History stands to repeat itself as Armenia renews ties to Asia - THE ARMENIAN GENEALOGY MOVEMENT P.38
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THE ARMENIAN GENEALOGY MOVEMENT P.38
ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION AUG. 2019
History stands to repeat itself as
Armenia renews ties to Asia
Armenian General
ESTABLISHED IN 1906
Benevolent Union
Հայկական Բարեգործական Ընդհանուր Միութիւն
Central Board of Directors
President
Mission
Berge Setrakian To promote the prosperity and well-being of all Armenians through educational,
Honorary Member cultural, humanitarian, and social and economic development programs, projects
His Holiness Karekin II, and initiatives.
Catholicos of All Armenians
Members
Annual International Budget
Forty-six million dollars ( USD)
UNITED STATES
Haig Ariyan
Yervant Demirjian
Education
24 primary, secondary, preparatory and Saturday schools; scholarships; alternative
Eric Esrailian
educational resources (apps, e-books, AGBU WebTalks and more); American
Nazareth A. Festekjian
University of Armenia (AUA); AUA Extension-AGBU Artsakh Program; Armenian
Arda Haratunian
Virtual College (AVC); TUMO x AGBU
Sarkis Jebejian
Ari Libarikian
Ani Manoukian
Cultural, Humanitarian and Religious
AGBU News Magazine; the AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund for Syrian
Lori Muncherian
Armenians; athletics; camps; choral groups; concerts; dance; films; lectures; library research
Levon Nazarian
centers; medical centers; mentorships; music competitions; publications; radio; scouts;
Yervant Zorian
summer internships; theater; youth trips to Armenia. Armenia: Holy Etchmiadzin; AGBU
ARMENIA
Children’s Centers (Arapkir, Malatya, Nork), and Senior Dining Centers; Hye Geen
Vasken Yacoubian Women’s Centers; Sevan Theological Seminary; Ultrasound Center. Republic of Artsakh:
CANADA Artsakh Chamber Orchestra
Lena Sarkissian
FRANCE Districts, Chapters, Young Professionals, Centers and Offices
Aris Atamian Argentina: Buenos Aires, Córdoba; Armenia: Charentsavan, Gyumri, Talin, Vanadzor,
Nadia Gortzounian Yeghvart, Yerevan; Artsakh: Stepanakert; Australia: Melbourne, Sydney; Austria:
SWITZERLAND Vienna; Belgium: Brussels; Brazil: São Paulo; Bulgaria: Burgas, Dobrich, Haskovo,
Vahé Gabrache Plovdiv, Russe, Sliven, Sofia, Yambol; Canada: Montréal, Toronto; Cyprus:
UNITED KINGDOM
Larnaca, Nicosia; Egypt: Alexandria, Cairo; Ethiopia: Addis Ababa; France: Lyon-
Arnaud Attamian Rhône Alpes, Marseille, Nice, Paris, Valence, Vienne; Germany: Frankfurt; Greece:
Vartkess Knadjian Athens, Thessaloniki; Iraq: Baghdad; Italy: Milan; Lebanon: Amanos, Antelias, Beirut,
Joseph Oughourlian Sin el-Fil, Zahlè; The Netherlands: Almelo, Amsterdam; Russia: Moscow; South
Korea: Seoul; Spain: Barcelona; Switzerland: Geneva; Syria: Aleppo, Damascus,
Council of Trustees Kamishli, Kessab, Latakia, Yacoubieh; Turkey: Istanbul; Uruguay: Montevideo;
Vatche Manoukian UAE: Dubai; United Kingdom: London; United States: Boston, Chicago, Cleveland,
Chairman Detroit, Fresno, Greater New York, Glendale, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles,
Eric Esrailian Orange County, Pasadena, Philadelphia, San Fernando Valley, San Francisco,
Armen Sarkissian Scottsdale, Silicon Valley, Washington, D.C.
Sam Simonian
Sinan Sinanian
Berge Setrakian
Ex Off icio
In Memoriam
Boghos Nubar
Founder
Alex Manoogian
Honorary Life President
2 AGBU August 2019 | www.agbu.org
Editorial
T
he impact of Asia as a global economic power Armenia’s next strategic moves all the more complex, life is
has not been lost on Armenia. As China, becoming more simplified for Armenians the world over.
India, and other nations of the Asia-Pacific The speed and accessibility of digital information is help-
spread their influence in the Caucasus, the ing us define our Armenian identity, as we lay claim to our
potentials and pitfalls of new foreign players ancestral riches on demand—a much-needed counterweight
in Armenia’s neighborhood must factor into to the inevitability of assimilation.
any serious conversation about the homeland’s future in a Technology and science are already helping to enhance
geopolitically entangled world. our personal Armenian identities
First and foremost, with China on through digital breakthroughs in trac-
the move with a game-changing proj- ing our family trees, helping to solve
ect called the Belt and Road Initiative, longstanding mysteries about the
history is about to repeat itself. This many shoulders upon which we stand
broad-sweeping system of futuristic triumphant today as resilient, proud
roads, railways, and ports follows Armenians. Moreover, to put these
much of the same path of the original family insights into broader context,
Silk Road, the economic driver of we can connect to our national iden-
medieval Armenia’s glory days. tity through electronic tools and
With Armenia still standing at the online resources that are instantly
crossroads of East and West, it raises available to anyone.
the question: how will it leverage new These advances are highlighted as
opportunities for re-engagement with we explore the growing movement in
Asia to its best advantage? Armenian genealogy, as well as the
This issue of AGBU News Magazine launch of our new signature alternative
surveys the possibilities, from the learning tool called ATLAS by AGBU. It
proactive steps taken by Armenia’s puts a wealth of electronically based
leaders to restablish ties and pursue Armenian-related content in one con-
mutually beneficial interests to the venient place, allowing new generations
new generation of Armenian expats in Asia serving as to experience their Armenian-ness on their own terms.
good-will ambassadors of Armenian know-how and cul- Keeping our readers aware of the role that our rapidly
ture. These emerging diasporas are also working to preserve changing world plays in the course of Armenian affairs, and,
and promote the legacy of the once-thriving Armenian in turn, AGBU’s strategies and priorities, is vital to our col-
communities of centuries past, reminding us of the high lective success as one Armenian nation. We hope you will
regard and social standing Armenians in Asia once enjoyed use the information and inspiration contained within these
even as a minority group of a different faith and culture. pages to stay an active member in your community and an
While an expanded field of foreign players is about to make engaged, informed citizen of the world.
COVER: ARTOKOLORO QUINT LOX LIMITED/ALAMY;
FOLLOWING PAGE; DAVIT HAKOBYAN
Berge Setrakian
President
www.agbu.org | August 2019 AGBU 3
ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION AUG. 2019
Volume 29/Number 2
www.agbu.org
03 Editorial
06 Features
06 The Asia Effect
The master chess game of regional geopolitics puts
Armenia’s strategic prowess to the test
14 All Roads Lead Back to New Julfa
The origins of a legendary tycoon, a daring diplomat,
and a dedicated community leader tell the story of early
Armenian diasporas in Asia
19 Soft Diplomacy
How today’s new diasporas are promoting the
Armenian image in Asia
20 Bangladesh: Brethren of Bangladesh
24 Hong Kong: Rise and Shine
26 South Korea: Seoul Search
30 India: The Kolkata Connection
32 Singapore: A Showcase in Singapore
34 Puzzle Pieces to the Past
Historical facts, finds, and figures that bring the
Armenian legacy in Asia to life
38 Branching Out
How the digital revolution is regrowing our Armenian
family trees
48 The Roots of Positive Self-Image
The transformative power of family histories
52 Education
52 An Atlas for the Digital Age
AGBU makes the search for Armenian e-learning
tools faster and easier than ever
56 Thinking Big in Brazil
AGBU FOCUS 2019 challenges young Armenian
professionals to think globally, serve locally,
and lead boldly
60 AGBU Endowments 1910-2018
63 Partners in Serving Others
67 Two Lives, Four Loves
72 AGBU News
72 Highlights
82 Young Professionals
85 Districts, Chapters and Schools
93 Bookstore
4 AGBU August 2019 | www.agbu.org
AGBU News Magazine
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kathryn Manuelian
ART DIRECTOR
Levi Nicholson
EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES
Gevorg Mnatsakanyan
Nana Shakhnazaryan
EDITORIAL TEAM
Randa Akda, Anita Anserian,
Alex Basmajian, Hrant Kamalyan,
Andrew Moughalian
CONTRIBUTORS
Liz Chater, Laura L. Constantine,
Ric Gazarian, Davit Hakobyan,
Dan Halton, Paul Vartan Sookiasian,
Jamie Thomson
AGBU News Magazine is published by the Armenian General
Benevolent Union: 55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022-
06
1112. Tel: 212 319-6383 Fax: 212 319-6507/08. E-Mail:
agbuny@agbu.org. POSTMASTERS: Send address changes
to above. Printed in U.S.A. © Armenian General Benevolent
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A Chinese tourist at the Geghard Monastery. is circulated in 28 countries around the world.
www.agbu.org | August 2019 AGBU 5
The Asia Effect
The master chess game of regional geopolitics puts
Armenia’s strategic prowess to the test
By GEVORG MNATSAKANYAN
6 AGBU August 2019 | www.agbu.org
A
sia is experiencing tec- affairs. Most notable is its flagship Belt
tonic shifts that are send- and Road Initiative (BRI), unveiled by
ing ripples far beyond its President Xi Jinping in September 2013.
borders with a potential The initiative aims to connect Asia with
to upset the established Africa and Europe through a complex
world order. network of highways, rail and shipping
Leading the way is China. Over the routes along the original Silk Road in a
past four years, the Chinese economy has bid to stimulate economic integration and
grown 10 times faster than that of cultural exchange across the region and
the United States. Moreover, China now “embrace a brighter future together,”
leads the world in the number of home- according to China’s government.
owners, college graduates, Internet users, Such ambitious aspirations have put
and billionaires. In the wake of this shift- China further at odds with the U.S.
ing balance of global power, many geopo- superpower, who is looking to curb
litical stakeholders predict the 21st China’s ascent in the region. In the
century will belong to China. meantime, Russia has taken an ambigu-
But the People’s Republic doesn’t hold ous quid pro quo approach based on its
all the keys to the Asian realm. Japan, con- mutual interests.
ceding to China’s ranking as the second Armenia’s neighbor Iran is also look-
largest economy after the United States, ing to China to mitigate the crippling
remains a key player in regional and inter- effects of an American oil embargo and
national politics as a major source of global other economic sanctions on its already
capital and credit and is one of the world’s bleeding economy. The launch in May
most active foreign aid donors. Other 2019 of a new freight train connection is
rising economies such as Vietnam and destined to accelerate trade between
Singapore are also positioned to have more Bayannur in China’s Inner Mongolian
sway in the shaping of regional affairs. Autonomous Region and the Iranian
In Southeast Asia, the Indian subconti- capital, Tehran—the latest indication of
nent is looking to strengthen its economy a growing rapprochement between the
to rival that of China, while aiming for the two countries.
moon with the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Meanwhile, smaller states in the region
As Asia continues to develop at such continue to foster closer relations with the
breakneck speed, outpacing the West by People’s Republic for assistance in their
three-to-four percentage points in real own economic and infrastructural devel-
GDP according to the International opment—Armenia among them.
Monetary Fund, Armenia, advanta- While Armenia may visibly be excluded
geously positioned at the junction of East from the overland routes of the BRI, it
and West, is watching carefully, thinking remains integral to the Silk Road Economic
strategically, and acting promptly to Belt, which, together with the 21st-Century
leverage the opportunities, manage the Maritime Silk Road, comprises the
sensitivities, and come out ahead of the BRI enterprise. Armenia’s deputy foreign
game over the next critical years. minister Avet Adonts points out that
By forging new ties with Asia today, “Armenia can also benefit from cooperation
Yerevan is expanding the playing field on in environmental protection and climate
which to maneuver itself among the key change, as well as people-to-people con-
global players—the U.S., Europe, Russia, tacts, educational, and cultural exchange.
and Iran. And with Asia’s star continuing Even the visa facilitation regime signed
to rise in the Caucasus and beyond, between Armenia and China in recent
Armenia gains a second chance to pros- months can be viewed in the logic of BRI.”
per and thrive. As for involvement in transport systems,
the deputy minister adds: “Once com-
New Silk Road 2020 pleted, the long-delayed North-South
In recent years, China has initiated Road Corridor stretching from Armenia’s
a string of new projects designed to southernmost city of Agarak to Gyumri
position itself at the center of global and onto the Georgian border will also be
commerce and increase its stake in world used for transport communication with
the whole region to the benefit of multiple
Left: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and beneficiaries, including our partners in the
his spouse Anna Hakobyan arrive in the Asia-Pacific.”
People’s Republic of China for their first official Launched in 2012, the 550-kilometer,
visit on May 14, 2019. $1.5 billion USD highway will connect to
www.agbu.org | August 2019 AGBU 7
Georgia’s East-West Highway that leads
to the port cities of Poti and Batumi on
the Black Sea, providing Armenian cargo
trucks faster and safer access to seaports
linking to Europe, Russia, and Turkey.
The corridor is also part of both the Asian
Highway Network of the UN Economic
and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific, and the EU’s TEN-T extended
network.
With Armenia once again at the center
of the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard,
this may be the country’s quintessential
challenge, calling upon it to step up its
game even further to prevail in what has
become a very crowded playing field.
Strategic Moves for China in education, business, and the arts to fortify Beijing recently donated to Armenia 200
With Armenia’s longstanding focus on cross-cultural engagement. ambulances outfitted with modern medical
Russia and the European Union, the rise of equipment.
China is increasingly prompting Yerevan to Foreign Policy
turn its gaze eastward. Armenia’s leaders are The forced Sovietization of Armenia Diplomatic relations between the two
particularly keen on promoting closer eco- under the imminent threat of Turkish countries resumed only with the coming of
nomic and political ties with China, which invasion in 1920 brought Sino-Armenian Armenia’s independence. In April 1992,
would provide access to much-needed historical exchanges to a virtual standstill. Armenia and China signed a joint com-
investment and low-rate financial assistance Less than 30 years later, the formation of muniqué on the establishment of diplo-
from Chinese banks, as well as diversify its the People’s Republic of China in 1949 matic relations that paved the way for the
foreign policy, reducing its dependence on completed the mass exodus of Armenians opening, in July 1992, of the Chinese
other power centers to achieve its political from the newly formed socialist country Embassy in Yerevan and an Armenian
and national security goals. It also under- that began with Japan’s invasion of China Embassy in Beijing in August 1996.
stands the importance of cultural exchange some 12 years prior, with most Armenians In his first-ever visit to the People’s
in supporting and promoting opportunities migrating mainly to the U.S. and Australia. Republic on May 14, 2019, upon invita-
Much of their legacy, including the tion from President Xi, Prime Minister
A map showing the expanse of the BRI with its Armenian Church in Harbin, was later Pashinyan reiterated that China is among
planned and existing railroads, ports, and demolished during China’s Cultural Armenia’s foreign-policy priorities and
pipelines. Revolution in 1966. expressed renewed interest in furthering
New Silk Road (Road and Belt Initiative)
MERCATOR INSTITUTE OF CHINA STUDIES;
PREVIOUS PAGE: TIGRAN MEHRABYAN
8 AGBU August 2019 | www.agbu.org
bilateral relations in trade and other areas
like transportation, energy, and informa-
tion technologies.
In the Armenian capital, symbols of
China’s growing interest in the Caucasus
are increasingly apparent. Construction of
a sprawling new 40,000 square meter
Chinese embassy compound is well-
underway and, when finished, will be the
second largest Chinese diplomatic mission
in the former Soviet Union. Beijing also
recently donated 200 ambulances outfitted
with modern medical equipment as part of
its continued economic assistance to
Armenia, which has totaled $50 million
USD since 2012.
But China’s expanding political and
economic engagement with Armenia
and the Caucasus has also brought it
into close proximity with the geopoliti- Above: Medical students from India at a group study session at Yerevan State Medical University
cal ills of the region, the Nagorno- (YSMU). Below: Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan with President of the People’s
Karabakh conflict among them. And Republic of China Xi Jinping.
while the BRI has forced President Xi
and the ruling Communist Party to
adopt a more active stance vis-à-vis con-
flict mediation to protect its interests
and citizens along the New Silk Road,
the nation’s leadership has maintained a
traditionally neutral stance on the status
of Nagorno-Karabakh.
In a recent visit to Armenia that closely
followed Prime Minister Pashinyan’s
earlier visit to China, its state counciller
and foreign minister Wang Yi reasserted
that his government believes in the exclu-
sively peaceful resolution of the nearly
30-year-old conflict within the existing
format of international mediation spon-
sored by the OSCE Minsk Group.
Trade and Finance
On the economic front, China quickly
became one of newly independent
Armenia’s first trade partners with a trade
agreement between Yerevan and Beijing
in the early days of 1992. This was quickly the first-ever Chinese company, New Armenia will begin repaying the loan
followed by the creation of a Sino- Yida, to invest $5 million USD in a new in 2020 at a fixed rate of 2%, considered
Armenian intergovernmental trade com- mineral water production and bottling favorable when compared with the
mission a few years later. By 2010, China factory in the country’s Gegharkunik average 2.39% interest rate on foreign
was Armenia’s third largest trading part- region. loans. The average term to maturity of
ner behind the Eurasian Economic As for finance, Arshaluys Margaryan, the loan is 16 years, twice that of the
Union and the European Union, with a head of the Public Debt Management typical 9.62 years average term of other
29.3% increase in trade turnover com- Department of the Ministry of Finance, foreign government loans to Armenia.
TIGRAN MEHRABYAN; DAVIT HAKOBYAN
pared to the previous year, according to reports that, as of February 2019, For these reasons, the Ministry is opti-
Armenia’s ministry of economy. Armenia’s debt to China was just over mistic that the debt can be serviced at
And although Chinese foreign direct $23 million USD dollars—a mere 0.33% minimum risk.
investment in Armenia still trails behind of Armenia’s total public debt. The pur-
the hundreds of millions invested in pose of the single loan, transacted in Cultural Exchange
Georgia and Azerbaijan, the significant 2015, is to help Armenia modernize its Chinese interest in Armenia transcends
shift in Armenia’s way of doing business technologies and equipment used for the political and economic spheres.
after the Velvet Revolution has prompted customs inspections. In August 2018, Chinese officials
www.agbu.org | August 2019 AGBU 9
Chinese Ministry of Education-affiliated
Office of Chinese Language Council
China is Armenia’s Third International.
Largest Trading Partner Casting a Wider Net
A snapshot of China-Armenia trade in 2018 With China standing center stage in the
region, there are other primary actors with
Trade Turnover valuable potentials for Armenia. The “Big
US DOLLARS
Three” economies of India, Japan, and
$771.1 million South Korea each have an interest in
Armenia, whether for its human capital,
+29.3% total increase over previous year. educational resources, or tourist attractions.
India
The signing in 2017 of a visa facilitation
Exports from Armenia to China agreement between India and Armenia
US DOLLARS
has since caused a spike in Indian
$107.2 million visitors to Armenia—a remarkable 169%
-9.5% total decrease from previous year. increase, according to Armenia’s Tourism
Committee.
Yogeshwar Sangwan, who was India’s
Ambassador to Armenia for the past
Imports from China to Armenia three years, explains that many of his
US DOLLARS compatriots who visit Armenia come to
$663.86 million stay to explore business opportunities and
study, chiefly medicine. More than 6,000
+39.0% total increase over previous year. Indians have today established permanent
residence in Armenia. “Because of a similar
mindset, Indians feel at home in Armenia,”
Armenian Exports to China 2018 said Sangwan.
• Copper ores and concentrates But a greater Indian presence in
• Alcoholic beverages Armenia has also had a surprisingly pos-
• Chocolate itive effect on the number of Armenians
residing in India, explains Armen
China Imports to Armenia 2018 Martirosyan, Armenia’s Ambassador to
• Telephone equipment India.
• Computers and computer components He explains that, in the 17th century,
• Cars India boasted a small, but wealthy com-
• Footwear munity of Armenian merchants and
• Rubber tires tradesmen who had migrated there from
• Cyanide and cyanide oxide the Iranian city of Isfahan. But two world
wars, India’s independence, and the con-
formally opened the Chinese-Armenian dedicated to the promotion of Chinese solidation of the Armenian Diaspora in
Friendship School, a $12 million USD, language and culture, including the Europe, Australia, and the U.S. in the 20th
state-of-the-art facility where up to 500 Confucius Institute of Yerevan State century led to the exodus of Armenians
Armenian children will learn Mandarin University of Languages and Social from India, leaving behind only historical
and study Chinese culture in addition to Sciences, established in 2009. The monuments as manifestations of bygone
the regular Armenian curriculum. school’s Armenian director Gor Sargsyan wealth and prosperity. A spike in the
During the official opening ceremony, described the center as “a platform for the number of mixed marriages in recent
Prime Minister Pashinyan affirmed that promotion of Chinese-Armenian mutual times, with many Indians returning home
the Friendship School represented a new understanding, friendship, and commu- with Armenian spouses after completing
page in Chinese-Armenian relations nication,” while his Chinese counterpart their studies in the country, has begun to
marked by many common interests. “This Yan Meihua claimed that the Institute revitalize the dwindling settlements of
school will become a channel through helps Armenians “understand, identify Armenians in India.
which Armenians will gain more in-depth with, and eventually love China.” And while Armenians continue to
knowledge of the enormous influence The first of its kind in the region, the remain relatively absent from the land-
which China and Chinese civilization institute has attracted nearly 300 stu- scape of present-day India, according to
have had on the development of human- dents—a 60-fold increase from its five Martirosyan, the current state of bilateral
kind,” said Pashinyan. students in 2009. It is part of a network of political relations and prospects for
The new school joins a growing list of non-profit learning institutions head- collaborations in such areas as artificial
teaching institutes and centers in Yerevan quartered in Beijing and financed by the intelligence,telecommunications,pharma-
10 AGBU August 2019 | www.agbu.orgAsian tourists visit the Arch of Charents in development programs after Armenia agreements signed in 2018 between
Voghjaberd while on vacation in Armenia. gained independence and was included in Armenia and Japan, and Armenia, and
the Official Development Assistance pro- South Korea, and provides for political and
ceuticals, and genetics, along with talks of grams of Japan International Cooper- judicial development assistance, something
direct flights between Yerevan and New ation Agency (JICA). During his recent Japan had traditionally shied away from
Delhi will enable Armenia to more effec- visit to Armenia—the first by a sitting according to Japan’s ambassador to
tively explore the potential of this rising Japanese foreign minister, Taro Kono also Armenia Jun Yamada.
economic power and “revive the erstwhile announced the launch of Caucasus In Seoul, South Korea, a small group of
high profile of Armenians in this beauti- Initiative, a two-way program aimed at Yerevan State University students and
ful country.” human resource development for state young tech-wizards from Armenia study
building, infrastructure, and business envi- in top Korean universities and work with
Japan and South Korea ronment improvement in Armenia. tech giants such as Samsung and others to
In the Pacific Ocean, Armenia draws on its The new initiative comes on the heels of bolster their professional skills, while pro-
booming IT sector and national treasures two separate all-inclusive investment liber- moting Armenia as “a country strong in IT
as the legendary composer Komitas and alization, promotion, and protection and rich in young talent,” according to
the classical music virtuosos produced in
current-day Armenia. Since its opening in
2010, the Armenian Embassy in Tokyo
has sponsored performances of Armenian
Asian Tourism in Armenia
classical greats such as Sergey Khachatryan FEATURED IN THE latest lists of must- a 60% increase compared to 2017.
(violin) and Narek Hakhnazaryan (cello), see travel destinations, Armenia hasn’t Despite their growing numbers, the
and has helped establish the Komitas escaped the attention of a growing Chinese still trail behind Indian and
Music Society of Japan, presided over by base of Asian tourists increasingly Filipino visitors who numbered
Japanese pianist Takahiro Akiba, who has eager to see the world. An official around 30,000 and 20,000,
since become the ambassador of Armenian survey conducted by the Tourism respectively, in 2018, though
music in Japan. Committee of the Ministry of many of the latter, who travel to
In Armenia, Japan has become synony- Economy of Armenia between Armenia for vacation, reside and
DAVIT HAKOBYAN
mous with development assistance, afford- 2012 and 2018 concluded that just work in countries of the Persian Gulf
ing over half a billion US dollars in grant under 10,000 Chinese tourists visited rather than the Philippines, explains
aids, technical assistance, and low-interest the country last year, representing Armenia’s Foreign Ministry.
yen loans for large and medium-scale
www.agbu.org | August 2019 AGBU 11Singaporean hosts during the state dinner
on July 8, he boasted of “no barriers for the
activities of foreign companies” and vouch-
safed for the necessary legal conditions for
the protection and stimulation of foreign
investment in Armenia, going so far as to
say that “Armenia no longer suffers from
the ills that plague other post-Soviet
countries.”
Through the Eurasian Lens
Shortly before the Velvet Revolution,
then President-elect Armen Sarkissian
held an open dialogue with the Armenian
community of New York on the prospects
of Armenia’s economic growth in the
divided framework of East and West. He
explained what it means to have access to
President Armen Sarkissian speaking at to Armenia to discuss investment opportu- the financial support, liquidity, and tech-
the XVI Eurasian Media Forum in Almaty, nities and stimulate trade between the nology f rom relations with Europe,
Kazakhstan. two nations. applying those inputs to Armenian talent
Extended negotiations between the and ingenuity, and selling that output to
Grant Pogosyan, the Ambassador of Armenian and Vietnamese delegations the custom free market of the Eurasian
Armenia to Japan and South Korea. produced cooperation agreements in Economic Union (EAEU) over which
education and tourism, with a view to Armenia now presides. “We are the only
Enter Vietnam and Singapore cultivating additional agreements to country in the region that has good rela-
Beyond the Big Three Asian countries, exclude double taxation and set up a tions with both the European Union and
Armenia is also reinvigorating ties with facilitated visa program in October. Eurasia. It’s a fantastic opportunity and if
partners of a bygone era. Prime Minister A raft of similar agreements was signed we are smart, we will use it.”
Pashinyan, during his first state visit to two days later between the Armenian and This perspective was reiterated in his
Vietnam and Singapore this July, talked Singaporean governments to do away speech to foreign dignitaries from across
about “new, more dynamic relations” with double taxation and combat tax eva- Asia and Europe attending the XVI
It is well known that our geographical location has predisposed us to be open to
various regional cooperation formats and engagements. In this sense our strategy
is anchored in an approach that accommodates different interests in our region
without creating fault lines and minimizing the influence of conflicting interests.
The same is true of our relations with our partners in Asia-Pacific.
between Armenia and its Asian counter- sion, as well as strengthen cooperation in Eurasian Media Forum in Almaty,
parts, eyeing collaboration prospects in tourism, culture, and education. Kazakhstan in May 2019. This time,
trade, education, health, tourism, IT, and The Armenian delegation also met with President Sarkissian characterized
other sectors. other members of Singapore’s political elite, Armenia as “a small country, but a global
In Vietnam, Armenia’s prime minister in addition to the city-state’s Economic nation,” which has learned to work with
and his counterpart Nguy ẫn Xuân Development Board and Business Council everyone. He urged the international com-
Phúc, highlighted the efforts of the to discuss investment opportunities, includ- munity to take advantage of Armenia’s
Armenian-Vietnamese Intergovernmental ing in engineering education, which aligns relations with the European Union on the
Commission on Economic, Scientific, and with Armenia’s priority to grow an econ- one hand, and its proximity to Russia and
TIGRAN MEHRABYAN; DAVIT HAKOBYAN
Technical Cooperation in furthering rela- omy driven by the IT sector. Eurasia on the other to explore new eco-
tions in these key areas and revealed that an And while trade turnover with Vietnam nomic and trade opportunities.
Armenia-Vietnam Business Forum would and Singapore remains below the one mil- Many in the East have already taken
be held in Yerevan together with the lion mark in exported goods, Prime heed of the President’s words, for whom
Commission’s next session later this Minister Pashinyan is confident that the Armenia represents a vital commercial
October. The forum will bring high- qualitative transformation of Armenia’s corridor to lucrative markets in Europe,
ranking government officials and represen- economic and investment environment Russia, and Iran, with the Middle East not
tatives of Vietnam’s business world will soon upset that trend. Talking to his far behind.
12 AGBU August 2019 | www.agbu.orgFree Trade Opportunities economic integration in the wider declared, “Armenia sees its path toward
According to its Ministry of Economy, region. Vietnam was the first country to progress in close collaboration with all
Armenia benefits from the Generalised sign an FTA with the EAEU in 2015. regional and global players.”
System of Preferences ( GSP ) of the In his official speech to the visiting del- Whether this announcement signals
United States, Canada, Switzerland, egation from Armenia, Prime Minister Armenia’s intent to draw back from its
Japan, and Norway, and the Generalised Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore said, “We strategic alliance with Russia in favor of a
System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) of the appreciate Armenia’s strong support for more diversified partnership portfolio
European Union, which reduce export the FTA [between Singapore and the remains an open question. But the foreign
duties from thousands of Armenian EAEU] and hope to be able to conclude it influences, both old and new, will test
products traveling to these countries. The as soon as possible to catalyze business and Armenia on ever more challenging and
GSP+ scheme also lets foreign investors, economic relations between our two coun- sophisticated levels of diplomacy, always
including those from Asia, set up shop in tries.” Vietnam’s Nguyẫn Xuân Phúc also with an eye toward its ultimate win: To live
Armenia and export locally made prod- in peace with all its neighbors along a
ucts to the 500 million consumer market 21st-century Silk Road, engaging in trade,
of the EU. cultural exchange, and political alliances.
At the same time, Armenia’s unre- “Armenia is fully aware of the complex
stricted access to the 170-million strong and potentially conflicting interplay of
common market of the EAEU, which interests between these players,” states
joins Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia’s deputy foreign minister Adonts.
Kyrgyzstan, and Russia into one common “It is well known that our geographical
economic area, means that it enjoys the location has predisposed us to be open to
right to the duty-free import of raw various regional cooperation formats and
materials from these countries, while engagements. In this sense, our strategy is
Asian investors can use Armenia to access anchored in an approach that accommo-
the new market more easily, explains the dates different interests in our region with-
ministry. It also cited Armenia’s tax-free out creating fault lines and minimizing the
economic zones as potential new plat- influence of conflicting interests. The same
forms for cooperation. is true of our relations with our partners in
Under Armenia’s current presidency Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Asia-Pacific.”
of the EAEU, a temporary, three-year Avet Adonts and Senior Minister of Defense Armenia’s citizens, in concert with the
free trade agreement (FTA) with Iran and Foreign Affairs of Singapore Maliki worldwide Armenian Diaspora, must also
was ratified, opening up increased trade Osman exchange memorandums of under- be aligned with these new realities, work-
with the Middle East via the Armenian- standing. ing in tandem to ensure that the homeland
Iranian border. Likewise, Singapore and retains its independence and distinctive
V ietnam are also now betting on referred to the Vietnam-EAEU FTA as national characteristics, burnishing its
Armenia to sign or expand on existing key to Armenian-Vietnamese relations. modern image at home and abroad. As
F TA s with the Union to promote Asia rises or falls over the coming decades,
Endgame Armenia must both follow its own North
Prime Minister Pashinyan and his Vietnamese In May 2019, Prime Minister Pashinyan, Star while mastering the geopolitical
counterpart Nguyẫn Xuân Phúc in Hanoi speaking at the Conference on Dialogue of dynamics that have long contributed to its
last July. Asian Civilizations in Beijing, China, trials and triumphs.
www.agbu.org | August 2019 AGBU 13Legend
Point of Origin In New Julfa
Sir Catchick Paul Chater
Diana Apcar
Michael Joseph Martin
All Roads Lead Back
to New Julfa
The origins of a legendary tycoon, a daring diplomat, and a dedicated
community leader tell the story of early Armenian diasporas in Asia
By LIZ CHATER and NANA SHAKHNAZARYAN
W
hen the Silk Road Their destiny was inextricably tied to Ottoman rule. When their mercantile
reigned supreme the commercial ambitions of one par- prowess caught the attention of the Shah,
with its vast net- ticular 16th-century Persian king Shah he decided to arrange for their relocation
work of trade routes Abbas, who put them on a journey to the from their ancestral homes to serve his
stretching from the far corners of the East, ultimately leaving realm as the backbone of its economy.
Far East to parts of a trail of clues to their once strong pres- While his intentions were self-serving, the
ADOBE STOCK
Europe, the ancient Persian capital city of ence and impressive image in the region. Armenians received something valuable in
Isfahan figured prominently in the story of It began with an elite group of Armenian return: protection from Ottoman oppres-
the first Armenian settlers in Asia. traders living in historic Armenia under sion and its constant threat of danger.
14 AGBU August 2019 | www.agbu.orgHONG KONG
Sir Catchick Paul Chater
I
n the latter half of the 19th century,
an ambitious young Armenian
from Kolkata, India arrived in Hong
Kong, looking to seek his fortune in
a city brimming with opportunity.
Born in Kolkata in 1846 to Armenian
parents, Catchick Boghos Asvadzadoor
was one of 13 children of Chater Paul
Chater, a member of the British India
civil service, and his wife Miriam. Young
Catchick was only seven when he and his
siblings were orphaned in 1853 when
Miriam passed away at age 44.
Chater went on to be educated at La
Marinière School Kolkata between 1854
and 1864. Upon graduation, he decided
to visit Hong Kong and stay with his
eldest sister Anna and her family. Seeing
the limitless potential of the city, he
quickly found employment as a bank
clerk and decided to settle in Hong Kong.
Over the next few decades, Chater, a
visionary with sharp negotiating skills,
singlehandedly transformed the city into
an economic powerhouse. He founded a
string of successful companies and owned
a wharf, iron and coal mining enterprises,
as well as cotton-spinning factories.
He collected valuable Chinese art worth
As a ready royal army of seasoned mer- of the Ottoman Empire, ultimately millions of dollars in today’s valuations.
chants and trustworthy negotiators, the destroyed by the Persians). He was the quintessential representative of
Armenians enjoyed the favor and prefer- There, they built up a solid base of Armenians in 19th-century Asia, known
ential treatment of their Persian rulers, wealth by which to erect magnificent for his business acumen, his philanthropy,
enabling them to form a thriving com- Armenian churches and palatial man- and his global perspective.
munity in the outskirts of Isfahan called sions, as well as take up a brilliant tradi- In 1889, the Praya Reclamation
New Julfa (corresponding to the Old Julfa tion of decorative arts embellished
with authentic Armenian motifs. Such
The Vank Cathedral, built in 1606, is located splendor has been the object of awe by
in New Julfa and is a dazzling fusion of visitors and travelers to the region for
Armenian and Islamic architecture. centuries. And, through it all, this gem
of a Christian Armenian suburb some-
how remained exempt from the harsh
treatment dealt to other minorities well
into the 21st century.
Therefore it is no wonder that the family
origins of three of Asia’s most notable and
esteemed Armenian figures of the 19th
and 20th centuries would be rooted in
these enterprising, outward-looking fore-
bears, who ventured eastward and decided
to resettle and raise families in outposts as
far from home as India, Myanmar, and
China. Little did they know that their
legacy of Armenian pride and global per-
spective would resurface in the fascinating
life stories of Catchick Paul Chater of
China, Diana Apcar of Japan, and Michael
Sir Catchick Paul Chater
Martin of Bangladesh.
www.agbu.org | August 2019 AGBU 15scheme, a large-scale land reclamation North Vietnam—all with the intention of From Catchick Street to Chater Garden,
project of the Hongkong Land company supplying coal to his own company Hong numerous buildings, landmarks, and street
in colonial Hong Kong was carried out by Kong Electric. It was described as one of the signs are adorned with the Chater name.
Chater and James Johnstone Keswick, only truly successful commercial undertak-
laying the foundations of the financial ings in the entire history of then-French in 1902. He passed away at age 79 in Hong
hub of the Central Hong Kong of today. Indochina. In October 1891, a grateful Kong, survived by his wife Maria Christine
Chater also owned prime real estate in French government awarded Chater the Pearson and his nephews. He bequeathed
key locations in Canton prestigious Chevalier de la his mansion Marble Hall and its entire
(present day Guangzhou) Lègion d’Honneur. contents, including his unique collection
and Macau, in addition to In 1899, Chater adroitly of porcelain and paintings, to Hong
a large tranche of valuable negotiated a deal in which Kong. The remainder of his estate went
waterfront property in the government of Hong to the Armenian Church of the Holy
Singapore for which he Kong would donate a Nazareth in Kolkata, which runs a home
had big plans to develop. public space to the tune of for Armenian elderly named the Sir
In 1896, he was appointed 67,000 square feet and Catchick Paul Chater Home. He was
as one of the first of two Chater would finance interred at the Hong Kong Cemetery.
unofficial members of the construction of the BY LIZ CHATER
the Executive Council of St. Andrews Church in
Hong Kong. Kowloon. The foundation
D ur ing this same stone was laid in 1905. JAPAN
period, Chater and his The church continues to Diana Apcar
I
business partner H.N. Mody formed the thrive to this day.
Société Française des Charbonnages du A generous philanthropist, Chater t’s a little known fact that Sir Paul
Tonkin, which developed coal mines in also donated to the University of Hong Chater and Diana Apcar were cous-
Kong, St. John’s Cathedral, and other ins. Their common ancestor was
Inset: Chater was awarded the Chevalier de churches. A section of Hong Kong still Catchick Arrakiel, Sir Paul being his
la Legion d’Honneur in 1891. Below: Chater bears the Chater name, including streets, great grandson and Diana being his 2X
financed the construction of the St. Andrew’s squares, and houses, such as Catchick great granddaughter.
Church, which opened in 1906 in Kowloon, Street, Chater Road, and Chater Garden. Possibly the first woman to ever be
Hong Kong. Sir Catchick Paul Chater was knighted appointed to any diplomatic post—cer-
tainly the first in the 20th century—Diana
Apcar was a zealous advocate for the
oppressed, an indefatigable crusader
for human rights, and a champion of the
Armenian people. Her convictions were
expressed in a letter she wrote to then U.S.
President Howard Taft during the height
of the refugee crisis resulting from the
LIZ CHATER; MIMI MALAYAN
Armenian Genocide of 1915.
“The annals on that presidential chair
on which you sit are clear and bright as
the noonday sun,” she wrote, “turning over
the pages of their brightness, I am encour-
aged to address you.” Dedicated to saving
16 AGBU August 2019 | www.agbu.orgher people and desperately seeking to
alleviate suffering, Apcar refused to let her
distance from Armenia translate into
apathy. “You will agree with me that the
meanest and humblest of God’s creatures
has a right to speak the truth,” she
reasoned with Taft, “and greatest is the
right to speak the truth, when it is spoken
in the cause of murdered, outraged, and
misery-stricken humanity.”
She was born Diana Gayane Agabeg
in Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Rangoon,
Burma), on October 12, 1859. Her father
was born in Kolkata, and her mother Diana and Michael Apcar on their honey- diplomat, and the first woman diplomat in
born in Yangon. She came of age in moon in Japan, 1890. the 20th century.
Kolkata, the youngest of seven children. While her tenure concluded with the
Her marriage to Apcar Michael Apcar 1906, leaving his wife with three young sovietization of Armenia, her activism
in 1889 would introduce her to the children in a foreign land. and diplomacy on behalf of her people
global business the Apcar family had Assuming the burden of restoring the never did. Though she lived out her life
built over generations—involved in family business while raising her children, in Yokohama, Japan, a resourceful diplo-
shipping, import/export enterprises, and Apcar proved herself a clever and versatile mat, a prolific literary figure, and a
rice farming throughout South Asia and negotiator. When her son was old enough woman of insurmountable faith a cen-
the Far East. Apcar & Company would to inherit the business, she focused her tury ahead of her time, Apcar remained
motivate the young couple to settle in attention on her passions: literature and devoted to a free, prosperous Armenia.
Yokohama, Japan soon after the birth of diplomacy. Publishing writings both BY NANA SHAKHNAZARYAN
their first child. domestically and internationally, in all of
When Apcar arrived in Japan, she was the languages she wielded, Apcar’s politi-
an aspiring writer, already fluent in cal articles, literature, and poetry were BANGLADESH
Armenian, English, and Hindustani. printed in various journals, such as the Michael Joseph Martin
T
Settling in Yokohama, she mastered Japan Advertiser, the Japan Gazette, Far
Japanese. Though the city was alive with East, and New Armenia. She cultivated a hough there is no consensus on
opportunity for the new family, a series of voice of solidarity with the oppressed when the first Armenian came
tragedies befell the Apcars. Of the five people of the world, acutely aware of the to Dhaka, Michael Joseph
children the family was blessed with, only violence besieging Armenians in the Martin was certainly known as
three survived childhood. After two bank- crumbling Ottoman Empire. By 1920, the last Armenian to leave it. Officially
ruptcies, Michael Apcar suddenly died in Apcar published over nine books focused becoming the caretaker of the Armenian
on international relations, namely the Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection
Born in 1859 in Yangon, Myanmar, Diana scourge of imperialism, the potential for in 1986, Martin is credited with protect-
Apcar would later move to Yokohama, world peace, and the responsibility of ing the Armenian Church in Dhaka
Japan, with her husband Michael. those in power to act judiciously. She took through three often tumultuous decades
up the Armenian cause fervently. in Bangladeshi history. “Without him,”
Diana Apcar Apcar did not just espouse lofty political Martin’s successor Armen Arslanian
ideologies of peace, she wrote to everyone explains, “Armenians would have lost this
and anyone in a position of power—presi- historic place of worship, this vital con-
dents, prime ministers, ambassadors, nection to our ancestors, indefinitely.”
humanitarians—who could do something The youngest of nine children, Michael
to stop the massacre of Armenians and Joseph Martin was born Mikel Housep
provide aid to survivors. Her words trans- Martirossian in Yangon, Myanmar, in
lated to work as she tirelessly endeavored 1930, when it was still the Burmese capi-
to appeal for safe haven on behalf of thou- tal of Rangoon. The Martins had invested
sands of refugees all over the world. Her heavily in the city, operating a lucrative
support for the Near East Relief was par- trade business, and so they, like many
ticularly notable. other Armenian families in Burma at the
Apcar’s relentless efforts led Japan to time, were integrated into the fabric of
become one of the first nations to recog- Rangoon. Coming of age in a large family,
nize the independence of the newly Martin enjoyed a relatively peaceful
formed Armenian Republic in 1920. The childhood in a city that would soon be
same year, Diana Apcar was appointed swallowed by war.
Honorary Consul to Japan by Hamo December 1941 marked the end of an
Ohanjanian, the Republic’s foreign minis- era in Rangoon. As imperial powers wres-
ter, making her the first Armenian woman tled for control throughout the world,
www.agbu.org | August 2019 AGBU 17himself as a versatile businessman. Martin sewage and waste onto its grounds. When
even dabbled in the restaurant business, the caretakers of the Armenian Church in
opening Cafe Stadium, which routinely Kolkata were notified that a group of for-
catered to government officials and inter- eign investors were looking to take control
national traders. It was his hunger for of the property, they asked Martin to go to
bigger and better opportunities that would Dhaka and protect the church grounds.
take him to East Pakistan in the early 60s, This experience would transform him into
where he would meet his wife Veronica the fiercest advocate the church had ever
Gonsalves and start his family in the soon- seen in Bangladesh.
to-be-declared democracy of Bangladesh. Successfully pushing out the foreign
Though the family settled in Kolkata, investors with his diplomatic connections,
Bangladesh would continue to call to Martin began massive efforts to renovate
Martin. In 1986, as a congregant of the and restore the church to its former glory.
Armenian Church in Kolkata, he was Because the jaded former caretaker pro-
Michael Joseph Martin shown outside the gates made aware of the perilous state the hibited local laborers from working on the
of the Armenian College in Kolkata in 1946. Armenian Church in Dhaka was in. In the church, Martin contracted labor from
hands of an indifferent, non-Armenian Khulna to build, paint, and plaster. Though
the city was center stage in the South- caretaker, the church had been neglected threatened with force, and often with local
East Asian Theater of World War II. curses, he refused to abandon the church
Before the Japanese officially occupied and relocated to the city with his family. “I
the city, bombs rained on Rangoon. took over the care and responsibility of the
Because the Martins owned property Armenian Church in Dhaka because I
adjacent to an important part of the city’s considered it my duty,” Martin explains.
railway system, a site known for trans- “The blessings, guidance, and protection I
porting munitions to China, Japanese received along the way convinced me I had
planes would fly low looking to disrupt chosen the right path.”
the cargo. Just 11 years old at the time, On January 6, 1987, Christmas Service
Martin still remembers how Burmese enlivened the Armenian Church in Dhaka
government officials came to visit his for the first time in decades. Delivered by a
father after a bomb destroyed their home priest from the Church of England and
tennis court. “They said it was the third attended by a mixed congregation of both
largest bomb dropped in Burma at the locals and foreigners, the service was evi-
time,” he recalls. “The crater created was dence that Michael Joseph Martin suc-
so deep, and there was shrapnel every- ceeded in saving so much more than just
where. We were instructed to leave.” Michael Joseph Martin the church grounds. With his dedication
As Japanese attacks on the city esca- to restoring the spirit of the Armenian
lated, the family made plans to evacuate to A photo of Martin taken in 1948. Prior to Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection,
India, where some of the Martin clan had moving to Dhaka, Martin showed off his Martin salvaged a priceless piece of both
already settled. The journey from Rangoon business acumen by opening a restaurant in Armenian and Bangladeshi history.
to Kolkata by ship was treacherous— Kolkata called Cafe Stadium. In 2014, Michael Martin relinquished
Martin recalls the crew painting the vessel his responsibilities as caretaker to Armen
with camouflage as they sailed on the high for years. With its community gone, infra- Arslanian. For his decades of service, the
sea—but five days later, starved yet relieved, structure crumbling and centuries-old last Armenian in Dhaka was recognized
they docked in the Bay of Bengal. The graves left unprotected, the church was with the St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal by
Martin family reassembled in Kolkata and abandoned, neighboring an unofficial Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.
their youngest son continued with his dumping ground that channeled raw BY NANA SHAKHNAZARYAN
schooling at the Armenian College, where
he became known for both his musical and
athletic talent.
With a childhood split between two
cities, Martin became adept at negotiating
and followed his father into the family firm
in Kolkata, Martin & Sons. Soon venturing
out on his own, he departed from the
family trade business to pursue the jute
industry, working his way through the
ranks at various companies and developing
Martin protected the Church of Holy
Resurrection from foreign investors and
helped restore it to its past glory.
18 AGBU August 2019 | www.agbu.orgSoft Diplomacy
How today’s new diasporas are promoting
the Armenian image in Asia
F
or centuries, an innate entre- inspired by a pioneering spirit or pro- Above: A yearly street party held on Armenian
preneurial spirit and outward pelled by changes in the world order, Street in Singapore.
looking sense of adventure have begun to revive the centuries-old
spurred Armenians to travel Armenian leaning to the East. Armenian identity—one defined by the
beyond their ancestral lands As the Republic of Armenia sets the same outward-looking perspective of
seeking fame and fortune in tone for a new era of engagement with those who came before. At the same
faraway lands. Along the Great Silk Asian countries through a recent spate time, they are working to preserve and
Road, enterprising Armenian traders of summits, treaties, and official state promote the substantial legacy these
and merchants left their mark on history, visits, it is left to a new generation of predecessors left behind, both for
shaping the development of world civili- Armenians now living and working in Armenians and Asian society at large.
zation through commerce. Their well- Asia to conduct the soft diplomacy so The stories to follow profile some of
traveled footprint throughout the capital essential to an effective Asia-Armenian the people, places, and projects that are
cities and trading hubs of Asia has strategy. putting Armenians back on the Asian
PERANAKAN MUSEUM
largely been overlooked in the West, As employees, students, artists, and map. In turn, the first hand exposures of
leaving a precious part of history to business people from all parts of the these cultural ambassadors stand to
wither in obscurity. Armenian world, these expats are work- bring back valuable insight, experience,
Over the last decade, however, a ing together and apart to serve as un- perspective to help promote mutual
new generation of intrepid Armenians, official representatives of the global interests and understanding.
www.agbu.org | August 2019 AGBU 19BANGLADESH
Brethren of Bangladesh
Armenians maintain a presence in Dhaka through community service
By NANA SHAKHNAZARYAN
T
hough heavy traffic r uns “The Armenians of Dhaka were active Argentina, and it was on a business trip
through the Old City, just past in the social, political, and economic to Dhaka that he strolled through
the gates of the Armenian development of the city,” church caretaker Armanitola, Bangladesh’s Armenian
Apostolic Church of Holy Armen Arslanian notes. “The Armenians Quarter, and found the Church of Holy
Resurrection, the clamor and chaos of on this side of the world, those who Resurrection. In 2014, Arslanian inher-
the Bangladeshi capital evaporate. A city immigrated throughout Southeast Asia, ited the post of church caretaker from
of almost 19 million, Dhaka has no were not refugees. They were following Michael Joseph Martin, Dhaka’s “last
known, living Armenians, yet the heri- the routes of business.” Arslanian himself Armenian” and a passionate man who had
tage of an influential Armenian diaspora was doing the same when he came to preserved and protected the Armenian
SUMON YUSUF
and a part of Bangladeshi history is Bangladesh for the first time in 2008. Church since 1986, through some of
rooted in the revival of its 238-year-old The child of Armenian Genocide Bangladesh’s most tumultuous years as
Armenian church. survivors from Cilicia, he grew up in a young democracy. Unlike Martin did
20 AGBU August 2019 | www.agbu.orgYou can also read
