Jinishian Memorial Program study tour reveals rich background of Armenian life
by Eric Diekhans | Special to Presbyterian News Service
Gayane Somonyan speaks about her beekeeping operation. (Contributed photo)
Editor’s Note: Eric Diekhans is a member of Lake View Presbyterian Church in Chicago and a board member of the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief, Chicago chapter. His fiction has appeared in numerous magazines, the short story collection “Unforgettable” and a forthcoming anthology, “Uncensored Ink.” He is the recipient of a local Emmy for Children’s Television and an Illinois Arts Council Fellowship in screenwriting.
Every day of our tour revealed new corners of Armenia that I never imagined, but day six was my favorite. As we traveled to the Lori region in the north of Armenia, the fields along the highway burst with red and yellow poppies as low mountains rose in the distance.
Entering BeeLife Enterprise in Spitak felt like stepping into a different world. Spitak is an impoverished and struggling village, making the contrast with BeeLife even more striking. Owner Gayane Simonyan’s beekeeping operation and workshop resembled a New Age retreat more than a business. The courtyard was adorned with colorful inspirational signs and towering stone sculptures. Gayane shared her story of leaving her job in Yerevan to buy her uncle’s house and start her business. She teaches other local women to harvest honey, make beeswax candles, and produce succulent honey cream, along with many other delightful goodies I had never encountered before.
The stunning Lori region in the north of Armenia. (Contributed photo)
Gayane said that the Jinishian Memorial Program (JMP) was the first organization to believe in her dream, which was more significant than the loan and business guidance provided through their economic development project.
After enjoying a delicious lunch featuring village fruits and vegetables, cheese and sour cream, local pastries, Armenian coffee and of course honey, I found a comfortable chair in the shade next to a sign that declared, “You are entering a stress-free zone.” I was tempted to let our van leave without me and immerse myself in BeeLife’s relaxing atmosphere. Gayane has truly created a paradise. With my eyes closed, I contemplated how brave this young woman must be to challenge patriarchal village stereotypes and independently establish her business while supporting other women to become self-sufficient and empowered.
But it was time to move on. There is always something new to see around every corner on a JMP tour. We traveled further north to the mountains overlooking Vanadzor, the largest city in the Lori region and the third-largest city in Armenia. As an avid cyclist, I was thrilled to discover Boo Mountain Bike Park and Cafe. This Jinishian-supported business attracts riders from as far away as Georgia and Russia to enjoy a pump track, miles of trails, and gravel roads. They also served excellent coffee and fresh-baked cinnamon bread.
Margarit Chatinyan has created a successful textile business by using computerized sewing machines. (Contributed photo)
Our next stop was the village of Desegh, where we were welcomed into the Chatinyan family home, which also serves as the base of operations for Arev Textiles. Armenia is renowned for its embroidery, but Margarit Chatinyan has created a successful small business by using computerized sewing machines that produce beautifully embroidered bags, pillowcases, towels, and many other items in a fraction of the time it takes to make them by hand. She sells her products mainly online, far from her mountainous village. Margarit runs her business with the help of her husband and two young boys, and she hopes to enter larger markets with Jinishian’s continued assistance.
Eric Diekhans
This was just a small taste of my experience with JMP. I can declare without hyperbole that my 10 days in Armenia was the trip of a lifetime. I will return to Armenia, and I’ll bring a new appreciation for this country steeped in tradition but unafraid of change.
