for consideration for Armenian News’s calendar of events

Arsine Chaltikian
Language and Collective Identity
during Diaspora’s Formative Years
March 7, 2024
7:00 PM
St. Sarkis Apostolic Church
19300 Ford Road, Dearborn, MI 48128

Looking at public debates in the post-genocide Armenian literary
press of Boston, Paris, Beirut, and Aleppo, this presentation
gives an overview of the evolving discourse on language and its
intersection with the politics of identity. In placing the
discussion within the greater framework of her recent book Stateless
(2023), Chahinian will suggest that during the decades that
followed the genocide, language became the key marker of identity
around which competing ideologies of belonging emerged to shape
both nationalistic and transnational models of diaspora.

Talar Chahinian holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from UCLA.
She lectures in the Program for Armenian Studies at UC Irvine,
where she is also Visiting Faculty in the Department of
Comparative Literature. She is the author of Stateless: The
Politics of the Armenian Language in Exile (Syracuse
University Press, 2023) and co-editor of The Armenian Diaspora
and Stateless Power: Collective Identity in the Transnational
20th Century (Bloomsbury Press, 2023). Furthermore, she
co-edits Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies.

Free admission
Light refreshments will be served
For more information contact Gerald Ottenbreit Jr, 313-593-5181
The University of Michigan-Dearborn does not necessarily endorse
the speaker’s views 
-- 
**********************************
Gerald E. Ottenbreit Jr.
Research Assistant
Armenian Research Center
University of Michigan-Dearborn
4901 Evergreen Rd.
Dearborn, MI 48128-2406

313-593-5181
**********************************

“Armenia, My Home” Premiering February 27 Oo PBS Stations

Ara Felekian

Armenian News Network / Armenian News


PBS is set to air premiere of ARMENIA, MY HOME, a spectacular visual journey through Armenia, premiering February 27, 2024, on PBS (check local listings). From filmmaker Andrew Goldberg and narrated by Andrea Martin (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Only Murders In The Building).


The documentary promises viewers a breathtaking exploration of Armenia's rich cultural tapestry, featuring stunning cinematography, striking archival photographs, incredible interviews, and vibrant music. 

 

View an Open/Promo for the show.


—-


BACKGROUND ON THE DOCUMENTARY

 

ARMENIA, MY HOME, narrated by Andrea Martin (Only Murders in the Building), features prominent voices from the Armenian diaspora including actor Eric Bogosian (Succession); author Chris Bohjalian (HBO’s The Flight Attendant); Pulitzer Prize-winning author Peter Balakian (Black Dog of Fate); journalist Araksya Karapetyan (Good Day LA), author Dawn Anahid Mackeen (The Hundred-Year Walk); Conan O’Brien’s famed assistant Sona Movsesian; and Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of NY. Additional voices include educator Dottie Bengoian, internationally renowned artist Michael Aram, comedian Vahe Berberian, and scholars Ron Suny and Salpi Ghazarian.

 

ARMENIA, MY HOME celebrates the modern-day, independent Armenian Republic and its people, and offers a lens into the nearly 3,000-year-old storied past of the world's first Christian nation. From medieval monasteries nestled in northern forests to the spectacular Hellenistic temple of Garni, the documentary takes viewers on a compelling journey through Armenia's diverse landscapes. Sweeping from the Caucasian mountains with stunning views of the peaks of Mount Ararat, ARMENIA, MY HOME seamlessly blends the epic with the everyday, evoking the deep emotions felt by Armenian Americans for a heritage that has endured for millennia. The film incorporates the spiritual charm of Armenian music throughout, telling a story that resonates with the fusion of East and West.

 

“For so many that we interviewed in this film, Armenia is more than a country, it’s a part of who they are – a community that has survived and flourished, despite untold enemies who sought to conquer them. This is more than a story of a nation, it is the story of some of the most resilient people alive,” stated director Andrew Goldberg.

 

“It’s an honor to narrate this documentary exploring Armenia’s storied past and vibrant culture,” said Emmy Award-winning actress Andrea Martin. "As an Armenian-American, I am deeply connected to our ancient history and thrilled to be partnering on this project.”

 

Filmed using state-of-the-art cameras and drones, a team of cinematographers known for their work on films like Thor: Love and Thunder, and the upcoming Mad Max Furiosa, has revolutionized the visual representation of Armenia. This groundbreaking approach provides viewers with quite simply, the most impressive visual showing of Armenia ever made.

 

For an added layer of authenticity, ARMENIA, MY HOME takes viewers on a journey into a dungeon that dates back nearly 2,000 years, providing a rare glimpse into Armenia's ancient and mysterious history. Alongside the spectacular landscapes, ARMENIA, MY HOME delves into the complex and crucial subjects of the Armenian Genocide and the recent war in Artsakh, acknowledging their historical significance and impact on the Armenian people and the world.

 

About Andrew Goldberg

Emmy Award-winning producer/director Andrew Goldberg is the founder and owner of So Much Film in New York City. He has executive produced and directed 15 prime-time documentary specials for PBS and public television, multiple lifestyle series for HGTV, and Magnolia Channel, and a variety of long and short-form segments for such outlets as CBS News Sunday Morning, ABC News, NPR’s All Things Considered, E! Entertainment Television, and Food Network. He has worked as a journalist for virtually every major TV news organization including ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and Fox. In 2006, he produced and directed the critically acclaimed film, The Armenian Genocide for PBS. Andrew’s most recent film was the critically-acclaimed Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations, which was released theatrically across the country and aired nationally as a prime-time special on PBS in 2020.

So Much Film Contact:

So Much Film <>



Armenia-My-Home.pdf

Turkish Press: France, Armenia agree to deepen bilateral ties

Emil Lazarian
Yeni Safak
Turkey – Feb 22 2024

France, Armenia agree to deepen bilateral ties

Leaders of 2 countries also discuss relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan

France and Armenia agreed Wednesday to deepen bilateral relations in various sectors.

French President Emmanuel Macron and visiting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan agreed to further improve bilateral ties in the transport, energy, water and defense fields, said a statement by the Elysee Palace.

During their meeting in Paris, Macron also reaffirmed France's unwavering support for Armenia's independence, its territorial integrity and its aspiration for peace, according to the statement.

Macron reiterated his full support for the development of relations between the European Union and Armenia in all dimensions.

The statement said that Macron and Pashinyan also discussed the state of negotiations aimed at normalization between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

French Defence Minister Travels To Armenia Amid Azerbaijan Tensions

David Nargizian
BARRON'S
Feb 22 2024
  • FROM AFP NEWS

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu was to travel to Armenia on Thursday for a two-day visit as tensions mount with Yerevan's arch-enemy Azerbaijan.

Lecornu's trip, the first by a French defence minister to the small South Caucasus nation, comes after French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern about a "risk of escalation" between Armenia and Azerbaijan as he received Armenian leader Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday.

Pashinyan has warned that Azerbaijan is preparing for a "full-scale war" with its longtime foe after decades of tensions over the breakaway territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

"France and Armenia have a historic relationship of friendship, but the defence relationship has not been at the level of the intensity of the bilateral relationship," Lecornu's office said.

In October 2023, France announced the sale of defensive equipment to Armenia, drawing anger from Azerbaijan.

That deal was announced weeks after Baku seized the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenian separatists.

Lecornu at the time said Armenia would buy three Ground Master 200 (GM200) radar systems from French defence group Thales.

Armenia has also signed a contract to buy night-vision goggles from the French group Safran, and the French army is also set to train Armenian troops this year.

"Armenia is in a position to defend its territory and population, and defence cooperation with France is strictly in line with the objective of helping it to defend itself," the defence ministry said.

Baku, which is backed militarily by Turkey, has slammed what it called France's policy of "militarisation" in the South Caucasus.

France, home to a large Armenian diaspora, has played a mediating role in the decades-long conflict over control of Karabakh, whose recapture by Azerbaijan led to the exodus of some 100,000 Armenians.

Yerevan fears that Azerbaijan, which has been emboldened by its capture of the disputed territory, might now seek to target southern Armenia.

Last week both sides accused the other of opening fire on their volatile border in a skirmish that Armenia said left four of its soldiers dead.

Russia threatened French planes in the Black Sea, Paris says

Emil Lazarian
POLITICO
Feb 22 2024

Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu said it’s a bid to “intimidate” France.

BY LAURA KAYALI

PARIS — Russia directly threatened French planes in the Black Sea recently, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Thursday. 

"A month ago, a Russian air traffic control system threatened to shoot down French aircraft in the Black Sea, even though we were in the internationally free zone in which we patrol," he told French radio RTL.

Lecornu’s comments come as the war in Ukraine is about to enter its third year, amid growing pessimism about the conflict's outcome.

European governments, however, insist that Russian President Vladimir Putin still doesn't have the upper hand. Moscow's increasingly agressive stance "is explained by the fact that Russia is in trouble on the battlefield in Ukraine," Lecornu said.

"This is as old as the Cold War, but we're seeing the return of a particularly aggressive Russian stance," he said, adding that Moscow was "playing with the thresholds."

A Russian warship also recently anchored in Baie de Seine in northern France at the edge of territorial waters in a bid to "intimidate" France, Lecornu said.

The French minister is set to fly to Armenia later Thursday — the first such visit by a French armed forces minister and a sign of France's deepening defense ties with Armenia.

Armenia is edging away from its historical relationship with Moscow and Paris is seeking to increase its influence with former Russian allies, including Moldova and Central Asian countries.

Defense companies including MBDA, Nexter, Safran, Thales and Arquus are in the delegation flying to Armenia with Lecornu.

France Bolsters Armenia’s Defense with Advanced Radar Systems and Training Commitment

Diana Dabaghian
Feb 22 2024
Mahnoor Jehangir

In a world where global dynamics shift with the wind, the recent defense agreements between Armenia and France stand as a testament to the enduring power of strategic partnerships. As Armenia secures three Ground Master 200 (GM200) radar systems and night-vision goggles from France, a deeper narrative of mutual respect and commitment unfolds, transcending mere transactional diplomacy.

The heart of this alliance beats within the details of the defense pact. Armenia, a nation with a rich history and complex geopolitical challenges, has embarked on a significant upgrade of its defense capabilities. The acquisition of three GM200 radar systems from the French defense group Thales marks a transformative step in Armenia's ability to monitor its airspace with cutting-edge technology. These radars, boasting a range of 250 kilometers, are not just tools of warfare but instruments of peace, designed to fortify Armenia's ability to defend its territory and population.

Complementing this radar acquisition, the contract for night-vision goggles from another French group, Safran, highlights the multifaceted approach to enhancing Armenia's military readiness. In the shadows of uncertainty, these goggles will empower Armenian soldiers with the ability to see the unseen, providing a critical advantage in night operations.

France's involvement extends far beyond the provision of military hardware. The French Defence Minister, Sebastien Lecornu, emphasized the comprehensive nature of this cooperation, which includes the French army's commitment to train Armenian troops within the year. This initiative is not just about skill transfer; it's a bridge between cultures, an exchange of values, and a mutual commitment to security and stability. The training, particularly in mountain combat, is tailored to the unique challenges Armenian forces face, ensuring they are not just equipped but also adept in leveraging these technologies to their full potential.

The defense agreements between Armenia and France are underpinned by a shared commitment to peace and stability. French President Emmanuel Macron and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have both highlighted the importance of this partnership in preventing escalation and supporting Armenia's territorial integrity. This relationship, however, is not just about defense. It's a reflection of a deeper alliance, one that includes assistance to refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, infrastructure development, and support for Armenia's democratic processes.

At a time when global tensions often seem insurmountable, the defense cooperation between Armenia and France emerges as a beacon of hope. It's a reminder that, in the complex chessboard of international relations, there are moves that can simultaneously enhance security and foster peace. As Armenia strengthens its defense capabilities with French support, the message is clear: this is not just about preparing for the worst; it's about building a foundation for lasting peace and stability.

https://bnnbreaking.com/conflict-defence/military/france-bolsters-armenias-defense-with-advanced-radar-systems-and-training-commitment

Amidst Challenges, Russian Ambassador in Armenia Stresses the Importance of an Enduring Alliance

Alex Jidarian
Feb 22 2024
María Alejandra Trujillo

As the crisp air of an early Yerevan morning mingled with the solemnity of Victory Park, a gathering marked by the gravity of historical remembrance and the warmth of shared sentiments unfolded. I stood among those assembled to observe Defender of the Fatherland Day, an occasion that, as Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin would articulate, holds profound significance far beyond the ceremonials. It was a moment that encapsulated both the enduring bonds and the complex realities facing the Russia-Armenia alliance today.

"Today is not just a day of remembrance; it is a symbol of our ongoing commitment to the values of patriotism, love for the motherland, and the readiness to stand in its defense," Kopyrkin addressed the crowd, his voice imbuing the morning's chill with a palpable warmth. The day's resonance in Armenia, he noted, is deep-seated, rooted in the collective memory of a combative brotherhood that stretches back to the shared victory against Nazism. This historical tapestry, woven with the sacrifices of those who have laid down their lives, underscores a brotherhood that transcends time – a point Kopyrkin emphasized with solemn reverence.

Yet, amidst the remembrance, the specter of current adversities loomed large. Kopyrkin acknowledged the multifaceted challenges both nations face, emphasizing that these trials have only heightened the need to honor and respect those who serve. "The defenders of our fatherlands, in these trying times, deserve our utmost respect," he stated, a sentiment that resonated deeply with those in attendance. It was a poignant reminder that the values celebrated on Defender of the Fatherland Day – and indeed, the very concept of defense – have taken on new complexities in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.

Despite these challenges, Kopyrkin's message was ultimately one of hope and unity. He spoke of the preservation and strengthening of the Russia-Armenia alliance, not merely as a matter of state policy but as a reflection of the deep-seated ties that bind the peoples of both nations. The mutual celebration of holidays such as Defender of the Fatherland Day and Army Day in Armenia, observed on January 28, serves as a testament to this enduring connection. "Our allied relations stem from our peoples’ interests," Kopyrkin concluded, a statement that underscored the shared path both nations tread towards a future marked by cooperation and mutual respect.

As the event drew to a close and the attendees began to disperse, the significance of the day's commemorations lingered in the air, a reminder of the sacrifices made and the challenges ahead. Yet, in the words of Ambassador Kopyrkin and the shared sentiments of those gathered, there was also a palpable sense of hope – a recognition that the bonds forged in the crucible of history hold the promise of a resilient and enduring alliance.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/russia/amidst-challenges-russian-ambassador-in-armenia-stresses-the-importance-of-an-enduring-alliance

Armenia and Azerbaijan: A Dance of Diplomacy and Discord

Jack Hunanian
feb 22 2024

In the heart of a bustling Paris, a stage was set not for the romance of its streets but for the unfolding drama of international diplomacy. The protagonists, Edmon Marukyan, Armenia's Ambassador-at-Large, and the ever-contentious neighbor Azerbaijan, found themselves locked in a narrative that treads the thin line between peace and provocation. At a press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a critical dialogue emerged, spotlighted by none other than French President Emmanuel Macron.

Amid the historic backdrop of Paris, Marukyan voiced a potent critique against Azerbaijan's reaction to Macron's overtures of peace. It was not merely a question of diplomatic etiquette but a profound inquiry into the sincerity of Azerbaijan's peace commitments. Marukyan underscored the irony in Azerbaijan condemning peace-oriented statements while simultaneously engaging in military exercises and hurling accusations of ethnic cleansing and territorial occupation at Armenia. This, he argued, painted a stark contrast between proclaimed peace endeavors and actual military actions.

The narrative takes a deeper dive as we explore the underlying contradictions. While Azerbaijan faces criticism for its military posturing, the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis painted a different picture, highlighting the positive strides in peace negotiations and border delimitation talks. The discourse pointed towards efforts at long-term peace and stability in the region, underscored by large-scale rehabilitation and reconstruction work in liberated territories. The bilateral meeting between the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia was projected as a significant step toward mending fences, with a focus on establishing relations based on international law norms and principles for enduring stability.

In the face of accusations and military maneuvers, Armenia's stance, as articulated by Marukyan, centered on the defense of its territorial integrity. The country's military cooperations were framed not as acts of aggression but as necessary measures to safeguard against external threats. This perspective sheds light on the complex dynamics of international relations, where actions are often interpreted through the prism of national security and sovereignty.

The dance of diplomacy and discord between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with Paris as its latest arena, encapsulates the challenges of achieving peace in a landscape marked by historical grievances and contemporary geopolitical tensions. As each side navigates the fine line between defending its interests and striving for a peaceful resolution, the international community watches closely, hoping for a future where dialogue triumphs over discord.

UNICEF: Refugee journeys: Families share their experiences of displacement after fleeing to Armenia

Liana Toganian
UNICEF
Feb 21 2024
Gor Petrosyan

In September 2023 an escalation in hostilities resulted in more than 30,000 children and their families fleeing to Armenia. In the months that followed they reflect on their experiences while trying to rebuild their lives.

Armine and her family have settled in Vanadzor but remember vividly their journey to safety.

“We spent two days in the basement, followed by two to three days here and there, unable to return home. [Eventually] we began our escape. It was September 25, my birthday, and as I looked around at the countless cars and people gathered in the convoy, I couldn’t help but reflect that never had so many people gathered to mark my birthday,” says Armine.

“We've now settled in Vanadzor. We are among four displaced families who have rented apartments on the building's first floor. Sometimes, we playfully jest that we've created a small homeland. It helps lighten the mood considerably,” she adds.

"The people of Lori have warmly embraced us. In our first days here, our neighbours collected funds and purchased essential household items for all of us."

Currently, the family does not have much money so Armine's husband has contemplated going abroad for work. They are concerned, however, about the impact that further separation and uncertainty would have on their son.

Evelina, her three children—10-year-old Eva, eight-year-old Elena, and three-year-old Hrachik—and her mother-in-law, have settled in the city of Ijevan in northern Armenia. Evelina's husband, Arthur, had already passed away. Without a car of their own, their journey to Armenia was challenging. 

“We got into our neighbour's car. I had kept a small reserve of gasoline for a rainy day. I handed it over to our neighbour, emphasizing the urgency of finding my son who had been in the field when it all began. He agreed and started driving. I kept calling out his name, as we continued our frantic search until we reached the neighbouring village,” Evelina recalls. She was told that children from the kindergarten were sheltering in one of the village's basements. “I spotted Hrachik. I hugged him tightly,” she adds.

Evelina cannot recall the details of how they made their way to Armenia. “There was a single available seat in the car of one of our relatives, so we placed my mother-in-law in that car. There was another seat available in my brother-in-law's car. I explained to my daughters that they had to share that one. Despite their tears and reluctance to go without me, I convinced them. My son and I went in one car, and then another, and slowly inched forward,” she details. Three days later, the family was reunited in Goris.

After everything that they have endured, Evelina says she sometimes struggles to stay hopeful.

“I find myself occasionally sinking into a state of depression, but then I look at our three children and say to myself, 'Evelina, you must rally your spirits; you have to believe so that your children can too,” 'she says.

“I embarked on the journey with my wife, four children, and mother-in-law. My car broke down on the way. We found ourselves stranded in the middle of the road, surrounded by darkness and rain.” Gurgen explains. The family managed to find space in other cars so they could continue their journey.

Along the way, Gurgen's children fell ill, and they had little food, no medicine, and no means of communication. 

“The children cried of hunger. Amidst those desperate sounds, a woman who had brought some flour with her, started a small fire on the side of the road, and baked bread for us.” 

The family reached Goris three days later. “There, I finally was able to reach my relatives to make sure that everyone is ok.” It was then that he received the devastating news that his father had been killed when the gas warehouse exploded.

It was during this time that, for three days, Gurgen's 14-year-old son Vazgen stopped talking.

Vazgen's sister, 10-year-old Karine, says they were given a house in Armenia's Berkaber village. “My dad is working on renovating [the house]. It's quite nice here, and the school is going well, but I can't help but miss everything from back home. I miss my bicycle, my books, my dog Topan, and my fluffy cat,” she says.

In response to the crisis, from September to December 2023, UNICEF provided critical humanitarian support to families and communities who have had to flee to Armenia. As people arrived in Armenia, they were given essential supplies including hygiene kits, food packages, clothing vouchers and warm blankets and bedding. UNICEF and partners worked to support the government of Armenia’s efforts to ensure that access to essential services remained uninterrupted including enrolling children in school and providing crucial healthcare. Psychosocial support services have been made available to help children and their families recover from the distress they have endured.

Despite the progress families have made in adjusting to their new homes, their humanitarian needs remain acute. The journey is not over for Gurgen, Armine, Evelina and thousands like them. They need continued humanitarian support.