CultureGenocide 100

Exhibition dedicated to the Armenian Genocide in Marseille

On March 19, an exhibition entitled “100 portraits of deportation. Disclosure of Armenian refugees’ identity” opened at Marseille History Museum, in cooperation with A.R.A.M (Aram Research and Archives Center) in Marseille and Marseille City Hall.

Mayor of Marseille Jean-Claude Gaudin, Consul of Armenia to Marseille Samvel Lalayan, Director of Marseille History Museum Laurent Védrine, President at A.R.A.M. Jacques Ulusyan, mayors, representatives of local authorities and Armenian community, diplomats and journalists participated at the opening ceremony.

Portraits of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, that arrived in Marseille, large number of passports, birth, marriage, refuge certificates and baptismal certificates, given by Armenian Patriarchate of Southern France, as well as number of valuable documents.

In his remarks, President at A.R.A.M. Jacques Ulusyan mentioned that when genocide of 1.5 million Armenians was committed in 1915-1917 by the Young Turks, survived Armenians settled down in Marseille and managed to become fully involved, integrated in the city life, contribute to economic development. Portraits of people with serious, sometimes terrified, but always dignified faces serve the best example. And today their descendants are full-fledged, decent citizens of Marseille.

In his message, Mayor of Marseille Jean-Claude Gaudin noted that remembrance of the Armenian Genocide was always of utmost importance for Armenians of Marseille. The year 2015 is declared a year of Armenia in Marseille, and numerous commemorative events would be organized during the year. He attached importance to France to pass a law that will enable to punish for denial of genocides and crimes against humanity.

French “France 24” TV channel broadcasted opening of the exhibition and an extended article entitled “100 portraits saved from the Genocide tell the story of Armenian exile” was published in the next edition of “La Provence” newspaper.

The exhibition is open by September 26.

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