News

Michael Rettig Staff Writer One important narrative of the Armenian Genocide that has been neglected is the story of the righteous Turks who risked their lives to save Armenians. It reminds us that animosity towards Armenians was not universal among Turks in the Ottoman Empire and that there were those who would defy the law to protect Armenians. This narrative ...

Lucie Ekezyan Staff Writer Fresno State offers many cultural classes and among these are courses offered by the Armenian Studies Program, which explore Armenian history, the art inspired by it, and the language that defined it. Since its inception in the 1960’s, more than a thousand students from diverse backgrounds have learned elementary Armenian language skills: speaking, writing, and reading. ...

Staff Report At the end of 2014, Dr. Sergio La Porta published a collection of essays on The Armenian Apocalyptic Tradition. Co-edited with Prof. Kevork Bardakjian of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, the volume, published in the Studia in Veteris Testamenti Pseudepigrapha series of Brill publishers, contains some 30 articles by a diverse body of scholars from the United ...

Michael Rettig Staff Writer One of the most vibrant aspects of Armenian culture is art. Whether it is illuminated manuscripts, domed cathedrals, or khatchkars (stone-crosses), Armenians have passed down a rich artistic heritage. This art gives one a glimpse into the society that created it. On Wednesday, October 14, Dr. Ron Marchese presented his research on art from the Armenian ...

Tadeh Issakhanian Staff Writer The Armenian Students Organization has many exemplary members who make an impact in the local community. Among them are sisters Lauren and Marina Chardukian. Lauren, a senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Armenian Studies, will be graduating this Spring, while Marina, a sophomore, is majoring in Communicative Disorders and Speech Pathology. In between classes and ...

Elena Sarmazian Staff Writer As soon as you step inside “Ark Mediterranean Grill,” a new restaurant that opened up in Northeast Fresno this August, you immediately get a sense that it is not your typical Armenian restaurant. “Ark Mediterranean Grill” has a sleek, modern touch to the design, which differs from the classic cultural environment of many Armenian restaurants. The ...

  Haverj Stanbulian Staff Writer What is your favorite Armenian tradition and why? Sevag Sanikian Freshman, Biology My favorite tradition is related to the Armenian holiday of Vartavar [held in July]. I like the fun that people have during this holiday, when they throw water on each other. This tradition is my favorite especially because it gets so hot in ...

Staff Report   The Society for Armenian Studies announces the publication of Volume 23 of the Journal of the Society for Armenian Studies (JSAS), an international peer-reviewed Journal, edited by Dr. Sergio La Porta of California State University, Fresno. JSAS Volume 23 includes four articles on Classical and Modern Armenian Studies; five communications; a review essay; and three book reviews. ...

Aramayis Orkusyan Editor There was standing room only in the Peters Educational Center Auditorium on Friday, August 28, as more than 300 Armenians and non-Armenians came to watch the special sneak preview screening of the film Aram, Aram. Co-sponsored by the Armenian Studies Program, the screening of Aram, Aram was part of the Fresno State CineCulture Fall 2016 film lineup. ...

Katrina Bissett Staff Writer The Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State is enjoying its highest number of students enrolled in Armenian Studies courses. There are three faculty members teaching: Coordinator Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian; Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies Dr. Sergio La Porta; and the newest addition to the Program, Prof. Hagop Ohanessian. Each instructor has a unique history with ...