Armenian Quarter residents descend from genocide survivors, bishop says ahead of exclusive tours

The Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem's Old City is more than just a historical enclave; it is a living testament to resilience and survival. As Bishop Koryun Baghdasaryan of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem shared with The Jerusalem Post, the community residing within the monastic compound are predominantly descendants of those who escaped the horrors of the Armenian Genocide. Fleeing the atrocities perpetrated by the Ottoman Turks, approximately 10,000 refugees found sanctuary in Jerusalem, establishing a lasting presence that continues to this day.

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But after the Armenian Genocide, 10,000 refugees arrived in Jerusalem. And what you see now, the Armenians living inside the convent, they are, in fact, the descendants of those genocide survivors.

This community's deep connection to its faith and heritage is palpable. Armenia's status as the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 CE laid the groundwork for centuries of pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The Armenian Patriarchate, founded a century and a half later, has since played a pivotal role in facilitating these journeys and providing a spiritual home for Armenians abroad. The historical narrative of Armenian pilgrims arriving at Jaffa Port, being welcomed by an abbot, and journeying to Jerusalem, highlights a continuous thread of faith and connection spanning millennia.

From the perspective of the Armenian Patriarchate and its community in Jerusalem, safeguarding this presence is not merely about preserving history; it is about fulfilling a sacred mission. Bishop Baghdasaryan emphasizes that the community within the Old City is integral to the church's purpose. Their existence strengthens the Patriarchate's resolve to protect Armenian rights in the holy places, venerate sacred sites, and continue organizing pilgrimages. This enduring presence, considered the longest unbroken Christian presence in the Old City, serves as a powerful symbol of Armenian identity and perseverance against historical adversity.

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Armenia was the first country that adopted Christianity as a state religion in 301.

What makes this story particularly resonant from our perspective is the tangible link it provides to a history often overlooked in broader international narratives. While the Armenian Genocide is recognized, the subsequent diaspora and the establishment of communities like the one in Jerusalem offer a profound glimpse into the enduring spirit of a people. The tours organized by Yad Ben Zvi offer a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with this rich history, moving beyond abstract historical accounts to engage with the descendants of survivors who carry their legacy forward within the sacred walls of the Old City.

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We take them as a part of our church, and their existence is only encouraging us in carrying out our mission, which is to protect our rights in the holy places, to venerate all those holy places, and, of course, to organize pilgrimage to the Holy Land.