AMAA to Launch Translation of Güzelian’s ‘Youth Home of Istanbul’ in NJ

PARAMUS, N.J.—As part of its activities dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide on both Coasts, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) will launch the recently published English version of Hrant Güzelian’s The Youth Home of Istanbul: A Story of the Remnants’ Homecoming (Bolso Badanegan Doun) on Fri., June 12, at 7:30 p.m. on the East Coast—at the Armenian Presbyterian Church, 140 Forest Ave., in Paramus, N.J.

Güzelian, who was a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, founded the Youth Home of Istanbul in the basement of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Gedik Pasha and dedicated his life to searching and rescuing hundreds of Islamized Armenian youth living in historic Armenia, including Hrant and Rakel Dink.

“Reading this book in 2007, I was convinced that there was an obligation to share it beyond an Armenian readership,” said Zaven Khanjian, the executive director/CEO of the AMAA. “Scholars and historians should read Güzelian’s eye-witness account of cultural destruction in Western Armenia, encounters with Turkish officials bent on denial and oppression, and conviction and action in countering an existential threat.”

The book will be presented by Zaven Khanjian; Rev. Berj Gulleyan, pastor of the Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus; and Khatchig Mouradian, coordinator of the Armenian Genocide Program at Rutgers University. Peter Kougasian, Esq., assistant district attorney for the County of New York will serve as the master of ceremonies.

The Armenian community of New York/New Jersey is invited to attend this special event to celebrate the life of Hrant Güzelian, an unsung Armenian Evangelical hero. Light refreshments will be served after the event. Güzelian’s book will be available for purchase.

For more information, call AMAA at (201) 265-2607.