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40-674: Established in 1926 by the Melkonian brothers , it was the only remaining boarding school servicing students of the Armenian diaspora from nearly 40 countries. Formerly financed by the Armenian General Benevolent Union , a decision to cut off funding in 2005 caused controversy among the Armenian community and especially among former pupils. Melkonian's current status is uncertain. The Melkonian Institution

80-601: A machinist . He also worked for short periods in Rhode Island and Massachusetts . Manoogian and his family moved to Detroit , Michigan , in 1924, attracted to opportunities in the booming auto industry. After gaining more experience, in 1929 he founded the Masco Screw Company, later known as Masco Corporation . By 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression , Manoogian had expanded Masco to

120-704: A toy store, an advertising agency, an Internet café, etc.), all of them tenants at the Melkonian Commercial Centre. The AGBU has been heavily criticized for the fact that the income from the MCC rent has never reached Melkonian School and has been going directly to the AGBU. The first rumors about the closure of Melkonian Educational Institute started circulating in the Summer of 2003. On November 17, 2003 an alumnus led and well-coordinated campaign to resist

160-690: Is a sacred place. Along the Lemesou Avenue, occupying the foreground of the Melkonian campus, there is a grove of cypress trees, hundreds and thousands of them. This grove is a significant landmark and has a historic and sentimental value to the Armenian Nation. These trees were planted in the early years of the Melkonian Institute by the orphan students in memory of their loved ones and of the millions that perished during

200-412: Is also questioned). The aim was to reinvest the money in a new Boarding House, a closed sports complex and a commercial centre. All these projects went ahead. At the time, the 6-storey Melkonian Commercial Centre (MCC) was built on Melkonian territory so as to generate income for the school in order to make it financially less dependent from the AGBU. By 1989, the rent started to trickle in and eventually

240-689: The Achaemenid and Sassanid empires, and they also defended the eastern and northern borders of the Byzantine Empire . In order to populate the less populated areas of Byzantium, Armenians were relocated to those regions. Some Armenians converted to Greek Orthodoxy while retaining Armenian as their primary language, whereas others remained in the Armenian Apostolic Church despite pressure from official authorities. A growing number of Armenians migrated to Cilicia during

280-667: The Caucasus . The Armenian diaspora is divided into two communities – those communities from Ottoman Armenia (or Western Armenia ) and those communities which are from the former Soviet Union , independent Armenia and Iran (or Eastern Armenia ). Armenians in Turkey , such as Hrant Dink , do not consider themselves a part of the Armenian Diaspora, since they have been living in their historical homeland for more than four thousand years. They are not considered part of

320-692: The Mayor of Detroit . In addition to donations to local universities, the Manoogians donated substantial amounts of money to churches, educational institutions and charities of the Armenian Diaspora to preserve and continue their culture. Manoogian was born in 1901 to Takvor ( Armenian : տակվոր մանօգիան ) and Takouchie Manoogian ( Armenian : տակուճիե մանօգիան ) in Kasaba , Ottoman Empire (present-day Turgutlu , Turkey ), near Smyrna . His father

360-716: The civil War in Lebanon in 1975 and the outbreak of the Islamic Revolution in Iran during 1978 were factors which pushed Armenians to immigrate. The 1980 U.S. Census reported that 90 percent of the immigration to the United States was undertaken by Iranian-Armenians during the years from 1975 and 1980. Less than one third of the world's Armenian population lives in Armenia. Their pre- World War I population area

400-671: The Armenians who managed to escape, established themselves in various parts of the world. By 1966, around 40 years after the start of the Armenian genocide, 2 million Armenians still lived in Armenia, while 330,000 Armenians lived in Russia, and 450,000 Armenians lived in the United States and Canada . In the United States, the rate of immigration increased after the Immigration Act was passed in 1965. The outbreak of

440-548: The CYP 1.75 million loan was paid off. In recent years the MCC was generating enough money to support the school. According to 2003 figures MCC generates over $ 650,000 annually as it collects rent from Cyprus Tourism Organisation (offices), the Army Officers' Cooperative, the firm of Philipou & Guevherian, a tutoring centre, a restaurant (Crescendo) and a row of shops (Elements of Style, Constantinou Communications, Duxiana,

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480-641: The Genocide. Nowhere else in the world, not even in Armenia, the Armenian Genocide is memorialised in this manner. Cyprus government has officially listed this forest. In the summer of 1974 as a result of Turkish invasion of Cyprus numerous bombs were dropped on Melkonian grounds and buildings causing damage. In 1986 a quarter of the Melkonian Estate was sold off at, what many regard as a ridiculously low prices (the legality of this act

520-697: The Melkonian Fund and entrusted the management (and not the ownership) of the Melkonian School to the AGBU. Both brothers are buried at the School grounds, at the open space between the two main buildings. A beautifully designed marble monument with intricate engravings and the bronze busts of the Melkonian Brothers prominently stand as a gesture of eternal gratitude to their memory. For thousands of Melkonian graduates and friends this

560-474: The United States, and by 1913, 9,355 more Armenians entered the North American borders. As World War I approached, the rate of Armenian immigration rose to about 60,000. In 1920 and until the Immigration Act of 1924 , 30,771 Armenians came to the United States; the immigrants were predominantly widowed women, children, and orphans. Although many Armenians perished during the Armenian genocide , some of

600-639: The closure of Melkonian began. SaveMelkonian.org was established as campaign's information outlet, and soon attracted the attention of press, TV, political parties and numerous cultural and charity organization both in Armenia and Diaspora. Joined with Melkonian Alumni & Friends in California and many other like-minded organizations, SaveMelkonian campaign has a series of achievements in resisting AGBU's decision, which many in Armenian Diaspora regard as purely profit-driven. On April 8, 2008, www.Melkoniantsiclub.com, an official Melkoniantsi Social Network Website

640-699: The closure of Melkonian, Patriarch Mesrob Mutafian of Constantinople, with the cooperation of Melkonian Alumni & Friends, based in Los Angeles, California, instigated lawsuits against the AGBU Central Board. Ninety five percent of Melkonian Alumni supported the Patriarch's lawsuit and wanted the School to remain open. Although the lawsuits failed in the United States and the Republic of Cyprus, they irreparably damaged AGBU's public image as one of

680-696: The course of the eleventh and twelfth centuries as a result of the Seljuk Turk invasions. After the fall of the kingdom to the Mamelukes and loss of Armenian statehood in 1375, up to 150,000 went to Cyprus , the Balkans , and Italy . Although an Armenian diaspora existed during Antiquity and the Middle Ages , it grew in size due to emigration from the Ottoman Empire , Iran , Russia , and

720-668: The diaspora either by the Ministry of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan : "Diaspora represents all the Armenians who live beyond the Armenian Highland. In this context, we have singled out the Armenians of Istanbul and those living on the territory of Western Armenia. Those people have inhabited the lands for thousands of years, and they are not considered Diaspora [representatives]." Before 1870, 60 Armenian immigrants settled in New England. Armenian immigration rose to 1,500 by

760-593: The diaspora. In Armenian, the diaspora is referred to as spyurk ( pronounced [spʰʏrkʰ] ), spelled սփիւռք in classical orthography and սփյուռք in reformed orthography . In the past, the word gaghut ( գաղութ pronounced [ɡɑˈʁutʰ] ) was used mostly to refer to the Armenian communities outside the Armenian homeland . It is borrowed from the Aramaic (Classical Syriac) cognate of Hebrew galut (גלות). The Armenian diaspora has been present for over 1,700 years. The modern Armenian diaspora

800-431: The discontinued magazine was reinstated and printed. It was called AIG. To start the magazine a cover page was needed. A competition was set up and allowed the students to turn in artwork for the cover page. The competition was won by a graduating student – Haro Bayandorian – from Iran. The same artwork was used for the next 3 years. Copies of these early magazine still exists. Melkonian students used to publish Hayatsk, which

840-453: The doors at all hours. The houses also include a cafeteria, where boarding students would receive their breakfasts, lunches, dinners and suppers. There are also various areas dedicated to indoors recreational activities within this building, the largest of which is above the cafeteria with a game room, canteen and TV area. The on-call supervisors and the resident nurse also have their offices and quarters inside this complex. In 1969 and 1970

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880-600: The end of the 1880s, and rose to 2,500 in the mid-1890s due to massacres caused by the Ottoman Empire. Armenians who immigrated to the United States before WWI were primarily from Asia Minor and settled on the East Coast. The Armenian diaspora grew considerably both during and after the First World War due to the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire . In the year 1910, over 5,500 Armenians immigrated to

920-582: The foundational stone was laid and the construction of Melkonian Establishments began in Nicosia. Melkonian School opened its gates two years later in 1926. Krikor Melkonian and Garabed Melkonian are widely regarded as the greatest benefactors of the Armenian nation. They were prominent tobacco traders from Egypt. In the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide they decided to establish this school in Cyprus. To that end, they liquidated all their assets and established

960-408: The issue at all cost even though many of the local AGBU chapters have privately or publicly raised their concerns. Armenian diaspora The Armenian diaspora refers to the communities of Armenians outside Armenia and other locations where Armenians are considered an indigenous population. Since antiquity, Armenians have established communities in many regions throughout the world. However,

1000-513: The modern Armenian diaspora was largely formed as a result of World War I , when the genocide which was committed by the Ottoman Empire forced Armenians who were living in their homeland to flee from it or risk being killed. Another wave of emigration started during the dissolution of the Soviet Union . The High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs established in 2019 is in charge of coordinating and developing Armenia's relations with

1040-465: The neighboring countries as a result of the Armenian Genocide. The Melkonian Institution as a safe haven is therefore regarded as being closely connected with the dark pages of the early 20th century Armenian History. This is confirmed by the fact that hundreds and thousands of orphans were provided with shelter, sustenance and schooling by dint of the enormous gift bequeathed by Garabed and Krikor Melkonian benefactor brothers. On Friday, February 15, 1924

1080-465: The pillars of the Armenian Diaspora. Also it prevented AGBU from selling the huge Melkonian property. The new boarding houses were constructed in early 1990s for both boys and girls living in opposite wings of the complex. Alex Manoogian 's statue is prominently featured at the centre of the courtyard. The boarding section has a capacity of accommodating circa 400 boarding students. Boys and girls accommodations are in separate building with supervisors at

1120-715: The point that it was listed on the New York Stock Exchange ( NYSE ). Manoogian's redesign and production of the Delta faucet , which allowed one-handed use, resulted in best-selling status for the plumbing fixture and generated substantial profits for his business. In 1995, his company had $ 3 billion in sales and had 38 percent of the domestic market for faucets. Manoogian married Marie Tatian (1902–1993), also an Armenian immigrant. Their daughter Louise Manoogian Simone (1933-2019) succeeded him as President of AGBU (see below). Their son Richard A. Manoogian (b. 1936)

1160-452: The rumored closure was established. After months of paid advertisements and heavily funded PR campaigns by the AGBU informing the public that they do not intend to close down and sell the Melkonian, on March 14, 2004 AGBU CB voted unanimously in favor of the closure. The official decision was published 2 days afterwards on March 16, 2004. The school was closed in June 2005. In an effort to stop

1200-624: The same " Melkonian family ". A number of well organised and very active MEI Alumni chapters are established in all continents of the globe. Of all Armenian schools Melkonian has produced a widely disproportionate share of Armenian Diaspora's prominent writers, intellectuals, academics, doctors, musicians, politicians, community leaders, persons of political influence and public figures on international stage. Some of prominent names associated with Melkonian include Vahan Tekeyan , Moushegh Ishkhan , Apraham Manoogian, Benon Sevan , Vahan Bedelian and Vahram Mavian. In 2003 an Alumni led campaign to resist

1240-471: The whole Armenian nation through a petition (www.midk.org) that advocates AGBU central board in New York to finally respond and start a discussion on how the school can be reopened as soon as possible. Both management and financial resources have been made available for the reopening of the school and ensuring the successful fulfillment of its mission but AGBU central board in New York so far refuses to discuss

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1280-574: Was CEO of the family business Masco and is a major collector of American art. He was said to have spoken 5 languages. Marie Manoogian died in 1993, and Alex in 1996. They were first interred in Detroit, Michigan. In 2007 they were reinterred with state honors in Armenia (see below). Manoogian contributed generously to charitable organizations and educational institutions, especially to the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). In recognition, he

1320-642: Was a grain wholesaler. He attended Armenian schools in Smyrna. In 1915, during the Armenian Genocide , Manoogian and his family escaped what is now Turkey through Greece . He later settled in Canada . In 1920, Manoogian immigrated to the United States after escaping the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide , arriving at Ellis Island and settling in Bridgeport, Connecticut . Manoogian began working as

1360-462: Was a newspaper run by and edited by the students themselves. AIG was the annual yearbook for Melkonian graduates. Hokehankist - a ceremony dedicated to remembering the Melkonian brothers and their charitable deed is carried out to annually to this day. Growing up in close near-familial environment, Melkonian graduates (Melkoniantsi) remain friends many years after their graduation. Many Melkoniantsis, both old and young, see themselves as being part of

1400-456: Was created as an orphanage in the aftermath of the Armenian genocide (the word 'Genocide' was defined in 1944) of 1915–1923. Zaven Patriarch of Constantinople was the first director of this institution, who in April 1926 undertook the heavy task of traveling and collecting over 300 orphans, boys and girls, from amongst thousands of children left destitute on the plains of Eastern Anatolia and in

1440-495: Was established by Mher Asadourian to keep all the Melkoniantsis, Melkonian teachers and staff united and let them communicate and keep in touch. Melkoniantsis, teachers and staff can sign up for free, upload their picture, invite friends, chat, blog, advertise, post an event, create groups and read the news. UPDATE: The above website is no longer on line. Try www.MEI1970.org with above focus. A renewed campaign appeals to

1480-448: Was largely formed after World War I as a result of the Armenian genocide . According to Randall Hansen , "Both in the past and today, the Armenian communities around the world have developed in significantly different ways within the constraints and opportunities found in varied host cultures and countries." In the fourth century, Armenian communities already existed outside Greater Armenia . Diasporic Armenian communities emerged in

1520-545: Was six times larger than that of present-day Armenia, including the eastern regions of Turkey , northern part of Iran , and the southern part of Georgia . By 2000, there were 7,580,000 Armenians living abroad in total. Alex Manoogian Alexander Manoogian ( Armenian : Ալեք Մանուկեան ; June 28, 1901 – July 10, 1996) was an Armenian-American industrial engineer, businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist who spent most of his career in Detroit , Michigan . He

1560-656: Was the founder of the Masco Corporation , which in 1969 was listed on the NYSE (XNYS:MAS). In 1954, he patented and brought to market the first successful washerless ball valve faucet, the Delta faucet , named for the faucet cam shaped like the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet . He and his wife Marie donated the Manoogian Mansion to the city of Detroit, which uses it as the official residence of

1600-563: Was voted Life President in 1970 and Honorary Life President in 1989. Manoogian was also active in the Knights of Vartan ; in 1940 he was elected its Avak Sparapet (National Commander). In 1968 he established the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian Cultural Fund. The fund, seeded with a $ 1 million endowment, is devoted to the publication and translation of Armenian scholarly and literary works, and Armenian cultural material worldwide. Through

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