Blog Archive

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Family Guy Mentions Armenians!



Yours truly loves the animated show Family Guy, and not only because it dares to explore controversial topics! However, in the act of being so very busy with blogging, ahem, one episode of the show was missed! And what was in that golden episode, you ask?

Well, the Armenian rumor mill suggests that Peter Griffin, pictured, read a list of famous Armenian people, including tennis superstar Andre Agassi. Of course, this is a big deal because it's not everyday that Armenians get such attention in major television shows.

Sure, the famous MadTV skit where Armenians are called thieves comes to mind, but isn't this just a little bit better?

Source: The Grapevine.

BBC Gallery of Restored Akhtamar Church



The very awesome BBC just placed a link to a gallery containing seven pictures of the restored Akhtamar Church. If you recall, we covered the pros and cons of this Turkish undertaking: you can find that here.

Here is the BBC Gallery.

Does anyone else find odd all the Turkish flags being flown around the church? Does it serve as a reminder that the church is now located in Turkey or is it a subconscious attempt to show it as a sort of Turkish trophy? After all, it seems to us that this shoddy restoration is merely an attempt to capitalize on Armenia's rich history.

You decide.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan Dies



In case you didn't hear this elsewhere:
Armenian Prime Minister, Chairman of the Republican Party Andranik Margaryan died from heart attack at home. 55-year old PM suffered from heart-disease and repeatedly received treatment for problems with cardiovascular system.
What does this mean for Armenia?

Source: Arka

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

BBC Documentary: Inside Iran



While I don't intend to turn this into a Middle Eastern blog, Iran is a key ally to Armenia, in terms of trade, energy, communications, politics, and much more. Not only that, Iran and Armenia share a lot of culture and history, and indeed, many Armenians call Iran home. Considering global events and our relationship to Iran, I think it's only fair that we try to understand the country even more.

It took a year to get permission to make this documentary, so I hope you enjoy it!

Friday, March 16, 2007

Pictures: Homes of Armenia's Richest!

When it comes to grandness, Armenians do it best. Here is a collection of the homes of Armenia's Richest! Oh, and be sure to click on each picture for a larger version.

Let's start with a house that is still under construction. This house dwarfs everything nearby! It's easy to see a future circular driveway in front of the house, as well as other structures. And look at that land!



This may or may not be a house, as the land that it sits on is just massive. The house seems pretty large and there is a pool visible behind it. In the front, there appears to be a courtyard. Oh, there's also a tennis court and a long tree-lined driveway. Very secluded. Beautiful, isn't it?



This is also a very large house, but it sits on a smaller lot. Appears to be inspired by American mansions of similar size and design. Note the circular driveway and the pool, with what appears to be either gazebos or spas on either end.



The left house is rumored to be that of "Lfik Samo," otherwise known as Samvel Alexanyan, the monopolist importer of sugar, butter, and other goodies. The main house appears to be the lower structure, while the upper structure near the big pool is most likely a covered patio-like area, judging from the shadow. There is some sort of a fountain in the middle of the circular driveway. The house on the right is a smaller copy of the main house. Oh, and notice the garden-like area to the left. Does he like cards? Also note new construction taking place on top.



It's not clear to me whether this is a house, but it is massive. We see a huge house with a circular driveway, fountains, a tennis court, and lots of trees. I wish I knew more!



This is the home of Gagik Tsarukian, known to everyone as Dodi Gago. He is the richest person in Armenia. You can't tell from the picture, but it's located on top of a hill, so you can't see much from the ground. As you can see, there is a house - recall the design of Lfik Samo's house - and a second structure, probably a covered area. There are plenty of trees on the property, and many still on the driveway to the house. There's also a tennis court and a running path, perhaps. Oh, and towards the bottom if the picture you can see his Church and his Zoo. Yes, you read that correctly.



And finally, one of the grandest estates anywhere. Still unfinished and four years in the making, this is an incredible estate that Armenia Blog's sources believe belongs to the sole importer of building materials. Look at the details! While you may not like the style, one has to admit that it is a grand house, perhaps the grandest!

These pictures are very large, so please be patient!



Amazing, isn't it? Considering the country is smaller than Maryland, has had capitalism for a little over a decade and a half, and has a population of just under three million, these homes are world class. Of course, one can argue that these people accumulated millions due to illegal means, whether artificial monopolies or otherwise. Instead, let's just enjoy looking at really nice houses and save that discussion for some other time!

You might also be interested in learning about Armenia's Richest Men!

Sources: Rhyne via Google Earth for Overhead Shots, Flickr, and Source unknown for last two pictures.

First Jermuk, Now Ark Land?



So, is this the beginning of the almost end for Armenian exports
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume Ark Land brand Naturally Carbonated Mineral Water because it may contain arsenic.

The affected Ark Land brand Naturally Carbonated Mineral Water was sold in 330 millilitre bottles with the UPC code of 7-85000-12033-9 and in 500 millilitre bottles with a UPC code of 7-85000-12050-6. The Best Before date of both products is 09-05-07.
If you're in Canada, go check your refrigerator!

Source: RedOrbit

Armenia to Privatize Historic Structures



This is just great. What's next, the selling of xachkars to the highest bidder?
Courting serious controversy, the Armenian government on Thursday paved the way for the privatization of thousands of old buildings that have been deemed part of the country’s historical and cultural heritage until now.
Yes, this is the correct path to making sure our history is slowly erased, by none other than an irresponsible government and its wealthy cohorts.

Source: ArmeniaLiberty

Condemn the Moscow Treaty of 1921!



The Treaty of Moscow was a friendship treaty between Grand National Assembly of Turkey and the Bolshevik government of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. It was signed on 16 March 1921. Neither the Republic of Turkey, nor the Soviet Union was established at the time.
Rafik Hambardzumian, head of an obscure National Pilgrimage organization, said the National Assembly of Armenia must condemn officially the treaty of March 16, 1921 which gave sizeable portions of historical Armenian lands to Turkey and placed Nakhichevan under Azerbaijan's rule.

He said the Republic of Armenia, as a sovereign state, should ask Russia to also condemn and invalidate the 1921 Moscow Treaty.
Seems futile, doesn't it? And besides, what will this accomplish?

Source: ArmenPress

Karabakh Film Screened in the Czech Republic



It sounds like it is similar in some ways to A Dark Forest in the Mountains.
A film titled "A Story of People in War and Peace" produced by Vardan Hovhannisian was screened at the festival of documentaries in Brno, Czech Republic. The film shot by an Armenian reporter tells about the fate of those who fought in the Karabakh war.

CT2 channel, Lidovskiye Noviny, Prague Post, Radio Cesko and other mass media cover the festival.
Armenian films need even more exposure! Too bad there isn't more information regarding a DVD release or even a theater premiere. Perhaps they should take lessons from the Priestess?

Source: PanArmenian

Armenia to Participate in Opening of Akhtamar Church



Here's some background on the church and why it is so controversial.
Armenian delegation will participate in the opening ceremony of Holly Cross Armenian Church in Akhtamar island, Turkey.

Armenian Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs Hasmik Poghosyan told a press conference in Yerevan that a few days ago she had received an official invitation to participate in the opening ceremony of the Church.
Let's hope it goes without a hitch, but realize Turkey wouldn't want problems, anyway.

Source: Yerkir

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Armenians Paranoid About Jermuk Claims



Ah, paranoia: where would Armenians be without it?
They suppose that an illegal mineral water is exported to the USA. "The picture of the examined bottle is on the site. There is no such brand in the Armenian market. One of the deer is missing, which is a confusing sign,"

The companies are surprised to hear no specific company. "First of all the agency should have discussed it with the corresponding producer, to see whether it belonged to it or not. None of our company got any notification."

"This is a deliberate action towards Armenian mineral water."

"There is 0.1% less arsenium in product exported to US as compared with Armenian brand. It is strange to believe that this quantity could result in poisoning."
If you happen to see the missing deer, please contact Jermuk.

Source: A1+

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Let's Paint Armenia's Apartment Buildings!


(Click to enlarge)

Here we see typical Armenian apartment buildings, sometimes known as tower blocks. These were built with panels of concrete - in the name of efficiency and cost-cutting - in a Soviet attempt to house all of its workers. Many of them look beautiful on the inside, with Euro-style remodels and the latest in furniture and electronic gadgets, unique reflections of the families who live in them. But from the outside, they look old, dirty, uninspired, depressing, and generally bad.

Russia had the same problem, until they began experimenting with color. The result? THIS!


(Click to enlarge)

This is what Armenians need: COLOR! Expression, happiness, art, sillyness, change, brightness! Imagine how the skyline will look if instead of shades of gray we have color. Children all across can create the artworks and adults render them onto the buildings. Flags, landscapes, abstracts, even portraits will adorn decades-old buildings. Our cities will become vibrant and everyone would follow our lead. It would be a rebirth: It would be revolutionary!

Who am I kidding? That would never happen.

Sources: Flickr and LiveJournal (many more pictures here)

Friday, March 9, 2007

Turks Plotted to Kill Armenian Patriarch



This incident happened on the 40th day of Hrant Dink's death.
Two teenagers, arrested by Turkish police and identified as Volkan K. and Elmaz N... admitted they had gone to the church to kill the Armenian Patriarch of Turkey Archbishop Mesrop Mutafian.

The arrested are charged with illegal arms possession and shooting in the air with an aim to threaten. Prosecutors have opened a criminal case against both.
Are Turks drinking Jermuk or something else that is making them act crazy this year?

Source: ArmenPress

300,000 Buildings Lack Property Deeds



Yes, you read that correctly.
A survey by a Non Governmental Organization concerned with citizens’ rights says as many as 300,000 buildings and structures in Armenia lack property deeds.

"The homes of the greater part of people who have appealed to us are not yet included in development zones, but people are concerned as they see many residents of the Kentron community (in the center of Yerevan) became homeless," says attorney Samvel Mkrtchyan, chairman of the NGO.

Mkrtchyan says there’s no guarantee of getting appropriate compensation for homes in development districts, but a property deed assures getting more than not having one.
This is why you shouldn't buy anything real estate in Armenia - at least not until all of these important issues are resolved.

Source: ArmeniaNow

Armenia & Iran to Connect via Fiber Optics



Fiber optics are tiny, flexible strands of glass or plastic that can carry massive amounts of information in the form of light. Think superfast internet connections, for example.
"A company called "Fiber-Net" has recently been established in Armenia and commissioned to take advantage of the Iranian fiber-optic network, of which Iran’s entire neighbors, save for Pakistan are now benefited.

"Those benefits particularly included getting connected to the fiber-optic networks of Iran’s southern neighbors on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf, that are connected to the international fiber-optic network."

...these networks are able of transforming voice and data inputs...
Now frustrated Armenian teens - and older folks, as well - can have access to quality, erm, artistic material online.

Source: TaliyaNews

Turkish Politician Found Guilty of Genocide Denial



We discussed this case previously. But now, it's done:
A Swiss district court has found a Turkish politician, Dogu Perincek, guilty of racial discrimination for denying the 1915 Armenian massacre was genocide. The court handed Perincek a 90-day suspended sentence or a corresponding penalty as well as a fine of SFr 3,000 [about $2,500]. Perincek can avoid imprisonment in case he avoids repeating his statements during two years.

"The core of the process is that the Armenian Genocide is an incontestable fact and no one has the right to question it."
Will this send a message to all other Genocide deniers in Switzerland? Will Dogu himself continue his denial? We'll have to see.

Source: PanArmenian

VIDEO: Armenians Targeted in Iraq



Armenians and other non-Muslim minorities are being killed in Iraq for their beliefs. This video was sent in by an Armenia Blog reader; His mom is the woman interviewed in the clip starting at 2:05.

Jews Want Monopoly on Genocide



Recently, with the introduction of the Armenian Genocide Resolution in Congress, there has been almost complete opposition by the Jewish community, especially the powerful lobby, as well as Israel. One of our readers sent in this article. While it attempts to render innocent the blatant negativity by the Jewish community towards the resolution, there are some important points that should be realized, the least of which is that the word "genocide" is not used once in the editorial to refer to the Armenian Genocide.

But there's more:
That said, we understand that opposition to House Resolution 106 does not necessarily signify lack of sympathy with the victims, or, indeed, sentiment against the concept itself. Not buying into an initiative on someone else’s schedule is not always an indicator of nefarious motives at play.

We also have no doubt that some would argue the Jewish community should oppose the resolution if only to preserve the aura of uniqueness surrounding the destruction of European Jewry in the Holocaust.
I think this speaks for itself. It wasn't written by an Armenian or anyone other than The Jewish Press.

Of course, the editorial attempts to remain balanced, but the statements above show the very clear Jewish position of anti-Armenianism, or at least as it relates to the proper recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Source: Jewish Press

An Armenian Parking Ticket


(Click to enlarge)

Interesting, isn't it? The text in the top middle says, "Dear Motorist." How refreshing is it to be greeted on a parking ticket?

Armenia Blog Exclusive: Make your own Armenian Parking Ticket:
1) Use a word processor to create a similar design. Be sure to use similar clip art.
2) Print out in black and white.
3) Photocopy as many as you want.
4) Hand out tickets.
5) Have fun!

Source: Flickr

Thursday, March 8, 2007

New Music Video Section



Due to the number of videos on the blog and the need to keep them distinct, there is now a new Music Video section to the right. The Video section will be reserved for all other kinds of videos, including documentaries, animations, and so on.

Explore and let me know if you like the change.

Food and Drug Administration: Armenian Mineral Water is Poisonous



Go check your fridges!
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to drink certain brands of mineral water imported from Armenia due to the risk of exposure to arsenic, a toxic substance and known cause of cancer in humans. FDA testing of this water revealed 500 - 600 micrograms of arsenic per liter. FDA's standard of quality bottled water allows no more than 10 micrograms per liter.
Here are the specifics of the products recalled:

Zetlian Bakery, Inc., Pico Rivera, CA is recalling product with labels that read:
"Jermuk Original Sparkling Natural Mineral Water Fortified With Natural Gas From The Spring". The product is additionally labeled as "2006 Jermuk Mayr Gortsaran CJSC" and "Imported by: Zetlian Bakery Inc."

Importers Direct Wholesale Company Los Angeles, CA is recalling the product with labels that read:
"Jermuk Sodium Calcium Bicarbonate and Sulphate Mineral Water". The product is additionally labeled as "Bottled by ARPI Plant, Republic of Armenia" and "Exclusive US importer and distributor: Importers Direct Wholesale Co., Los Angeles, CA".

Kradjian Importing Company, Glendale, CA is recalling the product with labels that read:
"Jermuk, Natural Mineral Water Sparkling". The product is additionally labeled as "Bottled by Jermuk Group CJSC" and "Sale Agent Kradjian Importing Co. Inc." in Glendale, CA

If you drank any of these and have concerns, the FDA is asking you to contact your doctor. Pass on the word.

Source: News-Medical

Turkish Lawyer Accuses Robert Kocharyan of Genocide



It just gets better and better.
Viktor Soghomonyan, the press-secretary of the Armenian President, qualified Turkish lawyer Kamal Kerincsiz's initiative as nonsense. The Turkish lawyer tries to accuse the Armenian President of the "Khojaly genocide".

K.Kerincsiz, the leader of the Turkish Lawyers' Union, has already appealed to some unknown judicial structure "Roman International Criminal Court". According to the source, the lawyer states that he has all the necessary proof for accusing the Armenian President and 78 terrorists of the massacre.
Oh, my.

Source: Azg

HayEli - Hayer



Check out this really great music video from a project called Hayeli, which means mirror. The lyrics are sad, yet very true.

Happy Women's Day, Women!



To all the great women who read Armenia Blog, Happy Women's Day! In case you don't know, March 8th is a celebration of women. Women, whether mothers, girlfriends, wives, aunts, or friends, illuminate our world and make it more beautiful than anything else. March 8th should be recognized every single day, but this one is just for you. Happy Women's Day!

Yerevan United Football Club Breaks Up



What seemed like a team unlike any other is no longer.
Alexandre Sargsyan, the head of the team, claims the breaking up of the club is determined by the lack of financial means.

[Owner Tigran] Hovivyan has sent a letter from Australia lately informing that he is incapable of solving the financial issues
I was really looking forward to seeing the really cute Armenian cheerleaders prancing about with Mher, the mascot. There really is no justice in this world!

Source: A1+

Dual Citizens Can't Vote In May Elections



If you remember from our report on Armenia's passing of dual citizenship, those living in foreign lands but with Armenian citizenship would be allowed to vote in elections. It turns out that's not the case.
Only the residents of the Republic of Armenia will participate on the May 12 parliamentary elections though the RA Government has passed the packet on "Dual Citizenship".

"Dual citizens will not participate in the parliamentary elections as currently we don’t have dual citizens as such".
This will matter to me on the day that I decide to join the Armenian Army. Otherwise, I don't care and neither should you.

Source: A1+

Turkey Filming Anti-Genocide "Documentary"



Ah, the Turks. We can always count on them to waste resources in the most ridiculous of ways. Just recently, a Turkish engineer declared that Armenians' push for Genocide Recognition was hurting business and demanded a ridiculous sum in court. And now, there's this:
With a purpose to "refuse statements" on the Armenian Genocide a documentary titled "A Big Lie" is being shot in Turkey on the basis of Russian and Armenian archives. The documentary will be afterwards translated into German, English, Russian and Arabian. It will consist of 6 parts, the first of which will be shown on April 24 via a state TV channel.
If anything, it will be an exercise in creativity and distortion of reality.

Source: PanArmenian

Monday, March 5, 2007

VIDEO: Time Magazine Armenian Genocide Documentary



Flash back to about a month ago: Time Magazine apologizes for a big mistake - about which you can read at the link - and includes a DVD in its European Edition which contains - among other things - a 52-minute documentary by French director Laurence Jourdan. That's what you're watching above.

Really Old Pictures of Armenians

Time to reconnect with our past! Click on each picture to enlarge.



Left to right: Garce Vartanian, Anne Vartanian, Carol Henenian, Alice Horanesian dance at International Day representing Armenia during opening day at Disneyland. 1958.



Shahnazan Keotahian with his sister and nieces at port of Pireus, Greece. The women are repatriating to Armenia. 1947.



Members of the Altoonian and Kazarian families, ca. 1927. Both families came to the U.S. from provinces in historic Armenia in the late 1800s.



Embroidery workshop in Marash, Armenia. The older women teach the younger women (back row). Eglantine Koshkarian is child at far right. Ca. 1925.



Portrait of the Pashigian family, ca. 1918.



Harry (right) and Kerop Chitjian, ca. 1918.



Group photo of the Sisters in Christ Church Ladies Guild, ca. 1910.



Portrait of the Guleseria family. Setrak Guleseria, the small boy standing in front, survived the massacres and was taken by Kurds to be a shepard. Years later he escaped to Aleppo and contacted Near East Relief to get in touch with his father in Philadelphia. Ca. 1910.



Group of Armenian "freedom fighters". Vagharshag Shavanian is at far right (#7). Ca. 1910



Armenian-American family in Boston in 1908.

Pictures from the Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection

Video: Number Twerve



I love the ending!

Concerts in Germany for Geghardavank Choir



Here is more information:
The Geghardavank choir headed by abbot monk Ghevond Ghevondian will leave for Germany where it will have concerts.

Concerts will take place in Munich, Augsburg, Stuttgart, Lorsch, Hanau, Darmstadt and Frankfurt am Main. Armenian spiritual and folk songs are involved in the concert program.
If you live near those regions, you can attend and write up a review for us!

Source: Armeniainfo

Importing Cell Phones Into Armenia



With a virtual monopoly on everything else, why should cell phones be any different?
...the elder son of the Armenian President Sedrak Kocharyan controls the imports of mobile phones...a decision was made at the top level to transfer the monopoly of imports of mobile phones to...through Samvel Alexanyan, the sole importer of sugar to Armenia. It means Alexanyan is now a shareholder of Sedrak Kocharyan’s business...

...importers of cannot get customs clearance for a long time now. Meanwhile, it is impossible to get the mobiles to the market without customs clearance first...In addition, the National Security Service has displayed interest in companies which have been importing mobile phones to Armenia so far.
There you have it!

Source: Lragir

Vic Darchinyan Destroys Opponent



In more ways than one!
Darchinyan retained the IBF and IBO flyweight belts plus his undefeated record with a crushing 12th-round knockout victory over Mexican Victor Burgos in Carson, California, and Burgos was taken to hospital on a stretcher.

Surgeons successfully removed a blood clot from Burgos's brain on Sunday night and he remains in a medically induced coma. Hussein said Burgos's trainer and manager, Roberto Sandoval, should have protected his fighter from the enormous punishment dished out by Darchinyan.
Here's a helpful hint from Armenia Blog: don't get on Vic's bad side!

Soure: Sunday Morning Herald

Holocaust Survivor Lobbyist to Block Armenian Genocide Resolution



I don't want to sound racist or generalize, but is there something very wrong with this picture? A person who barely survived the Jewish Holocaust is working against the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, arguably a main motivator of Hitler's doings due to lack of attention and recognition at the time.
"We will do our best stop the Armenian Genocide bill," said Tom Lantos, the most powerful person of the Jewish lobby in the U.S. and the chairman of the congressional foreign relations committee after the U.S. visit of Gül and Büyükanit.

The Turkish authorities were lobbying in the U.S. against the passage of the bill and trying to convince the chairman of the congressional foreign relations committee Tom Lantos who has a power in the Congress as he survived the Jewish massacre in the 2nd World War.
I'm a bit speechless, but if you're not, you can visit Tom Lantos's Official Webpage and tell him how you feel.

Update: Reader Helena has provided the lobbyist's phone numbers:

San Mateo: 650-342-0300
San Francisco: 415-566-5257
Washington, DC: 202-225-3531

Call him up!

Source: PanArmenian