Los Angeles Times: Historic rug woven by Armenian orphans goes on display at White House
Matt Hansen of the Los Angeles Times reports on the White House display of a historic Armenian rug:
Lawmakers and members of the Armenian American community gathered in Washington on Tuesday to mark the weeklong display of a historic rug linked to the Armenian genocide, calling it significant for a nation that helped support Armenians during some of their darkest chapters.
The Ghazir rug, also known as the Armenian Orphan Rug, went on display at the White House Visitor Center after years of campaigning from Armenian American groups and senators representing Armenian communities throughout the United States, including Southern California and the state’s Central Valley.
“From coast to coast, the community spoke with one voice in asking that the Ghazir rug be displayed,” Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) said at an event celebrating the exhibit. “Without you, we would not be here.”
The rug, which has been stored in the White House collection for decades with few public appearances, was woven by orphans of the Armenian genocide and given to President Coolidge in 1925 as a token of gratitude for American relief efforts. It’s scheduled to appear for one week at the White House Visitor Center alongside other gifts given by countries thanking the United States for disaster assistance.
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By: Matt Hansen
Source: Los Angeles Times