The Greek Community of Armenia – under Danger of Disappearance
Worldwide, Weekly news | ankakh | October 4, 2010 16:37
The few remaining Greeks in Armenia have only memories from their community.
More than 2 hundred years ago – in 1760s, a large number of miners were invited to Armenia from Turkey by king Irakli and moved to the Armenian settlements which were under the influence of Georgia.
Mainly by the efforts of Greeks Akhtala silver melting and in 1770 in Alaverdi, then in Shamlughi copper factories were built, but now a small Greek community living in the country may be completely eliminated.
20 years ago, Madan, having 800 residents of Greek origin, is not a saparate village but an avenue of Alaverdi in 5 km distance with a total population of about 75.
By the way, 40 families live in Madan, only 5 of which are Greek, mostly consisting of old pensioners.
“Madane is our pain. The Greek village was full, and now you can hardly find 3-4 families. And they are old people. Village is almost destroyed, there is no master and imperious, like thy after the war,” notes Armenia Greek NGOs Arkady Khitarov with regret.
Indeed, the deserted village reminds of a battlefield with its dilapidated houses.
Greek miners have always had great honor and respect due to their diligence and natural inborn strength. After the collapse of Soviet Union mines were closed, the factories stopped working, jobs reduced. It was assumed that Alaverdi can survive without industry.
According to the 1979 census data, the number of registered Greeks was 5653, in 2001 their number has fallen sharply, reaching 1176’s.
Taking into account the worsening living conditions in Madan it is not surprising that most Greeks hurried to take the opportunity to leave the village given by the Greek government.
As Madane people assessed the most urgent solution requires the problem of drinking water. Formerly Madane was provided with water, but the pipes molded, and the district is completely waterless.
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