Famous poet–translator–orator–writer–editor–and journalist Vahe Vahian died in Beirut. He was 90.
Vahian–whose real name was Sarkis Abdalian devoted his entire life to the Armenian people–and employed a creative–always Armenian spirited force in all his work.
At first he became noticed as a poet with heavily influenced by Vahan Tekeyan. Vahian wrote about his homeland–love–his people–and everyday life. With his sweet and original writing–he was seen as a gift for the Armenian language. His love of the language can be seen in his works as he cradled it and let it flow through his pages.
Born in 1908 in Giurin–Vahian studied at the Universities of Aintab and Allepo. He graduated the American University of Beirut in 1930 with a degree in architecture. He soon began teaching at the nearby English school in Brumania and in a number of Armenian schools. He was also a member of the "Yervant Hyusisian" Foundation in Beirut. He worked as a journalist for many years–and was the founder and publisher of the monthly newspaper "Ani." After World War II–he devoted himself to improving relations between Armenia and the Diaspora–he visited Armenia’several times and met with prolific Armenian writers of the time.
He also worked to include their works in his critical essays and editorials. His devotion to his homeland can be seen in his poetry of the time–as he did his best to keep Armenia alive and strong in his writing–even through troubling times. During the Communist era–Vahian was awarded the "Mesrob Mashdots " medal by Armenia’s Cultural Ministry for his great devotion to Armenian Culture and heritage. In 1983–on the occasion of his 75th birthday–two more collections of poems were published–"The Golden Hammer" and "The Book of Love and Regret." But perhaps his greatest contribution was his continued dedication to "Ani " newspaper which remains the treasure chest of the region’s great works.
