Maral Nersesian is one of the young activists of the Armenian community of Jordan. Through her activities, she shows that the small Armenian community of Jordan has been active over the past years. Thanks to the efforts of Maral and several other members of the community, the local Armenians maintain rather strong ties with Armenia, and there is no problem with preserving the national identity of the young generation.

Diplomat.am: What does Armenia mean to a young and active Diaspora Armenian community activist? Is it the homeland, or something else?

 Maral Nersesian: For me, personally, Armenia is the only Homeland. I was born and raised in Jordan and live there, but I have always considered it a safe haven. I am grateful to the Hashemite Kingdom for treating the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and Armenian citizens equally, but my only Homeland and my only home has been and will always be Armenia.

Diplomat.am: What is the image of a young Diaspora Armenian today?

 Maral Nersesian: I can say how the image of a young Diaspora Armenian should be and/or how I will always aspire to be. A young Diaspora Armenian should always work, be successful and a leading professional. He should remember that he needs to maintain the image of an Armenian and that young Diaspora Armenians are the ambassadors and representatives of the Armenian nation and must represent the nation the way Armenians should be represented. This will help foreigners get a picture of our country and nation.

Diplomat.am: Preservation of the Armenian identity is also a current issue in the Armenian Diaspora. What should be done?

 Maral Nersesian: Diaspora Armenians are constantly struggling to preserve the national identity. We always need to keep the spirit of an Armenian alive and make sure Armenians feel proud to be Armenian. If Armenians remember their history and take pride in their rich culture, if they remember the contributions that their nation has made to cultural heritage and especially the struggle that their ancestors led during the Armenian Genocide, they won’t become detached from the nation and won’t be assimilated. There is a problem with mixed marriages within the small Armenian community of Jordan (nearly 3,000 Armenians). Based on imprecise statistics, 80% of marriages have been mixed marriages over the past years.

Unfortunately, those Armenians don’t understand that the community will be perverted after just one generation. The Arab Spring caused a great blow to preservation of the Armenian identity. Before the Arab Spring, pan-Armenian camping events would be organized in the Middle East.

The Armenians of Amman have two unions, the Apostolic and Orthodox Churches, a choir, a dance group and scout movements, but only 10% of the Armenian community are members. There is only one Armenian pre-school, but it is at risk of being shut down due to lack of resources. Our only hope is the strengthening of bonds with the Homeland.

The “Ari Tun” Program of the Ministry of Diaspora is a steadfast way to reinforce the spirit of an Armenian within the new generation. There is always a need to remind all the generations about the cultural wealth of the Armenian nation through preferential groups of Armenians, be it through the songs and dances that we have inherited or lectures, exhibitions or similar events.

Armenian television stations play a huge role in shaping the image of an Armenian in the Diaspora. The bad soap operas and inadequate documentary films play a negative role.

Diplomat.am: What helped you manage to preserve your Armenian identity?

Maral Nersesian: My family and I live in an Armenian environment. I grew up listening to Armenian songs. My maternal grandmother, who was a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, would always sing the “Anush” opera. She had played the role of Anush in Aleppo. I am quite impressed with and influenced by my paternal grandfather’s memoirs of the Armenian Genocide. I have always had a love for my nation. Even today, I am proud of my Armenian identity, our rich culture and glorious history. My faith in the Armenian nation will not let me become detached from my identity since I understand that Armenians are successful and innovative leaders. They say Armenia is calling young Diaspora Armenians.

Diplomat.am: What does Maral Nersesian the community activist need to return to the homeland?

Maral Nersesian: They are right when they say that Armenia needs young Diaspora Armenians. I must create the opportunity to reach home in order to return to the homeland. I hope many Diaspora Armenians make investments for our country’s advancement. I don’t have the right to not help my country advance. The whole world realizes that the Armenians are powerful when they are united. The only thing left is for us Armenians to realize that and understand that foreigners are waiting for us to be weak, but all we need to do is to build.

Interview by Ruzanna Ghazaryan

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