Erzindjan/Erzincan/Yerzenga – Schools

Author: Robert Tatoyan, 12/05/19 (Last modified 12/05/19) - Translator: Simon Beugekian

The Erzindjan Sub-district (Kaza), located in the Erzindjan District (Sandjak) of the Erzurum Province (Vilayet) of the Ottoman Empire, stretched over approximately the same territory as the Yegeghyats District of Greater Hayk’s Upper Hayk Province, including the vast field of Erzindjan. The sub-district bordered Papert in the north, Terchan in the east, Dersim (Harput Province) in the south, and Gamakh and Gerdjanis in the west [1].

The field of Erzindjan was described as fertile and water-rich. The mountains that surrounded it were beautiful and covered with green grass. Erzindjan’s climate is temperate – mountainous in certain areas; and the warm climate of valleys in others [2].

On the eve of the Armenian Genocide, the Erzindjan Sub-district included 120 settlements, of which 32 (or 37, if the farm communities known as mzres and palangas are included) were Armenian-populated. Of these, 11 were exclusively Armenian-populated [3]. The City of Erzindjan, the administrative center of both the district and sub-district, was the second most populous city of Erzurum Province [4]. According to the 1913 census conducted by the Constantinople Armenian Patriarchate [5], the sub-district’s Armenian population was 25,795, of whom 13,109 (2,021 households) lived in the City of Erzindjan, and 12,686 in the sub-district’s Armenian-populated villages [6]. Armenians comprised about a third of the population of both the city and the sub-district [7].

Like in other areas of the Ottoman Empire and Ottoman Armenia, prior to the 19^th century, Armenian educational institutions in the Erzindjan Sub-district operated mostly within monasteries, and in isolated instances, within local churches. The monastic seminaries educated future monks, while church schools prepared the next generation of priests, deacons, and other clergymen [8].

Individual schools and “classrooms” began appearing in the capital Constantinople and Smyrna in the late 18^th century. They began appearing in the provinces some time later, in the early 19^th century. These schools and classes were established and run by individual clerics or laypeople [9].

In 1789, Ottoman Sultan Selim III, in his efforts to introduce reforms that would bring about the westernization of his country, gave the Ottoman Armenian and Greek minorities the right to establish their own secular or neighborhood/“azkayin” (parochial) schools, which would be administered by neighborhood councils that operated alongside church parishes [10]. With the permission of the Ottoman authorities, Armenian neighborhood/parochial schools were opened in Constantinople in the 1790s, and already by the 1800s they began opening in the empire’s provinces.

1) The decree ordering reforms of parochial Armenian schools, Muhendisian Press, Constantinople, 1873.
2) The Association School of Erzindjan, two-year report, 1879-1881, Hovsepa Kavafian Press, Constantinople, 1881.
3) The Vision of Daniel, Painter: Sarkis, 1362, Yerznga, Ms 4519 (Source: Armenian Miniatures from the Matenadaran Collection, Nairi Publishing House, Yerevan, 2009)։

Pillowcases produced in Erzindjan (Source: Thompson/Nielsen Collection, Iowa City (IA) and Berkeley (CA), USA).

1) The Torosian family, Erzindjan.
2) The Seyisian family, Erzindjan.
(Source: Karnig Sdepanian, Yerzenga/Erzindjan: from Antiquity to Today, Yerevan State University Press, Yerevan, 2005).

1) Erzindjan, circa 1909. From right to left – Haig Mordjigian, his sister Hayganoush Baronian (nee Mordjigian), and an unidentified child (Source: Thompson/Nielsen Collection, Iowa City (IA) and Berkeley (CA), USA).
2) Erzindjan. From left to right – Hayganoush Baronian (nee Mordjigian), Miriam Shakardjian (the standing girl), and Helen Shakardjian (nee Shamegian). The child in Helen’s lap is probably Sherman Baronian, Hayganoush’s son (Source: Thompson/Nielsen Collection, Iowa City (IA) and Berkeley (CA), USA).
3) Erzindjan, 1885. The Yourouzgerian family (Source: Karnig Sdepanian, Yerzenga/Erzindjan: from Antiquity to Today, Yerevan State University Press, Yerevan, 2005).

The Association School was founded on January 1, 1879, with the patronage of Erzindjan’s “earnest and enlightened” local community leaders (Hagop-Shavarsh Kenirdjian, Mgrdich Tanielian, Hovhannes Tanielian, Hagop Bedrosian, and Pilibos Boyadjian). The institution was a secondary (intermediate) school, and its mission was to provide the children of the City of Erzindjan and the sub-district with the best possible education, based on the most modern practices, thus allowing them to receive first-rate schooling from the primary to the secondary level. “The school was established to provide Armenian children with the type of education and schooling that would allow them to later contribute to the Lord and to the nation. Spiritual education is a priority. Graduates are expected to be humane and virtuous, and to cherish the Armenian Church and Armenian traditions,” states one of the school’s own documents [36].

Initially, the course of studies offered by the school spanned seven years (three years of primary (elementary) schooling and four years of secondary (intermediate) schooling) [37]. Later, this was increased to eight years (four years of primary (elementary) schooling and four years of secondary (intermediate) schooling) [38]. The school was housed in the rented premises of the newly-built Naregian School building, the neighborhood school attached to the Holy Savior Church [39].

1) Internal bylaws of Armenian parochial schools, K. Baghdadlian Press, Constantinople, 1890.
2) Program and bylaws of the scholastic association of the Vari Chiftlig village of Erzindjan, page one. Published in the early 1910s.

In its first year of operation, the school had three primary classrooms, with an enrollment of 50 pupils. Enrollment reached 70 in 1880, 116 in 1881 (six classrooms), and 125 in 1884. In principle, the school was designed to accommodate a maximum of 140 pupils [40]. Tuition fees were waived for students from indigent families (26 in 1880; 30 in 1884). The school attempted to fund their education through donations and fundraisers, as well as the innovative practice of “sponsorship” by benefactors. In 1881, the number of students “sponsored” in this fashion was eight [41]. The school often appealed to the community for donations via the local press. One notice disseminated by the school administration on March 16, 1884 reads – “With your contribution of one Ottoman pound per year, a child from the villages can receive an education, changing the life of an entire family” [42].

The school offered classes in catechism; ethics; classical and modern Armenian; Armenian literature; Turkish, French, Armenian, Ottoman, and general history; arithmetic; accounting; bookkeeping; natural sciences; geography; character development; drawing; music (including musical notation and singing)’ calligraphy (Armenian, Turkish, and French); and physical education [43].

The school had its own internal regulations, which outlined its admission policies, the duties of students, acceptable methods of reward and punishment, rules governing examinations, etc. [44].

Education was conducted using “new and more straightforward” methods, and efforts were made to continually refine these practices. The school adopted two fundamental educational principles – “1. Pupils must be taught according to their physical and mental capabilities. Lessons should be simple, brief, easy to grasp, and at the same time entertaining; 2. Teachers must strive to ensure that students learn consciously and comprehensively, understanding concepts rather than learning by rote” [45].

The school’s teaching guidelines also emphasized that teachers, as the “true friends and partners of students,” must treat them with great respect and “with affection,” and must attempt to kindle in their hearts the traits of honor and magnanimity. Violence, corporal punishment, and other “outdated and extreme practices” were to have no place within the school [46].

In 1880, with the purpose of supporting the school, its graduates and faculty formed the school’s alumni and teachers’ associations. The latter specifically had the following aims – “1. To create true friendship, honest dialogue, and a sense of mutual respect between students and staff…; 2. To encourage freedom and confidence among the students; 3 – And to develop and implement educational practices aimed at the greater edification of students” [47].

Members of the association were responsible for raising funds, a portion of which would be added to the association’s endowment, which grew every year. These funds were inaccessible until the total sum reached $500, at which point they would be transferred to the educational union that was meant to be established in Vari Chiftlig [85].

Evidence that education in Erzindjan was experiencing a period of revival prior to the Armenian Genocide is also provided by the periodic Patriarchate surveys. According to the survey of 1913, the sub-district was home to 37 Armenian educational institutions, of which 7 were located in the City of Erzindjan (5 “azkayin” and 2 private), and the other 30 were located in the Armenian-populated villages of the sub-district. The number of pupils enrolled in these educational institutions was approximately 3,860, of whom 1,500 attended the schools in the city, and the other 2,360 attended schools in the villages [86] (information regarding individual villages is provided in the appropriate section of this article). The data from the 1913 survey, when compared to the data from the 1878 and 1902 surveys, shows a sharp increase (more than two-fold) in the number of pupils enrolled in the sub-district’s schools (see Table 1 below).

The number of Armenians in Erzindjan who had converted to Protestantism was not very large – approximately 147 individuals (according to data published by the Ottoman authorities in 1914 [87]); or, alternatively, 500 individuals (in 1902, according to the Armenian Patriarchate [88]). The Armenian Protestants of the sub-district lived almost exclusively in the City of Erzindjan. Most of these Protestant Armenians were not native to Erzindjan. About 20 of these families had moved to Erzindjan from neighboring districts and provinces [89].

The Armenian Protestants of Erzindjan congregated in a two-story house at the western edge of the city’s Armenian neighborhood. This building served not only as a meeting hall and preaching hall, but also as a primary school [90].

The Central School [91] was the neighborhood school attached to the Holy Trinity Church of Erzindjan. It was housed in a two-story building built in the church square. The first floor housed the primary school and the first and second grades, and the second floor housed the upper grades [92].

The school’s revenue consisted of tuition fees and income from church properties, as well as various donations and fundraisers. Among all the city’s parochial schools, the Central School was the most financially secure. This was due to two main factors – first, The Holy Trinity Church parish was much larger than any of the others in Erzindjan, and second, it owned a large estate, and income from this estate was used to finance the school’s operations [93]. The availability of funds allowed the school’s board of trustees to make it into the best of Erzindjan’s schools, as prestigious as the Association School that operated in the city in the 1880s. The Central School offered a seven-year course of studies, and instruction was provided according to the curriculum developed by the Constantinople National Educational Council [94].

According to reports concerning the 1883-1884 school year, the school had an enrollment of 200 pupils and a faculty of seven teachers [95].

According to the 1902 survey, the school had an enrollment of 280 boys and a faculty of 10 teachers [96].

On the eve of the Genocide, enrollment was between 300 to 350, with a faculty of 10 teachers [97].

In 1914 the principal of the school was Zarmayr Djermagian, who is remembered in his students’ memoirs as a witty, intelligent, serious, profound, and cultivated man, characterized by his strong will and determination. Among the renowned teachers of the school were Dikran Garmirian, Dikran Baghdigian, and Soghomon Rahanian (all three killed during the Genocide) [98].

Among the graduates of the Central School were Avedis Kachperouni, future secretary of the Garin Diocese and deputy supervisor of United Association schools in the Davros region; teachers Vartan Gharchbegian, Nshan Ehramdjian, Garabed Kachperouni, and Nshan Ptigian; Ottoman minister of post Vosgan Mardigian; revolutionary activist Roupen Shishmanian (Keri) [99]; and others.

A teachers’ and students’ organizations operated alongside the school. The local press made particular mention of the Alumni Association, which in 1914 operated a library with about 200 books [100].

The Yeznigian School was the neighborhood school attached to the Saint Nshan Cathedral. It was the second most prestigious school in Erzindjan after the Central School. The school was housed in a two-story building adjacent to the church, built “in a modern style and using a modern building plan” featuring a new configuration for classrooms and amenities in a “splendid” building. The construction of the building was funded by one of the neighborhood’s wealthy notables [101].

In its early years, Yeznigian was a primary school, but beginning in the 1890s (with some interruptions), it offered upper elementary classes and a six-year course of education.

In 1883-1884, the school had an enrollment of approximately 80 students and a faculty of two teachers [102].

According to the 1902 survey, the school already had an enrollment of 250 boys and a faculty of 10 teachers [103].

On the eve of the Genocide, the school had an enrollment of between 250 and 300 pupils and a faculty of eight teachers [104].

Among the renowned principals of the Yeznigian school was Bedros Srabian. Among its renowned teachers were Mamigon Varjabedian (a native of Keghi, and son of Melkon Djantemirian-Varjabedian), Kourken Papazian, and Nshan Vosgeritchian [105]. Among the graduates of the Yeznigian School was Soghomon Tehlirian [106].

The Aramian School was the neighborhood school attached to the Saint Sarkis Church. It was housed in a wooden building adjacent to the church. In the 1880s, it was considered to be the second most prestigious school in Erzindjan, second only to the Central School. However, it subsequently experienced a period of decline and was surpassed by the Yeznigian School [107].

According to reports concerning the 1883-1884 school year, the school had an enrollment of 150 students and a faculty of four teachers [108].

According to the 1902 survey, the school had an enrollment of 120 pupils and a faculty of five teachers [109].

On the eve of the Genocide, the school had an enrollment of between 150 and 200 pupils and a faculty of six teachers [110].

The Naregian School was the neighborhood school attached to the Holy Savior Church. The school was housed in a three-story building partly built of stone. The building was described as “immense and splendid.” As the local community had no need for such a large school, the third floor was almost always vacant. In the 1880s, this floor was rented by the Association School. Between 1897 and 1899, when, for a short period, the neighborhood schools of the city were united under a single banner, the senior classes of the merged school were held in this building [111].

According to reports concerning the 1883-1884 school year, the school had an enrollment of approximately 80 students and a faculty of two teachers [112].

According to the 1902 survey, the school had an enrollment of 160 pupils (100 boys and 60 girls) and a faculty of six teachers [113].

On the eve of the Genocide, the school had an enrollment of between 100 and 150 pupils, and a faculty of four teachers [114].

1) The Chrisdinian Girls’ School of Erzindjan (the white building in the center). The structure on the right, featuring the two windows, is the school’s kindergarten. The roof and bell tower of the Saint Sarkis Church are visible behind the white school building.
2) The Saint Sarkis Church. The roof of the Chrisdinian Girls’ School is visible behind it.
(Source: Erzindjan Illustrated Album, Constantinople, 1907, prepared for Bishop Maghakia Ormanian).

The Chrisdinian Girls’ (Maidens’) School was the only regularly operating girls’ school in Erzindjan. It was founded in 1875, thanks to the efforts of Archbishop Krikor Aleatdjian, who served as the prelate of the Erzindjan Diocese from 1874 to 1876. The school was housed in a two-story building located behind the Saint Sarkis Church. The primary school was located on the first floor, while the second floor housed the elementary school [115].

The school had its own board of directors, elected by and answerable to the parochial authorities (“National Board”). The school’s revenues consisted of tuition fees, funds allocated to it by the Patriarchate, the proceeds of various events, and donations [116]. In the 1880s, the school also received financial support from the Patriotic Armenian Society of Constantinople, which founded a chapter in Erzindjan in 1880 [117].

According to reports concerning the 1883-1884 school year, the school had an enrollment of approximately 250 students; and a faculty of one female teacher and two male teachers [118].

According to the 1902 survey, the school had an enrollment of 350 pupils, of whom 330 were girls and 20 were boys. The faculty consisted of 11 teachers (seven female and four male) [119].

On the eve of the Genocide, the school had an enrollment of 350-400 pupils, and a faculty of seven teachers [120].

In 1879, alumnae of the Chrisdinian School founded the Chrisdinian Alumnae Association, whose goal was to help provide school supplies and uniforms to the school’s indigent students [121].

In the 1890s, a kindergarten was established adjacent to the Chrisdinian School, housed in a separate building. The number of kindergarten pupils was 250-300. The kindergarten’s curriculum was based on the “latest, most advanced methods of the Froebelian [122] system,” which was seen as the most progressive pedagogical system of the time [123].

Among the many celebrated teachers and schoolmasters of the Chrisdinian School was Bedros Pogharian, a native of Arapgir by birth.

An interesting note – the yearly examinations of the Chrisdinian School were held in public, and the students of the city’s boys’ schools customarily attended these examinations and listened to the girls as they answered the examiners’ questions. In effect, this was a unique form of bridal visitation, which allowed the youth of Erzindjan to select their potential future spouses [124].

Below, we present information on the schools operating in the individual villages of the Erzindjan Sub-district prior to the Genocide. This information was gleaned from the 1878, 1902, and 1913 surveys conducted by local parochial authorities on behest of the Constantinople Armenian Patriarchate, as well as other sources. The villages are listed in Armenian alphabetical order. The Armenian population of each village is provided according to the 1913 Patriarchate census [125].

5 households, 45 Armenians.

According to the 1895 survey, the Haigazian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 17 pupils [126]. There is no information regarding the schools operating in the village in later years. K. Surmenian mentions that there was a “pitiful” school operating in the village [127].

70 households, 430 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Arshagounyats primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 40 pupils [128].

According to the 1902 survey, the Saint Nishan school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 50 students and a faculty of one teacher [129].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 100 pupils [130].

68 households, 399 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Nersesian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 30 pupils [131].

According to the 1902 survey, the Keshishian co-educational school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 40 pupils (30 boys and 10 girls) and a faculty of one teacher [132].

According to the 1913 survey, the enrollment of the village school was 50 pupils [133]. K. Surmenian mentions that the school had a faculty of two teachers [134].

105 households, 852 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Ghevontyants primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 50 pupils [135].

According to an account from the mid-1880s, the village had two operating schools, one “azkayin,” the other private. The private school was administered by Shavarsh Chilasezian, a graduate of the Erzindjan Association School, and an “intelligent and virtuous youth.” The village was described as “studious, hospitable, and quite developed” [136]. The enrollment of the two schools was approximately 40 pupils [137].

According to the 1902 survey, the Ghevontyants co-educational school also operated in the village, with an enrollment of 60 students, consisting of 55 boys and 5 girls [138].

According to the 1913 survey, the enrollment of the village school was 150 pupils [139].

40 households, 366 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Vartanian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 25 pupils [140].

The 1902 survey does not list any schools operating in the village [141].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 80 pupils [142].

K. Surmenian writes that on the eve of the Genocide, the principal of the Khntsoreg school was appointed by the United Association, which “made a great contribution to the work of teaching our native language to the new generation and ensuring that these half-Kurdish-speaking Armenians did not lose their national identity” [143].

78 households, 628 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Torkomian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 60 pupils [144].

According to the 1902 survey, the Mesrovbian boys’ school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 40 students and a faculty of one teacher [145].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 80 pupils [146].

Another source reports that one the eve of the Genocide, the enrollment of the school village was 65 pupils, taught by a faculty of two teachers (accounts vary as to the exact enrollment of schools in specific periods, due to the differences between the nominal enrollment and the number of students actually attending classes) [147].

47 households, 315 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Naregian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 20 pupils [148].

Reports concerning 1885 indicate that the village elementary school had an enrollment of 25 pupils. The school only operated during the winter months, as during the summers, the boys were engaged in work in the fields [149].

According to the 1902 survey, a co-educational “azkayin” primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 25 pupils (22 boys and 3 girls) and a faculty of one teacher [150].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school already had an enrollment of 85 pupils [151]. Another source reports that one the eve of the Genocide, the village school has an enrollment of 60 pupils [152].

39 households, 329 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Torkomian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 20 pupils [153].

The 1902 survey does not list any schools operating in the village [154].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 60 pupils [155].

60 households, 755 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Vartanants primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 40 pupils [156].

According to the 1902 survey, the Aramian boys’ school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 25 pupils and a faculty of one teacher [157].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school already had an enrollment of 150 pupils [158]. Another source reports that on the eve of the Genocide, the village school had an enrollment of 100 pupils and a faculty of five male and female teachers [159].

14 households, 130 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, 10 young boys from Harabedi attended the schools of the City of Erzindjan (the village was located at a distance of about half an hour from the city) [160].

According to the 1913 survey, the village had a school with an enrollment of 30 pupils [161].

36 households, 200 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Haigaznian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 14 pupils [162].

According to the 1902 survey, the Kakigian co-educational school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 40 pupils (30 boys and 10 girls) and a faculty of one teacher [163].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school already had an enrollment of 60 pupils [164].

41 households, 235 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Mamigonian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 14 pupils [165].

According to the 1902 survey, the Mesrovbian co-educational school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 25 pupils (20 boys and 5 girls) and a faculty of one teacher [166].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school already had an enrollment of 65 pupils [167].

43 households, 350 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Haigaznian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 20 pupils [168].

The 1902 survey does not list any schools in Gharadigin [169].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school already had an enrollment of 70 pupils [170].

45 households, 302 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Sisagian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 30 pupils [171].

According to the 1902 survey, the Sourp Asdvadzadzin (Holy Virgin) boys’ school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 15 pupils and a faculty of one teacher [172].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school already had an enrollment of 80 pupils [173]. Another source reports that on the eve of the Genocide, the village school had an enrollment of approximately 50 pupils and a faculty of one teacher [174].

55 households, 820 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Naregian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 50 pupils [175].

According to the 1902 survey, the Nersesian boys’ school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 50 pupils and a faculty of two teachers [176].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 120 pupils [177].

In 1911, a modern school building was built in the village, housing a library and a hall with a theater stage. The village youth were quite well-educated and greatly valued education. The village produced many teachers who taught both in the City of Erzindjan and in the sub-district’s villages [178].

83 households, 650 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Lousavorchagan primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 60 pupils [179].

According to the 1902 survey, the Aramian co-educational school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 75 pupils (50 boys and 25 girls) and a faculty of two teachers [180].

According to the 1913 survey, the enrollment of the village school was 100 pupils [181]. K. Surmenian writes that on the eve of the Genocide, the school had a faculty of three teachers [182].

304 households, 1,822 Armenians.

Meghoutsig was the largest Armenian-populated village of the Erzindjan Sub-district. According to the 1878 survey, the Hairenik primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 100 pupils [183].

According to the 1902 survey, the Saint Lousavorich boys’ school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 85 pupils and a faculty of two teachers [184].

According to accounts from 1911, the village already had a co-educational school, with an enrollment of 180 pupils (120 boys and 60 girls) and a faculty of five teachers. The school utilized the curriculum developed by the provincial educational council. The village’s newly created local council and board of trustees spared no efforts to fund the school from the village budget, and to ensure that the school received the necessary funds on a regular basis [185].

According to K. Surmelian, in the early 1910s, the school village had an enrollment of 250 pupils and a faculty of four or five teachers [186].

The 1913 survey mentions two schools operating in Meghoutsig, with a combined enrollment of 350 pupils [187]. The schools offered a five-year course of studies, and had a faculty of five teachers [188].

After the 1908 constitutional reforms, on the initiative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnak Party), an organization called the Progressive Association was formed in the village, with the purpose of organizing educational projects. The efforts of the association resulted in the establishment of a library for adults, as well as a hall that hosted theatrical productions in the winters. in 1911, to raise funds for the construction of a girls’ school, the village youth performed the plays Shoushanig, Sev Hogher, Tebi Azadoutyun, and VartanMamigonian in this hall [189].

120 households, 1,316 Armenians.

Mtni was one of the larger purely Armenian-populated villages of Erzindjan. According to the 1878 survey, the Smpadian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 70 pupils [190].

According to the 1902 survey, the co-educational Saint Ghevontyants school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 100 pupils (80 boys and 20 girls) and a faculty of two teachers [191].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 200 pupils [192].

According to another report concerning the period preceding the Genocide, the village school had an enrollment of 300 pupils and a faculty of three teachers. A library/lecture hall operated adjacent to the school, hosting theatrical productions in the winters [193].

K. Surmenian reports that the people of Mtni were fervently religious and highly valued education, adding that the village’s “magnificent” school had an enrollment of more than 100 pupils and a faculty of three or four teachers [194].

38 households, 280 Armenians.

The 1878 survey does not list any schools operating in the village [195].

According to the 1902 survey, the Holy Virgin co-educational school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 27 pupils (20 boys and 7 girls). The school’s faculty consisted of two teachers [196].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 60 pupils [197].

23 households, 158 Armenians.

The 1878 survey does not list any schools operating in the village [198].

According to the 1902 survey, an “azkayin” boys’ school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 15 pupils and a faculty of one teacher [199].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 30 pupils [200].

31 households, 140 Armenians.

The surveys of 1878 and 1902 do not list any schools operating in this village [201]. According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 50 pupils [202].

57 households, 336 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Roupinian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 30 pupils [203].

According to the 1902 survey, a boys’ school called Haygaznian operated in the village, with an enrollment of 12 pupils and a faculty of one teacher [204].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 100 pupils [205].

Another account from the eve of the Genocide reports that that village school had an enrollment of 60 pupils and a faculty of two teachers [206]. A small library/reading room also operated adjacent to the school [207].

1) The July 1911 issue of Aror Monthly, published in Erzindjan. As this page states, the monthly newspaper was printed by the Harach Printing Press in Erzurum/Garin.
2) Erzindjan, 1913. The children of the Bedigian family (Source: Karnig Sdepanian, Yerzenga/Erzindjan: from Antiquity to Today, Yerevan State University Press, Yerevan, 2005).

27 households, 229 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Roupinian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 10 pupils (we cannot rule out the possibility that this is the same Roupinian school that operated in Chiftlig Veri, and that the 10 pupils mentioned here were those attending that school from Chiftlig Vari) [208].

According to the 1902 survey, an unnamed “azkayin” school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 20 boys and a faculty of one teacher [209].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 70 pupils [210].

Another account from the eve of the Genocide states that the village school had an enrollment of 40 pupils [211].

33 households, 249 Armenians.

According to the 1878 survey, the Dadjadian primary school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 10 pupils [212].

According to an account from the mid-1880s, the village school had an enrollment of 15 pupils [213].

The 1902 survey does not list any schools operating in Dadjrag [214].

According to the 1913 survey, the village school had an enrollment of 60 pupils [215].

14 households, 104 Armenians.

The surveys of 1878 and 1902 do not list any schools operating in this village.

According to the survey of 1913, one school operated in the village, with an enrollment of 30 children [216].

• [1] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga [Erzindjan], Cairo, Sahag-Mesrob Press, 1947, page 13.
• [2] A-To, Vani, Bitlisi yev Ezrurumi Vilayetnere [The Vilayets of Van, Bitlis, and Erzurum], Yerevan, Cultura Press, 1912, page 218.
• [3] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 73.
• [4] Kegham M. Patalian, Arevmdyan Hayasdani Badmajoghovrtagan Ngarakire Medz Yegherni Nakhorein. Mas Yerrort: Erzurumi Nahanki Gendronagan yev Arevmdyan Kavarnere yev Erzurum (Garin) yev Yerzenga Kaghaknere [The Demographic and Historical Character of Historical Armenia on the Eve of the Armenian Genocide. Part Three: The Central and Western Districts of the Erzurum Province and the Cities of Erzurum (Garin) and Erzindjan, VEM All-Armenian Review, Yerevan, 2015, Year G (13), number 4 (52), October-December, Appendix, page XXX.
• [5] This survey is also known among historians as the 1913-1914 Armenian Patriarchate Census.
• [6] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman a la Veille du Genocide [The Armenians in the Ottoman Empire on the Eve of the Genocide], Paris, ARHIS, 1992, page 59 and pages 454-455.
• [7] S. Dzotsigian, Arevmdahay Ashkharh [The Western Armenian World], New York, 1947, page 156.
• [8] K. A. Nazigian, Arevmdahay Mangavarjagan Midkn ou Tbrotse (19rt Tari Sgzpits minchev 19rt Tari 50-60-agan Tvagannere) [Western Armenian Pedagogy and Schooling (from the 19^th Century to the 1850s and 1860s)], Yerevan, Louys Press, 1969, page 25.
• [9] Ibid., page 21.
• [10] T. Azadian, Haruramya Hopelyan Bezdjian Mayr Varjarani: Koum Kapou: 1830-1930 [Centenary Jubilee of the Bezdjian Mother School: Koum Kapi: 1830-1930], Constantinople, 1930, page 6.
• [11] Ibid., page 14.
• [12] A. Alboyadjian, Badmoutyun Hay Gesario: Deghakragan, Badmagan, yev Azkakragan Ousoumnasiroutyun [History of Armenian Gesaria: A Geographic, Historical, and Demographic Study], Volume 1, Cairo, 1937, page 1095.
• [13] Arevelyan Mamoul, Smyrna, June 15, 1897, number 12, page 429.
• [14] Giragos S. Ghazandjian, Kharn Namagner Oughevoroutyan [Mixed Correspondence of Travels], Constantinople, Sareian Press, pages 18-19.
• [15] Ibid.
• [16] Ibid.
• [17] Ibid.
• [18] Ibid., page 18.
• [19] Yeprem V. Boghosian, Badmoutyun Hay Mshagoutayin Engeroutyunnerou [History of Armenian Cultural Associations], Volume 2, Vienna, Mekhitarist Press, 1963, pages 104-105.
• [20] Masis Political, National, Rhetorical, and Economic Review, Constantinople, July 2, 1859, number 388.
• [21] Azkayin Sahmanatroutyun Hayots – Hasdadial 1863 yev Veraknyal [The National Constantinian of Armenians – Confirmed in 1863 and Reinstated], Cairo, Arshalouys Press, 1901, page 33.
• [22] Ibid, pages 41-42.
• [23] L. Chormisian, Hamabadger Arevmdahayots Meg Tarou Badmoutyan [An Overview of a Century of Western Armenian History], Volume A, 1850-1878, Beirut, 1972, pages 525-526.
• [24] Archives of the Yeghishe Charents Museum of Literature and Art (Charents Museum), T. Azadian Fund, Part 3, Sheets 8-9.
• [25] The calculations were performed by the author based on the table provided by the primary source. See the applicable section of the article for figures on individual towns and villages.
• [26] Arevelyan Mamoul, May 1886, pages 230-231.
• [27] Senior Priest Boghos Natanian, Ardosr Hayasdani gam Deghegakir Paloua, Karpertou, Charsandjaki, Jabagh Chouri, yev Yerzengayou Havelvadz Esd Khntranats Azkasirats Khizan Kavari [The Tears of Armenia, or a Survey of Palu, Kharpert, Charsandjak, Jabagh Chour, and Erzindjan, with Additions Requested by the Patriotic People of Khizan Province], Constantinople, 1878, pages 157-158.
• [28] This was the case in, for example, the Pzvan, Gharadigin, Gullidje, Mahmoudtsik, and other villages of the sub-district (S. Amadian, “The Sub-district of Yerzenga. A Description of Armenian Villages,” Arevelyan Mamoul, April 1891, pages 155-159; Arevelyan Mamoul, May 1891, pages 207-210.)
• [29] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 147.
• [30] Ibid., page 128.
• [31] Miatsyal Ungeroutyounk Hayots (1880-1908), Yeramsia Deghegakir, 1098 Okosdos 21-1911 Okosdos 31 [United Association of Armenians (1880-1908), Three-year Report, August 21 1908-August 31, 1911], Constantinople, Nshan Babigian Press, 1911, page 9.
• [32] Ibid., page 11 for the list of schools administered by the organization upon the merger.
• [33] K. V. Srvantsdyants, Toros Aghpar [Brother Toros], Part B, Constantinople, K. Baghdadlian (Aramian) Press, 1885, page 49.
• [34] Masis National and Political Weekly, Constantinople, September 27, 1886, number 3,841, page 139.
• [35] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 154.
• [36] Arevelyan Mamoul, March 1886, page 117.
• [37] Engeragan Varjaran Yegeghyats: A. Deghegakir Yergamya 1879-1881 Amo [The Association School of Erzindjan: First Two-Year Report, Years 1879-1881], Constantinople, Hovsepa Kavafian Press, 1881, page 10.
• [38] Arevelyan Mamoul, March 1886, page 117.
• [39] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 120.
• [40] Information on 1879 from K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 130. Information on 1880 and 1881 from Engeragan Varjaran Yegeghyats: A. Deghegakir Yergamya 1879-1881 Amo, pages 5 and 19. Information on 1884 from Arevelyan Mamoul, March 1886, page 119.
• [41] Engeragan Varjaran Yegeghyats: A. Deghegakir Yergamya 1879-1881 Amo, page 19. For the list of individuals who donated to the school between 1879 and 1881, see ibid., pages 22-23.
• [42] Arevelyan Mamoul, March 1886, page 117.
• [43] The school’s educational program by grade – Engeragan Varjaran Yegeghyats: A. Deghegakir Yergamya 1879-1881 Amo, pages 114-115.
• [44] Ibid., pages 15-18.
• [45] Ibid., page 14.
• [46] Ibid.
• [47] Yeprem V. Boghosian, Badmoutyun Hay Mshagoutayin Engeroutyunnerou, pages 114-115.
• [48] We must note that the school’s first principal was Khachig Hovnouni, a native of Divrig, who was described as conscientious and capable, and as an “industrious lecturer.” However, he died only a month after the opening of the school, and the school’s board of trustees was forced to seek another principal.
• [49] Engeragan Varjaran Yegeghyats: A. Deghegakir Yergamya 1879-1881 Amo, page 19.
• [50] Arevelyan Mamoul, March 1886, page 118.
• [51] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 131.
• [52] Areveleyan Mamoul, March 1886, page 118. Impressions of the school provided by Karekin Srvantsdyants, Mgrdich Portoukalian, Dzerentsi (Hovsep Shishmanian), and Henry Trotter (ambassador of Great Britain in Erzindjan) from Engeragan Varjaran Yegeghyats: A. Deghegakir Yergamya 1879-1881 Amo, pages 25-33.
• [53] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, pages 131-132.
• [54] Ibid., page 132.
• [55] Ibid. As early as March of 1886, the editor of the Arevelyan Mamoul magazine, published in Smryna, sounded the alarm – “We have received disheartening reports on the current state of the Association School of Erzindjan, which is currently facing a financial crisis. We all know that this school is one of the first in Armenia, as confirmed by many prominent Armenians and foreign observers. Naturally, if this school collapses, the cause of education will suffer a great blow. … The founders are doing all they can, and sparing no sacrifices, to avoid the danger of closure. The funding the school receives from the United Association and the tuition fees of the students do not meet the school’s needs. The faculty, after making all possible personal sacrifices and working selflessly, can no longer carry on, and is of a mind to resign and leave. The school’s founders have made several appeals to compatriots to help and support the school, but their appeals have barely been heard.” (Arevelyan Mamoul, March 1886, page 116).
• [56] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 129.
• [57] Ibid.
• [58] Ibid.
• [59] Arevelyan Mamoul, February 1888, page 53.
• [60] Ibid., page 52.
• [61] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 129.
• [62] Arevelyan Mamoul, February 1888, page 53.
• [63] Ibid.
• [64] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 141.
• [65] To wit, renowned Erzindjan pedagogue Markar Shavarsh, in his article published in 1897 in the Arevelyan Mamoul magazine of Smyrna, expressed hope that with the unification of the schools, “to receive a higher elementary education would no longer be the preserve of our wealthy compatriots, and the children of poor families, thirsting for knowledge, would benefit. Today, only a small number of them are able to obtain an education, mostly thanks to the pity of this or that kind-hearted sponsor.” (Arevelyan Mamoul, June 15, 1897, number 12, page 428).
• [66] S. Adamian, “Invitation to Erzindjan from the Shores of Honia,” Arevelyan Mamoul, November 1, 1897, number 21, page 713. The author also writes that even before the 1890s, three different attempts were made to unify the educational institutions of Erzindjan, but they had all failed, due to the opposition of the neighborhood councils, which did not want to lose their control of finances.
• [67] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 146.
• [68] P. Zorian, “The Current State of Education in Erzindjan,” Arevelyan Mamoul, November 1, 1898, number 21, page 825.
• [69] Barzmen, “The Issue of Unification in Erzindjan,” Arevelyan Mamoul, November 15, 1900, number 22, pages 883-884.
• [70] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, pages 146-147.
• [71] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo: Badrasdyal Ousoumnagan Khorhrto Azkayin Getronagan Varchoutyan: Dedr B. Vidjag 1901-1902 Darvo [Report on Armenian National Schools in Turkey: Prepared for the Educational Council of the National Central Executive: Book B, Report on 1901-1902], Istanbul, H. Madteosian Press, 1903, pages 6 and 27.
• [72] According to the Armenian Patriarchate’s 1902 survey, the schools of Shekhli, Garmri, and Vari Chiftlig functioned in this manner (Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkio, page 6).
• [73] Byzantium Armenian Daily, Constantinople, October 15/27 1897, number 294.
• [74] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 231.
• [75] Ibid., pages 231-232; Yeprem V. Boghosian, Badmoutyun Hay Mshagoutayin Engeroutyunnerou, pages 116
• [76] Young Armenian Political, Social, and Economic Weekly, New York, June 8, 1910, number 46.
• [77] Young Armenia Weekly, March 2, 1910, number 32.
• [78] Ibid.
• [79] The prodigious work of collecting and cataloging these press clippings was performed by Father Yeprem Boghosian, member of the Mekhitarist Order, who published them in his three-volume “Badmoutyun Hay Mshagoutayin Engeroutyunnerou” [“History of Armenian Cultural Association”], which we have cited extensively in this article, alongside our other sources.
• [80] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 59. By comparison, Keghi, which was known for having a large number of migrant associations operating in the U.S. and Canada, had a total population of 19,859 and a total number of migrants of 4,043 (Ibid.).
• [81] Yeprem V. Boghosian, Badmoutyun Hay Mshagoutayin Engeroutyunnerou, pages 119.
• [82] Ibid.
• [83] Dzrakir-Ganonakir Yerzengayi Vari Chiftlig Kughi Ousoumnasirats Engeroutyan [Program and Bylaws ofthe Scholastic Unionof the Vari Chiftlig Village of Erzindjan], A. D.,1913, page 1.
• [84] Ibid., page 2.
• [85] Ibid.
• [86] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 59 and pages 453-455.
• [87] K. Karpat, Ottoman Population 1830-1914, Demographics and Social Characteristics, The University of Wisconsin Press, Wisconsin, 1985, page 70.
• [88] M. Ormanian, Hayots Yegeghetsin [The Armenian Church], V. and H. Der-Nersesian Publishers, 1911, page 261.
• [89] Arevelyan Mamoul, June 1886, page 261.
• [90] Ibid.; Kachperouni, Geographic Notes – “Erzindjan,” Purag National, Scientific, Literary, and Political Review, Constantinople, August 9, 1903, N. 32, page 261.
• [91] The school was called the Lousavorchian School prior to being renamed by Archbishop Hmayag Tmiaksian in the early 1880s.
• [92] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 145.
• [93] Ibid., pages 145-146.
• [94] Ibid.
• [95] Arevelyan Mamoul Monthly Review, Smyrna, January 1884, page 28.
• [96] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [97] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 144.
• [98] Hairenik Newspaper, Boston, January 23, 1966, N. 16331 and N. 16400.
• [99] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 140.
• [100] Hoghtar Social-Political Weekly, Sivas, May 24, 1914, number 7 (59), page 3.
• [101] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 140.
• [102] Arevelyan Mamoul Monthly Review, Smyrna, January 1884, page 28.
• [103] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [104] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 144.
• [105] Hairenik Newspaper, Boston, June 30, 1966, N. 16463.
• [107] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 142.
• [108] Arevelyan Mamoul Monthly Review, Smyrna, January 1884, page 28.
• [109] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [110] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 144.
• [111] Ibid., pages 142-143.
• [112] Arevelyan Mamoul, January 1884, page 28.
• [113] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [114] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 144.
• [115] Ibid., page 143.
• [116] Ibid.
• [117] Yeprem V. Boghosian, Badmoutyun Hay Mshagoutayin Engeroutyunnerou, pages 113-114.
• [118] Arevelyan Mamoul, January 1884, page 28.
• [119] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [120] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 144.
• [121] Yeprem V. Boghosian, Badmoutyun Hay Mshagoutayin Engeroutyunnerou, pages 111-112.
• [122] Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852) was a renowned German pedagogue and a theorist of primary education. His theories were adopted across Europe in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.
• [123] “The State of Erzindjan (Report to the Central Committee),” Hampavaper Social-Literary Weekly of the Caucasus Armenian Philanthropic Union, Tbilisi, January 29, 1917, N. 4, page 37 (88).
• [124] H. Serian, “The Chrisdinian Girls’ School of Erzindjan,” Hairenik Newspaper, Boston, February 24, 1965, N. 16055, page 3.
• [125] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, pages 453-455.
• [126] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [127] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 80.
• [128] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [129] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [130] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [131] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [132] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [133] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [134] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 74.
• [135] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [136] Arevelyan Mamoul, September 1887, page 438; K. Surmenian also described the youth of Erzindjan as highly educated and selfless (K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 82).
• [137] Arevelyan Mamoul, May 1891, page 208.
• [138] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [139] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [140] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [141] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [142] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [143] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 73.
• [144] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [145] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [146] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [147] H. Zadigian, Garini Nahanke XIX Tari Yergrort Gesin [The Province of Garin in the Second Half of the Twentieth Century], Yerevan, Noravank Press, 2013, page 357.
• [148] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [149] Arevelyan Mamoul, March 1890, page 136.
• [150] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [151] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [152] H. Zadigian, Garini Nahanke, page 357.
• [153] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [154] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [155] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [156] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [157] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [158] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [159] H. Zadigian, Garini Nahanke, page 358.
• [160] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9; K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, pages 78-79.
• [161] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 454.
• [162] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 8.
• [163] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [164] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [165] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 8.
• [166] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [167] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [168] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [169] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [170] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [171] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [172] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [173] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [174] H. Zadigian, Garini Nahanke, page 359.
• [175] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [176] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [177] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [178] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 80; “Thorns of Memories: The Mahmoudsik Village of Erzindjan,” Hairenik Newspaper, Boston, October 12, 1967, N. 16820, page 3.
• [179] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [180] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [181] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [182] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 82.
• [183] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 8.
• [184] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [185] Aror Literary and Social Monthly Review, Erzindjan, 1911, Year B, July, number 19, page 8.
• [186] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 83.
• [187] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [188] Hayots Tseghasbanoutyune Osmanian Tourkiayoum: Verabradzneri Vgayoutyunner: Pasdatghteri Havakadzo, Hador III [The Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey: Testimonies of Survivors: Collection of Documents, Volume III], page 192 (Number 42, survivor Kevork Mardirosian’s testimonial regarding the deportation and massacre of the Armenian population of the Meghoutsig Village of Erzindjan Sub-district in Erzindjan District).
• [189] Aror Monthly, page 8.
• [190] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 8.
• [191] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [192] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [193] H. Zadigian, Garini Nahanke, page 357.
• [194] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 78.
• [195] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [196] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [197] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [198] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 8.
• [199] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [200] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [201] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, Part 3, Sheet 9; Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo, page 6.
• [202] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [203] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [204] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo…, page 6.
• [205] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [206] H. Zadigian, Garini Nahanke, page 358.
• [207] K. Surmenian, Yerzenga, page 79.
• [208] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 9.
• [209] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo…, page 6.
• [210] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [211] H. Zadigian, Garini Nahanke, page 357.
• [212] Charents Museum Archives, T. Azadian Fund, part 3, sheet 8.
• [213] Arevelyan Mamoul, May 1891, page 207.
• [214] Vidjagatsouyts Kavaragan Azkayin Varjaranats Tourkyo…, page 6.
• [215] Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian, Les Armeniens dans l’Empire Ottoman…, page 455.
• [216] Ibid.