YEREVAN, APRIL 20, ARMENPRESS. Syrian-Armenian Jimmy Hajar considers Armenia a great country for photography. According to him, the Armenian nature is just amazing, wonderful photos can be made on every corner. “One can get beautiful photos anywhere in Armenia, the atmosphere is very good for creativity and photography, it helps to get beautiful pictures”, he says. Hajar, who is from Aleppo, says that there are plenty of beautiful sites in Syria as well, but it is difficult to reach them, as opposed to for example from Yerevan to any part of Armenia.

Jimmy Hajar moved to Armenia from Aleppo in March 2014. He said that during the first 2-3 years of the war, he and his wife tried to endure the conditions, but eventually were forced to leave Syria. Hajar’s first child was born in Armenia, who is already 2 years old.

Jimmy was engaged in photography in Aleppo as well. He is an event photographer, but he feels difference during the same work in different countries. “Syria is a multinational and multi-religious country, thus the photography was more diverse in nature”, said the photographer during an interview with “Armenpress”.

Jimmy often takes photos of famous people in Yerevan, but he confessed that he doesn’t always recognize them. 12 people work with Jimmy, including photographers, operators, and editors.

His schedule is very tough. He works 20 hours per day. He says that even during his day-offs he processes and edits the photos. He is not a photographer by profession, but he is engaged in this business for more than 22 years.

Jimmy is very happy with his job and has no intention to change it. The only regret he has is that he has little time to see his family.

The Syrian-Armenian photographer says he feels appreciated in Yerevan.

He noted that there were no difficulties in the process of moving to Yerevan.

When asked if he and his family have the intention of moving to Europe, as many Syrians do, Jimmy said: “By going to Europe people become refugees. Armenia is our motherland, why should I get a refugee status if I can return to the home of my ancestors, “Hajjar said.

In regard to the recent escalations and military operations in the line of contact, Hajar said they are used to war situation. “We fought there, and we are ready to fight in our motherland as well. It will not make us leave Armenia,” Jimmy added.

Photos by Eduard Sepetchyan