After settling in the Homeland, most of our compatriots participating in the “Meeting of Repatriates” event organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora have managed to find jobs, adapt to the new environment, make new friends and fully take part in the efforts for the development of Armenia’s economy and enhancement of cultural life. One of those compatriots is cardiologist George Barseghian. During my interview for Hayern Aysor, I became convinced once again that Diaspora Armenians have lived and continue to live for the Homeland and, by settling in the Homeland, they become one of the “arches” and “columns” of the Homeland.

Karine Avagyan: Mr. Barseghian, when did you return to the Homeland?

George Barseghian: I came in 2012 due to the war that broke out in Syria. I came with my wife and two daughters. My elder daughter, Nareh is 17 years old. She is still in school and is studying to get accepted to Yerevan State Institute of Theater and Cinema. My younger daughter, Meghri is 14 years old. We are in the homeland, and that is already a great achievement for us. As for me, I am a therapist/cardiologist at Nairi Medical Center.

Karine Avagyan: Did you receive your medical education in Armenia?

George Barseghian: Yes! In 1984, I got accepted to Yerevan State Medical University after Heratsi, graduated in 1991 and specialized in therapy and cardiology until 1996. After my studies, I left for Syria where I took exams, opened my own clinic and started working by my profession.

Karine Avagyan: Mr. Barseghian, if the war hadn’t broken out in Syria, would you still move to Armenia someday?

George Barseghian: Of course! There was a plan to move to Armenia. I even had a plan to purchase a territory, build or purchase a house, but the Syrian war sped things up. Even if the war hadn’t broken out, we were going to move to Armenia and I would still be here and live in better conditions. I have always been disposed to return. I am very glad and content. I have a house in Damascus that remains standing, and I can always visit.

Karine Avagyan: As a Syrian, one of the residents of that geographical area and an educated person, do you think the Syrian war has finally ended, or is it simply temporary and deceiving peace?

George Barseghian: In principle, no matter how long the war lasts, it is temporary. Peace is fundamental. The rest is temporary. Consequently, based on this philosophy, a war definitely ends, either today or tomorrow. I think peace is already being established in Syria and is not temporary. Any war can end at the right time and moment, but that is a different story and doesn’t concern Syria. There can’t be a precise time or moment for the Syrian war. It can end gradually.

Karine Avagyan: And finally, the question that I always ask at the end of my interviews. What does the Homeland mean to you?

George Barseghian: The Homeland is the place where you don’t feel like a guest. For Diaspora Armenians, the Homeland has always been highly valuable. However, there are two types of patriotism-living in the Homeland and loving the Homeland from a distance. For me, the best place to live is Armenia with its good and bad things, as well as advantages and disadvantages. I am lucky to be living in the Homeland!

Karine Avagyan: Thank you, dear compatriot! Thank you for your dedication and sincerity. Armenians having lost their birthplaces or left it, their generations are returning and will return to the Homeland to empower the mountainous land created by the Creator after having created spiritual and material values for others and helping foreign countries advance for hundreds of years.

Karine Avagyan