“The Martyred Armenian Writers 1915-1922: An Anthology” by Herand M. Markarian

PARAMUS, NJ – As part of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemorations, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) will present Dr. Herand M. Markarian’s book, “The Martyred Armenian Writers 1915-1922: An Anthology” at the Armenian Presbyterian Church in Paramus, NJ, March 18 at 7:30 PM.

Markarian’s book surveys the lives and writings of 13 authors who perished during the Armenian Genocide, several of whom on the night of April 24, 1915, along with many other community leaders, intellectuals and clergy in Constantinople were gathered and deported, never to be seen again.

The book, organized into three parts, includes general introductions to western Armenian literature of the 19th Century and to the Armenian Genocide. The third part of the book contains short biographies of some of the most beloved Armenian writers of the era, along with a bibliography of their writings. Dr. Markarian also provides a sample of excerpts from each author, translated into English. “The development of Armenian literature is a unique phenomenon in the history of world literature,” writes Markarian. “In contrast to others, it developed in countries where the official language was not Armenian.”

Herand Markarian is a scientist, professor, playwright, poet, director, actor, literary and theater critic, and translator. He was born in Basrah, Iraq. He has authored 26 plays and 13 books. He has directed 53 plays and acted in 50 others.

AMAA Executive Director/CEO, Zaven Khanjian, will make the opening remarks, followed by Dr. Markarian’s PowerPoint presentation. Nick Aynilian Jr., Raffi Aynilian, Vatche Demirjian, Richard Hekemian, Anoush Kalachian, Niree Kaprielian and Melani Salibian will participate in the program by reading some of the writings of the martyred writers.

The event is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the presentation, during which books will be available for sale.