Poland’s Armenian community is outstanding manifestation of Diaspora, says Ambassador

YEREVAN, MAY 11, ARMENPRESS. Poland’s Armenian community is one of the unique manifestations of the Armenian Diaspora, with its rich history and important roles in Poland’s life. Armenians live in Poland for more than 650 years. The 650th anniversary which is marked by the community this year, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between Armenia and Poland, relates to the granting of exclusive privileges to Bishop Grigor of the Armenian Apostolic Church by one of the prominent kings of Poland’s history – Casimir the Great, Armenia’s Ambassador to Poland H.E. Edgar Ghazaryan told ARMENPRESS, speaking on the role of the Armenian community in Poland.

“By the way, this isn’t the only privilege that the Polish authorities granted to the Armenians. Armenians had the privilege of having a separate autonomy in Poland, a separate court operating in Armenian language with Mkhitar Gosh’s Code of Laws etc. And in terms of what role Armenians had in the history of Poland, I believe it was wonderfully presented by President of Poland Andrzej Duda, who hosted a special reception on March 29 in the Presidential Palace in honor of the Armenian community on the 650th anniversary”, the Ambassador said.

Various sources mention 40,000-45,000 Armenians living in Poland. This number not only includes the descendants of Armenians who lived for centuries in Poland, but also Armenians who arrived in the country in the past 20-25 years.

Namely after the collapse of the USSR tens of thousands of Armenians arrived in Poland and were actively engaged especially in the trading business. In the future the majority of them repatriated to Armenia or traveled to other countries, while a significant other part continues to live and work in Poland.

They are mostly engaged in trade and entrepreneurship activities. There are also many renowned public, arts, cultural figures who have established themselves in the Polish society.

“One can’t not mention Jadwiga Zarugevichovafrom historic figures of Armenian descent, who is considered the symbolic Mother of the unknown soldier of Poland, or Gjegoj Piramovich (Grigor Pirumyan), who is one of the authors of Poland’s Constitution (first minister of education of the first republic of Poland), Theodor Aksentovich – renowned painter, the former rector of Krakow’s academy of arts and others. There are also present day famous figures of Armenian descent in Poland. One of the common prides of the Armenian and Polish peoples in world famous composer and conductor, maestro Krzysztof Penderecki, who has Armenian roots, or renowned clergyman and writer Tadeusz Isakowicz-Zaleski, famous TV reporter Robert Maklovich and others”, he said.

In cooperation with Polish authorities and partner organizations, as well as Armenian organizations of Poland, the Armenian Embassy has organized more than two dozen events on the 650th anniversary of the privilege granting to the Armenian community, as well as the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between Armenia and Poland.

According to the Ambassador, this year’s most important event was the reception in the Presidential Palace, which had great historic significance.

“In terms of cultural events, the biggest event so far was the Armenian Youth Orchestra’s concerts in Warsaw and Lublin, within the framework of the Beethoven international music festival. Armenian Days are being organized in various cities across Poland, as well as concerts, exhibitions, forums etc. On May 8, 2017, the ministry of Diaspora of Armenia and the Armenian Embassy in Poland jointly organized the 2nd annual forum of Poland’s Armenians”, the Ambassador said.

5 forums dedicated to the history of the Armenian community of Poland are scheduled to take place in 2017 in the country.

A similar event entitled ‘Armenian Diaspora’s Art’ has already been held in Warsaw.

Overall, more than 50 various anniversary events are planned to take place in 2017 in Armenia and Poland.