#1ALoves: Social distance with quality Armenian content
Home. What once was a getaway from the outside world is now, for many of us, our whole world. What better time to jump into a virtual rabbit hole of groovy Armenian tunes, classic cinema, good reads and more, right? #1ALoves, our monthly newsletter of curated content from around the Armenian world, took a bit of a hiatus, but we’ve brought it back with more content than usual. Social distancing or not, good content deserves to be shared. Let’s go.
What we’re listening to
Hamlet Minassian — Al Elnim
Tehran, 1979
Recorded in Iran just before the Islamic revolution of 1979, Hamlet Minassian’s album, Armenian Pop Music, is a testament to the Middle East’s long and often forgotten dance music culture.
John Berberian & The Rock East Ensemble — Middle Eastern Rock
New York, 1969
Another cult favorite, originally released in 1969. Long before “World Music” existed, John Berberian was experimenting in his native New York City, collaborating with artists from the traditional Armenian music scene, and local folk, rock and jazz musicians who admired his oud artistry.
Mariah — Utakata No Hibi
Tokyo, 1983
This early 80s record from Japan has been absent from conversation for the past 30 years, but was recently reissued. Combining Japanese and Armenian sounds, we’re sure you’ll be talking about Mariah the next time you see your friends and family.
What we’re watching
‘Tghamardik’, 1973
This quirky, 70s chic Armenian film tells the story of a Yerevan taxi driver hopelessly in love, and his friends who stand by him during his suffering. Akhperutyun (brotherhood) is beautiful.
‘Agh u Hats’ — A vlog series by Sevana Tchakerian
Admit it — social distancing has you endlessly cooking and eating at home. With ‘Agh u Hats — Tune Kats’, musician Sevana Tchakerian and her mother are sharing how they make the most out of their pantry while on lockdown in Paris, having loads of fun and making music in the process.
Virtual Armenian storytime for kids by Alik Arzoumanian
Have small children who can’t go to preschool right now? You’ll love these Armenian language story time sessions by children’s book author and teacher Alik Arzoumanian. Her first storytime has already garnered over 6,000 views.
What we’re reading
Inside Armenia’s Up-and-Coming Wine Industry
Araxie Cass | The Armenian Weekly | January 22, 2020
How has the Armenian wine industry developed over the last ten years? Read about it, and how YOUR support to small-scale winemakers has resulted in the establishment of Momik Wines, a family wine brand with a bright future.
Armenian Photography in Ayntab
Mihran Minassian | Houshamadyan | March 27, 2020
Did you know that there were more than 500 Armenian master photographers active at one point or another across the Ottoman Empire? Read about these masters’ fascinating story in the city of Ayntab on Houshamadyan.
Podcasting Feminism in Post-Revolution Armenia
Anahit Ghazaryan, Gohar Khachatrian, Chris Gratien | Ottoman History Podcast | September 10, 2019
Prefer to listen to stories? Listen to this podcast with the women from ‘Akanjogh’, Armenia’s first podcast about feminism, where they talk about the joys and challenges of pioneering a nascent podcast culture in Armenia, as well as some of the issues that they tackle in each of its episodes.
What we’re eating
Panrkhash — lavash and cheese bake
Recipe from ‘Lavash’
For the first time ever, we’ve decided to include Armenian recipes in #1ALoves. Get ready to impress your friends on Instagram with your social distancing cooking! First up: you’ve probably heard of khash, but have you heard of panrkhash, its vegetarian counterpart from Gyumri? It’s super easy, requires few ingredients, and is surprisingly delicious.
Sou Boreg — cheese casserole
Recipe by Chef Carrie Nahabedian
More cheese! Sou boreg is another amazing dish that requires a little more time and effort. OK, it requires a lot more time and effort. But you got the time, right? We promise, the added effort will be worth it.
Toorshi/Torshi — pickled vegetables
Recipe adapted from ‘Treasured Armenian Recipes’
Learn the art of pickling vegetables, because who knows how long we’re going to be staying inside? Hopefully not that long, but might as well pickle some veggies anyway.
