YEREVAN, AUGUST 29, ARMENPRESS.  As Europe grapples with massive numbers of refugees fleeing violence and persecution, while xenophobia rises at home, perhaps it would do well to recall a time when desperate Armenians sought and were given sanctuary here. “Armenpress” reports that the Irish Independent starts the article over the migrants issue this way.

The magazine mentions that the Armenian community in France and especially in Marseille had been formed prior to the Armenian Genocide conducted in the Ottoman Empire, but the overwhelming part of the community migrated to France exactly during the Genocide of 1915.

Armenians established their cultural center in Marseille, 8 Armenian churches, schools where French Armenian children can learn their native language, get acquainted with their culture and history. Memories of the period of the genocide are alive due to the Avenue called “24 April 1915” and a memorial. The names on many local businesses on that avenue speak about their Armenian origins. This district in France's second-largest city is known affectionately as “Little Armenia”.

80 thousand Armenians are estimated to reside in Marseille.

The magazine considers the integration of the Armenian communities in European countries as a good example for overcoming migration issues of modern Europe.