ՏԱՐԻՔ ԱՌՆԵԼԸ (չըսելու համար ծեռանալը) ըստ George Carlin-ի

 George Carlin on Aging

Թարգմանեց Վահէ Յ։ Աբէլեան

ՏԱՐԻՔ ԱՌՆԵԼԸ (չըսելու համար ծեռանալը) ըստ George Carlin-ի 

Հէ՞չ անդրադարձած էք որ միակ ժամանակը երբ կ՚ուզենք մեծնալ մեր մանկութեան է։

Երբ տասնը տարեկանէն պակաս ես, այնքան կը փափաքիս մեծնալ որ կոտորակով կը մտածես։ «Քանի տարեկան ե՞ս». «Ես չորսն ու կէս տարեկան եմ»։ Դուն երբէք եռեսունվեց-ու-կէս պիտի չըլլաս։ Ներկայիս դուն չորս ու կէս տարեկան ես եւ շուտով հինգ տարեկան պիտի ըլլաս։ 

Պատանեկան տարիքին կը հասնիս, հիմայ ոչ ոք քեզ կրնայ զսպել։

Կը ցատկես յաջորդ թիւին եւ թերեւս ալ քանի մը թիւեր եւս։ «Քանի տարեկան է՞ս»։ «Ես տասնը վեց տարեկան պիտի ըլլամ»։ Կրնայ ըլլլար որ տասներէք տարեկան ես, բայց հէ՛յ, տասնը վեց տարեկան պիտի ըլլաս։

Իսկ յետոյ՝ կեանքիդ մեծագոյն օրը կը հաանի եւ ՔՍԱՆ ԵՒ ՄԷԿ տարեկան կ՚ըլլաս։ Նոյնիսկ թիւը արարողութեան նման է՝ ՔՍԱՆ ԵՒ ՄԷԿ տարեկան եղած ես։ ԱՅՈ!!!

Յետոյ կը դառնաս 30 տարեկան։ Օ ՜հ, ի՞նչ պատահեցաւ։ Թթուած կաթի պէս կը հնչէ։ Եռեսուն տարեկան դարձաւ։ Պէտք է զինքը արտաքսենք։ Զուարճութիւն չկայ այլեւս։ Դուն թթուած խմոր մըն ես։ Ի՞նչ պատահեցաւ։

21տարեկան Կ՚ԸԼԼԱՍ, 30 տարեկան ԿԸ ԴԱՌՆԱՍ եւ յանկարծ 40-ի կը ՄՕՏԵՆԱՍ։ Օհ ՜օ, դնենք արգելակներ, ամէն բան արագօրէն կը սահի եւ կը սպրդի։ Մինչեւ որ անդրադառնաս 50-ին կը ՀԱՍՆԻՍ եւ երազներդ արդէն գացած են։ 

Բայց սպասէ՛ 60 տարիքդ ԿԸ ՆՈՒԱՃԵՍ. չէիր կարծեր որ պիտի կարենայիր այդ տարիքին հասնիլլ։ 

21 տարեկան Կ՚ԸԼԼԱՍ, 30 տարեկան ԿԸ ԴԱՌՆԱՍ, 40-ի կը ՄՕՏԵՆԱՍ, 50-ի ԿԸ ՀԱՍՆԻՍ,  60-ը ԿԸ ՆՈՒԱՃԵՍ։ Բայց այլեւս արագընթաց գահավէժ ընթացքի մէջ ես եւ ԿԸ ԲԱԽԻՍ 70-ին։

Որմէ ետք օրը օրին։ 80 տարիքիդ մէջ ես եւ ամէն օր լման շրջան մըն է՝ ԿԸ ԲԱԽԻՍ կէսօրուայ ճաշիդ, ԿԸ ՄՕՏԵՆԱՍ երեկոյեան ժամը 4:30-ին եւ կը ՀԱՍՆԻՍ գնանալու ժամիդ։ 

Բայց հոն չի վերչանար։ 90-ի մէջ ես եւ կը սկսիս ետ երթալ՝ «Նոր 90 տարիքս լրացուցի։»

Յետոյ տարօրինակ բան մը կը պատահի։ Եթէ 100 տարիքը հասնիս, պզտիկ տղեկ մը կը դառնաս կրկին՝ «Ես 100 եւ կէս տարեկան եմ» !

Ամէնքդ ալ հասնիք ձեր առողջ 100 եւ կէս տարիքին։

 ԻՆՉՊԷ՞Ս  ԵՐԻՏԱՍԱՐԴ ՄՆԱԼ

Ա. Ձերբազատուէ՛ այդ անիմաստ թիւերէն՝ ըլլան անոնք տարիք, կշիռք։ Ձգէ որ բժիշկները մտահոգուին անոնցմով։ Անոր համար կը վճառենք իրենց։

Բ. Ընկերակցիր միայն ուրախ ընկերներու հետ։ Տրտնջացողները քեզ ապառողջ պիտի ընեն։

Գ. Շարունակէ սորվիլ։ Սորվէ համակարքիչը, պարտիզպանութիւն, արուեստ կամ որեւէ այլ բան։ Երբէք մի ձցեր միտքդ անզբաղ։ «Սատանային աշխատանոցը՝ ծոյլ միտքն է»։ իսկ Սատանային անունն ալ Alzheimer’s է։

Դ. Վայելէ պարզ բաները։

Ե. Յաճախ ծիծաղիր, բարձր եւ երկար։ Ծիծաղիր մինչես իսկ շնչահեղծ ըլլալու պէս ըլլաս։

Զ. Արցունքներ կը կատահին։ Դիմացիր, ողբայ եւ շարժման մէջ մտիր։ Միակ անձը որ մեզ հետ պիտի ըլլայ մեր ամբողջ կեանքի տեւողութեան՝ մենք ենք։ Կեանքոտ եղիր այնքան ատեն որ կեանք ունիս։ 

Է. Շրջապատէ՛ դուն քեզ բաներով որոնք կը սիրես, ըլլայ այդ ընտանիք, յիշատակներ, երաժշտութիւն, տունկ, սիրական զբաղումներ։ Քու տունդ քու ապաստանն է։

Ը. Հոգ տար առողջութեանդ։ Եթէ լաւ է, պահէ զայն։ Եթէ կայուն չէ, բարելաւէ։ Իսկ եթէ քու կարողութիւնէդ վեր է օգնութիւն հայցէ։

Թ. Մի մտմտար յանցանքներուդ վրայ։

Ժ. Ամէն պատեհ առիթներու արտայայտէ սէրդ անոնց որոնց կը սիրես։

ՄԻՇՏ ՅԻՇԷ՛

ԿԵԱՆՔԸ ՉԷ ՋԱՓՈՒԱԾ ՄԵՐ ՇՆՉԱՌՈՒԹԻՒՆՆԵՐՈՒՆ ՔԱՆԱԿՈՎԸ՝ ԱՅԼ ԱՅՆ ՊԱՀԵՐՈՎԸ ՈՐ ՄԵՐ ՇՆՉԱՌՈՒԹԻՒՆԸ ԽԼԵՑԻՆ։

                                                    ***

George Carlin on aging: 

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we’re kids?

If you’re less than 10 years old, you’re so excited about aging that you think in fractions. “How old are you?” “I’m four and a half!” You’re never thirty-six and a half. You’re four and a half, going on five!

That’s the key. You get into your teens, now they can’t hold you back.

You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. “How old are you?” “I’m gonna be 16!” You could be 13, but hey, you’re gonna be 16!

And then the greatest day of your life . . . you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . . YOU BECOME 21. . . YEAS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk. He TURNED, we had to throw him out. There’s no fun now, you’re just a sour-dumpling. What’s wrong? What’s changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you’re PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it’s all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 . . . and your dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn’t think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60. You’ve built up so much speed that you HIT 70!

After that it’s a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime.

And it doesn’t end there. Into the 90s, you start going backward; “I was JUST 92.

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. “I’m 100 and a half!”

May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight, and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. ” An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Martha, the last passenger pigeon

I had read about the extinction of passenger pigeons that ran in billions. I wanted to archive the attached I came across today. Vahe H Apelian

September 1 at 4:45 PM

On this date in history (September 1, 1914), a creature named Martha drew her last breath, and an entire species vanished from the face of the Earth. 🕊️

Martha was the last known passenger pigeon, a bird that once numbered in the billions and darkened the skies of North America for days as their flocks passed overhead.

Their flocks were so immense that early accounts described them as living rivers in the sky, a mile wide and hundreds of miles long, containing billions of birds.

In just a few short decades, their population went from being the most numerous bird on the continent to complete extinction. 

This catastrophic decline was a direct result of relentless overhunting and widespread habitat destruction throughout the 19th century.

They were hunted for cheap meat, for sport, and as agricultural pests. The commercial scale of the hunting was something we can hardly comprehend today.

By the early 1900s, only a small captive flock remained. One by one, they passed away until only Martha was left, living out her final years at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Her death at approximately 1 p.m. on that September day was a quiet, solemn moment that marked a tragic milestone in history. 😢

It served as a powerful and sobering lesson on how quickly a species, no matter how abundant, can be lost forever due to human actions.

Martha's body was carefully preserved, and she remains on display at the Smithsonian Institution as a permanent reminder of her lost species.

Sources: Smithsonian Institution, Cincinnati Zoo Archives, Conservation Histories

 

Արցախը Հայաստան էր եւ վերջ

Վահէ  Յ Աբէլեան

Ստեփանակերդի հրապարակը, նկարած եմ Արցախ այցելութեանս ընթացքին
2015-ին։

Վարդան Օսկանեան այսպէս կը գրէ իր Ֆէյսպուքի վերջին տեղադրութեան մէջ՝ «Հաջորդական հայկական կառավարությունները կանխամտածված խուսափել են պաշտոնապես ճանաչել Արցախը՝ բանակցությունների և խաղաղ կարգավորման հնարավորությունը պահպանելու նպատակով։ Սակայն Փաշինյանի «Արցախը Հայաստան է, և վերջ» հայտարարությունը հրահրեց պատերազմ՝ իր բոլոր հայտնի հետևանքներով։»

Ցախող եւ ձաղողած պատրուակ մըն է, նախքին ԱՔ նախարարին յայտարարութիւնը, ինչպէս կըլլան պատրուակները, թէ՝«Փաշինյանի «Արցախը Հայաստան է, և վերջ» հայտարարությունը հրահրեց պատերազմ՝ իր բոլոր հայտնի հետևանքներով։» Իրողութիւնը այն էր որ՝

Արցախի հայերը արդաբաբար Հայաստանի քաղաքացիներ կը նկատուէին։

Արցախի պաշտօնական դրամանիշը Հայաստանի դրամանիշն էր։

Արցախի առեւտուրը Հայաստանի դրամանիշով եւ դրամատունով կըլլար։ 

Արցախի եւ Հայաստանի առետուրը առանց մաքսատուրքերով կըլլար, այնպէս ինպէս Հայաստանի մարզերուն միջեւ։

Արցախի պաշտօնեանները Հայաստանի դրամանիշով կը վարձատրուէին։

Արցախի կառաւարութեան պաշտօնեանները աշխարհը կը ճամբորդէին այնպէս ինչպէս Հայաստանի քաղաքացիք։

Արցախ ծնած  եւ մեծցածը հայը Հայաստանի նախագահ ըլլալու իրաւասութիւնը ունէր, ունեցաւ որ պատահեցաւ 2-րդ եւ 3-րդ նախագահներու պարագային, եւ ունի որպէս Հայաստանի քաղաքացի։  

Արցախը գործնականապէս Հայաստան էր։ Հապա ի՞նչ էր։

Այո, պաշտօնապէս Արցախը Հայաստանի մարզ չէր։ Բայց ուրանալ որ Արցախը գործնականապէս նման էր Հայաստանի որեւէ մարզի, եւ պատրուակել որ Հայաստանի քաղաքացիներուն կարգաւորման համար էր որ Հայաստանի «Հաջորդական հայկական կառավարությունները կանխամտածված խուսափել են պաշտոնապես ճանաչել Արցախը», դատարկ եւ փուճ զրպարտութիւն է։ Աւելի վատ՝ կարծել որ թշնամին իրատես չէր անցող երկու տասնամեակներուն պարզուած ընթացքին, պարզապէս մանկամտութիւն մըն է, անսպասելի արտաքին գործոծ նախարարէն։ Իրողութիւնը այն է որ նախագահները ձախող քաղաքականութիւն վարեցին։ Հետեւանք՝ մատնուեցանք այս իրավիճակին, թեկուզ Վարչապետ Նիկոլ Փաշինյանի կառավարման օրերուն։

Արցախի կորուստին հիմնական դեր ունեցաւ Վարդան Օսկանեանը, որուն քաղաքական կեանքը սկսաւ Լեւոն Տեր-Պէտրոսյանին գլխաւորութեանբ եւ առաջնորդութեանբ։ Բայց գործակցեցաւ Ռոպէրթ Քոչարյանին, Սէրժ Սարգսյանին, Վազգէն Սարգսյանին եւ այլոց հետ, իր քաղաքական գլխաւոր գործակիցին եւ առաջնորդին՝ ԼՏՊ-ին դէմ։ Անոնք հրաժարել տուին ԼՏՊ-ը իր որդեգրած «ՊԱՏԵՐԱԶՄ, ԹԵ՞ ԽԱՂԱՂՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ. ԼՐՋԱՆԱԼՈՒ ՊԱՀԸ» (1 նոյեմբերի, 1997 թ.), զիչողական քաղաքականութեան համար, երբ ԼՏՊ կը զգուշացնէր՝ « Փոխզիջման մերժումը եւ մաքսիմալիզմը (առավելագույնը եւ ոչ թե հնարավորը ձեռքբերելու ձգտումը) Ղարաբաղի իսպառ կործանման եւ Հայաստանի վիճակի վատթարացման ամենակարճ ճանապարհն է։ Խոսքը չի վերաբերում Ղարաբաղը տալուն կամ չտալուն։ Խոսքը վերաբերում է Ղարաբաղը հայկական պահելուն. 3000 տարի այն բնակեցված է եղել հայերով եւ 3000 տարի հետո էլ պետք է բնակեցված լինի հայերով։»

Արցախը՝ Հայաստան էր եւ վերջ։ Բայց ան, ալ հայաթափ է։ Եւ այդ պատմական դաժան իրողութեան պատասխանատուութիւնէն չի կրնար ձեռբազատուիլ մանաւանդ Վարդան Օսկանեանը որքան որ ընկերային կայքերուն վրայ տեղադրէ չքմեղանքներ եւ դատապարտէ Նիկոլ Փաշինյանը եւ անոր քաղաքական գործակիցները, ընտրող քաղաքացիները եւ համակիրները։

Այո, Արցախը Հայաստան էր. իսկ այժմ Արցախը դարձած է յիշողութիւն։

Remembering Dzaghigner (Ծաղիկներ) by Adiss (Jan. 14, 1945 - Sept. 1, 2019)

Those who came of age in 1960s in the Middle East remember the Armenian pop music star Adiss Harmandian who, out of the blue, burst onto the Armenian music scene with his Ծաղիկներ (Dzaghigner--Flowers) song and ushered a new era of Armenian pop music. Boghos Shahmelikian, a musician and a bass guitar player, narrated the behind the scenes of the musical phenomenon in his book titled "Յիշատակներ Անցած Օրեր" ("Memories and Bygone Days"). I translated and expanded it into English. My maternal cousin Jack Chelebian M.D. edited the book as “The Dawn of Armenian Pop Music”. The Armenian Cultural by Hrach Kalsahakian published it. The book may be purchased from Amazon.com. The attached is an excerpt from the book Vaհe H Apelian

“Among the Armenians who are interested in the theater, Calouste Jansezian is a well-known stage actor. He has successfully played different roles in the Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural Association’s Kaspar Ipekian Theater Group in Lebanon. He also loved to sing and wanted to produce Ծաղիկներ (Dzaghigner) song. He approached Daniel Der Sahakian, a successful producer of records. Daniel saw a business opportunity in Calouste’s proposal and financed the orchestration of the song with Reddy Bobbio, who was a well-known musician in Lebanon and played in prestigious nightclubs such as Phoenicia and Paon Rouge. The recording of the orchestration went smoothly. It was time to produce the record.

Any song that is produced on a record has its orchestration done ahead of time. Later it is played in the studio as the vocalist sings the song. The situation was no different when Calouste attempted to record the song. But alas, he did not succeed. His repeated attempts to record the song ended in failure. It became obvious that he did not possess that particular talent.

Daniel Der Sakakian, who had invested a lot of money in the orchestration of the song, naturally did not want to give up on his investment. He looked for singers to record the song. He approached Eddy Kev (Kevork Khacherian) and Manuel Menengichian. The two were notable singers with national acclaim. Both had won first prize in successive years in Pêle-Mêle, the Lebanese national television talent competition. They sang European songs and both refused to sing Dzaghigner.

Daniel then approached Ara Guiragossian who sang Armenian classical songs and exuded opera influences whereas the orchestration and the lyrics of Dzaghigner were of the popular genre. They agreed the song was not a good fit for the singer.

Daniel then approached Ara Kekedjian who had established a reputation as a singer of Armenian children’s songs. His records for more mature audiences had not been well received. After further consideration neither one found the song to be a good fit for Kekedjian.

Daniel was close to giving up on his investment when Antranig Mardirossian, who ran Lebanon’s first record store, suggested a young singer he knew from the Bourj-Hammoud neighborhood. “He sings well. He has already produced a record in French,” said Mardirossian and asked whether Daniel would like to try him. The young singer’s name was Adiss Harman. Having produced a record, Adiss had acquired experience in recording in a studio. His voice proved to be a natural fit for the song. They recorded the song and produced it under Daniel Der Sakakian’s label, VOS (Voice of the Stars). To promote the record, Adiss dropped his adopted surname, Harmand, in favor of his family name but retained his adopted artistic name.  The rest is Armenian musical history.

Ծաղիկներ (Dzaghigner) became an instant hit with a demand for more. The Armenian community seemed to have been craving for lighthearted songs and had finally found one. There was no time to waste. Soon after, they recorded other songs that proved to be no less popular: Մանուշակ (Manooshag), Մթնշաղ (Mntshagh), Ծաղիկներս ում Նուիրեմ (Dzaghigners Oum Nvirem), Այլ Աչեր Կան Իմ Սրտում (Ayl Acher Gan Im Srdoum).The songs were simple, easily understood. Hasmig Manasserian, a self-educated composer in Armenia, had composed the songs.

After Reddy Robio left Lebanon following his orchestration of the Ծաղիկներ (Dzaghigner), Jacques Kodjian took over and worked with Adiss for many years. Overnight, an Armenian pop--estradayin’-- star was born. Adiss gave concerts in many countries. He even toured the United States. Some fifty years ago that was no small feat. It was unprecedented for an Armenian singer to travel so far to give a concert. For a while I accompanied Adiss. It is hard to fathom that an Armenian singer could have mustered such popularity in the Armenian Diaspora or that the Armenian community could bestow such adulation on one of them, as they did on Adiss.

Adiss was 20 years old when he burst on the Armenian pop music scene. He had good looks. His overnight rise from obscurity to national fame arguably remains unprecedented in Armenian Diaspora music. Calouste Jansezian was the catalyst of Armenian pop music in the Diaspora. A catalyst accelerates the rate of a happening without itself undergoing any permanent change. He remained the notable stage actor but Adiss emerged as the undisputed pioneer and idol of Armenian Diaspora pop music. 

Adiss’ baptismal name is Avedis. His name means someone who brings good tidings. Indeed, he brought good tidings to Armenian culture by popularizing Armenian music. Thanks to his stamina, good looks, drive, likable personality on and off the stage, Adiss remains an undisputed leader of Armenian pop music. His contribution to Armenian culture was formally recognized when Catholicos Aram I bestowed upon him the Order of Saint Mesrob Mashtots in 2005. Adiss Harmandyan, the first Armenian pop music singer is also the first modern Armenian pop music star to be bestowed with the ecclesiastical order.”

 

Introduction to third «History of Armenia» textbook

Debating in the Diaspora whether Armenian history textbook should be called «Armenian History» instead of «History of Armenia» obscures the issue of teaching history itself. The debate is driven by an honest concern that the titling of the textbook has a relfection on the history being taught. I do not have a definite answer to the concern. The attached is my translation of the introduction of the third “History of Armenia” textbook. I obtained the copy from Tatul Hakobyan posting the cover and the introduction from his daughter’s textbook. The third textbook in the series appears to be the last as it claims to cover Armenian history from nineteenth century to the present. The introduction dwells what the debate in the Diaspora misses. A responsible citizen, the authors of the textbook rightly point, views history critically to arrive at substantiated conclusions and to draw informed consequences for the present and for the future of their state.  Below is my translation of the introduction. A copy of the introduction, courtesy Tatul Hakobyan, is posed below. Vaհe H Apelian

The cover of the third "History of Armenia" textbook, courtesy Tatul Hakobyan
The cover of Simon Simonian's "Armenian History" textbook.

The Formation of History:

Why distinguish facts from interpretations

 

Dear Student

This book is the third in your series of textbooks on the subject of “History of Armenia”. This time our journey will begin at the end of the 19th century and end at the beginning of the 21st century, almost in our days. This period of history is distinguished by the process of reestablishment of the state in Armenia, but also by a revolutionary, tragic and at the same time unprecedented development for the Armenian people.

We would like you to pay attention to the issue of the formation of our ideas about history. When we think about historical events, we often ask whether they really happened that way. When you watch a TV news at home, you will have noticed that different channels tell the same news in different ways. And the question arises - what is the truth? Reality is more complicated than anyone is telling it.

The same thing happens in history. There are some indisputable facts (objective) – for example, when a battle took place or a treaty was signed. However, there may be different opinions about the causes, consequences and the significance of these events (subjective). Thus, the same historical event can be presented in different light, depending on who is telling the story, what is being told, why is being told, how is being told, when is being told, where is being told and for whom is being told. This is why it is important to learn to think critically and analyze information, taking into account all possible perspectives.

History is like a huge mosaic, each piece of which is important for seeing the whole picture. Together we will learn to put these pieces together to understand their meaning.

Remember that a person who has merited its own state, is a knowledgeable and responsible citizen who conducts a deep and comprehensive analysis, studying different perspectives, combining different facts, and only then arrives to substantiated conclusions or draws consequenes for the present and the future.

We wish you a pleasant and useful study.

Authors

A copy of the introduction of the third "History of Armenia" textbook
Courtesy Tatul Hakobyan

Armenia's historical milestones between 1918-1923.

The Diaspora Armenian press posts vehement rebuttals against Armenia intent of calling its history education as History of Armenia. I find it amusing because the overwhelming majority of Diaspora Armenians are not taught the rudimentary modern day history pertaining to Armenia and Armenians . Here is  some treaties between 1919 - 1923  that pertain to Turks and Armenians, which regrettably have always been at the expense of the Armenia and Armenians. The most we have been able to secure the present Republic of Armenia, the former Soviet Armenia. Vaհe H Apelian

Sunday, March 3, 1918: Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Eighty-six days before Armenia declared independence, on March 3, 1918, the new Bolshevik government of Soviet Russia and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire), signed the treaty of Best-Litovsk that ended Russia's participation in World War I.

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, formally transferred the Armenian-populated regions of Kars, Ardahan, and Batum to the Ottoman Empire, effectively ending Russia's control and exposing Armenians to Turkish domination. This led to the collapse of the Transcaucasian Federal Republic, which had briefly been formed by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and allowed for Turkish invasions into Armenian territories. While the treaty intended to resolve Russia's role in World War I, it had devastating consequences for the Armenians, as they lost territory 

 

Tuesday, May 28, 1918: Establishment of the Republic of Armenia

On Tuesday, May 28, 1918, the Armenian National Council declared the independence of Armenia, marking the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia. This declaration came after the collapse of the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic (TDFR) and a pivotal victory for Armenian forces at the Battle of Sardarabad, which halted the Ottoman invasion and ensured the survival of the Armenian nation. Turkey was first to recognize the Republic of Armenia.

Tuesday, June 4, 1918: The Treaty of Batumi

A week after founding the Republic of Armenia, the Ottoman Empire and the newly independent First Republic of Armenia, signed the Treaty of Batumi. Turkey recognized Armenia's independence but the treaty was a devastating blow, forcing Armenia to cede large territories and submit to a significantly reduced military and restricted sovereignty under duress and overwhelming Ottoman military pressure following the collapse of the Russian Empire. The treaty left Armenia with a severely truncated, landlocked territory, including (10,400 square km) areas like Yerevan and Etchmiadzin.

Wednesday, October 30, 1918: Armistice of Mudros

Armenians did not formally participate in the Armistice of Mudros. The agreement was made exclusively between representatives of the victorious Allied Powers (represented by Great Britain) and the defeated Ottoman Empire. It enabled the Allied powers to begin partitioning the Ottoman Empire.  The armistice of Mudros led to the Treaty of Sèvres, the little ally to the allied powers. 

Tuesday, August 10, 1920: Treaty of Sevres.

The Treaty of Sèvres promised a post-World War I independent Armenia with a territory on the Armenian Highland, including provinces like Van and Erzerum, and an outlet to the Black Sea. However, this treaty was never implemented because it was rejected by the emerging Turkish nationalist movement led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who waged a war against the Allied Powers and established the Republic of Turkey. Consequently, the Treaty of Sèvres was replaced by the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, which made no provisions for an Armenian state and set back the prospects for Armenians.

 

Thursday, December 2, 1920: Soviets took power.

The 4th PM of the first Republic of Armenia Simon Vratsian was in office between November 23, 1920 to December 2 of 1920 when he ceded power to the Bolsheviks. Armenia became part of the Russian dominated Soviet Union. 

Thursday, December 2, 1920: The Treaty of Alexandropol

The Treaty of Alexandropol, was signed on December 1920. It was a devastating accord between the First Republic of Armenia and Turkey. For Armenia, the treaty was a capitulation that forced the country to cede over half of its territory, including the Kars region, renounce the Treaty of Sèvres, and accept severe military restrictions that left it a vulnerable, de facto protectorate of Turkey. The treaty was never ratified due to Armenia's Sovietization. The treaty's terms, particularly concerning borders, were largely confirmed by the subsequent Treaty of Kars. 

 

Thursday 13 October 1921: The Treaty of Kars

The Treaty of Kars was a treaty that established the borders between Turkey and the three Transcaucasian Soviet republics, which are now the independent republics of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The treaty was signed in the city of Kars. 

Saturday, June 24, 1923: The Treaty of Lausanne 

The Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 is the granddaddy of all Turkish Armenian treaties. The treaty effectively ended the Armenian Cause / Hai Tahd, by abolishing the Treaty of Sèvres, which had envisioned an independent Armenia. While the treaty did not explicitly mention Armenians, it granted amnesty to perpetrators of past crimes, including those related to the Armenian Genocide, and codified the borders of modern Turkey consolidating Turkey's control over the historic Armenian lands and resulting in expulsion of the Armenians and the confiscation of their properties.

 

August 30 (1918): Khalil Pasha visits Yerevan and Etchmiadzin

 The attached is my aided translation of two postings in ANI, Armenian Research Center about Khalil Pasha’s visiting Yerevan and the Holy See Etchmiadzin. The reports are reproductions of reports by the local Armenian press at the time, in 1918. The links of the original postings are attached below. Vahe H Apelian

Khalil Pasha, Catholicos Kevork Sourentyants, Aram Manougian's house, Aram Manougian

“On the 30th of this month [August] at 10 o’clock, the commander of the Caucasian Front of the Ottoman Empire, Khalil Pasha, the diplomatic representative of the German Empire in the Caucasus, General Von Kress, and the representative of the Austrian diplomacy, Mr. Frankenstein, arrived here.

In honor of the distinguished guests, a ceremonial dinner was given by the Armenian government, which was attended by all the ministers, the Chairman of the Council of Armenia, A. Sahakyan, the representative of the government in Georgia, Jamalyan, the commandant of the city, Shahkhatuni, and others.

At 3 o’clock, the distinguished guests received breakfast, after which a dinner was held in the garden of the Orient Hotel. There was a military orchestra. Speeches of political importance were delivered by Khalil Pasha, Mr. Frankenstein, and General Von Kress. The dinner ended at 6:30, and as the distinguished guests were leaving the hotel, the crowd gathered at the door greeted Khalil Pasha and the other distinguished guests with thunderous cheers. Everyone dispersed in high spirits and full of hopes for the near future.

At 4:30 on Sunday afternoon, Khalil Pasha, accompanied by the Minister of Internal Affairs Aram Manukyan, his chief of staff, General D. Bek Pirumyan, the commandant of Yerevan Shahkhatuni, and other persons, came to visit His Holiness the Catholicos.

Before dinner, the conversation revolved around the refugees. His Holiness expressed a desire that the refugees be allowed to return to their places. Khalil Pasha replied that negotiations were underway with the Armenian government on this matter.

After drinking coffee, the guests, led by Bishops Mesrov and Zaven, looked at the antiquities of the monastery, after which they were invited to dinner. His Holiness proposed to drink Khalil Pasha's toast, wishing that good neighborly relations between the two neighboring peoples be restored and justice prevail.

In response to this toast, Khalil Pasha proposed to drink a toast to His Holiness the Catholicos... Khalil Pasha promised to do everything possible to alleviate the Patriarch's grief. After the toasts, a conversation took place on several issues.”

***

“The visit of the commander of the Turkish troops of the Caucasian Front, Khalil Pasha, to Yerevan has long been eagerly awaited. The reason for this wait is that the Armenian people expect not only words from their high-ranking guest, but also real steps that should improve Armenian-Turkish relations.

After the separation of the Transcaucasian Republic from Russia, Turkey twice violated the concluded treaty. Contrary to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, it resumed the war and occupied new parts of Armenian territory, contrary to the Treaty of Batumi, it still does not vacate the regions that are within the borders of the Republic of Armenia, and still does not allow the refugees to return to their places, to restore economic relations in neighboring countries.

These circumstances have created an unbearable situation for the Armenian people, in particular for the Republic of Armenia, these circumstances greatly hinder the improvement of Armenian-Turkish relations.

We are convinced that the interests of the Armenian people require the establishment of normal, good-neighborly relations with neighboring nations, especially the Turkish people, we consider “foreign” policy to be absolutely harmful for the Armenian people. From this point of view, we are ready to forget everything that has happened in Turkey in recent years towards the Armenians. We are ready to sincerely extend our hand to the neighboring state. But, at the same time, we have the moral right to demand that the same be done towards us.

We owe the revival of Armenian statehood to Turkey, this very circumstance gives us the right to demand that the infant republic be placed in favorable conditions for its development. For this, it is necessary that the Armenian people be given enough territory for normal development. In other words, it is the desire of the Armenian people that the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk be implemented as soon as possible. Then the Armenian people want our refugees to be finally allowed to return to their places, ensuring their lives and property, and for roads to be opened and economic relations to be resumed. It is with the implementation of all this that the Armenian people will sincerely resume good-neighborly relations with the Turkish people.

We are convinced that the Armenian people will in the nearest future take real steps in turn to show their neighbors that they are radically changing their policy.

All this cannot go unnoticed by the Turkish government, and since a prominent Turkish figure is coming to us under the current circumstances, the visit has political significance.

We are convinced that Turkey also considers it necessary to improve our relations and for this reason has sent its representative to us.

We can only wish that Khalil Pasha’s promises will be fulfilled as soon as possible. We welcome the visit of the representative of the Turkish government to the capital of Armenia as the first signal of the improvement of Armenian-Turkish relations.”

Link 1: «Խալիլ [Կուտ] փաշայի այցը Երևան և Էջմիածին` Մայր Աթոռ․ 30 օգոստոս, 1918թ» - https://www.aniarc.am/2025/08/30/khalil-pasha-yerevan-and-ejmiatsin-visit-1918-august-zhogovurd/

 

Link 2: «Խալիլ փաշայի այցը Երևան 1918-ի օգոստոսի 30-ին. խմբագրական «Ժողովուրդ» թերթի» - https://www.aniarc.am/2025/08/30/khalil-visit-yerevan-september-1918/