Custom Heritage Tours to Western Armenia and Cilicia, for groups and private parties. In September 2012, I became Mr. Yours truly,
Annie Kahkejian
About Mr. Mr.
(13)
Armen Aroyan's assistant director, helping him to organize and conduct pilgrimages to Cilicia and Western Armenia (modern-day Turkey). In January 2014, I created this page "Historic Armenia," and I manage all aspects of the page as its administrator. I would like to dedicate this page to the people who are interested in knowing more about their fragmented past and those who yearn to see a
glimpse of their ancestral homelands. I'm humbled by my role as assistant director to Mr. Aroyan, and also as the administrator of this page, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to play a role in helping to preserve our history and keep it alive in the minds of Armenians in the Diaspora. Armen Aroyan:
In a time when historic Armenia has all but vanished into the distant landscape of a modern world, Armenians living in the diaspora are left to put together the pieces of a fragmented past. Armen Aroyan is one of those rare historians who not only studies but shares his education by leading pilgrimages to historic Armenia. Aroyan is a time traveler who deconstructs the fine strands of our scarred history to weave new memories for new generations. Sitting at the loom, he helps to rekindle those memories of “back home” that most of today’s young Armenians have come to know and understand through the eyes of their grandparents and the distortion of modernity. The tour leader, organizer, educator, and scholar of history, is the one following the shadowy fragments of our past, taking those who seek him out on a journey of healing and discovery to the places we all once called home. Armen Aroyan first began giving tours into the lands of historical Armenia in the early 1990s, after having completed in the 1980s a business trip-turned-pilgrimage that uncovered his own roots. After fulfilling what can be described as an emotional expedition to the villages of his own past, Aroyan dedicated the next two decades to taking willing participants on similar journeys of their own. With first-class treatment served with a side of exciting and unique experiences, Aroyan soon had people seeking him out with vigor. After his first official trip as a tour guide, back in October 1991, 20 people were waiting and ready to go on his return trip. Since then he has organized some 73 trips, with almost 1,300 participants in the last 22 years. Armen Aroyan, and his assistant Annie Kahkejian cater each trip to the specific wishes of those who accompany them, participants of their Armenian Heritage Tours walk away feeling a sense of exclusivity and personal attention that is virtually unmatched by any other tour of its kind. So every trip is different. It completely depends on the participants.” Tour takers can attest to their fierce commitment to providing a meaningful experience for all, as well as to the dedication Aroyan and his assistant possess to helping preserve an important legacy for the future. Aroyan has created a network of Armenians from all over the world, who come together to enjoy some of the most beautiful and historic Armenian sites. Unfortunately in 2017, Mr. Aroyan had to retire from leading the pilgrimages for health reasons. Starting 2018 with Aroyan's blessings, I took over the responsibility of leading and organizing all aspects of the pilgrimages. Between 2018 and 2019 I organized and led 3 custom made group pilgrimages and 4 customized private tours. October 2021 and july 2022, I led 2 more private tours. I'm hoping in 2023 will start full force organizing new pilgrimages to Historic Armenia to keep the memory of what we all once called home. Annie Kahkejian
The state of the Surp Garbed (1376)Armenian church today in Dikranagerd/Diyarbakir after the conflicts with the Turkish government between 2014- 2016.the church saw some damage, but it had been fixed since then.
The 2016 siege of Sur, also known as the Sur curfew took place as part of the Kurdish–Turkish conflict in Sur district of Diyarbakir in Turkey, lasting for more than 3 months and destroying much of the neighborhoods
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8cXdPMB/
Dikran the Great
He built Dikranagerd the historic Armenia’s town.
2666 likes, 173 comments. “King Tigran The Great 🇦🇲. The King of Kings 🤴👑🇦🇲.”
Thank you everyone for following our page.
https://www.loc.gov/collections/world-digital-library/?q=armenia
Armenian Liturgical Calendar.
The one and only Armenian art in louvre Paris 19 thcentury khachkar madd of duff (kar) rock.
with a cross are one of the most
typical expressions of Armenian art from the 9th century.
onwards. Funerary or memorial in nature, they some-times feature inscriptions. The composition is usually
arranged around a large cross, with the lower arm
resting on medallions and stylised foliage; panels of
interlace act as a frame. The decoration of the 'khachkar'
here is particularly rich and intricate.
VIDEO - Diyarbakir (Dikranagerd) Armenians celebrated 'Vartavar' holiday
Vartavar Festival, one of the five most important festivals of Armenians, was also celebrated in Diyarbakır. After the service held at the Surp Giragos Armenian Church in Diyarbakir, as a tradition of the Vartavar holiday, those who joined the congregation wet their hearts.
GRIS NEWS - Vartavar, which consists of the Armenian words "vart" meaning rose and "var" meaning shine, is a holiday that Armenians have celebrated for about five thousand years. The feast is also known as the "Water Feast" and the tradition of sprinkling water describes the Flood of Noa Citizens having fun by wetting each other with water. After the service held at the Surp Giragos Armenian Church in Diyarbakir, as a tradition of the Vartavar holiday, those who joined the congregation wet each other.
Dara Günal, who participated in the ceremony, stated that they will enjoy the feast and said, "Today is the Vartavar holiday, one of the holidays of the Armenian calendar, hey year coincides with July 14. Since it coincides with Sunday, the celebrations are held today. You will not find a single person in Armenia who did not get wet during this holiday. We will enjoy it here today. Happy holiday to all of us."
https://www.tigrishaber.com/video-diyarbakirli-ermeniler-vartavar-bayramini-kutladi-88441h.htm?fbclid=IwAR2WF1QCI7UEJzj3iTyEkV0ITZeG5XrXO4HXQc3GRMIGuahOi10wYIOG5mc_aem_Ad7_kJ1rtgBCaBp3rbmS8p5dsBmY-QJo-viqOzJhTm6b7v1WULqJ7ixfqNggNd-GsPk&mibextid=9R9pXO
Ermenilerin en önemli beş yortusundan biri olan Vartavar Yortusu Diyarbakır’da da kutlandı. Diyarbakır'da Surp Giragos Ermeni Kilisesinde yapılan ayinin ardından Vartavar bayramının geleneği olarak, cemaate katılanlar birbirlerini ıslattı.
Kharpert Harput2019 private tour.
Kars and tge medieval city Ani
https://www.facebook.com/sunday.roast.media/videos/121375654271665/
İt’scitizens are really stupid if they elect him again this May 14.
STEELING FROM HIS OWN PEOPLE AND COUNTRY.
108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
https://www.facebook.com/100001253167491/posts/6508112439240464/?mibextid=cr9u03
108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocid
From us to our followers 🙏
Thank you for following our page, and for your support all year around. 🙏
Armenian Pilgrimages: A Journey to the Homeland
Historic Armenia Travel, has now a podcast episode published by:
https://kerningcultures.com/about-us/
For custom private and heritage group tours to Historic Armenia.
A father and daughter journey to their ancestral homeland, looking to track down the place their family had lived before being forced to flee the Armenian genocide.
They’re among hundreds of Armenian families who, over the last three decades, have returned to their ancestors’ home on a search for answers, in a country that that still denies the genocide ever took place.
This episode was produced by Alex Atack and Deena Sabry, and edited by Dana Ballout. Fact checking was by Deena Sabry and sound design by Monzer El Hachem. Our team also includes Nadeen Shaker, Zeina Dowidar and Finbar Anderson.
A special thank you to Syuzanna Petrosyan and Salpi Ghazarian at the University of Southern California’s Institute of Armenian Studies.
Find out more about Nubar’s upcoming documentary here: scarsofsilence.com.
Carel’s book is called A House in the Homeland, and you can find it at Stanford University Press.
Find out more about Annie’s tours/Historic Armenia Travels and see pictures and videos of previous trips at her page, .
www.facebook.com/HistoricArmenia
Find a transcript for this episode at our website.
Support this podcast on patreon.com/kerningcultures for as little as $2 a month.
About Kerning Cultures
Kerning Cultures Network is the first venture-funded podcast company in the Middle East. We also happen to be female-led. Featuring a line up of award-winning immersive Arabic and English podcasts for curious listeners.
https://kerningcultures.com/armenian-pilgrimages-a-journey-to-the-homeland/
A father and daughter journey to their ancestral homeland, looking to track down the place their family had lived before being forced to flee the Armenian
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Historic Armenia posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Historic Armenia:
The state of the Surp Garbed (1376)Armenian church today in Dikranagerd/Diyarbakir after the conflicts with the Turkish government between 2014- 2016.the church saw some damage, but it had been fixed since then. The 2016 siege of Sur, also known as the Sur curfew took place as part of the Kurdish–Turkish conflict in Sur district of Diyarbakir in Turkey, lasting for more than 3 months and destroying much of the neighborhoods
Kharpert Harput2019 private tour.
Kars and tge medieval city Ani
Exploring Mousa Ler/Dagh on a recent private tour. #historicarmeniafacebookpage #CustomHeritageTours2023 #CustomPrivateTours2023
The Apostolic Armenian Church Surp Asdvadzadzin of Bitias village on Musa Ler. The church left in an unfinished state on the hills of the village, when the people were forced to leave their homes after thwarting assaults for 53 days against the Ottoman forces. The French Squadron in the Mediterranean sighted the survivors just as ammunition and food provisions were running out. Five French ships, evacuated 3,004 women and children and over 1,000 men from Musa Dagh to safety in Port Said. Private tour of Musa Ler/Musa Dag, July 2022. #HistoricArmenia #Bitias #customprivatetours #customgrouppilgrimages #MusaLer #MusaDag
The tranquility of this amazing village is out of this world. Vakifli village, Musa Ler. We are on a private tour of the 7 villages of Musa Ler. Please send an email to: [email protected] If you are interested in a custom group pilgrimage or a custom private tour to Historic Armenia. #MusaLer #Vakifli #HistoricArmenia #customprivatetours
The famous Banerov Huts, a classic cheese-onion flatbread from Vakifli village, Musa Dagh. #customgrouppilgrimages #customprivatetours #HistoricArmenia #musadag #vakifli #MusaLer
Sunday services at Surp Asdvadzadzin Armenian church in Vakifli village, Musa Dagh/Musa Ler. The Sunday morning service Led by Derhyr Avedis Tabashyan. The private tour travelers had the chance to attend Sunday services at the church with the faithful Local people. #customgrouppilgrimages #customprivatetours #HistoricArmenia #musadag #MusaLer #vakifli
Vakifli Village Museum Opened July 19, 2021 The museum represents the history of the village. #historicarmenia #customgrouppilgrimages #customprivatetours #musadag #vakifli #MusaLer
Vakifli Village Museum Opened July 19, 2021 Represents the history of the village. #HistoricArmenia #Vakifli #customprivatetours #customgrouppilgrimages #Musadag #MusaLer
The natural stream next to Moses’ tree in Khederbek village, Musa Dagh/Ler. Day two of the private tour to Musa Dagh/Musa Ler. #khederbek #customgrouppilgrimages #HistoricArmenia #customprivatetours #musadagh #hidirbey #MusaLer
The tree of Moses in Khederbek village, Musa Dagh/Ler. Said to have been grown from Moses' staff. The tree is alive, it has a big cavity that at least fits 10 people standing side by side. A big possibility that it could be planted by our ancestors. #HistoricArmenia #MusaLer #customgrouppilgrimages #customprivatetours #khederbek #hidirbey #musadagh
The serene village Vakef/Vakifli of Musa Ler, and the view of the Mediterranean Sea from the village. *Customized private tour of Musa Ler. #HistoricArmenia #CustomGroupPilgrimages #privatetours
- Vakifli village of Musa Ler, a beautiful and tranquil village. Vakifli Village, high on the slopes of Samandag, referred to Musa Ler by Armenians, where around 150 people live, all Armenians. The village overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, and it is famous for its orchards, which most of the oranges and tangerines grown are shipped to European countries. ©️The video is taken by the administrator of Historic Armenia page, on heritage tour of 2017. #HistoricArmenia #Vakifli #MusaLer
Akhtamar Island on Lake Van — Listen to the sounds of the Akhtamar island! We are positive that these same sounds echoed on the island, when King Gagik was building the Armenian Church of Surb Khach (the Holy Cross church), in the 10th century. - The Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral (Surp Khach) built between 915-921, which was the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Catholicosate of Aghtamar from 1116 to 1895.
Cathedral of Ani (Surb Astvatsatsin/Holy Virgin Mary) in Historic Armenia's Medieval City Ani, (10th Century). 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗹, 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀. *Volume on: Listen to the chirping sounds of the swallows echoing in this majestic Cathedral. #HistoricArmenia #Ani #AniCathedral
Historic Armenia’s private tour is at the Medieval city of Ani. Armenian Church of Surb Grigor Lusavorich (Saint Gregory the Illuminator) of Tigran Honents (13th Century). Built in 1215, this is one of 3 churches in Ani dedicated to the saint who brought Christianity to Armenia in the 4th century. The frescoes are the only ones that survive in Ani. Located on a ledge above the Akhurian River and ravine. The church of St Gregory of Tigran Honents, finished in 1215, is the best-preserved monument at Ani. It was built during the rule of the Zakarids and was commissioned by the wealthy Armenian merchant Tigran Honents. Its plan is of a type called a domed hall. In front of its entrance are the ruins of a narthex and a small chapel that are from a slightly later period. The exterior of the church is spectacularly decorated. Ornate stone carvings of real and imaginary animals fill the spandrels between blind arcade that runs around all four sides of the church. The interior contains an important and unique series of frescoes cycles that depict two main themes. In the eastern third of the church is depicted the Life of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, in the middle third of the church is depicted the Life of Christ.
Historic Armenia’s private tour is at Ani Cathedral in the Medieval city of 1001 churches ANI.
Historic Armenia’s customized private tour is at Ani Cathedral of the Medieval city of 1001 churches of ANI.
Muradiye waterfall and the wooden suspended bridge over Bendimahi river, Historic Armenia’s Van.
Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?
In September 2012, I became Armen Aroyan's assistant director, helping him to organize and conduct pilgrimages to Cilicia and Western Armenia (modern-day Turkey).
In January 2014, I created this page "Historic Armenia," and I manage all aspects of the page as its administrator. I dedicate this page to the people who are interested in knowing more about their fragmented past and those who yearn to see a glimpse of their ancestral homelands.
I'm humbled by my role as assistant director to Mr. Aroyan, and also as the administrator of this page, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to play a role in helping to preserve our history and keep it alive in the minds of Armenians in the Diaspora.
Mr. Aroyan’s last tour to Historic Armenia was in September of 2017, regretfully he had to retire for personal reasons. After his last tour, the baton of guiding the tours was handed down to me. With his blessings, I led my first pilgrimage in May of 2018. I took over one more responsibility besides all other aspects of organizing and executing the pilgrimages. I’m very honored to continue to carry on what Mr. Aroyan started in 1991, and will keep on taking pilgrims on a once in a lifetime journey to see their own ancestral lands.
Annie K. K.
How it all started!
Armen Aroyan first began giving tours into the lands of historical Armenia in the early 1990s, after having completed in the 1980s a business trip-turned-pilgrimage that uncovered his own roots.
“My grandmother always talked about what it was like living in Aintab,” he shared fondly. “She would say that life was so good over there and she would say how [Aintab] had the best fruits and food, and was so beautiful. So this place was in**ed in me and I always had a curiosity to see it, a kind of draw to Aintab. And so, when I had the chance when I got older, I went to visit it.”
After fulfilling what can be described as an emotional expedition to the villages of his own past, Aroyan dedicated the following decades to taking willing participants on similar journeys of their own.
With first-class treatment served with a side of exciting and unique experiences, Aroyan soon had people seeking him out with vigor. After his first official trip as a tour guide, back in October 1991, 20 people were waiting and ready to go on his return trip.
Aroyan caters each trip to the specific wishes of those who accompany him, participants of his Armenian Heritage Tours walk away feeling a sense of exclusivity and personal attention that is virtually unmatched by any other tour of its kind.
“It’s all custom-planned,” Aroyan said. “You tell me where your grandmother is from and I’ll incorporate all these villages on top of the major attractions like Ani and Lake Van and Mount Ararat. So every trip has been different. It completely depends on the participants.”
In 2012, Annie became Mr. Aroyan’s assistant director, charged with helping to organize and conduct his tours to historic Armenia. When she assumed her role, she realized how important it was to learn the Turkish language—and so she did. Now, her fluency in the language makes a decisive difference in all aspects of the tours, including every individual pilgrim’s experience. Tour participants attest that having a personal translator present with them at all times makes them feel less anxious and more in control in any given situation.
“I get very hopeful every time we have young people join our pilgrimages. It is so gratifying to see those young adults who are ready to carry on the legacy of their ancestors.” she shared.
In January of 2014, she created the Historic Armenia page to share the information and photos related to the pilgrimages, also to share any other news and events related to Historic Armenia.
“This page is dedicated to all diaspora Armenians who are very eager to see their ancestral lands, but don't have the opportunity to make the pilgrimage!” shared affectionately.
Tour takers can attest to Mr. Aroyan and Mrs. K’s fierce commitment to providing a meaningful experience for all, as well as to the dedication this team possesses to helping preserve an important legacy for the future.
In 2017, Mr. Aroyan retired from his calling to lead pilgrims to Historic Armenia, and passed the baton of executing the pilgrimages to his assistant director Annie K. K.
