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Long in diaspora, Armenians return home

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  • Long in diaspora, Armenians return home

    "Long in diaspora, Armenians return home"
    by Maria Danilova
    8 June, 2008
    Courtesy of http://www.cilicia.com/2008_06_01_armo_life-backlog.html



    YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — What would prompt a young family to abandon a comfortable life and move to a poor country where running water is still a luxury for many, politics are messy and the threat of war looms large?
    For Aline Masrlian, 41, her husband, Gevork Sarian, and their two children, it was their motherland calling.
    "It is something special when you live in your own land," said Masrlian, who moved here after her family had lived for generations in Syria.

    Lured by the economic opportunities in a fast changing country and the lure of home, some people from Armenia's vast diaspora are moving to the land that their ancestors had long kept alive as little more than an idea. Longtime residents, meanwhile, are no longer fleeing the country in large numbers.

    While 3.2 million people live in this landlocked Caucasus mountain nation — the smallest of the ex-Soviet republics — an estimated 5.7 million Armenians reside abroad. The largest disappears are in Russia (2 million), the United States (1.4 million), Georgia (460,000) and France (450,000), according to government data.

    Most of the diaspora, like Masrlian's family, are descendants of those who fled the killings of up to 1.5 million Armenians in Ottoman Turkey during World War I — a tragedy Armenia wants to be recognized as genocide but modern Turkey insists was an inherent part of the war's violence.

    Much later, others ran away from the economic collapse that Armenia suffered following the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union, when electricity was available only several hours a day, people had to chop down trees for heat, and bread and butter were strictly rationed.

    The devastating conflict with neighboring Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, in which over 30,000 people have died, compounded the exodus. An estimated 500,000 people left the country in 1992-94, many heading to Russia.

    However, over the past four years Armenia has registered an overall population inflow of 33,200, the first positive trend since gaining independence in 1991 with the Soviet collapse, said Vahan Bakhshetian, a migration expert with the Territorial Management Ministry. While it's difficult to tell how many Armenians are returning permanently, Bakhshetian said the trend offers hope.

    "We are now seeing many of those who had left return," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Vladimir Karapetian.
    Among the returnees are many from the Russian diaspora. Some are lured back by economic improvements here, while others are escaping growing xenophobia in Russia.

    Garik Hayrapetyan of the United Nations Population Fund said Armenians also are no longer leaving in large numbers, but he cautioned that the emerging repatriation will not be sustained without economic and political progress.

    For many, the country's biggest asset is its rich cultural heritage. Two millennia ago, Armenia was a vast kingdom stretching between the Black and Caspian seas. Eventually it was divided and absorbed by bigger states, including the Ottoman empire and czarist Russia, and later the Soviet Union.

    Armenians like to brag that Noah's Ark came to rest in their country, on the biblical Mount Ararat — though the snowcapped mountain is now part of Turkey, overlooking Yerevan. The country is said to be the first state to adopt Christianity as its religion.

    Still, in many ways Armenia remains an unlikely place to attract returnees. Despite economic progress in recent years, over a quarter of the population lives in poverty and the average monthly wage is a meager $275.

    Outside aid is crucial. Diaspora Armenians send millions of dollars for investment and aid projects, and much of the population survives on individual money transfers from relatives abroad. The International Monetary Fund estimates that remittances make up 10 percent of the country's economy.

    Those sending money are moved by the same love of country that draws Armenians back. James Tufenkian, an Armenian-American, has invested some $30 million in reviving the traditional carpet industry — largely destroyed in the Soviet era — building hotels and running charity efforts. Today, he provides jobs to over 1,000 people here.

    Tufenkian, 47, said he decided to help after his first visit at the height of Armenia's economic decline in the early 1990s.
    "I felt like I had a chance to do something to improve people's lives, that it was my homeland calling," Tufenkian said in a telephone interview from New York.

    Today, Yerevan is slowly transforming itself from a run-down city into a vibrant, modern capital. The downtown boasts Western boutiques, expensive restaurants and young people in trendy outfits.

    Yet the rest of the city, perched on steep hills, is a bleak mix of Soviet-era concrete apartment blocks and dilapidated two- and three-story houses with laundry hanging on balconies. The air is heavily polluted, mostly from the exhaust of the battered Soviet-era cars that clog the city. Some districts in Yerevan continue to have shortages of running water, which were common in the 1990s.

    While Armenia is considered one of the freer countries among post-Soviet republics, its fragile hold on democracy became apparent earlier this year. Eight people were killed in clashes between government forces and opposition activists protesting election results. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict also keeps tensions high.

    But ask Gevork Sarian about life in Armenia, and the emigre who returned from Syria with his wife and children talks more about finding a homeland than about the wider political climate.

    The bearded, smiling Sarian attended university in Yerevan in the early 1980s and said he always wanted to return. The family moved back in 1998, and he started several successful businesses, including a lingerie store run by his wife.

    Now 46, Sarian said he had felt separated from his Syrian neighbors. "Even if they look at you in a good way, you are still a stranger — this is the feeling of Armenian diaspora everywhere," he said.

    His 15-year-old son Ardag added that in Armenia "you feel that it is your country."

    Repatriation wasn't as easy for Aline Masrlian, the wife in the family. She recalled a middle-class life in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, with running water available 24 hours a day and the markets full of fruits and vegetables. In Yerevan, when the family first arrived, water was on just two hours a day, sometimes the only bread she could find was stale, and she missed the job she had loved, as a construction engineer.

    But 10 years later, sitting in a new, spacious apartment decorated with family photos, Aline said she has no regrets. "I decided that this is my country."

    More recent returnee Zorair Atabekian, 36, hopes for a similar future. He came back in 2005 after five years in Canada, homesick and hoping to go into business. Though he still earns far less selling xxxelry in Yerevan than he did running an apartment design firm in Montreal, he said he knew his decision would eventually prove right.

    "Today this country offers a lot of possibilities," he said. "That is why many diaspora are returning here to start up businesses."

  • #2
    Re: Long in diaspora, Armenians return home

    This is the point. Armenia is changing, albeit slowly and it will take time. Rome was not built overnight. And before we judge Serjik (call him what you will - scum), let's observe what he does, his policies and the things he effectuates and the results they bear, before we judge him prematurely.
    Achkerov kute.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Long in diaspora, Armenians return home

      Well the article raises the question: how many people on this forum would seriously consider repatriating? I just think that it's almost pointless to remain "Armenian" without a connection to Armenia as you see especially in the older American diasporas (think Worcester, MA and Fresno).

      Personally, I would definitely consider staying there for a year to explore job/business opportunities. However, I cannot say with certainty that I would definitely move there. I almost feel as if I would be abandoning my family - even the Armenian side who don't even consider it as an option. I don't think I would mind finding a nice hayastanci aghchig and staying there for a bit, after my Armenian gets better of course!

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Long in diaspora, Armenians return home

        Originally posted by yerazhishda View Post
        Well the article raises the question: how many people on this forum would seriously consider repatriating? I just think that it's almost pointless to remain "Armenian" without a connection to Armenia as you see especially in the older American diasporas (think Worcester, MA and Fresno).

        Personally, I would definitely consider staying there for a year to explore job/business opportunities. However, I cannot say with certainty that I would definitely move there. I almost feel as if I would be abandoning my family - even the Armenian side who don't even consider it as an option. I don't think I would mind finding a nice hayastanci aghchig and staying there for a bit, after my Armenian gets better of course!
        There has to be some connection to the land. It goes without saying. This is why many of us seek to establish that, perhaps when we have more money to do so.
        Achkerov kute.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Long in diaspora, Armenians return home

          Originally posted by MyTerrain
          It says due to growing xenophobia in Russia. In a way they are helping us.
          But on the other hand we feel for those Armenians who fear for their lives.
          Russia is a backward country where muslims will be the majority soon, but we need Russia it's a matter of national security.
          In France Muslims will also be a majority soon. The corrosion of survival and self-determination are completely ignored and criminalized in the West. Now you see why the West is in decline.
          Achkerov kute.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Long in diaspora, Armenians return home

            Originally posted by MyTerrain
            RESPECT ANONYMOUSE!
            This is the first time I agree with you!!
            But go a little further and speculate what's going to happen to ARMENIA when France and Russia become Islamic states. Do you think they will contiunue to support us or side with their muslim brothers in AzerGayjan. whatever meager support we're getting from these countries will vanish without a trace when that disaster happens. It's in OUR interests that Europe does not become an Islamic hellhole.
            I agree with Hellektor on ANF on this: xxxx Europe!


            Sorry, I meant Eurabia.
            Last edited by robertik1; 08-05-2008, 02:25 PM.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Long in diaspora, Armenians return home

              Originally posted by MyTerrain
              RESPECT ANONYMOUSE!
              This is the first time I agree with you!!
              But go a little further and speculate what's going to happen to ARMENIA when France and Russia become Islamic states. Do you think they will contiunue to support us or side with their muslim brothers in AzerGayjan. whatever meager support we're getting from these countries will vanish without a trace when that disaster happens. It's in OUR interests that Europe does not become an Islamic hellhole.
              MyTerrain, I don't know how to say this without coming off insulting, but can you ever construct a post with some class, finesse and intellect as opposed to the second-rate, trashy and mediocre name calling and banter?
              Achkerov kute.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Long in diaspora, Armenians return home

                Originally posted by meline
                I completely agree with you yeraz. The link with Armenia is the only alternative to the "melting pot". I don't know what the situation with the American diasporas is, but here in Europe I've seen enough of Armenian communities ("pockets of resitence" as my brother calls them) where the majority of people don't speak the language, don't care about what's going on in Armenia, have the means to go there and still would never think of it. Their only difference to the rest is the -ian ending. The melting pot, like I said.
                Repatriation is a personal choice which hinges on many issues. Like Anon said, money among others. To answer you question yes I consider repatriating.
                I agree with you as well. I'm tired of seeing kids from my generation taking all these 2-week trips to Armenia and going to camps, etc. etc. ad nauseum and not giving a flying phuck to learn anything of substance about Armenia. They refuse to learn their ancestral language because it's "too hard". Well you're damn right it is but that's no reason to quit before you've started! Although my Armenian is very "basic" at best, I have put much effort over the last 7 or 8 months.

                The reason I have not really acquainted myself with Armenians of my generation is because of this "100% Hye! lolzz" facade which in reality is a compensation for a very superficial Armenian-ness. Although most will not repatriate, Armenians of the older generation and those from Armenia/middle east have a deep-rooted respect for their homeland whilst the younger generation has a very superficial attachment to their own Armenian-ness; the concern among them is the latest gadgets, parties, material things, etc.

                Our communities need to foster language re-aqcuisition especially in 2nd and 3rd gen Armenians. Parents need to encourage their kids to learn the language. Community members need to be willing to help the younger generations with the language. Furthermore, Armenian needs to be the only language used in the church. I have overheard discussions where it was proposed that English be the primary language of the church - I am disgusted at the thought of violating our Church in this way!

                As Hagop Andonian put it in the late 1950's, language acquisition is a person's "best direct means of getting acquanted with their rich, cultural heritage". This is why I am disgusted at parents who are both Armenian and speak Armenian yet are complicit in the child not learning the language.

                Learning Armenian is the first step in connecting with your culture and homeland. I am not completely sure of the other steps but I know that if the Diaspora of the East Coast is to survive beyond my generation, this must be the foremost goal. Maybe it is possible that the churches can form teenage/college-age Armenian-language study groups with a few mentors. There needs to be a radical change beyond the purely "feel-good hey I'm different but I don't really know what it means" mentality.

                /end rant.

                Last edited by yerazhishda; 08-05-2008, 03:39 PM.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Long in diaspora, Armenians return home

                  Originally posted by yerazhishda View Post
                  I agree with you as well. I'm tired of seeing kids from my generation taking all these 2-week trips to Armenia and going to camps, etc. etc. ad nauseum and not giving a flying phuck to learn anything of substance about Armenia. They refuse to learn their ancestral language because it's "too hard". Well you're damn right it is but that's no reason to quit before you've started! This is the reason why I have not really acquanted myself with Armenians of my generation. Although most will not repatriate, Armenians of the older generation and those from Armenia/middle east have a deep-rooted respect for their homeland whilst the younger generation has a very superficial attachment to their own Armenian-ness; the concern among them is the latest gadgets, parties, material things, etc.

                  Our communities need to foster language re-aqcuisition especially in 2nd and 3rd gen Armenians. Parents need to encourage their kids to learn the language. Community members need to be willing to help the younger generations with the language. Furthermore, Armenian needs to be the only language used in the church. I have overheard discussions where it was proposed that English be the primary language of the church - I am disgusted at the thought of violating our Church in this way!

                  As Hagop Andonian put it in the late 1950's, language acquisition is a person's "best direct means of getting acquanted with their rich, cultural heritage". This is why I am disgusted at parents who are both Armenian and speak Armenian yet are complicit in the child not learning the language.

                  Learning Armenian is the first step in connecting with your culture and homeland. I am not completely sure of the other steps but I know that if the Diaspora of the East Coast is to survive beyond my generation, this must be the foremost goal. Maybe it is possible that the churches can form teenage/college-age Armenian-language study groups with a few mentors. There needs to be a radical change beyond the purely "feel-good hey I'm different but I don't really know what it means" mentality.

                  /end rant.

                  Awesome rant!

                  I have a niece about 17 years old who just came back from Camp Hayastan...I want you to marry her. What do you think? We could be khunamees!

                  Btw, to answer your question about repatriating...I have taken steps toward that by buying an apartment in Yerevan. I'm thinking that in about five years (when my son is ready to go to school), I'll move.

                  Moving permanently to Armenia will have its difficulties for me (although, for the most part, I do love it there), but I'll be damned if my son grows grows up as a vacuous Armenian-American who has no real concept of his culture and language..

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Long in diaspora, Armenians return home

                    I see the reality of the fate of the Diaspora. However, I also believe that the Diaspora has been divided into a false dichotomy: Diasporans that want to "feel good" (think Peter Balakian) and one's that are ready to get on the next plane to Hayasdan and become martyrs (think ARF).

                    I think both are radical ideologies. There must be another alternative. I do not want to be a "feel-good" but on the otherhand (and to the dismay of some on this forum), I do not want to be a nationalist either. I have had my fair share of indulging in radical ideologies and I have not had a good experience. Currently I am in the process of deciphering, piece by piece, what this alternative(s) might include. For now I know that learning my language - Armenian, the language of my father - is one step in the right direction.
                    Last edited by yerazhishda; 08-05-2008, 03:53 PM.

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