Hamazkayin Detroit Executive Committee 2006-2007

Hermine Manoogian         Tel # (248) 788-1511

Sona DerHovakimian

Marie Muschegian

Ani Ourlian

Shoghere Ourlian 

  Detroit Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble

   Instructor

   Mrs. Nayiri Karapetian

   nursenayiri@yahoo.com

   Tel # (248) 246 1716

HISTORICAL REVIEW

On May 28, 1928 in Cairo, Egypt the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Publishing Association was established by a mandate from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. Its stated purpose as written in the original by-laws was to save the survivors of the Armenian genocide from the dangers of dissolution and assimilation; to educate the new generation and prepare the Diaspora’s future intellectuals; and to elevate the educational level of Armenians through the Armenian language and the Armenian spirit.

The distinguished founding members of Hamazkayin were. Dr. Hamo Ohanjanian, Levon Shant, Nicol Aghpalian, Stepan Essayian, Gaspar Ipegian, Minas Khachadourian, Sarkis Malkhassian, Hagop and Setrak Balekjian. Vahan Navassartian became the godfather of Hamazkayin. Others instrumental in organizing the association were Garabed and Dertad Malkhassian, Kourken Mkhitarian and Mesrob Naradoungian.

The founders set to work estabilishing chapters in Armenian communities in the Middle East and raised funds for initial expenses and for the creation of a secondary school, which was realized in March 1930 with the creation of “Hye Jemaran” in Beirut, later renamed “Hamazkayin Nishan Palandjian Jemaran.” More recently the Antelias education center was named after its new benefactors, “Hamazkayin Melanton and Haig Arslanian Jemaran.”

            Hamazkayin Achievements

1930 – Drama presentations began in Beirut.

1931 – Hamazkayin’s publishing house was created in Beirut, and later renamed Hamazkayin Vahe Setian Publishing, after its main benefactor. It continues to be successful in publishing and disseminating Armenian literature. Later Hamazkayin opened its own book store in Beirut.

1942 – Hamazkayin headquarters were moved to Beirut where it was officially recognized by the Lebanese government under the name “Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society.”

1960 – With the movement of Armenians away from the Middle East, Hamazkayin established chapters in Europe, North and South America, and Australia.

1962 – The ARF Bureau created the literary and cultural monthly, Pakin, which became Hamazkayin’s official publication in the late 1990s.

1974 – Hamazkayin’s Foundation for Armenian Studies was established in Beirut.

1980 – The Marseille (France) chapter established an educational center.

1986 – The Regional Executive of Australia established the Hamazkayin Arshag and Sophie Calusden School in Sydney.

1995 – Hamazkayin began sponsoring annual Summer student Cultural gatherings in Lebanon. As of 2003, this event is held in Armenia.

1990 – The First Pan-Diasporan Representative Assembly was held in Athens, Greece and adopted the official name as “Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society.”

            The first election of a Central Executive was held there. Assemblies were held every four years in the following locations:

1994 – Dzaghgadzor, Armenia.

1998 – Adma, Lebanon.

2002 – Ain-Saadeh, Lebanon.

           

Today, Hamazkayin has offices in Beirut, Lebanon, the seat of the Central Executive, and Yerevan, Armenia.

           

The official we site is  www.hamazkayin.com