Sarkies brothers ran a chain of prestigious hotels in Penang

Sarkies brothers ran a chain of prestigious hotels in Penang


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.

The Sarkies brothers, Martin, Tigran, Aviet and Arshak, 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.

“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.

Descendants of the Sarkies brothers, Jessie Ripsie and Loretta Regina, recalled how their late grandfather Arathoon Martin Sarkies (a cousin of the brothers), died a broken man.

“He was known as ‘Tuan Besar’ in the Riau Islands of Indonesia because he was very wealthy and successful.

“Unfortunately, he lost our family inheritance because he trusted the wrong man.

“He had one son and three daughters but my father was too young to take over the business.

“At the age of 71, he asked a boatman to take him out to sea and when the boat stopped, he removed his gold Rolex and valuables, handed it to the man and jumped into the sea.

“He was almost a bankrupt then,” Jessie told a press conference at the E&O Hotel in George Town yesterday.

She said their father, James Arathoon Martin Sarkies, died in 1977, disappointed at how the family’s legacy had been lost.

“I always used to tell him that at least we had a roof over our heads although we did not have an inheritance,” she said.

Recalling happier times, the sisters spoke of their father’s love for cars.

“He would take us around, and point out different makes and models. We had to learn it and know it!” Jessie said.

Talking about their childhood, Jessie recalled an incident during the Japanese Occupation during World War II, when soldiers chased her mother, Madelline May Didier, around, intent on hurting her and a young Loretta who was in her arms.

“Those were terrible times. The trauma and sounds of bombs raining from above, and the explosions that followed, stays with you,” Loretta said.