As I’m wrapping up my visit to Yerevan, Armenia, there’s is a couple of things that I am taking with me. First would be the people’s love for pomegranates; it’s the first thing I noticed in their art since in many cases its their main focus. Upon researching and talking with the locals, to them the pomegranate not only is great to use in stews and to make wine, it is also a symbol of life, good fortune and protection from the evil eye. Greeks have something similar in regards to pomegranates: throw one with all your might at your doorstep on New Years and the tradition has it that as many seeds fall off the fruit, that’s how many blessings your home will have in the new year.
(A popular fabric pattern filled with pomegranates and their colors)
The second thing I’ll take with me from this visit is the realization that hit me last night: although Yerevan feels so much like a European country with its bars and coffee shops, food, art, cleanliness, safety, and more, I did not see any kind of diversity in its people. Given the country’s geopolitical history and religious background that have been available to me over the years and while visiting, this, unfortunately, makes sense. Reading more about the LGBTQ voices that have risen over the recent years only to be shut down by the people themselves broke my heart a bit. However, as a traveler I am here to observe and to learn, and by no means to judge. Which was a bit hard for me since I did not expect to experience such a modern city ruled by tradition in such depth. But, as a friend offered, this is the reality in most of this world’s countries, and exchanging views with the locals unlocks both the possibilities to understand a situation in a deeper level, and to hopefully spark change.
Disclaimer: this is only my perspective, having spent just a few days in Yerevan and by no means does it represent the whole reality of the matter. I am sure there is more to understand and to see. There is always growth to be had, no matter how “advanced” one believes they are. As a pomegranate spills its seeds to those who are patient, may we all find the way to experience the beauty and freedom we seek, but often times hide as well.
(The Great Cascade in Yerevan with its 572 limestone steps, Noah’s Ark resting place Mount Ararat, and yours truly in the sunset.)