A Crusaders’ castle for a classroom. An archaeological site for a playground. Let’s dig into the story of Jubeil Orphanage.

This emotional essay by Azad Kechian, age 12, was published in the New Near East magazine in April 1924. In addition to being a Genocide survivor, Azad Kechian survived the devastating 1923 malaria epidemic that struck Nahr Ibrahim Orphanage and the surrounding community. He wrote about the experience of leaving his orphanage home for Jubail with a clarity and sensitivity far beyond his 12 years.

 

Today we are joined by Vicken Babkenian, an independent researcher and an expert on Australia’s work with Near East Relief.