On May 28, 1928, a group of nine Armenian intellectuals—among them writer and educator Levon Shant, historian Nigol Aghpalian, the former Prime Minister of the First Republic of Armenia Hamo Ohanjanian, and stage director and artist Kasbar Ipegian—founded the Hamazkayin Publishing and Cultural Association in Cairo, Egypt.
In the decades that followed, successive Hamazkayin chapters were established across major Armenian communities in the Middle East, Europe, the United States, Canada, South America, and Australia. After the Republic of Armenia regained its independence, Hamazkayin also established a representative office in Armenia.
At its core, Hamazkayin’s mission is to provide the next generation with a strong foundation in Armenian education and culture. The organization strives to preserve the Armenian national identity and cultural traditions, especially for communities in the diaspora who live far from their homeland.
The Hamazkayin Detroit Chapter was founded on December 17, 1967, by Ungers Hovagim Manoogian, Sebouh Toukhanian, Samuel Asarian, Ara Gharibian, and Arpy Gharibian Kilian. The group initially began as the Armenian Cultural Association and officially joined the Hamazkayin family one year later.
For more than 50 years, the Detroit Chapter has actively promoted Armenian arts and culture through both regional and local initiatives. These have included theatrical performances such as Larvari Vorse, Baghdasar Aghpar, and Aha Aysbes Abretsank, directed by the Chapter’s former Theatre Director Unger Manouk Derovakimian. Over the years, the Chapter has also hosted acclaimed Armenian authors and writers, including Moushegh Ishkhan, Aram Haigaz, Vahakn Tavtian, Hamo Sahian, and Boghos Snabian, while also screening films by Armenian artists and directors.
Recognizing the importance of engaging youth, the Detroit Chapter has organized cultural programs that foster community connections and creative expression. A milestone in this effort was the establishment of the Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble in 2005, which continues to perform and showcase Armenian dance traditions.
The Chapter’s notable achievements include:
- Founding and nurturing the Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble
- Organizing the annual Hamazkayin Book and Author event, highlighting U.S.-born Armenian writers
- Participating in the 2018 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., representing Armenian culture at the heart of the nation’s capital
- Hosting a diverse range of Armenian artists, including singers, comedians, and film directors
- Offering specialized workshops such as the dance seminar for the Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble
To see more of Hamazkayin’s cultural programs, educational initiatives, and upcoming activities, visit our full Events page.
Through its programs and events, the Hamazkayin Detroit Chapter continues to uphold Hamazkayin’s global mission of advancing Armenian education, preserving Armenian culture, and strengthening Armenian identity within the diaspora.
Hamazkayin is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who are committed to promoting Armenian education and culture. We rely on the generosity of our members and supporters to fund our programs and events.
Hamazkayin Detroit YouTube Channel
Discover the Hamazkayin Detroit YouTube channel dedicated to celebrating creativity and community! Our YouTube channel is your destination for captivating story-time sessions, inspiring poetry, and dynamic dance performances that delight audiences of all ages. We also host interactive virtual events, offering a unique space for cultural celebration, artistic expression, and community engagement. Whether you’re here to explore, be inspired, or connect with a global community, our channel provides a diverse mix of content that celebrates creativity and shared experiences. Join us and become part of a growing world of imagination and connection!