Armenian Diaspora Publications at the British Library

Vahe Boghosian

 

During my time at the British Library working on the Asian and African Collection backlog cataloguing project I have come across a number of thought-provoking printed works in the Armenian Collection. The following post describes three examples which for me highlight the fascinating adaptability and ever changing nature of diasporas. They describe Armenian communities which reached their zenith long ago, and are now seldom remembered, but at the same time they exemplify a willingness to embrace the host culture while remembering and respecting their own cultural roots.

Shifting the Armenian National Narrative on Women

Rupen Janbazian

 

Throughout Armenian history, women have held various roles in the national reality—from Armenian queens and princesses ruling in the medieval period, to female participation in the national liberation struggle of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Women have been instrumental in the many successes and accomplishments of the Armenian people; after all, they represent about half of the population. So, why wouldn’t they be credited with an equal share of the recognition and praise that men receive?

Only a Japanese Ship Accepted the Armenians

Japan, the country of the rising sun, and its people have charmed Artsvi Bakhchinyan, an Armenian Studies scholar who has been engaged in studying Armenian-Japanese historical-cultural relations for the past few years.