Armenian Community in Cyprus

First thing i did when i heard about coming to Cyprus was a research about my community here and  found out that Armenian Community is one of the most integrated ones in Cyprus.

Armenians have lived in Cyprus for centuries, but the present community on the island is mainly the result of immigration during and immediately after the Armenian Genocide of 1915-23 in Turkey. Currently, some 3000-3500 Armenians live in Cyprus, mainly in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol.

With the 1974 Turkish invasion and subsequent partitioning of the island, the Armenian community lost significant properties, such as the “Makaravank” and “Kantsvor” monasteries, a primary school and church in Nicosia, and several other vital sites and assets.

To maintain a sense of community and solidarity, Armenians throughout the ages have tended to live around their churches and schools, which are typically built next to each other. Currently there are three Armenian churches and primary schools in Cyprus, one of each in each town. In addition, the community had a secondary school in Nicosia, the world renowned Melkonian Educational Institute.

Currently “Nareg” School has it’s “Gymnasium” which is equivalent to the first 3 years of Greek secondary schools.

The Armenian language has always played a pivotal role in the preservation of the Armenian national identity. For this reason, organised Armenian communities in Cyprus always had their own Armenian-language newspapers. The following newspapers are published by the community in Cyprus; Keghart (Church), Artsakank (ARF Azadamard Organisation), Azad Tzayn (Bilingual Armenian monthly)

The present representative for the Armenian community of Cyprus is Mr Vartkes Mahdessian who was elected during the 21 May 2006 elections. As well as electing their own representative, the Armenians participate in all elections of the Republic.

The Armenian community of Cyprus receives generous funding from the State. This enables them to mount concerts, dance performances, art and photographic exhibitions, as well as literary events. These activities continue to create a living culture and sustain a sense of identity for the community. The Armenians have their own schools, churches, clubs, associations, radio program, newspapers and Internet Portals.

The local associations function in all towns, some from their own premises, throughout the year. AGBU [Armenian General Benevolent Union], AYMA [Armenian Young Men’s Association], ARF [Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun], SDHP[Social Democrat Hunchakian Party] and RAG [Ramgavar Liberal Democratic Party] with their affiliated organizations’, mount a wide variety of cultural and social activities, catering for all interests.

The cultural life within the community is enriched by individuals as well, such as writers, painters, photographers, dancers, sportsmen and others who share their knowledge and skills within the community.

On the level of the ordinary people, most Cypriots are aware of the great calamity the Armenian nation suffered during 1894–1923 and have always been supportive and sympathetic towards Armenians; the Armenian Genocide refugees who remained in Cyprus were in the unique position of escaping from Ottoman Turks and living amicably amongst Turkish-Cypriots.

Cyprus has been one of the pioneering countries in recognising the Armenian Genocide, when on 25 January 1965 Foreign Minister Spyros Kyprianou first raised the issue to the General Assembly of the United Nations. Prior to his powerful speech, a delegation comprising ARF Dashnaktsoutiun Bureau members Dr. Papken Papazian and Berj Missirlian, as well as Armenian National Committee of Cyprus members Anania Mahdessian and Vartkes Sinanian, handed him a memorandum urging Cyprus’ support in raising the issue at the United Nations.

Cyprus was also the first European country (and the second world-wide, after Uruguay) to officially recognise the Armenian Genocide. On 24 April 1975, after the determined efforts and the submission by Representative Dr. Antranik L. Ashdjian, Resolution 36 was voted unanimously by the House of Representatives.