AMAA to Present Herand Markarian’s ‘Martyred Armenian Writers’

PARAMUS, N.J.—On March 18, as part of the Armenian Genocide Centennial commemorations, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) will present Dr. Herand M. Markarian’s book, The Martyred Armenian Writers 1915-1922: An Anthology, at the Armenian Presbyterian Church in Paramus.

Cover of 'The Martyred Armenian Writers 1915-1922: An Anthology' — Cover of ‘The Martyred Armenian Writers 1915-1922: An Anthology’

Markarian’s book surveys the lives and writings of 13 authors who perished during the Armenian Genocide—several on the night of April 24, 1915, when, along with many other community leaders, intellectuals, and clergy in Constantinople, they were gathered and deported, never to be seen again.

The book, organized into three parts, includes general introductions to 19^th-century Western Armenian literature and to the Armenian Genocide. The third part of the book contains short biographies of some of the most beloved Armenian writers of the era, along with a bibliography of their writings. Markarian also provides a sample of excerpts from each author, translated into English.

“The development of Armenian literature is a unique phenomenon in the history of world literature,” writes Markarian. “In contrast to others, it developed in countries where the official language was not Armenian.”

Herand Markarian is a scientist, professor, playwright, poet, director, actor, literary and theater critic, and translator. He was born in Basrah, Iraq. He has authored 26 plays and 13 books. He has directed 53 plays and acted in 50 others.

AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian will make the opening remarks, followed by Markarian’s PowerPoint presentation. Nick Aynilian Jr., Raffi Aynilian, Vatche Demirjian, Richard Hekemian, Anoush Kalachian, Niree Kaprielian, and Melani Salibian will participate in the program by reading some of the writings of the martyred writers.

The event begins at 7:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the presentation, during which books will be available for sale.