Seminar dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

On April 10, the project "Silent Witnesses of History," dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, was launched at the "Entanik" Youth Creative Center in Gyumri. In his speech, Director of the "Entanik" YCC A. Minasyan presented the "Silent Witnesses of History" program, which encompasses a multi-content series of 16 events: seminars in the communities of the province, cleanup operations around 10 monuments, thematic competitions, and a symbolic tree planting. He particularly emphasized the participation of national minorities in the program, aiming to expand teenagers' understanding of genocides, foster the idea that Armenians are a nation creating and preserving universal human values, raise a voice of protest against cultural "vandalism and destruction," appreciate national and cultural values, raise the national and patriotic spirit of teenagers, and unite the youth of Shirak Province's communities as well as national minorities living in Armenia around the concept of "I remember and demand..." The first event—a seminar on the topic "Genocide"—was held in the hall of the "Entanik" Center, attended by representatives and schoolchildren from various communities of Shirak Province, members of the Yerkrapah Volunteer Union, cultural figures, historians, lecturers, NGO presidents, employees of city and provincial structures, members of the Writers' Union of Shirak Province, and students of the "Entanik" Center. Under the prayer led by Father Pavstos Sargsyan, spiritual pastor of the Shirak Diocese, those present paid tribute to the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. The seminar conducted by history lecturer A. Petrosyan was engaging and solidly structured, providing information on the positions and policies of successive Turkish governments, as well as the global reaction to the horrific crime of the early 20th century. Simultaneously presented documentary materials made the facts and phenomena of the Armenian Genocide even more impactful and accessible. During the event, speeches were delivered by H. Seroyan, President of the "Yezdi Union of Northern Regions" NGO; L. Harutyunyan, President of the Gyumri branch of the "Rocio" NGO; and K. Ispiryan, President of the Greek community "Ellada" of Shirak Province, who expressed their national communities' empathy toward the Armenian Genocide, considering the century-long suffering as their own as well. E. Vardanyan, a historian and lecturer at the Gyumri State Pedagogical Institute, inspired by hope and faith in the future, urged the young generation to preserve their national identity, remain demanding, and at the same time be tolerant and protective of the culture of national minorities. The speeches of the participating teenagers were also commendable; they vowed unbroken will and a commitment never to give up, promising on behalf of the young generation to fight to the end for the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Hermine Sargsyan