Friday, April 25, 2025 from 1 PM - 3 PM PST

In-Person at UCLA Bunche Hall 6275, 11282 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Please click here to register for the presentation on Zoom

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Dr. Bedross Der Matossian, Professor of History and Hymen Rosenberg Professor in Judaic Studies; Vice Chair at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Dr. Vahe Tachjian, Project Director and Chief Editor of Houshamadyan

THE RAYMOND KEVORKIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY DISTINGUISHED LECTURE

The talk examines the life and work of Sahag II Khabayan, the Catholicos of the House of Cilicia, as a lens through which to explore the Armenian Genocide and its aftermath. By
reconstructing Khabayan's biography through his correspondence, the talk will challenge traditional historiographies, prioritizing state archives—particularly Ottoman and German sources—over other significant historical records written in Armenian. It will emphasize the importance of Armenian survivor accounts, such as Khabayan’s letters, in understanding the complexities of the genocide and the efforts to preserve Armenian identity and survival in its wake. Khabayan's unique position as a political and religious leader during three critical phases of violence—the Adana massacres of 1909, the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923), and the Kemalist offensive (1918-1921) in Cilicia—offers a nuanced perspective on the events. The talk highlights three critical contradictions to traditional narratives: Khabayan’s loyalty to the Ottoman government during World War I, his relationship with Cemal Pasha (one of the key perpetrators of the genocide), and his post-war stance on the future of Armenians in Cilicia, which included critiques of the Armenian National Delegation’s reliance on European powers. Through Khabayan's efforts to rebuild the Armenian community in Antelias, Lebanon, after the genocide, the talk will underscore his leadership in creating a sanctuary for Armenians and preserving their religious and cultural life. In doing so, the talk will expand the historiographical discourse on the Armenian Genocide, offering a more comprehensive understanding of survival, resistance, and the political realities faced by Armenians during and after this traumatic period.

CO-SPONSORS:

UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Armenian Music Program

UCLA Richard Hovannisian Endowed Chair in Modern Armenian History 

UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Department of History

UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies

Promise Armenian Institute

NAASR