Parallel to the war, life in Aleppo goes on-even weddings take place there: Araks Pashayan
Interview with Araks Pashayan, PhD of Yerevan State University (YSU), expert on Arabian studies.
Ms.Pashayan, the issue of Armenians staying in Aleppo or not is being much discussed. Which moods and debates are available both inside and outside Aleppo?
This issue has been discussed since 2011,when Syrian war was launched, which from internal fermentations grew to an international wide-scale conflict. There are a few approaches in the dimension of Armenian discussions, in most cases rather contradicting one another, we want the community not to be destroyed and emptied, however, at the same time, we are eager that Armenians left Aleppo for safer places, and firstly, to Armenia.
What view do the Aleppo Armenians have?
There are people, who have their reasons for not leaving, for instance, they have a soldier in the army. There are those with missed relatives. Considerable part claims that they would like to leave, if they had enough funds to lead an ordinary life. Greater part doesn’t want to leave their houses, property and have fears for coming across difficulties in the new environment and etc. There are elders, people with illnesses and others, who aren’t able to leave. Some people hope, that the war will end, Syria will restore its peace and ordinary life. In any case, both those responsible for the community and the members implement great work regarding self-organization and confronting the difficulties. We may say, that life in Aleppo, parallel to the war, goes on—even weddings take place there.
Is it realistic that the war ends in Syria in near future? We observe what goes on there and which interests clash there.
There has always been an impression that the war has just started. Military operations in Aleppo are entering a new phase. Approaches of the state and armed opposition and jihadist structures are quite different. Relations between the USA and Russia have considerably sharpened in this issue. In most cases relations of the allies of the sides aren’t definite as well. We may say, that existent agreements on ceasefire have failed. Many regions of Syria are out of Syria’s control. Raqqa is completely under the control of the Islamic State. Syria has turned into a hot conflict platform for regional and extra-regional powers. It’s been a long time that the country faces humanitarian crisis.
In this case what perspectives do Armenians, not leaving Syria, have?
Armenians consider Syria as their homeland, they have great connection to the Syrian environment, local traditions. Most of them consider that during the war they should also have a dignified posture. Many leaving Syria even intend to return as soon as the war ends. However, no matter how strong arguments are, nothing can justify the fact of victims, including children. I was shocked with the tragedy of Hindoyan family.
Aleppo Armenians, no matter how difficult it is, they should take into consideration that Syria isn’t only the regime of Assads to have warm and friendly attitude towards Armenians, and generally, towards Christians and the minorities. In fact, Syria is a conservative, religious, even religious fanatic country with many layers of Sunni majority. We don’t know yet when the war will end, what exit it’ll have, which powers will come, what state Syria will become and etc. Finally, decades are necessary to restore and develop Syria, even if the war ends up today.
Under this situation, what does Armenia do as a state, regarding assistance to the Armenian Community, as well as Armenia-Syria relations?
Of course, there are shortcomings and failures. They’ve been much touched upon. However, this doesn’t mean that Armenia isn’t ready to assist its Community. It’s necessary to systemize state and social efforts, also taking into consideration opinions of the Syrian Community, have strategy on different issues, calculate possible extreme situations and etc. Also more activate cooperation of the Foreign Ministry and other offices with UNO and other international organizations. If the Community members have necessary guarantees, I’m sure—many will move to Armenia.
It’s interesting enough, that only Russia and Armenia have diplomatic representations in Aleppo.
Yes, this means, that Armenia is responsible for the Armenian Community in Aleppo. We have a Consulate in Aleppo, and an Embassy in Damascus. By the way, our diplomats in Syria really do exceptional work. I want to particularly single out difficult and responsible work by Arshak Poladyan, advisor Armen Sargsyan, and finally, our Consul General in Aleppo Tigran Gevorgyan and others, which isn’t being properly publicized. However, it’s a fact, that under this hard condition, touchable work is being implemented regarding both issues relating to the Syrian community and Armenia-Syria relations. I memorized words by A.Poladyan that the Diaspora is a wounded body, which needs proper attention. Hopefully, Armenia may pass on from words into actions regarding the Diaspora.
By Razmik Martirosyan
