GLENDALE—The City of Glendale will host the official unveiling of Artsakh Avenue during a special ceremony and gathering at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 2. The public is invited to attend.
The Glendale City Council approved a resolution on June 12, to rename the two blocks of Maryland Avenue between Wilson Avenue and Harvard Street “Artsakh Avenue.”
The Armenian National Committee of American Glendale chapter strongly supported the initiative and its Community Outreach Director Margarita Baghdasaryan spoke during the June 12 City Council meeting.
“The name Artsakh has a historical and cultural significance to the Armenian-American community and will serve as a wonderful educational opportunity for Glendalians interested in the history of the Republic of Artsakh and the Artsakh liberation movement. Furthermore, the name change will attract tourists and likely increase foot traffic in the area, making it the lively pedestrian promenade the city has been trying to create,” said Baghdasaryan.
Good but makes absolutely no strides for Artsakh’s advancement. Ethnic communities anywhere outside of one’s homeland is temporary at the best. Bourj Hammoud, the so-called solid cradle of the Armenian diaspora with its many Armenian named streets and cultural institutions is headed to marginalization. Why? because contrary to popular belief, Lebanon is not our homeland. It’s merely a transitory location for Armenians. There were, and will continue to be, an ever growing indigenous population in the area who will eventually take over by shear numbers. Same with any other Armenian city or community outside of Armenia. It will eventually transform and be overrun by other ethnic, religious, or cultural groups. It’s inevitable. This a known fact. The only viable solution is to strengthen the homeland. A place where the natural culture and traditions can flourish. Otherwise, it’s all temporary and futile. No amount of street name changes or community centers can take the place of a homeland. It sounds and feels good, but has absolutely no bearing on the eventual outcome.
Let’s hope the dead end refers to Azeri’s hope of conquest! LOL