“We will fight for having sustainability in Armenia”. Syrian market is open in Yerevan

Lena Shvliyan tries to find a bright spot even in all difficulties, losses and deprivations of Syrian war. “We came to Armenia, we were able to enjoy our country”.

Overly optimistic and industrious this woman is one of businesspersons operating near Subway station of Republic Square. Here you can find almost everything: from Syrian spices and Aleppo sandwiches up to woman’s and men’s underwear and even hairdresser. There are Syrians working next to each other. One day they decided to unite their efforts and create co-called Aleppo market. Syrian woman sells only goods of Armenian production. The shop offers women’s, men’s and children’s underwear of local production. “We had a desire to create our business, and our dream was Armenian production.

She came to Armenia together with her sister three years ago. In July of 2012 when she came to Armenia to get citizenship, the war was there in Syria. After the situation they had a desire to go back. “We were hopeful that in two months everything would get calm, but still it is the same”.

Her sister started her business too. She is a pastry master. She prepares and sells sweet pastries. Shavilyan sisters are not married. They are joking saying that they are married with their job. They were unique women in Aleppo who had their own business. As it is known, in Syria women rarely work or do not work, men carry the whole burden of the family. Before starting her own business in Aleppo Lena used to teach at school. They had a specialized shop for brides and feeding mothers. “It had a history of 30 years, now I do not know in what condition it is.

She says that the most important thing is not to lose people, it is possible to overcome material loses.

Syrian-Armenians need to advertise Aleppo market. It is 8 months since Petros Kazaryan has been living in Armenia with his family. He left neverything in Aleppo – house, store, etc. He had his own business in Aleppo, used to repair cars. He was able to ensure welfare of his family but war changed everything. Of course, there are many difficulties. His wife has health problems. However, they have no intentions to go back to Aleppo. Only if the situation gets calmer, he will go to Syria to sell his properties.

Vahram Ter-Ohanyan is one of the compatriots who has his own business here. He has been master of delicious dishes for more than 20 years. He says that the secret of his success is species.

‘I had a great store in Aleppo, but the rocket fell, many relatives and close friends died, and we came to Armenia”.

The people who have lost everything, which they had created for many years, are very skilled in business but not very familiar with local laws. In addition to Armenia’s socio-economic difficulties, Syrian-Armenians have problems with adapting to local behavior. Compared with Syria, market is small here, and operation possibilities- limited.