Searching the web for Marash Girls . . .

Written on back of photo: "7 Anna Roobyan CIV. 10 Takohee Kushbuloodyan XCVII." Detail: "TAKOHEE KUSHBOOLOODIAN is a little girl who was nine years old in 1922. She has lost her parents in the recent troubles, but was rescued by Miss Salmond and taken into the Marash orphanage. Her first name means 'Queen.' When Miss Salmond broke her hip and was obliged to go to England, Mustapha Kemal Pasha allowed some of the Marash orphans to go to Shemlan in the Lebanon near Beirut, where they can be in the care of Miss M. C. Frearson, formerly of Aintab. Her picture is on page thirty-five of the September 1921 HELPING HAND. Takohee needs aid at once." "ANNA ROOBYAN is a little girl who was seven years old in 1922. She has no parents, but since the exile has found one sister. Her parents were killed, and Miss Salmond took her into the Marash orphanage. When Miss Salmond broke her hip and was obliged to go to Engalnd, Mustapha Kemal Pasha allowed some of the Marash orphans to go to Shemlan in the Lebanon near Beirut, where they can be in the care of Miss M. C. Frearson, formerly of Aintab. Her picture in on page thirty-five of the September 1921 HELPING HAND. Anna needs aid at once." Written on folder: "In correspondance between Emily C. Wheeler of the National Armenia & India Relief Association."

The other day, Marash Girl was searching the web for a possible mention of Marash Girl, (conceit, yes?). At the website Hagley.org, she found  the above memento from the very sad days of the deportation of Armenians from their native homeland, and the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1922.  Luckily, the girls in the photograph survived, at least long enough to have their photos taken.  It is interesting to note that there is no mention on the back of the photo of the horrendous mass murder  and genocide of the Armenian people, which is simply referred to as "the recent troubles".

Searching under the word "Armenian" at the Hagley Museum website, Marash Girl found the above.  Written on back of photo:  1. Takouhie Simonian, - Queen. 2. Vartanoush Torosian, - Rose Sweet. 3. Zarouhie Melkonian, - Lady Zaro. 4. Eliza Balian. 5. Arshalouis Maltabekian, - Dawn."  Written on folder: In correspondence between Emily C. Wheeler of the National Armenia & India Relief Association.  No date.