During the Armenian Genocide of 1915, thousands of Armenian orphans found refuge through the Near East Foundation, an international relief organization that provided them with food, shelter, education, and another necessity for survival—a strong sense of their Armenian identity.
These rare photos from the archives of the NEF depicts Armenian orphans learning to play the traditional folk instruments and melodies of their lost ancestors. Thus, the long chain of heritage transference would not be broken despite the best efforts of the Ottoman Empire to eradicate all traces of the Armenian nation and its ancient culture. Now, over one century later, that same Armenian Spirit lives on through the newest generation: The Naregatsi Armenian Folk Instruments Ensemble.
Armenian orphans playing traditional instruments at Near East Relief orphanages in the 1920s.
Music always served as a remedy, and it was an integral part of preserving our identity.
photos : courtesy of NEF