The only museum dedicated to the Armenian Genocide outside Armenia has opened in Beirut lately. Founded on the basis of the building of Bird’s Nest Orphanage founded by Maria Jacobsen it has a mysterious connection with the Armenian Genocide memorial complex of Tsitsernakaberd built in 1965.

The last name of both authors of the two buildings in Armenia and Lebanon commemorating the Wound of Armenia is Tarkhanyan. Vigen and Raffi Tarhkanyan from Lebanon who had been awarded with Medal of Honor by the Ministry of Diaspora days ago told “Armenpress” that it was a pleasant revelation for them too, but they could not find any family ties with late Artur Tarkhanyan. “Before getting the museum offer, we started reconstruction activities of Antelias Chapel.

After that we were offered to build the museum. Of course, we wanted to bring fresh breath of air but the conservativeness of the clergy isn’t a new thing. However, we managed to successfully cooperate with the church, in that regard we decided to put the chandelier of the stone­built chapel outside and water and the pillar surrounded by ashes – inside,” Raffi Tarkhanyan said. “The museum is not merely for Armenians, it is not only dedicated to the Armenian Genocide. It is also dedicated to all genocides of the world which unfortunately occur even today. If one hundred years ago world did not know what was happening in Turkey, today news spread like wildfire via the Internet but it doesn’t not prevent new genocides,” Vigen Tarkhanayan.

The brothers noted that they had visited Armenia for the first time back in 2000. They have witnessed many changes in Armenia since that day but said that still it was not enough. “We must develop Armenia together ­ hand in hand. We would like to use the experience we apply in the Diaspora also in Armenia,” Raffi Tarkhanyan added.