A note about my Armenian background
I read in the comments that some of you thought it was inappropriate for me not to post about the anniversary of Armenian genocide (which took place just after World War I) and that I was being selfish for spending my day shopping instead.
For those of you who don’t already know, I am half Armenian. I do not speak Armenian, but my late father instilled in us a lot of Armenian culture. My dad was half Turkish Armenian and half Russian Armenian and my mother is German, Irish and Scottish.
Judging by the pictures you have seen on this site and from what the gossip blogs have been saying, I can see why you may have gotten the wrong idea. But that’s what the media put out… They didn’t know I was leaving for Australia, spending my only free day with my boyfriend, running every possible errand because I won’t be home for six weeks. From Australia, I land in Los Angeles and have just a few hours to switch bags before I leave for Shreveport, Louisiana, and won’t be back for more than a month!
After my day of running errands, I spent the evening with my late father’s side of the family. I went to an Armenian dinner with my family, like we often do. Of course, cameras weren’t there for that — and some things I like to keep private.
But all of the chatter really got me thinking… Do I know as much about my Armenian history as I would like to? The honest answer is… no.
That night at dinner my sisters, brother and I decided it is mandatory that we go to Armenia. None of us have ever been, neither had my dad and neither have my grandparents! My great grandparents were from Armenia and escaped the genocide. No one has been back since. All I know about my country is what I read and pictures I see on the Internet.
My parents couldn’t tell us stories because no one has been! So, this generation is going to change that! We don’t know when we are going to go, but we four kids have decided it is something we should do! I heard it is beautiful and we are all really excited about it!
I will definately keep you posted on the details of that trip! It would make my dad so proud!
Back when my father was alive, we didn’t use digital cameras, so I don’t have many pictures with him on my computer. But when I get home I am going to get a scanner so I can show you guys how handsome my daddy was.
I am also going to be honest, I don’t speak Armenian (I know, a lot of you have asked). And I don’t know all of the historical details — so if you have some stories to share with me, I would love that!
What does the Armenian genocide mean to you? Let me know!
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Kim, I am Turkish and have a lot of Armenian friends in NY/USA and in Turkey as well as Greek friends.
If you want to learn more about your culture, please understand that your history is not about GENOCIDE, which is not proven. You should learn about your entire history and probably visit Turkey on your return as well, stay at “Les Ottoman” like PAris and Ivanka.
Here is what the book ATATURK by Andrew Mango says:
“The Armenians had begun to spill out of their original homeland on the Eastern Anatolian plateau in late Byzantine (Istanbul) times. Under the Ottomans they provided most of the artisans and tradesmen in Anatolia. Ottoman architecture , ceramics, textiles – areas of endeavour where the Ottoman state made a lasting contribution to world civilization – relied in large measure on Armenian craftsmen….”
As said you nood to go to Turkey so see part of Armenian heritage..
God bless all of us – PEACE!
Also..be prepared..our countries (Armenia and Turkey) are not as advanced as Germany, France, Canada..you might be surprised. You need to look through that..
Family and love is he only thing some families have there.
Not only were there the Armenian Genocide..but also the Greek & Assyrian Genocides around the same time (both done by the Turks).
From what the person said above, it is FACT and proven. The turkish government spent millions of dollars to erase it from their history books in schools, libraries, etc. because they will never admit it.
That is part of the reason why they won’t be accepted into the UN, until they admit their faults.
I agree with the previous comment. Armenian Genocide is a proven fact. My ancestors were killed in that massacre…some had to escape to different countries like France, the U.S., Argentina.
Turks have to admit Armenian Genocide.
Hi Kim! I think it’s a bit unfair the way people are reacting to you about this Armenian genocide day. It’s unfair for people to judge you based upon that day simply because you did not openly ackwowledge something does not mean you weren’t thinking about it or didn’t care about it. People observe and handle things in different ways & not always publicly. I respect you for embracing your wonderful mixed heritage as culture and heritage help to shape and individual. You have taken the high road & responded to some of these ignorant & disparaging remarks in a polite & concise manner. People need to get a life & not knit pick at everything about you because your entire life is not on camera & you should be allowed to have some privacy. I can tell you are a grounded and level headed person who wants to be judged fairly & rightly so. I wish all the best for you & whenever you take that trip, I’m sure it will be a memorable one. Best Wishes
Hey Kim,
I think it’s realy great that you’re taking interest into your Armenian background because after all one day or another you gotta have some knowledge of where you got that “differnt” look from. I often times hear that i look like you because of the same dark hair big brown eyes tan skin etc. Anyways, i think it’s great that you see Armenia. Armenians here aren’t much like the ones here with the fancy cars and stuff. There is a lot of poverty and boy do i mean A LOT. I visited in summer 07 and although it was stressful to see your people so behind (technologically and everything else) it was a beautiful experience. The country is beautiful and even though a lot of our history is left behind in the land Turkey has taken from us, it still remains beautiful. If you ever have any questions or are curious about your Armenian side feel free to ask me. Im like a wiz about this stuff. I live in California but I love going there every couple of years. This was my first time on your site. I was like hmmmm let me see what this is about, and im glad i came by. Be proud of where you come from and your beautiful mix. Armenians have a lovely culture (almost as great as the food LOL). So keep updating your thoughts about it. Good Luck in EVERYTHING you do.
Now will you effing haters shut up? You are all so quick to judge her, and think she just shopped all day long. Maybe this will keep you from always jumping to conclusions with Kim.
If you watch the show you can sort of get to know her in a weird way, even though you REALLY can’t. But from what I gather she is a really sweet person, but everyone freaks out on her EVERY freakin chance they get.
Like when you all just ASSUMED she was drunk when she posted those pics of her and her family goofing off….God forbid she has fun and enjoys herself.
Anyway….about the post….
I have seen pics of Armenia and all that I see is BEAUTIFUL. And to whoever said the genocide didn’t happen bc there isn’t proof, shut up bc there is dumb ass.
I hope you take lots of pictures when you go there, something tells me it will be an emotional trip for all of you and remind you of your father, but I think it is such a good idea! Goin back to your roots! Good luck and congrats with the movie!!
xoxo
?Melissa
Hey Kim,
Let me start off by saying that you are beautiful and that I truly respect you for your decision to learn more about your culture. I have been to Armenia three times and I am gonna go again this summer. Do not miss out on the night life there. The best nightclubs are Chanps Elysees, Club One, and Club Opera. If you want to learn about the Armenian culture while you are there, you should visit Garni and Gekhard Monastery as well as Tsitsernagaberd. Tsitsernagaberd is a memorial for the Armenian Genocide. It has a museum in it that has all the artifacts from the Genocide. For some fun with theatre, you should check out Opera, they have a lot of plays every day. Oh and one more thing, for souvenirs, you guys should check out vernisage. It has the same things as all the other souvenir stores as well as antiques and artifacts for a much less price. Hope you have fun and I hope I see yopu there!!
That is wonderful to hear, Kim! If I were you, I’d have a tour guide come along with you. Armenia is a beautiful place but its almost very poor. They have some beautiful restaurants there as well as some memorable historical sights.
Here is a list of famous Armenians (your father is on the list), as well as Cher, System of a Down, etc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Armenians
I think one of the most important facts you need to know about Armenia is that Armenia was the first country to accept Christianity as its religion.
Also, watch this video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=r5oon66fEG8
Also, how come your dad and grandparents never went to Armenia??
Kim, I think that its great that you have decided to go to Armenia. I am also 1/2 Armenian and don’t speak Armenian, and I went back a year ago. To be quite honest, I didn’t want to go at first because I didn’t know what I would do there, but once I was there, I had a blast!!! I stayed at the Mariott which was GORGEOUS because it overlooked everything, the fountains, the scenary, nice restaurants, and it was in the middle of all the fun!
I saw all the beautiful sites (make sure to go see Lake Sevan, Garni Temple, and Edjmiadzin Church, which is considered one of the most ancient churches in the world.
For a fun time at night, I went to the Aragast, which is a restaurant that is on water—they have jazz music at night and its beautiful! There are also other beautiful restaurants that I think you will enjoy, but I don’t remember the names. There was live music, delicious food, and entertainment shows at night (Professional Armenian dancing).
Glad you made this decision to go with your family, Kim. I was hesitant at first because I didn’t know a lot about my own country, but once I was there, I felt like I was at home. I hope you feel the same way!