Our compatriots, whose ancestors, suffering the fate, had a narrow escape from Khnus, Erzrum, Tigranakert, Sasun and other Armenian locations and were settled in Diyarbakir; now they arestill living in that city. They represent the third generation.

Finally, the Armenians from Diyarbakir were able to set foot on the Motherland. Their excitement and emotions were beyond description, and they would share their impressions about Armenia only with tears in their eyes…

AytenEqiji – I was a child, when I got to know that I am an Armenian. My mother’s side was from Erzrum. My mother’s father was a well-known priest in Olti village. And my father’s sidewas from Tigranakert, they were engaged in stonemasonry, basalt processing, thus earning their living. This is my first visit to Armenia. This is the case, when no word can describe my emotions, the moments of anxiety, regret and pride. I can’t butburst into tears seeing the warm attitude towards us, the smiles that are addressed to us.

When we visited the Museum of History of Armenia, I saw a picture, which my grandma also had; I immediately recalled it and couldn’t hide my tears.

Semia Demir –  My roots come from Diyarbakir. I have always wished to come to Armenia; I would seek various ways to do it, but would fail. Three years ago, I tried to come, but in vain. To preserve my Armenian identity, I attend Armenian language courses in Diyarbakir, and am taught the Armenian language and literature. I represent the third generation in my family. My mother used to teach me how to cook Armenian dishes, which I remember and cook. Very often I bake stone bread and cook harisa, which are very tasty. VisitingArmenia was my greatest dream. Here people greeted us,as if we were their family, and we never felt ourselves as foreigners. This is a very important issue for us.

When we went to Tsiternakaberd, I couldn’t help my excitement. That brought the scene of the Armenian Genocide back to me; I have watched many films about the Armenian Genocide. Being here, I had an inspiration of becoming a citizen of the Republic of Armenia; I need to think about this.

Syupan Jihan – First of all, I would like to thank the RA Government and the Ra Ministry of Diaspora, which had developed an idea of creating such a program, as is “Ari Tun”. Before coming to Armenia, I would feel a big anxiety, but seeing the amiable greeting of the people, I calmed down and immediately relaxed. My ancestors were from Tigranakert; they were engaged in agriculture. There were seven children in their family, five of which became the victims of the Armenian Genocide in 1915.

We spent very nice days in Armenia, which are unforgettable. This was my visit here. I have already made up my mind to bring my children as well, so that they could see Armenia. When I go back, I will tell, in details, about the days that I have spent here, I will inspire them and give rise to love toward the Homeland.

Umut Bozgil – I am of Kurdish nationality, I study at the film and TV production department. Learning that Islamized Armenians live in Diyarbakir, I decided to make a film about them. Of course, the film is dedicated to the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The filmmaking lasted for one week and was exhibited in Diyarbakir; in Armenia it was exhibited in “Ari Tun” camp, Tsaghkadzor. We named that documentary film “Expectation. The main goal of the film is to apologizeto Armenians, as representatives of the Kurdish people, for the mistakes made by our ancestors.

Yervand Botanj – I am known in the musical world by name of Udi Yervant. For more than 20 years, I play on ud. Since the age of four, I used to play on different musical instruments. For already 21 years, I live in Los Angeles and am involved in creative activity. For the last one year, I have moved to Tigranakert to live there. I had an opportunity to perform in Armenia three years ago during the pan-Armenian games. It should be noted that, I have been the first one, who being an Armenian, spread the Armenian music and song. I have never faced any obstacle by them; on the contrary, they respect me very much. In general, I think that the tension between Armenia and Turkey needs to be overcome by peaceful means, consolidation and agreement. Only then we can achieve the resolution of the Armenian case.

Prepared by Gevorg Chichiyan