Aghjayan, Mouradian Discuss Diyarbakir in Providence

Rep. Cicilline Delivers Remarks

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (A.W.)—A panel discussion on the opening of the Sourp Khatch Church and the political and cultural landscape of Diyarbakir (Dikranagerd) was held in Providence on Dec. 9.

Activist George Aghjayan and Armenian Weekly Editor Khatchig Mouradian talked about their two back-to-back trips to Diyarbakir, Turkey, in October and November, focusing on the renovation of the Surp Giragos Church; a conference on the social and economic history of Diyarbakir in which Aghjayan participated; and their visits to villages and towns around Diyarbakir.

An audience of 150 attended the event organized by the ARF Providence Gomideh and held at Sts. Vartanantz Church’s Aramian Hall.

Aghjayan spoke first, showing several dozen photographs from his trips and narrating his experiences through the photographing journey he took the packed audience on. Mouradian followed with a photographic presentation of his own, focusing on the broader context of the destruction and the theft of Armenian churches in the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic, and then zooming in on Diyarbakir and the surrounding areas.

A question and answer session followed. The Gomideh’s message was then delivered by Levon Attarian, who focused on the significance of the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and called for an intensification of activism and community involvement.

Mistress of ceremonies Laura Michael then invited Congressman David Cicilline (D-R.I) to present brief comments. Cicilline talked about the importance of passing the Return of Churches Resolution (H.Res.306) in the House of Representatives. He also talked about his support for the Armenian cause and the importance of justice and recognition for the Armenian Genocide.

Congress adopted H.Res.306 on Dec. 13.