NOYAKERT, Armenia: The aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has left over 100,000 ethnic Armenians displaced, triggering a refugee crisis in Armenia.
Suren Martirosyan, a 65-year-old, vividly recalls the moment he fled his fruit garden in Nagorno-Karabakh, now under Azerbaijani control. The fall of the long-disputed region in a swift Azerbaijani offensive led to the surrender of Armenian separatist forces and the displacement of the entire Armenian population from the enclave.
Suren and his family of eight found refuge in a rented house in Noyakert, thanks to government aid. The Martirosyans, like many other refugees, face the challenge of rebuilding their lives and grappling with the trauma of displacement. Suren holds Russian peacekeepers and the Armenian government responsible for the fall of Karabakh, blaming them for defeat rather than acknowledging the bravery of the Armenian army.
The surprise decision by separatist president Samvel Shahramanyan to rescind the earlier decree dissolving the breakaway republic resonates with some refugees who still harbor dreams of secession from Azerbaijan. Shahramanyan’s decision, while having no practical impact on the ground, reflects the enduring desire among some refugees for the dream of an independent Karabakh.
However, the geopolitical reality has shifted, with Azerbaijan in full control of Karabakh, making the dream of an independent republic unattainable. The arch-foes, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, claim to be close to signing a peace agreement recognizing each other’s territorial integrity. Despite diplomatic efforts, deep-rooted ethnic hatred and decades of enmity make it challenging for many refugees to believe in the prospect of coexistence.
Refugees like Boris Dolukhanyan, who lost his son in the 2020 war with Azerbaijan, express skepticism about peaceful coexistence. Dolukhanyan envisions a future where they become strong enough to reclaim their land by force.
The refugees, once leading prosperous lives in Karabakh, now grapple with the economic challenges of renting homes in Armenia. The dream of returning home remains alive, particularly among the children who yearn for a miracle during the holiday season.
