5th Annual “Genocide Awareness Week” Held in Scottsdale, Arizona

Staff Report

Armenian Studies Program Coordinator Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian participated in the 5th Annual “Genocide Awareness Week,” organized by Scottsdale Community College, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Der Mugrdechian spoke on the topic of “The Armenian Genocide and International Recognition,” on Monday, April 17, to students, faculty, and community members.

This year Der Mugrdechian was joined by guest speaker Dr. Khatchig Mouradian, who spoke on “The Long Shadow of the Armenian Genocide,” on Tuesday, April 18.

The “Genocide Awareness Week” has included presentations on the Armenian Genocide in past years by Dr. Richard Hovannisian, Dr. Sergio La Porta, and Dr. Ümit Kurt.

Der Mugrdechian’s lecture examined the history of Armenian Genocide recognition from 1915 to the present. He examined two broad phases of the recognition process, emphasizing how recognition and continued Armenian Genocide denial by the Republic of Turkey are often two facets of the same issue.

For many years, both Armenians in the Soviet Union and in the Diaspora, had difficulty in raising the Genocide issue before international bodies. This changed beginning in 1965 on the 50th anniversary of the Genocide, when spontaneous public demonstrations took place throughout the world.

It was then that the Armenian Genocide became an issue that was brought before such bodies as the People’s Tribunal (1984) and the International Association of Genocide Scholars (1997), which both affirmed the Genocide.

By the early 2000’s, through the efforts of both organizations and individuals, countries throughout world began to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Dr. Mouradian’s lecture was focused on what were the fundamental characteristics shared by those who were able to survive the Armenian Genocide. Survivors also in many cases resisted against the perpetrators.

Organized by Prof. John Liffiton, Scottsdale Community College’s “Genocide Awareness Week” featured speakers on American Indians, on the Holocaust, and on the topic of comparative Genocide.

The St. Apkar Armenian Church of Scottsdale has been a generous supporter of the “Genocide Awareness Week” activities and annually sponsors speakers on the Armenian Genocide. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, pastor of St. Apkar, has played a key role in the continuing inclusion of the Armenian Genocide in the “Genocide Awareness Week.”