The Syria Region has had a Regional Executive Board since June 21, 1987. The board coordinates and plans the cultural activities of Hamazkayin in the Syria region, directs the work of the region’s five branches, four units, and regional committees.
- The “Nigol Aghpalian” Branch was established in Aleppo in 1930 and currently counts 313 members. The Branch Executive Board operates with committees (literary, musical, social, and ladies’. It has the “Sartarabad” and “Shushi” dance groups, the “Arshile Gorky” drawing studio, and the “Estrada” instrumental ensemble).
- The “Vahan Navasartian” Branch was established in Latakia in 1965 and has around 75 members. It has the “Keghart” dance group and “Nareg” choir.
- The “H. Ohanjanian” Branch was founded in Kessab in 1988 and counts 80 members. It has a theater group as well as the “Gantegh” children’s and “Cilicia” youth choirs.
- The “L. Shant” Branch was founded in Damascus in 1952 and counts 102 members.
- The “Avedis Aharonian” Branch was founded in Qamishli in 1987 and counts 73 members. It has the “Vana” dance group, the “Gomidas” music school, as well as a summer school.
“Levon Shant” Theater Unit
The “Levon Shant” Theater Group was founded in Aleppo in 1936, forming part of the “Nigol Aghpalian” Branch. In 2006, it merged with the Syria Regional Executive Board’s “Zavarian” theater group to form the Theater Unit. In 2019, at the 22d regional convention, it was named the “Levon Shant” Theater Unit.
The theater group led by local and sometimes foreign specialist directors has presented works by Armenian and foreign authors.
“Zvartnots” Choir Unit
The “Zvartnots” Choir was founded in 1969 and operated under the auspices of the Armenian Prelacy.
The second regional convention in 1988 decided to sponsor the “Zvartnots” Choir and it became the Hamazkayin “Zvartnots” Choir Unit; it presents high-quality choral performances in various genres by Armenian and foreign musicians.
“Armenological Institute” Unit
The “Armenological Institute” unit was founded in 1996. The institute, housed at the Hamazkayin Cultural Center, offers a four-year degree course of study. Classes are held five days a week, led by qualified local faculty. The institute has both part-time and full-time students. Graduates serve as teachers in Armenian schools and as managers of national institutions.
The “Parsegh Ganatchian” Music School
The “Parsegh Ganatchian” Music School was founded in 1986. The school operated under the Armenian Youth Association until 1997.
The ninth regional convention in 1997 decided to make the school a Hamazkayin unit. The school continues its work in the National United School, blossoming the musical talents of the new generation.
The school has around 90 students. Various musical instruments are taught, as well as vocal training and solfège. The unit also has a chamber orchestra.
The Regional Executive Board for Syria, thanks to the possibility of living cohesively afforded by Syria and thanks to the members’ interest, has a respectable number of members and prolific activity.