Talk on Diyarbakir by Mouradian, Aghjayan (Providence, R.I.)

A scene from the reconsecration of Sourp Giragos in Diyarbakir. (Photo by Khatchig Mouradian)

6/12/2011

DEC. 9, 2011 * TALK: SOURP GIRAGOS. The ARF Providence Gomideh presents “Sourp Giragos: The Church That Withstood Time,” a presentation on the revival of the Armenian church in Diyarbakir, Turkey. Featuring speakers George Aghjayan and Khatchig Mouradian. Armenians from around the world flocked to Sourp Giragos Church on Oct. 22 to attend both the consecration of the largest Armenian church in the Middle East and the Badarak held the following day.

Between Nov. 11-13, Diyarbakir hosted a groundbreaking workshop on the social and economic history of the city and its surrounding areas from 1838 to 1938, tackling head-on the fate of the region’s vibrant Christian minorities and its dark past of confronting genocide. More than 100,000 Armenians lived in the Diyarbakir province in 1914. Although mostly peasants living in villages like Palu and Lice, the majority of the tradesmen in the province were also Armenian. In turn, Armenian craftsmen and artisans constituted a significant presence in the province. Aghjayan and Mouradian were there to witness the opening of the church and took part in the academic conference to follow. They will be sharing their experiences with the community at this presentation. The event will be held at the Armenian Apostolic Sts. Vartanantz Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909. The event is free and open to the public. Begins at 7 p.m. For more information, e-mail the ARF office at kristaporgomideh@gmail.com or call(401) 227-0273.

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