Students Travel to Armenia on Fifth Armenia Summer Study Trip Sponsored by Armenian Studies

STAFF REPORT

Front row: His Holiness Karekin II and Barlow Der Mugrdechian. Back row, left to right: Brad Kalebjian, Darren Janigian, Ani Menendian, Avo Arikian, Pateel Mekhitarian, Knar Mekhitarian, and Hagop Ohanessian.

Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian Studies Program led a group of seven students on the Armenia Summer Study Trip 2007, May 24-June 9, 2007. Students enrolled in a three-unit course, Armenian Studies 120T-Armenia Today, designed to acquaint students with the modern Republic of Armenia. Similar study trips were led by Der Mugrdechian in 1988, 1990, 2001, and 2005.

Students visited the important cultural and religious sites in Armenia, including a visit to Holy Etchmiadzin and an audience with His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.

Among the museums visited were the Matenadaran (Library of Armenian Manuscripts), the State Ethnographic Museum at Sardarabad, and the National Gallery of Art with its rich collection of Armenian and European painting and sculpture.

The group stayed at the Yerevan State University Guest House, in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. They visited and attended classes at Fresno State’s sister university in Armenia, Yerevan State University. The students had several opportunities to interact with the YSU students, in classes, and in social activities.

Armenia is a country rich in its history and churches. Special emphasis was places on visiting the most important historical sites in the country, including the Monastery of Geghart, the Temple of Garni, the monastery of St. Hripsime, the church at Ambert, and many more churches and monasteries.

Highlighting the trip was a three-day visit to Karabagh, and a stay in the capital city of Stepanakert. On the way to Karabagh the group visited Khor Virap (the monastery where St. Gregory the Illuminator had been imprisoned), had lunch at the monastery of Noravank, and had a tour of the fascinating pre-historic site of Karahunge (similar to Stonehenge). While in Karabagh, the group visited the monastery of Gandzasar, toured the major museums and sites in the capital city, and ate lunch in the village of Tsaghakagh, home of Nikol Duman.

Students explored virtually every area of Armenia, from Gyumri in the north, to Goris in the South. A visit to Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and the monastery of Haghartsin was another highlight of the trip

All in all, students enjoyed participating in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

The essays that follow were part of the assignment that students had to complete the course. After they returned to Fresno, they were asked to write an essay about their impressions of their visit. The essays have been edited for reasons of space.

AVO ARIKIAN

ASP group in front of the Mother Armenia statue. L. to R.: Brad Kalebjian, Ani Menendian, Darren Janigian, Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Avo Arikian, Hagop Ohanessian, Pateel Mekhitarian, and Knar Mekhitarian.

For Armenians in the Diaspora, it is a common dream to visit the land where our ancestors originated. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to visit Armenia this past summer. While I had been exposed to Armenian culture my whole life, I somehow felt that what I was exposed to only scratched the surface of what my heritage truly encompassed. My two weeks in Armenia were a time of discovery, as I delved deeper into my ethnic roots, explored my ancestral homeland, and learned that Armenia has a more intricate history than I ever imagined.

I would have to say that I was most surprised and impressed by just how wide of a scope Armenian history and culture has. We saw the site of the very beginnings of the Armenian people, by visiting the ruins of Erebuni, which was built by the Urartians almost a thousand years before Christ was born (the Urartians are considered the ethnic precursors to the first Armenians). We visited Karahunge (the Armenian Stonehenge), which is a true testament to how advanced Armenian civilization was at such an early stage – the stones were used to gain knowledge about astronomy thousands of years ago in ways that we might hardly think of today. The Armenian people developed over the course of millennia and that’s something I didn’t really grasp until I actually saw it for myself.

I was also greatly taken aback by the difference in lifestyle between America and Armenia. Americans are usually early to rise, as they rush to work, and are constantly active throughout the day. In general they tend to not stay awake past 11pm. Armenians are the exact opposite. We found this out the hard way when we tried to go to a coffee shop, a little after 8am in the morning, and it was still closed. The people are much more relaxed, spending time on the streets in discussion with each other, and the bustle doesn’t wind down until the early morning hours.

The experience definitely made me want to get involved in the long-term project of establishing Armenia as a secure, stable, and self-sufficient country. I would definitely be interested in returning and offering my skills as a volunteer. I could see myself investing in Armenia and helping revitalize the economy by offering some capital for them to get started. I think I would most like to start up some philanthropic ventures-that could mean anything from opening a community medical clinic, to an orphanage, to sponsoring a school. We saw firsthand the impact these kinds of institutions can have on peoples’ lives and I plan on being a part of that someday.

The trip was full of awe-inspiring moments, but there are a few that I would like to highlight. First was the solemn majesty of Etchmiadzin; our participation in the church service and our tour of the entire grounds (as well as our meeting with the Catholicos) were amazing experiences, and we were exposed to a level of Armenian church history that can only be experienced there. We were also lucky enough to take in the sights of Lake Sevan, Shake Waterfalls and the towering image of Mount Ararat. Seeing such beautiful natural sites in my ancestral homeland made me feel at once proud and connected with the area.

My favorite experience, though, was our trip to Karabagh. I found it to be an absolutely gorgeous setting with a group of amazing people that have been through far more difficulties than could ever be described. Because it is such a small region, the war with Azerbaijan had a direct negative impact on nearly every family. We were exposed to a part of this ourselves as we witnessed a remembrance ceremony for one of the fallen soldiers, which was attended by mothers of those who had died in the war. In spite of the incredible pain and suffering that these people went through, they were the most warm and welcoming group of people I met over the course of the trip. After visiting Karabagh myself and seeing its appeal, I will be thrilled the day that Karabagh is rightfully reunited with the rest of Armenia.

In summary, my trip to Armenia with the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State was an experience that will have a lifelong impact on me. I learned a great deal both about Armenia and myself-more than I ever expected to. I am definitely going to return one day, in a capacity where I’m able to get involved in a revitalization project. If you are at all interested in visiting Armenia yourself, my strong recommendation would be to follow through and make the trip, whether it’s with Fresno State or through some other channel. There really is nothing like seeing Armenia for yourself and you will undoubtedly get a lot more out of it than you put in.

DARREN JANIGIAN

In front of the Tatik and Papik statue in Stepanakert, Karabagh. The group spent two days in Karabagh.

Visiting Armenia, and finally stepping onto the land of my ancestry, was an experience matched by no film, newspaper article, book passage, or family story. I breathed in the rich air brought down into the valley across the Caucasus Mountains, and the penetrating aroma of Armenian coffee boiling on the stovetops. I saw the freshly baked, flour covered lavash as it was pulled right out of the stone ovens. I felt the heat of the sun on my face, and the wind against my body. The rain poured down on my head, and the river water ran through my hands. I heard the busy clusters of pedestrians and automobile traffic in the city, the negotiations at the Vernissage, the holy chants of the monasteries and the comfort of being surrounded by Armenian language, though it has changed so much from the time my great grandparents spoke it.

I had very few preconceived notions about what Armenia would be like. All I was sure of was that it would be different from the historic Armenia that my ancestors knew. I had reviewed a visitor’s guide book to Armenia, so I had a pretty good idea of what to expect, but there were some things that I still did not see coming. The food was the one thing that really surprised me. I expected to see skewered shish kebab on every street corner and big piles of rice and bulghur pilaf accompanying every meal. In place of lamb and pilaf I found an abundance of pork and potatoes. I was also looking forward to some traditional Armenian dancing, but found mostly discos playing modern dance music.

I was unaware of the extent of the Russian influence on every aspect of Armenian life. I saw it in the faces I passed in the streets and at the stores and restaurants. It was in the language being spoken, the food being eaten, and the cars that went by.

My visit to Armenia was filled with lasting experiences. I felt the steady pulse of Armenia’s religious life during our three visits to Etchmiadzin, where I had the honor of meeting His Holiness the Catholicos and the privilege to take communion. During our stop at the Khor Virap Monastery, I saw the birthplace of Armenian Christianity. I witnessed the strength of the Armenians in Karabagh, and saw the beauty of a land that was understandably worth fighting for. Everyday, we ate like kings. The produce was fresh and full of flavor and the meat was noticeably free of hormones. I saw the true dedication of the university students who had to cram into small classrooms without enough desks, cooled only with the occasional breeze from open windows. This gave me a heightened appreciation of the education that I am receiving at Fresno State.

The visits to Etchmiadzin really had a positive impact on me. When we met the Catholicos, I was completely humbled and could barely raise my eyes to him. His conversation was intellectual and included spurts of his well timed humor and witty remarks. He was clearly a man who spent a great deal of time before the camera. His beard was trimmed, his nails were manicured, his hair never fell out of place, his shoes shined and he did not have a single wrinkle in his robe. I was moved by his desire to do everything in his power to improve Armenia and the lives of its people.

While in Etchmiadzin, I took communion. It had been a while for me but it all came right back. I made the sign of the cross as I approached, stuck my tongue out, acted like I understood the blessing and accepted the consecrated bread. I then made the sign of the cross again and tried to get out of the way without turning my back to the altar like my father had always reminded me never to do. The whole experience was very fulfilling and I felt the presence of God in my heart and all around me.

I spent only two days in Karabagh, but for the short time I was there, I was able to see a lot. I felt a pride emanating from everyone whom I met. That was reinforced by the monument of Tatik and Papik in Stepanakert that reminds its viewers of the roots that Armenians have in this land. You couldn’t walk a block without seeing a pair of men in military uniform, but this reminder of the war with Azerbaijan did not frighten me at all. I had never felt more secure. I kept thinking how good it was to have the guys with the guns on our side.

All in all, this trip changed me for the better. My eyes were opened by the vast differences between the Armenia my ancestors knew and what it has developed into today. I learned to better appreciate what I have, and I will always remember how hard some of our people have it in Armenia. I will never forget my trip to Armenia, and I am thankful for the perspective it has brought me, and for the new experiences that have been added to my life.

BRAD KALEBJIAN

Students at the 7th century Garmravor Church in Ashtarak.

The trip to Armenia marked my first travel outside of the United States, which I had been eagerly awaiting. I always felt like this would be a great trip, since it was already a place that I felt acquainted with. In many ways, Armenia was just that. In other ways-and just as many-it was a very different, detached place. I would not be doing a service to myself or anyone if I discussed only my most positive experiences.

The post-Soviet influence was one of the most apparent things about this trip–more so than anything inherently Armenian. It was in the food, language, mentality, and painted-over rust of the subway cars. It was in the countryside as your eyes followed the power lines off into the distance. It was everywhere. Despite many obvious shortcomings of the Soviet Union, that period of time meant progress for Armenia–and in some ways, that is exactly what it has lacked since the collapse. Seeing the decay, similar to that of a ghost town, weeds sprouting up in every possible crack, one could only imagine how beautiful the courtyard at the David of Sassoon monument, near the train station, may have once looked.

It was an element of confusion that must have struck me every day in Armenia–how there could be so

many new buildings still being erected, how there could be BMW’s, Mercedes-Benz’s, and Hummers almost everywhere. Without a doubt Armenia, to me, represents a dichotomy of wealth and poverty. However, along with the poverty, we experienced an amazing sense of generosity, or as one of the Yerevan State University students (who treated us to ice cream) called it, “Armenian hospitality.”

One of the most interesting parts of the trip was meeting with the college students. I felt a close connection with this group of students. I felt like these students were more Americanized, not just in appearance, but in thought. I spoke with one of the students about his father’s job in importing and exporting agricultural goods in Turkmenistan. He recognized that his education in business, and especially the English language was important, if he wanted to be successful.

Speaking with this student and many others, I got the feeling that if there was going to be any political change in Armenia for the better, it would be by this younger, college-educated generation. They seemed to have a lot of ambition in business, and also knowledge of the corruption of their current government. I saw a lot of promise in these students, but it is just a shame that there were so few of them.

When I got back to Fresno, many people asked me if I would ever go back to Armenia. I might go back, but it wouldn’t be any time soon, because I would like to visit again when there would be much more improvement. People also asked me about my “connection” with the homeland. I have to say that, especially as a Fresno Armenian, I felt a connection with the land. It was amazing to see the vineyards integrated into the culture in Armenia, at the churches, on monuments, and of course the open land. As for my connection with the Armenians themselves- it was a much different experience than I would have expected. Fresno Armenians are nothing like the people of Armenia, and I would go so far as to say that-compared to the native Armenians, we are an almost completely different nationality.

The best way to help Armenia is to educate the next generation of leaders. Armenians have always been a people of hope and I truly believe that with these young and optimistic college youth who I met, there is a lot of hope for a better Armenia in the future. The next visit I make will hopefully showcase the progress, persistence, and hope of Armenia.

KNAR MEKHITARIAN

The Armenian Martyr's Monument in Yerevan, Armenia. Students felt the emotional impact of the Armenian Genocide.

I vaguely remember the first time that I visited this mysterious place, called the “Motherland,” in 1993 with my mother. All that I could recall was a weakened country, Armenians living in despair and living in great hopes of a better future. I grew to realize that Armenia was misunderstood, small in size, yet rich in culture. My second visit to Armenia reinforced my love for my heritage and changed my perception of the country. This mysterious place thousands of miles away from home turned out to be a powerful adventure I will never forget. We were among thousands of tourists that were welcomed to Armenia in June. The number of tourists per year is significantly rising, because Armenia is being recognized as an interesting destination. Despite having overcome genocide, and years of oppression, it became apparent to me that Armenians still continue to have a strong spirit.

We had the opportunity to tour Yerevan State University and meet with the Rector (President) of Yerevan State University, Dr. Aram Simonyan. Soon after, we met a group of students and it was comforting to know that the youth were well educated and willing to learn and succeed. Although brought up in different environments, there was a special connection between them and us. All differences were put aside as we bonded as Armenians, which brought about a special friendship.

One of my favorite places was the Armenian Martyr’s Monument, which was completed in 1968. This monument commemorates the 1915 Genocide and as we gathered in sorrowful silence in front of the flame, I began to reminisce about the stories that my grandfather told about the Genocide. However, I never understood the entire picture. We also visited the Genocide Museum next to the Monument, filled with gory photographs and facts about the 1915 atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire. Although I left emotionally impacted, this powerful symbol gave me a sense of unity, and my grandfather’s stories became more significant.

A meaningful part of the trip was meeting my extended family, none of whom I had met before. Due to the repatriation of Armenians from all over the world to Armenia in 1946, many Armenian families were separated. My grandfather’s brother, a devoted patriot, had emigrated from Lebanon to Armenia with hopes of living a better life. Later he was deported to Siberia because he expressed his opinions during Soviet rule. My sister and I spent a couple days with Ludwig, our second cousin, and his mother Varsig. We witnessed life as a local, taking normal bus routes, and shopping in supermarkets. They lived in a one bedroom and one bathroom apartment. My sister and I were embraced with endless devotion; a living room table served with seven types of Armenian home cooked dishes, followed by dessert. The warmth I received in those few hours that day, made me feel as if I had known them my entire life. It was a very distinctive yet delightful visit, one of which I will never forget.

My visit in Armenia, gave me a clear understanding of the importance of my culture, religion, customs, and traditions. With support from the Armenian Diaspora, Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, has developed into a flourishing city. It would be beneficial to the country if every Armenian could help out in any way, whether it is through donation or volunteering. It is very important for me to return to Armenia in the near future as a volunteer at a place such as Orran, a day-care center for the youth. This too, will contribute to a better Armenia.

Mt. Ararat is the strength and inspiration for the Armenians, a holy symbol of Armenian identity. We would wake up in Armenia hoping that it was a clear day, so that we would be able to view the beautiful Holy Mountain. Although it would be just a glimpse, it would be an unforgettable sight. It was a touching moment for me when we had the chance to view Mt. Ararat, because it was something I had always wanted to see.

I acquired so much more on this trip than I had ever anticipated. Armenia has come such a long way since I had first visited, with vast improvements in the economy, education, and government. My trip helped me grow not only as an individual, but also as an Armenian. I gained an in-depth knowledge of my faith, people, and language. Although I do not live there, Armenia will always live in my heart.

PATEEL MEKHITARIAN

Fresno State students and Yerevan State University students enjoy an evening out in Yerevan.

I had always heard of the beautiful and historic sites of Armenia, however experiencing the beauty of my motherland in person was more than I anticipated. My trip to Armenia was unforgettable and very educational and each day I spent in Armenia was filled with new experiences, places, and feelings.

Prior to my visit, I had only listened to my family talking about the conditions of the country.

Before I arrived in Armenia, I assumed the conditions of the people were going to be quite similar to the stories I had heard from my mother. However I was pleasantly surprised that that was not the case. Similar to every country, there will always be the poor and homeless in Armenia. However, from the brief time I was there, I noticed there had been a visible improvement within the city of Yerevan. There are a variety of restaurants, stores, and electronic shops. The city is expanding and the people there have enough resources to live a decent life.

On the other hand, the many small villages outside of the capital seemed to be unchanged and people live similar to how people lived a century ago. Unfortunately, villages outside of Yerevan haven’t experienced many technological advances and don’t have the educational opportunities. The people in the villages survive off of what they produce themselves.

With the help of generous donors from all over the world, small villages such as Tigranashen are capable of maintaining an elementary school. I have great hope for the smaller, less populated cities outside the main city. I have hope that one day the people in the villages will have a chance to live a happy, stable life and that one day their children will have the opportunity to get educated.

A personal goal I would love to achieve is to return soon to Armenia and volunteer at a facility called Mer Doon (Our Home). Mer Doon houses teenaged young women, who come from disadvantaged households. These girls have outgrown their orphanages, and residing in Mer Doon keeps them from living on the streets. The young women are taught English, French, and Russian, as well as computer skills, how to become self-sufficient, and how to establish a family. I would love to volunteer at a place such as Mer Doon. Volunteering to help in Armenia would be beneficial and rewarding.

Throughout my stay in my motherland, everyday was a day to remember. I enjoyed the beautiful scenery at Dilijan and Noravank, and I also greatly enjoyed the intricately designed churches. The place that touched me the most was Karabagh-everything there was moving and spending only two days in the area was definitely not enough time.

The simple view of Mount Ararat and Massis is something that will stick with me forever. I have seen numerous pictures and paintings of our holy mountains, however seeing the mountains in person, made me realize how important my culture is to me. It was then that I realized how significant it is to keep our heritage in America. I am proud of my family, my culture, and my motherland. I noticed how rich and historic the country is, and the uniqueness will always remain. It is vital to maintain the traditions, the language, and the history in America. It is my duty, as an Armenian to pass on my beautiful heritage.

ANI MENENDIAN

L to R: Avo Arikian, Knar Mekhitarian, Pateel Mekhitarian, Ani Menendian, Darren Janigian, and Hagop Ohanessian at the David of Sassoun statue in Yerevan, Armenia.

My trip to Armenia this summer has opened my eyes to all of the dynamic struggles that face the country both economically and socially. I learned to love the country even more than I had before, and I now appreciate some of the things that would be very easy to take for granted, now that Yerevan is expanding. The country side is serene, beautiful, and sacred…and the reason why I wanted to return to Armenia.

One of my favorite experiences was an unexpected treat and insight into the Armenian spirit that I so looked forward to experiencing. On our way to Karabagh, we made a few stops at some very well known historical places. However we made another stop on that long journey that none of us were expecting. We made what we thought was going to be a five to ten minute stop in a village called Tigranashen to visit a school. It was a very destitute place, however the village was rich with a welcome, generous, and warm spirit that the family we visited showed us. They were elated to have us, and they surprised us with a beautiful picnic beneath the trees surrounding their home. I had been waiting to experience this kind of warmth and it hit me like a ton of bricks.

Another very positive experience was having the chance to meet with a group of students from Yerevan State University. It was great to spend an evening with people our own age, who we all found plenty in common with. While traveling around to different places we could see and hear about how life is lived in Armenia, but speaking with some of the students was as close as we could get to a first-hand experience of life in Armenia. It is one thing to get to know the country in the sense of its land, buildings, and culture; but getting to know Armenia through its people was an amazing experience.

The Armenian government and economy has had a very difficult time with adjusting to its freedom from Soviet rule. After having seen the situation in Armenia, both economically and socially, it is very apparent that help is greatly needed and appreciated. There are simple things like keeping certain parts of the city in Yerevan or the outlying countryside clean. Becoming involved in an effort to keep up the appearance of the city would be a completely worthwhile cause.

There is also a segment of the population that has experienced some of the worst conditions and are the least equipped to deal with them-children from broken families. We visited a facility for children called Orran, and it opened our eyes to the reality that there are too many kids that are in very unfortunate situations. Thankfully there are privately funded places like Orran to aid families and their children. When I return to Armenia, I would love to volunteer my time at a place like that, helping the children in any way that I can. I would also like to contribute to creating more Orrans because unfortunately there is no way to get help to all of the kids in need.

Another way to aid Armenians living in Armenia is to spread awareness. Unless we are educated about the needs of the home country, we cannot do anything to improve the situation. Now I can give a first-hand report of some of what needs to be done. A little effort from people here at home can make such a huge difference in the lives of those living in Armenia that it sounds ridiculous to not give that little effort.

HAGOP OHANESSIAN

The grave of noted Fresno writer William Saroyan in the Pantheon Cemetery in Yerevan, Armenia.

As a student at California State University, Fresno and of the Armenian Studies Program, the opportunity to visit Armenia and Karabagh was the best thing that ever happened to me. I knew that this trip was giving me the chance to visit the lands of my ancestors. Also, it was an opportunity to see first-hand everything I had heard and learned about the country. After visiting Armenia for the first time, I was amazed at the rapid improvements and economic growth.

The visit to Armenia and Karabagh was the missing puzzle piece for me as an Armenian. Having been born in Aleppo, Syria I knew that it was my duty to one day visit Armenia. My personal experience in Armenia was unforgettable. The country is so technologically modernized and the night life is so alive. The people in the country are welcoming and friendly. They were excited to hear that Armenian students like our group took the opportunity to visit our homeland. After landing in Armenia, I was thrilled to hear everyone around me speak Armenian. It was the best thing because in the United States there are so many different ethnic groups and languages. There are so many memories from the trip to Armenia, one of which was spending time with my group. The six other group members were fun to be with and each day with them will be a memory to cherish forever.

The most memorable Armenian Church was the famous Holy Etchmiadzin. Not only is the Church the face of all the Armenian churches throughout the Diaspora, but it is the home of His Holiness Karekin II. Sitting for the church services on Sundays was so beautiful. Hearing the choir was unforgettable and it reminded me of time when I had seen a service at Etchmiadzin on television. The opportunity to sit down with His Holiness Karekin II was an honor. He was intelligent and his English was great. The tour of his residence was incredible because the paintings on the walls, books, and ancient artifacts of the church were all beautiful.

The Martyrs Monument was emotional for all of us because it reminded me of all those who died in the genocide. It made me think of the struggles our ancestors went through. The Genocide Museum was even more touching because the pictures and the stories told by the tour guide made it clear that the Turkish government wanted to destroy the Armenians.

On the way to Karabagh we stopped at Khor Virap monastery where we had the opportunity to go down the pit and see the place where St. Gregory was imprisoned for 13 years. At first it was frightening but after going down and back up I felt proud to have conquered my fear. Also, we had the chance to visit Noravank monastery. This was one of my favorite monasteries along the way to Karabagh because of its architecture and its high mountain location.

The experience in Karabagh was so unique because it was different from Armenia. The people in Karabagh were more open minded and friendly. The most memorable moment in Karabagh was the Karabagh War Museum and it was sad to see all the pictures of those who died in the war. The most fascinating thing was to know that many Armenians from the Diaspora went to fight in the war. The scenery of the mountains in Karabagh, as well as the pleasant weather, made me fall in love with the country. The opportunity to have been able to visit Karabagh will never be forgotten and hopefully I will have the chance to visit it again.

As an Armenian living in the Diaspora, I feel that it is necessary to volunteer and give back to our homeland. There are many projects that anyone can get involved with. I would like to invest in the country by opening a business in order to help employment and help boost the economy or I would like to volunteer at an orphanage or some other organization. The opportunities are available and it is our job to find something we like to do and contribute.

The trip to Armenia was terrific and when the opportunity comes to go again, I would definitely take it. It was such a unique trip that everything I learned and heard about the country was all so true. Everything about the country is neat because there is history behind everything and every site. Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian was truly a good leader to have on this trip. He gave us the opportunity to visit every place in Armenia. We had the chance to meet great people and to experience Armenia the way it should be experienced. To all those who have not had the chance to see Armenia, they should definitely plan a visit.

Finally, the trip to Armenia was the best experience for me because it was a life changing experience for the better. As I stated earlier it was the missing puzzle in my life. It helped me see where I’m truly from. Armenians are unique because many of us come from all around the world. The creation of the Diaspora was a result of the Genocide. To finally be able to visit my country, my homeland, and the land of my ancestors was the greatest feeling in my life.