Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Andrew Hagopian
Editor
From Tom Bradley International Airport in Los Angeles to Yerevan, Armenia, a group of 14 Armenian Studies Program students embarked on a two-week trip touring the various regions of modern day Armenia. The group was led by Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian and Prof. Sergio La Porta. The trip marked the ninth group of students since 1988 that Prof. Der Mugrdechian has had the privilege of reintroducing to their Armenian roots and homeland.
During the trip to Armenia, May 29-June 14, the group stayed at the Ani Plaza Hotel which was perfectly located in the heart of Yerevan. It was within walking distance of the Cascade, Opera House, and Northern Avenue. The mission of this trip was to connect students to their Motherland Armenia and educate them on the history and culture of Armenia.
Participating in the Armenia Summer Study Group 2019 were: Chandler Baladjanian, Mari Danielyan, Lucas Der Mugrdechian, Suzanna Ekmek-chyan, Amanda Esquivel, Liana Gasparyan, Stephen Gonzalez, Andrew Hagopian, Arthur Khatchatrian, Kristina Melikyan, Matthew Mugrdechian, David Safrazian, Kara Statler, and Mitchel Statler.
On the first full morning in Armenia, we were given a detailed walking tour of the inner city by Prof. Der Mugrdechian. The walk began at the Ani Plaza Hotel, stopping at the historic Katoghike Church, went through Opera Square to the Cascade, and then down Abovian Street to Republic Square where Prof. Der Mugrdechian discussed and reflected upon Armenia’s Velvet Revolution which had taken place May of 2018. The Velvet Revolution was a series of anti-government protests which took place in Armenia from April to May 2018, and which culminated with the election of a new Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan.
Student participant Stephen Gonzalez added his insight to those events. “I witnessed the revolution the previous year while studying at the American University of Armenia. I hope the will of the people and the outside support for the government will be enough to secure Armenia’s future in the world. My feelings about Armenia and the Armenian people is that they are both incredible and there is something there that I cannot describe. Maybe it’s being in a land that is not American or maybe it is just reading about Armenian history and how many times the cruel hand of time has given them a bad hand, but there is a calm about the country and the people.”
While walking the streets of Armenia, we noticed that everything and everyone was Armenian. The people there were so gracious and welcoming. We would walk by stores and they would invite us in to either look at the products they were selling or to try different types of food or drinks prepared by them. Everywhere I went, I felt as though I had a personal connection with everyone we came in contact with.
“There were times when it did not feel like we were so far from home. The Armenians there, mainly the ones we met and interacted with, made us feel at home. As one of the few on the trip who couldn’t understand Armenian, I did not feel left out. The language barrier was difficult at times however I always felt included in all the activities throughout the trip,” said Amanda Esquivel.
Matthew Mugrdechian reflect-ed upon the attitude that the Armenian people showed towards the group. “The people were polite and some of the waiters and employees throughout our tour of the city would have fun with us in various ways. For example, one of the hotel lobby workers line-danced with us, while another member of our group performed Armenian songs on the piano.”
During their time in Armenia, the group visited Mer Hooys-House of Hope on multiple occasions. Mer Hooys’ mission is provide opportunities to girls from disadvantaged lifestyles in Armenia so they may achieve a productive and secure future. Prof. Der Mugrdechian is a Vice-President of the Board of Mer Hooys.
The Program provides qualified girls with a comfortable and safe home, a family environment, psychological and educational support. The girls receive instruction in languages, social skills, community re-lations, arts, religion, health and life skills, and job skills training. The girls were so excited to get to know each and every one in our group and put on a variety of performances during the visits. We also played a variety of games with them, including dodgeball.
“I was immediately captivated by their mission of providing a safe and nurturing environment for Armenian children who are orphaned. The owners and workers were especially committed to providing a quality education for each of the girls, including lessons of the English language,” state Liana Gasparyan. She further explained that the Mer Hooys staff strongly encouraged the girls to find a passion either through music, dance, art, or sports.
“The girls took me in and included me in all of their dances and games. I genuinely had an amazing time playing with them and to see the smiles on their faces made my day that much better,” said Suzanna Ekmekchyan. She hopes to return to Mer Hooys and build stronger relationships with the girls that will hopefully last a lifetime.
My main purpose in traveling to Armenia was to get a sense of their way of everyday living, lifestyle, clothing trends, and foods.
However, I found myself taken with all the churches we visited through the course of the two weeks starting with the Katoghike Church. The architectural style of this church was that of a modern Armenian church built in the 17th century. The relief work was absolutely beautiful on the outside of this church, representing traditional Armenian craftsmanship as well as modern day Armenian influence.
During our stay in Yerevan, we visited many Armenian churches, historical sites and various sites including Mother Armenia statue, Victory Park, the 50th Anniversary of WWII monument, the Mashtots Matenadaran (Library of Ancient Manuscripts), Yerevan State University, the Armenian Genocide Monument and Museum, the American University of Armenia, and the Megerian Carpet Factory.
The study trip included significant outings throughout the country of Armenia, including visits to Areni Winery, Noravank Monastery, Khor Virap, Gyumri, and much more.
What can be said about good food? It is not so often that you come across food that you absolutely love all the time, however in Armenia, one is guaranteed that each meal will leave you loosening your belt one notch.
“As it was my first time visiting Armenia, there was definitely a cultural shock as an American. I was able to see first-hand the poverty that some Armenians face in the country, but also the kindness and hospitality that so many displayed,” said Chandler Baladjanian.
“The nightlife was nothing compared to what I am used to in Fresno and I always was able to keep myself entertained by learning more about Armenia,” said Kristina Melikyan.
David Safrazian shared that “When I go to Armenia, I feel as I am home again. I can’t quite explain the feeling, but I am happier to be there and indulge myself in the culture.”
“One of the most significant impact of the trip to Armenia was realizing how much I love my country, to my nationality, culture, and people,” exclaimed Mari Danielyan.
“I will be forever grateful to everyone who helped make my experience in Armenia so unforgettable and I hope to return with them by my side one day,” concluded Suzanna Ekmekchyan.
“Everyone we met and interacted with during our trip was so welcoming and warm. They made sure we were treated nicely and with respect. In terms of all the places we went to, they were all surreal and beautiful,” said Arthur Khatchatrian.
I am so grateful and feel so blessed I went and returned safely to and from Yerevan under the outstanding guidance of Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian.
I feel that I saw everything I wanted to see for my first time going and cannot wait for my return visit to Armenia.
