The presentation of the broadcast version documentary “Orphans of the Genocide” directed by four time Emmy award winner Bared Maronian, took place on Sunday, This well attended event was organized by Ararat- Eskijian Museum, with the support of both the Western Diocese of America and the Prelacy churches.
Martin Eskijian welcomed the attendees on behalf of the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and invited the world-renowned Armenian Genocide scholar, Professor Vahakn N . Dadrian to the stage. Professor Dadrian gave a compelling introductory lecture on the extreme cruelty these young orphan children experienced at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. Not only were some brutally murdered by hatchets, poison and swords, but also the novel method of mass drowning at the shores of the Black Sea and sections of the Euphrates River, especially in the Harput province, was utilized. Often the victims were mercilessly brutalized through sexual abuse, before being murdered, irrespective of the gender. Children placed in Turkish homes were almost always sexually abused and brothels were common.
Professor Dadrian’s eye opening lecture was followed by Bared Maronian’s dynamic presentation of the Armenoid Team’s inception, accomplishments and future plans with a focus on the team’s current project, “Orphans of the Genocide” that consists of a documentary film and a companion book, telling the story of untold numbers of Armenian children who had become prime targets by the organizers of the Genocide nation.
The material in question almost entirely focuses on the surviving Armenian children. The extreme and deplorable condition and abuses of these surviving orphans allows insight into the overall context and intent of the crime. The object of “Turkification” also was a form of genocide that was perpetrated on the Armenian nation by stripping the children of their Armenian identity.
Maronian thanked the attendees for their support especially all those who generously contributed to his project.
Among the dignitaries were accomplished Hollywood producer Howard Kazanjian and Missak Keleshian, the researcher who unrevealed the story of the Armenian Genocide orphans of Aintoura, Lebanon, who were destined for “Turkification”.
