As genocide anniversary approaches, Armenian group prepares exhibit

Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Dover-Sherborn Press
By Bev Wax/Correspondent


SHERBORN — Massachusetts is recognized in having one of the largest Armenian-American populations in the country. In Sherborn, there are just a few. But last Thursday, March 1, this small group gathered to plan a monthlong exhibit at the town library focusing on the culture and religion of their ancestors.

The informal “committee” will also strive to remind and educate local residents about “The Armenian Genocide” that occurred in the early 1900s. The tragic event will officially be commemorated in late April.

That evening, approximately a dozen adults, many bringing along their young children, met at the home of Nicole and Will Whittesley. While his in-laws are of Armenian descent, Whittesley volunteered to run the meeting while his wife was busy hosting and looking after their own little ones.

Her parents, John and Barbara Berberian of Shrewsbury, were there to support the group’s effort and, of course, babysit their grandchildren. Both agreed on the importance of teaching history through sharing family stories. Mrs. Berberian described how her husband’s parents “miraculously found each other” in Watertown, realizing they were raised in the same Armenian village. She said, “They came to this country, were hard-working and extremely appreciative that doors were opened to them.”

More than 1.5 million Armenians died during the genocide which took place between in Turkey between 1915 through 1918 and then again from 1920 to1923 when the country was under the control of the Ottoman Empire. Several governments, including those of Turkey and the United States, do not officially recognize the genocide.

Reportedly, eyewitness accounts have documented numerous acts of state-sponsored massacres, adding further weight to the genocide argument. Many Armenians were forced out into the surrounding dessert in traveling to the Syrian town of Deir ez-Zor.

Lucy Almasian, Sherborn’s town clerk for numerous years, said, “Many died in these death marches … but our parents never talked about these massaces.”

At the gathering, a coffee table was overflowing with her collection of Armenian artifacts and books. One of these was a small “oud,” a pear-shaped stringed instument known to be played in Middle Eastern music. Almasian brightened when she spoke of her relative, Will: “He was the best oud player, truly one of the best.”

The fact that the Turkish government ordered the evacuation of ethnic Armenians at this time is not disputed. The claim of ethinic cleansing is still debated. Those labeling the action as genocide claim the Ottoman government provided no care for the Armenians during this deportation and likened it to the Holocaust. The Republic of Turkey said the Armenian deaths were a result of the turmoil, disease and strife of World War I.

The issue is controversial and emotional. Most attending that night recalled heartbreaking stories of a family member’s survival. Attorney Anthony Barsamian mentioned he had met Hrant Dink, editor of the bilingual Armenian/Turkish Agos newspaper, while attending an international law conference last September. Dink was shot outside his office on Jan. 19 of this year. Well known for speaking about the Armenian genocide, Dink’s murder sparked worldwide protests.

Here in Massachusetts, the Assembly of Turkish Associations, a lobbying group which works closely with the Turkish government fighting against the recognition of the genocide, has filed a lawsuit with the state. It is based on the argument that removal of genocide denial sources violates First Amendment rights to free speech.

The ATAA calls for the inclusion of its Web site and others in a list of educational sources that is provided as part of a teacher’s guide of genocide education provided by the state. The Armenian National Committee for the Eastern Region is confident its efforts will prevail to counteract the ATAA’s effort to reinsert genocide denial materials into the state’s human rights curriculum guide. Barsamian explained there is a motion to dismiss currently being considered by Judge Mark Wolf. However, this may take months, and all parties are patiently waiting to hear the decision.

During its brief meeting, the informal “committee” decided the library exhibit must include information on the genocide. Three original letters from genocide survivors are planned to be on display. But the group also intends to focus on the country’s rich, cultural heritage.

As one of the oldest and most historic civilizations in the world, Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Although it is constitutionally a secular state, the roots of the Armenian church go back to the first century. The exhibit includes a miniature wooden “Khachkar,” a state cross that often is used at gravesites and commemorate events. They can range in height from 2 to 11 feet.

Always keeping the children in mind, the exhibit includes a first and second book of Armenian words. The alphabet consists of 38 letters dating from 405 A.D. A wide collection of books about Armenia surrounds the display case located near the first-floor entrance.

As part of the commemoration in April, Nancy Barsamian is also hoping to air the independent documentary “Beautiful Armenians” by Tamar Salibian on Sherborn’s community access channel. In “Beautiful Armenians,” Salibian reflects on the interrelation of culture, family and memory. Part travelogue, part family chronicle, part meditation, “Beautiful Armenians” starts in the United States and eventually moves to the Middle East.

Note: Above are excerpts from the article. The full article appears here. Clarifications and comments by me are contained in {}. Deletions are marked by [...]. The bold emphasis is mine.