Conference on Armenian Art and Culture in the Ottoman Empire before 1915

NORTHRIDGE, CA — The Ararat-Eskijian Museum and the Armenian Studies Program (ASP) at the California State University, Northridge (CSUN) have organized a daylong conference on “Armenian Art and Culture in the Ottoman Empire before 1915” dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The event will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the Sheen Chapel situated above the Museum at 15105 Mission Hills, CA.

The morning session (9:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), to be moderated by ASP director Dr. Vahram Shemmassian, will consist of the following presentations: Dr. Ronald Marchese, “From the Monumental to the Miniature: Armenian Religious Embroideries from the Constantinople Churches”; Aram Kouyoumdjian, Esq., “Arrested Development: Western Armenian Theater in the Nineteenth Century”; Dr. Vatché Mankerian, “Armenian Contributions to the Musical Life of the Ottoman Empire and Beyond”; Van Aroian, “The Abdullah Frères and Armenian Contribution to Photography in the Ottoman Empire.”

The afternoon session (1:30-4:30 p.m.), to be moderated by ASP lecturer Dr. Hasmig Baran, will include the following presentations: Dr. Christina Maranci, “Armenian Architects of the Ottoman Empire”; Dr. Ronald Marchese, “Metal and Other Objects from the Armenian Orthodox Churches of Constantinople: Treasures of Faith and Their Sociological Implications”; Mariam Vardanian, “Armenian Silversmiths and Goldsmiths of the Ottoman Empire”; Dr. Susan Pattie, “The Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary Things: Material Culture among Armenians in the Ottoman Empire.”

A special exhibition from the private collection of Mr. Osep Tokat, author of the book Armenian Master Silversmiths, will be held at the Ararat-Eskijian Museum on the conference day (only).

The conference is cosponsored by the Armenian Jewelers Association, Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), Nor Serount Cultural Association, Organization of Istanbul Armenians, Tekeyan Cultural Association, and the United Armenian Council of Los Angeles for the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

For Further information, please contact Dr. Shemmassian at (818) 677-3456 or vahram.shemmassian@csun.edu; Maggie Mangassarian-Goschin at (818) 357-1606 (after September 19) or maggiegoschin@gmail.com.