Hi Tumblr,
As some of you know, I started a website called ianyanmag.com in 2009, trying to cover news and under reported issues about Armenia, its diaspora, the South Caucasus and occasionally, greater Middle East from an purely independent, alternative angle without ties to any political or religious organization. In the process, I have come to learn a lot about myself, made amazing friends, received recognition in the likes of Amnesty International and Global Voices, been able to travel to Armenia twice and have had submissions from writers spanning the globe, from Fresno to New York, France and Turkey.
I always say that “it’s the message, not the medium,” but after a lot of contemplation and many cups of soorj (or Armenian coffee) in Yerevan, I decided I wanted to try and make this space I’ve created into a tangible magazine. I don’t know where this will lead, if it will go beyond one issue, how I’ll be able to fund it, or if it will make a difference, but ianyanmag.com will be debuting its first issue early next year. There’s a lot of planning to do and I can foresee sleepless nights ahead.
And while I figure out the logistics, I need your help. I want to create a beautiful, raw, independent and thought-provoking zine intent on unraveling cultural eccentricities, showcasing artists, food, musicians and writers, and exploring serious issues Armenia, the South Caucasus, Post-Soviet countries and Middle East are facing. This won’t be your typical glossy mag and it’s something, that if done right, should have appeal beyond the cultural communities it is aiming to cover.
This can be anything from interviews, poetry, personal stories, photography, art, illustration, news features or prose. If you have an idea and you want to be part of this issue, or you know someone who would, I will be gladly accepting ideas, submissions and tips at [email protected]
Your ethnicity has no bearing on you being able to contribute, neither does your age. All I’m really looking for is people who are passionate about issues, people and culture connected to Armenia, the South Caucasus and Middle East and their diasporas who want to be part of this zine.
If that’s you, shoot me an email. If you have any tips for ideas, let me know as well. This is an experiment. I don’t know where it will go after this first issue, if it will even stay as ianyan or morph into something else. But I think it’s important enough to try, and I think there’s so much untapped potential out there that needs to be unearthed.
