Returning Home: the Experiences of Resettlement for Syrian-Armenian Refugees into Armenia

Syrian-Armenian communities were established after the Armenian Genocide, in 1915, when Armenian survivors and their descendants built new lives in Syria’s urban centers. Since then, Syrian-Armenians have maintained their Armenian culture and regard Armenia as their “homeland.” Beginning in 2011, Syria has been embroiled in a deadly civil war, and many Syrian-Armenian refugees have chosen to resettle in Armenia where they are welcome. This article focuses on the experiences of Syrian-Armenian refugees struggling to build new lives in Armenia by analyzing the findings from 24 in-depth qualitative interviews. It examines challenges and barriers to resettlement, including finding steady employment and affordable housing. It also highlights the benefits of resettling in Armenia such as the country’s welcoming stance toward Syrian-Armenians and the refugees’ deep commitment to Armenian culture. It concludes with a discussion of what the international community and committed professionals can do to help Syrian-Armenian refugees, utilizing their resiliency and adaptability in transitioning to new lives in Armenia.