The RA Ministry of Diaspora carries out very interesting programs, but the “Ari Tun” Program is perhaps the most favorite program that brings together all Armenians around the world. Why? Leader of the group of young Armenians from Cyprus, educator, poet Nora Najarian gave the answer to that question during an interview with “Hayern Aysor”.

Nora Najarian: “It’s because the “Ari Tun” Program is a youth program, and the youth are our future.

“Hayern Aysor”: How many children are there in your group? Which cities are they from?

Nora Najarian: There are nine children from Nicosia and Limasol. They are our graduates of the Narek Armenian School. I teach English at the school. This is my second visit to Armenia, but I’m bringing the group to Armenia for the first time.

“Hayern Aysor”: It’s very hot. Don’t the children get tired?

N. N.: It’s really very hot, but the children aren’t complaining. They don’t get tired. They’re very happy. This program is like a big lesson for them.

“Hayern Aysor”: Tell us a little about yourself.

N. N.: I received my education in English at a secondary school in Cyprus. I had decided to travel to England, but I had always wanted to visit Armenia and see my Homeland. I’m also a poet and a writer. I have three books of poems, and one book of articles. I’m always told that I write in English, but have the spirit of an Armenian.

“Hayern Aysor”: Like William Saroyan…

N. N.: Exactly. The important thing is to have the spirit of an Armenian. One can feel it in my writing.

“Hayern Aysor”: Have your works been translated from English to Armenian?

N. N.: Yes, some of them are translated. One of my acquaintances in Cyprus translated them for me, and I translated the rest. My poems have been translated into Greek and even Turkish.

“Hayern Aysor”: What is the main theme of your poems?

N. N.: Some of my poems are devoted to the spirit of the Armenians and “Armenianness”, but they are more about love. I have poems about the losses and the longing of the Armenians, which is in the hearts of the Armenians who have lost their Homeland.

“Hayern Aysor”: What do you like about Armenia? What amazes you? What makes you get emotional?

N. N.: I always get emotional when I talk to the people…I like Armenia. I’m amazed at so much warmth from the people. It’s touching. It’s touching when I see signs and billboards in Armenian and when I hear everyone around me speak Armenian.

“Hayern Aysor”: Is life in Cyprus peaceful?

N. N.: It’s peaceful, but there’s always a danger. However, we don’t feel it in our daily lives. We see the wars, but we hope Cyprus will stay away from all that.

“Hayern Aysor”: Do people in Cyprus respect the Armenians?

N. N.: They respect the Armenians a lot. The Greeks always say the Armenians are very creative, civilized and hard-working people. We don’t have any contacts with other nations. I’m simply invited to many events and festivals as a poet.

“Hayern Aysor”: Nora, what does the Homeland mean to you?

N. N.: This blue sky (as Nora said these words, she began to cry…)

“Hayern Aysor”: You are the child of a Western Armenian, right?

N. N.: Yes, my roots trace back to Adana.

“Hayern Aysor”: The process of recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide started a long time ago and continues to this day. Do you believe there will be an hour of retribution?

N. N.: I hope, but I’m not too optimistic.

“Hayern Aysor”: Have you been to the land of your ancestors?

N. N.: Not at all…But there will come a day when I will go there to sing and write.

“Hayern Aysor”: Thank you, Nora. Till’ we meet again in the Homeland! 

Interview by Karine Avagyan