Syrian-Armenian refugees at Nansen museum

Nansen museum, which is situated in Nor Nork district of Yerevan, differs from the other museums of the city with its unique architectural plan and structure. It was opened exactly one year ago with the initiative of the benefactors, honored doctors of the Republic of Armenia Karlen and Sara Yesayan.

At the only hall of the museum covering 40, 6 square meters/ architecture – Albert Sokhikyan/ visitors get acquainted with Nansen’s life and scientific and humanitarian activities through books, posters, sculptures, commemorative materials and frequently organized discussions. The backyard of the museum is also impressive and enjoyable; it seems like an open-air museum. Alongside with church cross stones there are statues of Vardan Mamikonyan, St. Gregory the Illuminator, a plaque of a poet George Byron, and a monument dedicated to Nansen passports.

Every year on October 10^th, marking the anniversary of the great Norwegian has become a tradition at Nansen foundation. This time the president of the Foundation Felix Bakhchinyan invited to the museum a group of Diaspora Armenians who although were not descendants of those who had Nansen passports, but appreciate that humanitarian step towards the Armenian people, according to them Nansen’s aid-giving hands are more holy than praying lips.

–         Friendly relations with Syrian-Armenians were strengthened in Syria when in 2011 Nansen’s 150^th anniversary was celebrated. On this day the film “Nansen and Armenia” was also shown with the help of Aleppo Diocese. During the next years my Syrian relatives migrated to Armenia because of the war. Today we celebrate Nansen’s 154^th anniversary under the floor of foundation, – said Felix Bakhchinyan. Among the guests was the colonel, commander of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, Tigran Vladimir Aslikyan, who was awarded Nansen Gold Medal by Bakhchinyan.

Syrian Armenians gathered around the table were telling stories read or heard about Nansen, remembered their fellows with Nansen passports settled in different countries, and about their last trip to Syria and referring to Nansen they once again confirmed that the noblest attribute is a mercy.