Author: Edgar Tavakalian

Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate files criminal complaint against Armenian author Nişanyan over remark on adhan

Edgar Tavakalian
 duvaR.english 
Turkey, Jan 25 2024

Duvar English

Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) has filed a criminal complaint against Armenian author and linguist Sevan Nişanyan for his statements criticizing the loudness of the adhan (the Islamic calls to prayer that occur five times each day) in a YouTube livestream. 

The complaint suggested Nişanyan’s words “insulted the adhan, attacked and debased the religious values of all Muslims, and offended the Directorate as well as its public officials,” state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Jan. 24. 

According to the Directorate, Nişanyan crossed the lines of respect and “spewed hatred to the Turkish public’s beliefs and spiritual values in a hostile manner.” The complaint requested a public prosecution for the author for the crimes of “insulting public officers about their duty,” and “provoking and insulting the public to enmity.”

The statement is from a 2021 livestream on Nişanyan’s YouTube channel. He said, “I don’t know any attack as vile and intrusive as blasting the adhan through speakers. It is one of the most despicable aspects of life in Turkey, the adhan bellowing like animals.” 

In 2013, the self-proclaimed “honest atheist” and controversial figure was sentenced to a year in prison for insulting Prophet Muhammed of Islam. He has been living abroad since 2017 after fleeing prison where he was staying on charges related to illegal development on an archeological site.  

Human Rights Defender sends staffers to Armavir Correctional Facility for unannounced inspection

Edgar Tavakalian

 11:21, 4 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 4, ARMENPRESS. Representatives of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia Anahit Manasyan have visited the Armavir Correctional Facility in the town of Vagharshapat for an unannounced inspection.

According to a press release issued by the Human Rights Defender’s Office, the staffers held private meetings with inmates, studied the state of ensuring their rights, as well as documents and detention conditions.

The identified problems have been discussed with the prison administration and the medical personnel of the prison healthcare center.

The Ombudsperson’s office said that the results of the unannounced visit will be summed up and recommendations will be sent to authorized bodies.

Armenian American Museum Kicks Off Next Construction Stage

Edgar Tavakalian

Jan 1 2024


The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California has commenced the structural steel fabrication for the two-level, 50,820-square-foot museum building superstructure. The major announcement kicks off the second phase of construction for the historic project.
“We are excited to announce a major milestone with the commencement of the structural steel fabrication for the Armenian American Museum,” executive director Shant Sahakian said in a statement. “Our vision for the cultural and educational center will be taking shape in the new year as the museum building superstructure is elevated to the horizon.”
The museum is a world-class cultural and educational center that is currently under construction in the museum campus at Glendale Central Park. The first phase of construction featuring the museum parking garage and building foundation has been completed. The second phase of construction features the two-level, 50,820-square-foot museum building superstructure. The structural steel delivery, erection and installation is anticipated to commence in early 2024.
PNG Builders, the general contractor for the museum project, contracted with Muhlhauser Steel as the structural steel subcontractor following a competitive bidding process. Muhlhauser Steel is based in Southern California and brings more than four decades of experience with commercial, industrial, educational and entertainment facility projects.
The mission of the museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The museum will offer a wide range of public programming through the permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions, auditorium, learning center, demonstration kitchen, archives center and more.
Learn more about the museum project at ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org.

First published in the December 30 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.


Armed Attackers Reportedly Assault Armenian Christians in Israel Over Land Deal

Edgar Tavakalian
Dec 30 2023
Hannah Hiester on 

CV NEWS FEED // Over 30 armed attackers assaulted dozens of Armenian Christians in Israel on December 28, allegedly motivated by the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s cancellation of a controversial land deal.

The victims included clergy and seminarians, and many were left in serious condition.

The Armenian Patriarchate wrote to the police and the Israeli government on Thursday in an official letter obtained by CatholicVote:

A massive and coordinated physical attack was launched on bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, and other Armenian community members in Jerusalem. Several priests, students of the Armenian Theological Academy, and indigenous Armenians are seriously injured.

The Patriarchate added that the attackers wore ski masks and carried both lethal and less-than-lethal weapons that “incapacitated dozens of our clergy.” 

The Patriarchate also claimed that the attackers were directly motivated by a canceled land deal that has resulted in conflict between land developers and many local and international Armenians.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the Patriarchate made an agreement two years ago to lease a fourth of the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem to developers Danny Rothman (Rubinstein) and George Warwar (Hadad).

“The deal became known as the Cows’ Garden Land Deal because the developer was going to build a luxury hotel on the grounds of what is currently a parking lot on a plot of land with that name,” The Jerusalem Post reported. “The developer also planned to take down several homes and a seminary.”

Local and international Armenians quickly objected to the deal and began pressuring the Patriarchate to cancel it. After the Patriarchate expressed its intention two months ago to withdraw from the contract, the developers nonetheless immediately prepared to begin construction. 

The Jerusalem Post also reported that “a similar violent attack” occurred on Armenians about six weeks ago.

The Patriarchate said that it submitted a lawsuit to the District Court of Jerusalem over the contract, which the court received earlier this week. According to Patriarchate’s letter to law enforcement and other officials, the attack this week “is the criminal response we have received” to the lawsuit.

The Jerusalem Post reported that no one has yet been officially charged in connection with the attack. 

The Patriarchate expressed concern for the safety of local Armenian Christians and clergy in the future.

“The Armenian Patriarchate’s existential threat is now a physical reality,” the Patriarchate wrote:

Bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, and indigenous Armenians are fighting for their very lives on the ground. We are calling on authorities around the world and the International Media to help us save the Armenian Quarter from a violent demise that is being locally supported by unnamed entities.

We call upon the Israeli Government and Police to start an investigation against Danny Rothman (Rubenstein) and George Warwar (Hadad) for organizing their continuous criminal attacks on the Armenian Patriarchate and Community, attacks which seem to have no end in sight.

https://catholicvote.org/armed-attackers-reportedly-assault-armenian-christians-israel/

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 20-12-23

Edgar Tavakalian

 16:59,

YEREVAN, 20 DECEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 20 December, USD exchange rate down by 0.27 drams to 405.54 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.32 drams to 444.19 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.01 drams to 4.48 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.17 drams to 513.25 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 209.30 drams to 26615.96 drams. Silver price down by 0.53 drams to 311.75 drams.

Galaxy Group of Companies summarized The Futures Business internship

Edgar Tavakalian

 17:19,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Children are filled with excitement, and parents share in their enthusiasm. The concluding performance of the two-month internship program by Galaxy Group of Companies is prepared by the children. They reflect on the knowledge acquired and discuss future plans, including new projects and dreams that lie ahead. The graduation event was graced by the presence of the children's mentors, who are also company directors, along with the children's parents and employees of the group.

"Galaxy Group of Companies consistently promotes the involvement of its community members and their families in sports, cultural, and social initiatives, fostering greater unity and strength. Aram Khachatryan, co-founder and CEO of Galaxy Group of Companies, expressed delight during the official closing ceremony of The Futures Business Internship, emphasizing, "We are pleased to have hosted the most cherished members of our community, the children, as part of this initiative."

Business is the art of possibility and the science of calculation. To explore this realm, the children of employees across all companies within Galaxy community engaged in various activities over a month. They had insightful meetings with Galaxy business leaders, delved into the behind-the-scenes operations of the companies, participated in discussions, and collaborated on team projects. A total of 28 children, aged 10 to 14, participated in this initiative, attending seven meetings. The program provided them with the opportunity to visit Megafood, Paul Armenia, Time, Ucom, and Yerevan Mall, all part of Galaxy Group of Companies. Additionally, they interacted with business leaders and held discussions, allowing them to ask pertinent questions and receive valuable insights. The initiative also included visits to AxelMondrian and Partners, the reputation management company responsible for organizing the project.

“Through this initiative, the children of our community's employees enjoyed a wonderful and unique opportunity to spend a day at their parents' workplace, gaining practical insights into their daily activities. Reflecting on the project, we can affirm that it was not only an exciting experience for the participating parents but also a motivating one for the children. This initiative offers them a glimpse into potential future professions, allowing them to envision challenges and contemplate strategies to overcome them.” - Astghik Sargsyan, the Chief People Officer of Galaxy Group of Companies, shared these thoughts during the official closing event of The Futures Business Internship.

During the official closing ceremony of The Futures Business Internship, the future leaders showcased the culmination of their teamwork. They presented the most impressive aspects of their meetings, shared innovative business ideas, and outlined their visions for development to the executives of Galaxy Group of Companies.

###

Galaxy Group of Companies, founded by Aram Khachatryan, Gurgen Khachatryan and Artyom Khachatryan, is an Armenian holding company that represents 15 companies in 3 countries. The company directs efforts and funds to the implementation of corporate social responsibility programs in Armenia for the development of thought leadership and intellectual capital in the fields of education, social development and art. In recent years alone, Galaxy Group of Companies has implemented 64 large-scale CSR projects, which directly benefited more than 10,000 people.




Armenia, Azerbaijan exchange war prisoners in first step towards normalising ties – AFP

Edgar Tavakalian
France 24
Dec 13 2023

Armenia and Azerbaijan on Wednesday swapped prisoners of war, a first step towards normalising relations since Baku retook control of the long-disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region in a one-day autumn offensive.

It is the first time the neighbours have exchanged prisoners since the lightening September offensive.

Azerbaijan's military operation ended almost three decades of Armenian separatist control of Karabakh, forcing tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians to flee.

Peace talks – mediated separately by the European Union, the United States and Russia – have since stalled, despite both countries saying an agreement could be signed by the end of this year.

Baku on Wednesday announced it had freed more than two dozen Armenian soldiers.

"Azerbaijan freed 32 Armenian military, Armenia freed two Azerbaijani military," Azerbaijan's state commission for prisoners of war said in a statement.

It added that "the exchange took place at the Gazakh sector of the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border."

"Armenian soldiers were handed to Armenia after the International Committee of the Red Cross examined their health and made a positive conclusion," the statement said.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan published on his Facebook page a list of 32 freed Armenian servicemen.

The exchange came after Baku and Yerevan last week released a joint statement, pledging to achieve a "long-awaited peace in the region" and announced a POWs swap.

The exchange was welcomed by all mediators of the conflict.

The EU, the US as well as regional powers Turkey and Russia praised the statement as a "breakthrough."

Yerevan said in November that a total of 55 Armenian prisoners of war were being held by Baku.

The number included six civilians, 41 military, and eight separatist leaders arrested in the wake of Baku's military operation.

The prisoner exchange raised hopes for reviving face-to-face talks between Pashinyan and Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev.

The pair have met several times for normalisation talks mediated by the EU chief Charles Michel.

But the process has been on hold since October, when Aliyev declined to attend negotiations with Pashinyan in Spain, accusing France of bias.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had been scheduled to join Michel as mediators at those talks.

There has been no visible progress so far in EU efforts to organise a fresh round of negotiations.

Azerbaijan also refused to participate in talks with Armenia that were planned in the US on November 20, over what it said was Washington's "biased" position.

Traditional regional power broker Russia, bogged down with its dragging Ukraine offensive, has seen its influence wane in the Caucasus.

Aliyev sent troops to Karabakh on September 19, and after just one day of fighting, Armenian separatist forces that had controlled the disputed region for three decades laid down arms and agreed to reintegrate with Baku.

Almost the entire Armenian population of the mountainous enclave — more than 100,000 people — fled Karabakh for Armenia, sparking a refugee crisis.

Azerbaijan's victory marked the end of the territorial dispute, which had long been seen as unresolvable and which led to two wars — in 2020 and the 1990s — that claimed tens of thousands of lives from both sides.

(AFP)

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231213-armenia-azerbaijan-exchange-war-prisoners

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https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/513991.aspx

Armenian cultural heritage sites tokenized on Solana blockchain

Edgar Tavakalian
Coin Telegraph
Dec 8 2023

The initiative “Realm of Historia” is on a mission to tokenize historical sites in Armenia and around the world using the blockchain to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

SAVANNAH FORTIS

The Realm of Historia project recently announced its intentions to make strides in preserving Armenian cultural heritage through leveraging the use of blockchain technology and nonfungible tokens (NFTs).

In a departure from conventional methods, this initiative seeks to digitize historical artifacts and physical historical sites, starting with the Realm of Historia: Carahunge X digital asset collection.

Cointelegraph spoke with the two creators of Realm of Historia, Ivan Grantovsky and Ivan Krylov, about how emerging technologies can preserve culture and connect new generations with history.

At the core of Realm of Historia’s effort is the Solana blockchain, which the two developers said was chosen for efficiency and transparency purposes. 

Krylov said part of the inspiration for creating a platform is the lack of engaging platforms that digitally present cultural heritage and are transparent with how to participate philanthropically.

“This is the part for technology to solve this problem. The technology we’re talking about is the blockchain because it provides a solution for the lack of transparency.”

The Realm of Historia: Carahunge X collection aims to digitize the tangible essence of the Carahunge site, known as the Stonehenge of Armenia, which dates back to 5487 BC. All the NFTs in the collection combine art and digital versions of the stones from the physical site. 

In addition to digitizing pieces of cultural heritage, the project also aims to support local artists in Armenia and has collaborations with entities like the Yerevan Biennial Art Foundation (YBAF), A1 Art Space and Latitude Art Space. 

The founders of Realm of Historia said they see this project playing a pivotal role in bridging cultural divides, empowering local artists and showcasing Armenia’s cultural richness through emerging tech.

“The most important thing is that our projects are about the real-life impact, that you do something digitally and it impacts the real world.”

Related: How generative AI allows one architect to reimagine ancient cities

The project has a physical-digital aspect in the form of a QR code accompanying each NFT that can be scanned and redeemed in local cafes, museums and other sites in Armenia that have partnered with the project, they said.

“You’re not only helping the world and cultural preservation, but you’re a part of a community.”

This initiative aligns with a broader global trend recognizing blockchain’s potential in cultural heritage preservation. The decentralized and transparent nature of blockchain ensures a reliable record of historical assets, guaranteeing their unaltered accessibility for future generations.

In a similar project in Ukraine, a local art museum used blockchain digitization and NFTs to document and preserve art and cultural heritage during wartime.

More recently, The Sandbox Web3 metaverse platform collaborated with the British Museum to bring art and history to the metaverse in physical-digital experiences.

The team behind Realm of Historia also plans to build “The Atrium” or a “virtual museum hall” where users can enter a 3D lobby dedicated to cultural heritage and the sites represented by the project. 

“You can say, the digital ark for cultural heritage. The Atrium is aimed to draw the attention of the younger generation.”

In 2022, the island of Tuvalu, which is rapidly sinking into the sea, announced similar plans to build a digital version of itself to preserve its history as it faces erasure due to climate change.

The Realm of Historia founders said their goal is to eventually go beyond Armenia and build collections “everywhere we can all over the world.” They said they’re in talks about potential preservation projects in Malta, Italy, Cambodia and Georgia.

https://cointelegraph.com/news/armenian-cultural-heritage-sites-get-tokenized-on-solana-blockchain

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France supports the resumption of peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Edgar Tavakalian

 12:14, 9 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. France welcomes the positive signal sent by the joint statement issued by Armenia and Azerbaijan and the goodwill gestures by both countries, particularly regarding a prisoner exchange, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France said in a statement.

“We hope these announcements are a first step toward resolving the situation of prisoners, detainees and the disappeared,’’  said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France.

France supports the swift resumption of negotiations on a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the support of the EU and the United States.

 The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France added that, as the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs has said repeatedly, there can be no lasting peace without respect for international law and the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders between the two nations.