The doors of the RA Ministry of Diaspora are always open for every Armenian returning or visiting the Homeland. Most of them are the generations of Armenians who have settled in foreign countries by cruel fate and having escaped the Armenian Genocide. No matter where they were born and raised, they have always borne the image of Armenia in the depths of their heart and soul and have always had the hope of settling in Armenia once day and spending the rest of their lives in Armenia. One of those Armenians is my interlocutor, Lebanese-Armenian Shakeh Toumaian, who gave an interview for Hayern Aysor.

Karine Avagyan: Shakeh, welcome to the Homeland! May your wish and decision to settle in Armenia come true and become the start of a new and interesting life! When and what made you decide to purchase a home in Armenia and settle here?

Shakeh Toumaian: About four years ago, I came to Armenia for a visit and obtained the passport of a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, and that was exactly when I decided to move to the Homeland. I felt that there was no sense in living abroad anymore. Even on the last day when I was leaving Armenia, I was asking myself where I was going and what I was doing in Lebanon. The day I received my passport became decisive. In one second, the 47 years I had lived in Lebanon ended. It seemed as though I had lived in Armenia my whole life.

I have a house, job, family and friends in Lebanon, but now I am a tourist there. In September, I came to Armenia to look for a house. I have already purchased a home in Armenia, and I consider this an investment in the Homeland. I chose the beautiful city of Ashtarak. I opened the map of Yerevan, got acquainted with all the districts, the views, the pricing policies and visited many homes through real estate agents. I saw that there were few green areas, many buildings, pollution, a lot of noise and expensive apartments in the city. I went to Ashtarak where I was shown the house in which I am currently living. I really liked Ashtarak where the air is clean, and the price of the house was more affordable. I got happy because I could see Mount Ararat from every side. I can see the Saint Karmravor Church from my window. There is a 1,300-meter long garden of fruit trees in front of my house. The house is a two-story house made from tuff. I am making some changes inside. I don’t like living in cities. Life in the city is always active and noisy. I like to live in a more peaceful area. In Lebanon I was working in Beirut, but lived in a suburb. The important thing is that Ashtarak is not far from Yerevan. I can reach Yerevan in 18 minutes via the new road because I will have a lot to do in Yerevan.

Karine Avagyan: What is your profession? Did you ever think about finding a job in Yerevan or Ashtarak when you decided to move to Armenia?

S. T.: I stayed at “Trchnots Bouyn” (Birds’ Nest) orphanage for eight years, after which I graduated from Melkonian Educational Institution. I carry out administrative tasks for a construction firm in Lebanon and am the general correspondent of the firm’s office. I need to find a job before moving to Armenia.

Karine Avagyan: Shakeh, how did your family and friends react to your decision to move and purchase a house in Armenia?

S. T.: Everyone welcomed my decision. Many felt bad because they also really want to move, but they have extended families and have to agree with each member of the family and need to have appropriate funding so that they can purchase a home in Armenia. My two nephews study at a Lebanese university. My brother is waiting for them to graduate so that they can move to Armenia. My brothers and sisters want to come…My brother pays $40,000 for the tuition fees for both of his sons, and I purchase my home and plot of land with that money in Armenia. My brother says if they had had Armenian passports 10-15 years ago and knew that things would get better, they would have come earlier and their children would have studied at the American University of Armenia at more affordable prices. In my case, it was easy to make a decision because I am single and my parents are no longer with me.

Karine Avagyan: What did you know about the RA Ministry of Diaspora?

S. T.: I feel bad that I didn’t know about the Ministry of Diaspora and its activities and that it has an electronic newspaper called “Hayern Aysor” (Armenians Today). My friend referred me to the Ministry, and I had a cordial meeting with the Minister. Since not all Diaspora Armenians can purchase homes and find good districts on their own, I suggest that the Ministry of Diaspora help guide them during that process.

Karine Avagyan: How do you see Armenia and the Armenians? How would you like to see Armenia and the Armenians

S. T.: First, I must say that Armenia and the Armenians have nothing in common. The land is one thing, the people are another thing. Armenia is a heavenly land and doesn’t need anything. Everything in Armenia is beautiful. My homeland is like a woman who wakes up in the morning and doesn’t need to wash her face or put on makeup. The sites, historical and cultural monuments of the country, as well as the wide streets, Republic Square and the “singing” fountains of Yerevan are beautiful. I have visited Armenia many times, but after every visit, it seems as though I haven’t managed to see everything. A whole year is not enough to visit all the exotic and marvelous corners of the country. Armenians leave Armenia with the thought that it is better abroad and that they can earn money easily. I walk freely on the streets of Yerevan, pass by the beautiful groves and tour the country…The meat, fruits and vegetables here are clean, and the air and water are something else…Our Homeland is the best. The only problem is employment. As far as the type of Armenians is concerned, I must say that a good Armenian is he who loves the Homeland whole-heartedly. I look at the heart!

Interview by Karine Avagyan