Nazo Jimbashian: “One day, all Armenians of the world must embark on the journey to Armenia, that is, to the Light”

Hayern Aysor’s correspondent sat down for an interview with President of the House of Armenian Culture in Valence Nazo Jimbashian, who was hosted at the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia.

Karine Avagyan: Mr. Jimbashian, as far as I understood from what you told me, you are surely from Lebanon or Syria, right?

Nazo Jimbashian: Yes, I was born and raised in Lebanon, went to elementary school in Beirut for seven years and then moved to France to continue my studies. I didn’t know French and it was difficult. I received help from my first mentor, my father Varoujan Jimbashian, who has served as the chairman of the Hamazkayin Chapter in Bourj Hammoud and is a merited and well-known teacher of Armenian language and history. Thanks to him, I learned French very quickly and went to a French school. After graduating, I received my higher education and specialized in construction, engineering and economics.

Karine Avagyan: I have been told that you are also actively involved in community service in France. Please, tell us about that.

Nazo Jimbashian: Currently, I am involved in community service aimed at preserving the Armenian identity in France, particularly in Valence where I have been serving as the president of the House of Armenian Culture for the past four years. The House of Armenian Culture was established in 1983, but there used to be small culture clubs before its establishment. The House of Armenian Culture has several pan-national unions that have their own scout clubs. We have two football teams, including one for children and one for adults. We have good coaches. Our goal is not to train professional football players, but to help preserve the Armenian identity through those teams. We have piano lessons for 10 students and a 24-hour radio show, which is called “A” (Armenia). Forty percent of the programs are in French, and sixty percent – in Armenian. We mainly broadcast the programs prepared by AYB-FM Armenian radio station. We have junior and youth unions that are engaged in patriotic events and are very actively involved in advocacy for the Armenian Cause. We also have a Children’s Cultural Workshop through which Armenian children are introduced to Armenian culture and the rich spiritual heritage of the Armenian nation. Our House of Armenian Culture often hosts various interesting and instructive events such as exhibitions and lectures devoted to various topics. In October, Ashot Hambardzumyan from Armenia will deliver a lecture devoted to Armenian national costumes at the House of Armenian Culture. Every month, we hold events that are mainly aimed at preserving the Armenian identity, keeping the Armenians of Valence clung to their roots and providing the young generation of Armenians with an Armenian upbringing. The Blue Cross (of the ARS) is based within the building of the House of Armenian Culture, and it carries out humanitarian, public and educational activities. The children visiting the House of Armenian Culture take two-hour Armenian language lessons once a week. We have a library under the direction of Susan Pahlevanian. There is a lot of work to do, but we do it with pleasure and responsibility. Labor is distributed among the 7 members of our board, and every member knows what to do.

Karine Avagyan: It is clear that you are very busy with community service and pro-national activities. Do you work by your profession?

Nazo Jimbashian: Yes, I work and am involved in community service at the same time. I work to earn a living, and I am involved in community service in order to help preserve the national identity of the Armenians living in Valence.

Karine Avagyan: Are you on a business trip to Armenia?

Nazo Jimbashian: No, I am here because I had missed Armenia. I have come with my wife and 16-year-old daughter, who has never been to Armenia. I brought her along so that she could become familiar with Armenia, become attached to our Homeland, interact with the local Armenians and listen to spoken Armenian. I was born in Lebanon, and of course, I am attached to my birthplace that I haven’t been to in 35 years. However, I will return one day, but to Armenia, not Lebanon. I really want to live in Armenia with my whole family, including my wife, my daughter and two sons.

Karine Avagyan: Mr. Jimbashian, are you aware of the “What are YOU doing for Artsakh?” pan-Armenian movement launched by the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia?

Nazo Jimbashian: Yes! The House of Armenian Culture has established the April 24th Committee, and I am the secretary. The Committee organized events dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The Committee also holds demonstrations in defense of the Armenian Cause. We have also held demonstrations to support Artsakh and have expressed our solidarity with all the sons of the Armenian nation who participated in the heroic battles that took place during the Four-Day Artsakh War in April 2016. We respond to all major national events.

Karine Avagyan: After all that you mentioned, I must ask you what the Homeland means to you.

Nazo Jimbashian: I have traveled to many countries, but only in my Homeland do I feel safe. I feel at home here. One day, all Armenians of the world must embark on the journey to Armenia, that is, to the Light.

Interview by Karine Avagyan

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