HAMSHEN AND HAMSHEN ARMENIANS: HISTORY AND CULTURE

armradio.am
18.07.2008 11:59

On 23 July 2008, RA National Academy of Sciences Institute of Oriental
Studies and the "Yerkir" Union of NGOs for Repatriation and Settlement
are organizing the international conference "Hamshen and Hamshen
Armenians: History and Culture" at the "Congress" Hotel in Yerevan.

Currently there are many ethnic Armenians living in Turkey, who,
assimilated and converted to Islam, still preserve some elements of
their original ethnic culture in spoken language, customs and culture
(song, dance, implemented art, etc).

Hamshens or Hamshen Armenians are one of such ethnic group. Interest
towards this particular group has considerably grown in recent
years. There have been many scientific studies, publications and
reports about the Hamshen Armenians. Hamshen themselves have shown
considerable activity in recognizing their Armenian origins.

With the aim of facilitating further studies of Hamshen and Hamshen
Armenian reality, hoping to invite public and scientific attention
to the issue and support to the strengthening of ties with Hamshen
Armenians, the RA National Academy of Sciences Institute of Oriental
Studies and the "Yerkir" Union of NGOs for Repatriation and Settlement
have organized the international conference "Hamshen and Hamshen
Armenians: History and Culture" which will take place on 23 July, 2008.

The20conference is to tackle a variety of topics, dedicated to Hamshen
and Hamshen Armenians history, culture, language, folklore, etc.

Scientists (professors of oriental studies, linguists, ethnographers,
historians and anthropologists) from Armenia, the Russian Federation
and Turkey, will take part in the conference.

The conference is a part of the "Hamshen Week in Yerevan" initiative to
take place starting 21 July till 27 of July, 2008. It also includes
concerts of the Hamshen ethnographic ensemble "VOVA" and a photo
exhibition dedicated to the Hamshen Armenian architecture.

The "Hamshen Week" is organized by the Naregatsi Art Institute,
Bagaran NGO, Research on Armenian Architecture Center and the "Yerkir"
Union of NGOs for Repatriation and Settlement.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress