As noted on the “Misak Kojaian Letters” page of this website, in 2018, H. Şükrü Ilıcak and I were responsible for the publication of My Dear Son Garabed: I Read Your Letter, I Cried, I Laughed. Kojaian Family Letters from Efkere/Kayseri to America (1912-1919). This 429 page book collected over 80 letters written from the village of Efkere to Haroutiun and Garabed Kojaian, in Detroit, between the years 1912 and 1919. Each letter was painstakingly transliterated,and translated, using scores of translators from around the world. The principle translating work was carried out by H. Şükrü Ilıcak, and the entire project was carried out under his direction.
The book received a great deal of favorable press, and the initial run, on Histor Press, quickly sold out. It has been re-printed by Gomidas Institute Press.
Not all of the letters in the author’s collection from this time period, however, were used in the book. It was thought that the excluded letters would prove to be of less interest to the reader than the letters that were included.
I have taken the liberty of presenting some of the omitted letters here.
Each of the following letters was written by Hovhaness Oozonian. Probably born in Efkere circa 1899, Hovhaness may have received his initial education in Efkere, but by 1913, he was definitely enrolled at the Talas American College, a secondary school for boys in the city of Talas. Talas was located approximately 13 km from Efkere.
Please note that these letters have not undergone the same level of scrutiny that the letters in My Dear Son Garabed have undergone. Revisions will almost certainly have to be made, and it is anticipated that more accurate translations will be posted in the next few months.
March 4 (17), 1913
Talas
Wilmington
My Dear brother Mr. Garabed Kojaian
First of all, I send special greetings to you. How are you? I hope that you are well and alive, and working. I received you letter of February 5 (18). It made me happy to read it.
Very often, I wished to write you a letter, but I did not have your address. Don’t blame me.
The other day, I got a letter from the village. They wrote that Garabed Aga had sent money. Also, they wrote that you sent Dudu one mejedee. you did very well. That is a good way to honor Ishdahan Dudu.
If Misak comes to Talas next year, it will be very good. No matter what, it is hard for me this year, but if Misak comes next year, it will be easier for us both, and I would rest a little.
[This letter is unsigned, but the content, and handwriting, both suggest that it was written by Hovhaness Oozoonian]
The following letter was written upside down on the last page of a letter from Hyganoush Kojaian to her son, Garabed. This letter is also unsigned, but it is clear, from both the content and the handwriting, that it was written by Hovhaness Oozoonian.
July 28, 1913 Efkere
Detroit
My Honest and Beloved Brother Mr. Garabed Kojaian
First of all, I would like to know about your health. I hope that you are well. If you would like to know about us, we are also fine. I received, with thanks, your letter dated July 1. Yeahia Agha [Misak Shabazian] arrived. I am very glad to have him here. Pass my warmest wished to Artin Dayi [Haroutiun Kojaian]. We received, with thanks, Dristi’s [?] letter.
Send your response to Talas. I hope Misak will come to me [to the school in Talas], as well.
My father [Krikor Oozoonian] is visiting you. Do what you can for him. To Donik Aga, to my Haji uncle, lots of greetings.
[Text written on side of letter]. Warm regards and I kiss your hands
1913, October 25
Talas
America
Dear Brother Mr. Garabed Kojaian
First of all, I would like to ask about your health. I hope that you are alive and healthy. If, on your part, you ask about us, we are very well and busy with “reading” [school studies].
We received the letter that you sent us dated October 7/24, and we were very thankful. One week ago, we sent you another letter, and I think that by now you must have received it. In that letter, I wrote everything. Misak also explained it to you.
We received a letter from the village. Yeahia missed his bother. He was going to leave today. His health has improved. He feels stronger. He has lots of regards for you.
Saturday, his brother from the village sent three “gold” [liras] so that he comes to Mijelmet [?].
I kiss the hands of your father. When I received his letter, I was very happy.
I am helping Misak as much as I can, so don’t worry about him at all.
If you send a letter every week, I will be very happy.
To my father, Donik aga, to my uncle, I send lots and lots of regards. I kiss you.
To the countrymen who are with you, I send lots of regards.
I wrote this letter in a haste, so I couldn’t write enough.
I remain, respectfully,
Hovhaness Oozoonian