HOW THE IDEA BEGAN

Alic an armenian mother whos grandparents were descendants of the armenian genocide ,a mother to two curious children: Nazareth, aged 12, and Alexan, aged 8. One quiet evening, as the family gathered in their small, cozy living room, Nazareth asked, “Mama, what is the most important story we should know about armenians?”

Alic paused. She knew this moment would come, and she had been preparing for it. She wanted to teach her children about their Armenian heritage and the tragedy that had shaped their history—but not through fear or anger.

From the shelf, she pulled out a hand-bound book she had been working on for months. Its cover bore a painting of a sunrise over Mount Ararat, a symbol of hope and resilience. The children’s eyes widened as Alic set the book before them.

“This,” she said, “is a story of our people. It is a story of loss, courage, and the strength to rise again.”

As they flipped open the first page, vibrant illustrations brought the story to life. villages bustling with laughter, children playing, and families celebrating their traditions.

“This was how life was for our ancestors,” she began. “But one day, everything changed.”

The illustrations turned darker. Soldiers marched into villages, families were separated, and countless people were forced to leave their homes. Alic explained the Armenian Genocide gently but truthfully, using her art to show both the sadness and the bravery of those who endured it.

“Why did this happen?” Alexan asked, his small brow furrowed.

Alic placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Sometimes, people forget to see others as human. But even in the darkest times, there were those who helped, who showed kindness, and who survived to tell the story.”

She turned to the final pages, scenes of hope: a mother planting a tree, children learning to write their language, and a family rebuilding their lives.

“This story isn’t just about loss,” Alic said. “It’s about remembering, so it never happens again. It’s about honoring those who came before us and being proud of who we are.”

Nazareth and Alexan sat quietly for a moment, absorbing the weight of the story. Then Nazareth said, “Can we share this book with others, Mama? So they know too?”

Alic smiled, her heart swelling with pride. “Yes, my dear. That’s why I made it. So everyone can learn, remember, and keep the light of our history alive.”

From that day forward, the illustrated book became a treasure not just for Alic’s family, but for their community and the whole world to know. It traveled to schools, libraries, and gatherings, spreading its message of remembrance and hope far and wide.

And in the hearts of Nazareth and Alexan, the story of their people became a beacon of resilience and love—a legacy they would carry forward forever.