A Mother-Daughter Writing Duo Has History on Their Minds

As much as Dr. Svazlian’s literary achievements have been inspired by her dad, no doubt Knarig remains a chip off her mother’s block.

“My mother played a major role in the publication of my book with her ability to translate and her concise economic ways,” said Knarig. “I’m indebted to her in a lot of ways, especially the way she motivates me to write.”

She praises her mom’s vast literary accomplishments and admits to gaining a strong influence by both parents. Her father is an attorney and also writes. His stories touch upon the social and human climate of Armenia. The family lives in a three-room apartment in Yerevan and shares one computer.

“It doesn’t mean the other two stop writing when I’m using the computer,” Knarig says. “They prefer having me use the updated technology while they write in long-hand, then pay to have it printed. They’re usually sacrificing for me.”

Knarig started her project in 1992 and finished eight years later with a completed volume of 240 pages. A second edition is being compiled from 1924 to the present. Among those contributing to the project are Prof. Dennis Papazian, Nancy Kolligian, Mark Mamigonian, Van Aroian, Gary Lind-Sinanian, NAASR and ALMA.

Why America, she is asked.

“A family matter close to the heart,” she points out. “My great-grandfather (Mehran Svazlian) was founder of the first Armenian lobbying organization in America which took place in Boston in 1917. He also published the Armenian Herald Journal for five years.”

With a doctorate in history from Yerevan State University, Verjine Svazlian continues to teach and lecture on Diasporan history at the National Academy of Sciences. Her $120 monthly salary is irrelevant.

“I don’t work for money,” she says. “I work for the idea — for the welfare of my country and the preservation of our history so those outside our race will recognize the genocide and respect our people with moral understanding. ”