Editorial Note

Only snippets of the multifaceted rich heritage of Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire have reached us. In this context, when the question raised refers with reconstructing this past and our collective memory, we sadly have to deal with traces and relics. No wonder that we are overjoyed every time we have a chance to make that past a bit more accessible, to shed new light on it, to reveal the unseen, to bring closer that which was beyond our reach, to explain the unfamiliar; in a word, to hitch the plow and open new furrows to understand Ottoman history and daily life, and to study this expansive and uncultivated field.

The discovery of a collection of over 100 glass photographs belonging to Arapgir born George/Kevork Djerdjian (formerly Djigerdjian) is one such opportunity. They are magnificent historical photos and serve as a new window on life in Arapgir, as well as Erzeroum/Garin, during the Ottoman era. Through these photos, Armenian life of these places is revived – churches and schools that formerly had no image are now visible, and before us are placed heretofore unfamiliar pictures of family, school and orphanage life. Our sincere thanks to George Jerjian who placed high quality copies of his grandfather’s photo collection at the disposal of Houshamadyan.

It’s important to note that many of the photographs that make up the Djerdjian collection lack captions. Locales remain unknown, as well as the identity of buildings and people. It is possible that mistakes have been made in the explanations we have provided. In this matter, we rely on the assistance of our readers. We welcome any additional information on the photos or correction suggestions. You can write to us at [email protected]

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