Mediterranean Basin

Armenian Street Foundation

Mediterranean Basin

PARADISE LOST

Ani, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cmAni was an ancient fortress that became a famous city during the Bagratuni period, and in 961 was proclaimed the capital of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom. Ani was surrounded by powerfu… — Ani, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cm
Ani was an ancient fortress that became a famous city during the Bagratuni period, and in 961 was proclaimed the capital of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom. Ani was surrounded by powerful two-layered walls named Ashotashen and Smbatashen, while in the center of the town was a Citadel. Ani is known as the “city of one thousand and one churches,” the most famous of which was the Cathedral - the seat of the Catholicos.
The Silk Road was one of the most important trade routes in the Middle Ages, linking China and India to the West. Ani, which lay on that road, became a thriving city where merchants from different parts of the world would meet to trade.
Ani was abandoned after an earthquake in 1319, but its ruins tell a captivating story. Ani Armenians set up communities outside the homeland – in the Crimea, the Balkan Peninsula, Poland, and elsewhere. According to tradition, the name Jugha (Julfa) represents a branch of Ani, and hence Jugha was also referred to as New Ani.

Holy Etchmiadzin, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cmBuilt between 301 and 303, Etchmiadzin is considered the oldest cathedral in the world and today serves as the Catholicosate and main administrative headquarters of the Ar… — Holy Etchmiadzin, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cm
Built between 301 and 303, Etchmiadzin is considered the oldest cathedral in the world and today serves as the Catholicosate and main administrative headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
According to Agathangelos, the historiographer and secretary of King Tiridates III of Armenia, St. Gregory the Illuminator, Armenia’s Patron Saint and first official head of the Armenian Church, founded the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. That occurred after he had a vision of Christ striking the ground with a golden hammer at the pagan temple of Spandaramet, the guardian spirit of the land. King Tiridates III was the first King ever to adopt Christianity as a state religion.
In the Middle Ages, Etchmiadzin was rebuilt to resemble the two peaks of Mount Ararat: Sis and Masis. Legend has it that Noah’s descent in the ark to these peaks inspired medieval Armenian merchants to fearlessly travel the seas in search of salvation, looking to the Armenian Church for protection on their adventures.

Jugha, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cmIn the 15th century a group of Khodjas or Eastern international merchants, was formed in Jugha (Julfa), Agulis and nearby towns. These merchants were responsible for extending Armeni… — Jugha, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cm
In the 15th century a group of Khodjas or Eastern international merchants, was formed in Jugha (Julfa), Agulis and nearby towns. These merchants were responsible for extending Armenian international trade. The Armenians transported Chinese and Persian silk via Astrakhan and Russian Arkhangelsk to the Netherlands and England, and through the Aegean ports to Italy and France.
The inhabitants of Jugha were proud of their city, and claimed it was more beautiful and wealthy than Paris. In 1603 Shah Abbas I of Iran was the guest of Khodja Khachik, who hosted him in the city for three days. The Shah and his retinue approached the city in the evening, and were impressed by the 30,000 lanterns that burned throughout the city, turning night into day. Beautiful hand-knit rugs and expensive silks were laid along the path from the river bank up to Khodja Khachik’s house and Khodja Khachik presented the Shah with gold in a golden platter.
In 1605 Shah Abbas deported the residents of the Arax valley, including Jugha, to his new capital, Isfahan, thus enriching his empire with businessmen, skilled craftsmen and industrious peasants. Jugha was destroyed and burned twice so that its residents would not return. The glorious history of Nor Jugha (New Julfa) began with the destruction of Jugha.

Nor Jugha, Capital of the Armenian Seafarers, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cmThe Armenian city of Nor Jugha (New Julfa) emerged out of Shah Abbas’ campaign in the early 1600s to deport Armenians from Jugha (Julfa), near … — Nor Jugha, Capital of the Armenian Seafarers, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cm
The Armenian city of Nor Jugha (New Julfa) emerged out of Shah Abbas’ campaign in the early 1600s to deport Armenians from Jugha (Julfa), near the Arax River in the heart of historic Armenian lands, to his new capital of Isfahan. There they settled in an area which became known as New Julfa.
New Julfa quickly emerged as a new Armenian city. Its main avenue Nazar Khiavan, named after the city’s first Kalantar (mayor) Nazar, stretches East to West and housed Armenian shops and workshops. Ten straight and wide streets stretched along the River Zayande to the south, crossing Nazar’s Avenue and forming twenty independent districts. New Julfa was covered with beautiful gardens and the Armenians built 13 churches in the city.
By 1620 New Julfa was the center of Iranian trade and had 30,000 inhabitants. Shah Abbas handed the Armenians the monopoly on Iranian raw silk export. Armenian merchants’ agents, in addition to their commercial activities, often provided intelligence, translations and diplomatic services for the Shah.
A new type of Armenian was formed in New Julfa, who should be called the “sea-Armenian”. These Armenian merchants took to the sea and became valiant seafarers, first establishing themselves in prominent port cities in India and then in the Far East.

PARADISE FOUND

Armenian Street, Madras, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cmArmenians merchants had been settling in Southeast India since the 16th century. In the mid-17th century, they were fighting alongside the Indian communities agains… — Armenian Street, Madras, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cm
Armenians merchants had been settling in Southeast India since the 16th century. In the mid-17th century, they were fighting alongside the Indian communities against the Portuguese colonists, and in 1662 Armenian Marcus Erezad became the Governor of Mylapore. The Armenians of Madras (now Chennai) established a printing house in 1772, publishing books and the first Armenian periodical, “Azdarar” in 1794.
An Armenian Church was founded in Madras in 1712, but the British destroyed it after three decades. The present church was established in 1772 on Armenian Street. Masonic symbols are visible on the front of the church, which means that the Madras people were interested in Masonic lodges as early as in the 18th century.. St. George fortress, known as the oldest Armenian building, is the current Admirals’ home. The Marmalong Bridge (Maraimalai Adigal Bridge) was originally constructed by the Armenian merchant Coja Petrus Uscan in 1726-1728 at the cost of 100,000 rupees.
The Armenian community of Madras is famous for its patriotism. Wealthy merchant Shahamir Shahamirian appealed to Catherine the Great, the Queen of Russia, to liberate Armenia from under the Persian yoke, promoting the vision of an Armenian state and publishing the first ever draft of the Constitution of Armenia in Madras.

Armenian Ghat, Calcutta, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cmThe Armenians were established in Bengal in 1646. After the foundation of Calcutta, the Armenians settled here, and in 1707, founded the Armenian Church of the Holy… — Armenian Ghat, Calcutta, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cm
The Armenians were established in Bengal in 1646. After the foundation of Calcutta, the Armenians settled here, and in 1707, founded the Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth. Now there are three Armenian churches in the city. In 1821 the Armenian Humanitarian Seminary was founded in Calcutta, which still functions. It played a major role in the education of the Armenians. Among the Armenian communities in India, Calcutta became the largest, and a small Armenian community exists today.
As in many cities where Armenians settled, there is an Armenian Street. The Armenian presence in Calcutta was very obvious in the early twentieth century. Edifices including Galstaun Park (now the Nizam Palace), Galstaun Mansion, Stephens Court, Park Mansions and the Grand Hotel (now the Oberoi Grand) reflected the wealth of individuals from Isfahan such as J.C. Galstaun, Arathoon Stephen and T. M. Thaddeus.
The Armenian Ghat is of special mention, built by Manvel Hazaar Maliyan in 1734. This elegant construction made of cast iron stands on the Hoogley River bank, in vicinity of the flower market. It maintained its significance until the construction of a bridge over the river in 1874. Unfortunately, this magnificent building is now almost forgotten.

Armenian Church, Dacca, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 54 cmArmenian merchants from New Julfa settled in (modern) Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka in the 18th century and made their fortunes in the jute and leather trade. The Armen… — Armenian Church, Dacca, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 54 cm
Armenian merchants from New Julfa settled in (modern) Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka in the 18th century and made their fortunes in the jute and leather trade. The Armenian district of Armanitola lies at the heart of Dhaka and became the city’s center for trade.
Armenians in Dhaka have made a number of contributions to the development of Dhaka’s urban life. G. M. Shircore introduced the Ticca-Garry, or horse carriage, which became a popular mode of transport in the city and Armenian merchants opened western-style shops trading in European and British goods. In 1848, Armenian merchant and zamindar (landowner) Nicholas Pogose opened the Pogose School, the first private school of the city, which operates to this day as one of the most prestigious schools in Dhaka.
The Armenian Apostolic Church of the Holy Resurrection was built in 1781 on the site of a wooden vicarage near the cemetery on Armenian Street, in the district of Armanitola. After the Church's construction, a clock tower was erected. The clock could be heard four miles away, and people synchronised their watches with the sound of its bell. Unfortunately, it does not exist now, but the Church remains one of the most culturally significant sights of Dhaka.

Armenian Church, Rangoon, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cmThe first Armenians settled in Myanmar in the early 16th century. They were shipbuilders, merchants, traders in precious stones (especially rubies) and exporters o… — Armenian Church, Rangoon, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cm
The first Armenians settled in Myanmar in the early 16th century. They were shipbuilders, merchants, traders in precious stones (especially rubies) and exporters of non-ferrous metals. Armenians were a trusted community and were granted permits to build bridges and other major infrastructure. Sarkies Manook, Khodja Grigor Ayvazian, Captain Khodja Simon, Royal Treasurer Nikoghayos Aghazariants, Minister Ishkhan Grigor Manukian, engineer Arakiel Martin, Governor of Pegu State Mkrtich Hovsep Minasian were among the prominent Myanmar Armenians.
One of the world’s first female diplomats, Diana Apcar, who was appointed Honorary Consul of Armenia in Japan in 1920, was born in Myanmar.
Armenian merchants were often employed as officials by the Burmese Kings, who granted the community permission to build churches. In 1862 the Armenian Apostolic Church of St. John the Baptist was built in Merchant Street in the center of Rangoon (Yangon). This replaced an earlier Armenian church. Other churches once existed in Pegu, Moulmein, Mandalay, Maymo and Syriam.

Armenian Street, Georgetown, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 54 cmThe Armenians came to the island of Penang, Malaysia, at the end of the 18th century. Today the city’s Armenian Street (Lebuh Armenian), which is located within… — Armenian Street, Georgetown, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 54 cm
The Armenians came to the island of Penang, Malaysia, at the end of the 18th century. Today the city’s Armenian Street (Lebuh Armenian), which is located within the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular tourist destination.
The small number of Armenians in Penang were mainly merchants and hoteliers. The well-known Sarkies brothers established the Eastern and Oriental Hotel (The E&O) and later they ran the Crag Hotel. Dr Thaddeus Avetoom founded the Georgetown Dispensary, and Anthony A. Anthony established an export firm, whose name still exists, as does the E&O and the Dispensary.
The Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Bishop Street was established through the efforts of philanthropists Carapiet Arackell and Catchatoor Galstaun. The Church was demolished in 1909 and a monument was erected to commemorate it. In the 1930s, it too was demolished and the remains of Armenians buried in the cemetery were re-interred in a special plot in the Western Road cemetery.

Armenian Church, Batavia, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cmThe Armenian community in Indonesia has a 300-year history. In 1747 the Armenians were granted equal rights with the Dutch. In 1880 a General Board was established… — Armenian Church, Batavia, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cm
The Armenian community in Indonesia has a 300-year history. In 1747 the Armenians were granted equal rights with the Dutch. In 1880 a General Board was established in Batavia (now Jakarta) to look after the religious and cultural assets of the community. Apart from Batavia, Armenians settled at other trading centres such as Bali, Malang, Ceribon Makassar, Semarang and Surabaya.
The Armenians were successful planters, ship-owners and merchants and amassed large fortunes. One merchant, Hovsep Amirkhanian, was so wealthy that in 1830 he made an offer to the Russian emperor to purchase or rent the region of Artsakh (Karabakh) and the city of Baku, Azerbaijan.
Wealthy benefactor Jacob Arathoon paid for a church to be built in Batavia in 1831 and in 1855 this was replaced by the Church of St. John paid for by Gevorg Manook. It was demolished in 1961. In 1927 St. George’s Armenian Church was established in Surabaya.
During the Second World War, the Japanese interned those Armenians who were naturalised Dutch subjects: those with Persian citizenship were exempt. Some died in camp of hunger and disease. After the war, others were killed when Indonesians fought for independence. Most Armenians moved to the Netherlands, USA, and Australia.

Armenian Street, Singapore, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cmIn 1819 Singapore was established as a British trading post. Armenian merchants from around the region soon recognised the prospects of this port and established… — Armenian Street, Singapore, Ararat Sarkissian, 2018, oil on canvas, 65 x 46 cm
In 1819 Singapore was established as a British trading post. Armenian merchants from around the region soon recognised the prospects of this port and established a small community, which has never exceeded 100 residents. Though small, the Armenian community has had a great impact on Singapore. In 1835 the community erected the Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator; it is the oldest Christian church in Singapore and was designated as a national monument in 1973.
The world’s first cultivated orchid hybrid was bred by Ashkhen Hovakimian (Agnes Joaquim) in the 1880s and carries her name. In 1981 the VandaMiss Joachim Orchid was proclaimed as Singapore’s national flower.
Today, Singapore’s Raffles Hotel is a part of a large chain of Raffles international hotels. The hotel was opened in 1887 and was managed by Tigran Sarkies. The Sarkies brothers - Martin, Tigran, Aviet, and Arshak, originally from Isfahan in Persia, became the leading hotel owners in the East with properties in Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore.
The Straits Timesis currently the most widely-read newspaper in Singapore and one of the oldest English-language newspapers in the region. It was established in 1845 by Catchick Moses (Movsessian).
Armenians were significant landowners in Singapore and constructed many buildings in the city such as Stamford House which still stands. Singapore has an Armenian Street as well as three other streets named after Armenians: Galistan Avenue, Sarkies Road and St Martin’s Drive.

© Armenian Street Foundation 2023