News

Andrew Hagopian Staff Writer Central Valley native and award-winning oud-master Richard Hagopian gave a performance and lecture on Thursday, March 1, titled “Armenian Song Repertoire of the Middle East: Part II.” Accompanying him were his grandsons, Phillip and Andrew Hagopian, who were showcased on the kanun (the Middle Eastern Lap Harp) and the dumbeg (goblet shaped hand drum).  Dr. Partow ...

David Safrazian Staff Writer The Armenians in Turkey today constitute only a small minority compared to the pre-Genocide Armenian population. As such they live interspersed within the larger Turkish community, especially in Istanbul. Thus they also share space in the religious arena, leading to interesting interactions with their neighbors. The St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, located in Kuzguncuk, Turkey, ...

Gregory Krikorian  Staff Writer Armenians and Germans have had strong cultural relations throughout the years and even to this day. There is evidence that Christian Armenian missionaries traveled to what is today Germany in the 4th c. There is also documentation about the relations between Armenians and Germans that dates to the time of the Crusades in the 11th century. ...

Taleen Babayan Associate Director Communications,  American University of Armenia Special to Hye Sharzhoom As a global academic institution of higher learning, the American University of Armenia (AUA) welcomes students from around the world, particularly study-abroad participants. Thanks to the generosity of the Kashian Family Foundation, undergraduates from California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), spend a semester on AUA’s campus in ...

Dustin Vartanian Staff Writer The celebration of the Battle of Avarayr, and of General Vartan Mamigonian commanding his faithful army and fighting against the Persians continues to this day. The Armenian Apostolic Church annually celebrates this fifth century battle for religious freedom on the Thursday before the beginning of Lent. General Mamigonian died in the Battle of Avarayr, but was ...

Staff Report Armenian Studies Program Berberian Coordinator Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian announced that the Bertha and John Garabedian Foundation has made a generous donation of $10,000 to the Armenian Studies Program for 2019.  Together with previous year’s donations, the Garabedian Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 in grants to the Armenian Studies Program. The gift will be used for a ...

Staff Report Armenian Studies Program Coordinator Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian announced that the Leon S. Peters Foundation has continued their generous support of the Armenian Studies Program with a grant of $30,000 for 2019. Their support for the Program over the past seven years has reached over $200,000.  This continues the tradition of the Peters Foundation in supporting the Armenian ...

Staff Report The world has changed substantially in the past forty years. In 1979 Armenia was still part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Jimmy Carter was President of the United States. Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held hostages. Mother Teresa won the Nobel Peace Prize. The Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl. The Academy ...

  Dustin Vartanian Staff Writer It was William Saroyan’s wish that his home in Fresno would one day be turned into a research center. Thirty-seven years after his passing his wish was realized. Saroyan’s home for the last 17 years of his life became the first Museum and Research Center in the world dedicated to him. The process to convert ...

Annie Rubio Editor Music is a universal language, with messages and emotions that can be understood regardless of one’s background. Modern artists are always seeking new ways to push the boundaries of their craft, to continuously innovate. Armenian jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan artfully melds modern and traditional sounds into his music and he also ties in many elements from the ...