YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. The guarantee of maintaining the Armenian communities in different countries is to strengthen the connection with the Fatherland, Chairman of the Armenian National Committee of Egypt Armen Mazlumyan told “Armenpress”.

-Mr. Mazlumyan, about how may Armenians live in Egypt? In what cities they are mainly concentrated in?

-Over 8.000 Armenians live in Egypt. They are mainly concentrated in Cairo and Alexandria. In those cities we have sports and cultural centers, charitable and relief unions, three Armenians newspapers which carry out Armenian identity preservation works in difficult situations. I would like to state that the National Prelacy materially assists the projects of all unions, as well as takes care of the educational and medical needs of the community members. Armenians also assist all initiatives aimed at presenting Armenia to the Arab circles. For instance, they assisted the works of shooting a film by the Egyptian directors which was called “Who killed Armenians” dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The film received a prize in New York, as well as a prize by the Armenian President.

-In recent years what trend is being realized, Armenians’ flow to Egypt or vice versa?

-In general, there is not a large number of emigration or immigration. During revolution in 2011 and following it a number of Armenian families have moved to the US.

-Are Syrian-Armenians coming to Egypt?

-The number of Syrian-Armenians is small in Egypt. Over 10 families arrived here who live with their own work, business. There were cases when we assisted them. Their issues were solved through the National Prelacy and assistance.

Meanwhile, the National Prelacy for already three years regularly provides material assistance to the Syrian-Armenian relief fund.

-In what sectors are the local Armenians mainly engaged in and represented?

-The Armenians of Egypt were always leading no matter in what sector they work. They are known as skilled, decent, loyal, intelligent professionals. Previously we have had famous political figures who had high posts in the country. Currently there are doctors, architects, lecturers, artists, actors, jewelers who enjoy the respect and trust of the Egyptian people.

-What problems does the Armenian community face? Are there any difficulties in terms of preserving the language, culture?

-Like all Armenian communities in different countries of the world, the Armenian community of Egypt as well faces a problem of preserving the Armenian identity. Thanks to the huge efforts made by the representatives and union of the Armenian colony we have managed to maintain our identity, culture and language. There are many difficulties, however, we were able to overcome them through local forces and sometimes through the support coming from abroad.

The foreign marriages become the reason of the reduction of Armenians  which is an obstacle for the preservation of the Armenian identity. The local Armenian authorities must make efforts to keep the Armenian teenagers and youth directly within the Armenian circles and encourage them to frequently visit the Fatherland. We encourage the students to receive their education in the Armenian universities thus taking care of all their needs. Our salvation is to strengthen the connection with the Fatherland.

-The educational institutions play a key role in preserving the Armenian identity. How many educational institutions are there in Egypt?

-We have two schools, one in Cairo, the other in Alexandria. Despite the small number of school-children, the Armenian language and history have been and will remain among our greatest interests.