Armenak Posted March 24, 2007 Report Share Posted March 24, 2007 Harut Sassounian is a vile little hippocrite. Congratulations, Harut The Catholicos of All Armenians awarded Harut Sassounian the Saint Sahag-Saint Mesrob Medal this week. It is a well-deserved honor for our fellow newspaperman, the publisher of the California Courier. In his weekly column in the Courier, which is also carried by several other Armenian news outlets, he has for many years kept a close eye on developments in the Armenian diaspora, in Armenia, in Karabakh and in the world at large. He has been meticulous in digging up facts and creative in the leadership he has provided. He has thus become one of the most widely read and respected voices in the worldwide Armenian community. As he reminisces in an interview this week (see page B8), he was creative, persuasive, and intrepid enough to find a way to give Armenians a voice in the United Nations for years before Armenia became independent in 1991. Since the 1988 earthquake and through this day, he has provided effective management at the Lincy Foundation on behalf of Kirk Kerkorian, and at the United Armenian Fund on behalf of practically the entire Armenian diaspora. Here's a man who well deserves the kudos he is now receiving. Congratulations. From the Armenian Reporter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 24, 2007 Report Share Posted March 24, 2007 Harut is one of my heros. His brother went about things the wrong way, but he is doing it the right way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 24, 2007 Report Share Posted March 24, 2007 So many churches within Turkey have either collapsed or are in a state of disrepair. The Armenian church for which my great-grandfather financed a total renovation is in a total state of disrepair. Why are you blaming Harut for the botch job? Turkish architects are not skilled in this specialty. Neither are Armenian architects. Any decent restoration is done (in competence order by the French, British or American) architects. I hope that the ROA will not botch our heritage either Harut Sassounian is a vile little hippocrite. That piece of trash has been spreading propaganda about Aghtamar for about a decade - speading lies that the church was about to collapse from neglect, lies that it was being used for target practice, and so on. That piece of trash was the person primarily responsible for setting up the situation where the church could be used by Turkey for a "show restoration", a "restoration" that in fact inflicted much damage on the historic structure. (Not that you will find many Armenians actually daring to criticise the unsound "restoration" - because it is, in its ideological concept and in its execution, identical to "restorations" that have been inflicted on numerous monuments in Armenia). Sassounian doesn't give a *** about Aghtamar - he just uses it as another excuse to go on a bout of mindless Turk-bashing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DominO123 Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 Harut is one of my heros. His brother went about things the wrong way, but he is doing it the right way. Is there anyone not related to you in anyway? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 I am not related to him, as far as I know. He is a great Armenian patriot. I would enthusiastically support him if he ever ran for political office eithter in the USA or the ROA. Is there anyone not related to you in anyway? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MosJan Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 HISTORIAN DEMOYAN MAKES SUGGESTIONS TO TURKISH GOVERNMENT Haik Demoyan, director of Genocide Museum, said at Forum Club there are several reasons not to thank the Turkish government for the renovation of St. Cross Church. “Today’s Turkey is a country that has violated several internaitonal commitments. It has not preserved and even destroyed Varaga Temple, Msho St. Karapet and others,” Demoyan said. The head of Genocide Museum addressed a question to the Turkish government, “If a beautiful Armenian medieval monument is renovated in Aghtamar, why is Arakelots Church of Kars turning into a mosque?” Demoyan said the Armenian side may have welcomed the initiative if Turkey had a comprehensive program to recover the Armenian monuments. The historian believes it could even establish friendly relations between the two countries. “The Armenian and Turkish sides could recover the Ani Armenian Bridge renovated by Toros Toromanyan,” Demoyan suggests. He also suggests that the Turkish side accepts the Armenian citizens and tourists visiting Armenia to Ani with a right of free entry. Source: Panorama.am Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormig Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 Why are you blaming Harut for the botch job? Turkish architects are not skilled in this specialty. Neither are Armenian architects. Any decent restoration is done (in competence order by the French, British or American) architects. I hope that the ROA will not botch our heritage either Why blaming? For the simple reason that if Sassounian and other small men like him didn't distort facts and resort to any and all below-the-belt tactics to bad-mouth Turkey at all costs, such a "botch job" wouldn't have been provoked in the first place! Sassounian IS candidate for a milestone in history. If it weren't for the likes of him, it is very likely that the idea of restoration of Aghtamar wouldn't have been an issue another half century from today! It is evident that under current circumstances it is going to be a snot-job - he should have known better than to spread lies at the expense of the structure and to his own profit. Well, guess what - he doesn't know any better, and currently no-one should be happier than him. The a-hole preys on the diaspora's resentment and sentiments of reverse association with Turkey and Turks. Simple as that. What do you expect from an a-hole who writes an article on "What have Turks contributed to the world?" And, yes, he likely will become a politician and get votes from the likes of you - just another charlatan of a politician, nothing more, nothing less. People deserve their politicians. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormig Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 The head of Genocide Museum addressed a question to the Turkish government, “If a beautiful Armenian medieval monument is renovated in Aghtamar, why is Arakelots Church of Kars turning into a mosque?” Another small mind at work. See, this is where Georgians are smarter. They don't beatch and whine about why their churches are being turned into mosques, because it takes observation skills to tell that if a structure continues to be in use, it won't be used as a "quarry" for other structures. It is easy to tell the difference between the states of Iskhan and Oshvank versus that of Hahouli. Such examples exist the world over. It is a reality and one which enables the monument's survival in one way or the other, whether you consider it a crime/sacrilege or not. Amazing how someone who cannot demonstrate a track of cogitation can blabber so much and get the accolades for it. Geez, that really reminds me of another group of people... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 Harut does not have to stir the pot. I am a student of Turkish architecture who realizes that there are many positive things that have come out of the Turkish Empire and Turkey. Turkey could end all this resentment very quickly if she dropped her resistance and began to treat those of us in the diaspora as human beings. Why blaming? For the simple reason that if Sassounian and other small men like him didn't distort facts and resort to any and all below-the-belt tactics to bad-mouth Turkey at all costs, such a "botch job" wouldn't have been provoked in the first place! Sassounian IS candidate for a milestone in history. If it weren't for the likes of him, it is very likely that the idea of restoration of Aghtamar wouldn't have been an issue another half century from today! It is evident that under current circumstances it is going to be a snot-job - he should have known better than to spread lies at the expense of the structure and to his own profit. Well, guess what - he doesn't know any better, and currently no-one should be happier than him. The a-hole preys on the diaspora's resentment and sentiments of reverse association with Turkey and Turks. Simple as that. What do you expect from an a-hole who writes an article on "What have Turks contributed to the world?" And, yes, he likely will become a politician and get votes from the likes of you - just another charlatan of a politician, nothing more, nothing less. People deserve their politicians. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neko Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 So many churches within Turkey have either collapsed or are in a state of disrepair. The Armenian church for which my great-grandfather financed a total renovation is in a total state of disrepair. Why are you blaming Harut for the botch job? Turkish architects are not skilled in this specialty. Neither are Armenian architects. Any decent restoration is done (in competence order by the French, British or American) architects. I hope that the ROA will not botch our heritage either I'm blaming him because for about a decade he has regularly been producing false propaganda about Aghtamar, and said nothing productive. He was not alone in doing it - but he did it more often and more consistantly than anyone else. So the Turks called his bluff - Aghtamar got an awful restoration (because in Turkey it probably couldn't be given anything other than that) - and all Sassounian can do now is whine about the church not having a cross on its roof and not being given to the Istanbul patriarchate (who have never expressed any desire to have it, btw). Where is the church renovated by your great-grandfather located? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 It is in what is now southeastern Turkey, near the Syrian border. Unfortunately, I fear to pinpoint the exact location of the church even though I am very familiar with it and its state of disrepair. One day after I retire I may try to get it restored. I fear not only Turks in this Forum but also Armenians, as I have revealed my underlying bisexuality here. Have only been with women for the past 25 years, but you can not underestimate the vehemence of the so-called Christians who now run America (this includes some Armenians). Who will kill me first, fanatically nationalistic Turks or fanatic Christian fundamentalists? I'm blaming him because for about a decade he has regularly been producing false propaganda about Aghtamar, and said nothing productive. He was not alone in doing it - but he did it more often and more consistantly than anyone else. So the Turks called his bluff - Aghtamar got an awful restoration (because in Turkey it probably couldn't be given anything other than that) - and all Sassounian can do now is whine about the church not having a cross on its roof and not being given to the Istanbul patriarchate (who have never expressed any desire to have it, btw). Where is the church renovated by your great-grandfather located? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 What is more critical than not putting a cross on the roof (why are Armenians so hung up on the cross?) is that many historic Armenian motifs, both religious and cultural, were destoyed during the so-called restoration. It was not done sensitively per ICOMOS standards with skilled restoration architects. Mind you there are no competent architects in the ROA to do this type of work either. Instead of belly-aching about the lack of competent historic work, why is the Armenian community only concerned about the cross? I'm blaming him because for about a decade he has regularly been producing false propaganda about Aghtamar, and said nothing productive. He was not alone in doing it - but he did it more often and more consistantly than anyone else. So the Turks called his bluff - Aghtamar got an awful restoration (because in Turkey it probably couldn't be given anything other than that) - and all Sassounian can do now is whine about the church not having a cross on its roof and not being given to the Istanbul patriarchate (who have never expressed any desire to have it, btw). Where is the church renovated by your great-grandfather located? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neko Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 It is in what is now southeastern Turkey, near the Syrian border. Unfortunately, I fear to pinpoint the exact location of the church even though I am very familiar with it and its state of disrepair. One day after I retire I may try to get it restored. Oh come on! No wonder the word "furtive" is so often attached to the word "Armenian". Fear of what? I can think of no legitimate reason why you could not give the location of the church. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neko Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 What is more critical than not putting a cross on the roof (why are Armenians so hung up on the cross?) is that many historic Armenian motifs, both religious and cultural, were destoyed during the so-called restoration. It was not done sensitively per ICOMOS standards with skilled restoration architects. Mind you there are no competent architects in the ROA to do this type of work either. Instead of belly-aching about the lack of competent historic work, why is the Armenian community only concerned about the cross? Maybe because, if Sassounian has a close connection with the Lincy fund, which has been responsible for a number of damaging "restorations" of monuments in Armenia, he think there was nothing technically wrong with the Aghtamar restoration. Samvel Karapetian (of RAA) has said not a word against it either - in fact has praised it! Does that reflect the low standards in Armenia, or just that it takes a bit of knowledge to criticise the quality of the restoration, whereas basic "Turk-bashing" is an unskilled occupation? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 Here goes my death warrant. Diarbekir. Oh come on! No wonder the word "furtive" is so often attached to the word "Armenian". Fear of what? I can think of no legitimate reason why you could not give the location of the church. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armenak Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 the Lincy fund, which has been responsible for a number of damaging "restorations" of monuments in Armenia Such as? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 Here goes my death warrant. Diarbekir. Man you are something else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 You have obviously never had Robert Dornan as your Congressman. Man you are something else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadArmo Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 Here goes my death warrant. Diarbekir. Armenian name is Dickranagert ... "Dickragertsi" I have realitives from my mothers side who still live there, sadly some have relocated to Istanbul for their safety from Kurdish threats. I'll bet you might even know them ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 Sorry, but this is a misnomer. The earlier name for Diarbekir was Amida. Tigranakert was located somewhat east of Diarbekir near Siirt. Turkish troops went there a few years ago to obliterate whatever remained of this Armenian capital. Armenian name is Dickranagert ... "Dickragertsi" I have realitives from my mothers side who still live there, sadly some have relocated to Istanbul for their safety from Kurdish threats. I'll bet you might even know them ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 I may even know you. Armenian name is Dickranagert ... "Dickragertsi" I have realitives from my mothers side who still live there, sadly some have relocated to Istanbul for their safety from Kurdish threats. I'll bet you might even know them ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neko Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 Such as? Such as Zvartnots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neko Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 Turkish troops went there a few years ago to obliterate whatever remained of this Armenian capital. Give a source for this please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 25, 2007 Report Share Posted March 25, 2007 I read about this some time ago. I don't keep on file every article that I read. I have things more critical to my job and academic studies to keep everything on file. It was in an Armenian publication, but I do not remember the source. The location of the site of Tigranakert near Siirt is well known. This could be easily documented by visiting the site to see its before and after condition. Give a source for this please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom22 Posted March 26, 2007 Report Share Posted March 26, 2007 The site is closest to the village of Silvan. I read about this some time ago. I don't keep on file every article that I read. I have things more critical to my job and academic studies to keep everything on file. It was in an Armenian publication, but I do not remember the source. The location of the site of Tigranakert near Siirt is well known. This could be easily documented by visiting the site to see its before and after condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.