The city of Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, and Yerevan can soon become sister cities. The Head of the Armenian national-cultural autonomy in Tatarstan Mikhail Khachaturyan delivered a letter with a relevant proposal from Yerevan Mayor Gagik Beglaryan to Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin. Mikhail Khachaturyan told NEWS.am about the history, present and further plans of the Armenian community in Kazan.

Question: Armenian communities are scattered all over the world. But as to Tatarstan, most people, including Armenians, are surprised to learn about an Armenian community in Kazan. For how long have Armenians been living in Kazan?

Answer: I can affirm that Armenians first settled down in the territory of present-day Tatarstan when Kazan did not yet exist. Historians claim that Armenians started moving to this territory from Khazaria, the Lower Volga region, where a large Armenian settlement was located. Some Armenians fled to Volga Bulgaria after Armenia was seized by Seljuk Turks in the 11th century. Probably there was a large Armenian community in Bolghar, the capital of the Bulgars, as stone buildings were constructed there. Alexey Smirov, the well-known expert in Volga Bulgaria, supposed that Armenian architecture had seriously influenced the architecture of Bulgaria. Armenians have always been famous as good masons and carvers.

The renowned 10th century Arab Muslim scholar, writer and traveler Ahmad ibn Fadlān, who traveled along the Volga in the year 922 AD, wrote that the yurt of the Bulgar king was covered with Armenian carpets. As a matter of fact, the Great Volga Way had for a long time been called “an Armenian way”, because fine and beautiful fabric dyed with carmine (a crimson substance obtained from Armenian cochineal) was delivered to Europe by means of that way. The cultural and economic ties between Volga Bulgaria and Armenia reached their peak in the 13th-14th centuries. Later an Armenian settlement was formed in Kazan as well. According to the information at our disposal, the Armenian settlement was located near present-day Spartak Street (former Armenian Street) and Petersburg Street (former Georgyevskaya Street).

Early in the 18th century Armenian gravestones were still to be found near the center of the city. Then ruins of what is known as a “Greek Chamber” were there as well. A study revealed they were the ruins of an Armenian church. Unfortunately, neither the ruins nor the site itself has been preserved. Long-lasting ties with Armenia, cultural monuments, old Armenian settlements in the region proved to be prerequisites for the establishment of the Department of Armenian Studies in the Faculty of Oriental Studies of Kazan University in 1842. The renowned Armenian scholar Stepanos Nazaryan headed the Department until 1849. In 1854, the Department moved to Saint Petersburg.

The Armenian settlement existed until the Soviet times. The community gradually ceased to exist due to migration and assimilation policy. This period has not yet been thoroughly studied, but traces of Armenians’ activities have been left in Kazan. A complete set of Eastern News, a newspaper published both in Armenian and Russian, has been preserved in Kazan University. At the university library you can see a Russian-Armenian ABC book for children, as well as the original manuscript it is based on. An Armenian-language Gospel that dates back to 1501 AD is there as well. An Armenian khachkar (cross-stone) – a gravestone with a carving dating back to the year 1335 – founded in Kazan can be seen at the university.

October 7, 1994, is the date that inaugurated Armenians’ modern history in Tatarstan. The Armenian cultural society “Luis” (Light) was officially registered in Kazan. On May 11, 1995, the society jointed the Association of National and Cultural Organizations of the Republic of Tatarstan. The national and cultural autonomy of Kazan Armenians was registered five years later. Finally, in June 2001, the National and Cultural Autonomy of Armenians of Tatarstan was registered.

We have an Armenian society in Naberezhnye Chelny headed by the children’s doctor Mesrob Chakhoyan. We are running a Sunday school, as well as a folk song and dance company, there. An Armenian society in Almetyevsk was recently established.

Question: Are they recent arrivals?

Answer: Yes, we have a lot of newcomers. I myself arrived from Yerevan and graduated from the Department of History of Kazan University. Many of them arrived as contract laborers to stay in Tatarstan. Armenians are rather conservative – wherever they live they form a community at once and uphold national traditions. For example, my friend built a restaurant of Armenian cuisine in commemoration of King Dabid-bek. He called the restaurant David-bek. You can listen to Armenian music there and see the interior in the Armenian tradition.

Question: What is the population of the Armenian community?

Answer: According to the 2002 census, about 6,000 Armenians reside in Tatarstan, with about 2,500 of them in Kazan.

Question: Before our talk you showed us numerous interesting works by Armenian artists and later presented to local organizations. In 2005, you organized a large-scale exhibition on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of the foundation of Kazan. Stoneware and woodworks, embroidery with Tatar national decorations – everything was created by Armenian craftsmen. However, they are mostly Tatar motifs. But, as you know, not only Tatars live in Tatarstan. Is it a way of making friends with the Tatarstan authorities, which are almost exclusively formed of Tartars?

Answer: We live in Tatarstan. When we say “Tatarstan” we of course mean all the people living in this country. However, the major difference between Tatarstan and other regions is that
Tatars do live here. We want to show the national component. Armenians have wide experience of dealing with other peoples because, during their history, they have lived in foreign countries even more than in their homeland. By the way, many Armenian communities in Muslim countries live a better life than in Christian ones. Iran is an example.

I am a real Armenian cosmopolitan. But, since I am an Armenian, I know more about Armenian culture and try to promote it in Tatarstan. I simply cannot stand nationalists! They are always narrowed-minded people with hang-ups, who have failed to realize themselves. What is more, they are political rascals! They are of two kinds: the former are just rascals, the latter are rascals making use of the former to achieve their own aims. But we are peace-loving people, we love all the religions. After all the exhibitions – as anyone can see – we live, work and do everything well here. What attitude can be toward us?

Question: Do Armenians living here feel part of Armenia or of Tatarstan?

Answer: Some are Russian citizens, others Armenian citizens. I, although a Russian citizen, completely feel an Armenian. I am immediately concerned with all that has to do with Armenia and developments there. I do my best here to assist Armenia and its policy.

Question: Sentiments are mixed in Armenia too. Some are satisfied with the incumbent President’s activities, but we have an opposition…

Answer: Whatever they say, Serzh Sargsyan is a legally elected president, and we must support him. I am going to Orengurg on August 2 to take part in the opening ceremony of an Armenian cultural center there. President Sargsyan is to arrive there too. We are organizing a round table there with the assistance of the heads of Armenian communities from the nearby regions. Our friend, businessman Samvel Hovhannisyan, assisted by Governor of the Orenburg region Alexey Chernyshev, sponsored the construction of the Armenian cultural center. The Governor allowed a large multinational camp to be constructed there, with a Tatar, Ukrainian, Armenian and other national centers. He invited the richest businessmen from the Diaspora and stated his readiness to allot land for the national centers. Fifteen centers have been constructed.

As to the first part of your question, I can say the opposition has its sound arguments as well. But the “noisier” we are, the less benefit is to the Armenians.

Question: What is the benefit?

Answer: We benefit from unity. Otherwise, we will witness events similar to that on March 1, 2008, — fights and bloodshed. Who gained? Armenians? No, but ill-wishers! Armenia is a focus of efforts by different geopolitical players. So some forces are interested in the opposition’s victory. Sargsyan is implementing a competent policy of friendship with Russia. Many, first of all those outside Armenia and Russia, dislike it. Do not think, please, they are our neighbors, Turkey and Iran. Relations are quite good with Iran. There is a large mosque is in the center of Yerevan. Children attend madrasah. The mosque in Shushi, Nagorno-Karabakh, is being restored as well. It is great! Why did Armenians start showing hostility toward Muslims? Because those who slaughtered them from 1894 onward stated they were doing that in the name of Islam. But then we saw Armenians’ friends in the Arab Muslim world, who were ready to save us from the Genocide. By the way, in Arab countries Armenians have retained their identity even better – their unity is stronger, and they hardly get assimilated. In this context, we are much quicker “diluted” in Russia.

Question: Assimilation – is it good or bad for Armenia?

Answer: I am for cultural diversity. But we are assimilating in any way. Our generation has yet retained identity and traditions. But our children – when I hear them speak I feel sad. They use very many foreign words. It is because they see films, surf on Internet. Globalization! They feel a liking for the West. All these new holidays — Halloween or Saint Valentine’s Day. It is not dear to us, but it is interesting for them. And there is no keeping them back. We must change ourselves and teach them to retain what is their own, the Armenian traditions. In this context Russia affords ample opportunities – a vast territory and people having their ways of life.

Question: How can you retain your identity in Tatarstan?

Answer: The establishment of the Armenian national and cultural organization of the Republic of Tatarstan on the Government’s initiative was a most competent step. We were officially registered then. The opening of the International Friendship Palace of the Republic of Tatarstan, with each community having its premises, as well as the sponsorship of some events, proved to be a serious political step. They said to us: “Develop your culture!”

Question: Nothing but culture? Have you any Armenian representatives at the State Council of Tatarstan?

Answer: No, we have not. But Parliament Speaker Farid Mukhametshin is also Chairman of the Council of the Assembly of People’s of Tatarstan. We hold quarterly meetings and discuss urgent problems. He is our key lobbyist at the State Council. If we reason soundly, that’s well and good. Why should we go into local political particulars? If it comes to national quotes in Parliament, we can try then. As a matter of fact, we can resolve any problems without Parliament now – we have friends everywhere. I hope Kazan and Yerevan will soon become sister cities. I have just delivered a letter from the Yerevan Mayor to Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin. The cities’ communities — the Vakhit community of Kazan and the Nor-Nork community of Yerevan – signed a cooperation agreement. Kazan and Yerevan Universities established ties, and guests from Kazan will arrive in Yerevan on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of Yerevan University.

Question: Since the census the number of Turks residing in Yerevan has registered a 32-fold increase. Do you have any fears?

Answer: Why should we fear? The 1915 Genocide will not recur. Turkey just has to admit this historical fact, this tragedy. It will make easier for them to communicate with the rest of the world. But we do not feel any hostility toward them – either in Tatarstan or in Armenia. They are our neighbors, and we are doomed to co-existence. It is better to be friends.

Question: What about your plans?

Answer: We would like to strengthen ties between Yerevan ands Kazan. Besides the initiative I have told you about, the Yerevan-Kazan-Yerevan air route was opened due to our efforts. The airline representative Ararat Mouradyan did much for that. As regards Armenian traditions, an Armenian section was opened at the Multinational Sunday school in September 1995. Children and adults learn their mother tong, national literature, history, geography and traditions. We are now thinking about constructing an Armenian church in Kazan. There was an Armenian church here long ago. In other respects, we will live and work as before. We like it here.