Adapazar – Printing and Press

Author: Mihran A. Minassian, 05/05/25 (Last modified 05/05/25) - Translator: Simon Beugekian.

Adapazar/Adapazarı was an Armenian-populated city in the autonomous province of İzmit and the administrative center of the eponymous subdistrict. Adapazar was located east of the city of İzmit/Nicomedia and southeast of Constantinople, at a distance of 45 kilometers and 120 kilometers from each, respectively. The city was built in a fertile field, on the banks of the Sakarya River and near Lake Sabandja/Sapanca. In Armenian circles, the city was also known by its honorary name of “Asdvadzardouryal kaghak” [“Divine City”].

In 1915, Adapazar was a kaymakam-ate of the second order (subdistrict). Its administrative jurisdiction extended over the village clusters of Sapanca, Akyaz, Khandeg, Seoyudli, and Karasu. [1]

Adapazar had the largest Armenian population of any city in Bithynia. According to the census conducted by philologist Minas Kasabian (“Farhad;” and later Minas Veradzin), in 1909-1910, the city was home to 2,100 Armenian Apostolic households, for a total population of 12,030 Armenians, of whom 5,925 were male and 6,105 female; 103 Armenian Evangelical households, for a total population of 420 Armenians, of whom 210 were male and 210 female; and 13 shapatagan (Sabbatarian) or kalsdian (Adventist) Armenians – a total Armenian population of 12,463. [2] According to the same source, in 1913, the city’s total population was approximately 25,000, of whom 10,256 were Armenian (about 2,100 households), 9,125 were Turkish, 1,565 were Greek, and 3,300 were Muslim refugees. [3]

Another source of information on the Armenian population of Adapazar is the 1913 census conducted by the Armenian National Prelacy of Nicomedia. According to this census, Adapazar was home to 2,416 Armenian Apostolic households – 5,857 males and 6,001 females, for a total Armenian population of 11,858. [4]

The city’s Armenian Apostolic community had six churches: Sourp Hreshdagabed [Holy Archangel], Saint Garabed, Saint Krikor Lousavorich, Saint Sdepanoss, Saint Yeghia, and Saint Haroutyun. [5]

Each of these churches was located in a neighborhood that was named after it, except for the Saint Haroutyun chapel, which was built in the cemetery.

The local Evangelical community also had its own church.

No Catholics lived in Adapazar.

Aside from Armenians, Adapazar was also home to Turks, Greeks, Jews, Bosnians, Romanis, and members of other nationalities.

The city’s Armenian community had many boys’ and girls’ schools and kindergartens, the best-known among which were the American Armenian Girls’ Upper School and the national/parochial Central School of the Grtasirats [Scholastic] Society. Aside from national/parochial schools, the city was also home to many private Armenian schools.

The city’s five Apostolic boys’ schools and four Apostolic girls’ schools had a combined enrollment in 1909-1910 and 1911 of 810 male and 761 female pupils, for a total enrollment of 1,571 pupils. The national/parochial Central School, founded in 1909, had an enrollment of 130 pupils. The three national/parochial kindergartens, in the 1909-1910 school year, had a combined enrollment of 225 male and 225 female pupils, for a total enrollment of 450 pupils. Mrs. Sdepanian’s “Manishag” private coeducational kindergarten had an enrollment of 120 pupils. In the same years, the city’s Evangelical school had an enrollment of 40 male and 60 female pupils. [6] Thus, the total number of pupils enrolled in the Armenian schools of Adapazar was 2,371 of both sexes. Many female students from Adapazar also attended the American Girls’ Upper School.

The Armenians of Adapazar had a rich cultural life. The community boasted a theater, theater troupes, a choir of about a hundred singers, a band, a marching band, libraries/reading rooms, educational courses, and about 50 organizations/groups that pursued various goals in the cultural, philanthropic, scholastic, educational, and athletic fields. Armenians in the city had also created financial cooperative unions, guilds, and savings unions. [7] The three national political parties all had their own chapters in the city, with their own clubs.

After suffering a large number of casualties during the Armenian Genocide, and after the Armistice of 1918, the Armenians of Adapazar began returning to their homeland, which they found destroyed and unrecognizable. But gradually, they were able to revive and reorganize their community life. The church was reopened, local chapters of the Armenian National Union and the Red Cross were founded, a choir of 80 singers and a band were formed, and the kindergarten and primary school were reopened. [8] But in late June 1921, as the Kemalist movement took hold, the surviving Armenians of Adapazar were once again forced to leave their native land. They fled to Midilli (Lesbos), Greece, and from there, were scattered all over the world. Those who stayed behind, approximately 100 families or 600 individuals – mostly the infirm who were unable to walk, the elderly, or those who refused to leave their property – were all massacred. This marked the end of the centuries-long history of Armenians in Adapazar. [9]

One of the notable aspects of Armenian cultural life in Adapazar was the output of the “Adroushan” Printing House and the handwritten, hectograph, and printed newspapers and periodicals that it printed, each of which we will examine separately. But first, we will describe two organizations that were created in Adapazar with the primary goal of promoting literature and printing in the city.

1) The Literary Club or Fine Arts Club: In late 1909, several youths founded a club in Adapazar, with the aim of “promoting the general intellectual development of the city.” As a means of achieving this goal, the club decided to “publish a newspaper, brochures, or books.” [10] The organization's later activities and subsequent work are unknown to us.

2) The Adapazar Chapter of the Armenian Union of Printers: In January 1911, a branch of the newly established Armenian Union of Printers, headquartered in Constantinople, was founded in Adapazar. This chapter had its own executive board and supervisory body; and began operating once the union’s central leadership ratified its formation. [11] The chapter held its first public meeting on 20 March 1911, during which teachers and a priest addressed the attendees. New members, both male and female, joined the union to mark the occasion. [12] Again, this group’s future activities remain unknown to us.

The first two printing houses in Adapazar were Armenian printing houses. Until 1915, these were the only printing houses in the city. According to a local who was involved in the printing business, “… Official government materials were printed in our printing house…” [13]

The two Armenian printing houses in Adapazar were:

The “Adroushan Printing Company” was formed in Adapazar in 1911 by a group of ten individuals. The company’s aim was to establish a printing house and publish the periodical Bithynia, published every ten days. The founding members of the company were: Father Serovpe Bourmayan, Krikor Syukerian, Sdepan Sdepanian, Yervant Papazian, Kevork Mesrob, Haroutyun K. Atanasian, Ashod Bazbazian, Krikor Kaiyan, Zareh Gendjian, and probably also Antranig Merdjanian. [14]

Correspondence sent from the city months before the founding of this printing press provides important background information: “A syndicate has been organized in the city with the goal of opening a printing press. So far, it has raised an initial investment of 200 pounds. It is probable that the syndicate will soon begin purchasing equipment.” [15]

This syndicate purchased a hand press from the O. Parseghian & Co. company, located in the Ghalatia district of Constantinople. On 1 September 1911, the “Adroushan” Printing House was established and began producing printed material. [16]

The printing press operated out of the free space in Ardashes Biberian’s bindery, located on a busy street. [17]

In addition to the hand press, the syndicate brought from Constantinople a large number of letter sorts and a master typesetter. Later, the printing press obtained a large collection of new letter sorts.

The “Adroushan” printing house was the first printing house established in the city. [18]

The printing house used equipment obtained from Constantinople, including a press operated by a pedal that could print up to eight pages. The letter sorts that the printing house had were enough to typeset and print 16 pages at a time. These letters sorts were of various types. [19]

In early 1912, the “Adroushan Printing Company” assumed the responsibility for printing the Bithynia provincial paper. [20]

Also in early 1912, the printing house received a collection of new and varied letter sorts, which allowed it to print more beautiful and more diverse works. [21]

Aside from the Bithynia paper, which appeared every ten days, and several books, the “Adroushan” printing house also published commercial and official works, advertisements/pamphlets, bills of exchange, visiting cards, wedding invitations, obituaries, letterheads, etc. Alongside the typesetter who had been invited from Constantinople, two locals, Haroutyun K. Atanasian and Ardashes Biberian, learned the craft and helped with the typesetting; and another local youth learned the art of printing. [22]

After a fruitful but short period of operation, the “Adroushan Printing Company” was dissolved and the printing house was sold to one of the organization’s members, Haroutyun K. Atanasian, who was the only person in the city with proper knowledge of the printing business. [23]

After acquiring the printing house, Atanasian moved it from its location on a busy street to a larger garret, dismissed the typesetter from Constantinople and replaced him with a local youth, and later came to an agreement with typesetter Ardashes Biberian to have him move his equipment to the printing house, and when necessary, to help with the printing work.

In May 1914, when Biberian left Adapazar, Atanasian purchased histypesetting equipment from him. [24]

In his memoirs, Atanasian remembers how after the issuance of the orders for the deportation of Armenians from Adapazar, he “sold the printing house, worth 300 Ottoman pounds, for 25 pounds with great difficulty.” [25]

We know of four books printed by the “Adroushan Printing House” in the early period of its existence; and seven books printed after its acquisition by Atanasian. [26]

He was born in April 1884, in Adapazar. In 1899, he graduated from the local national/parochial Aramian Secondary School. [27] After graduating, he entered the teaching profession and taught mathematics and science in local schools. [28] In 1915, he was deported to the Syrian desert, which he survived by a miracle, and after losing seven members of his family, returned to his hometown alone. [29] He lived in Adapazar and Constantinople for a short time, then settled in Romania, where he also founded a printing house. He wrote, translated, and edited many books and periodicals, and was an active national and party operative. He published his valuable memoirs of the days of the genocide, titled Adapazaren Der ez-Zor [From Adapazar to Der ez-Zor]; and also published scientific monographs. [30] Atanasian was a member of Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). On 28 December 1944, alongside other ARF members, he was arrested by the communist authorities and exiled to Siberia. He never returned. [31]

He was born in 1894. He was a bookbinder and typesetter by profession. On the eve of the First World War, he traveled to Bulgaria, and after the outbreak of war, he traveled to the Caucasus and enlisted in the Armenian volunteer battalions. He saw action on multiple fronts. For some time, he lived in Armenia, where he worked as a teacher, then returned to Constantinople. From there, he traveled to Thessaloniki, where he worked as the typesetter for the newspaper Alik. Eventually, he settled down in Paris, and for many years worked as the typesetter of the newspaper Harach. He died on 14 October 1959. He was a member of the ARF. [32] Alongside Vartan Yeghisheyan, Biberian edited the book Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin [History of the Divine City of Adapazar] (Paris, Der Hagopian Printing House, 1960, 751 pages, 1 unpaginated), which is of great historical value.

• 1) Amenoun Paregamu [Everyone’s Friend], compiled by Mgrdich H. Azarian (or Hovhannes Azarian, according to Teotig) [33]. Adapazar, “Adroushan” Printing House, 1911, 16 pages. Size: 8 x 13 centimeters. Price: 1 kurus. [34]
• 2) Hrajeshd [Farewell], by N.(erses) Tarikian. Adapazar, “Adroushan” Printing House, 1911 or 1912. [35]
• 3) Untvzoum [Rebellion], by Zareh Blboul (Baronian). Adapazar, “Adroushan” Printing House, 1912, 14 pages. Size: 9 x 13.5 centimeters. Price: 40 para. [36] This was a work of prose poetry with an introspective/philosophical content.
• 4) Haygagan Barerkner [Armenian Dance Songs], by G[arabaed] Hovhannesian (Sos-Vani). The preface was written by Kevork Mesrob, who had been the author’s teacher at the national/parochial Central School of Adapazar. The book is a study of folk composition, and under separate chapters presents wedding songs, work songs, songs sung while drawing lots, and other songs. The second part of the book provides the lyrics of many folk songs, evidently transcribed by the author. Adapazar, “Adroushan” Printing House, 1912, 42 pages. Size: 8.6 x 13 centimeters. Price: 2 kurus. [37]

He was born in Adapazar, where he received his primary education. By profession, he was a carpenter and a lumber merchant. In 1909, he was a member of the board of trustees of the Central School of Adapazar. In 1915, he was arrested, and after being subjected to indescribable torture, at the Saint Garabed Church, “driven insane, he threw himself off the upper balcony. Fortunately, he landed on the second-floor balcony and survived.” [38]

He was born in Adapazar in 1892. He was educated at the local coeducational national/parochial Central School, from which he graduated in 1913. He published several books of poetry. He held teaching positions in Adapazar, Romania, and Bulgaria (Sofia, Ruse, Burgas, and Silistra). [39] He died in Bucharest on 7 February 1961.

He was born in 1895, in the village of Tagh in the district of Shadakh of Van. He received his primary education in the village, at the Jarankavorats School of Akhtamar, and the Central School of Van, from which he graduated in 1913. After his graduation, he began working at the local Sdepanian School. In 1915, he was arrested and subjected to unspeakable torture. After surviving the genocide, in 1919-1920, he once again served as a teacher in Adapazar, then in Bandrma. After the victory of the Kemalist movement, he sought safety in northern Greece, where for many years he taught Armenian language and history. In 1949, he moved to Athens. He died in Piraeus on 28 May 1967. He published several stories based on village life, a novel, and several works dedicated to the natural world of Armenia. His best works remain his retellings of folk talks. [40] He was a member of the ARF.

• 1) Darerk Tvapanoutyan [Fundamentals of Arithmetic]: A basic textbook of mathematics, new edition, written by Haroutyun K. Atanasian, teacher of mathematics. The cover states that the book was written for “upper elementary and secondary schools.” Adapazar, “Adroushan,” H. K. Atanasian. The publication is undated. Teotig listed it among other books published in 1911-1912. 538 pages. Size: 9.2 x 14 centimeters. Price: 15 kurus. The book contains a large number of multiplication tables. [41] Among the book’s chapters are “Enumeration,” “Enumeration of Integers,” “Common Fractions,” “Tenth Fractions,” “Weight and Comparison,” etc. In the preface, the author states that the book would be the first in a series called “Fundamentals of Mathematics,” which would consist of seven volumes. In preparing the book, Atanasian utilized works by French, British, and American authors.
   
• 2) Kalousd Hisousi Yerusaghem. Charcharank Hisousi zor Gryats Arachi Bighadosi. Asatsyal Hagovpa Deyarneghporn ou Badmoutyun Ghoungianosi Haryurabedin [The Arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. The Suffering of Jesus Before Pontius Pilate, as Told by Hagop Deyarneghpayr; and the Story of Centurion Longinus]. By Hagop Deyarneghpayr. Publisher: Y. G. Adapazar, “Adroushan” Printing House, H. K. Atanasian, 1913, G., 1 unpaginated, 72 pages (the last section of the only copy we have found of this book is defective). Size: 9 x 14 centimeters. Price: 100 para. [42] The original was in classical Armenian. This was a reprinting of a book by Hagop Deyarneghpayr originally published in 1710; followed by the “Story of Centurion Longinus.”
   
• 3) Hamazkayin Donu yev Bartizagtsin [The Pan-National Jubilee and the People of Bardizag], by Melkon Hovsepian. Meghou Voice of the Province Weekly series, number 1. Adapazar, “Adroushan,” H. K. Atanasian, 1913, 15, 1 unpaginated, size: 9 x 13.5 centimeters, price: 1 kurus. [43] Previously published in the Meghou Voice of the Province Weekly of Bardizag, year B, number 40, 7 October 1912, pp. 2-4; and the four issues thereafter. In that periodical, Hovsepian wrote using the pen name “Dzayt.” After providing an overview of the history of Armenian press and printing, the author analyzes what he considers to be the necessary factors to promote the intellectual development of Bardizag, namely the printed press, cultural associations, etc.
   
• 4) Veradznount [Rebirth], by Melkon Hovsepian, Adapazar, Haroutyun K. Atanasian Printing House, 1913, 19 pages, size: 9 x 13.5 centimeters, price: 1 kurus. [44] This booklet was dedicated to the “Celebration of the Pan-National Jubilee: 412-1512-1912.” It consisted of three works: “Rebirth,” “The Essence of the Vartanants Battle,” and “The Spirit of the Armenian.” This last work is a poem, from which we present two stanzas:
  
  “… In the boundless fields, the fragrant sea,
  Where the orchards that kiss each other with brotherly love,
  Long ago surrendered to the power of the holy plough,
  The ploughman and the oxen excavate the heart of the soil.
  
  “Mountains, canyons, love and flowers, light, work;
  Echo the strength of the homeland, a strength envisioned
  In songs soft, or blazing and polysyllabic,
  Which fill the soul of Armenians with emotion.”
   
• 5) Ashnan Tsogher [Dews of Autumn], by Sdepan H. Papazian. “It contains more than 20 works – discrete verses inspired by events, love stories, stories of community and daily life, and discussions of national educational and religious issues, etc.” Adapazar, Atanasian Printing House, 1914, 3 unpaginated, 36 pages, size: 9 x 13 centimeters. [45] The book was dedicated to “the hallowed memory of Ardavazt, my beautiful, dearly departed child, who was born in the spring and whose life was extinguished in the frigid season.” This book is a collection of 21 poems, some of which are translations. The titles include: “The Moon,” “Ode to My Young Vahanig,” “Past Love,” “Near the Manger,” “The School,” etc. In the author’s own words: “My work brims with emotion, rather than art. Tears drip from it. It sings of the love of youth and the heart beating within a maiden’s bosom…”
   
• 6) Hay Joghovourtin Nor Yerkaranu [The New Songbook of the Armenian People], compiled by Krikor Mkhdjian, head chorister and teacher in the Saint Hreshdagabed neighborhood of Adapazar. “It contains 310 Armenian folk, popular, revolutionary, and literary-scholastic songs; as well as select Ottoman and French songs.” Publisher: Krikor H. Mkhdjian. Adapazar, Atanasian Printing House, 1914, H, 274, 2 unpaginated, with a portrait of the compiler on page 1. Size: 7.5 x 13 centimeters. The book is illustrated. [46] This book is a collection of popular Armenian songs, without musical notations, and arranged in no particular order. Among them are a large number of patriotic/revolutionary songs. Most of the songs are in Armenian, but the book also includes the lyrics, written in Armenian letters, of several Turkish and French songs. On the inside front cover is G. Hovhannesian’s (Garabed Hovhannesian or Sos-Vani) personal dedication, titled “In Praise of Song.” In his “Two Words” (preface), the author writes: “For many years, the Armenian people, alongside many other rights, have been denied the natural right of singing the songs that embody the beauty of their people and homeland – songs that were meant to be a salve for the wounds of this abandoned and dispersed nation. And so, it was necessary to publish a book of these songs in order to make them accessible to the youth.” This was the reason Mkhdjian compiled and published this rich book of 310 songs.
   
• 7) Darerk Yergrachapoutyan [Fundamentals of Geometry], by Haroutyun K. Atanasian. This book was only partly printed. It was “partly printed in Adapazar and destroyed during the war…” [47] The book was published in Adapazar, by Haroutyun K. Atanasian’s “Adroushan” Printing House, probably in 1914-1915. The author, Haroutyun K. Atanasian, in the foreword of the above-mentioned Fundamentals of Mathematics, stated that this latter book would be one of series of seven books. The list of these seven books includes one titled Geometry (page 3),which is presumably this book. [48] The only information we have been able to obtain on this book comes from a dictionary of a biographical nature published by Father Mgrdich Bodourian, who was a partner of the author while the latter lived in Romania. Atanasian contributed to this dictionary, and was probably the author of the Bodourian’s biography that appears in the book. This book states: “[Haroutyun K. Atanasian’s] works are … Fundamentals of Geometry, partly printed in Adapazar and destroyed during the war…”[49] The book is not listed in bibliographical lists of printed Armenian books.

He was born in Bardizag, where he taught mathematics for many years. Beginning in 1900, he began contributing to the Armenian press. He wrote poems, stories, literary articles, criticism, and commentaries on social issues. [50] During the Armenian Genocide, at a moment of despair, he committed suicide in Meskeneh by jumping into the Euphrates River. He was a member of the ARF. He was 28 years old in 1915. [51]

A native of Agn, he was both a poet and an educator. In 1892, he was in in Kadıköy, Constantinople, while in 1904 and 1914, he was in Adapazar, where he served as a teacher at the school of the Saint Sdepanos neighborhood. [52] He wrote the book Kragan Shiter. Panasdeghdzoutyunk Artsag yev Vodanavor 1884-1895 [Literary Droplets. Poetry in Verse and Prose 1884-1895] (Constantinople, 1892, F, 94 pages).

He was born on 15 July 1889, in Adapazar, where he received his primary education at the Aramian School. In 1906, he enrolled at the Armash Seminary, where he studied for three years, then returned to his birthplace and served as a teacher. Specifically, he served as a head chorister and a teacher at the Sourp Hreshdagabed [Holy Archangel] church and school. During the First World War, he served in the Ottoman army for four years and was decorated with a medal. He was a talented musician. In 1919, he was elected as the choral director of the Holy Mother-of-God Church in the Beşiktaş district of Constantinople. In 1923, he emigrated to Marseille. In 1929, he was ordained as a priest, and four years later, he left for Worcester, where he served as a priest for many years and where he died on 26 April 1956. [53] He published several musical works after leaving Turkey.

Founded in 1914, this was the second printing house to ever operate in Adapazar. [54] We have no other information about its output. The date of its founding is a clear indication that it could not have had a very fruitful existence.

Yerketsoghoutyun Sourp Badaraki [Songs of the Divine Liturgy], by Father Hagop Mkhdjian. On the back cover, Mkhdjian’s Hay Joghovourti Nor Yerkaranu [The New Songbook of the Armenian People] (published in Adapazar in 1914) is mentioned as “another work by the author.” The book is described as: “a vast collection of songs sung during the Divine Liturgy and a portable book of psalms sung on Sundays, during Lent, and on holidays … To the leader of pious Armenians…” (the only existing copy that we have found is damaged and difficult to read).

The book was ostensibly printed in Adapazar, in 1908, [55] although this date does not seem correct to us, as we know that in that year, there were no printing houses operating in the city, and the book’s author entered the Armash Seminary in 1906 and studied there for three years before returning to his birthplace. Therefore, this book must have been published sometime between 1911 and 1914.

The book does not appear in bibliographical lists of printed Armenian books.

The only information we have on this publication comes from the Bithynia ten-day paper of Nicomedia, which, in its 1 July 1910 issue, reprinted an unsigned article titled “The Issue of Deyirmen – An Old Affliction,” reprinted from the 13 August 1909 issue of Labder, alongside the following explanation: “The following article is reprinted from the 13 August 1909 issue of a loose-sheet newspaper called Labder (published in Adapazar). The article could still be of relevance…” [56]

Labder is not mentioned in bibliographical lists of Armenian press outlets.

This was a community, literary, economic, and political weekly. Its first issue was published on 26 June 1910. It was edited in Adapazar and printed in Constantinople. In 1911, the paper was moved entirely to Constantinople. A total of 77 issues were published, 20 in 1910 and 57 in 1911. In Constantinople, it was printed by the Nshan-Babigian printing house. It was initially a weekly, then it was published every three days. [57]

This paper was the provincial organ of the Adapazar branch of the Hunchak Party. According to Hmayag Aramyants, the Hunchak operative, it was the unofficial organ of the Hunchak Party. [58]

Its editors included Aso (Dikran Odian) and Antranig Gendjian. The publishing staff included Hohvannes Bedrosian and Manuel Paployan. The name of Panvor (Yervant Topouzian) is also mentioned as an editor of the paper.

The paper’s licensee was Margos H. Terzian. Each issue consisted of 4-8 pages. Dimensions: 60 x 24 centimeters; and later 41 x 28.5 centimeters.

The paper published articles on theoretical debates within the Hunchak Party, correspondence, news, literary works, other theoretical articles, etc.

Two headline articles from the paper included:

• Mshag, “Workers’ Life,” year B, number 2, 8 May 1911, p. 1.
• “Bylaws of the Cooperative Society,” year B, number 2, 8 May 1911, p. 3.

The paper had contributors not only from Adapazar, but also from the United States (Sirvart) and İzmit/Nicomedia (Elies, Poghokouni).

He was born in 1880, in the Hayngouysner neighborhood of Van-Aykesdan, where he received his primary education. Unable to tolerate Turkish persecution, he left for Adrbadagan, and there, he served as a teacher from 1896 to 1906. He then joined the Hunchak Party. He was imprisoned twice, in Tbilisi and Van. In 1907, he left for Baku and Tbilisi. In 1908, he moved to Constantinople. He wrote for Hunchak-affiliated and other papers under various pen names. He published several books, including Garmir Orer[Red Days] (New York, 1907), Vahe (Constantinople, 1910), Tyutsaznouhi [Heroine] (Constantinople, 1910), etc. He was killed by order of the governor of Van, Djevdet, on 17 April 1915 (or 8 April, according to another source), in the prison of Van. [59]

He was born in Adapazar on 16/28 December 1873. He received his primary education in the neighborhood parochial schools of his birthplace. He later served the Adapazar community in various positions. He was a member of the neighborhood council. In 1915, he was arrested and tortured. After a short imprisonment, he was exiled to Konya, then Sultanieh and Karaman, after which he was tried by a military tribunal in Constantinople and sent to Der ez-Zor. He was able to escape and reach Damascus, where he lived until the Armistice. In 1919, he traveled to Adana. After the exodus of Armenians from Cilicia, he found shelter in Beirut, and in 1916, he migrated to France, where he died on 5 September 1957. He was a member of the Hunchak Party. He contributed to the Armenian press in Constantinople and elsewhere in the diaspora with original and translated materials. He published several books, [60] including his memoirs,titled Haladzagani Housher 1914-1918 [Memoirs of a Fugitive 1914-1918] (Beirut, Ararad Printing House, 1964, 204 pages).

He was born in 1895 in Bardizag, where he received his primary education. He served as a teacher in his birthplace and the villages of Adapazar and Geyve. He contributed to many papers using the pen name “Panvor” [“Worker”]. He was one of 20 Hunchak Party members who were hanged. [61]

Between 1895 and 1900, he served as teacher of religion, history, and Armenian language in the national/parochial school of the Saint Garabed neighborhood of Adapazar. [62] At his initiative, in 1910, the “Eastern Agricultural Society” was founded in Adapazar, with the aim of contributing to the development of orchard keeping, animal husbandry, fish farming, beekeeping, and sericulture in the area. He encouraged the local population to buy land, cultivate it, and then rent it or sell it for profit. [63] He was a member of the “Armenian Untertsasirats [Literary/Book Lovers’] Society,” founded in 1908. [64] He contributed to the Armenian press in Constantinople and to the Bithynia paper in Adapazar. He was a member of the Hunchak Party.

This was a provincial newspaper, described as national, literary, informational, philological, and economic paper.

It was published beginning on 1 January 1910, in İzmit/Nicomedia, through it was printed in Constantinople. Its editor was Hagop Sarkisian, who later sold the paper to the ARF “boys” of Adapazar. After the publication of its 13th issue of its second year (20 May 1911), the paper was moved to Adapazar.

After its move, Bithynia was edited in Adapazar, but was still printed in Constantinople, by the O. Arzouman Printing House. Beginning with issue number 22 in its second year (20 October 1911), it was printed by the “Adroushan” Printing" House in Adapazar.

While the paper was still being printed in Nicomedia, it was published on a ten-day cycle. After its move to Adapazar, it became a weekly publication.

It was published by the Adapazar committee of the ARF. Its founder was Hagop Gh. Sarkisian, and its licensees were Krikor Kayan and Simon Gh. Sarkisian.

The editorial direction of the paper would reflect the principles outlined by its “founding members.” Namely, it would be “a paper that pursues the role of an unbiased, honest, and beneficial presence in the province and the surrounding area,” and “supports all educational and cultural initiatives in the region,” etc. [65]

Initially, each issue consisted of eight pages, but after becoming a weekly, the length was reduced to four pages. In rare instances, it was six pages long. Dimensions: 24 x 32 centimeters, and later 25 x 37 centimeters. [66]

A substantial percentage of the contents of the paper focused on local news, educational life, community organizations, theatrical performances, community events, the activities of Armenian national entities, correspondence from nearby villages, party propaganda, poems, material reprinted from other publications, advertisements, etc.

The paper had several hundred subscribers. [67]

The following are the titles of some of the articles the paper published:

Sarkis Boghosian, “Who Will Defend the Rights of Women?” (year B, number 16, 21 June 1911, pp. 450-451).

• “Bylaws of the Teachers’ Union of Adapazar” (year B, number 16, 21 June 1911, pp. 453-454). To be continued.
• “The Liberation of Woman,” Maryam M. Eniyan, Adapazar (year B, number 18-19, 21 July 1911, pp. 466-467).
• “Census of the Province,” (C, number 1, 5 January 1912, pp. 538-539).
• “An Important Discovery: The Origin of Emigration among the Armenians of Adapazar and the Surrounding Area, according to a Vellum Manuscript,” Serovpe K. Bourmayan (C, number 1, 5 January 1912, p. 539).

Most of the paper’s contributors and staff were intellectuals from the region of Bithynia. They included, from Adapazar: Kevork Mesrob; Zareh Blboul; H. M. Baravian; Ashod H. Bazbazian; Se-Es, Es-Se (Sdepan Sdepanian); Se-Men; Father Serovpe Bourmayan; and Nerses Chakrian. From Bardizag: Kegham (Koushagian?). From Armash: Tarpin. From Sivrihisar: Ardem-Shahnour, etc.

In Adapazar, issues number 13-32 were published in 1911, consisting of a total of 536 pages. Issues number 1-10 (or possibly more) were published in 1912.

The paper had its board of stewards, called “Publishing Company of Bithynia.” This board was created in 1911, with the aim of managing the publication of the paper in accordance with the principles outlined by the “founders.”

The company had a set of bylaws consisting of 12 articles, which was published in the paper itself. According to these bylaws, the paper would be managed by a seven-person editorial board and a five-person administrative board. All books and periodicals shared with the paper would be entrusted to the care of the local ARF chapter, and if the company were ever dissolved, the paper’s property and monetary assets would be transferred to this same chapter. [68]

In August 1912, when by order of the government, the Azadamard newspaper of Constantinople, also affiliated with the ARF, ceased publication, it was printed instead under the name of Bithynia until Azadamard reclaimed its publication license. [69]

We must also note that in May 11, at the initiative of the paper’s editorial leadership, a “Teachers’ Union” was founded. [70]

A native of Nicomedia. He received his education at the Armash Seminary, then relocated to Constantinople, where he learned the craft of printing. In 1915, he was deported to Nicomedia, Konya, and Afyonkarahisar, where he converted to Islam and changed his name to Mehmed Shevku. After the Armistice, he returned to Constantinople and ran his bookshop, called Cilicia [71].

A native of Amasya, for which reason he was known as Amasyalu, meaning “from Amasya.” He was born in 1857. He was a hotel keeper in Adapazar. He was a member of the Hunchak Party, and later, the ARF. He was an active party member for 30 years. He oversaw self-defense activities in Adapazar and knew how to make dynamite. He was arrested in July 1915, in Adapazar. Prior to his death, despite being subjected to terrible torture, he refused to give in and confess. [72] He was sent to Constantinople alongside two friends, and all three were hanged on 13 March 1916. [73]

A hectograph periodical published by the student union of the national/parochial Central School of Adapazar. [74] Tavit Papazian and Ardashes Der Khachadourian considered it an ARF-affiliated periodical, [75] possibly because its chief editor was an ARF member.

Chief editor: Sos-Vani (Garabed Hovhannesian).

According to bibliographers Tavit Papazian and Ardashes Der Khachadourian, Baykar first appeared in 1909; while according to Manuel Paployan, it was first published in 1913. [76] As its chief editor, Sos-Vani, graduated from the Central School in 1913, it must have been published in 1913 or later. It was a small-scale publication. [77]

The paper was written (copied) and printed at the home of Hagop Nazaretian, a student at the school. [78]

Adapazar, 1911-1912, published by the Armenian Girls’ Upper School of Adapazar [79], specifically the “class of 1912” (that year’s graduates). [80]

Printed information on the first page and masthead that remained unchanged included the paper’s name, the publisher’s name, the year, and number. The articles were handwritten copies. Based on this, we presume that despite the fact that Alyag was mostly a handwritten/hand-copied paper, multiple copies of each issue were published.

This was a student-run monthly periodical, focused on literary and informational content. It was published in 1911, and possibly also in 1912. Length: 24 pages; size: 20 x 28 centimeters.

The content included poetry, satirical works, scholastic and scientific articles, news, etc. 

Here are some examples of articles that the paper published:

• Andromed, “What Will We Do?” year A, number 3, pp. 1-4.
• Zareh Blboul, “The Night,” ibid., pp. 4-5. In verse.
• Liret, “Interesting Facts from the World of Animals,” ibid., pp. 17-20.

The paper’s staff consisted of the school’s enrolled and former female pupils and its administrators.
At least three issues of Alyag were published.

Varaztad Kyupdjian, a graduate of the Central School in 1914, wrote of his schooldays: “… Often, we would organize clubs and ‘publish’ handwritten papers, which were sometimes hostile to each other (oh, the innocent days of youth).” [81]

Kyupdjian did not provide any additional information on these student papers, nor are they mentioned in other sources.

Varaztad Kyupdjian

He graduated in 1914 from the Central School of Adapazar. [82] He lived in Thessaloniki (Greece), where he led was active in national/community life. In 1958, he participated in the general assembly of Greek Armenians, [83] and later, in 1970, in the general assembly of the Armenian Cross of Mercy. [84] He was still living in Thessaloniki in 1979. He occasionally contributed to the diasporan Armenian press.

• [1] H. K. Atanasian, “Adapazar,” Hay Mamoul Independent Weekly, Bucharest, year A, number 17, 10 March 1935, p. 3.
• [2] Minas C. Kasabian (Farhad), Hayeru Nicomedyo Kavarin Mech [Armenians in the Province of Nicomedia], Bardizag-Constantinople, 1913, p. 243.
• [3] Ibid., pp. 25 and 40.
• [4] National Archives of Armenia (hereafter NAA), fund 1388, list 1, item 111, sheets 1-2.
• [5] NAA, fund 1388, list 1, item 111, sheets 3-4.
• [6] Kasbarian, Hayeru Nicomedyo Kavarin Mech, pp. 259 and 261-263.
• [7] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin [History Book of the “Divine” City of Adapazar], pp. 238-250 and 257-262.
• [8] Ibid.
• [9] Ibid., pp. 456-457.
• [10] Azadamard, Constantinople, year A, number 148, 2/15 December 1909, p. 3; also Paros, Bardizag, printed in Constantinople, A., number 1, February 1910, p. 16.
• [11] Azadamard, Constantinople, year C, number 481, 4/17 January 1911, p. 3.
• [12] Azadamard, Constantinople, year C, number 547, 25 March/7 April 1911, p. 3.
• [13] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, p. 413.
• [14] Ibid., pp. 257-258.
• [15] Bithynia, İzmit, B, number 9, 1 April 1911, p. 396.
• [16] Teotig, Dib ou Dar [Type and Letter], Constantinople, published and printed by V. and H. Der Nersesian, 1912, p. 145, number 217; Arshag Alboyadjian, “Armenians and Printing,” Hairenik Monthly, year J, number 9 (117), July 1932, p. 88.
• [17] A. B. (Ardashes Biberian), “The ‘Adroushan’ Printing Company,” see Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, p. 258.
• [18] Ibid.
• [19] Ibid.
• [20] Bithynia, Adapazar, year C, number 9, 10 March 1912, p. 563.
• [21] Ibid.
• [22] A. B. (Ardashes Biberian), “The ‘Adroushan’ Printing Company,” see Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, pp. 258-259. Also see Bithynia, Adapazar, year C, number 9, 10 March 1912, p. 563.
• [23] A. B. (Ardashes Biberian), “The ‘Adroushan’ Printing Company,” see Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, pp. 257-259.
• [24] Ibid., p. 259.
• [25] Haroutyun K. Atanasian, Adapazaren Der Zor [From Adapazar to Der ez-Zor], NAA, fund 1388, list 1, item 74, p. 14.
• [26] We prepared this list by relying mostly on two works: Teotig, Dib ou Dar, Constantinople, 1912, 192, 1 unpaginated, page H; and Hay Kirku 1901-1920 Tvagannerin [Armenian Books in the Years 1901-1920], compiled by O. Kyouloumian, A. Atamian, S. Tatevosian, A. Savalian, M. Soghomonian, and A. Sahagian, Yerevan, 2007, XII, 820 pages. We also used copies of the original book which we were able to access.
• [27] “Haroutyun K. Atanasian,” Kaghoutahay Darekirk [Community Yearbook], Bucharest, year B, 1940, p. 141 (probably an autobiography written by Atanasian himself); Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, pp. 692-693.
• [28] “Central School of Armenians, Adapazar,” Jamanag Popular Newspaper, Constantinople, year F, number 1542, 9/22 August 1913, p. 4; Kaghoutahay Darekirk, Bucharest, p. 141; Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, pp. 206 and 692-693.
• [29] Haroutyun K. Atanasian, Adapazaren Der Zor, NAA, fund 1388, list 1, item 74, p. 14.
• [30] Haroutyun K. Atanasian, Adapazaren Der Zor, NAA, fund 1388, list 1, items 74 and 82, sheets 57 and 97, respectively.
• [31] Hagop Sirouni, “Autobiographical Notes,” prepared for publication by Henrik Pakhchinian, published by the Museum of Literature and Art Named after Yeghishe Charents, Yerevan, Sarkis Khachents Publishing, 2006, pp. 271-275. 
• [32] Garo Kevorkian, Amenoun Darekirku [Everyone’s Yearbook], Beirut, 7th year, 1960, pp. 622-623.
• [33] Teotig, Dib ou Dar, p. 145, number 17.
• [34] Ibid.; also see Hay Kirku 1901-1920 Tvagannerin, p. 331, number 3948.
• [35] Teotig, Dib ou Dar, p. 145, number 217.
• [36] Teotig, Dib ou Dar, p. 145, number 217; Hay Kirku 1901-1920 Tvagannerin, p. 415, number 4954.
• [37] Teotig, Dib ou Dar, p. 145, number 217; Hay Kirku 1901-1920 Tvagannerin, p. 410, number 4894.
• [38] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, pp. 291-292, 296, and 708.
• [39] Vitosh-Ararad Boulgarahay Darekirk [Vitosha-Ararad Bulgarian-Armenian Yearbook], year A, Plovdiv, 1935, p. 80; Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, pp. 312.
• [40] Sh. Markar, “Sos-Vani,” Varak, Beirut, year 13, number 55, October 1966, pp. 17-19; Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, pp. 304-305 and 708-710;Yearvant Der Mgrdichian, Kantser Vasbouragani [Treasures of Vasbouragan], Volume A, Boston, Baykar Printing House, 1966, pp. 582-583.
• [41] Teotig, Dib ou Dar, p. 145, number 217; Hay Kirku 1901-1920 Tvagannerin, p. 625, number 7529.
• [42] Hay Kirku 1901-1920 Tvagannerin, p. 454, number 5445.
• [43] Meghou Voice of the Province Weekly, Bardizag, new season, year B, number 19-71, 12 May 1912, p. 4; Hay Kirku 1901-1920 Tvagannerin, p. 455, number 5454.
• [44] Meghou Voice of the Province Weekly, Bardizag, new season, year B, number 41-93, 20 October 1913, p. 3; Hay Kirku 1901-1920 Tvagannerin, p. 455, number 5454.
• [45] Hay Kirku 1901-1920 Tvagannerin, p. 509, number 6128.
• [46] Etchmiadzin Monthly, year 39, November-December 1982, p. 69; Hay Kirku 1901-1920 Tvagannerin, p. 496, number 5958.
• [47] Hay Hanrakidag [Armenian Encyclopedist], edited by Father Mgrdich Bodourian, Book A, number 1, Bucharest, 1938, p. 48.
• [48] Haroutyun K. Atanasian, Darerk Tvapanoutyan [Foundations of Arithmetic], Adapazar, undated (probably 1911-1912), “Adroushan” H. K. Atanasian, p., 3.
• [49] Father Mgrdich Bodourian, Hay Hanrakidag, p. 48.
• [50] Der-Hagopian Hagop, “Dappled Bardizag. Supplement: Manoushag and Her Fairy Tales,” Paris, Der Hagopian Printing House, 1960, pp. 115-116.
• [51] Houshartsan Abril Dasnumegi [Memorial to April 11], compiled and edited by Teotig, Constantinople, O. Orzouman Printing House, 1919, p. 79.
• [52] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, p. 234.
• [53] Ibid., pp. 154-155 (autobiography) and p. 478; Etchmiadzin Monthly, year 29, November-December 1982, pp. 69-70.
• [54] Arshag Alboyadjian, “Armenians and Printing,” p. 88.
• [55] From his autobiography. See Etchmiadzin Monthly, year 29, November-December 1982, p. 69.
• [56] Bythania ten-day paper, İzmit, year A, number 19, 1 July 1910, p. 224.
• [57] M. A. Paployan,Hay Barperagan Mamoulu: Madenakidagan Hamahavak Tsoutsag (1794-1980) [The Armenian Periodical Press: Comprehensive Bibliographical List (1794-1980)], Yerevan, published by the Science Academy of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic, 1986, p. 82, number 587; Ardashes Der Khachadourian,Hay Mamouli Madenakidagan Kordzer [Bibliographical Works of the Armenian Press],p. 512; Hovh. Bedrosian, Hay Barperagan Mamouli Bibliographya [Bibliography of the Armenian Periodical Press],volume 2 (1900-1954), Yerevan, 1957, p. 175.
• [58] Hmayag Aramyants, Veradznounti Yergunku [The Birthing Pains of Rebirth], probably Constantinople, probably 1918, p. 34.
• [59] Teotig, Houshartsan Abril Dasnumegi, pp. 54-55; Yervant Der Mgrdichian,Kantser Vasbouragani,volume A, p. 543;Turkahay Aghedu [The Turkish-Armenian Catastrophe], Report of Archbishop Maghakia Ormanian, published by Haig Adjemian, Holy Etchmiadzin, 1919, pp. 34-35.
• [60] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, pp. 686-688; “Antranig Gendjian: Biographical Notes,” see Hunchakyan Darekirk [Hunchak Yearbook] (of the American Region), year B, New York, “Young Armenia” Press, 1932, pp. 240-242.
• [61] Teotig, Houshartsan Abril Dasnumegi, p. 33.
• [62] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, p. 234.
• [63] Anahid Asdoyan, “The Armenian Population of the Province of İzmit (Nicomedia) and Its Social-Economic Status in the Late 19th Century and Early 20th Century,” from “The Methodology and Toolkit for Overcoming the Cultural and Material Consequences of the Armenian Genocide,” Science Academy of the Republic of Armenia, Institute of History, Yerevan, 2021, p. 190.
• [64] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, p. 245.
• [65] “‘Bithynia’s Direction,’” Bithynia, Adapazar, year B, number 18-19, 21 July 1911, p. 469.
• [66] Minas C. Kasbarian, Heyeru Nicomedyo Kavarin Mech,p. 284; M. A. Paployan,Hay Barperagan Mamoulu, p. 81, number 580; Hovh. Bedrosian, Hay Barperagan Mamouli Bibliographya,volume 2, p. 174.
• [67] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, p. 257.
• [68] “Bylaws of the Bithynia Printing Company,” Bithynia, Adapazar, year B, number 14, 1 June 1911, pp. 438-439.
• [69] Teotig, Dib our Dar, Constantinople, 1912, p. 145, number 217; also H. Dj. Sirouni, “The Generation of the ‘Freedom Fight,’” Hairenik Monthly, Boston, year B, number 12, October 1924, p. 118.
• [70] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, p. 248. For more information on Bithynia newspaper, see Maryam Hovsepian, “The Bithynia newspaper of Nicomedia (1910-1912)”, Hantes Amsorya, Vienna/Yerevan, 127th Year, January-December 2013, pp. 465-498.
• [71] Teotig,Abril Dasnumeg 1915 [April 11, 1915], see hisAmenoun Daretsouytsu [Everyone’s Almanac], years 10-14, Constantinople, 1916-1920, p. 115; also see Teotig,Azku Che Meradz yev Anhnar e vor Merni… Pandi yev Aksori Dariner [The Nation Has Not Died, Cannot Possible Die… Years of Imprisonment and Exile], Antilias, 1985, p. 87.
• [72] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin,p. 691; Teotig, Houshartsan Abril Dasnumegi, p. 52.
• [73] Teotig, Koghkota Hay Hokevoraganoutyan yev Ir Hodin Aghedali 1915 Dariyin [Calvary of the Armenian Clergy and Its Flock’s Catastrophic Year of 1915], edited by Ara Kalaydjian, St. Vartan Press, New York, 1985, pp. 367-368.
• [74] The national/parochial Central School of Adapazar was a secondary school offering a five-year course of instruction. It began operating in 1909. Archbishop Sdepanos Hovagimian, prelate of the diocese, played an important role in its founding.  In its first academic year, it had an enrollment of 108 pupils, and in its second year, 130 pupils, of whom 25-30 came from nearby cities and villages. Beginning in 1913, it had a girls’ section, housed in a separate building. Up to the genocide, the Central School produced four graduating classes – a total of 67 graduates (Biberian-Yeghisheyan,Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, p. 288-316; Minas C. Kasabian, Hayeru Nicomedyo Kavarin Mech, p. 265).
• [75] Tavit Papazian, “The 60-Year-Old Press of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation,”Housaper, special edition dedicated to Armenian culture, 18 December 1954, p. 56; Ardashes Der Khachadourian, Hay Mamouli Madenakidagan Kordzer, edited and prepared for publication by G. Hovhannesian, Beirut, 2014, p. 178; M. A. Paployan,Hay Barperagan Mamoulu, p. 98, number 761.
• [76] Tavit Papazian, “The 60-Year Anniversary of the Press of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation,” p. 56; Ardashes Der Khachadourian, Hay Mamouli Madenakidagan Kordzer, p. 178.
• [77] Vartan Yeghisheyan, Asdvadzadouryal Kaghak (Nshkharner) [Divine City (Relics)], Paris, Der Hagopian Printing House, 1939, p. 47.
• [78] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, p. 306.
• [79] The Armenian Girl’s Upper School of Adapazar was an American institution. It was administered collaboratively by Americans and Armenians. The school relocated to Adapazar from Bardizag in the 1884-1885 school year. As of 1914, 300 students had graduated from it (Anahid Asdoyan, “The Armenian Population of İzmit (Nicomedia)…,” p. 203). After the outbreak of the First World War, the school moved to Constantinople.
• [80] Ardashes Der Khachadourian, Hay Mamouli Madenakidagan Kordzer, p. 161.
• [81] Biberian-Yeghisheyan, Badmakirk Adapazar “Asdvadzadouryal” Kaghakin, p. 313.
• [82] Ibid.
• [83] Azad Or Daily Newspaper, Athens, year 14, number 3996, 22 April 1958, p. 1.
• [84] Azad Or Daily Newspaper, Athens, year 26, number 7781, 21 October 1970, p. 1.