'Vem' Reborn out of Necessity

“We have many newspapers and periodicals in the diaspora—one can say luxuriously many—and that is why this new publication will perhaps be seen by some as a waste of human and financial resources. It seems to us that those who think that way are mistaken. We believe ‘Vem’ was born out of real necessity.”

These were the introductory lines of an editorial written by Simon Vratzian in the very first issue of “Vem” (meaning “rock,” in Armenian), a journal on Armenian culture and history edited by Simon Vratzian and published in Paris from 1933-39.

After 70 years, the publication of “Vem” recently resumed, this time in Armenia. The first new issue—vol. 1 (26), 212 pages—is a testament that, like “Vem” in the 1930’s, the publication was reborn “out of real necessity.”

The goal of Vem, as explained by its editors and publishers, is to combine the efforts of famous scholars from Armenia and the diaspora, and to ensure new and higher standards in the field of Armenian studies. Vem aims to introduce Armenian culture to non-Armenian circles, and to respond to Turkish-Azeri propaganda. It will include such topics as history, language, literature, philosophy, economics, and culture, along with briefings on new scholarly research under “Book Reviews” and “News.”

Specific attention will be given to modern Armenian history and current affairs, such as the national liberation movements, the Armenian Cause, and the Armenian Genocide.

Details on subscription and distribution will be announced soon. For more information, email khoudinyan@yahoo.com or call (+37410) 52-18-76.