Rupen Janbazian

3 weeks ago | horizonweekly.ca | Rupen Janbazian

By Rupen JanbazianThe Armenian WeeklyArmenia is facing one of the most critical junctures in its post-independence history. The shock of losing Artsakh hasn’t faded. Tens of thousands of displaced families are still seeking stability. The country’s borders feel more vulnerable than ever. Confidence in institutions is slipping, democratic norms are wearing thin, and people are tired—angry, even. If ever there were a time for serious, steady leadership, it’s now.

4 weeks ago | armenianweekly.com | Rupen Janbazian

Armenia is facing one of the most critical junctures in its post-independence history. The shock of losing Artsakh hasn’t faded. Tens of thousands of displaced families are still seeking stability. The country’s borders feel more vulnerable than ever. Confidence in institutions is slipping, democratic norms are wearing thin, and people are tired—angry, even. If ever there were a time for serious, steady leadership, it’s now. Instead, its prime minister is swearing at bishops on Facebook.

1 month ago | armenianweekly.com | Rupen Janbazian

Several years ago, then-Weekly columnist Raffi Elliott proposed what he half-jokingly described as an ‘uncontroversial’ revision to one of our national symbols. It wasn’t the anthem or the coat of arms (both of which have caused no shortage of political grumbling and performative outrage in recent years) but rather, the flag—specifically, its aspect ratio.

1 month ago | armenianweekly.com | Rupen Janbazian

Diana Hambardzumyan’s Top Ten Stories lives up to its title while offering far more than expected. Far from being a conventional collection, these stories open a window into contemporary life, Armenian culture and the layered complexities of identity. Published in Montreal as a bilingual edition in Eastern Armenian and English, the book presents 10 carefully crafted stories that showcase Hambardzumyan’s sensitivity to detail and emotion.

2 months ago | armenianweekly.com | Rupen Janbazian

Several weeks ago, during a gathering at our friends’ home, an unsettling debate emerged about whether class trips to Armenia organized by Armenian schools in the diaspora are truly valuable. An acquaintance, who relocated from the diaspora to Armenia several years ago, insisted that these journeys are merely superficial tourist excursions: Students come, have fun, take photos and leave without forming genuine connections. My partner Araz and I were stunned.