Oxford Armenian Studies: Events & Lectures

Oxford Armenian Studies
Oriental Institute, University of Oxford


· Wednesday, 27 February (Week 7); 6:00 PM; Pembroke College chapel

First Ever in Oxford - Celebration of the Armenian Divine Liturgy (Batarak)

Presided by His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland. Celebrant: The Very Rev. Fr. Garegin Hambartsumyan. Organised by Oxford Armenian Studies and Armenian Society.



· Tuesday, 5 March(Week 8); 6:30‐8:00 PM, Oriental Institute, Lecture Room 1

Cultural Production and Preservation in Diaspora: What is "Armenian" about Armenian Culture? 

Dr Hratch Tchilingirian, Oriental Institute

This final session of the seminar will tie together the discussions during this term and will attempt to outline the key elements of "Armenian culture". What is it that needs to be "preserved" in Armenian culture? What are the key "cultural components" in hayapahpanum? etc. This is part of Oxford Armenian Studies seminar series.



· Wednesday, 6 March (Week 8); 7:30 PM; Mary Hyde Eccles Room, Pembroke College

"State of Matter" Storytelling Performance 

Storyteller: Vergine Gulbenkian

"State of Matter" is a tale about burning, fuelled by a 17th century love-epic told by Armenian and Turkish bards. The 'siraveb', or love-epic, called "Kearam and Asli" is wrapped in an Armenian wonder tale and family stories.

Vergine began working on the craft of telling traditional tales in 1991 after studying Drama. Her interest led her to research the rich Armenian oral tradition. In 1994 she made a documentary video with Richard Eayrs about the ashugh (epic singer) tradition in Armenia. In 1996 she wrote an M.Phil thesis at Oxford about continuity in the craft of storytelling amongst Armenians in differing contexts. Vergine performs traditional tales and epics in theatres, museums, schools and international festivals. Armenian folk songs are an integral part of her performances.

Refreshments will be served. Organised by Oxford Armenian Studies and the Oxford Armenian Student Society!


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For further details about Armenian Studies in Oxford contact Prof. Theo van Lint, Calouste Gulbenkian Professor of Armenian Studies:theo.vanlint@orinst.ox.ac.uk

or Dr Hratch Tchilingirian: hratch.tchilingirian@orinst.ox.ac.uk