“Genocide Studies Week” Opens with the Presentation of Vahagn Dadrian’s Landmark Work (Photos)

Lusine Sahakyan, Associate Professor at Yerevan State University and Turkologist, brought to the event a commemorative medal named after Vahagn Dadrian, awarded to her by the Armenian community of Los Angeles. Sahakyan, who has worked extensively with Dadrian’s archives, including in Jerusalem, emphasized the scope and significance of his work.

“Beyond his scientific contributions to Genocide studies, Dadrian was also an active voice in international media. As early as 1964, he published an article that resonated deeply with the Armenians of Artsakh and raised concerns about issues that are still relevant today. In Genocide studies, Dadrian set a benchmark that all experts must still strive to meet.”

Hayk Demoyan, Doctor of Historical Sciences and former director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, shared a copy of the book signed by Dadrian. He highlighted the strategic importance of translating and publishing this work in Armenian.

“Newmag’s initiative is vital for shaping our collective consciousness. Dadrian, originally trained as a mathematician, approached the subject with surgical precision—layer by layer, he uncovered the crime, analyzed it, and conveyed a clear message. Using archival documents from Turkey’s allies, Austria and Germany, he presented irrefutable evidence of the genocide. His use of scientific language and terminology introduced a new level of academic rigor to Armenian Genocide studies, laying the foundation for the entire field.”

Marina Mkhitaryan, Executive Director of AGBU Armenia, underscored the importance of memory in AGBU’s mission. “This year marks the 119th anniversary of AGBU. For us, memory is not about the past as a museum piece; it’s about learning lessons and planning for the future. Creating and preserving Armenian content is one of our top priorities. To fully understand that, you must understand the DNA of AGBU, founded by Poghos Nubar, the son of Nubar Pasha.”

Avetik Chalabyan, coordinator of the “Hayaqve” initiative, spoke about the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice. “When we launched the ‘Armenian Referendum’ initiative, we proposed legislation to criminalize denial of the Armenian Genocide. Unfortunately, it was blocked by the current government. Despite ongoing denial, the Genocide remains an open wound. Dadrian’s book is more than a scholarly work, it is a powerful testimony that should serve as a foundation for justice.”

“Genocide Studies Week” is organized by Newmag Publishing House with the support of an AGBU grant. On the second day of the program, Newmag will present the latest book by Turkish historian Taner Akçam, who will also attend the event in person.