Menk Hay Enk?
Panorama carries an interesting news item on what we all know, but few of us mention without fear of criticism from those who believe that Armenians are and should be all the same. According to the report, approximately 3,000 Armenians from the Diaspora study in Armenia and many experience problems with local youth. The problems usually stem from a profound difference in mentality and lifestyle.
Taking into consideration these differences, youth-student organization Tkhruni of Social-democratic Party Hnchakian issued a statement together of youth organization “Nikol Aghbalyan” of Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnakcutiun) saying “difference in mentality of the youth from Armenia and the Diaspora causes difficult relations and conflicts.” In a discussion at Pastark on October 3 the participants urged respective state structures to deal with the problems of Diaspora youth. The appeal was particularly addressed to the department of Diaspora at the ministry of foreign affairs.
Reasons for mockery may be western Armenian language or the appearance of students from the Diaspora like long hair for men or shabby jeans.
Interestingly, while sitting in an Indian restaurant with Zarchka from Life Around Me last week, a friend from England came in with an Iranian-Armenian friend who was studying at the Conservatory. He was bitterly disappointed, depressed and disillusioned with how locals here treat him as a “foreigner.” More than that, he said that he and other students are verbally abused on the streets and he doesn’t see his future in Armenia as a result.
Actually, this is not a new phenomenon as I’m told that when a large influx of Armenians from the Diaspora emerged here during the Soviet Union the same was true. There was discrimination against, and dislike of, the new arrivals. Of course, many local Armenians will consider their ethnic kin from the United States and Europe somewhat differently, and not least because they have money they hope to get a share of. But for Armenians from the Middle East and the CIS, however, it’s a different story.
Georgian Armenians, for example, talk of discrimination and abuse from Hayastantsi and say they can live alongside Georgians, who they share the same mentality with, better than locals here. Throw in the matter of dislike and distrust between Karabakh and Hayastantsi Armenians, as well as conflicting and competing sub-divisions in the Diaspora, and rather than being together, Armenians are divided more so than most other nations, perhaps with the exeptions of ethnic groups such as the Kurds.
The International Crisis Group (ICG) picked up on this brewing problem in the Republic of Armenia in a October 2004 report.
Even though the political elite — government and opposition — share similar views on Nagorno- Karabakh, divisions within society are visible. Armenia is ethnically the most homogenous post-Soviet state,58 yet it is divided among groups that identify differently to the very notion of being Armenian. Hayastantsis, Karabakhtsis, refugees from Azerbaijan, and diasporan Armenians are distinct communities.
Many Hayastantsis perceive that Karabakhtsis are foreign to Armenian values and culture and have imposed their politics upon the country, bringing suffering during the war and isolation today. A Hayastantsi told ICG:
There is a huge divide in society here: on the one side, you have Karabakhtsis, Asian rural people; on the other side you have Armenian, European urban people, and we are very different. Why do we have to bear those Karabakhtsis here, in Armenia?
The main reason for this resentment is the price Armenia pays for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: economically, it experienced extremely severe power and energy cuts and food shortages, and it still is blockaded. Two-year military service is compulsory for young men. Given the appalling conditions of barracks, many emigrate to escape this service.
More Armenians live outside than within the country. Usually economically well off and integrated into their countries of residence and citizenship, they initially expected Armenia to correspond to an image they had constructed from family stories and legends. There were great expectations and emotions in 1988, when the Spitak earthquake triggered a generous response in the diaspora, and many discovered a real country for the first time. Since independence, many Armenians have left that country to live in diaspora communities. They brought with them a different culture forged during years in the Soviet Union. Much poorer than their diasporan relatives, some also brought criminality into communities that have been respected for honesty in host countries, thus creating resentment among diasporan Armenians.
After independence, diasporan Armenians invested large financial and human resources in Armenia. In 2004 they sent an estimated $700 million, mostly from Russia and the U.S. The Lincy Foundation of Armenian-American millionaire Kerk Kerkorian has been reconstructing roads and houses in the Spitak region, which was devastated by the 1988 earthquake, as well as repairing central streets and historical landmarks in Yerevan. Its $160 million investment in 2003 was 30 per cent of the national budget. Yet, many from the diaspora complain they are cheated. A human rights activist told ICG: “the truth is the diaspora is viewed as the milk cow”. The Hayastantsis, on the other hand, accuse diasporans of behaving as masters. As one Hayastantsi said, “in the early 1990s, the diaspora was very paternalistic, and wanted to teach us how to live. Well I told them, come to Armenia, and let’s see how you handle the situation, because charity is easy if you live a comfortable life in the West”.
Now both groups have overcome their initial illusions, and relations are somewhat better, but they remain different, culturally, linguistically, and mentally. As a diasporan told ICG, “we are very different from local Armenians. We look, dress, think, act, socialise, work differently and have different lives from local Armenians. There is no hate, but a clear distinction between the two communities”. A Hayastantsi echoed this: “people are divided into diasporans, Armenian, and Karabakhtsis. The diaspora and us have learned from each other, but the rapprochement that was anticipated did not take place, and each community lives very separately from the other one”. Even ecclesiastically, some diasporans recognises a different Catholicosate from the official one in Armenia.
Nagorno-Karabakh is also a source of division between the communities. Diasporan communities are more prone to underline Armenia’s historical grievances and call for a stronger and larger state that incorporates Nagorno-Karabakh. Some Armenians accuse them of harming the country because of their different understanding of the character of the Armenian state. Most diasporans come from what is historically called Western Armenia, and thus regard today’s state as only a partial substitute for the “true Armenia”. An Armenian complained: “diasporans are obsessed with the Genocide, but they don’t think whether this is beneficial for Armenia. First, they don’t really consider this Armenia as their historical homeland because most come from Western Armenia”.
RFE/RL also ran a story in May 2005 on the new influx of Armenians who mainly come from the Middle East or CIS. However, back then when there were fewer of them things were rosier although far from perfect.
Artin and his family immigrated to the country several months ago from the Iranian town of Nor Jugha which is home to some 7,000 Armenians. He knows a dozen other Jugha families that have repatriated recently. Artin says he and his relatives find the life among their kinsmen more exciting even though it was easier for them to earn a living in Iran.
But such enthusiasm is not always shared and understood by residents of Armenia. “You come to your homeland in a very enthusiastic mood, but the locals are not quite enthusiastic about your repatriation,” says Artin. “I am seen by some as a tourist, at best.”
Iranian Armenians also complain about what they see as a lack of politesse among the local people. A more serious problem privately cited by them relates to rule of law which they feels leaves much to be desired. Few of the locals, equally affected by the problem, would disagree.
Of course, I have my own story to tell.
I mean, when I first arrived to live here in October 1998 I got the same typical and predictable bullshit from my neighbours. We are all Armenians — welcome to your Homeland. Of course, then things changed when I discovered that they had wired up their apartment to my electricity supply. Then I soon turned into a “foreigner” when I protested against their theft.
Interestingly, when I was interviewed in 2004 by Internews the first question was “You’ve loved here for many years now. Do you consider yourself Hayastantsi or a Diasporan?” After I got over the absurdity of the question. I could only answer it in one way. “I consider myself a person,” I said. Of course, my situation is somewhat different in that I’m half-Armenian and half-Armenian, but anyway.
Still, I welcome any move to narrow the division between Armenians from the Republic and the Diaspora, but this isn’t going to be so easy. The mentalities and culture are just so far removed from each other. On the other hand, diversity can bring with it many advantages too. The trouble is will either side understand and appreciate what differences can bring to a nation when Armenians still prefer to define themselves almost solely on homogenous grounds?
Armenia: Trouble for Diasporans
Onnik Krikorian discusses the difficulties and discrimination many Armenian Diasporans face when living in Armenia.
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Trackback by Global Voices Online — October 5, 2006 @ 7:05 am
The above mentioned reports and statements should not be a surprise. Armenians have been and will always be divided–let’s not think that they will and should all be the same because this is an absurd notion. Of course there are differences in mentalities and cultures between Armenians from the diaspora and those living in Armenia, that is to be expected and it’s natural. But this comes from the base village rivalry stance that Armenians foster to this day. Armenians in the US and arguably in other countries are divided–some from Lebanon or Syria do not trust those from Iran for example. Even Armenians from Beirut and Syria don’t get along. Armenians from Armenia gemerally stay away from all three divided groups and hang out together, even kids who moved to the US from Armenia over 15 years ago. And the same goes for people from ancestral villages. There are opinions commonly shared that someone whose roots are in Aintab is being such and such, and someone from Marash is described as being whatever (I don’t want to get into the insights).
Personally I could care less what Armenians in Armenia think of me. Overall I have not been discriminated because I was a Diasporan, but because I was an Armenian. Armenians do not get along with each other, they victimize and criticize one another generally speaking. That’s the way things are.
But as I explained to a friend yesterday visiting from Boston that I surround myself with people with whom I am most comfortable. Some are from here, others from abroad. I’ve married into a family from Vanadzor.
So this entry is no surprise, it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, and let’s not expect anything different. It’s also not unique to Armenians I would argue. Other European nationalities may also endure similar types of divisions. But perhaps not as severe.
Anyway… again just my opinion.
Comment by Christian — October 5, 2006 @ 12:07 pm
Hmmm, well in England divisions are not found to such an extent perhaps with the exception of class. For example, apart from a minority of bigoted British citizens, everyone tends to integrate into larger society. Most people have friends from all ethnicities and backgrounds living aroudn them, although of course, this is not everyone.
Perhaps there’s a North-South divide but again, this usually relates to class. The concept of citizenship usually takes precedence or at least that has been my experience. In the South Caucasus, however, ethnicity is considered more important than citizenship which makes the Hayastantsi-Karabakhtsi-Diaspora divide all the more ridiculous.
Or perhaps its not. Key to the Armenian identity is the belief that everybody should be the same and when they’re not, these clashes and divisions occur. As Armenians are spread throughout the world, most Armenians have absorbed the influences of those around them. Diasporans don’t like the way Hayastantsi use some Russian words, for example, whereas Hayastantsi don’t like the way [Western Armenian[ Diasporans use Turkish words or whatever.
Yet, for other nations, languages and cultures evolve, absorb and adapt. Armenians seem resistant to that idea but each group within sees their model as the one that should take precedent. Another example, and you’ve experienced this as well Garo, is the way that most local Armenians refer to Diaspora Armenians as foreigners even when they live here and have taken up residency.
As you say, however, it goes both ways and in the Diaspora there are not only internal divisions based on origin and politics, but also with regards to the new influx of Hayastantsis that have appeared in the U.S. and Europe.
Like you say, surrounding yourself with those who you get on with wherever they come fromand accepting those differences is the right attitude and the way we usually live our lives in non-Armenian communities. However, as we know, most Armenians still adhere to the clan mentality which is formed by family, country of origin, politics, and language.
Comment by Onnik — October 5, 2006 @ 1:49 pm
This discussion pops up here and there, and it is absolutely sensless. It like saying that humans behave like humans. Very common thing for all nations. And why you always focus on Diasporans? Everyone makes fun of Abarantsi, and there were always marked differences between Leninaganci, Erevantci or Qyavareci. In 70s when I was growing up in Yerevan, local guys with long hair had hard times souther than Hanrapetutyan hraparak, and a rabiz could be laughed at near kino Nairi. Is this an evidence that Armenians do not get along? Have you lived among Jews? do you thnk they get along better? Or any other nationaluty.
Of course, nations that have large Diaspora are even more diverse and may be untloreant to customs acquired from others. But this diversity is also our richness. Stop complaining about things that come as natural as peeing in the morning.
Saying that, I am very concerned with increasing natinalistic sentiments in Armenia. We should admit that we are not very tolerant to other nations, particularly if they are poor. I dont like these attitude of arrogance, ignorance or sense of superiority that prevails among Armenians and it is common even among Diaspora who lives among other nationalities. Lets better worry about that and try educate our people.
Comment by Gagik — October 5, 2006 @ 2:16 pm
Gagik, don’t think I’m complaining am I? Like I said, I value diversity and we need more of it here.
However, Armenians as a whole react against such things, and it’s in fact students from the Diaspora and the ARF-D and Hunchak parties that do not like the situation. Perhaps you should tell them to stop complaining instead. All I’m doing is pointing you towards what others think is happening but also saying that from my own experience this is how it is. In fact, you’re agreeing but typically you have to attack me at the same time.
Why do I focus on Diasporans? I’m not. Like I said, it’s the ARF-D and Hunchak parties. They’re trying to resolve the issue while you’re saying that we should all just ignore it because its “natural.” Actually, it might be, but these divisions do not exist among many other nations to the same extent, including the Jews. In fact, Armenians here say that the Jews are strong because they largely remain together regardless of where they come from. Factor in the fact that Armenians are significantly fewer in number than the Jews and the Kurds, and it becomes even more of a problematic issue.
Otherwise, I agree with your last paragraph and also your comment about diversity being a richness. Indeed, that was my point.
Comment by Onnik — October 5, 2006 @ 2:26 pm
“Menk Hay Enk?” This topic is close to my heart, and every time I hear or read comments such as those expressed in this segment, I am filled with a sadness that goes back to my childhood when I first uttered the words, “Menk Hai enk!”
Being half-Armenian by birth, and all-Armenian by soul, it has pained me growing up in the Diaspora to be mocked, from time to time, because of my “Hayasdantsi accent,” and it has pained me living and doing volunteer work in Armenia to be treated, from time to time, as an unwelcome foreigner, except when something was needed.
Does it really matter whether we are Armenians from Armenia, Armenians from the Diaspora; whether we are this-Armenian or that-Armenian; belonging to this side or that side, this church or that church etc.? After all, Menk Hai enk! What strong, proud, and beautiful words!
Knarik O. Meneshian
Comment by Knarik O. Meneshian — October 6, 2006 @ 3:12 am
Abrees Knarik!
Comment by Liborale — October 6, 2006 @ 4:38 am
Hi Gagik, well we agree on most of the points you raise. However, regarding communities outside Armenia I have to say that the London-Armenian community was pitifully divided for such a small number of Armenians. The division was mainly on political grounds i.e. Dashnak vs the rest, and it went even as far as organizing separate 24 April marches would you believe? Anyway.
Comment by Onnik — October 6, 2006 @ 1:30 pm
It is good to air all this comments about differences in Armenians….
Comment by Garo — October 7, 2006 @ 3:43 am
It surprising to see that this issue remains such a big “problem”. 35 years ago when I studied at the Yerevan State University (coming from the diaspora) the contradictions between the diaspora students and the locals were defintely greater than today. Back then things were just opening up and the exchanges between Armenia and the diaspora were something new. Thge lifestyles of the West found their way into Soviet Armenia thru us and it often was a “clash of cultures”. To be honest, we rarely ventured outside alone lest we be the target of ridicule and contempt. But to be fair, we were just as equally intolerant of Yerevantsi’s in general, considering them to be dishonest and tricksters. This isn’t to say that I did not enjoy some good and close frienships with several families of local Armenians. But this was the exception rather than the rule.
One would have thought that 35 years later, and goven 15 years of Armenian independence, such delineations between groups would have subsided to a great degree. After an absence of some 30 years I went back to Armenia, now independent and open to the West. Sure I was looked upon as an outsider, Armenian or not. But I did not feel the constant gaze upon me that was the case so many years ago. I felt more at ease.
Sure, divisions will remain for many years to come. But I believe that over time and with a constant exchange between the two realities, Armenia and diaspora, we will have a better understanding of the other and hopefully more tolerance and respect.
Comment by Chello — October 8, 2006 @ 4:21 am