Armenians of Syria
Encyclopedia
The Armenians in Syria are Syria
n citizens of either full or partial Armenian
descent. Syria and the surrounding areas have often served as a refuge for Armenians who fled from wars and persecutions such as the Armenian Genocide
. According to Armenian diaspora
organizations estimated that there are 150,000 Armenians in Syria, most of whom live in Aleppo
. But in fact the number of the Armenian population in Syria has declined during the recent 20 years, and it roughly counts 100,000 nowadays. The town of Kesab has also a majority of Armenians within Syria.
subjugated Syria, and chose Antioch
as one of the four capitals of the short lived Armenian Empire. During Antiquity
, there was some Armenian presence in Northern Syria, however it wasn't a considerable one.
Christianity became the official religion of Armenia in 301 through the efforts of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Armenian merchants and travelers often frequented Antioch
, one of the earliest sites of Christian teaching and practice, and had relations with the even closer Christian centers of Edessa
and Nisibis
, all of which are located in Greater Syria
, where Christianity flourished in apostolic times.
When the Seljuk Turks conquered Armenia from its previous Byzantine rulers, waves of Armenians left their homeland in order to find a more stable place to live. Most Armenians established themselves in Cilicia
where an Armenian kingdom was founded, but some chose Northern Syria. Armenian quarters were formed during the 11th century in towns or cities such as Antioch
, Aleppo
, Aintab, etc.
During the Crusades
, the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia chose to side with the European invaders rather than the mostly Turkish rulers of Syria. Prior to the Siege of Antioch
, most Armenians were expelled from Antioch by Yaghi-Siyan
, the Turkish governor of the city, a move that prompted the Armenians of Antioch to show further support to the Crusaders. Thus, the new rulers of Antioch became the Europeans. Armenian engineers also helped the Crusaders during the Siege of Tyre by manipulating siege engines.
The Armenian population of Syria and its surrounding areas greatly diminished after the region was taken by the Mongols
under Hulagu.
At the beginning of the 14th century, a new wave of Armenian migrants from Cilicia arrived in Aleppo with the decline of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia
. They have gradually developed their own schools, churches and later on the prelacy, to become a well-organized community during in Aleppo by mid-14th century.
At the first years of the Ottoman
rule, there was relatively smaller Armenian presence in Northern Syria due to the previous conflicts. A larger community existed in Urfa, a city often considered part of Greater Syria
. The Ottoman Empire
had a large indigenous Armenian population in its Eastern Anatolia region, from where some Armenians moved to Aleppo in search of economic opportunity. Later on, many Armenian families moved from Western Armenia
to Aleppo escaping the Turkish oppression. Thus, large numbers of Armenians from Arapgir, Sasun, Hromgla, Zeitun
, Marash
and New Julfa
arrived in Aleppo during the 17th century. Another wave of migrants from Karin
arrived in Aleppo in 1737. There were also families from Yerevan
.
committed by the Ottoman Empire
. The main killing fields of Armenians were located in the Syrian desert of Deir ez-Zor (Euprathes Valley). 1.5 million Armenians were killed and hundreds of thousands fled historic Armenia. The native Arabs didn't hesitate to shelter and support persecuted Armenians. Arabs and Armenians have traditionally had good relations after Arabs sheltered the Armenians during the Armenian Genocide
.
Most Armenians of Syria live in Aleppo
, while a smaller community exists in the capital city of Damascus
. Armenians even have their own quarter "Hayy al Arman" (Quarter of the Armenians) in Damascus.
There are Armenians also in Lattakia, Kesab and Yacoubiyah
in the northwest, and in Ar-Raqqah, Tal Abyad
, Al-Hasakah
, Al-Qamishli, Al-Malikiyah
and Ra's al-'Ayn
in the east.
: 'Քեսապ') is a Syria
n border town located in Latakia Governorate
northwest of Syria at a height of 800 meters above sea level just 3 kilometers away from the Turkish
border, and 9 kilometers from the Mediterranean sea.
Kasab is an ancient Armenian town, over 1000 years old. Today, The population of the town and the surrounding villages is mainly Armenian with a minority of Syrian Arab.
Kesab is a touristic summer resort and a very popular destination.
where they were killed. A memorial complex commemorating this tragedy was opened in the city. It was designed by Sarkis Balmanoukian and was officially inaugurated in 1990 with the presence of the Armenian Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. The complex contains bones and remnants recovered from the Deir ez-Zor desert of Armenian victims of the Genocide and has become a pilgrim destination for many Armenians in remembrance of their dead.
. Those organizations are acting in the form of cultural, sport, youth or charitable associations, that aim to gather the Armenian community members through their activities.
Cultural associations based in Aleppo:
Charitable associations based in Aleppo:
Sports associations based in Aleppo:
Student associations based in Aleppo:
Most of those associations have branches in other Syrian cities with organized Armenian communities such as Al-Qamishli, Damascus
, Lattakia and Kesab.
The Armenians of Aleppo have also formed compatriotic unions based on their roots, named after towns and villages where their ancestors have migrated from, during the Armenian Genocide
. Nowadays, there are 11 compatriotic organizations operating in Aleppo: Dikranagerd, Daron
-Duruperan
, Marash
, Urfa women's, Urfa youth, Palu, Zeitun
, Kilis
, Berejik
, Musa Ler
and Garmouj compatriotic unions.
Other community structures in Aleppo:
Armenians in Syria are mainly followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church
, with a minority of Armenian Catholics
and Armenian Evangelicals
. The Church plays a very important role in unifying Armenians in Syria.
After 301 AD, when Christianity became the official state religion of Armenia and its population, Aleppo became an important centre for the Armenian pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. Yet, not considered an organized community in the city, Armenian presence was notably enlarged in Aleppo, during the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia
(12th century), when a considerable number of Armenian families and merchants settled in the city creating their own businesses, residencies, and gradually schools, churches and prelacy. The Armenian church of the Forty Martyrs in Aleppo was mentioned for the first time in 1476. In 1624, as a result of the growing number of Armenian residents and pilgrims, the Armenian prelacy started to build a quarter near the church which kept its original name Hokedun (Spiritual House), up to now. It was designated to serve as a settlement for the Armenian pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem.
The majority of Armenians of the Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) faith are under the jurisdiction of the Holy See of Cilicia (based in Antelias
, Lebanon
) of the Armenian Apostolic Church
.
In difference, the Diocese of Damascus pledges allegiance to the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin
.
The Armenian Orthodox population in Syria belongs to one of three prelacies:
The churches include:
In Aleppo
(Diocese of Aleppo):
in Latakia Governorate
(under the jurisdiction of the diocese of Aleppo):
In the governorates of Ar-Raqqah and Deir ez-Zor (under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Aleppo):
in Al-Hasakah Governorate (Diocese of Al-Jazira):
In Damascus
(Diocese of Damascus):
.
The first official Armenian Catholic Prelate of in Aleppo was the Bishop Abraham Ardzivian
(1710–1740). In 1740, he became the first Armenian Catholic Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia, appointed by Benedict XV in 1742 in Lebanon. Nowadays, the number of the Catholic believers of the Eparchy of Aleppo is approximately 15,000.
The Armenian Catholic community in Damascus was established in 1763 in Damascus in the days of the Catholicos Michael Petros III Kasparian
. In 1863, the ancient church was anointed. In 1959, the church and the archbishopric "Bab Touma" were bought. In 1969, the first bishop was nominated. Since 1984, the Armenian Catholic bishop carries the title of Patriarchal exarchate.
The Eparchy of Al-Qamishli (or the Eparchy of Al-Jazira) has under its jurisdiction, the eastern region of Syria (Al-Jazira, Mesopotamia) which includes the governorates of Al-Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor.
The Armenian Catholic churches include:
In Aleppo
(Eparchy of Aleppo):
In Latakia Governorate (under the jurisdiction of the diocese of Aleppo):
in Al-Hasakah Governorate and Deir ez-Zor (Diocese of Al-Jazira):
In Ar-Raqqah (under the jurisdiction of the diocese of Aleppo):
In Damascus
(Damascus Patriarchal exarchate):
Convents and Seminaries:
of the Armenian Evangelical Church
.
The Armenian Evangelical churches include:
A total of 9 schools operate in the northern city of Aleppo including four secondary schools:
Other Elementary schools in Aleppo under the administration of the prelacy:
Outside Aleppo:
A stream of publications followed in the twenties and the thirties: Suryagan Surhantag (1919–1922), Suryagan Mamul (1922–1927), the dailies Yeprad (1927–1947), Surya (1946–1960) and Arevelk (1946–1963). The latter had also its annual yearbook. Arevelk had also published 1956 its youth supplement Vahakn (1956-1963) and its sports supplement Arevelk Marzashkharh (1957-1963).
Monthly papers included Nayiri (1941–1949) published by Antranig Dzarugian
, and Purasdan youth publication (1950–1958).
Yearbooks include Suryahay Daretsuyts (1924–1926), Datev (1925–1930), Suryagan Albom (1927–1929), Daron (1949), Hay Darekirk (1956) and Keghart (since 1975).
Currently, Kantsasar weekly is the official organ of the Armenian Prelacy of Aleppo. It was first published as Oshagan in 1978 and was renamed Kantsasar in 1991.
Syrian publishers have a great contribution in translating several Armenian literature and academic studies into Arabic
. It is noteworthy that the first evere Arabic language newspaper was published by the Aleppine Armenian journalist Rizqallah Hassoun in 1855 in Constantinople
.
(since 1992), was the first Armenian embassy opened abroad after the independence of Armenia. The official visit of the newly elected Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrossian
to Syria in 1992, was the first international official visit of an Armenian president after the independence. Since then, the relations between the two countries are developing especially after the creation of a joint economical committee between the two governments and the establishment of co-operation between the commercial chmabers of Aleppo and Armenia since 2008. The recent visit of president Bashar al-Assad
to Yerevan in June 2009, came to maintain the bilateral relations.
Armenia has also a consulate general in Aleppo
since 28 May 1993. In 1997, the Syrians opened their embassy in Yerevan
which is located on Baghramyan street, few meters away from the presidential palace.
The first president of the new Republic of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrossian was born in Aleppo.
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
n citizens of either full or partial Armenian
Armenians
Armenian people or Armenians are a nation and ethnic group native to the Armenian Highland.The largest concentration is in Armenia having a nearly-homogeneous population with 97.9% or 3,145,354 being ethnic Armenian....
descent. Syria and the surrounding areas have often served as a refuge for Armenians who fled from wars and persecutions such as the Armenian Genocide
Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
. According to Armenian diaspora
Armenian diaspora
The Armenian diaspora refers to the Armenian communities outside the Republic of Armenia and self proclaimed de facto independent Nagorno-Karabakh Republic...
organizations estimated that there are 150,000 Armenians in Syria, most of whom live in Aleppo
Aleppo
Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and the capital of Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2,301,570 , expanding to over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is also one of the largest cities in the Levant...
. But in fact the number of the Armenian population in Syria has declined during the recent 20 years, and it roughly counts 100,000 nowadays. The town of Kesab has also a majority of Armenians within Syria.
History
Armenia under Tigranes the GreatTigranes the Great
Tigranes the Great was emperor of Armenia under whom the country became, for a short time, the strongest state east of the Roman Republic. He was a member of the Artaxiad Royal House...
subjugated Syria, and chose Antioch
Antioch
Antioch on the Orontes was an ancient city on the eastern side of the Orontes River. It is near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey.Founded near the end of the 4th century BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Antioch eventually rivaled Alexandria as the chief city of the...
as one of the four capitals of the short lived Armenian Empire. During Antiquity
Ancient history
Ancient history is the study of the written past from the beginning of recorded human history to the Early Middle Ages. The span of recorded history is roughly 5,000 years, with Cuneiform script, the oldest discovered form of coherent writing, from the protoliterate period around the 30th century BC...
, there was some Armenian presence in Northern Syria, however it wasn't a considerable one.
Christianity became the official religion of Armenia in 301 through the efforts of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Armenian merchants and travelers often frequented Antioch
Antioch
Antioch on the Orontes was an ancient city on the eastern side of the Orontes River. It is near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey.Founded near the end of the 4th century BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Antioch eventually rivaled Alexandria as the chief city of the...
, one of the earliest sites of Christian teaching and practice, and had relations with the even closer Christian centers of Edessa
Edessa, Mesopotamia
Edessa is the Greek name of an Aramaic town in northern Mesopotamia, as refounded by Seleucus I Nicator. For the modern history of the city, see Şanlıurfa.-Names:...
and Nisibis
Nisibis
Nusaybin Nisêbîn) is a city in Mardin Province, Turkey, populated mainly by Kurds. Earlier Arameans, Arabs, and Armenians lived in the city. The population of the city is 83,832 as of 2009.-Ancient Period:...
, all of which are located in Greater Syria
Greater Syria
Greater Syria , also known simply as Syria, is a term that denotes a region in the Near East bordering the Eastern Mediterranean Sea or the Levant....
, where Christianity flourished in apostolic times.
When the Seljuk Turks conquered Armenia from its previous Byzantine rulers, waves of Armenians left their homeland in order to find a more stable place to live. Most Armenians established themselves in Cilicia
Cilicia
In antiquity, Cilicia was the south coastal region of Asia Minor, south of the central Anatolian plateau. It existed as a political entity from Hittite times into the Byzantine empire...
where an Armenian kingdom was founded, but some chose Northern Syria. Armenian quarters were formed during the 11th century in towns or cities such as Antioch
Antioch
Antioch on the Orontes was an ancient city on the eastern side of the Orontes River. It is near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey.Founded near the end of the 4th century BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Antioch eventually rivaled Alexandria as the chief city of the...
, Aleppo
Aleppo
Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and the capital of Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2,301,570 , expanding to over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is also one of the largest cities in the Levant...
, Aintab, etc.
During the Crusades
Crusades
The Crusades were a series of religious wars, blessed by the Pope and the Catholic Church with the main goal of restoring Christian access to the holy places in and near Jerusalem...
, the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia chose to side with the European invaders rather than the mostly Turkish rulers of Syria. Prior to the Siege of Antioch
Siege of Antioch
The Siege of Antioch took place during the First Crusade in 1097 and 1098. The first siege, by the crusaders against the Muslim city, lasted from October 21, 1097, to June 2, 1098. The second siege, against the crusaders who had occupied it, lasted from June 7 to June 28, 1098.-Background:Antioch...
, most Armenians were expelled from Antioch by Yaghi-Siyan
Yaghi-Siyan
Yaghi-Siyan was the governor of Antioch during the First Crusade.He was a Turkic slave of the Seljuk sultan Malik Shah I, who had captured Antioch in 1085 and appointed Yaghi-Siyan governor around 1090. Malik Shah died in 1092, and his successor Tutush I granted Yaghi-Siyan more territory around...
, the Turkish governor of the city, a move that prompted the Armenians of Antioch to show further support to the Crusaders. Thus, the new rulers of Antioch became the Europeans. Armenian engineers also helped the Crusaders during the Siege of Tyre by manipulating siege engines.
The Armenian population of Syria and its surrounding areas greatly diminished after the region was taken by the Mongols
Mongols
Mongols ) are a Central-East Asian ethnic group that lives mainly in the countries of Mongolia, China, and Russia. In China, ethnic Mongols can be found mainly in the central north region of China such as Inner Mongolia...
under Hulagu.
At the beginning of the 14th century, a new wave of Armenian migrants from Cilicia arrived in Aleppo with the decline of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia
Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia
The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia , also known as the Cilician Armenia, Kingdom of Cilician Armenia or New Armenia, was an independent principality formed during the High Middle Ages by Armenian refugees fleeing the Seljuk invasion of Armenia...
. They have gradually developed their own schools, churches and later on the prelacy, to become a well-organized community during in Aleppo by mid-14th century.
At the first years of the Ottoman
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
rule, there was relatively smaller Armenian presence in Northern Syria due to the previous conflicts. A larger community existed in Urfa, a city often considered part of Greater Syria
Greater Syria
Greater Syria , also known simply as Syria, is a term that denotes a region in the Near East bordering the Eastern Mediterranean Sea or the Levant....
. The Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
had a large indigenous Armenian population in its Eastern Anatolia region, from where some Armenians moved to Aleppo in search of economic opportunity. Later on, many Armenian families moved from Western Armenia
Western Armenia
Western Armenia is a term, primarily used by Armenians, to refer to Armenian-inhabited areas of the Armenian Highland that were part of the Ottoman Empire and now are part of the Republic of Turkey....
to Aleppo escaping the Turkish oppression. Thus, large numbers of Armenians from Arapgir, Sasun, Hromgla, Zeitun
Süleymanli
Süleymanlı , Zeitun, Zeytun, Zeytunfimis or Zeytünfimis), is a town in the Kahramanmaraş Province, Turkey.-See also:* Zeitun Resistance by the Armenian militia in this town against the Ottoman Empire, on two occasions – events still highly controversial and seen in different ways in Armenian and...
, Marash
Kahramanmaras
-Industry:Kahramanmaraş's industry is mainly based on textile and ice cream. Kahramanmaraş is one of the biggest textile industry cities of Turkey. Companies like Kipaş, İskur, Arsan and Bozkurt are one of the richest companies in the city...
and New Julfa
New Julfa
New Julfa is the Armenian quarter of Isfahan, Iran, located along the south bank of the river Zayandeh River....
arrived in Aleppo during the 17th century. Another wave of migrants from Karin
Karin (historic Armenia)
Karin was a region of historic Armenia, roughly encompassing parts of the Erzurum and Muş Provinces in present-day Turkey....
arrived in Aleppo in 1737. There were also families from Yerevan
Yerevan
Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia and one of the world's oldest continuously-inhabited cities. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country...
.
Armenians in Syria (20th century-present)
Although the Armenians have had a long history in Syria, most arrived there during the Armenian GenocideArmenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
committed by the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
. The main killing fields of Armenians were located in the Syrian desert of Deir ez-Zor (Euprathes Valley). 1.5 million Armenians were killed and hundreds of thousands fled historic Armenia. The native Arabs didn't hesitate to shelter and support persecuted Armenians. Arabs and Armenians have traditionally had good relations after Arabs sheltered the Armenians during the Armenian Genocide
Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
.
Most Armenians of Syria live in Aleppo
Aleppo
Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and the capital of Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2,301,570 , expanding to over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is also one of the largest cities in the Levant...
, while a smaller community exists in the capital city of Damascus
Damascus
Damascus , commonly known in Syria as Al Sham , and as the City of Jasmine , is the capital and the second largest city of Syria after Aleppo, both are part of the country's 14 governorates. In addition to being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Damascus is a major...
. Armenians even have their own quarter "Hayy al Arman" (Quarter of the Armenians) in Damascus.
There are Armenians also in Lattakia, Kesab and Yacoubiyah
Yacoubiyah, Syria
Yacoubiyah is a village in north-west Syria, near the Turkish border. It is located on a height of 480 meters.In the 12th century there were many Armenian villages in this region...
in the northwest, and in Ar-Raqqah, Tal Abyad
Tal Abyad
Tal Abyad is a Syrian city located along the Balikh River and administratively belonging to Ar-Raqqah Governorate. It has a population of 12,490....
, Al-Hasakah
Al-Hasakah
Al-Hasakah...
, Al-Qamishli, Al-Malikiyah
Al-Malikiyah
Al-Malikiyah is a small Syrian city and the center of an administrative district belonging to Al-Hasakah Governorate. The district constitutes the northeastern corner of the country. The Tigris river defines the border that separates Syrian from Iraqi and Turkish territories...
and Ra's al-'Ayn
Ra's al-'Ayn
Ra's al-'Ayn is a Syrian city administratively belonging to Al-Hasakah Governorate. Ra's al-'Ayn has an altitude of 360 m. It has a population of 55,247, many of them being Assyrian/Syriacs, Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, Chechens, or Syrian Turkmen. There is a border crossing to Ceylanpınar in Turkey...
in the east.
Kesab, an Armenian town in Syria
Kesab (Arabic: كسب, ArmenianArmenian language
The Armenian language is an Indo-European language spoken by the Armenian people. It is the official language of the Republic of Armenia as well as in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The language is also widely spoken by Armenian communities in the Armenian diaspora...
: 'Քեսապ') is a Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
n border town located in Latakia Governorate
Latakia Governorate
Latakia Governorate or muhafazah al Ladhiqiyah is one of the fourteen governorates of Syria. It is situated in western Syria, bordering Turkey. Its reported area varies in different sources from 2,297 km² to 2,437 km² . The Governorate has a population of 991,000 and is one of the...
northwest of Syria at a height of 800 meters above sea level just 3 kilometers away from the Turkish
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
border, and 9 kilometers from the Mediterranean sea.
Kasab is an ancient Armenian town, over 1000 years old. Today, The population of the town and the surrounding villages is mainly Armenian with a minority of Syrian Arab.
Kesab is a touristic summer resort and a very popular destination.
Deir ez-Zor and the Armenian Genocide
In 1915, the Syrian region of Deir ez-Zor, mainly a desert became a final destination of the Armenians during Armenian GenocideArmenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
where they were killed. A memorial complex commemorating this tragedy was opened in the city. It was designed by Sarkis Balmanoukian and was officially inaugurated in 1990 with the presence of the Armenian Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. The complex contains bones and remnants recovered from the Deir ez-Zor desert of Armenian victims of the Genocide and has become a pilgrim destination for many Armenians in remembrance of their dead.
Organizations
The majority of Armenian organizations are based in the city of AleppoAleppo
Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and the capital of Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2,301,570 , expanding to over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is also one of the largest cities in the Levant...
. Those organizations are acting in the form of cultural, sport, youth or charitable associations, that aim to gather the Armenian community members through their activities.
Cultural associations based in Aleppo:
- Gertasirats Cultural Association (1924)
- Kermanig-Vasbouragan Cultural Association (1928)
- HamazkayinHamazkayinHamazkayin , short for Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, is a major cultural organization of the Armenian Diaspora, with a presence in every significant Armenian community worldwide...
Cultural and Educational Association (1930) - Armenian Youth Association (1932)
- Tekeyan Armenian Cultural Association (1955)
- National Cultural Association (1955)
- The Revival of Urfa Cultural Association (1957)
- Nor Serount Cultural Association (1958)
- Cilician Cultural Association (1964)
- Syrian Youth Association (1978)
Charitable associations based in Aleppo:
- Armenian General Benevolent Union (1910), with its AGBU-Alex ManoogianAlex ManoogianAlexander "Alex" Manoogian was an Armenian-American industrial engineer, businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist who had most of his career in Detroit, Michigan. He and his wife Marie donated their home to the city, which uses the Manoogian Mansion as the mayoral residence...
multi-purpose centre in Aziziyeh area, Aleppo. - Armenian Syrian Red Cross Association (1919), offices and clinics are located in Meydan quarter of Aleppo.
- National Orphanage (1920), is a centre of Armenian orphans located in the old Jdeydeh quarter of Aleppo.
- Armenian Old Age Home (1923), a large structure located in Bostan Pasha area of Aleppo.
- Howard Karageozian Commemorative Corporation (1941)
- Jinishian Memorial Foundation (1966)
- Social Service Consultation of the Diocese of Beroea (1993)
Sports associations based in Aleppo:
- Armenian Sports Union (Homenmen sports and scouting organization established in Aleppo in 1921)
- Armenian General Athletic Union (Homentmen sports and scouting organization, established in IstanbulIstanbulIstanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
in 1918 and opened branches in Syria in 1925), represented to the Syrian General Sports Federation under the name Al-Yarmouk Sports Club of Aleppo. The club's training facilities are located in Aziziyeh area, while the new sports centre is under construction in Bostan Pahsa area. - Ararat Sports Union, represented to the Syrian General Sports Federation under the name Ourubeh Club of Aleppo. The training facilities are located in Bostan Pasha area.
Student associations based in Aleppo:
- Karen Jeppe College Graduates Union (1947), under the patronage of the National Prelacy.
- Aleppo Universities' Armenian Students Union (H.H.H.M, est. 1968), under the patronage of the National Prelacy.
- Graduates Union of Higher Institutions of Armenia (1982), under the patronage of the National Prelacy.
- Syrian Universities' Armenian Graduates Union (S.H.Sh.H.M, est. 1985), under the patronage of the National Prelacy.
- Dkhrouny Students-Youth Association (1969), under the patronage of Hunchakian party.
- ChristaporChristapor MikaelianChristapor Mikaelian also known by his noms de guerre Hellen , Topal , and Edward , was one of the three founders of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation along Stepan Zorian and Simon Zavarian, also part of Armenian national liberation movement.- Early life :Christapor Mikaelian was born in the...
Students Union (2001), under the patronage of Dashnak party.
Most of those associations have branches in other Syrian cities with organized Armenian communities such as Al-Qamishli, Damascus
Damascus
Damascus , commonly known in Syria as Al Sham , and as the City of Jasmine , is the capital and the second largest city of Syria after Aleppo, both are part of the country's 14 governorates. In addition to being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Damascus is a major...
, Lattakia and Kesab.
The Armenians of Aleppo have also formed compatriotic unions based on their roots, named after towns and villages where their ancestors have migrated from, during the Armenian Genocide
Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
. Nowadays, there are 11 compatriotic organizations operating in Aleppo: Dikranagerd, Daron
Taron (historic Armenia)
Taron was a canton of the Turuberan province of Greater Armenia, now in the Muş Province, Turkey. It was divided into four districts: Mamikonian, Palauni, , Artokh Taron was a canton of the Turuberan province of Greater Armenia, now in the Muş Province, Turkey. It was divided into four districts:...
-Duruperan
Turuberan
-History:Turuberan was an Armenian region, that was part of the Kingdom of Armenia from 189 BC to 387 AD. Then it was part of Sassanid Empire, Byzantine Empire, Arab Caliphate, Kingdom of Armenia , Zakarid Armenia, Ottoman Empire. A very large Armenian population remained until 1915's Armenian...
, Marash
Kahramanmaras
-Industry:Kahramanmaraş's industry is mainly based on textile and ice cream. Kahramanmaraş is one of the biggest textile industry cities of Turkey. Companies like Kipaş, İskur, Arsan and Bozkurt are one of the richest companies in the city...
, Urfa women's, Urfa youth, Palu, Zeitun
Zeitun Resistance
The Zeitun Resistance by the Armenian militia against the Ottoman Empire may refer to:*Zeitun Rebellion in 1895–1896, First Zeitun Resistance.*Second Zeitun Resistance....
, Kilis
Kilis
Kilis is a city in south-central Turkey on the border with Syria and capital of Kilis Province.- History and Population :Kilis was part of the vilayet of Aleppo of the Ottoman Empire until the First World War when it was given to Turkey and had a mixed population of Circassians, Turkomans and Arabs...
, Berejik
Birecik
Birecik , also formerly known as Bir and during the Crusades as Bile, is a town and district of Şanlıurfa Province of Turkey, on the River Euphrates....
, Musa Ler
Musa Dagh
Musa Dagh was the site of resistance by the Armenians during the Armenian Genocide. The denizens of that region were violently expelled from their six villages by the Ottomans in 1915...
and Garmouj compatriotic unions.
Other community structures in Aleppo:
- Avetis AharonianAvetis AharonianAvetis Aharonyan was an Armenian politician, writer, public figure and revolutionary, also part of the Armenian national movement.Aharonyan was born in 1866 in Iğdır, Erivan Governorate, Russian Empire...
theatre hall of the National Prelacy, opened in 1959, renovated and renamed in 1989, has a capacity of 450 seats. - Zavarian theatre hall of the National Prelacy opened in 1965, totally renovated in 2002, has a capacity of 350 seats.
- Kevork Nazarian theatre hall of AGBU, renovated and renamed in mid 1990s, has a capacity of 550 seats.
- Zohrab Kaprielian theatre hall of Gertasirats Cultural Association, opened in 1973, totally renovated and renamed in 1999, has a capacity of 600 seats.
- Kevork Yesayan theatre hall of the National Prelacy, opened in 2005, has a capacity of 700 seats.
- Aram Manukian Public House of the National Prelacy, a multi-purpose centre, opened in 1989.
- Zarehian Treasury, currently occupies the building of former Surp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic church in the courtyard of the Forty Martyrs church. More than 650 valuable pieces are exhibited in the museum.
- Simon Vratsian Centre of the National Prelacy. After demolishing the old building of Gulbenkyan school, a new multi-purpose building was erected in 2003, on the same place.
- The National Cemetery. The Armenian cemetery of Aleppo has been granted by the government in 1927, and became the National Prelacy's property in 1946. In the centre of the cemetery, the chapel of Surp Hripsime stands since 1970.
Religion
Armenian Apostolic Church
The Armenian Apostolic Church is the world's oldest National Church, is part of Oriental Orthodoxy, and is one of the most ancient Christian communities. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301 AD, in establishing this church...
, with a minority of Armenian Catholics
Armenian Catholic Church
|- |The Armenian Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Church sui juris in union with the other Eastern Rite, Oriental Rite and Latin Rite Catholics who accept the Bishop of Rome as spiritual leader of the Church. It is regulated by Eastern canon law...
and Armenian Evangelicals
Armenian Evangelical Church
The Armenian Evangelical Church was established on July 1, 1846 by thirty-seven men and three women in Constantinople.-History:In the 19th century there was intellectual and spiritual awakening in Constantinople. This awakening and enlightenment pushed the reformists to study the Bible...
. The Church plays a very important role in unifying Armenians in Syria.
After 301 AD, when Christianity became the official state religion of Armenia and its population, Aleppo became an important centre for the Armenian pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. Yet, not considered an organized community in the city, Armenian presence was notably enlarged in Aleppo, during the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia
Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia
The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia , also known as the Cilician Armenia, Kingdom of Cilician Armenia or New Armenia, was an independent principality formed during the High Middle Ages by Armenian refugees fleeing the Seljuk invasion of Armenia...
(12th century), when a considerable number of Armenian families and merchants settled in the city creating their own businesses, residencies, and gradually schools, churches and prelacy. The Armenian church of the Forty Martyrs in Aleppo was mentioned for the first time in 1476. In 1624, as a result of the growing number of Armenian residents and pilgrims, the Armenian prelacy started to build a quarter near the church which kept its original name Hokedun (Spiritual House), up to now. It was designated to serve as a settlement for the Armenian pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem.
Apostolic Armenians
Antelias
Antelias is a town in Lebanon. It is located around 5 km to the north of Beirut. Its inhabitants are mainly Christians and include Armenians , Maronites, Greek Catholics and Greek Orthodox ....
, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
) of the Armenian Apostolic Church
Armenian Apostolic Church
The Armenian Apostolic Church is the world's oldest National Church, is part of Oriental Orthodoxy, and is one of the most ancient Christian communities. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301 AD, in establishing this church...
.
In difference, the Diocese of Damascus pledges allegiance to the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin
Echmiadzin
Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin is a 4th century Armenian church in the town of Ejmiatsin, Armenia. It is also the central cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin of the Armenian Apostolic Church....
.
The Armenian Orthodox population in Syria belongs to one of three prelacies:
- Diocese of Aleppo, also known as "Perio Tem" (which means the Diocese of BeroeaAleppoAleppo is the largest city in Syria and the capital of Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2,301,570 , expanding to over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is also one of the largest cities in the Levant...
), was first opened in 1432, and its first Archbishop was Hovagim of Beroea (1432–1442). The estimated population of the diocese all over Syria is about 70,000 Armenians. - Diocese of Al-Jazira (in Al-Qamishli)
- Diocese of Damascus
The churches include:
In Aleppo
Aleppo
Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and the capital of Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2,301,570 , expanding to over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is also one of the largest cities in the Levant...
(Diocese of Aleppo):
- Cathedral of the Forty MartyrsCathedral of the Forty Martyrs (Aleppo)The Forty Martyrs Armenian Cathedral of Aleppo, Syria is a 15th century Armenian Apostolic church located in the old Christian district of Aleppo, at Salibeh street of Jdeydeh quarter. It is significant among Armenian churches for having three altars. The church has no dome, but the bell tower is...
- Surp Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church
- Surp Krikor Lusavorich (Saint Gregory the Illuminator) Church
- Church of the Holy Mother of God
- Surp Hagop (Saint Jacob of Nisibis) Armenian ChurchSurp Hagop ChurchSurp Hagop Church is an Armenian Apostolic church, located on Al-Iman strret in the Old Syrian quarter of Aleppo, Syria...
in Latakia Governorate
Latakia Governorate
Latakia Governorate or muhafazah al Ladhiqiyah is one of the fourteen governorates of Syria. It is situated in western Syria, bordering Turkey. Its reported area varies in different sources from 2,297 km² to 2,437 km² . The Governorate has a population of 991,000 and is one of the...
(under the jurisdiction of the diocese of Aleppo):
- Surp Hripsime Church of YacoubiyahYacoubiyah, SyriaYacoubiyah is a village in north-west Syria, near the Turkish border. It is located on a height of 480 meters.In the 12th century there were many Armenian villages in this region...
village - Surp Anna Church of Yacoubiyah village
- Surp Asdvadzadzin Church of Lattakia
- Surp Asdvadzadzin Church of Kesab
- Surp Asdvadzadzin Church of Karadouran village near Kesab
- Surp Stepanos Church of Karadouran village near Kesab
- Surp Kevork (Saint George) Armenian Church of Ghnemiyeh village
- Surp Stepanos (Saint StephenSaint StephenSaint Stephen The Protomartyr , the protomartyr of Christianity, is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Churches....
) Armenian Church of AramoAramo, SyriaAramo is a Syrian village located in Latakia Governorate north west of the country. Aramo is just 30 km from the Mediterranean sea.-Etymology:The name probably comes from the name of the ancient Arameans who inhabited the place.- Armenians :...
village
In the governorates of Ar-Raqqah and Deir ez-Zor (under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Aleppo):
- Armenian Genocide Martyrs' Memorial Church-ComplexArmenian Genocide Memorial Church (Der Zor)Armenian Genocide Martyrs' Memorial in Deir ez-Zor, Syria, is a complex dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. The construction of the memorial started in December 1989 and completed in November 1990. The Consecration of the complex took place in 4 May 1991 by His...
of Deir ez-Zor - Surp Harutyun (Holy Resurrection) Chapel of Margadeh village
- Surp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church in Ar-Raqqah
- Surp Khach or the church of the Holy Cross in Tal AbyadTal AbyadTal Abyad is a Syrian city located along the Balikh River and administratively belonging to Ar-Raqqah Governorate. It has a population of 12,490....
town
in Al-Hasakah Governorate (Diocese of Al-Jazira):
- Surp Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church in Al-Qamishli, the seat of the Armenian Apostolic prelacy in Al-Jazira region
- Surp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church in Al-MalikiyahAl-MalikiyahAl-Malikiyah is a small Syrian city and the center of an administrative district belonging to Al-Hasakah Governorate. The district constitutes the northeastern corner of the country. The Tigris river defines the border that separates Syrian from Iraqi and Turkish territories...
(Dayrik) town - Surp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church in Ra's al-'AynRa's al-'AynRa's al-'Ayn is a Syrian city administratively belonging to Al-Hasakah Governorate. Ra's al-'Ayn has an altitude of 360 m. It has a population of 55,247, many of them being Assyrian/Syriacs, Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, Chechens, or Syrian Turkmen. There is a border crossing to Ceylanpınar in Turkey...
- Surp Hovhannu Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church in Al-HasakahAl-HasakahAl-Hasakah...
In Damascus
Damascus
Damascus , commonly known in Syria as Al Sham , and as the City of Jasmine , is the capital and the second largest city of Syria after Aleppo, both are part of the country's 14 governorates. In addition to being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Damascus is a major...
(Diocese of Damascus):
- Surp Sarkis Church, the seat of the Armenian Apostolic prelacy in Damascus
Catholic Armenians
Armenian Catholics are members of the Armenian Catholic ChurchArmenian Catholic Church
|- |The Armenian Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Church sui juris in union with the other Eastern Rite, Oriental Rite and Latin Rite Catholics who accept the Bishop of Rome as spiritual leader of the Church. It is regulated by Eastern canon law...
.
The first official Armenian Catholic Prelate of in Aleppo was the Bishop Abraham Ardzivian
Abraham Petros I Ardzivian
Abraham Petros I Ardzivian Abraham Petros I Ardzivian Abraham Petros I Ardzivian (in Abraham Petros I Ardzivian (in Abraham Petros I Ardzivian (in [[Armenian language|Armenian Աբրահամ Պետրոս Ա. Արծիւեան ) was an [[Armenians|Armenian]] Catholic Patriarchs of [[Cilicia]]. In 1738, the [[Armenian...
(1710–1740). In 1740, he became the first Armenian Catholic Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia, appointed by Benedict XV in 1742 in Lebanon. Nowadays, the number of the Catholic believers of the Eparchy of Aleppo is approximately 15,000.
The Armenian Catholic community in Damascus was established in 1763 in Damascus in the days of the Catholicos Michael Petros III Kasparian
Michael Petros III Kasparian
Michael Petros III Kasbarian Michael Petros III Kasbarian Michael Petros III Kasbarian (in Michael Petros III Kasbarian (in Michael Petros III Kasbarian (in [[Armenian language|Armenian Միքայէլ Պետրոս Գ. Գասպարեան ) was a member of the Order of St. Antoine, from [[Aleppo]], [[Syria]]....
. In 1863, the ancient church was anointed. In 1959, the church and the archbishopric "Bab Touma" were bought. In 1969, the first bishop was nominated. Since 1984, the Armenian Catholic bishop carries the title of Patriarchal exarchate.
The Eparchy of Al-Qamishli (or the Eparchy of Al-Jazira) has under its jurisdiction, the eastern region of Syria (Al-Jazira, Mesopotamia) which includes the governorates of Al-Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor.
The Armenian Catholic churches include:
In Aleppo
Aleppo
Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and the capital of Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2,301,570 , expanding to over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is also one of the largest cities in the Levant...
(Eparchy of Aleppo):
- Cathedral of Our Mother of Reliefs (1840, Tilel street)
- The Holy Saviour - Saint BarbaraSaint BarbaraSaint Barbara, , Feast Day December 4, known in the Eastern Orthodox Church as the Great Martyr Barbara, was an early Christian saint and martyr....
Church (1937, Suleymanieh area) - Holy Trinity Church (1965, Meydan area)
- Holy Cross ChurchHoly Cross Church (Aleppo)Church of the Holy Cross is an Armenian Catholic Church in the Ouroubeh quarter of Aleppo, Syria....
(1993, Ouroubeh area) - Church of Our Lady of Annunciation (1942, Sheikh Maksoud area)
In Latakia Governorate (under the jurisdiction of the diocese of Aleppo):
- Saint Michael the Archangel Church of Kesab
- Church of Our Lady of Assumption, Baghjaghaz village near Kesab
in Al-Hasakah Governorate and Deir ez-Zor (Diocese of Al-Jazira):
- Saint Joseph Church in Al-Qamishli, the seat of the Armenian Catholic prelacy in Al-Jazira
- Sainte Famille Church in Al-Hasakah
- St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Deir ez-Zor
In Ar-Raqqah (under the jurisdiction of the diocese of Aleppo):
- Holy Martyrs Church
In Damascus
Damascus
Damascus , commonly known in Syria as Al Sham , and as the City of Jasmine , is the capital and the second largest city of Syria after Aleppo, both are part of the country's 14 governorates. In addition to being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Damascus is a major...
(Damascus Patriarchal exarchate):
- Notre-Dame Church of the Universe (Bab Touma quarter), the seat of the Armenian Catholic prelacy in Damascus
Convents and Seminaries:
- The convent of the Immaculate Conception Sisters, Aziziyeh area, Aleppo
- Saint Vartanants Convent, Meydan, Aleppo
- The convent of Mekhitarist Fathers, New Syriac quarter, Aleppo
Evangelical Armenians
Armenian Evangelicals (also called Armenian Protestants), belong to Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near EastUnion of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East
The Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East is an autonomous body of churches comprising 25 congregations throughout Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Iran Iraq and Australia...
of the Armenian Evangelical Church
Armenian Evangelical Church
The Armenian Evangelical Church was established on July 1, 1846 by thirty-seven men and three women in Constantinople.-History:In the 19th century there was intellectual and spiritual awakening in Constantinople. This awakening and enlightenment pushed the reformists to study the Bible...
.
The Armenian Evangelical churches include:
- Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel ChurchArmenian Evangelical Emmanuel ChurchThe Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church, is an Armenian Evangelical church in Aleppo, Syria. The church has been established in 1852. The building that is currently being used as a place of worship was built in 1923. The Church has a wealthy past....
(Aleppo) - Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church (Aleppo)
- Armenian Evangelical Martyrs' ChurchArmenian Evangelical Martyrs' ChurchThe Armenian Evangelical Martyrs' Church is located in Soulemaniye quarter, Aleppo, Syria. The origin of the church goes back to 1865, Aintab, Turkey, where the first Armenian Evangelical - Kayajik church with the full content of its members was split into two groups and one group moved into Hayik...
(Aleppo) - Church of Christ (Aleppo)
- The Holy Trinity Armenian Evangelical Church of Kesab
- Emmanuel Armenian Evangelical Church of Ekizolukh village near Kesab
- The Armenian Evangelical Church of Keorkeuna village near Kesab
- The Armenian Evangelical Church of Karadouran village near Kesab
Education
Armenian education is very important in maintaining Armenian language and patriotism among the Armenian community in Syria. Aleppo as the main host of he community, is a center of Armenian long-running schools and cultural institutions. Armenian students who graduate from those community schools, can immediately enter the Syrian university system, after passing the official Thanawiya 'Amma (High School baccalaureate) exams.A total of 9 schools operate in the northern city of Aleppo including four secondary schools:
- Karen JeppeKaren JeppeKaren Jeppe was a Danish missionary and social worker, known for her work aid workerwith Ottoman Armenian refugees and survivals of the Armenian Genocide, mainly widows and orphans, from 1903 untilher death in Syria in 1935...
Armenian College, the first Armenian secondary school in Aleppo. The school was established in 1947 on a piece of land in the Armenian quarter of Meydan, which has been transferred to the Armenian Prelacy by the will of Danish philanthropist miss Karen JeppeKaren JeppeKaren Jeppe was a Danish missionary and social worker, known for her work aid workerwith Ottoman Armenian refugees and survivals of the Armenian Genocide, mainly widows and orphans, from 1903 untilher death in Syria in 1935...
, by the initiative of then-bishop Zareh Payaslian (the future Catholicos of the house of Cilicia, Zareh I). The school building has been expanded gradually in 1966, 1973 and 1986. Nowadays, this educational centre has around 1100 mixed students with only secondary section of six grades, and operates under the direct administration of the Armenian prelacy of Aleppo. - Lazar Nadjarian-Calouste Gulbenkian Armenian Central High School, was founded as Lazar Nadjarian Central School in 1954 by the efforts of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, and became secondary in 1959 to be renamed Lazar Nadjarian-Calouste Gulbenkian Central School. The elementary and the secondary sections are situated in two buildings connected to each other while the kindergarten has its own newly erected building. This educational centre of more than 1500 mixed students, is under the administration of the Syrian Regional Central Committee of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. The school has its own theatre hall named after its benefactor "Kevork Hagop Nazarian".
- Cilician (Giligian) Armenian High School, is a 12 grade mixed high school, established in 1921. It has three sections: nursery, elementary and secondary, each of them has its own separate building. The sections are all situated along the Sissi street in the old Christian quarter of Jdeydeh. At first, it was founded in 1921 as Cilician Refugees School by the efforts of Cilician Relief Association. In 1930, it was renamed Cilician School and subsequently Cilician High School after the foundation of the secondary section in 1960. The Cilician School complex is currently being administrated by the Cilician Cultural Association. The school has more than 450 students.
- Gertasirats High School, has been founded as Aintab’s Gertasirats Mixed School by the efforts of "Aintab's Gertasirats Association" in 1924. Up to 1974, the school was located in the old Christian quarter near Jdeydeh, when it moved to the a new modern building in Suleimanyeh area. It has a kindergarten, elementary section, and since 2004; secondary section. The school is under the administration of Gertasirats Cultural Association, and has around 300 mixed students. Adjacent to the school, the Armenian church of the Holy Mother of God was opened in 1983. The school has its own "Zohrab Kaprielian" theatre hall which is one of the biggest halls in Aleppo.
Other Elementary schools in Aleppo under the administration of the prelacy:
- Haygazian Elementary School, established in 1919. It is considered a continuation of the "Tebradoun" (est. in 1876) and the Nersessian School. The school is located within the Forty Martyrs Cathedral's complex, and consists of a six years mixed elementary educational section, in addition to a kindergarten which operates in a totally different area. The elementary section has more than 800 students. The school has a theatre hall named after Avetis AharonianAvetis AharonianAvetis Aharonyan was an Armenian politician, writer, public figure and revolutionary, also part of the Armenian national movement.Aharonyan was born in 1866 in Iğdır, Erivan Governorate, Russian Empire...
. - Mesrobian Elementary School. It is a six-year elementary education school. At first, the school was opened in Suleimaniyeh's Armenian refuge camp of Ram in 1923 and was known as camp's Mesrobian Mixed school, then, in 1936 it has been transformed to the Meydan Armenian quarter, to be included within the proposed Surp Kevork church (consecrated in 1965) complex. The nursery section of the school is operating in a small building adjacent to the Surp Kevork church. In 2003, the total number of the students of the mixed school was 200.
- Zavarian Elementary School, originally founded as Nersessian School in 1925. A small section from the school has been transformed to the an Adult Orphan's Centre. On 15 August 1936, the two sections have been merged in one building in the Armenian quarter of Meydan. The new school, along with its theatre hall were renamed in the honour of Simon ZavarianSimon Zavarian250px|thumb|Simon ZavarianSimon Zavarian, also known by his nom de guerre Anton , was one of the three founders of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and part of Armenian national liberation movement, along Kristapor Mikaelian and Stepan Zorian.- Role in the founding of the ARF :Simon Zavarian...
. The building was totally renovated in 1965. Nowadays it has a six years mixed elementary section and a kindergarten. The total number of the students is 451. - Sahagian Elementary School, founded in 1927 by the donation of Armenians of IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and BrazilBrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
. It is located in Meydan quarter since 1932 in the Surp Krikor church yard, with an additional building erected in 1962. Nowadays, it works as a six years mixed elementary education school with a kindergarten, which are placed in two separate buildings next to ech other. The total number of the students is 852. The school was named in the honour of Catholicos Sahak I Khabayan of the Holy See of Cilicia. - Gulbenkian Elementary School, founded on 22 September 1930, as Boghos Gulbenkian school by the donation of national benefactor Nerses Gulbenkian from LondonLondonLondon is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. Up to 1996, the school was operating in a small building located in a narrow street in the Suleimanyeh area. On 13 June 1997, the new modern building of the school in Suleimaniyeh area, was inaugurated with the presence of Catholicos Aram IAram IHis Holiness Aram I is the head of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia and has been Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church since 1995...
. Nowadays, it works as a six years mixed elementary school with a kindergarten section. The total number of the students is 516. The Kevork Yesayan theatre hall, which is considered among the best halls in Aleppo, is also a part of the new complex of the school.
Outside Aleppo:
- Yeprad (Euphrates) Intermediary School, Al Qamishli, founded in 1932 and since 1962 has 9 grades, currently has around 900 students.
- Azadutyun School, Al-MalikiyahAl-MalikiyahAl-Malikiyah is a small Syrian city and the center of an administrative district belonging to Al-Hasakah Governorate. The district constitutes the northeastern corner of the country. The Tigris river defines the border that separates Syrian from Iraqi and Turkish territories...
(Dayrik) - Mesrobian School, Al-Hasakah
- Nahadagats School, Ra's al-'AynRa's al-'AynRa's al-'Ayn is a Syrian city administratively belonging to Al-Hasakah Governorate. Ra's al-'Ayn has an altitude of 360 m. It has a population of 55,247, many of them being Assyrian/Syriacs, Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, Chechens, or Syrian Turkmen. There is a border crossing to Ceylanpınar in Turkey...
- Khorenian School, Tal AbyadTal AbyadTal Abyad is a Syrian city located along the Balikh River and administratively belonging to Ar-Raqqah Governorate. It has a population of 12,490....
- Noubarian School, Ar-Raqqah
- Veradzenount School, Yacoubiyah
- Nahadagats School, Lattakia
- Usumnasirats Miyatsyal School, Kesab
- Tarkmanchats Intermediary School, Damascus
- Usumnasirats School, Damascus
- AGBU Gyullabi Gulbenkian School, Damascus
- Sahakian School, Homs
Media
Syria has a rich tradition of media and publications in Armenian language. Armenian dailies all defunct now had a great run. The daily Hay Tsayn (1918–1919), one-every-two-days Darakir (1918–1919) and Yeprad (1919) are among the first published newspapers.A stream of publications followed in the twenties and the thirties: Suryagan Surhantag (1919–1922), Suryagan Mamul (1922–1927), the dailies Yeprad (1927–1947), Surya (1946–1960) and Arevelk (1946–1963). The latter had also its annual yearbook. Arevelk had also published 1956 its youth supplement Vahakn (1956-1963) and its sports supplement Arevelk Marzashkharh (1957-1963).
Monthly papers included Nayiri (1941–1949) published by Antranig Dzarugian
Antranig Dzarugian
Antranig Dzarugian was an influential diasporan Armenian writer, poet, educator and journalist in the 20th century....
, and Purasdan youth publication (1950–1958).
Yearbooks include Suryahay Daretsuyts (1924–1926), Datev (1925–1930), Suryagan Albom (1927–1929), Daron (1949), Hay Darekirk (1956) and Keghart (since 1975).
Currently, Kantsasar weekly is the official organ of the Armenian Prelacy of Aleppo. It was first published as Oshagan in 1978 and was renamed Kantsasar in 1991.
Syrian publishers have a great contribution in translating several Armenian literature and academic studies into Arabic
Arabic language
Arabic is a name applied to the descendants of the Classical Arabic language of the 6th century AD, used most prominently in the Quran, the Islamic Holy Book...
. It is noteworthy that the first evere Arabic language newspaper was published by the Aleppine Armenian journalist Rizqallah Hassoun in 1855 in Constantinople
Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
.
Syrian-Armenian Relation
The Armenian embassy of DamascusDamascus
Damascus , commonly known in Syria as Al Sham , and as the City of Jasmine , is the capital and the second largest city of Syria after Aleppo, both are part of the country's 14 governorates. In addition to being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Damascus is a major...
(since 1992), was the first Armenian embassy opened abroad after the independence of Armenia. The official visit of the newly elected Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrossian
Levon Ter-Petrossian
Levon Ter-Petrossian , sometimes transliterated Levon Ter-Petrosyan or Ter-Petrosian , was the first President of Armenia from 1991 to 1998...
to Syria in 1992, was the first international official visit of an Armenian president after the independence. Since then, the relations between the two countries are developing especially after the creation of a joint economical committee between the two governments and the establishment of co-operation between the commercial chmabers of Aleppo and Armenia since 2008. The recent visit of president Bashar al-Assad
Bashar al-Assad
Bashar al-Assad is the President of Syria and Regional Secretary of the Ba'ath Party. His father Hafez al-Assad ruled Syria for 29 years until his death in 2000. Al-Assad was elected in 2000, re-elected in 2007, unopposed each time.- Early Life :...
to Yerevan in June 2009, came to maintain the bilateral relations.
Armenia has also a consulate general in Aleppo
Aleppo
Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and the capital of Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2,301,570 , expanding to over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is also one of the largest cities in the Levant...
since 28 May 1993. In 1997, the Syrians opened their embassy in Yerevan
Yerevan
Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia and one of the world's oldest continuously-inhabited cities. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country...
which is located on Baghramyan street, few meters away from the presidential palace.
The first president of the new Republic of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrossian was born in Aleppo.
See also
- List of Syrian Armenians
- Armenian-Syrian relations
- Kesab
- Yacoubiyah, SyriaYacoubiyah, SyriaYacoubiyah is a village in north-west Syria, near the Turkish border. It is located on a height of 480 meters.In the 12th century there were many Armenian villages in this region...
- Karen JeppeKaren JeppeKaren Jeppe was a Danish missionary and social worker, known for her work aid workerwith Ottoman Armenian refugees and survivals of the Armenian Genocide, mainly widows and orphans, from 1903 untilher death in Syria in 1935...