Armenian Forum Debuts in Paris

Princeton, N.J. (15 June 1998)—Armenian Forum is out with a splash. The journal made its debut in mid-April in Paris at a gathering of the Union of Armenian Physicians of France. Since then it has been spotted in well-read households and major libraries all over the world. The independent quarterly, based in Princeton, New Jersey, is the only English-language journal to focus specifically on contemporary Armenian affairs.

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Cooperation. Paris physicians host the editors of Armenian journals. Vincent Lima of Armenian Forum makes a point as Raymond Kévorkian of Revue d'Histoire Arménienne Contemporaine (l.) and Ara Sarafian of Armenian Forum listen on. (Rachel Goshgarian photo)

An enthusiastic audience of some 100 physicians and their guests attended the Paris kickoff. Editors Vincent Lima and Ara Sarafian shared a platform with Raymond H. Kévorkian, editor of the Paris-based "Revue d’Histoire Arménienne Contemporaine." In his remarks Lima highlighted the exemplary cooperation between the two journals. He noted that an editor of each serves on the other’s editorial board, and each publisher helps the other with foreign distribution.

Several of the Paris guests described the first issue of Armenian Forum as "striking" and "quite impressive." The publishers are making the 128-page volume available free of charge to people who request it. [Offer expired 31 July 1998.]

The first issue features a heated exchange on nationalism and sexuality. Most of the contributors to the exchange are new to Armenian publications: Professors Anahid Kassabian, David Kazanjian, and H. Aram Veeser. So is the topic. "We are committed to showcasing emerging talent and generating much-needed discussion about subjects of present-day significance. This exchange serves as a case in point," Lima explained.

An analysis of the Caspian oil debacles by Harvard’s Arthur Martirosyan—also in the first issue—has invited interest from various quarters, including governmental agencies and think tanks. The maps accompanying the article are already being used as overhead slides and handouts at academic conferences. This development is being received well by the editors. Lima noted that "the journal is fulfilling its calling of serving as a resource for Armenian and non-Armenian scholars, journalists, and policy makers." He emphasized, however, that "it is edited with the general reader—the educated nonspecialist—in mind."

Also in the first issue is a thought-provoking article on the link between history and current realities in Armenia. The article, written by Dr. Levon Avdoyan of the Library of Congress, has generated much positive comment. A report on the state of Armenian studies in the United States features presentations by Professors Marc Nichanian, Khachig Tölölyan, and George Bournoutian. The report has led many people to begin a reassessment of the ways in which they support Armenian studies.

The publishers attribute the success of the journal to its intellectual content, its contemporary design, and their outreach efforts. "We had faith that there were many, many people out there with a thirst for material that is truly worth reading. So we have been advertising, doing mass mailings, going to Armenian and non-Armenian conferences and gatherings, and operating a toll-free number. As we continue to reach an ever-growing audience, we deeply appreciate the overwhelming support of the community," said Mary Azizian, president of the Gomidas Institute, which publishes the journal. "It all started with a dream and human capital," she continued. "I remember our board meeting in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where we decided to buck the odds and launch a publication that was so clearly needed. We have stayed on course and are proud to be bang on target!"

Another reason cited for the journal’s success is the support of a diverse, international editorial board. The board "represents the journal’s long-term commitment." It is a combination of familiar, distinguished names and members of the next generation of pathbreaking scholars.

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