DIASPORA - HOMELAND RELATIONS AND THE QUESTION OF ARMENIAN NATIONAL IDENTITY

This empirical narrative study presents diasporans’ perception of national identity within the framework of diaspora-homeland relations, viewed through the prism of geographic concepts of space and place. Based on observations and in-depth interviews, the study focuses on a classical diaspora case – the Armenians, particularly, its two largest communities in Australasia – in Sydney and Melbourne. Transformation in Armenia-diaspora relations occurred after Armenia acquired sovereignty (1991). Reflected by diasporans, who have seen Armenia before independence and thereafter, and those, for whom independent Armenia has always been a reality and not a diasporic dream, Armenia is now perceived responsible for becoming the cultural centre for the global Armenianness. Understanding mutual expectations and development of trust can lessen the contested leadership problem in relations, strengthen diasporans’ sense of permanent return (physical, virtual or imaginary) and of belonging to Armenia, which is home to only a third of the global nation it claims to represent.

Author dc:creator

• VAHAGN VARDANYAN

• Armenia, diaspora, homeland, national identity, diaspora return, contested leadership