Born in 1901 near Istanbul, Hrant Kenkulian (now better known simply as Udi Hrant) was declared blind four days after birth. Despite frequent treatments, his condition did not improve. He survived the Armenian massacres of 1915, and in 1918 settled in Istanbul. There he studied with famous teachers including Kemani Agopos Ayvazyan, Dickran Katsakhian, and Udi Krikor Berberian. Unfortunately, it was hard for him to find work because of his blindness, so he made a living selling musical instruments. His big break came when he travelled to America to see eye specialists, and he was invited to give a series of concerts. Hrant returned to Turkey, and became known as a soloist frequently performing on Istanbul Radio, and later devoted much of his time teaching young oudists and singers. Udi Hrant died August 29 1978, and is buried at the Armenian cemetery in Sisli, Istanbul. A more detailed biography can be found here.