Brimming with Accomplishment and Promise: By Ani Nalbandian

Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School of Jerusalem Surges Forward

Jerusalem - It is often the case that the telltale sign of the longevity and prosperity of a
community is the progress of its youth. This is certainly true of the Armenian Quarter of
Jerusalem, where the vigilance on the part of the administration and faculty of Sts. Tarkmanchatz
Armenian School to impart an excellent and meaningful education, steeped in the Armenian
tradition, is yielding noticeable results.
Over the course of its 83 year existence, Sts. Tarkmanchatz has had to keep pace with countless
evolving factors, both externally and internally. Examples of such changes include the expansion
of the school to encompass all grades, K-12, the multi-linguality of the curriculum, which spans
Armenian, Arabic, English and Hebrew, and the rising standards for admission into local
universities. Add to these factors the more universal phenomena of globalization, the demands
for technology in the classroom, or the advancing international standard of education post high
school, and the amount of change to keep abreast of is in one word, overwhelming.
The central tenet of Sts. Tarkmanchatz is to deliver an exemplary education while seeing to the
well-being of its steadily-increasing student population, now totaling 117. Indeed, not only
should the faculty and administration be commended for reversing the trend of a declining
student body, but for fostering a nurturing environment where learning is enjoyable, and
comradery among students is encouraged through various aferschool activities, such as the
popular Theater Club or overnight camping fields trips. Moreover, with the constant fund-raising
efforts on the part of the school administration, the entire school edifice has received an
extensive facelift in recent years, including newly refurbished classrooms, a science lab, library,
computer lab, teacher’s lounge and more, all at no expense to the Armenian Patriarchate of
Jerusalem, but coming from outside benefactors and resources.
Efforts and plans to continue on this track are only gaining speed. In the coming year, the
administration will look to develop an interactive school website, replete with academic and
other information for students, parents, faculty, and alum. Established programs and academic
competitions such as Geography Challenge or the school Talent Show will likely inspire others
of the sort. Already, the 2011-2012 academic year was marked by a memorable, festive occasion
on September 5th, when more than 30 clowns from Spain performed for the community in a
spectacular Festiclown display, entertaining young and old alike.
But perhaps the most signficiant strides taken under the principalship of Fr. Norayr Kazazian,
who assumed this post in 2007, are the curricular advances to keep pace with the ever-rising
standards of education. As a result of willingly and openly subjecting the school to evaluation
from within and without, the administration has made an extensive list of areas of necessary
improvement. During the past several years, the school faculty has gone from having only a
handful of teachers with university degrees, to now boasting of approximately 75%, including 12
with BA’s, 5 with MA’s and 3 with PhD’s. Moreover, the administration has been in close
collaboration with the British Council to obtain and incorporate new textbooks across various
subjects in accordance with the General Certificate of Education (G.C.E.) curriculum, which Sts.
Tarkmanchatz adheres to. In addition, the need to strengthen the English language curriculum in
order to better prepare students for the subject-specific G.C.E. exams administered in English has
been realized through the hiring of native-speaking English teachers, and extra daily exposure to
the English language.
Of course, alongside the emphasis on the English language, the school administration has been
particularly concerned with fortifying the emphasis on the Armenian language and culture as Sts.
Tarkmanchatz has been and seeks to be, an Armenian institution, first and foremost. With regards
to this matter, the administration has always been frank in wishing to leave no stone unturned to
instill in its students the Armenian identity. However, the challenges that the administration face
here are universal throughout the Diaspora - the lack of qualified Armenian language teachers,
the influence and lure of American pop culture, the enveloping swell of globalization, and so
forth. The remedy, if there is one, is to continue to vigorously expose the children and youth of
the community to the unique facets of the Armenian heritage and identity. In this regard, at Sts.
Tarkmanchatz Armenian School, where the church feast days and historic events in the Armenian
nation’s history are incorporated into the school calendar and widely-celebrated, and where, due
to intertwined existence of the school with the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Armenian
history is a living history in which the students partake, the task is made a bit easier.
It is true that the road ahead for the Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School community of
Jerusalem is laden with existing challenges, and even new challenges which may emerge. But I
personally believe that one who has been witness to all that I describe herein cannot feel
anything but awe-inspired at the work of this tireless community to preserve and enlighten its
greatest asset, the youth. Yes, indeed, the chalice of this community is lifted high, and it is
brimming with the promise of what lies ahead. Vartskerneet gadar!
Ani Nalbandian,
Washington, D.C.

MICHAEL ARAM HELPS RAISE FUNDS FOR JERUSALEM’S DWINDLING COMMUNITY

Over 240 guests enthusiastically came to support Michael Aram and Save the ArQ at Tabula Tua in Chicago, IL during an October 21 fundraiser benefiting the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem.

This was the second annual fundraiser for Save the ArQ and the evening was so successful thanks in part to Michael Aram-who personally engraved any of his stunning gift and tableware collections bought that evening; Carrie Nahabedian and Michael Nahabedian of NAHA restaurant-who donated and provided the incredible spread of Mediterranean-inspired appetizers, autumn drinks as well as their staff; and Grace Tsao-Wu-the owner of the upscale boutique, Tabula Tua, who initiated this meaningful event and gave ten percent of all Michael Aram purchases to Save the ArQ.

The highlight of the evening was auctioning Michael Aram's original sculpture and masterpiece Perpetual Perseverance which Michael so graciously donated to Save the ArQ.

The sculpture-Michael's interpretation of the khacthkar-was open to all bidders globally through ebay; nonetheless, a Chicago Armenian had the highest bid.

Michael gave a heartfelt speech explaining how his own personal feelings were so intricately intertwined in the making of this one-of-a-kind piece which was made in remembrance of all the Armenians who sadly perished and survived the Armenian Genocide.

Michael further shed light on the significance-and urgent need-to support Save the ArQ as he says:

"Preserving the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem is a responsibility for all of us who value our historic and cultural legacy. Working on Perpetual Perseverance and donating it for Save the ArQ's fundraising efforts was a wonderful experience for me.

"In studying various old stone khatchkars and seeing wonderful examples of them in Armenia, I was able to interpret the art form in my own style; yet, full of the narrative and symbolism which comes directly from our artistic and cultural and past.

"Without safeguarding the Armenian Quarter's great legacy, future generations of Armenians will not be able to reference and understand our great and ancient culture."

Jerusalem's Armenian Quarter is unquestionably the most significant area in the Armenian Diaspora. Armenians are the only people to have a Quarter in the Old City with the three great monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

These Four Quarters, which make up the Old City of Jerusalem, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of a one-third square mile walled area with the Armenian Quarter encompassing one-sixth of this area.

Historically, Armenians have lived in Jerusalem unscathed, their antiquities have remained intact and the very reason why survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide traveled to this area seeking refuge. Once a thriving Armenian community with over 30,000 people; today, this area has vastly dwindled to fewer than 500 Armenians and cannot survive without the help of Diasporan Armenians.

As Chef Carrie Nahabedian of NAHA restaurant stated "I hope this is the start of many more fund raising events on raising the awareness of the Save the ArQ project to Armenians worldwide."

Save the ArQ is passionate about helping to sustain this community and promote the Armenian life which has existed in the Old City of Jerusalem for the last two millennia.

Truly An Amazing Event!

Last night's event to welcome Michael Aram at Tabula Tua in support of Save the ArQ was incredible! On behalf of Save the ArQ, THANK YOU to Michael Aram; Chef Carrie Nahabedian and Michael Nahabedian of NAHA restaurant; the NAHA team; Grace Tsao-Wu, Owner of Tabula Tua; the Tabula Team; Jodi Barke and all the amazing people who came to support the event. It was a delightful evening by all!
And Michael's AMAZING MASTERPIECE, PERPETUAL PERSEVERANCE, sold!
Here are PHOTOS of the evening for those of you who could not join us.

Michael Aram Original Masterpiece! PERPETUAL PERSEVERANCE

This meaningful one-of-a-kind Michael Aram sculpture is his interpretation of the khatchkar—the traditional Armenian cross—crafted out of metal. The khatchkar is represented by an apricot tree with an open outer frame. The frame represents the historical attempt to diminish the Armenian people, but there is one tree limb that extends beyond the frame symbolizing their perseverance. This extended limb’s branches are the only ones with leaves to signify those who survived the Armenian Genocide as well as a symbol of life. A dove sits atop the highest branch representing hope and the Holy Ghost. At the base of the tree lay fallen leaves—representing all the Armenians who sadly lost their lives during the genocide. The leaves of the apricot tree are heart-shaped honoring all these Armenian souls. The sculpture is entirely dark bronze except the leaves attached to the highest branches which are a golden bronze while the dove is cast out of silverplated bronze. The dimensions are 33” x 22 1/4” x 12”.

It is a piece being made in honor and in remembrance of all those who perished and survived the Armenian Genocide.


This original creation titled, Perpetual Perseverance, will be auctioned on ebay starting OCTOBER 12th. The auction will finish the evening of the reception for Michael Aram in Chicago: Thursday, OCTOBER 21st at 8:30 p.m. (CDT) with access to ebay for those attending the reception. Michael has so kindly donated this piece to Save the ArQ with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. In addition, Michael will be signing all pieces purchased this evening and Tabula Tua will be donating 10% of all proceeds to Save the ArQ.

More Photos of Michael Aram's Original Masterpiece: Perpetual Perseverance

Michael Aram: The Artist...The Armenian

Internationally acclaimed sculptor and artist, Michael Aram, continuously broadens his creative talents all the while remaining deep-seated in his Armenian roots.

When most of us hear “Michael Aram” images of his metalware designs come to mind; albeit, our favorite piece or something new from his continuously evolving collections thoughtfully displayed in magazines and stores worldwide. Even as these collections keep growing, Michael has ventured outside the confines of metal and has collaborated with Waterford designing both china and stemware and more recently, Hartmann, creating beautiful, lightweight and practical luggage.

While all this creativity flows through Michael’s gifted mind and hands, in his heart is an astonishing Armenian advocate.

American-born and raised, Michael also grew up in a traditional Armenian household where the language was spoken and his family attended the Armenian Church frequently. Furthermore, Michael’s Armenian attributes have influenced his creativity as he grew up crawling on oriental carpets appreciating the intricate patterns, colors and richness as well as the detailed gold applications used inside the churches.

Most importantly, like all Armenians, Michael’s background was heavily influenced by the preparations and traditions involving food all the while surrounded by family and friends. It is this ritual of food that brings Armenians together—to laugh, to lament, to evolve, tell stories or merely “just be”…together.

Armenians are a tribal people who move forward in this modern-world bound to the richness of tradition and history. Michael is no exception. His grandparents were genocide survivors and later in life they shared their heartbreaking first-hand accounts to Michael. His grandfather, whose family members were farmers from Tadem (a village in the Kharpert region of Eastern Turkey), enlightened Michael with stories about village life, the foods and various cooking methods. This distinctive identity transpires in Michael’s collections; two of which are the fig and pomegranate.

I love the images of the fig and the pomegranate as they are central fruits in our culture. The fig is a symbol of knowledge and plentitude while the pomegranate is a symbol of life, abundance, fertility and marriage. Pomegranate groves can still be found growing around ancient Armenian settlements. The first time I used the pomegranate image was, in fact, when I created the alter railing in the Westchester, NY church.

In April, 2009, Michael Aram contributed and helped the nonprofit, Save the ArQ, go public stating, “[t]he Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem has been an important cultural and religious living monument for the past 1700 years and requires international awareness as well as support in order to be preserved and maintained”.

Save the ArQ aims to create awareness of the significant religious, cultural, and historical presence of Armenians in Jerusalem and to encourage the revitalization of the Armenian Quarter in the Old City. The Armenian community of Jerusalem continues to vastly dwindle and the current number of residents is 500 Armenians.

On October 21st, Michael Aram is returning to Chicago for a private reception held at Tabula Tua again benefitting Save the ArQ. He will personally engrave all items purchased and a percentage of the evening’s proceeds will go towards the nonprofit. Co-hosts for the event are: Mary Hoogasian, co-founder of Save the ArQ; Carrie Nahabedian and Michael Nahabedian, of NAHA restaurant; and Grace Tsao-Wu, owner of Tabula Tua.

Grace Tsao-Wu of Tabula Tua has carried Michael Aram pieces since her store opened in 1994. As this is Michael’s first appearance at Tabula Tua, Grace felt it should be a meaningful event that would benefit Chicagoans. It became an ideal situation to create a momentous occasion for both Chicago Armenians and non-Armenians alike.

Culinary creative force, Carrie Nahabedian—a past winner of the nationally distinguished James Beard award—is joining fellow friend and artist, Michael Aram, to ensure the evening is a spectacular event. Carrie and cousin, Michael Nahabedian, both owners of NAHA restaurant in Chicago are providing Mediterranean inspired food and drink for the reception.

In addition to the reception, Michael is producing a one-of-a-kind sculpture specifically for the Armenians. This meaningful piece is Michael Aram’s interpretation of the khatchkar—the traditional Armenian cross—crafted out of metal. The two-foot khatchkar is represented by an apricot tree with an open outer frame. The frame represents the historical attempt to diminish the Armenian people, but there is one tree limb that extends beyond the frame symbolizing their perseverance. This extended limb’s branches are the only ones with leaves to signify those who survived the Armenian Genocide as well as a symbol of life. A dove sits atop the highest branch representing hope and the Holy Ghost. At the base of the tree lay fallen leaves—representing all the Armenians who sadly lost their lives during the genocide. The leaves of the apricot tree are heart-shaped honoring all these Armenian souls. The piece is entirely dark bronze except the leaves attached to the highest branches which are a golden bronze while the dove is cast out of silverplated bronze.

It is a piece being made in honor and in remembrance of all those who perished and survived the Armenian Genocide.

This original masterpiece titled, Perpetual Perseverance, will be auctioned on ebay starting October 12th. The auction will finish the night of the event: Thursday, October 21st at 8:30 p.m. (CDT) with access to ebay for those attending the reception. Michael has so kindly donated this piece to Save the ArQ with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. In addition, Michael will be signing all pieces purchased this evening and Tabula Tua will be donating 10% of all proceeds to Save the ArQ.

The event at Tabula Tua:
1015 W. Armitage, Chicago (Lincoln Park neighborhood)
Thursday, October 21st, 2010 from 6-9 p.m.

RSVP (required) to 773.525.0816 or rsvp@tabulatua.com

Michael Aram and Save the ArQ Plan Fall Fund Raiser in Chicago

Michael Aram has so graciously joined Save the ArQ again to help raise money for the nonprofit.
The event will take place in Chicago Thursday, October 21st at Tabula Tua.
Further details to follow.