Tweet
I was raised with the understanding that there is a USSR and all of it is Russia. I was mostly right. I was also raised with the understanding that almost all Armenians trace their roots to what is today Turkey. When I heard of an Armenian SSR (during perestroika, ect) it was pretty new to me.
Like Monte Melkonian, I knew what family life was like, and they weren't political...simply, social (family, friends, relatives). I also knew what it was like to be an odar in an odar world (outsider). As the conflict developed, I began to read the news (Armenian newspapers, and also began to learn to read in Armenian at the same time) and I felt the call.
Since 1993, I've learned much more about Armenian history during the Soviet years and much more about Artsakh. To me, it is like the reclaimed lands from despair, horrors, and history. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_re...ating_new_land ) It was bought with the blood of Beirutsis, Americahayer, Barsgahayer, Hayastancis, Rusahayer, and all other Hayer...who came back to a homeland from exile.
So when I hear people talk about Artsakh being negotiated with, US aspirations for Azerbaijan, Russian interests, or even 'autonomy' within Azerbaijan, I see something horrible. Men GAVE UP PERFECTLY WELL and HEALTHY LIVES...literally, DIED, so we can live a few more days, months, and thank God (and them) years free from Turkish overlords.
Let's keep this in mind, and remind 'odars' about what is OURS. The Azeris chose to persecute its Armenian citizens and they declared independence (legally did so within the Soviet constitution by the way as an autonomous republic, which no one mentions). Those of us with no ties to Yerevan, but only the Genocide, should have a right to Nakhitchevan. The Kurds can deal with Turkiye.
Just had to get that off my chest. Thanks for reading
Like Monte Melkonian, I knew what family life was like, and they weren't political...simply, social (family, friends, relatives). I also knew what it was like to be an odar in an odar world (outsider). As the conflict developed, I began to read the news (Armenian newspapers, and also began to learn to read in Armenian at the same time) and I felt the call.
Since 1993, I've learned much more about Armenian history during the Soviet years and much more about Artsakh. To me, it is like the reclaimed lands from despair, horrors, and history. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_re...ating_new_land ) It was bought with the blood of Beirutsis, Americahayer, Barsgahayer, Hayastancis, Rusahayer, and all other Hayer...who came back to a homeland from exile.
So when I hear people talk about Artsakh being negotiated with, US aspirations for Azerbaijan, Russian interests, or even 'autonomy' within Azerbaijan, I see something horrible. Men GAVE UP PERFECTLY WELL and HEALTHY LIVES...literally, DIED, so we can live a few more days, months, and thank God (and them) years free from Turkish overlords.
Let's keep this in mind, and remind 'odars' about what is OURS. The Azeris chose to persecute its Armenian citizens and they declared independence (legally did so within the Soviet constitution by the way as an autonomous republic, which no one mentions). Those of us with no ties to Yerevan, but only the Genocide, should have a right to Nakhitchevan. The Kurds can deal with Turkiye.
Just had to get that off my chest. Thanks for reading
Comment