dashnaktsoutiun Nikol Aghpalian student
Association about 30 youth and student organizations of Armenia sent a
letter on Thursday to the organisers of the concert featuring Russian
singer
Philip Kirkorov demanding that they cancel it, as they claim, he had has
cursed an Armenian journalist and had spoken of her origin in a
derogative
way.
* Electricity supply to 19 villages of Vayots Dzor region cut due to
heavy
snowfall has been restored.
* Kilikia" sailing boat, that visited Cyprus last summer presently
stationed
in Venice St.Lazzaro Island, will start its second four-month sailing on
May
9, 2005.
* Armenia moved above Andorra at the bottom of the group with a 2-1 win
in
Yerevan in the qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Cyprus take
on
Switzerland tonight.
* California youth will embark on a 215-mile 19-day walk to raise
awareness
about the unpunished crime of genocide committed against the Armenian
people
between 1915 and 1921.
MEET THE YOUNG SKI CHAMP
Meet Yannos Kouyoumdjian. He is eight years old, a student of
Nareg
Armenian elementary school and he is already familiar with concepts
like
practice schedules, giving 150% and being a champion.
You can all be sure that we will hear from this young man, often.
We
certainly will write about him and share his achievements with our
readers.
Yannos recently won a Pancyprian under 12 Ski Championship that
took
place in Troodos North Face Slope. In the giant slalom category he came
first among 30 participants, most of whom were older than him.
Yannos is a true champion. If the snow falls short on the Cyprus
mountains, he probably would do just as well in either soccer or tennis.
I
certainly hope he choses the latter.
g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r
* The committee of the Armenian Club of Larnaca invites you to a Lecture
on
Saturday 2nd April at 5:00 pm at the Nareg Armenian School in Larnaca.
Interpretation of ROBIN SHARMA'S "THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI" By
Avedis
Avedissian (lecture in Armenian). Tea and cakes after the lecture.
* MUSICAL LUNCH - Sunday 3rd April 1:00 pm - Larnaca Armenian Club. Live
Armenian Mu sic - Delicious Food and All Inclusive Drinks Participation:
7
CYP & 3 CYP for children. Sign Up:Mihran Boyadjian 24655139 99372274 -
Vart
Karageulian 24659245 Armenian Cultural Event ` Dance & Poetry April 8 ,
2005
at 7:30 pm, MEI Auditorium. Organised by the AGBU ` Melkonian
Educational
Institute with the participation of Melkonian Students. Organised by
Areta
Keshishian. Dance Instructor: Ashot Ordinian
* The "Sipan" Dance Group of Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association
of Cyprus will be presenting the Musical Performance of Toumanyian
"Famous
Children's Stories" on Sunday April 10, 2005 at 7:30 pm at PASIDY
Auditorium.
* Homenetmen London Presents: In commemoration of the 90th anniversary
of
the Armenian Genocide, a lecture: REMEMBER OUR PAST, EDUCATE OUR
FUTURE-The
Armenian Genocide by Public International Lawyer Dr Harry Hagopian.
Date:
16th April 2005. Place: Acton High School, Gunnersbury Lane, Acton W3
8EY
Time: 15:30pm for 16:00pm sharp start. For further information contact:
Armineh Gasparian at 07775 504 569 or by e-mail on
[email protected]
* Armenian Cypriot artist Nanor Tashdjian will be exhibiting her works
in
Cardiff, Wales. from April 12 - April 21, 2005 at the Temple of Peace,
Cathays Park.(Tel 02920 228549) The exhibition, entitled "The Battle
Field"
is partly a reflection by Nanor on her background. She was born during
the
Turkish invasion of Cyprus, and identifies strongly with her
grandparents,
orphaned during the genocide. The exhibition will be held in the foyer
of
the entrance to the Temple of Peace, from April 12 -21 from 9.00 a.m.
till
5.00p.m.(not the weekend). The exhibition will culminate in a
Commemorative
meeting at The Temple of Peace (up stairs Council Committee room) at
7.00
p.m. on Wednesday, 20th April.This will be the fifth Welsh National
Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, organised by Wales-Armenia
Solidarity , in co-operation with CRAG, London. Taking part will
Caerphilly
Labour Councillor and Human Rights campaigner Ray Davies and other
politicians and the well-known poet Mike Jenkins of Merthyr. He will
read
his poem "Komitas". Another Welsh poet Chris Williams will read hos poem
"Horseshoes" inspired by the reading of "The Burning Tigris" All the
major
Christian Churches will be represented. This meeting will emphasise once
again that the Welsh Political, Cultural and Religious establishment has
no
sympathy with the British Government denial of the genocide..
* Pancyprian Commemoration of APRIL 24 9OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE. Saturday April 23, 2005 - Picture Exhibition at Eleftheria
Square
from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm. At 7:00 pm March on Armenia street leading up to
the
Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church where a Memorial Service will be held. Keynote
speaker Dr.Antranik Ashdjian.
April 24, 2005. Holy Mass at Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church followed by
Memorial
Service at The Genocide Monument. More details in next week's issue of
Gibrahayer e-magazine.
* The "Timag" Theatre Company of Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association "Oshakan" Cyprus Chapter is getting ready for its annual
performance which will take place on Sunday May 8, 2005 at 8:30 pm (note
the
new date) at PASIDY. This year's performance will be Yervant Odian's
"Ser ou
Dzidzagh".
* Armenian musical duo of Jean Davidian and Marie Louise Kouyoumdjian
perform at the Palm Beach Hotel in Larnaca twice a week starting from
April
2005.
* Commemoration of The Armenian Genocide ` 90th Anniversary April 20,
2005
at 7:30 pm, MEI Auditorium. Organised by the AGBU ` Melkonian
Educational
Institute with the participation of Melkonian Students.
* Gathering on the occasion of the visit of the Chairperson of the
Central
Executive of the Armenian Relief Society (HOM), organised by the Cyprus
"Sosse" Chapter, on Wednesday 4 May, 2005.
* Lecture by Peter Balakian on Friday May 20, 2005 organised by The
Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus "Oshakan"
Chapter.
* Cyprus Dart Championships. AYMA/HMEM is participating in the Cyprus
Dart
League with home matches being played every other Thursday at AYMA.
* AYF Badanegan Mioutian get-togethers take place on Saturday at 3:30 pm
at
AYMA. Contact Vartoog Karageulian on 24-659245.
* Practices of the "Sipan" Dance Group of Hamazkayin Cultural and
Educational Association of Cyprus for the Musical Performance of
Toumanyian
"Famous Children's Stories" take place as follows: Every Friday and
Sunday
at 5:30 pm and every Saturday at 4:30 pm
* AYMA/HMEM Chicco Football practices take place every Friday from 7:00
-
8:30 pm for children starting from the age of 7. Contact Krikor
Mahdessian
on 99650897.
* AYMA/HMEM Table Tennis practices take place every Saturday from 5:30
pm
under the guidance of ex-Cyprus Champion Sirvart Costanian. Classes for
all
ages.
* AYF meetings every Wednesday at 9:00 pm at AYMA.
* AYMA/HMEM Football team practices take place every Thursday at 7:30
pm.
* For more details of the next Bible Study Class organised by the
Armenian
Prelature at the Vahram Utudjian Hall of The Armenian Prelature call
Father
Momik Habeshian direct on 99 307966 or at the Prelature Office on 22
493560
email [email protected]
* Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation via real
audio
on www.cybc.com.cy . Broadcast 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus time
(14:00-15:00
GMT)
* The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permits for the
Armenian
Cemetery visitations at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, are on Sunday
April 3 and 17, 2005.
* Every Wednesday from 7-8 pm (Cyprus time + 2 GMT) on CyBC's Trito,
Puzant
Nadjarian presents the "History of the Blue". Internet edition on
www.cybc.com.cy