Rays of light stream into the studio through large, vertical windows and skylights nestled in the high ceiling, into an open space with lots of breathing room. In juxtaposition to this artist’s space is a meditation room with a mat placed in the center facing a prayer nook. This is the studio of artist Edward Zakarian; a space not just for sculpting and painting, but for creating a higher version of one’s self.

After the King's Henry VIII passing, his collection of eight hundred carpets — and among them numerous Armenian rugs — were left to rot on the damp stone floors of the Palace at Hampton Court. Fortunately, the carpets, which did not fall into the hands of the King, were spared from destruction and can be seen on the floors and walls of museums and noble houses throughout Europe.

The singing of minstrels was occasionally interrupted by dueling knights at the tournament grounds in Edessa. The wedding of princess Arda and Baldwin of Boulogne was a lavish celebration at the estate of Armenian Prince Thoros, east of the Euphrates. Two years later, the free-spirited Armenian would become the first Queen of Jerusalem, but her high title did not bring her happiness.

Assessing the developments of the war in May, 1918, British historian Christopher Yoker wrote, “Had the Armenians suffered a defeat in the battle of Sardarapat, the word ‘Armenia’ would simply have become a geographical term.” General Movses Silikov led this decisive battle for the survival of the Armenian nation.