Publications
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-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=0381f574abe17d080228c67fc2b52f00 "Festivals of Faith, Food, and Folklore: Armenia’s Colorful Celebrations")
Tips19.05.20252 minAn Introduction into Armenia’s Favorite Festivals Armenians love a celebration and there are probably many Armenian traditions and festivals that you have never even heard of. Being a land steeped in ancient traditions - both Christian, and with Pagan origins - Armenia’s festivals offer an insight into the history of the nation. Prior to adopting Christianity in 301 AD, many Armenian festivals had Pagan roots, often celebrating the cycle of nature, the seasons and fertility. These festivals would involve dancing, feasting and symbolic rituals to ensure prosperity. Following the adoption of Christianity, these festivals were Christianized as opposed to eliminated, ensuring Armenia’s centuries-long traditions were preserved. Often accompanied by food, music and dance, Armenian festivals preserve Armenian culture and pass down traditions to the next generation. Keep reading to learn about some of Armenia’s most loved festivals that reflect the identity and spirit of the country. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=a31e464efa8038c896ea02025f7800b6 "Chasing Ararat: An Armenian's Journey from Africa Back to His Roots")
Repat Story16.05.20252 minVicken DerSarkissian moved to Armenia five years ago, having previously lived in Africa for several decades. But this isn’t the first time Vicken has lived in Armenia, after finishing high school in Beirut, he moved to Armenia to study engineering at university for six years. He then went into his family business, which worked with diamonds, prompting his move to Africa. “In the Armenian school in the diaspora in Lebanon they paid great attention to putting Armenia in our minds and hearts”, he says, “When we came home from school, our parents did the same. So Armenia has been part of our hearts and minds since childhood.” Vicken set his heart on going to university in Armenia, not just to study, but to learn about Armenia. “When you apply for a visa, you write the purpose of your visit”, he says, “Everybody writes tourism or holiday or something. I was so filled with idolizing Armenia... I wrote pilgrimage! ... I said that no one goes to his homeland as a tourist. I'm going to my homeland on a pilgrimage!” -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=55a974f8c05b897f2676c28d7d350f21 "Shant’s Shekherdimian: A Doctor for the Healthcare System")
Repat Story30.04.20252 minBorn and raised in California, Dr. Shant Shekherdimian’s connection to Armenia began in 1997 during his first visit to Armenia. What started as curiosity evolved into commitment, and eventually, into a life deeply intertwined with Armenia’s future. Today Shant is a pediatric surgeon with a background in public health but in 2005, he and his friends chose to spend a summer teaching English in the village of Martuni. It was “a life-changing experience to be immersed in the village life.” Dr. Shekherdimian has found a way to consistently return to Armenia and has since repatriated, though still maintains his practice in California. As a professional, he has been embedded in the Ministry of Health as an advisor, working alongside government officials with a seat at the policy-making table since 2019. And yet still sees his role not as a savior, but as a student—learning, listening, and gradually contributing to a more sustainable healthcare infrastructure. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=711a0d66e13db2d7dcaf4e4c4fd5a8b7 "Life in Armenia After 50")
Repat Story30.04.20252 minSome people think that repatriation is only for those who are in their 20s or 30s and “can afford to start a new life.” At Repat Armenia we wholeheartedly disagree. Repats can be any age, and can come from anywhere. As a matter of fact, many repats relocate to Armenia in their 50s and choose to establish themselves from a place of wisdom and understanding, which lends itself to a more enjoyable transition than if they came to Armenia at full steam without any plan or knowledge. To that end, we decided to collect the stories of just a handful of our repats who are in their 50s as their stories will serve as inspiration to many that age is not going to hold you back from living a good life in Armenia. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=7206373aaca82b5ac7422242371c6cad "Diaspora Engagement: New Opportunities, New Vision")
Analytics27.07.202213 min readBy Martin Russel -
-webp(85)-o(jpg).webp?token=9402a0c21d05b29b47b76e82b93493c6 "Can Diaspora Bonds Supercharge Development Investment?")
Analytics27.07.202213 min readBy Aleksandr V. Gevorkyan -
-webp(85)-o(jpg).webp?token=9af4de5a30a12918c3be4443a8c22a62 "Development through Diversity: Engaging Armenia’s New and Old Diaspora")
Analytics27.07.202215 min readBy Aleksandr V. Gevorkyan -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=28f4469694199cef1485472acb2ef39b "Diaspora and Economic Development: A Systemic View")
Analytics25.07.202220 min readBy Aleksandr V. Gevorkyan -
-webp(85)-o(jpg).webp?token=7f6cd11d90b95e3104ffc00413e3746c "Dual citizenship in Armenia: The nature of the debate since independence")
Analytics25.07.202220 min readBy Aleksandr V. Gevorkyan -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=44ddc470c0717bf8065979c7c2754c46 "Part 1 - Diaspora Philanthropy: Definition, Discourse, Decision")
Analytics25.09.202110 min readBy Martin Russell -
-webp(85)-o(jpg).webp?token=2b42e50556734c0f0a86927f743cc0da "Lessons From an Armenian Diaspora Online Survey")
Analytics12.05.202110 min readA Diaspora Portal and Non-Monetary Development Initiatives in Small Economies -
Analytics19.06.202015 min readBy Martin Russell
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-webp(85)-o(jpg).webp?token=7b054d4a583c4f678aaf1445db6ef48f "A Diaspora-Portal as a door to knock on for non-monetary development in small economies")
Analytics14.02.20205 min readA diaspora policy proposal based on an Armenian Diaspora Online Survey -
-webp(85)-o(jpg).webp?token=6219977420812960be0ecc7fbe9a3c50 "Ireland's Diaspora Engagement: Some \"Dos and Don'ts\"")
Analytics04.05.201911 min readBy Martin Russell -
-webp(85)-o(jpg).webp?token=d4362e18b0284b9f64d04abd95cf2f12 "The frailties of diaspora bonds")
