PRESS RELEASE
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR)
395 Concord Avenue
Belmont, MA 02478
Tel: 617-489-1610
E-mail: hq@naasr.org
Contact: Marc A. Mamigonian

BOSTON GLOBE REPORTER STEPHEN KURKJIAN TO GIVE REPORT ON HRANT DINK FUNERAL

The brutal murder of Armenian newspaper editor Hrant Dink in Istanbul on
January 19 has drawn an unprecedented response from around the world,
especially in his home city of Istanbul where tens of thousands of
people filled the streets for his funeral in what is being called
Turkey’s largest-ever peaceful demonstration.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Steve Kurkjian flew to Istanbul to
witness the historic events taking place before and after the funeral.
He will give his first-hand account of the sights, sounds, and
sentiments in Turkey in a lecture presented by the National Association
for Armenian Studies and Research on Thursday, February 1. Kurkjian’s
talk, entitled "Report from Istanbul: The Funeral of Hrant Dink and Its
Aftermath," will be held at the First Armenian Church Auditorium, 380
Concord Ave., Belmont, MA. A reception will follow at the NAASR Center
across the street.

Hrant Dink was perhaps the most visible member of Turkey’s remaining
Armenian community. As the editor of Agos newspaper and contributor to
other papers, his writings and public comments, particularly on the need
for Turkey to confront its history, including the Armenian Genocide, had
led to his prosecution under Article 301 of the Turkish penal code for
"insulting Turkishness." His slaying appears to have shocked Turkish
society to an unexpected extent.

Kurkjian’s eyewitness report will provide an opportunity for all who
followed these events from a distance to gain a unique understanding of
their possible significance and repercussions.

In addition to Kurkjian’s talk, NAASR Director of Programs and
Publications Marc A. Mamigonian will give an overview of the press
coverage of the Hrant Dink murder and funeral in an attempt to begin to
understand how various entities in Turkey and the U.S. have begun to
portray the events and the possible reasons for these assorted
interpretations.

Ample parking is available around the building and in adjacent areas.
The lecture will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m. and interested parties are
strongly encouraged to arrive early as space is limited and a large
turnout is anticipated.

More information about the lecture is available by calling 617-489-1610,
faxing 617-484-1759, e-mailing hq@naasr.org, or writing to NAASR, 395
Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478.