On Sunday, August 2, the event took place at the association’s premises and was moderated by Garbis Sarafyan, a member of the Bolsahay Miutyun Board of Trustees. Stating that Agos serves as a bridge, Sarafyan said, “The Istanbul end of the bridge was Hrant Dink, and the Los Angeles end was Edvin Minassian. Sadly, neither is with us anymore. More than anything, people crossed these bridges in both directions. I wanted us, too, to come together side by side on this strong bridge. I wanted the newspapers in Los Angeles and Agos to sit side by side and evaluate Agos from their own perspectives.”
Ara Khachadourian, editor of Asbarez, recalled in his speech that Hrant Dink and Agos advanced the struggle of Armenians in Turkey and worked to prevent the confiscation of Kamp Armen. Khachadourian thanked the association’s leadership for organizing the event and congratulated Agos on its 30th anniversary.
Krikor Khodenyan, editor of the weekly Masis newspaper, said: “When Hrant Dink and his friends founded the weekly Agos newspaper thirty years ago, they not only created a new publication; they also gave all Armenians a key that kept open the door called Istanbul. Hrant Dink proved that it is possible to live without sowing hatred and to struggle without burning bridges, and those are the values that live on today in the pages of Agos. Agos carries out this mission with honor, without concern for personal danger, and we offer the editorial board and staff the respect they truly deserve.”
Kevork Koshkerian of Nor Or said, “Istanbul was once regarded as the greatest center of our culture. It produced intellectuals and writers. Now that chapter has closed, and Istanbul remains visible to us through the newspapers Marmara, Jamanak, and Agos, which continue that work. I congratulate the dedicated staff of Agos and wish them an uninterrupted journey and new successes,” adding that he regarded Hrant Dink as a hero.
At the event, where Board of Trustees Chairman Parunak Çelikyan also delivered a speech, video messages from Agos Editor-in-Chief Yetvart Danzikyan, Agos Armenian-language pages editor Pakrat Estukyan, and Agos columnist Ohannes Kılıçdağı were shared with participants.
Rakel Dink, the wife of Hrant Dink and President of the Hrant Dink Foundation, also sent a video message, saying that Agos has come a long way and will continue on its path. In their closing remarks, Board of Trustees Chairman Parunak Çelikyan and board member Sarafyan thanked the speakers.
Speaking to Agos after the event, Sarafyan said, “You are not alone; all the newspapers here are extending a hand to you,” and sent his greetings to the entire staff. Sarafyan also added that Markrit Atmaca, a member of the Istanbul Armenian community, had also contributed to organizing the event.
