The Armenian Studies Program is presenting a virtual panel discussion on “In Front of the Eyes of the World: The Memoirs of Setrak Timourian.” The panel will discuss the significance of this new book, Volume 19 in the Armenian Series of the Press at California State University, Fresno on Saturday, November 11 at 11 a.m. Zoom registration is required.

The panel will consist of the book’s editors: Vahé Tachjian (Houshamadyan Project); Yaşar Tolga Cora (Boğaziçi University); Barlow Der Mugrdechian (Fresno State); and Maggie Mangasarian-Goshin (Ararat-Ekijian Museum).

“In Front of the Eyes of the World: The Memoirs of Setrak Timourian” gives the reader a fascinating and detailed story of the life of Setrak Timourian, who was born in 1860 in Kayseri. He documented in a thorough manner, his life, the life of his family, and his many adventures. Timourian lived during an eventful period in Armenian and Ottoman Turkish history and thus provided insight into the life of Armenians.

The memoirs cover Timourian’s life from the 1860s to the 1930s, and stretches from Kayseri, to Istanbul, and Fresno, including his sojourns in Europe, in London and short stays in New York. His travels to Constantinople and then later to the United States chronicle his life as a carpet merchant and the many challenges that he faced. He also recorded his own views on the important events of the day. “In Front of the Eyes of the World” is an invaluable record of one man’s indomitable spirit and enthralling life story.

For more information about the lecture please contact the Armenian Studies Program at 278-2669, or visit the program website.