Jacques Sayabalian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jacques or Jack Sayabalian (Paylag) (Armenian: Ժագ Սայապալեան (Փայլակ); June 1880 – 1915) was an Armenian writer and poet who was also an interpreter for the British Consul in Konya between 1904 and 1909, then vice-consul for a year and a half. He was also a member of the Armenian National Assembly representing his birthplace of Konya. After 1909, he became a journalist in Constantinople. During the Armenian genocide, Sayabalian was deported to Ankara and then killed.
June 1880
Jacques Sayabalian | |
|---|---|
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| Born | Jacques Sayabalian (Paylag) June 1880 |
| Died | 1915 |
| Occupations | writer and poet |
Life
Jacques Sayabalian was born in Konya in the Konya Vilayet of the Ottoman Empire in June 1880.[1] His father was the governor of the province of Konya.[2][3] Sayabalian received his early education at a local school in Konya.[4] In 1896, he went to Constantinople where he attended the prestigious Reteos Berberian Armenian school.[1][4] Sayabalian continued his education at the American College located in İzmir for two years.[1] A fluent speaker of English, after finishing his studies from the American College in 1904, Sayabalian returned to Konya where he became an interpreter for the British Consul.[4] After working as an interpreter for 5 years, Sayabalian returned to Constantinople where he began writing for various local Armenian newspapers and journals.[1] He became a member of the Armenian National Assembly representing Konya.[4] He also contributed to local Armenian newspapers such as the Surhantag and Massis.[1] When Sayabalian contributed to the Massis newspaper, he signed his poems and stories with the pen-name "V".[1]
Death
Jacques Sayabalian was one of the Armenian leaders deported during the Armenian genocide. On 24 April 1915, Sayabalian was arrested and sent via train to Çankırı, a village located in the interior provinces of the Ottoman Empire.[5] He was then deported to Ankara where he was murdered.[6][7] His remains are yet to be found.[1]