IRAQI ARMENIAN COMMUNITY DECREASES

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IRAQI ARMENIAN COMMUNITY DECREASES

YEREVAN, JANUARY 11, ARMENPRESS:

A 20,000 strong Armenian community exists in Iraq, however, no increase in its number has been reported over the recent years. On the contrary many Armenians continue leaving the country.

The biggest portion of Armenians in Iraq is concentrated in Baghdad, the second biggest town than can boast of a strong Armenian community is northern Mosul. Smaller communities exist in other towns.

The community has a 350 year-long history. Though first Armenians established in Baghdad many-many centuries ago, the current members of the Armenian community are the offsprings of Armenians who were brought here by Persian shah Abbas.

The number of Iraqi Armenians increased during the first World World War and Armenian genocide of 1915, when Armenians escaping massacres fled Turkey and established in Iraq.

Iraqi Armenians celebrate all national feasts, in 1981 an Armenian khachkar, cross stone was set up in the courtyard of an Armenian church in Baghdad. Armenian churches exist also in other towns and new ones are constructed.

Armenians in Iraq are grouped in various sport, cultural and other organizations.