AS GENOCIDE ANNIVERSARY APPROACHES, ARMENIAN GROUP PREPARES EXHIBIT
By Bev Wax/Correspondent
Dover-Sherborn Press, MA
March 7 2007
SHERBORN – Massachusetts is recognized in having one of the largest
Armenian-American populations in the country. In Sherborn, there are
just a few. But last Thursday, March 1, this small group gathered to
plan a monthlong exhibit at the town library focusing on the culture
and religion of their ancestors.
The informal "committee" will also strive to remind and educate local
residents about "The Armenian Genocide" that occurred in the early
1900s. The tragic event will officially be commemorated in late April.
That evening, approximately a dozen adults, many bringing along their
young children, met at the home of Nicole and Will Whittesley. While
his in-laws are of Armenian descent, Whittesley volunteered to run
the meeting while his wife was busy hosting and looking after their
own little ones.
Her parents, John and Barbara Berberian of Shrewsbury, were
there to support the group’s effort and, of course, babysit their
grandchildren. Both agreed on the importance of teaching history
through sharing family stories. Mrs. Berberian described how her
husband’s parents "miraculously found each other" in Watertown,
realizing they were raised in the same Armenian village. She said,
"They came to this country, were hard-working and extremely
appreciative that doors were opened to them."
More than 1.5 million Armenians died during the genocide which took
place between in Turkey between 1915 through 1918 and then again from
1920 to1923 when the country was under the control of the Ottoman
Empire. Several governments, including those of Turkey and the United
States, do not officially recognize the genocide.
Reportedly, eyewitness accounts have documented numerous acts of
state-sponsored massacres, adding further weight to the genocide
argument. Many Armenians were forced out into the surrounding dessert
in traveling to the Syrian town of Deir ez-Zor.
Lucy Almasian, Sherborn’s town clerk for numerous years, said,
"Many died in these death marches … but our parents never talked
about these massaces."
At the gathering, a coffee table was overflowing with her collection
of Armenian artifacts and books. One of these was a small "oud," a
pear-shaped stringed instument known to be played in Middle Eastern
music. Almasian brightened when she spoke of her relative, Will:
"He was the best oud player, truly one of the best."
The fact that the Turkish government ordered the evacuation of ethnic
Armenians at this time is not disputed. The claim of ethinic cleansing
is still debated. Those labeling the action as genocide claim the
Ottoman government provided no care for the Armenians during this
deportation and likened it to the Holocaust. The Republic of Turkey
said the Armenian deaths were a result of the turmoil, disease and
strife of World War I.
The issue is controversial and emotional. Most attending that night
recalled heartbreaking stories of a family member’s survival.
Attorney Anthony Barsamian mentioned he had met Hirant Dink, editor
of the bilingual Armenian/Turkish Agos newspaper, while attending an
international law conference last September. Dink was shot outside
his office on Jan. 19 of this year. Well known for speaking about
the Armenian genocide, Dink’s murder sparked worldwide protests.
Here in Massachusetts, the Assembly of Turkish Associations,
a lobbying group which works closely with the Turkish government
fighting against the recognition of the genocide, has filed a lawsuit
with the state. It is based on the argument that removal of genocide
denial sources violates First Amendment rights to free speech.
The ATAA calls for the inclusion of its Web site and others in a list
of educational sources that is provided as part of a teacher’s guide
of genocide education provided by the state. The Armenian National
Committee for the Eastern Region is confident its efforts will prevail
to counteract the ATAA’s effort to reinsert genocide denial materials
into the state’s human rights curriculum guide. Barsamian explained
there is a motion to dismiss currently being considered by Judge Mark
Wolf. However, this may take months, and all parties are patiently
waiting to hear the decision.
During its brief meeting, the informal "committee" decided the library
exhibit must include information on the genocide. Three original
letters from genocide survivors are planned to be on display. But the
group also intends to focus on the country’s rich, cultural heritage.
As one of the oldest and most historic civilizations in the world,
Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official
religion. Although it is constitutionally a secular state, the roots
of the Armenian church go back to the first century. The exhibit
includes a miniature wooden "Khachkar," a state cross that often is
used at gravesites and commemorate events. They can range in height
from 2 to 11 feet.
Always keeping the children in mind, the exhibit includes a first and
second book of Armenian words. The alphabet consists of 38 letters
dating from 405 A.D. A wide collection of books about Armenia surrounds
the display case located near the first-floor entrance.
As part of the commemoration in April, Nancy Barsamian is also
hoping to air the independent documentary "Beautiful Armenians" by
Tamar Salibian on Sherborn’s community access channel. In "Beautiful
Armenians," Salibian reflects on the interrelation of culture, family
and memory. Part travelogue, part family chronicle, part meditation,
"Beautiful Armenians" starts in the United States and eventually
moves to the Middle East.