KHALIDI TO GIVE ILLUSTRATED TALK ON ARMENIANS IN INDIA AT NAASR

halidi-to-give-illustrated-talk-on-armenians-in-in dia-at-naasr/
May 27, 2009

Dr. Omar Khalidi of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will give an
illustrated lecture entitled "Three Centuries of Armenian Heritage
in India" on Thurs., June 4, at 8 p.m., at the National Association
for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) Center in Belmont, Mass.

Though Armenians were in India from early times, their presence in
India is well-documented from the 16th century, after the establishment
of the important mercantile community in New Julfa in Persia. The
community grew in size and importance in the 17th and 18th centuries,
with many Armenians rising to positions of prominence.

Khalidi’s lecture will give an overview of India’s Armenian
diaspora-its churches, cemeteries, and related art-in such locations
as Kolkata (Calcutta), Bombay, Delhi, Agra, Surat, Hyderabad, Madras,
Dhaka (in modern Bangladesh), and elsewhere.

Khalidi has a Ph.D. in Islamic studies from the University of
Wales. Born and raised in Hyderabad, he is the author of several books
and articles on art and architecture and Indian politics and history,
including "Approaches to Mosque Design in North America" and Muslims
in Indian Economy. He was invited by the Armenian church in Calcutta
for its 300th anniversary celebration in November 2008.

This lecture is the second talk given in memory of Arshag Merguerian
(1926-2005), an architect and active member and friend of NAASR for
nearly 50 years. The expenses for the lecture will be covered by
funds contributed to NAASR in Merguerian’s memory.

Admission to the event is free (donations appreciated). The NAASR
Center is located on 395 Concord Ave. in Belmont, opposite the First
Armenian Church and next to the U.S. post office. Parking is available
around the building and in adjacent areas.