Qasem Ergyun – When I was a child, I used to play with Kurdish children. They would call me Armenian, as a curse. Then I became curious about the meaning of “Armenian”. Thus, I was clearly told that I was an Armenian, and now I am very proud of it. After the Armenian Genocide in 1915, my ancestors were dislocated and those rescued took refuge in Turkish villages, and this was the reason that we were deprived of an opportunity to receive Armenian education. My first visit was in 1991. Being in Armenia, I experience both happiness and sadness: I am happy because we have free and independent Armenia, and my sadness is because we lost the Western Armenia as a result of the genocide.

Anush Asadur – My ancestors are from the Cilician Armenia. For the first time I came to Armenia in 1982, when I was a French language teacher in France. Then I had a chance to be present at the Pan-Armenian games in 2011. And now I am happy very much for being in Armenia – my historical homeland. Armenia needs mutual assistance, as it has seen disasters. However, I am sure that in the future everything will be fine. Each Armenian both here and outside Armenia should provide support to Armenia. Only being consolidated we can attain victory and bring back the loss.

Nouredin Yashar – My Grandpa was from Sasun. He was telling a lot about Armenia and the Armenian people. He would always enroot patriotism in my mind. This is my second visit to Armenia. For the first time I visited Armenia in 1995 for a special purpose. I wanted to find my lost relatives. Imagine, but I managed to do this; visiting to Sasnashen village in Talin, I found them, we both were happy. It was also my grandpa’s request to me. Now I am relieved for being able to comply with his request. I am proud that once again I had this chance of visiting Armenia. Here I completely feel myself as an Armenian. My wish is that all the Armenians around the world would come to their Homeland, so that they could restore their identity. Through our visits to Armenia, we will be a good example for other obscured Armenians.

Hangyul Ozbay – I was too young when I learnt that I am an Armenian. My Grandma would always tell me about it. She would always tell about the sufferings of our ancestors. During the massacre, my grandma’s mother, after losing her husband, didn’t agree  to marry a Turk, and has thrown herself down into the sea to be rescued. I am for the first time in Armenia. Yerevan is a very nice and clean city. Here people are full of respect toward each other. Since childhood, I have dreamt of visiting Armenia. I have come here hoping that I’ll be able to find my relatives.

Narin Gyundoghush – I am excited very much for being in Armenia. It is hard to find words that would interpret my feelings. All the time, that brings the scene of the Armenian Genocide back to me. I am for the first time in Armenia. When we entered Yerevan, I had an impression of seeing a nice and developed city. There are fabulous buildings, and people are smiling. I want to be in all the locations in Armenia. Visiting Armenia has always been in my mind, just hasn’t had an opportunity. We thank the RA Ministry of Diaspora for such a friendly attitude, warm reception; we are really touched.

Armen Demirchian –  I was five years old, when I got to know that I am an Armenian. Thereafter, I have always been interested in Armenians, the Armenian history, culture. Being in Armenia, I am keen to find my relatives. This is my first visit to Armenia. Everything is fine here; I am already thinking of visiting the homeland every year, and bringing my children with me. People do not treat us as foreigners, but are very friendly.

                                                                                     Prepared by Gevorg Chichian