The exhibition-sales organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora and the Center for Coordination of Syrian-Armenians’ Issues NGO have already turned into a tradition for supporting Syrian-Armenians having settled in Armenia and mitigating their domestic issues to a certain extent. During those exhibition-sales, Syrian-Armenians showcase their handmade items and their creative works, including jewels, decorative and applied arts, Oriental dishes, clothing and more. This time the “Breath of Syrian-Armenian Culture in Yerevan” exhibition-sale was held on 19-20 September and was dedicated to the 25^th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia.

Hayern Aysor’s correspondent talked to some of the participants of the exhibition-sale.

Viken Melkonian has been living in Armenia for the past three years. He and his family have been making silver and gold jewels for over thirty years. They had jewel stores in Syria, but due to the Syrian war, they moved to Armenia and are currently trying to continue to make silver items. Melkonian was showcasing his handmade silver jewels at the exhibition. He stated that he and his family have a small pavilion at the Vernissage Flea Market where their works are also presented.

Maral Dolmajian has been living in Armenia for one-and-a-half years and is participating in the exhibition-sale for the second time. She was presenting her dishes and pastries mixed with Oriental spices. Maral said people in Armenia don’t know much about Syrian spices, but they are starting to show more and more interest in her pastries. In Syria, Maral was a housewife and would make pastries for only her family members.

Maida Istamboulian-Demirjian moved from Aleppo to Armenia four years ago. Maida draws on wooden boards and glass, and they were presented at the exhibition. She didn’t work in Syria, but always loved to work with her hands and would try to make beautiful kitchen objects at home. She has been participating in these exhibitions.

Sarkis Ghouloghsian was also participating in the exhibition. He has been in Armenia since 2011 when he and his family visited Armenia for a vacation. After the war broke out in Syria, he decided to stay in Armenia. At the exhibition, she was showcasing various types of perfumes that he had brought from Syria. Sarkis started selling perfumes in Armenia, and in Syria, he would repair car engines.

Anita Jenanian was also from the Syrian city of Aleppo. She and her family have been living in Armenia for the past two-and-a-half years. Anita didn’t work in Syria, but she is participating in the exhibition to help her husband. She was presenting crocheted bracelets, earrings, hairpins, children’s clothes and other items.

George Botoukian arrived in Armenia just ten days ago. This is the first time he is participating in the exhibition-sale. George likes Armenia a lot and wants to settle in the homeland. He was presenting various jewels. In Syria, he was a graphic designer.

By Tatev Davtyan