Fête de l'indépendance de l'Arménie & 400 ans de la Marine Nationale

To mark Armenia's Independence Day and the 400th anniversary of the French Navy, the Armenian Cultural Center of Avignon (MCA Avignon) is organizing an exceptional day dedicated to the history of Franco-Armenian relations and the historical link that unites Armenians with the French Navy.
This day is also part of the "400 years of the French Navy" label, which celebrates four centuries of history, commitment and presence of the French Navy.

You’ll find here:
Town Hall – Clock Square:
– 15 p.m. – Lecture by Jean Cordelle
“Musa Dagh – Ras el Mina: The Heroic Battle, the epic of the Armenians and sailors, September 1915”
Historian and author Jean Cordelle will revisit the dramatic events of Musa Dagh, the heroic resistance of the Armenian population, and the intervention of the French Navy which enabled the rescue of several thousand refugees.
This conference will provide a better understanding of this little-known episode in Franco-Armenian history and the role played by French sailors in this operation.

– 16:30 p.m. – Retrospective of the Marine Commando Group
A retrospective will be devoted to the history, missions and commitments of the Marine Commando Group.
This highlight will also be an opportunity for an exchange with the public about the history of these iconic units of the French Navy, their missions and their commitment to the service of France.

– 17:30 p.m. – Meet and greet with Jean Cordelle and get your book signed
The day will continue with a book signing session for Jean Cordelle's works, allowing the public to continue the discussions around this story.
An exceptional photographic exhibition During this part of the event, the public will also be able to discover an exhibition of authentic photographs provided by Jean Cordelle, devoted in particular to Musa Dagh, Ras el Mina and the role of the National Navy.
These documents will give a particularly concrete and human dimension to this page of history.

Melly & Paul Puaux Room
– 19 p.m. – Conference by Mariam Hakobyan
"The development of Armenian-French relations (1914–2014)"
Mariam Hakobyan, a doctoral student at the Faculty of History of Yerevan State University, will present a lecture, in Armenian, devoted to a century of relations between Armenia and France.
An opportunity to place the historical events of 1915 in a broader perspective and to better understand the depth of relations between the two countries.

– 19:45 p.m. – 21:00 p.m.: concert by Khoren Simonyan
The evening will continue with music from Khoren Simonyan, a musical artist, who will offer a program of traditional and folk Armenian songs and music.
A musical moment intended to celebrate Armenian culture, its traditions and its roots, while fostering Franco-Armenian friendship.

Free access.