Epress.am News from Armenia
The Kardashian sisters may be the most famous Armenian family globally but in South East Asia, the Sarkies brothers are historical heroes especially among hoteliers, write Christina Chin and Jeremy Tan in the Malyasian news source The Star.
The Sarkies brothers, Martin, Tigran, Aviet and Arshak (pictured below), were best known for founding and managing a chain of luxury hotels throughout South East Asia including E&O Hotel, and Crag Hotel on Penang Hill.
Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) secretary Clement Liang said the Armenian community in Penang had made great contributions to the region especially in Singapore and Penang (Malaysia).
“The Armenian community were a minority but their contributions were significant especially in establishing and running a chain of prestigious hotels in Penang.
“In George Town, you have Armenian Street and Aratoon Road.
“The latter was named after Arathoon Anthony who brought his family to Penang in 1819. He was a trader and planter.
“The Armenian community in Penang used to worship at St Gregory’s Church which was located between Penang Street and King Street.
“Unfortunately, the Armenian community no longer live here. Most migrated to the US, Australia and Singapore in the 1930s,” he said, adding that there were some 40 Armenians buried in the state.
Above: photo of Regina Sarkies, married to Arathoon Martin Sarkies, cousin of the brothers
Main photo: Eastern & Oriental Hotel website
Enclosed photos from original article.