It's not easy to summarize. I really recommend reading the whole thing.
> The company was founded in Constantinople in 1623 by Avedis Zildjian, an Armenian metalsmith and alchemist.
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> After the death of Avedis, the business, and the secret for producing the metal, was handed down to several generations of male heirs.
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> In 1850, Avedis II built a 25-foot schooner, in order to sail cymbals produced in Constantinople to trade exhibitions such as the Great Exhibition in London, and to supply musicians in Europe.
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> Haroutune II's son Avedis III had left Armenia for the United States in 1909, and settled in Boston, where he established a family and a confectionary business. In 1927, he received a letter from his uncle Aram, informing him that he was to become heir to the family business, and Aram came to the US.
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> Avedis III sought out jazz drummers like Gene Krupa to understand their needs.