Abovian Armenian Cultural Association
Address: Weesperstraat 91
2574 VS The Hague, The Netherlands
Telephone: +31704490209
Email: info@abovian.nl
Website:
Contact: M. Hakhverdian
PRESS RELEASE
25th Anniversary of Abovian Association with Armenian Film Festival
Message of Congratulation by Diaspora Minister of Armenia
The Hague, 19 June 2009 – Exactly 25 years ago, on 19 June 1984, Abovian
Armenian Cultural Association was founded in The Hague, The Netherlands. On
this occasion the Diaspora Minister of Armenia, Mrs. Hranush Hakopyan, sent
a letter of congratulation to the Abovian Association. In the letter she
expresses her appreciation for the activities of Abovian Association in
these 25 years.
For this anniversary the Association is organising an Armenian Film Festival
in cooperation with the ³Filmhuis Den Haag² in The Hague and the ³Golden
Apricot Film Festival² in Yerevan. The Festival will present an overview of
the Armenian cinema and will take place from 22 October 2009 for two weeks
in the ³Filmhuis Den Haag².
The Association also plans to publish some books this year, among others a
³Cookbook Abovian², which will include the favorite recipes of members and
friends of the Association. By this way the diversity of cooking culture of
Armenians from different countries of origin will be brought together.
Everybody is invited to contribute to this project, by sending in a recipe.
During the past 25 years Abovian Association has continually contributed to
the Armenian cultural life in the Netherlands. Apart from weekly meetings
and lessons of Armenian language, history and culture at the Abovian
Cultural Centre, the Association has organised and participated in numerous
cultural events, published periodicals. The Association distributes now per
email news on Armenian issues and announcements of Armenian activities in
Dutch, English and Armenian.
A major contribution of the Association to the Armenian cultural life in the
Netherlands is the holding of thematic days and seminars on various Armenian
topics. The Association pays hierby tribute to Armenian poets, writers,
composers, artists and other prominent Armenians. The Association also
regularly organises meetings and parties on most Armenian Holidays. The main
goal of the Association is to keep the Armenian identity, language, culture
and traditions alive.
Abovian Association has always maintained close relations with Armenia and
Armenian social and cultural organisations of the diaspora for mutual
assistance and for realisation of cultural programmes. Many artistic groups
and individuals have been invited to participate in the cultural programmes.
Also scientists, officials, sportsmen, students etc. from Armenia and other
countries have visited the Abovian Cultural Centre in The Hague. A memorable
day was the visit of Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in November 2006, less
than two months before his tragic assasination, to Abovian Cultural Centre,
where he addressed a full audience.
Abovian Cultuaral Association is one of the founding members of the
Federation of Armenian Organisations in The Netherlands (FAON) and an active
member of 24 April Committee of the FAON. Abovian Association cooperates
with other Armenian Organisations in the Netherlands and worldwide for the
commemoration and recognition of Armenian Genocide.
The 25th anniversary of our Association coincides with the 200th birthday of
Armenian great enlighter, writer and pedagogue Khachatur Abovian. An
appropriate tribute will also be paid to this anniversary later this year.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress