1 00:00:04,395 --> 00:00:07,405 Now, we can start talking about your 2 00:00:07,405 --> 00:00:10,805 family's story during the genocide. 3 00:00:10,805 --> 00:00:14,805 My ancestors, my grandpa and grandma 4 00:00:14,805 --> 00:00:21,665 in 1915, my mom's side was from Marash 5 00:00:21,665 --> 00:00:25,735 and my dad's side was from Boursa. 6 00:00:25,735 --> 00:00:29,435 My mother and father were born and raised 7 00:00:29,435 --> 00:00:31,477 in Aleppo. 8 00:00:31,477 --> 00:00:33,787 Like them, I was born in the 9 00:00:33,787 --> 00:00:35,907 same city. 10 00:00:35,907 --> 00:00:39,287 I went to school in that city. My entire 11 00:00:39,287 --> 00:00:42,497 childhood was spent there. 12 00:00:42,497 --> 00:00:45,495 I went to school in Aleppo and had a good 13 00:00:45,495 --> 00:00:48,355 environment. I have also been 14 00:00:48,355 --> 00:00:50,985 an Armenian language teacher. 15 00:00:50,985 --> 00:00:54,782 I have left all my friends in Aleppo 16 00:00:54,782 --> 00:00:56,982 and came to Yerevan. 17 00:00:56,982 --> 00:01:00,795 Do you know how your grandparents came 18 00:01:00,795 --> 00:01:03,633 to Turkey and to Syria? 19 00:01:03,633 --> 00:01:06,683 It is not really clear how my family 20 00:01:06,683 --> 00:01:08,052 from Marash came... 21 00:01:08,052 --> 00:01:10,792 In 1915, they must have joined the other 22 00:01:10,792 --> 00:01:13,462 Armenians that fled the country and went 23 00:01:13,462 --> 00:01:15,627 to an orphanage in Aleppo. 24 00:01:15,627 --> 00:01:19,607 In that orphanage, they introduced them 25 00:01:19,607 --> 00:01:25,397 to my grandmother and grandfather. 26 00:01:25,397 --> 00:01:27,776 And then, they got married. 27 00:01:27,776 --> 00:01:29,947 On my dad's side, the same 28 00:01:29,947 --> 00:01:32,597 thing happened. They were also raised 29 00:01:32,597 --> 00:01:34,253 in an orphanage. 30 00:01:34,253 --> 00:01:38,643 My grandparents met one another there 31 00:01:38,643 --> 00:01:41,303 and got married. 32 00:01:41,303 --> 00:01:47,423 Do you know what they did for work? 33 00:01:47,423 --> 00:01:51,423 I do not know where they used to work 34 00:01:51,423 --> 00:01:53,823 during that time. 35 00:01:53,823 --> 00:01:58,953 On my dad's side, they owned some land 36 00:01:58,953 --> 00:02:02,118 and agricultural properties. 37 00:02:02,118 --> 00:02:04,977 On my mom's side, it is a bit harder 38 00:02:04,977 --> 00:02:07,344 to know. My family goes back many 39 00:02:07,344 --> 00:02:09,529 generations and it's hard to know 40 00:02:09,529 --> 00:02:11,129 where they worked. 41 00:02:11,129 --> 00:02:16,649 My grandpa was a mechanic. 42 00:02:18,350 --> 00:02:20,440 What else should I say? 43 00:02:22,494 --> 00:02:25,114 Do you know how hard it was to start 44 00:02:25,114 --> 00:02:29,834 their life again in Aleppo after the war? 45 00:02:29,834 --> 00:02:32,384 What difficulties did they face? 46 00:02:32,384 --> 00:02:35,154 Yes, they did go through tough times 47 00:02:35,154 --> 00:02:37,088 during the war. 48 00:02:37,088 --> 00:02:39,953 Firstly, they have lived in metal 49 00:02:39,953 --> 00:02:43,454 shacks. They are called metal shacks 50 00:02:43,454 --> 00:02:47,444 for Armenians. In Arabic, they say 51 00:02:47,444 --> 00:02:49,574 berakatl Armen. 52 00:02:49,574 --> 00:02:52,434 Secondly, the Armenians missed having 53 00:02:52,434 --> 00:02:55,074 a home and moved into their own houses. 54 00:02:55,074 --> 00:02:58,077 Life started to improve and as soon as we 55 00:02:58,077 --> 00:03:03,337 came to Aleppo or Syria in general... 56 00:03:03,337 --> 00:03:05,827 we had some Armenian churches. 57 00:03:05,827 --> 00:03:08,287 Next to the churches, we had Armenian 58 00:03:08,287 --> 00:03:10,477 schools. In the beginning, we have had 59 00:03:10,477 --> 00:03:12,777 year-around schools. The population were 60 00:03:12,777 --> 00:03:14,657 all Turkish speakers. 61 00:03:14,657 --> 00:03:17,728 Since it was mandatory, they spoke Turkish 62 00:03:17,728 --> 00:03:19,328 for 500 years. 63 00:03:19,328 --> 00:03:21,648 When they came to Aleppo, due to the 64 00:03:21,648 --> 00:03:24,328 Armenian schools they attended, the 65 00:03:24,328 --> 00:03:26,938 people became more and more Armenian. 66 00:03:26,938 --> 00:03:28,573 They started teaching Armenian. 67 00:03:28,573 --> 00:03:30,148 From generation to generation, 68 00:03:30,148 --> 00:03:32,048 we feel more Armenian since we speak 69 00:03:32,048 --> 00:03:34,198 Armenian and have Armenian schools. 70 00:03:34,198 --> 00:03:36,555 We also have Armenian 71 00:03:36,555 --> 00:03:39,078 at the secondary level. 72 00:03:41,521 --> 00:03:44,851 In Aleppo, what do you do to remember 73 00:03:44,851 --> 00:03:48,191 the 1915 genocide and April 24th? 74 00:03:48,191 --> 00:03:51,376 On the morning of April 24th, we go to 75 00:03:51,376 --> 00:03:54,876 the cemetery and gather around the chapel 76 00:03:54,876 --> 00:03:57,806 to remember those that we lost by praying 77 00:03:57,806 --> 00:03:59,776 and by lighting candles. 78 00:03:59,776 --> 00:04:02,554 During that time and on some days, 79 00:04:02,554 --> 00:04:06,254 lectures took place in the Armenian 80 00:04:06,254 --> 00:04:09,094 community centers. 81 00:04:10,768 --> 00:04:13,068 From generation to generation, 82 00:04:13,068 --> 00:04:15,698 we continue to remember and to not forget 83 00:04:15,698 --> 00:04:17,962 that we have a problem with keeping 84 00:04:17,962 --> 00:04:20,112 our Armenianhood. It is not only about 85 00:04:20,112 --> 00:04:22,292 April 24th. It is not about tears. 86 00:04:22,292 --> 00:04:24,542 Armenians do get sad and emotional 87 00:04:24,542 --> 00:04:27,542 about what happened to our people. 88 00:04:27,542 --> 00:04:31,312 We have been reborn and are 89 00:04:31,312 --> 00:04:35,892 still living. We are still here. They said 90 00:04:35,892 --> 00:04:38,812 that they are going to kill every 91 00:04:38,812 --> 00:04:42,412 Armenian and leave one. They are going to 92 00:04:42,412 --> 00:04:45,462 put that person in a museum. They did not 93 00:04:45,462 --> 00:04:49,212 succeed in doing that. Because of that, 94 00:04:49,212 --> 00:04:52,402 April 24th is a time of sorrow 95 00:04:52,402 --> 00:04:56,092 for us. At the same time, it is 96 00:04:56,092 --> 00:04:58,882 a victory for the Armenian people. 97 00:04:58,882 --> 00:05:01,842 We are still present. We are still here. 98 00:05:01,842 --> 00:05:04,752 We still have demands and want restitution 99 00:05:04,752 --> 00:05:06,702 from them. We are not sleeping. 100 00:05:06,702 --> 00:05:07,872 We are awake. 101 00:05:07,872 --> 00:05:10,382 From generation to generation, we teach 102 00:05:10,382 --> 00:05:13,072 them Armenian heritage and spirit with 103 00:05:13,072 --> 00:05:15,852 the help of our cultural organizations. 104 00:05:15,852 --> 00:05:17,999 With that, we prepare the next 105 00:05:17,999 --> 00:05:19,679 generation of Armenians. 106 00:05:19,679 --> 00:05:20,762 That is great. 107 00:05:20,762 --> 00:05:23,672 Tell me a bit about your childhood. 108 00:05:23,672 --> 00:05:26,352 My childhood... I was really happy. 109 00:05:26,352 --> 00:05:29,482 Where were you raised? Aleppo! Aleppo! 110 00:05:29,482 --> 00:05:31,882 I was born in Aleppo. In which neighborhood? 111 00:05:31,882 --> 00:05:35,052 Sulaymaniyah! I was born in Aleppo 112 00:05:35,052 --> 00:05:37,538 and grew up there in the same house. 113 00:05:37,538 --> 00:05:40,638 My house is still luckily there. 114 00:05:41,948 --> 00:05:44,928 I had a good childhood and was very happy. 115 00:05:44,928 --> 00:05:48,098 I always had a good life... always. 116 00:05:48,098 --> 00:05:52,098 Which school did you attend? 117 00:05:52,098 --> 00:05:56,568 I went to Lazar Najarian. I attended that 118 00:05:56,568 --> 00:06:01,378 school. I graduated in 1984. In terms of 119 00:06:01,378 --> 00:06:04,868 the different community centers, I do not 120 00:06:04,868 --> 00:06:10,388 want to make a distinction between them. 121 00:06:10,388 --> 00:06:14,038 All of the community centers do their work 122 00:06:14,038 --> 00:06:16,898 in their own way and follow different 123 00:06:16,898 --> 00:06:19,718 principles. The goal that they all share 124 00:06:19,718 --> 00:06:21,368 is Armenians keeping their 125 00:06:21,368 --> 00:06:23,698 Armenianhood in the Diaspora. 126 00:06:23,698 --> 00:06:26,187 We used to go to the theater with my 127 00:06:26,187 --> 00:06:29,517 family. We did not have the choice to 128 00:06:29,517 --> 00:06:33,907 go to one and not the other. 129 00:06:33,907 --> 00:06:37,087 May it be a theater performance or 130 00:06:37,087 --> 00:06:41,667 a literary evening, we have attended most 131 00:06:41,667 --> 00:06:45,567 of them. I have been part of the scouting 132 00:06:45,567 --> 00:06:49,217 ranks for a few years (for a short time). 133 00:06:49,217 --> 00:06:51,827 It was one of the most beautiful years 134 00:06:51,827 --> 00:06:53,707 of my life. 135 00:06:57,197 --> 00:07:00,877 Until when did you go to school? 136 00:07:00,877 --> 00:07:03,287 I graduated with the 1984 class. 137 00:07:03,287 --> 00:07:04,897 High school 138 00:07:04,897 --> 00:07:06,467 After you said... 139 00:07:06,467 --> 00:07:08,847 After that, I studied Armenian Studies . 140 00:07:08,847 --> 00:07:12,957 In university? -Hamazkayin had opened 141 00:07:12,957 --> 00:07:16,827 their own Armenian Studies department. 142 00:07:16,827 --> 00:07:19,587 A very long time ago, I went to 143 00:07:19,587 --> 00:07:22,157 the British Council. 144 00:07:25,637 --> 00:07:28,187 What kind of work did you do? 145 00:07:28,187 --> 00:07:31,127 I have been an Armenian language teacher. 146 00:07:31,127 --> 00:07:34,467 And... when you were an Armenian teacher, 147 00:07:34,467 --> 00:07:37,017 did you think that it was 148 00:07:37,017 --> 00:07:40,197 your responsibility to teach them 149 00:07:40,197 --> 00:07:43,787 the language and about their culture? 150 00:07:43,787 --> 00:07:46,207 Yes, it is important to know about 151 00:07:46,207 --> 00:07:49,117 their culture. To teach Armenians the 152 00:07:49,117 --> 00:07:52,527 Armenian language is a big responsibility 153 00:07:52,527 --> 00:07:54,397 in the Diaspora. 154 00:07:54,397 --> 00:07:56,977 Our teaching is not limited to learning 155 00:07:56,977 --> 00:07:59,717 how to read and write and studying grammar 156 00:07:59,717 --> 00:08:02,457 and literature. It is also to teach them 157 00:08:02,457 --> 00:08:04,917 Armenian values by introducing 158 00:08:04,917 --> 00:08:08,117 the students to Armenian symbols in order to 159 00:08:08,117 --> 00:08:11,027 make them feel a sense of belonging 160 00:08:11,027 --> 00:08:13,337 to the Armenian culture. 161 00:08:13,337 --> 00:08:15,337 If someone asks them 162 00:08:15,337 --> 00:08:16,867 about who they are 163 00:08:16,867 --> 00:08:18,447 they would say Armenian. 164 00:08:18,447 --> 00:08:20,617 "What does it mean to be an Armenian?" 165 00:08:20,617 --> 00:08:22,727 They should be able to say that 166 00:08:22,727 --> 00:08:24,809 Armenians are the group of people that 167 00:08:24,809 --> 00:08:27,083 lived during the times of Dikran Medz 168 00:08:27,083 --> 00:08:29,798 a long time ago. We have been a prominent 169 00:08:29,798 --> 00:08:33,158 nation from sea to sea. We have had some 170 00:08:33,158 --> 00:08:36,250 well-known Armenians like Viktor Ambartsumian 171 00:08:36,250 --> 00:08:38,250 and Aram Khachaturian. 172 00:08:38,250 --> 00:08:40,950 We have had many famous personalities. 173 00:08:40,950 --> 00:08:43,540 It would be hard to count them all. 174 00:08:43,540 --> 00:08:46,000 We should remember the individuals that 175 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:48,350 fought for our people and be proud of all 176 00:08:48,350 --> 00:08:50,860 the things they have done for us. 177 00:08:50,860 --> 00:08:53,450 We have to tell the new generation 178 00:08:53,450 --> 00:08:55,810 about this. So, they hear and know 179 00:08:55,810 --> 00:08:58,790 what is being an Armenian and feel 180 00:08:58,790 --> 00:09:01,640 a sense of belongingness. 181 00:09:01,640 --> 00:09:05,700 Only speaking Armenian is not enough. 182 00:09:05,700 --> 00:09:08,960 And which school? 183 00:09:08,960 --> 00:09:11,355 I was at Zvartnots Primary School. 184 00:09:11,355 --> 00:09:16,145 And... do you think that the students 185 00:09:16,145 --> 00:09:20,200 are interested in this subject matter? 186 00:09:20,200 --> 00:09:22,230 The teacher is the person that should 187 00:09:22,230 --> 00:09:24,070 make them interested in it. 188 00:09:24,070 --> 00:09:26,322 They say that learning about literature 189 00:09:26,322 --> 00:09:28,692 can be boring, but it is not like that. 190 00:09:28,692 --> 00:09:32,172 The teacher can get them interested in our 191 00:09:32,172 --> 00:09:36,112 culture, because our culture is very 192 00:09:36,112 --> 00:09:39,432 beautiful. You can make it more 193 00:09:39,432 --> 00:09:42,062 interesting for the students by making 194 00:09:42,062 --> 00:09:44,952 them relate to the subject. 195 00:09:44,952 --> 00:09:48,032 I did all the work. I do not know how much 196 00:09:48,032 --> 00:09:50,732 I succeeded in that since I have only 197 00:09:50,732 --> 00:09:53,692 worked for 10 years. Before that, I worked 198 00:09:53,692 --> 00:09:56,322 with the English language... 199 00:09:56,322 --> 00:09:59,542 not with Armenians. 200 00:09:59,542 --> 00:10:04,182 When you were an Armenian teacher, did you 201 00:10:04,182 --> 00:10:07,852 feel free in Syria to say anything in 202 00:10:07,852 --> 00:10:12,892 school or about what the government allows 203 00:10:12,892 --> 00:10:15,832 and what it does not? 204 00:10:15,832 --> 00:10:20,092 We had permission for 4 hours per week 205 00:10:20,092 --> 00:10:24,412 to teach the Armenian language 206 00:10:24,412 --> 00:10:28,052 in Armenian schools and 2 hours 207 00:10:28,052 --> 00:10:30,132 to teach religion. 208 00:10:30,132 --> 00:10:34,482 We were free. We had Armenian language 209 00:10:34,482 --> 00:10:37,482 and religion books. 210 00:10:37,482 --> 00:10:40,242 We had no restrictions. 211 00:10:40,242 --> 00:10:41,952 We have been very free. 212 00:10:41,952 --> 00:10:44,432 We have also had our own printing press 213 00:10:44,432 --> 00:10:47,342 and our newspapers and printed books 214 00:10:47,342 --> 00:10:50,072 in Armenian. We would easily receive 215 00:10:50,072 --> 00:10:52,572 permission to print from the Syrian 216 00:10:52,572 --> 00:10:55,102 government. Until the time that we did not 217 00:10:55,102 --> 00:10:57,762 make a mistake and say and/or write 218 00:10:57,762 --> 00:11:00,002 something wrong about the government 219 00:11:00,002 --> 00:11:02,722 or against religion, we could print 220 00:11:02,722 --> 00:11:05,782 anything. It was a positive thing to be 221 00:11:05,782 --> 00:11:08,142 an Armenian in Syria. As a minority, 222 00:11:08,142 --> 00:11:09,822 we had many rights. 223 00:11:09,822 --> 00:11:13,632 Everyone was equal. Everyone was equal. 224 00:11:13,632 --> 00:11:16,752 The Arabs, the Armenians, the Assyrians, 225 00:11:16,752 --> 00:11:19,532 and the Kurds, all had equal rights. 226 00:11:19,532 --> 00:11:24,282 Unlike some other minorities, we had 227 00:11:24,282 --> 00:11:27,292 schools, the printing press, theaters, 228 00:11:27,292 --> 00:11:31,862 and scouting ranks. We had all the rights. 229 00:11:31,862 --> 00:11:34,512 We were never treated differently 230 00:11:34,512 --> 00:11:38,222 by the government... not by our last prime 231 00:11:38,222 --> 00:11:41,912 minister and not by the current one. 232 00:11:41,912 --> 00:11:45,732 Did you experience any difficulty? 233 00:11:45,732 --> 00:11:48,862 I know you said that the government did 234 00:11:48,862 --> 00:11:51,942 not cause any difficulty. Did the people? 235 00:11:51,942 --> 00:11:55,592 The people? No, they were very respectful 236 00:11:55,592 --> 00:11:58,902 in regards to us. The Arabs were very 237 00:11:58,902 --> 00:12:02,202 respectful towards us. All of us have had 238 00:12:02,202 --> 00:12:04,942 friendships. We all have had good 239 00:12:04,942 --> 00:12:07,712 and honest friends. We have never been 240 00:12:07,712 --> 00:12:09,512 told you are Armenian... 241 00:12:09,512 --> 00:12:11,362 why do you live here? 242 00:12:11,362 --> 00:12:13,972 You should go back to Armenia. They have 243 00:12:13,972 --> 00:12:16,132 never said that. On the contrary, 244 00:12:16,132 --> 00:12:21,182 they were happy with us. The Arab culture 245 00:12:21,182 --> 00:12:24,712 has always shown respect to the Armenian people. 246 00:12:24,712 --> 00:12:28,332 Do you see a difference between 247 00:12:28,332 --> 00:12:32,212 Armenians and non-Armenians in terms 248 00:12:32,212 --> 00:12:34,662 of how they were treated? A difference? 249 00:12:34,662 --> 00:12:39,112 All Syrians are one. There could not be 250 00:12:39,112 --> 00:12:42,022 any difference between them. As Syrians, 251 00:12:42,022 --> 00:12:45,602 we were equal. We had not noticed any 252 00:12:45,602 --> 00:12:49,422 difference. When there were religious 253 00:12:49,422 --> 00:12:54,142 events, like Easter or other holidays, 254 00:12:54,142 --> 00:12:57,502 we would celebrate them differently 255 00:12:57,502 --> 00:12:59,922 than others since we were Christian. 256 00:12:59,922 --> 00:13:05,062 In general! In general, we were one. 257 00:13:05,062 --> 00:13:06,812 There was no difference 258 00:13:06,812 --> 00:13:08,422 between us. On the contrary, 259 00:13:08,422 --> 00:13:11,022 we would visit each other. They would 260 00:13:11,022 --> 00:13:13,302 visit us during the holidays. We would 261 00:13:13,302 --> 00:13:16,052 visit them and wish them happy holidays. 262 00:13:16,052 --> 00:13:19,572 We have never felt any difference. 263 00:13:19,572 --> 00:13:22,712 When you got older (apart from work), 264 00:13:22,712 --> 00:13:25,982 what would you do in your life? 265 00:13:25,982 --> 00:13:31,695 I had a strong social life. Strong social life! 266 00:13:31,695 --> 00:13:36,005 I like having friends. I have gone to 267 00:13:36,005 --> 00:13:38,785 a lot of places with my brother like 268 00:13:38,785 --> 00:13:41,965 historical castles and other antiquities. 269 00:13:41,965 --> 00:13:44,155 Syria is a rich country with its 270 00:13:44,155 --> 00:13:46,675 historical sites. If you have heard of 271 00:13:46,675 --> 00:13:50,495 the city of Palmyra, it is very known. 272 00:13:50,495 --> 00:13:53,645 I visited a lot of ancient places in Syria with my brother. 273 00:13:53,645 --> 00:13:55,665 Do you want 274 00:13:55,665 --> 00:13:58,285 to explain anything from your life 275 00:13:58,285 --> 00:13:59,915 before the war? 276 00:13:59,915 --> 00:14:02,135 Before the war, I do not have anything 277 00:14:02,135 --> 00:14:04,145 specific to talk about. I already said 278 00:14:04,145 --> 00:14:06,135 everything. I talked about the type 279 00:14:06,135 --> 00:14:08,575 of life we had... a good and happy life. 280 00:14:08,575 --> 00:14:11,125 Difficulties! We cannot call it 281 00:14:11,125 --> 00:14:14,205 difficulties. These are normal 282 00:14:14,205 --> 00:14:16,815 difficulties that we have overcome 283 00:14:16,815 --> 00:14:21,185 in life. Before the war, it was very good. 284 00:14:21,185 --> 00:14:23,715 After the war, however, everything changed. 285 00:14:23,715 --> 00:14:28,745 Before 2011, were there 286 00:14:28,745 --> 00:14:32,305 any signs that a war was going to 287 00:14:32,305 --> 00:14:34,125 start soon? 288 00:14:34,125 --> 00:14:38,555 For the most part, there were signs. 289 00:14:38,555 --> 00:14:42,355 Things happened. Some governments 290 00:14:42,355 --> 00:14:44,825 threatened others. 291 00:14:44,825 --> 00:14:47,425 Middle Eastern countries have 292 00:14:47,425 --> 00:14:50,715 always been in danger. The worry about 293 00:14:50,715 --> 00:14:53,445 a war starting has always been there. 294 00:14:53,445 --> 00:14:56,195 But until the last minute, you cannot know 295 00:14:56,195 --> 00:14:58,405 that for sure a war will take place. 296 00:14:58,405 --> 00:15:00,815 Maybe, they will come to an agreement. 297 00:15:00,815 --> 00:15:03,315 You will get convinced of that and will 298 00:15:03,315 --> 00:15:06,695 always have hope that it will not happen. 299 00:15:06,695 --> 00:15:11,035 When did you know the war in Syria 300 00:15:11,035 --> 00:15:15,905 had started? What were the first signs? 301 00:15:15,905 --> 00:15:17,975 In the beginning, it started at 302 00:15:17,975 --> 00:15:20,495 the outskirts. We heard the sounds. 303 00:15:20,495 --> 00:15:24,615 I visited Armenia for 2 months. I was 304 00:15:24,615 --> 00:15:28,145 going to return to Aleppo. They came 305 00:15:28,145 --> 00:15:30,185 and took over the city. 306 00:15:30,185 --> 00:15:32,765 I stayed here for a while. A lot 307 00:15:32,765 --> 00:15:35,685 of people came from Aleppo. They came 308 00:15:35,685 --> 00:15:41,155 in 2012 in August and September. It was 309 00:15:41,155 --> 00:15:45,325 during that time. I stayed here too. Then, 310 00:15:45,325 --> 00:15:48,315 there were people that returned to Aleppo. 311 00:15:48,315 --> 00:15:50,475 During New Year's Day, I returned too. 312 00:15:50,475 --> 00:15:53,735 I stayed there for 6 months. Then, I went 313 00:15:53,735 --> 00:15:58,705 back. In June 2013, I came back to 314 00:15:58,705 --> 00:16:01,685 Armenia. I came back here. 315 00:16:01,685 --> 00:16:06,175 When you traveled from Syria 316 00:16:06,175 --> 00:16:08,625 to Armenia and from Armenia to Syria... how was it? 317 00:16:08,625 --> 00:16:11,085 The first time, I came here on 318 00:16:11,085 --> 00:16:13,775 an airplane and returned the same way. 319 00:16:13,775 --> 00:16:18,535 The second time, I came with a car. 320 00:16:18,535 --> 00:16:21,055 We came on our own. We passed 321 00:16:21,055 --> 00:16:23,935 the Turkish border and went to Georgia 322 00:16:23,935 --> 00:16:25,425 and after Armenia. 323 00:16:25,425 --> 00:16:26,425 Any difficulties? 324 00:16:26,425 --> 00:16:28,775 Of course, there were going to be some 325 00:16:28,775 --> 00:16:31,055 difficulties. It was evident that we were 326 00:16:31,055 --> 00:16:32,765 going to have some difficulties. 327 00:16:32,765 --> 00:16:35,065 We left illegally. So, we were going 328 00:16:35,065 --> 00:16:37,145 to face some difficulties. 329 00:16:37,145 --> 00:16:40,385 The 6 months that you were in Syria... 330 00:16:40,385 --> 00:16:43,135 Yes. What state was Aleppo in? 331 00:16:43,135 --> 00:16:45,085 It was really bad. It was really bad. 332 00:16:45,085 --> 00:16:46,895 There was no electricity. 333 00:16:46,895 --> 00:16:48,650 There was no water. 334 00:16:48,650 --> 00:16:49,505 Excuse me. 335 00:16:49,505 --> 00:16:51,825 Yes, there was in the beginning. 336 00:16:51,825 --> 00:16:52,985 After... 337 00:16:52,985 --> 00:16:56,975 Always, there was the fear of death. 338 00:16:56,975 --> 00:17:00,155 It was not the fear of death per se, but 339 00:17:00,155 --> 00:17:02,675 the way that someone was going to die. 340 00:17:02,675 --> 00:17:04,645 It was the violent depictions displayed 341 00:17:04,645 --> 00:17:08,115 in videos and photos on YouTube. 342 00:17:08,115 --> 00:17:10,525 More than death, you would worry about 343 00:17:10,525 --> 00:17:12,565 the way you were going to die. 344 00:17:12,565 --> 00:17:14,615 You always heard the people 345 00:17:14,615 --> 00:17:16,255 and the sound of bombs. 346 00:17:16,255 --> 00:17:18,175 At night, it would get worse. 347 00:17:18,175 --> 00:17:20,855 In the morning, it would be less. 348 00:17:20,855 --> 00:17:23,915 And why? I turned back, 349 00:17:23,915 --> 00:17:26,315 because it was safer. 350 00:17:26,315 --> 00:17:28,895 I came back to Armenia, because it was safer. 351 00:17:28,895 --> 00:17:32,415 Why did you go back 352 00:17:32,415 --> 00:17:35,115 to Armenia and then Syria? 353 00:17:35,115 --> 00:17:40,515 I went to Syria. My brother was in Syria. 354 00:17:40,515 --> 00:17:45,315 We were going to celebrate New Year's. 355 00:17:45,315 --> 00:17:48,625 We had no one there. We did not want 356 00:17:48,625 --> 00:17:50,335 my brother to be alone. 357 00:17:50,335 --> 00:17:52,615 I am here. He is there. 358 00:17:52,615 --> 00:17:55,395 I took the risk. I did not want to... 359 00:17:55,395 --> 00:17:57,295 In this world, he only has me 360 00:17:57,295 --> 00:17:59,485 and I only have him. 361 00:17:59,485 --> 00:18:01,615 That is how I went there. 362 00:18:01,615 --> 00:18:04,445 And then, we came here together. 363 00:18:04,445 --> 00:18:09,115 And... are the other families still in Aleppo? 364 00:18:09,115 --> 00:18:12,835 I do not have a mom and a dad. 365 00:18:12,835 --> 00:18:16,025 Other family members? My mom and my dad 366 00:18:16,025 --> 00:18:19,435 have already passed away. My brother... 367 00:18:19,435 --> 00:18:22,665 Before the war? 368 00:18:22,665 --> 00:18:26,555 My mom died before the war due to an illness. 369 00:18:26,555 --> 00:18:30,785 My dad died long before that. 370 00:18:32,075 --> 00:18:38,345 And... the first time you went to Armenia? 371 00:18:38,345 --> 00:18:41,595 Was that the first time that you went to Armenia? 372 00:18:41,595 --> 00:18:45,135 I came here in 2004 with other 373 00:18:45,135 --> 00:18:47,735 teachers for training purposes 374 00:18:47,735 --> 00:18:50,675 for 1 month. I was in love with Armenia. 375 00:18:50,675 --> 00:18:54,175 I had left my soul here. I wanted to 376 00:18:54,175 --> 00:18:58,175 live in Armenia. We had decided with 377 00:18:58,175 --> 00:19:02,175 the family to live here. My brother would 378 00:19:02,175 --> 00:19:06,175 come when he had breaks. 379 00:19:06,175 --> 00:19:09,845 He would say that we should live here 380 00:19:09,845 --> 00:19:12,135 and go back later. We said that it is 381 00:19:12,135 --> 00:19:14,545 hard. We already have good jobs 382 00:19:14,545 --> 00:19:16,085 back home. 383 00:19:16,085 --> 00:19:18,325 And yes, we came. 384 00:19:18,325 --> 00:19:23,015 Did you come in 2012? 385 00:19:23,015 --> 00:19:25,515 The last time was in 2013. 386 00:19:25,515 --> 00:19:28,435 But the first time in 2012? Yes, 2012. 387 00:19:28,435 --> 00:19:30,735 The first first time was in 2004. 2004! 388 00:19:30,735 --> 00:19:32,965 The second one was in 2012. 389 00:19:32,965 --> 00:19:36,905 How was your new life? How did you feel 390 00:19:36,905 --> 00:19:39,205 in Armenia? How was life there? 391 00:19:39,205 --> 00:19:41,055 What were the difficulties? 392 00:19:41,055 --> 00:19:44,145 2012? Yes! You mean the differences 393 00:19:44,145 --> 00:19:45,575 in 2004, right? 394 00:19:45,575 --> 00:19:48,495 No, no, Not the differences. 395 00:19:48,495 --> 00:19:52,005 You said that you went in 2012 just 396 00:19:52,005 --> 00:19:54,615 to visit and you ended up staying 397 00:19:54,615 --> 00:19:57,255 here after. How was it during that time? 398 00:19:57,255 --> 00:20:00,755 Living here is different. Visiting is 399 00:20:00,755 --> 00:20:02,985 different too. 400 00:20:02,985 --> 00:20:05,755 Living here is very difficult. You really 401 00:20:05,755 --> 00:20:08,605 have to have a good job to live here. 402 00:20:08,605 --> 00:20:13,575 And... when you decided that I visited 403 00:20:13,575 --> 00:20:16,575 and now I want to live here, did anyone 404 00:20:16,575 --> 00:20:18,965 help you with where to live? 405 00:20:18,965 --> 00:20:20,915 Or how to find a job? 406 00:20:20,915 --> 00:20:27,015 No! How to help? I stayed in Echmiadzin. 407 00:20:27,015 --> 00:20:30,675 The people were really great. I have had 408 00:20:30,675 --> 00:20:34,535 neighbours... as soon as I moved to 409 00:20:34,535 --> 00:20:37,175 a house, they always came to ask 410 00:20:37,175 --> 00:20:38,725 if I needed anything. 411 00:20:38,725 --> 00:20:42,215 If I said, yes, I need something. 412 00:20:42,215 --> 00:20:44,885 They have offered pots, pans, blankets, 413 00:20:44,885 --> 00:20:46,355 pillows, and clothing. 414 00:20:46,355 --> 00:20:48,355 If I said, yes, I need something. 415 00:20:48,355 --> 00:20:50,715 I would most probably have rooms 416 00:20:50,715 --> 00:20:52,475 full of pots and pans and blankets. 417 00:20:52,475 --> 00:20:55,705 The community always offered to help. 418 00:20:55,705 --> 00:20:58,965 We were always treated well. 419 00:20:58,965 --> 00:21:01,475 [Children yelling in background] Children? Yes! 420 00:21:01,475 --> 00:21:05,375 I have received help from Mission 421 00:21:05,375 --> 00:21:08,565 Armenia, and they helped pay my rent. 422 00:21:08,565 --> 00:21:11,445 I have also received books 423 00:21:11,445 --> 00:21:14,795 from the Red Cross (and that is 424 00:21:14,795 --> 00:21:17,805 worth mentioning as well). 425 00:21:17,805 --> 00:21:21,355 There is another organization 426 00:21:21,355 --> 00:21:25,385 called UN in English. 427 00:21:25,385 --> 00:21:29,065 They are always willing and continue to 428 00:21:29,065 --> 00:21:32,525 help us. We also have Syrian centers 429 00:21:32,525 --> 00:21:35,733 called ACMA. They distribute 430 00:21:35,733 --> 00:21:38,923 nutrients/food every 3-4 months. 431 00:21:38,923 --> 00:21:41,993 One of the charities helps us find 432 00:21:41,993 --> 00:21:45,663 doctors. We get help from Syrian doctors, 433 00:21:45,663 --> 00:21:49,713 and they take care of us without pay. 434 00:21:49,713 --> 00:21:52,903 The government has made education free. 435 00:21:52,903 --> 00:21:55,973 Going to the polyclinic is also free. 436 00:21:55,973 --> 00:21:58,153 The government tries to help us 437 00:21:58,153 --> 00:22:00,233 as much as possible. 438 00:22:00,233 --> 00:22:04,233 And... the first time in Armenia... 439 00:22:04,233 --> 00:22:06,953 not the first time but the second time... 440 00:22:06,953 --> 00:22:09,933 did you work during that time? Where? 441 00:22:09,933 --> 00:22:13,893 Here! Here, I taught people at home. 442 00:22:13,893 --> 00:22:17,213 Taught! That is how they say it in Eastern 443 00:22:17,213 --> 00:22:20,223 Armenian. So, I did one-on-one 444 00:22:20,223 --> 00:22:22,373 sessions with kids. 445 00:22:22,373 --> 00:22:25,533 In that way, I was able to make a living. 446 00:22:25,533 --> 00:22:27,923 Second? The third time? 447 00:22:27,923 --> 00:22:30,983 No! When I came here the last time, 448 00:22:30,983 --> 00:22:33,333 I did one-on-one sessions. When I 449 00:22:33,333 --> 00:22:35,453 came here to visit, no, 450 00:22:35,453 --> 00:22:38,283 I just came to visit. 451 00:22:38,283 --> 00:22:45,493 In 2014, the third time that you came, 452 00:22:45,493 --> 00:22:51,773 where did you live? Or now, where do you live? 453 00:22:51,773 --> 00:22:54,273 I lived mostly in Etchmiadzin 454 00:22:54,273 --> 00:22:56,483 and then came to Yerevan. They paid 455 00:22:56,483 --> 00:22:59,593 the rent. When they stopped, I could 456 00:22:59,593 --> 00:23:02,373 no longer continue to pay the rent. 457 00:23:02,373 --> 00:23:06,483 It is hard to survive in Yerevan. I went 458 00:23:06,483 --> 00:23:09,833 back to Etchmiadzin. And there, 459 00:23:09,833 --> 00:23:12,413 Mission Armenia helped me 460 00:23:12,413 --> 00:23:14,933 again. UN paid my rent. 461 00:23:14,933 --> 00:23:19,063 After that, my dream was to live 462 00:23:19,063 --> 00:23:21,733 in Yerevan. There are more job 463 00:23:21,733 --> 00:23:23,963 opportunities in Yerevan. 464 00:23:23,963 --> 00:23:28,509 I applied to UN and Mission Armenia, 465 00:23:28,509 --> 00:23:31,423 and they helped me find a boarding room. 466 00:23:31,423 --> 00:23:33,853 I have been living there for a year and a half now. 467 00:23:33,853 --> 00:23:39,243 And... do you live here 468 00:23:39,243 --> 00:23:43,533 and work with Mission Armenia? 469 00:23:43,533 --> 00:23:50,473 I take part in trainings. I teach kids. 470 00:23:53,013 --> 00:23:55,873 I give English classes 471 00:23:55,873 --> 00:23:58,703 and sometimes Armenian. 472 00:23:58,703 --> 00:24:01,993 Because... learning from Western to 473 00:24:01,993 --> 00:24:05,433 Eastern Armenian is very easy. It is 474 00:24:05,433 --> 00:24:09,113 much easier. The grammar and spelling 475 00:24:09,113 --> 00:24:12,203 and etcetera are much easier. 476 00:24:12,203 --> 00:24:15,801 And... how is life at the new house? 477 00:24:15,801 --> 00:24:20,752 How is life there? I live in a unit 478 00:24:20,752 --> 00:24:24,383 that has 5 boarding rooms. 479 00:24:24,383 --> 00:24:29,014 We all live in the same unit. 480 00:24:29,014 --> 00:24:31,557 The only problem is during winter 481 00:24:31,557 --> 00:24:34,113 we had heating problems. 482 00:24:34,113 --> 00:24:38,933 Last year! Last year, we did not have 483 00:24:38,933 --> 00:24:41,973 a bathroom to take a shower in 484 00:24:41,973 --> 00:24:44,433 or could not even do laundry. We were 485 00:24:44,433 --> 00:24:47,143 not living in good conditions. As soon as 486 00:24:47,143 --> 00:24:50,053 a drop of water would drip on the floor... 487 00:24:50,053 --> 00:24:53,908 it was scary even the elderly could 488 00:24:53,908 --> 00:24:58,413 have slipped. UN paid for the rent 489 00:24:58,413 --> 00:25:02,243 and renovations of this housing unit. 490 00:25:02,243 --> 00:25:05,593 Some renovations were done, but some have 491 00:25:05,593 --> 00:25:11,523 not been completed and I do not know why. 492 00:25:11,523 --> 00:25:14,323 Heating is an important issue 493 00:25:14,323 --> 00:25:15,323 in the winter. 494 00:25:15,323 --> 00:25:19,033 We really need it, but who is going to 495 00:25:19,033 --> 00:25:22,083 help us and how I do not know. 496 00:25:22,083 --> 00:25:24,263 How do you think the government 497 00:25:24,263 --> 00:25:26,703 and the other organizations are going 498 00:25:26,703 --> 00:25:28,933 to help Syrian-Armenians to have 499 00:25:28,933 --> 00:25:31,403 a better and easier life here? 500 00:25:31,403 --> 00:25:36,813 The government does all that it can. 501 00:25:36,813 --> 00:25:43,563 They can only help within their limits. 502 00:25:43,563 --> 00:25:46,903 The organizations and benefactors of other 503 00:25:46,903 --> 00:25:50,423 foreign countries can help us more 504 00:25:50,423 --> 00:25:53,152 effectively if it is well-coordinated 505 00:25:53,152 --> 00:25:54,663 with local authorities. 506 00:25:54,663 --> 00:25:58,163 Which organization and in what way... 507 00:25:58,163 --> 00:26:00,783 that only they know. 508 00:26:00,783 --> 00:26:04,783 I think that the organizations can help us 509 00:26:04,783 --> 00:26:08,513 more, but they have already helped us 510 00:26:08,513 --> 00:26:10,543 (like UN and the Red Cross). 511 00:26:10,543 --> 00:26:13,573 They have already done that. 512 00:26:15,363 --> 00:26:20,003 And... did you feel welcomed by 513 00:26:20,003 --> 00:26:23,433 the Armenians living in Armenia? 514 00:26:23,433 --> 00:26:26,213 Did you feel welcome and see any 515 00:26:26,213 --> 00:26:29,293 differences in the culture? 516 00:26:29,293 --> 00:26:33,933 On the contrary, I was emotionally ready 517 00:26:33,933 --> 00:26:37,603 to live here from way before. 518 00:26:37,603 --> 00:26:40,383 The Armenia population is not that 519 00:26:40,383 --> 00:26:42,933 different compared to Syrian-Armenians. 520 00:26:42,933 --> 00:26:46,413 They have been to and visited Aleppo 521 00:26:46,413 --> 00:26:49,463 already. We are not foreigners. For us, 522 00:26:49,463 --> 00:26:53,643 the Armenian culture is not different. 523 00:26:53,643 --> 00:26:56,193 There can be some small differences. 524 00:26:56,193 --> 00:26:58,823 The country the Diasporan 525 00:26:58,823 --> 00:27:01,793 is from can have an effect on him/her. 526 00:27:01,793 --> 00:27:05,173 Here, it is a purely Armenian culture. 527 00:27:05,173 --> 00:27:09,293 Everything is very beautiful and nice. 528 00:27:09,293 --> 00:27:12,383 There is not that much difference. I got 529 00:27:12,383 --> 00:27:16,603 used to it quickly. I accepted them in 530 00:27:16,603 --> 00:27:21,113 every way from their cuisine to their way 531 00:27:21,113 --> 00:27:25,223 of thinking. It was not that difficult. 532 00:27:25,223 --> 00:27:28,123 With those little cultural and language 533 00:27:28,123 --> 00:27:30,443 differences, how do you keep your 534 00:27:30,443 --> 00:27:33,983 Syrian-Armenian culture here in Armenia? 535 00:27:33,983 --> 00:27:36,983 For the Syrian culture, first is 536 00:27:36,983 --> 00:27:39,983 Western Armenian. I do not want to forget 537 00:27:39,983 --> 00:27:43,053 Western Armenian. I want to pronounce 538 00:27:43,053 --> 00:27:45,663 Eastern Armenian well, but I cannot. 539 00:27:45,663 --> 00:27:47,623 I can talk (said in Western). 540 00:27:47,623 --> 00:27:49,833 I can talk (said in Eastern). 541 00:27:49,833 --> 00:27:51,913 Pronouncing it is difficult. 542 00:27:51,913 --> 00:27:53,773 Unfortunately, we have lost 543 00:27:53,773 --> 00:27:55,893 the traditional pronunciations. 544 00:27:55,893 --> 00:28:03,843 As a Syrian culture, an Armenian 545 00:28:03,843 --> 00:28:08,003 culture, a Syrian-Armenian culture, 546 00:28:08,003 --> 00:28:11,143 we still have the same traditions and 547 00:28:11,143 --> 00:28:14,943 continue to do things in the same way. 548 00:28:14,943 --> 00:28:18,723 Do you still think that you live 549 00:28:18,723 --> 00:28:23,033 in your homeland? This is not the same 550 00:28:23,033 --> 00:28:25,933 homeland that your grandfathers 551 00:28:25,933 --> 00:28:29,003 and grandmothers lived in? Do you still 552 00:28:29,003 --> 00:28:31,173 feel that this is your homeland? 553 00:28:31,173 --> 00:28:33,713 Of course, it is not the same. 100 years 554 00:28:33,713 --> 00:28:36,443 ago, it was different. It is not about 555 00:28:36,443 --> 00:28:38,813 the 100 years. Already 5 years ago, 556 00:28:38,813 --> 00:28:41,488 Armenia was different. Life is more 557 00:28:41,488 --> 00:28:45,813 difficult now. When I came as a tourist 558 00:28:45,813 --> 00:28:49,933 just to visit, my point of view 559 00:28:49,933 --> 00:28:52,353 was different. Now that I live here, 560 00:28:52,353 --> 00:28:55,243 it is more difficult. I saw more 561 00:28:55,243 --> 00:28:58,463 of the difficulties. It is mine 562 00:28:58,463 --> 00:29:01,283 and I belong to it. The sense of 563 00:29:01,283 --> 00:29:05,043 belongingness is very nice. All Armenians 564 00:29:05,043 --> 00:29:08,533 have to put their roots in Armenia. 565 00:29:08,533 --> 00:29:11,493 Every person has to put their roots in 566 00:29:11,493 --> 00:29:12,793 their own land. 567 00:29:12,793 --> 00:29:16,073 When on someone else's land you plant 568 00:29:16,073 --> 00:29:19,173 a tree, you might not have the time to sit 569 00:29:19,173 --> 00:29:22,493 under the tree's shadow. You have to plant 570 00:29:22,493 --> 00:29:24,973 the tree on your own land. 571 00:29:24,973 --> 00:29:28,403 Do you want to stay here? Or go back 572 00:29:28,403 --> 00:29:31,813 to Aleppo? Or go somewhere else? 573 00:29:31,813 --> 00:29:35,743 I want to go back to Aleppo, because 574 00:29:35,743 --> 00:29:38,713 I miss the land that I grew up in 575 00:29:38,713 --> 00:29:41,983 (my birthplace, my home, and my neighborhood). 576 00:29:41,983 --> 00:29:45,893 I have lived there for 46 years before 577 00:29:45,893 --> 00:29:49,053 coming here. Of course, I have a lot of 578 00:29:49,053 --> 00:29:53,633 memories there and I miss everyone there, 579 00:29:53,633 --> 00:29:57,293 but I want to continue to live in Armenia. 580 00:29:57,293 --> 00:30:01,713 And... what do you want to do for work? 581 00:30:01,713 --> 00:30:06,333 On my own? On my own! If I do not find 582 00:30:06,333 --> 00:30:10,603 a good job, there is no hope. 583 00:30:10,603 --> 00:30:14,603 There has to be a job out there. 584 00:30:14,603 --> 00:30:18,603 You should not lose all hope. 585 00:30:18,603 --> 00:30:22,463 To enjoy life, you have to create your own 586 00:30:22,463 --> 00:30:27,143 aspirations. Without work, you cannot 587 00:30:27,143 --> 00:30:29,433 do anything. 588 00:30:29,433 --> 00:30:31,633 What kind of job do you want? 589 00:30:31,633 --> 00:30:34,423 Whatever is available. This is Armenia. 590 00:30:34,423 --> 00:30:36,693 You have to work with whatever work 591 00:30:36,693 --> 00:30:38,233 is available. 592 00:30:38,233 --> 00:30:40,773 You said that you do not have family in Aleppo. 593 00:30:40,773 --> 00:30:43,323 No, I do not have family there. 594 00:30:43,323 --> 00:30:45,383 Do you have any family there? 595 00:30:45,383 --> 00:30:46,853 No, no family. 596 00:30:46,853 --> 00:30:49,643 Yes, I have friends and neighbours there. 597 00:30:49,643 --> 00:30:51,933 Are they still there? 598 00:30:51,933 --> 00:30:54,323 For the most part, they went to Europe. 599 00:30:54,323 --> 00:30:57,423 For the most part, no one is there now. 600 00:30:57,423 --> 00:31:00,443 Is your house still there? Yes, it is. 601 00:31:00,443 --> 00:31:04,173 Is anyone checking up on it? Yes! 602 00:31:09,412 --> 00:31:13,562 In 1915, we had to... no... we were forced 603 00:31:13,562 --> 00:31:16,722 to leave. We did not decide to leave. 604 00:31:16,722 --> 00:31:20,292 Unfortunately, our forefathers were 605 00:31:20,292 --> 00:31:23,452 all displaced in 1915. 606 00:31:23,452 --> 00:31:27,092 From the war, the ruins, and the death 607 00:31:27,092 --> 00:31:29,932 of many people, only a few of the families 608 00:31:29,932 --> 00:31:32,592 made it to Syrian land. 609 00:31:32,592 --> 00:31:36,592 Now, it is very different. No one told us 610 00:31:36,592 --> 00:31:41,222 to leave Syria. Never. We left. There are 611 00:31:41,222 --> 00:31:44,592 still a lot of Armenians that live in 612 00:31:44,592 --> 00:31:48,592 Aleppo, Syria. We left. We had the ability 613 00:31:48,592 --> 00:31:51,992 to leave. We had the convenience to 614 00:31:51,992 --> 00:31:55,012 leave. We wanted to leave. From the people 615 00:31:55,012 --> 00:31:58,002 that came to Armenia with us, they came 616 00:31:58,002 --> 00:32:00,992 here temporarily. We thought the war 617 00:32:00,992 --> 00:32:03,452 would end and we would go back. 618 00:32:03,452 --> 00:32:05,892 That is the reason why we came here. 619 00:32:05,892 --> 00:32:08,122 Now, I do not want to talk for other 620 00:32:08,122 --> 00:32:11,142 people. For the most part, the people 621 00:32:11,142 --> 00:32:14,952 that have work here do not go back. 622 00:32:14,952 --> 00:32:18,842 When they have learned and gotten used to 623 00:32:18,842 --> 00:32:21,682 the life here and have a job here, 624 00:32:21,682 --> 00:32:24,122 I do not think that they will go back. 625 00:32:24,122 --> 00:32:26,662 I highly doubt that Aleppo will go back 626 00:32:26,662 --> 00:32:29,072 to the way it was. It will take a long 627 00:32:29,072 --> 00:32:31,512 time for it to be the same as before. 628 00:32:31,512 --> 00:32:35,452 It will take a long time. 629 00:32:35,452 --> 00:32:42,048 And... for you, personally, what draws you to Armenia? 630 00:32:42,048 --> 00:32:45,662 Personally! Since childhood, the love 631 00:32:45,662 --> 00:32:49,812 for Armenia was in our house, at school, 632 00:32:49,812 --> 00:32:53,212 and in the community centers. There is 633 00:32:53,212 --> 00:32:56,072 a problem of keeping our Armenianhood. 634 00:32:56,072 --> 00:32:58,282 The community centers and the schools 635 00:32:58,282 --> 00:33:02,092 work with this issue. In our house, 636 00:33:02,092 --> 00:33:08,702 patriotism was important. They always 637 00:33:08,702 --> 00:33:11,322 mentioned Armenia. When I came 638 00:33:11,322 --> 00:33:16,062 to Armenia in 2004 for 1 month, 639 00:33:16,062 --> 00:33:19,302 I left my soul here. 640 00:33:19,302 --> 00:33:23,552 I wanted to live here, but we could not 641 00:33:23,552 --> 00:33:27,552 dare to do that because of work. We could 642 00:33:27,552 --> 00:33:32,052 not destroy everything there and start 643 00:33:32,052 --> 00:33:34,442 a new life here. We did not know if 644 00:33:34,442 --> 00:33:37,072 we would succeed or not. I already 645 00:33:37,072 --> 00:33:40,082 wanted to live in Armenia. And now, 646 00:33:40,082 --> 00:33:42,782 I am here. 647 00:33:42,782 --> 00:33:44,212 Very good! 648 00:33:44,212 --> 00:33:50,172 What advice would you give? To give advice 649 00:33:50,172 --> 00:33:53,542 to who? To Syrian-Armenians? 650 00:33:53,542 --> 00:33:56,562 Yes, the ones that returned to Armenia. 651 00:33:56,562 --> 00:33:59,042 I do not give myself permission to give 652 00:33:59,042 --> 00:34:02,782 advice to others, because every 653 00:34:02,782 --> 00:34:08,992 difficulty and experience in life teaches 654 00:34:08,992 --> 00:34:12,042 you something new. You will see that 655 00:34:12,042 --> 00:34:14,782 there is still a lot that you do not know. 656 00:34:14,782 --> 00:34:16,952 For this reason, I cannot give advice 657 00:34:16,952 --> 00:34:19,592 to anybody. Everyone will know what is 658 00:34:19,592 --> 00:34:22,482 convenient for them and will think before 659 00:34:22,482 --> 00:34:26,632 taking the appropriate steps. Like I said 660 00:34:26,632 --> 00:34:31,592 before, for everyone their motherland 661 00:34:31,592 --> 00:34:37,842 has to be their inspiring, final 662 00:34:37,842 --> 00:34:42,342 destination that they will feel 663 00:34:42,342 --> 00:34:45,442 comfortable in. 664 00:34:45,442 --> 00:34:48,892 We do not need to live in foreign lands. 665 00:34:48,892 --> 00:34:52,332 You always have to live on your own land. 666 00:34:52,332 --> 00:34:55,712 The next generation... you will teach 667 00:34:55,712 --> 00:35:00,732 the next generation about their own land. 668 00:35:00,732 --> 00:35:03,902 The tree that I talked about earlier, 669 00:35:03,902 --> 00:35:06,002 you are going to plant it on 670 00:35:06,002 --> 00:35:08,402 your motherland. That is a beautiful 671 00:35:08,402 --> 00:35:10,192 statement. 672 00:35:10,192 --> 00:35:15,942 Can you tell me about yourself 673 00:35:15,942 --> 00:35:19,662 in two words? About myself? 674 00:35:19,662 --> 00:35:22,192 What are those two words? 675 00:35:22,192 --> 00:35:25,872 I am proud that I am Armenian. I am still 676 00:35:25,872 --> 00:35:28,772 having some difficulties and do not know 677 00:35:28,772 --> 00:35:31,282 what the future will bring, but I am happy 678 00:35:31,282 --> 00:35:33,482 that I live in Armenia. I always wanted to 679 00:35:33,482 --> 00:35:34,992 live here. 680 00:35:34,992 --> 00:35:39,192 I am thankful to the Armenian people 681 00:35:39,192 --> 00:35:42,222 here that were always ready to help. 682 00:35:47,376 --> 00:35:51,322 How can Syrian-Armenians help Armenia? 683 00:35:51,322 --> 00:35:56,422 Every person that has a talent or can 684 00:35:56,422 --> 00:36:00,793 bring something new to the table 685 00:36:00,793 --> 00:36:04,197 or has a skill, depending on 686 00:36:04,197 --> 00:36:07,982 the conditions, he/she can help 687 00:36:07,982 --> 00:36:11,532 Armenia. Why not? It depends if 688 00:36:11,532 --> 00:36:14,022 he/she has the right conditions. 689 00:36:14,022 --> 00:36:16,592 He/she has to be given the opportunity. 690 00:36:16,592 --> 00:36:18,792 The conditions have to be met 691 00:36:18,792 --> 00:36:20,112 financially first. 692 00:36:20,112 --> 00:36:23,672 You can work with things you know, so that 693 00:36:23,672 --> 00:36:27,522 you can help others as well. If someone 694 00:36:27,522 --> 00:36:32,872 has a personal store, he/she is not going 695 00:36:32,872 --> 00:36:36,012 to work alone. That individual will have 696 00:36:36,012 --> 00:36:38,902 other employees. Other families will be 697 00:36:38,902 --> 00:36:40,902 able to benefit from them too. This is 698 00:36:40,902 --> 00:36:43,092 the smallest way that they can help. 699 00:36:43,092 --> 00:36:45,472 There are other ways too. They can 700 00:36:45,472 --> 00:36:48,502 be artists or artisans for example. 701 00:36:48,502 --> 00:36:54,222 Syrian-Armenians have some advanced 702 00:36:54,222 --> 00:36:57,602 and knowledgeable workers now that work 703 00:36:57,602 --> 00:37:02,082 in different centers like the national 704 00:37:02,082 --> 00:37:04,802 library and other places that 705 00:37:04,802 --> 00:37:06,512 I do not want to specify. 706 00:37:06,512 --> 00:37:09,442 There are already Syrian-Armenians that 707 00:37:09,442 --> 00:37:12,872 are working and are helping Armenia. 708 00:37:12,872 --> 00:37:20,252 And... how did you make friends and make 709 00:37:20,252 --> 00:37:25,232 a community here? New social life? 710 00:37:25,232 --> 00:37:27,292 With Syrian-Armenians or Armenians from Armenia? 711 00:37:27,292 --> 00:37:30,172 My surroundings are mostly 712 00:37:30,172 --> 00:37:33,032 Eastern Armenians. I like change. I was 713 00:37:33,032 --> 00:37:35,492 emotionally ready to accept all 714 00:37:35,492 --> 00:37:41,142 the changes. Their life is interesting. 715 00:37:41,142 --> 00:37:43,892 It was not difficult to get used to 716 00:37:43,892 --> 00:37:47,292 the change. For me, it was nice. 717 00:37:47,292 --> 00:37:50,752 I have many vast, rich, 718 00:37:50,752 --> 00:37:52,982 and interesting surroundings. 719 00:37:52,982 --> 00:37:55,779 What are? You were so happy when you 720 00:37:55,779 --> 00:37:58,172 were saying Armenia has welcomed you 721 00:37:58,172 --> 00:38:00,028 and maybe you have said it already, but 722 00:38:00,028 --> 00:38:01,772 what are some examples of how 723 00:38:01,772 --> 00:38:02,712 they welcomed you? 724 00:38:02,712 --> 00:38:04,202 How Armenia has welcomed you? 725 00:38:04,202 --> 00:38:06,542 How the Armenians were accepting 726 00:38:06,542 --> 00:38:09,142 of us here? Example? Do you have 727 00:38:09,142 --> 00:38:10,842 examples? How they welcomed us? 728 00:38:10,842 --> 00:38:13,582 Like I said before... how the people? 729 00:38:13,582 --> 00:38:16,622 Do you have stories or examples? 730 00:38:16,622 --> 00:38:18,732 For example, it has happened that I have 731 00:38:18,732 --> 00:38:20,582 been in some sort of transportation 732 00:38:20,582 --> 00:38:22,422 and had to go somewhere 733 00:38:22,422 --> 00:38:23,992 and they knew from the way 734 00:38:23,992 --> 00:38:26,262 I talked that I spoke Western Armenian 735 00:38:26,262 --> 00:38:29,112 and they have paid 100 AMD for me. 736 00:38:29,112 --> 00:38:33,822 They wanted to do something. It has 737 00:38:33,822 --> 00:38:37,752 happened that they did not take 100 AMD 738 00:38:37,752 --> 00:38:43,382 from me or the taxi charged me less. 739 00:38:43,382 --> 00:38:46,652 All these people are people I do not know. 740 00:38:46,652 --> 00:38:50,222 Speaking about neighbours, as soon as 741 00:38:50,222 --> 00:38:52,942 I would move... 742 00:38:52,942 --> 00:38:55,292 they would ask me what I need. 743 00:38:55,292 --> 00:38:58,862 With that question, you know that you are 744 00:38:58,862 --> 00:39:02,272 not alone. There have always been people 745 00:39:02,272 --> 00:39:05,162 who were willing to help us. It was not 746 00:39:05,162 --> 00:39:08,312 only me. There have always been people 747 00:39:08,312 --> 00:39:11,402 and institutions who wanted to help 748 00:39:11,402 --> 00:39:13,932 (like the Red Cross, UN, 749 00:39:13,932 --> 00:39:17,332 and Mission Armenia). They are 750 00:39:17,332 --> 00:39:21,202 non-Syrian organizations. They already 751 00:39:21,202 --> 00:39:24,712 help us. There are a lot of people here 752 00:39:24,712 --> 00:39:26,662 that want to help us. 753 00:39:26,662 --> 00:39:29,052 Is there anything you want to add that 754 00:39:29,052 --> 00:39:30,702 you did not say? 755 00:39:30,702 --> 00:39:34,902 There is a lot. 756 00:39:34,902 --> 00:39:37,712 What kind of thing? 757 00:39:37,712 --> 00:39:39,992 All the Armenians should come back to Armenia. 758 00:39:39,992 --> 00:39:43,812 Please see, for example, my family has 759 00:39:43,812 --> 00:39:47,162 always loved Armenia even before 760 00:39:47,162 --> 00:39:49,912 seeing it. I already loved Armenia. When 761 00:39:49,912 --> 00:39:52,872 we saw Armenia, we fell in love with it... 762 00:39:52,872 --> 00:39:55,262 because you feel like you belong to it 763 00:39:55,262 --> 00:39:57,452 and it belongs to you and is your mom. 764 00:39:57,452 --> 00:40:00,812 With all its bad qualities, it is yours 765 00:40:00,812 --> 00:40:03,862 and you belong to it. We really wanted 766 00:40:03,862 --> 00:40:07,002 to come and move here. Since we always 767 00:40:07,002 --> 00:40:09,912 thought about our work situation, we did 768 00:40:09,912 --> 00:40:12,412 not take the necessary steps to move here. 769 00:40:12,412 --> 00:40:14,962 You can see that the day came and that we 770 00:40:14,962 --> 00:40:17,332 are here now. We should not have come in 771 00:40:17,332 --> 00:40:19,602 this way. We should have been more 772 00:40:19,602 --> 00:40:22,962 organized when we came here. In the end, 773 00:40:22,962 --> 00:40:25,272 we heard that our place is our mother's 774 00:40:25,272 --> 00:40:30,842 lap and not foreign lands. Syria, 775 00:40:30,842 --> 00:40:33,992 my birthplace, is a very good place 776 00:40:33,992 --> 00:40:38,232 in terms of its people and its government. 777 00:40:38,232 --> 00:40:40,772 They are like family to us. 778 00:40:40,772 --> 00:40:44,582 Your motherland should be your country. 779 00:40:44,582 --> 00:40:48,092 All the Armenians, especially those that 780 00:40:48,092 --> 00:40:50,762 had the convenience to work here, can 781 00:40:50,762 --> 00:40:55,302 create jobs. They do not have to think. 782 00:40:55,302 --> 00:40:57,942 There is not that much to think about. 783 00:40:57,942 --> 00:41:01,342 They have to come and start from here 784 00:41:01,342 --> 00:41:04,422 and after them the next generation. 785 00:41:04,422 --> 00:41:08,159 When the Diasporans start to come 786 00:41:08,159 --> 00:41:11,719 to Armenia, especially the youth, they 787 00:41:11,719 --> 00:41:15,482 should not be easily discouraged and have 788 00:41:15,482 --> 00:41:20,052 high hopes. You should create that hope. 789 00:41:20,052 --> 00:41:22,422 From generation to generation, we get 790 00:41:22,422 --> 00:41:26,732 better. We sit and watch the Diasporans 791 00:41:26,732 --> 00:41:29,592 from afar. The love of Armenia is 792 00:41:29,592 --> 00:41:32,692 not enough. We have to do something. 793 00:41:32,692 --> 00:41:36,865 Everyone should do, whatever they can do. 794 00:41:36,865 --> 00:41:39,412 There is a short story. 795 00:41:39,412 --> 00:41:44,092 In the forest, a fire takes place. 796 00:41:44,092 --> 00:41:47,202 All the animals... what does that word 797 00:41:47,202 --> 00:41:51,202 mean? Fire! All the animals think about 798 00:41:51,202 --> 00:41:54,942 saving their souls and run away. All 799 00:41:54,942 --> 00:42:01,252 of a sudden, they see a bird on its back 800 00:42:01,252 --> 00:42:04,592 and its feet up. They ask the bird, what 801 00:42:04,592 --> 00:42:07,412 are you doing? Run away and save your 802 00:42:07,412 --> 00:42:10,152 soul. You can get burnt and die. The bird 803 00:42:10,152 --> 00:42:13,885 says, no, I am holding up the sky. 804 00:42:13,885 --> 00:42:17,615 So, that bird with its small and weak feet 805 00:42:17,615 --> 00:42:20,255 is trying to do its part. 806 00:42:20,255 --> 00:42:25,855 It holds up the sky to protect and save 807 00:42:25,855 --> 00:42:28,565 the forest. Sorry, it was not fire. 808 00:42:28,565 --> 00:42:30,295 You could say that it was the end 809 00:42:30,295 --> 00:42:31,547 of the world. 810 00:42:31,547 --> 00:42:34,745 If everyone does what they 811 00:42:34,745 --> 00:42:37,975 can like the bird in the story and does 812 00:42:37,975 --> 00:42:40,345 not get discouraged, something will 813 00:42:40,345 --> 00:42:44,035 happen. So, we can do something to help. 814 00:42:47,095 --> 00:42:49,285 Anything else? 815 00:42:49,285 --> 00:42:52,525 No, that is all. I am a teacher I can 816 00:42:52,525 --> 00:42:55,045 talk all morning. 817 00:42:55,078 --> 00:42:57,000 We learned a lot from you.