Since its inception in 1995 the Hamazkayin Summer Forum has provided a friendly and exciting environment for bright young Armenia’s. Students get the chance to learn a great deal about Armenian culture–discover the sites and sounds of the host country–and–most importantly–plant the seeds for lifelong friendships. Thought provoking lectures–trips to historic destinations–and nights of dancing and entertainment are only some of the activities the forum has to offer. Past participants have called it "an experience of a lifetime."
Forum 2005–July 21-August 3–promises to be another exciting year with visits to Khor Virab–Lake Sevan–Yeraplour–the–Armenian Manuscripts Museum (Madenataran)–the Sarian and Parajanov Museums–the Genocide Memorial Monument and Museum–and the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. The forum lecture series this year features a diverse pool of speakers–including UCLA AEF Chair Professor Richard Hovannisian–art historian and critic Shahen Khatchatrian–and art curator Henrik Iguitian.
Hamazkayin’s ?Forum 2005′ Promises Fun and Enriching Summer Days
By Betty Panosian
Summer is at our doorsteps and one keeps wondering what to do during the hot and lazy months that may not only be of great entertainment–but also leave a lasting impact on our lives. There’s a whole package of summer fun and adventure waiting for those college students who are ready to take the opportunity of spending a couple of weeks full of unforgettable memories–newly found friendships–sightseeing trips–concerts and plays–lectures–and round table discussions on present-day topics of interest?and all in the heavenly countryside of our homeland Armenia and the bubbly streets of its capital Yerevan.
Ever wanted to visit Armenia–but never had friends to go along with? Ever wanted to have real fun in the lively cafs and clubs of Yerevan while at the same time absorbing the culture and traditions of your ancestral country? Ever felt troubled by issues concerning you as a youth of Armenian origin and living in the diaspora? Ever wanted to share your viewpoints and problems with people of your age–but not finding any? Ever dreamed of having a web of friends from all over the world?
"Hamazkayin Students Cultural Forum 2005" provides the answer. The well-arranged timetable enables a participant to get imbued with the Armenian heritage–and yet enjoy plenty of free and leisure time. With its cool days of trips to historic Armenian landmarks–cultural lectures and social debates–its evenings of theatre and concert attendance–and its hot nights sizzling with long hours of dancing and entertainment–"Forum 2005" promises to be a singular venue to take part in what has been called by previous participants "an experience of a lifetime."
During the past decade–Armenian youth in the diaspora and the homeland have had the opportunity to participate in this summer project–combining the exciting and entertaining with the cultural and educational. These forums are an interesting and successful effort to combine the ingredients for an unforgettable summer vacation. Organized by the Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society–one can be sure that they will provide a healthy and friendly environment. Get ready! Pack up! A whole bundle of entertainment is ahead!
For more information on the upcoming forum–visit www.hamazkayin.com or contact Shoushig Arslanian at shoarslan@aol.com.