Genocide Under the Ottoman Empire Discussed in Tampa
Genocide Under the Ottoman Empire Discussed in Tampa
In April, the University of South Florida (USF) Libraries Holocaust and Genocide Studies Center welcomed historian Ronald Grigor Suny for its second Armenian Studies event in six months. Turnout was exceptional, with a standing-room-only crowd in attendance.
Dr. Suny speaks to a packed Grace Allen Room
Suny explored a variety of historic justifications for and ramifications of the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923) as well as killing and deportations of Greeks, Arabs, Assyrians, and others, under the Ottoman Empire. He spoke of first-hand research conducted during numerous visits to Turkey over a 20-year period. During visits to Kurdistan, he spoke with Kurds regarding their historic memory of and, sometimes, participation in the Genocide, having been bribed and coerced by its orchestrators. Most importantly, Suny described a relationship between the marginalization of the Kurdish population in present-day Turkey and the denial of the Armenian Genocide, suggesting that if the Turkish government were to acknowledge the Genocide, removing the ‘national security’ implications it uses as justification now, it would remove a tenet of their justification for failing to grant Kurdistan autonomy.
The talk also related what Dr. Suny sees as hopeful steps, from large, unimpeded demonstrations taking place in Turkey, and his own Workshop for Armenian/Turkish Scholarship (WATS) collaborations, where Turkish and Armenian scholars come together to explore the essential truths of the Armenian Genocide.
“Dr. Suny explained in a highly convincing manner how the reluctance of the current Turkish government to admit to the Armenian genocide was linked to the current Turkish-Kurdish conflict in Eastern Anatolia,” said USF History Professor Kees Boterbloem. “He pointed out, encouragingly, that this denial, a standard adhered to by all of Turkey’s governments since the 1920s, may have had its day.”
The audience discussion that followed the talk raised interesting questions about France and Turkey and admission to the European Union, and an understanding of the difference between the official Turkish government line and the feelings of the Turkish populace.
The USF Libraries Holocaust and Genocide Studies Center wishes to express gratitude to the USF History Department and Golfo Alexopoulos for their sponsorship of this important event.
The Armenian Studies collection at the USF Tampa Library continues to grow, with the acquisition of materials in a wide range of languages. Please contact Merrell Dickey to learn how you can support this initiative: (813) 974-1654 or mdickey@usf.edu.
St. Mary Armenian Church Hosts 3rd Annual Food & Music Festival
St. Mary Armenian Church Hosts 3rd Annual Food & Music Festival
“Overcast with thunderstorms and rain showers. Breezy; Chance of rain 90%.”
By Robyn & Doug Kalajian
FLArmenians Cuisine Contributors
That was the weather forecast for Saturday, April 21, 2012, the first day of St. Mary Armenian Church Food and Music Festival in Cooper City, Florida.
Did the threat of miserable weather keep the faithful and hungry from attending? Not in the least! It did, unfortunately, affect the children’s outdoor activities – sorry kids!
The church’s fellowship hall was buzzing with activity – live music was provided by ‘The Mediterraneans’, and a DJ filled in during their breaks; fortunes were being read in Armenian coffee cups in the ‘café’, guests purchased trinkets, food to-go, and a sundry of other products. (Yes, I bought another cookbook; couldn’t help myself!)
Doug and I went with two of our ‘odar’ (non-Armenian) buddies, Bonnie and David, who love Armenian food. We dined on lule kebab, pilaf, cheese boregs, lahmajoun, yalanchi, kufteh, hummus, babaganoush, eech, Armenian coffee, and assorted desserts. We rolled out of the hall with huge smiles on our faces!
I understand that Father Vartan Joulfayan, pastor of St. Mary Armenian Church, used his special blend of herbs and spices to season the kebab in preparation for the feast. As guests arrived he greeted them with a warm welcome, and as the pace picked up in the hall, he pitched right in and bussed tables. As we were leaving, Father Vartan was taking photos of the hard-working women who took a moment to link arms and dance behind the food service counter. (Talk about an uplifting atmosphere!)
We’re so glad we didn’t let an ominous weather forecast prevent us from attending another delicious Armenian Food and Music Festival in south Florida!
St. David Armenian Church Honors Archdeacon Nick Potookian
St. David Armenian Church Honors Archdeacon Nick Potookian
Boca Raton, FL – On Sunday, April 22, St. David Armenian Apostolic Church hosted parishioners for a special award ceremony and luncheon to honor Archdeacon Nick Potookian for his fervent dedication & outstanding commitment to the service of our Church. Very Reverend Fr. Nareg Berberian, Pastor of St. David Armenian Church, presented the award on behalf of the Parish Council. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Potookian for his faithful service on the Holy Altar every Sunday, noting that he was one of the best deacons we have had at St. David during his pastorate.
Potookian’s daughter, Doreen A. McCord, spoke very highly of her father, expressing how wonderful he is and always diligently focused on providing for his family since he came to America from Jerusalem where he was born in 1932. After working at the United Nations in New York City, he moved to Florida in 1994 where he started serving in St. David Armenian Church. He was ordained a Deacon by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. Mrs. Anna Damirjian, a long-time close friend, also extolled her praises emphasizing his humility and good nature. Sub-Deacons Brian Adamian and Gregory Merjian gave their testimonies of how Mr. Potookian is so helpful on the altar and makes them feel very comfortable. In addition to serving in the church, Potookian is a past master of a Masonic Lodge, Belleville Lodge No. 108, F. & A.M., in Belleville, New Jersey. While in Florida, he received the Hyram Award, the highest award in Masonic Lodge. He is a past Commander of the Knights of Vartan. He is also the Captain of the Citizens Observer Patrol in the community where he lives.
South Florida Armenian Community Gathers at St. David Armenian Church for Easter Celebration
SOUTH FLORIDA ARMENIAN COMMUNITY GATHERS AT ST. DAVID ARMENIAN CHURCH FOR EASTER CELEBRATION
Boca Raton, FL – On Sunday, April 8, the South Florida Armenian-American community gathered at St. David Armenian Church to celebrate Easter Sunday, reported Florida Armenians (FLArmenians). The sanctuary was filled to capacity and the adjoining Church hall accommodated 500 people so that all could participate in the day’s service, festivities and celebration. Led by Very Reverend Fr. Nareg Berberian, Pastor of St. David Armenian Church, parishioners came with their families and friends to celebrate the most important feast day in the Armenian Christian faith.
“I am pleased to see almost 700 people gather together in our Sanctuary to celebrate the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. With Christ, our souls are resurrected and in Christ our hearts are created anew. I encourage all our congregants to become more active in sharing their God-given talents and gifts with our Church community, especially since this year has been designated as the year of the ‘Lay Ministry.’”
Holy Week is the most important week of the Church calendar and St. David Armenian Church held religious activities in the days leading up to Easter Sunday. As is tradition in the Armenian church, the greeting “Krisdos haryav ee merelotz” (Christ is risen from the dead) is used on the joyous day of Easter, followed by the response “Orhnyal eh harouteunn Krisdosi” (blessed is the resurrection of Christ).
“It was wonderful to see so many of our community come out to celebrate this day,” stated Parish Council member Carol Norigian. “As our parish continues to grow, the St. David Armenian Church Parish Council is pleased to continue serving our vibrant south Florida community,” stated Norigian.
Armenian Genocide featured in Miami Dade College’s First Annual Genocide Awareness Week
Armenian Genocide featured in Miami Dade College’s First Annual Genocide Awareness Week
By Tina Varjabedian
FLArmenians Miami Contributor
Miami, FL - On Wednesday, April 4, Miami Dade College’s Homestead campus launched their First Annual Genocide Awareness Week with an opening event presenting the Armenian Genocide. Over 200 students and faculty members of non-Armenian backgrounds were present to learn about the history and politics surrounding the events of the Armenian Genocide.
Dr. Jeffery Thomas, Dean of Miami Dade College’s Homestead Campus, enthusiastically gave a welcoming introduction where he emphasized the significance of recognizing what he pronounced as a “denied chapter in world history.” Professor Hannibal Travis, J.D. from Florida International University’s College of Law, presented a discussion about International Law and Middle Eastern Politics. Taniel Koushakjian, Director of Grassroots at the Armenian Assembly of America, concluded the discussion with a segment on Survivor Accounts and Current Political Aspects Surrounding Armenian Genocide Recognition.
The lectures were followed by a “March for Genocide Prevention” ceremony, where students and faculty marched from the auditorium to the campus’s courtyard while holding sunflowers symbolizing the martyrs of the genocide. The event was concluded with a casual Q & A between the event’s speakers and students, while they enjoyed samples of Armenian pastries and music in the courtyard displaying the students’ Genocide artwork.
