New Memoir on Armenians Saved by Mormon Missioners 1902-1914 and Their Lives in Utah and Beyond

SALT LAKE CITY - March 7, 2019 - PRLog -- Author : Isabel-Rose Kulski
Title: The Saints of Zara
subtitle: An Intimate Memoir
ISBN 978-1-4808-6898-4
Non-Fiction  :trade paperback 128 pages  30 b/w photos  $11.95

The Isabel Kulski begins this family saga by describing her father Nishan, a nineteen year old Armenian fruit and vegetable farmer,living near Zara,Armenia--now part of modern Turkish Anatolia--at the turn of the 20th century.  The Ottoman government of the day is increasingly violent and lawless as the Turkish empire ebbs in power and influence.  To this ravaged country side come Mormon missionaries from Utah.  Nishan not only coverts to the new faith he encourages his neighbors--30 0f them-- to seek fulfillment and peace in the newly admitted state of Utah.   Nishan and his family struggled to make a place for themselves not as refugees forever awaiting a return to Asia Minor nor as immigrants simply trying to adjust and prosper but as american citizens proud to be in a community and a state that put self reliance and community cohesion.

The drama of contending clans continued as it had in Armenia but in Utah there was the aspirational  possibility of advancement and recognition.  Isabel herself a trusted US State Department official with a role in the founding of the UN and preparing intelligence data and direct source information for decades in Washington,DC.  Interestingly she married a Polish resistance leader in the Polish Home Army after World War 11 and eventually went to Zara for a reunion with her past.

"...a wonderfully told story of three generations and two continents (and two major wars as well)...all the photographs are well chosen with some absolutely  heart breaking.  I am so happy the author is a centenarian and still writing with wit, charm and energy.  This book is not only a tribute to the Armenians who came to Utah but to the Mormon community that helped and encouraged them to make their way in America.  Recommended for libraries and especially for those interested in collecting and assessing the Mormon historical record."

Robert Redfern-West
bookswest.london

For librarians areas covered: Armenia, early 20th century, Turkish-Armenian conflicts pre WW1,  Armenian language and culture, Mormon missionary effort in Turkey, Red Cross in Turkey prior to WW1, Utah--migration of converts to Salt Lake City - Provo areas, Mormon religious infrastructure and policies 1900-1941,
gentiles and industrial growth 1917-1945, State Department WW11, Founding of the UN in San Francisco 1945(author is last living member of the american delegation);Turkey 1960s (reunion)Zara

book available vis Amazon and direct purchase 1-888-242-5904