Scout Tufankjian tells about Armenian Diaspora, Genocide recognition and years of work with Obama
4 minute read
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian-American photojournalist Scout Tufankjian is the author of some photos, which have recently become classic in the field of photojournalism. Since May 10 Scout Tufankjian has been conducting photojournalism courses at Tumo Center for Creative Technologies. Armenpress interviewed the well-known photojournalist about her “Armenian Diaspora” project, the Armenian roots and her work with the US President Barack Obama.
- Do you like working here?
- I like it very much. I have wonderful students. Some of them are very small and the others are more experienced, but what I like about them most is their enthusiasm.
- Have you met with the Armenian photographers?
- I have met with several of them. My friend Sara and I intend to organize an event and invite the Armenian photographers to talk to them. There are so many talented photographers in Armenia and that is great.
- Do you know anything about your ancestors?
- Not so much as I would like to know. The parents of my grandparents were 5-8, when they came to the United States. So, they did not know much about their past. We have known only that some of our ancestors were from Kharberd and my grandparents were from Musaler. My mother is of Irish descent.
- Your “Armenian Diaspora” project via photos and interviews presents the full picture of the Armenians living in different parts of the world. Which is the main aim of the project?
- I have travelled through all the Armenian communities of the world, trying to reproduce the actual picture of the Armenian Diaspora. I have prepared about 50 questions to use during the interview.
- What do you think about the possible recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey?
- I think, they will have to do it, as the historical proves are undeniable and obvious. In the past it was very easy to hide the truth from the young people, as they had no internet to get the latest news. The thing is not that the Turkish citizens deny the Armenian Genocide, but in fact they do not know anything about it. Nevertheless, the young generation, using the internet, gets informed about the opinions of the other countries and scientists, debates, etc. I believe that the situation will change.
-What will you say about the policy of the United States towards the recognition of the Armenian Genocide?
- I think that the policy of the United States towards the recognition of the Armenian Genocide will be always connected with the policy conducted with Turkey. Unfortunately, the US prefer to preserve the relations with Turkey and if Turkey recognizes the Genocide, the US will do the same.
- Will you tell us about the period you worked with the US President Barack Obama?
- In 2006 I returned to the States and was sent to take the photos of the book presentation of a young political figure. The next two and a half years I worked with him covering his campaign, which was completed by his becoming a President. As a photographer I thought if he manages to become the first African American President, it would be an unprecedented event in the US history. Last year they called me from his office and offered to work with them again.
Interviewed by Syune Barseghyan and Tatevik Grigoryan
Photos by Samvel Berkibekyan