In our constantly changing world, movement of people is multi-faceted phenomenon. Some voluntarily leave their lands in quest of better future, while others have to flee the comforts of their homes due to unresolved political conflicts and wars. Want it or not, we’re part of these transformations and as conscious beings we can’t and shouldn’t stay aside and aloof.
To address one of today’s most urgent global issues – improvement of economic conditions of people displaced from Syria due to the civil war – GIZ, commissioned by the German government, launched a project “Economic Integration of Syrian Refugees in Armenia” (EISRA) within “Private Sector Development South Caucasus” programme in 2015.
Among other support activities, the project initiated publication of “RESTART: Syrian Armenians Planting Their Entrepreneurial Spirit in Armenia” photo book and photo exhibitions of the same name, as well as short clips featuring the success stories of businessperson who, despite all the challenges were resilient enough to re-start their lives and thrive in Armenia.
These photo series created by talented Armenian photographer Tatev (Azatuhi) Mnatsakanyan commissioned by GIZ, feature the stories of X Syrian Armenian businesspersons, their lives after their departure from Syria due to the civil war and arrival in their ancestral homeland – which, however, was a terra incognita for some at the time of their settlement.
The stories specifically focus on those who, supported by GIZ and other cooperation partners, managed not only to re-build their enterprises but also expand their businesses and inspire others to follow suit, contributing to Armenia’s economy.
