Armenians in Lebanon

Armenians in Lebanon

The Armenians in Lebanon (Armenian: _hy. Լիբանանահայեր, Arabic: _ar. أرمن لبنان) are Lebanese citizens of Armenian descent. There has been an Armenian presence in Lebanon for centuries. While there has not been a census for a few decades, because the balance between Christians and Muslims is considered to be a volatile subject, it is estimated that there are approximately 150,000 Armenians in Lebanon, or around 4% of the population.* Prior to the Lebanese Civil War, the number was higher, but the community lost a portion of its population to immigration.

History

Armenians first established contact with Lebanon when Tigranes the Great conquered Phoenicia from the Seleucids and made it part of his short lived Armenian Empire. When the Roman Empire established its rule over both Armenia and ancient Lebanon, some Roman troops of Armenian origin went there in order to accomplish their duties as Romans. After Armenia converted to Christianity in 301, Armenian pilgrims established contact with Lebanon and its people on their way to Jerusalem; some of whom even settled there.

Armenians in Lebanon (1915 - 1975)

The Armenian presence in Lebanon during the Ottoman period was minimal, however, there was a large influx of Armenians after the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The refugees endured many difficulties and had to adapt to the Arab lifestyle.

When Armenians first came to Lebanon they inhabited the area of Karantina. Later on, in Bourj Hammoud, a thriving Armenian community was formed.

In 1939, after the French ceded the Syrian territory of Alexandretta to Kemalist Turkey, Armenians, other Christians and Arabs from the area moved to the Bekaa Valley. The Armenians were grouped in Anjar, where a community exists to this day.

Armenians in Lebanon (1975 - Present)

During the Lebanese Civil War, Armenians, grouped in Bourj Hammoud and Anjar, did their best to remain neutral. There are three prominent Armenian political parties in Lebanon: the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Tashnag), Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (Hunchag) and Armenian Liberal Democratic Party (Ramgavar Party). They play significant influence in all facets of Armenian life. Various Armenian guerilla organizations, such as ASALA became active in Lebanon, and used it as a launching pad for their operations.

Put forth by the Armenian bloc of the Lebanese Parliament, the legislature unanimously approved on April 4, 1997 a resolution, calling for the commemoration of the 82nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman government. [ [http://www.cilicia.com/armo10i_lebanon.html Lebanon Recognizes the Armenian Genocide ] ]

After the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, Turkey proposed to send some of its troops to Lebanon as a part of UNIFIL. Most Armenians strongly oppose Turkish involvement.

Demographics

Armenians live in many areas of Lebanon. Most Armenians live in Beirut and Matn District. From Beirut proper we can mention Achrafieh, Medawwar, Mar Mikhael, Karm el Zeytoun, Khandaq Ghamik, Sanayeh (Kantari) and Hamra, among others.

From the Beirut suburbs, there are big concentrations in Matn District, particularly Bourj Hammoud, Dora, Sin el Fil, Zalka,Byakout,Fanar,Rawda, Jal el Dib,Naccash,Dbayeh and Antelias.

Further populations are scattered further in Jounieh, Jbeil (Byblos), Tripoli (particularly Mina).

There are Armenian religious centers in Antelias and Bikfaya (Armenian Apostolic) and Bzommar (Armenian Catholic). There is an Armenian orphanage in historic sites in Jbeil (Byblos).

In the Bekaa, there are Armenians living in Zahle and most notably Anjar.

Bourj Hammoud, an Armenian city in Lebanon

Bourj Hammoud (or Burj Hammud) (Armenian: Պուրճ Համուտ, Arabic: برج حموﺪ) is a suburb in east Beirut, Lebanon in the Metn district. The suburb is heavily populated by Armenians as it is where most survivors of the Armenian Genocide settled. Bourj Hammoud is an industrious area and is one of the most densely-populated cities in the Middle East. It is divided into seven major regions, namely Dora, Sader, Nahr Beirut, Anbari, Mar Doumet, Naba'a and Gheilan.

Bourj Hamoud has a majority Armenian population but also has a notable number of other Lebanese Christians, a considerable Shi'a Muslim population and some Palestinian refugees and newcomer Christian refugees from Iraq.

Most streets in Bourj Hammoud are named after various Armenian cities such as Yerevan, and rivers such as Arax. A lot of streets are also named after cities in modern-day Armenia and previous Armenian populated cities now located in Turkey, such as Marash, Sis, Adana, Aragats, Cilicia etc.

Mzher(Dzaghgatzor),an Armenian town in Lebanon

Mzher or Dzaghgatzor in Armenian ,is a small town located between Antelias and Bssalim ,in Matn district .It is a new town ,where most of the population is Armenian .In Mzher the Armenian community has one of the top Armenian schools ,Arslanian College and a socio-cultural-sportive club ,Aghpalian .Most of the Armenians of Mzher come from Bourj Hamoud,Ashrafieh,Anjar and the other old Armenian quarters.

Anjar, an Armenian village in Lebanon

Anjar ( _ar. عنجر, Armenian: _hy. Անճար), also known as Haoush Mousa ( _ar. حوش موسى), is a town of Lebanon located in the Bekaa Valley. The population is about 2,400 consisting almost entirely of Armenians.

Political Representation

According to the traditional Lebanese confessional representation in the Lebanese Parliament, a certain number of seats have been reserved for Armenian candidates according to their confession. Presently the Lebanese-Armenians are represented in the 128-seat Lebanese Parliament with 6 guaranteed seats (5 Armenian Orthodox and 1 Armenian Catholic) as follows:
* 3 Armenian Orthodox seats in the capital Beirut
* 1 Armenian Orthodox seat in the Matn District
* 1 Armenian Orthodox seat in Zahle (Bekaa)
* 1 Armenian Catholic seat in the capital Beirut

Because many Protestants in Lebanon are ethnic Armenians, the sole parliamentary slot for Evangelical (Protestant) community has at times been filled by an Armenian, making for a total of 7 Armenian deputees in the Lebanese Parliament.

Lebanese Armenians have also been represented by at least one government minister in the formations of Lebanese governments. In case of larger governments (with 24 ministers and above) Armenians are traditionally given two Armenian government ministry positions.

The Lebanese-Armenians also have their quota in top-level public positions.

Education

Lebanon boasts having the only Armenian university in the Armenian Diaspora (outside the Republic of Armenia) called Haigazian University (HU) one of Beirut's most prestigious academic insititutions. It is a liberal arts Armenian institution of higher learning, which uses English as the language of instruction.

Most schools are run by church organizations of the three Armenian Christian denominations (Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical). Others are run by cultural associations like Hamazkaine and Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU)

Some long-running Armenian secondary schools and colleges to mention:
*Armenian Evangelical College one of Beirut's most prestigious secondary schools.
*Levon & Sophia Hagopian Armenian College, Bourj Hamoud [http://www.SophiaHagopian.com Official Website]
*Armenian Evangelical Central High School (Ashrafieh, Beirut)
*Armenian Evangelical Shamlian Tatigian Secondary School Bourj Hamoud
*Armenian Catholic Hripsimiants Secondary School
*Armenian Catholic Mesrobian Technical College [http://www.mesrobian.com Official Website]

Media

Lebanese Armenians have developed an active interest in developing media outlets. Lebanese Armenians were keen in establishing dailies since the 1920s when they established in great numbers in Lebanon. "Pyunik" was the pioneer newspaper establishing (replaced by Aztag in 1927).

Press

There are three Armenian daily newspapers published in Beirut all mouthpieces of the traditional Armenian political parties (Tashnag, Hunchag and Ramgavar).
*Aztag Daily Newspaper speaks on behalf of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation - Tashnag and was established in 1927
*Ararad Daily Newspaper is published by the Social Democratic Hunchagian Party - Hunchag Party
*Zartonk Daily Newspaper is published by Armenian Liberal Democratic Party - Ramgavar and was established in 1937.

From the defunct Armenian political newspapers besides "Pyunik" in the 1920s, one should mention the independent non-partisan newspaper "Ayk" (after decades of publishing in Armenian, the licence owner Lucie Tosbat sold it to "Monday Morning" Publishing Group and "Ayk" started publishing as an English-language daily renamed "Ike" before folding.) "Ayk" daily's Lebanese-Armenian publishers Dikran and Lucie Tosbat also published the French language "Le Soir". Special mention should also be made for the Armenian leftist daily newspaper "Joghovourti Tsayn". Lebanon has kept throughout a strong tradition in periodicals and weekly newspapers in the Armenian language, so obviously it is impossible to cover all. But from the notable long-running publications, special mention could be made for:
*"Yeridasart Hayouhi" (literary periodical dedicated to women) which was later turned into an independent political biweekly called "Yeridasart Hay".
*"Nor Gyank" (New Life) the lifestyle newspaper/magazine
*"Gantch", the Armenian Communist weekly (part of Arabic language communist "An Nidaa"
*"Khosnag" the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) official publication
*"Pakin" literary / cultural publication
*"Shirak" literary cultural publication
*"Massis" Armenian Catholic publication
*"Badanegan Artsakank" Armenian Evangelical / Youth publication
*"Marzig" Homenetmen's sports monthly
*"Tidag" social lifestyle magazine

Radio

The Lebanese state radio established very early on daily radio broadcasts in Armenian through its second channel consecrated to broadcasting in languages (mainly French and English). That programming goes on to date on Radio Liban.

During the civil war, the Lebanese Armenians established a great number of unlicenced radio stations (some non-stop for 24 hours a day). The pioneer was the popular radio station "Radio Paradise" and later on "Vana Tsayn" (Voice of Van). However with the Lebanese Parliament enacting laws organizing the airwaves, all the unlicenced stations (alongside the other Lebanese stations) had to close. They were replaced by two operating and fully licenced radio stations operating in Armenian in Lebanon in accordance with the new broadcast laws - "Voice of Van" and "Radio Sevan".

Television

Lebanese private stations and state-owned Tele-Liban have consecrated occasionally television programming in Armenian on certain occasions.

During the Lebanese civil war, an Armenian television station "Paradise Television" co-operated with "Radio Paradise" was established through a broadcast tower in Bourj Hammoud. But "Paradise Television" Armenian television station had to close after it failed to get a broadcasting licence according to the new laws organizing the airwaves.

However very notably, Al Mustaqbal Television (also known as Future Television) broadcasts daily news and comments in Armenian in its regular programming.

Religion

Officially, there are 3 Armenian denominations recognized by the government. The Armenians have Armenian Orthodox, Armenian Catholic, or Armenian Evangelical mentioned in their identity cards, in the denomination field.

However sometimes there are variations particularly in case of the Armenian Evangelicals, sometimes registered as just Evangelicals or Protestants without mention of Armenian. There are also some Armenian Catholics who are registered under the denomination Latin, sometimes Armenian Latin.

Apostolic Armenians

The Catholicossate of the Great House of Cilicia, has its catholicosate in Antelias, north of Beirut. The Catholicosate has its summer residence in Bikfaya in the Matn District also north of Beirut.

It represents the Armenian Orthodox worldwide alongside the Armenian Apostolic Church in Echmiadzin.

The affairs of the Lebanese Armenian Orthodox population however is run by an independent body, the Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon (Aratchnortaran Hayots Lipanani) with its own Armenian Primate of Lebanon Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian as head.

*Sourp Krikor Lousavoritch Mayr Dajar - also serves as the church for the Holy See of Cilicia (Catholicossate of the Great House of Cilicia - In Armenian "Gatoghigosaran Medzi Danen Guiligio" (Antelias, Lebanon)
*St. Nichan Armenian Orthodox Church (Downtown Beirut) -also serves as the church for the Armenian Apostolic Archbishopric of Lebanon
*Sourp Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church (Jetawi, Achrafieh, Beirut)
*Sourp Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church (Hadjin, Mar Mikhael, Beirut)
*Armenian Apostolic Church of the Assomption (Khalil Badaoui, Beirut)
*Armenian Apostolic Church of the Assomption (Jounieh, Kesrouan, Lebanon)
*Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church (Marash, Bourj Hammoud)
*Sourp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church (Adana, Bourj Hammoud)
*St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church (Tiro, Bourj Hammoud)
*St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church (Sis, Bourj Hammoud)
*Sourp Boghos Armenian Apostolic Church (Ainjar, Bekaa)
*Sourp Hokekaloust Armenian Apostolic Church (Tripoli, North Lebanon)
*Sourp Maryam Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church - also includes the Zarehian Tebrevank (both in Bickfaya, Metn)

Catholic Armenians

Armenian Catholic Church, has its patriarchate in the Lebanese capital Beirut, and represents Armenian Catholics around the world. Armenian Catholic Church also has its summer residence and its convent in Bzoummar, Lebanon, north of Beirut.

The Armenian Catholic churches include:
*Armenian Catholic Church of the Annonciation (Achrafieh, Jetawi, Beirut) - also serving as church for the Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Eparchy.
*Armenian Catholic Church and the Convent of Bzommar (Bzommar, Lebanon)
*St. Elie-St. Gregory the Illuminator (Sourp Yeghia - Sourp Krikor Lousavoritch Armenian Catholic Cathedral, (Debbas Square, Downtown Beirut)
*St. Saviour (Sourp Pergitch) Armenian Catholic Church (Bourj Hammoud)
*St. Cross (Sourp Khatch) Armenian Catholic Church (Zalka)
*Our Lady of Fatima Armenian Catholic Church (Hoch el Zaraani, Zahle, Beqaa)
*Our Lady of the Rosary Armenian Catholic Church (Ainjar, Beqaa)

Evangelical Armenians

Armenian Evangelical Church, headquartered in Ashrafieh. The affairs of the Lebanese Evangelical community is run by the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East.

Majour Armenian Evangelical Churches:
*First Armenian Evangelical Church (Kantari, Beirut)
*Armenian Evangelical Church (Achrafieh, Beirut)
*Armenian Evangelical Church (Nor Marash, Bourj Hammoud)
*Armenian Evangelical Church (Amanos, Bourj Hammoud)
*Armenian Evangelical Brethren Church (Mar Mikhael, Beirut)

Monuments

Armenian Genocide Monument

Bikfaya is home to a commemorative plaque and monumental sculpture, honoring the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Designed by Zaven Khedeshian and renovated by Hovsep Khacherian in 1993, the outdoor, freestanding sculpture rests on top of a hill that is located on the grounds of the summer retreat of the Catholicate of Cilicia.

The sculpture is a bronze abstract figure of a woman standing with hands open toward the sky. A plaque with Arabic and Armenian inscriptions reads:

"This monument, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, was erected with the cooperation of the whole Armenian Community in Lebanon, to celebrate the rebirth of the Armenian nation and to express gratitude to our country, Lebanon - April 24 1969. "

The Armenian community of Lebanon visits the monument on April 24 every other year. The pilgrimages are alternated with the Catholicate of Cilicia in Antelias. [ [http://www.armenian-genocide.org/Memorial.102/current_category.70/memorials_detail.html Monument in Bikfaya, Lebanon ] ]

ports and Scouts Movements

There are three predominantly Armenian sports clubs in Lebanon with a strong tradition in sports as well as scouting. They are
* Homenetmen Beirut also known as HMEM -- full name Hay Marmnagertagan Enthanour Miyutioun (Armenian General Union of Body Culture)
* Homenmen Beirut also known as HMM -- full name Hay Marzagan Miyutioun (Armenian Sports Union)
* Antranik (of the Armenian Youth Association (AYA) of the Armenian General Benevolent Union AGBU)All of them have various branches distributed in many Lebanese cities throughout the country where there are Lebanese Armenian communities.

There are also many other smaller local Armenian sports clubs as well in various sports.

occer

The Armenian clubs Homenetmen and Homenmen have important football (soccer) teams in the official first and second division soccer leagues in Lebanon, although the membership of the teams is not restricted to ethnic Armenians and will usually include other Lebanese non-Armenian players as well as contracted foreign players, including professional players from the Republic of Armenia.

Homenetmen Beirut has won the Lebanese Football Championship title 7 times in the years: 1944, 1946, 1948, 1951, 1955, 1963 and 1969 and Homenmen Beirut the Championship title 4 times in 1945, 1954, 1957 and 1961. Overall, both clubs feature in the top 5 of most titles in Lebanese football:

*1. Al Ansar - 13 titles
*2. Homenetmen Beirut - 7 titles
*3. Al Nejmeh Beirut - 6 titles
*4. Al Nahda - 5 titles
*5. Homenmen - 4 titles

Many Lebanese Armenians have played for the Lebanon national football team. From them, we can mention Mardek Chabarian, Wartan Ghazarian.

Basketball

Armenian clubs Antranik and Homenetmen have prominent basketball teams playing in the official first and second division basketball league in Lebanon, although the membership of the teams is mixed and is not restricted to Armenians and will usually include other Lebanese non-Armenian players as well as contracted foreign players.

Many Lebanese Armenians have represented Lebanon in the national team. From them we can mention Vicken Eskedjian and Yervant Avakian. Lebanese national teams have also had coaches and assistant coaches of Armenian origin like Sarkis Kurdjian, Georges Kelzi and Dikran Geokdjian.

In women, the Armenian basketball clubs (Homenetmen and Antranik) are traditionally considered as powerhouses in the sport, and both clubs have won the official Lebanese Basketball Championships women title on several occasions. The Armenian club Antranik's Women Basketball team went on to win the pan-Arab championship titles. Armenian women have had important presence in Lebanese national teams as well, including captain of the team Emma Eskedjian.

For many years, the Lebanese Armenian Hagop Khajirian (Khatcherian) served as president of West Asian Basketball Association (WABA), the governing body for basketball for the West Asia region that includes Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen as sanctioned by FIBA and FIBA Asia.

Other Sports

The abovementioned Lebanese Armenian clubs also have huge influence on many other sports in Lebanon, but most notably in cycling, table tennis (ping pong) and track and fields.

Individual Armenians have also excelled, most notably in weightlifting, wrestling and martial arts competitions.

Women Sports

Lebanese Armenians also have great influence in women sports in Lebanon, most notably in basketball, cycling and table tennis. The Armenian basketball clubs of Homenetmen and Antranik have won the official Lebanese Basketball Championships on several occasions. The Armenian club Antranik's Women Basketball team went on to win the pan-Arab championship titles.

couting

The Lebanese Armenians also have a strong scouting tradition in Lebanon, and many of the Lebanese Armenian sports clubs (Homenetmen, Homenmen) also serve as scouting organizations as well.

Notable Lebanese Armenians

Lebanese Armenians have played a majour role in Lebanese politics. Lebanon even had its Armenian governors during the Ottoman rule of Lebanon, most notably Daoud Pasha, the Ottoman Armenian governor of Lebanon, as well as for a short period of time Ohannes Pasha Kouyoumdjian – Ottoman Armenian mutasarrif of Lebanon.

Of the deceased politicians, notable mentions would include Khatchig Babikian, deceased prominent Member of Lebanese Parliament and government Minister on several occasions.

The former President of Lebanon Émile Lahoud had an Armenian mother and married an Armenian woman, thus making Renée Lahoud Lebanon's first-ever Lebanese-Armenian First Lady.

ee Also

*Anjar, Lebanon
*Bourj Hammoud
*Holy See of Cilicia
*List of Lebanese Armenians

References

* [CIA World Factbook, 2007: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/le.html]

External links

* [http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia Official site]
* [http://www.armeniancatholic.org Armenian Catholic Church Official site]
* [http://www.armprelacylb.org/ Armenian (Orthodox) Prelacy of Lebanon]
* [http://www.araraddaily.org/ Ararad Armenian Daily]
* [http://www.aztagdaily.com/ Aztag Armenian Daily]
* [http://www.zartonkdaily.com/ Zartonk Armenian Daily]
* [http://www.radiosevan.com/ Radio Sevan Armenian Radio Station]
* [http://www.voiceofvan.net/ Voice of Van Armenian Radio Station]
* [http://www.homenetmenlebanon.org Homenetmen Lebanon Official site]
* [http://www.mousaler.com/anjar/ Official site of Anjar, large Armenian town in Bekaa, Lebanon]
* [http://www.bourjhammoud.com/ Official site of Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon's predominantly Armenian city and shopping district]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Armenians — This article is about Armenians as an ethnic group. For people living in Armenia, see Demographics of Armenia. Not to be confused with Arminianism. Armenians Հայեր …   Wikipedia

  • Armenians in Kuwait — The Armenians in Kuwait are people of Armenian descent living in Kuwait. None of the Armenians in Kuwait can acquire the Kuwaiti citizenship. The Armenian population reached its peak of 12,000. But after the Iraqi invasions, the numbers of the… …   Wikipedia

  • Lebanon — This article is about the country. For other uses of terms redirecting here, see Lebanon (disambiguation) and Liban (disambiguation). Republic of Lebanon اَلْجُمْهُورِيَّة اَللُّبْنَانِيَّة al Jumhūrīyah al Lubnānīyah République libanaise …   Wikipedia

  • Armenians in Egypt — are a community with a long history. They are a minority with their own language, schools, churches, and social institutions. The number of Armenians in Egypt is decreasing due to migrations to other countries and a return migration to Armenia.… …   Wikipedia

  • Armenians in Germany — are ethnic Armenians living within the modern republic of Germany. Like much of the Armenian Diaspora, most Armenians immigrated to Germany after the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Others came later, fleeing conflicts in places like Iran, Azerbaijan… …   Wikipedia

  • Armenians in the United Arab Emirates — Armenians in United Arab Emirates refers to ethnic Armenians living in the United Arab Emirates. They number around 3,000. [ [http://www.armeniadiaspora.com/followup/population.html ArmenianDiaspora website] ] The Armenians live mainly in Dubai… …   Wikipedia

  • Armenians in Qatar — refers to ethnic Armenians living in Qatar. They number between 400 and 500.The Armenians live mainly in the capital Doha.Many Armenians originating from Lebanon, Syria and other Arab countries were attracted by the economic opportunities… …   Wikipedia

  • Armenians in Bahrain — refers to ethnic Armenians living in the Kingdom of Bahrain. They number around 50.The Armenians live mainly in the capital Manama.They are Armenians originating from Lebanon, Syria that were attracted by the economic opportunities provided by… …   Wikipedia

  • Armenians in France — are ethnic Armenians living within the modern republic of France. Like much of the Armenian Diaspora, most Armenians immigrated to France after the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Others came later, fleeing conflicts in places likeLebanon, Syria. More …   Wikipedia

  • Armenians in Argentina — The Armenians in Argentina are ethnic Armenians who live in Argentina. In South America the largest population of Armenians is in Argentina where some 130,000 Armenians live [There are 130,000 Armenians living in Argentina according to… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”