We Are Istanbul Armenians, Not Turks: Businessman to Anna Hakobyan

The Acting Prime Minister's spouse and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the 'My Step' charitable foundation, Anna Hakobyan, hosted Istanbul Armenian businessman Taik Mirijanjan on December 21.

During the meeting, Mirijanjan shared his dream of establishing a museum named after the renowned Istanbul Armenian painter Ara Güler, alongside a café and restaurant, all located in Yerevan. He noted that there is not a strong understanding of the history and current activities of the Istanbul Armenian community in Armenia, and that such a cultural center could serve as a bridge between the community and their homeland.

"We are Istanbul Armenians, we are not Turks, but unfortunately, very little is known about us in our homeland. We have prominent figures such as Komitas, the Palyans, Ara Güler, and many other sons of Armenia. We must ensure that people in our homeland know about them and today’s Istanbul Armenians," Mirijanjan stated, adding that there are many issues within the community, one of which is that very few people speak and read their native language in a community of over one hundred thousand.

Anna Hakobyan emphasized the importance of creating such a cultural center in the homeland and assured him of her support for the initiative."It will be our duty to help. Through the 'My Step' foundation, I will stand by your side to realize your idea," Hakobyan concluded.

At the end of the meeting, Taik Mirijanjan presented Anna Hakobyan with books and photo albums about Ara Güler.