Is It Sarma, Or Tolma?
The real question: is it tasty?
Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2019? Neither can we! And strangely enough, it’s actually kind of chilly in Yerevan right now, even though it’s summer. Time may be slipping by, and the world may be topsy-turvy, but you can always count on us to deliver #1ALoves to your inbox every month. This month, we’re falling asleep to reimagined Armenian lullabies, shopping to save lives in Artsakh, celebrating the diversity of the Armenian kitchen, and learning obscure yet beautiful Armenian words.
What we’re listening to
Khatchadour Khatchadourian — Oror ou Nani: Armenian Lullabies
2019 | Folk / Children’s | 48 min 37 sec
Oror ou Nani is a collection of 13 Armenian lullabies by vocalist and duduk player Khatchadour Khatchadourian. Why are we listening to lullabies? Well for one, they’re beautiful. And, they’re helping us sleep better at night! Khatchadourian explains that though the album was originally intended for children, adults can also find relaxation and rest through the music. Oror ou Nani also caught our attention because of Khatchadourian’s aim to bridge the gender gap between parents. Lullabies are traditionally sung by women; Oror ou Nani is sung all in a male voice, breaking lullabies from the confines of gender to, hopefully, involve fathers more in bedtime rituals. We love music with a purpose!
What we want
Socially-Minded Clothing & Accessories
From Telo Jan
Aman Telo, Telo jan, Telo! Sirun Telo, Telo jan, Telo! Yes, we did go to the Harout Pamboukjian show in Yerevan this past Sunday. But we’re singing this tune for another reason — to announce our partnership with Telo Jan, a clothing and accessories brand dedicated to building a stronger, more open and honest relationship between Armenia and the diaspora! Founded by artist Ani Khodaverdian, Telo Jan is creating socially-minded products that speak to the progressive movers and shakers of both Armenia and the diaspora. 10% of all sales from Telo Jan’s line of prints pillows, mugs, phone cases, tees, sweatshirts, totes and stickers will go to our Mine-Free Artsakh Program, which is clearing a deadly minefield in Artsakh’s southeast Hadrut Province. Shop now to stop landmines in Artsakh and save lives!
What we’re reading
“What is Armenian Food? Depends Who You Ask”
By Liana Aghajanian | Parts Unknown — CNN | 16 May 2018
Renowned chef, food critic, and TV personality Anthony Bourdain would have turned 63 years old last week. To celebrate his life and the spotlight his show, Parts Unknown, brought to Armenia and Armenian cuisine last year, we’re reading this piece by journalist Liana Aghajanian for the Parts Unknown blog. It’s about something even our team can’t escape sometimes — the question all Armenians come to face at some point in their lives: what is, and isn’t Armenian, in this case, food. Whether you eat boreg or khachapuri, kebab or khorovadz, sarma or tolma, we hope it’s delicious, and that our diversity is a cause for celebration, not division. Anoosh!
Who we’re following
Աղուոր Բաներ
(@aghvor_paner)
We don’t normally share content that isn’t in English, but we’re making an exception for Aghvor Paner. Meaning “good things” in Armenian, Aghvor Paner is a community of Armeno-philes sharing obscure yet beautiful Armenian words, their meanings, and how they’ve been used in literature, Western Armenian literature specifically. They also share good quotes and poetry with striking visuals. Did you know that there’s a word in Armenian for gold dust/particles? Now you do. Can’t read Armenian? Don’t worry — Aghvor Paner provides transliterations of every new word they post. Follow Aghvor Paner to impress your friends with new, sophisticated Armenian vocabulary!
