PRESS RELEASE
Haigazian University
Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director
Email: mira@haigazian.edu.lb

Haigazian University: Lens on the Middle East by Harry Koundakjian

Beirut, 19/05/2010 – The Middle East was the focus on Thursday, May 19,
2010 in Haigazian University, during an evening with international
photojournalist Harry Koundakjian, an event organized by Haigazian
University on the occasion of the Lebanese Martyrs’ Day.

The former chief Middle East photographer for the Associated Press Harry
Koundakjian was introduced to the audience by University Public
Relations Director, Mira Yardemian, who reflected on the sacrifices of
journalists in general and photojournalists in particular, while trying
to capture and seize moments in history throughout their lifetime
career.

Through an engaging slide presentation featuring historic photos of
events and people that have shaped the latter part of the 20th century,
Harry Koundakjian, a.k.a. "Harry the Horse" by his colleagues and
superiors, touched the audience with his unique humor, deeply moving
them by the saddest and happiest of events.

The audience was attentively captured by the lens of Koundakjian, who
commented on photos taken during a period of more than 50 years,
covering conflicts, historical moments, political and religious figures,
as well as famous stars; political leaders such as presidents Chamoun,
Assad, Sadat, and Clinton. Kings such as King Hussein, King Saoud, Queen
Elizabeth and the Shah of Iran. Political leaders such Arafat and late
Prime Minister Hariri. Celebrities such as Gary Cooper, Shirley Temple,
Dizzy Gillespie, and Laurence of Arabia, and William Saroyan. The show
also featured tragic events, such as earthquakes, famines, and wars.

Veteran photographer, Harry L. Koundarkjian is considered to be one of
the first press photographers in Lebanon. He joined the Associated Press
in 1967, and was appointed chief of the A.P. Middle East photo staff in
1969.

Throughout his career, Koundarjian has been on a first name basis with
many of its leaders. His photos- many, front page- have won him honors,
including the AP Managing Editor’s plaque, and the World Press Photo
Award.