Brush up on your Armenian and Turkish with this glossary of terms, historic events, and historic places.Use this list to follow the cast of characters as you listen to the audiobook, or read the e-book or hardcover.
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CLICK HERE to download a .pdf of the glossary.
Reference Guides
Keri Topouzian, an Armenian-American, has done extensive historical research in preparation for authoring this book. He conducted interviews with first generation Armenian-Americans, including his own grand parents. He recorded many eyewitness accounts to what Armenia and Turkey were like in that turbulent time leading up to World War I. His historic library included a large collection of articles recording the Armenian/Turkish situation, written between 1900-1920, and published in The New York Times and in The London Times. He has studied these articles in depth and has reviewed a collection of survivor videos.
Some of these, reprinted with permissions, are in this gallery.
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"A Perfect Armenian" Book Blessing
A "Kinetson" is a traditional Armenian blessing of an author and all who read a particular work of ficton or non-fiction - any book. It is a short, beautiful ceremony. Here is a video of the blessing for author, Keri Topouzian, and his first novel, "A Perfect Armenian." Over 150 people attended the ceremony, and official launch of the novel. The ceremony was held at Hagopian World of Rugs, in Detroit, Michigan. Father Hrant Kevorkian & Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian peformed the ceremony. -
Ottoman Empire 1914 & Surrounding Countries
Two great maps that is also in the novel which show all the areas. Map courtesy of Department of History, United States Military Academy -
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Rerference Maps
These maps will help as a reference when reading "A Perfect Armenian" -
Mount Olympus
Yes, there is a Mt. Olympus located outside of the village of Tchingiler where part of the story takes place. -
Mauser WWI
You'll have to read the book to see the significance of this photo... -
Old Map of Ottoman Empire (Armenia)
This is a great jpg of some old and forgotten villages. Email me at askdrt@gmail.com and I will be glad to send it to you as an attachment. -
Cyprus during WW I
During WWI, Cyprus was split-controlled by Britain and the Ottoman Empire. -
The Tokatlian Hotel in Constantinople
The Tokatlian Hotel in Constantinople was a safe and secure meeting place for Europeans, Ottomans and others. -
Did the village of Tchingiler really exist?
Good luck trying to find an old map with Tchingiler on it let alone any of the small Armenian villages in the western provinces of the Ottoman Empire back 100 years ago. First, I tried the library, then the internet but came up with nothing. Even all of the Armenian history books that discussed the Genocide. Nothing. Sometimes I wondered if it really existed. One day I asked my father if he had any suggestions. He contacted his great aunt and luckily one of my cousins had an old map both in Armenian and English that pointed out exactly where Tchingiler was. In present day Turkey, there is no village by this name and not even a substitute Turkish village at this site as far as I can see. Probably too small to be rated by Rand McNally. I have enclosed pictures of the map. If anyone wants an electronic copy I would be glad to send to you. Just contact me on the website or email me at askdrt@gmail.com BTW if you are a Tchingilertsi let me know! -
Photos That Inspired "A Perfect Armenian"
During my research and travels, many photographs, sculptures and pieces of art inspired me as I wrote "A Perfect Armenian". This photo of the statue, David of Sassoun is located in Armenia and is by far my favorite. It represents strength, triumph, perseverance,and a tincture of rage. BTW, the horse's name is "Kourkig Jelaley" and translates to "Majestic Horse". If you find yourself in Armenia, take the subway to the "Sassountsi Tavid" exit and focus on the statue, not its surroundings... -
Book Signing at Purely Michigan in St. Joseph, Michigan!
So pleased to have a signing at the Purely Michigan store in St. Joseph, MI with owner Lynne Christiano!