A Perfect Armenian Quotes

“Being an Armenian is a merciless task and a heroic enterprise. It is a commandment, a mission, and a destiny that history has imposed on us from the depths of centuries. We are the shock troops of the struggle between light and darkness… And we are charged with an awesome responsibility. Gostan Zarian.”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Do not tell me that it is not God-like to get angry or go into a fit of rage. God himself when enraged will grasp a star and hurl it through the heavens. And at night, you can see bits of the star flashing through the sky, fallen apart merely by the shear force of which it was thrown. Know when He is angry and stay out of His way… And the same holds true for my grandson.” Yervant Yacoubian.”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Our strength consists in our speed and in our brutality. Genghis Khan led millions of women and children to slaughter—with premeditation and a happy heart. History sees in him solely the founder of a state. It’s a matter of indifference to me what a weak western European civilization will say about me.”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“describes the torture, annihilation and deportation of the Armenian race within the Ottoman Empire during this time period.”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Yet all these previous persecutions seem almost trivial when we compare them with the sufferings of the Armenians, in which at least 600,000 people were destroyed and perhaps as many as 1,000,000. These earlier massacres, when we compare them with the spirit that directed the Armenian atrocities, have one feature that we can almost describe as an excuse: they were the product of religious fanaticism and most of the men and women who instigated them sincerely believed that they were devoutly serving their Maker. Undoubtedly, religious fanaticism was an impelling motive with the Turkish and Kurdish rabble who slew Armenians as a service to Allah, but the men who really conceived the crime had no such motive. Practically all of them were atheists, with no more respect for Mohammedanism than for Christianity, and with them the one motive was cold-blooded, calculating state policy.” Adolf”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Many have forgotten that the Germans were in bed with the Turks during this atrocity of a war. Do not tell me that the German military and advisors did not know or help with the destruction of my race. And after the Turks for the most part succeeded in their plans, what did the Germans decide to do some eighteen years later?” – Yervant Yacoubian Nearly”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Over the centuries, Armenians have been scattered throughout the world to escape persecution or to find a land that is safe from neighboring marauders. Before the Turks invaded our native lands, it was the Persians, the Romans and many others. Do not be surprised then if you are on a journey or in a new land and one of the first souls you meet happens to be Armenian.” –”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“When I was Tavid’s age, my conscience was asleep. I could kill without hesitation or remorse. It was an act that I was comfortable with, never having second thoughts. But when we had my daughter, and then later with my grandchildren, well, things slowly began to change. It was not as easy to kill, especially if the victim was younger. I found myself hesitating and this became dangerous. Or the death of a child in the village would bring on emotions that I did not have before. But I am glad for these changes and growth, as I know will happen with my grandson.” – Yervant Yacoubian For”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“I am not afraid of death but look forward to this next adventure. Not that I want to die this day, I have too much to do still! But I look forward to seeing old friends, including Armen Eftendelian. I am sure that we will both call each other vulgar names when we are reunited, he will yell at me, telling me how stubborn I am and I will call him a fool mixed with my favorite Turkish profanities. Afterwards we will embrace. For we will have an eternity to enjoy each other’s arguments on life and death.” –”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Turks are ruthless when it comes to their enemies. They are not merciful killers but embrace the art of torture. Not just to Armenians but for all of the subjects that are under their rule, including other Muslims at times. I believe they adopted their religion out of convenience. Turks are Mongols who were without a faith. After they conquered many people and lands they adopted a religion that best benefited their quests.” – Yervant Yacoubian”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“It is easy to get side-tracked when you are a person of many abilities. I would have preferred that Tavid focused strictly on getting to Cyprus. But these are for selfish reasons. And I am even more guilty of this phenomenon. This whole business of leaving for Cypress. My detour into prison. This huge war. It is obvious now to me that there is no predicting what events will happen when you change your path in life.” – Yervant Yacoubian Returning”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“One cannot give up their beliefs and goals just because the road is unknown or filled with obstacles. You must persevere and clear your mind to find your way. For if you give up, all that is left is the shell that your soul inhabited.” – Yervant Yacoubian”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“The next time you try to save my life, do me a favor and do not get yourself shot! Now… Now I have to save your goddamned life! So sit here and shut up!” Tahir”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“What the Turkish government did to the Armenians during this war will be repeated time and time again. And if you go into the past you will see that is not a unique idea. To attempt to annihilate a race, take their land, their homes, their belongings, even their beautiful children and in time, the world forgets…. I will not forget.” – Yervant Yacoubian Almost”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Jealous? Maybe I am jealous of him. Of that entire family. To be able to live and think as they do without fear, without remorse within. I…am not able to live in such a way!” – Armen Eftendelian (The Baron) “Everyone”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“All Christians had celebrated the birth of Christ on January 6. In the 4th century A.D., however, the Roman Catholic Church decided to celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25 and the Feast of the Epiphany (Christ’s Baptism) on January 6. Armenians still celebrate Christ’s birth on January 6. [”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Are you still in the silk business?” “Silk, dried fruit, leathers, anything that is needed,” boasted Vahé. Vahé”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Be more careful the next time! So you do not get yourself killed…or kill the wrong person, eh?”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Some call the church a sanctuary. But I tell you the truth, there are no safe places in this hell of a country unless you force it to be safe. It must be made second nature to always be on your guard or else you may just visit the true sanctuary before your time.” – Yervant Yacoubian The”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“I have lost my daughter, I know that now. I have treated her poorly and hope that some day she will forgive me for the way I have treated her. And I am not here to bring her home, only to tell her how sorry I am for being an idiot all these years. I would like to speak to your son and apologize to him as well. He, he is a reflection of myself that I have fought against for years.” Aldo”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Sleep by day to protect by night Autonomous upon yourselves Alone you are with your plight Be wary of spies, traitors posing as friends From them stay apart or meet your end Your weapons are as children Keep clean, dressed and dry Kill only when essential Then to escape you must try Have reserves and supplies Hidden for you and your brothers And a place to hide They will come in numbers For the few of you that still have your pride [”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Our people, Armenians I am speaking of…. We are our own worst enemy. United we are not. Therefore, our only chance for survival lies within pockets of solidarity and the individual accomplishments that shape our entire nation.” – Yervant Yacoubian “What”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Malachi would always profess that Jews and Armenians had many similarities in their history. And I suppose this is true. In ways we are very similar, but in others we are very different. The Jews in Constantinople are a tight-knit community. Their survival depends on it. But Armenians, well I would not describe us the same way. If you ask me, I feel we have a more chaotic community and it is amazing that we get anything done at all on the community level.” – Yervant Yacoubian Tavid”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Is that the only reason you came. For a free meal?” asked Ari. “It may not be the only reason, but possibly the best one,”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“There is no such thing as pure luck. Luck is a mixture of preparation for future events and having a forward-thinking attitude. When these things are a part of your soul, then luck will follow you. If you are lazy and do not prepare for the complexities of life and are always complaining about your misfortune, well then luck will just not exist in your world.” – Yervant Yacoubian Waiting”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Sometimes you have to enter the lion’s den and hope he has just eaten.” “What?”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Karoun was listening intently; this was all a new experience for her. To be away from home and able to listen to conversations of men on topics that only she heard her father speak of.”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“Is someone going to tell me if I am about to get shot?” Tavid said. “My”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“When Tavid was younger and I was teaching him the skills to protect himself, I would never brag or even talk about people that I had killed. This was not something to be discussed openly. It was private. Between you and God and not to be openly displayed with friends or at a dinner table. Even though his ferocity at times was more intense than my own, he has still obeyed this principle.” – Yervant Yacoubian “I”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian

“My friend, you do not always take my advice but I am going to give it to you one last time.”
― Keri Topouzian, A Perfect Armenian