Armenia: Life in a Suitcase - Al Jazeera World
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As the Armenian economy continues to struggle, as do its people. Over a third of the country's population lives under the poverty line and the price of common goods shows no sign of moderation. Hundreds of thousands of Armenians have immigrated to neighbouring and far away countries, and although the border with Turkey has been closed since 1993, many continue to make the short journey over - the proximity from home a draw-factor for those who can't bear to move further away. This film tells the poignant story of two Armenian women unable to survive at home and who leave their families to join the many economic migrants with hopes of a better life for their families. Anahit Donoyan lost thirty family members in an Armenian earthquake, after her husband passed away at a mere 50 years old. When she first moved to Istanbul, manual labour was how she earned her keep. "I worked in a factory and at a restaurant. I cleaned hallways at night. I took care of babies. I would steam corn and sell it by the sea. Then I was a housekeeper. All kinds of work. I'm not ashamed because I was providing for my children," says Donoyan. Now, too old for such physical roles, she ekes out a living selling Armenian food products to other immigrants, not unlike herself, out of a suitcase on the streets of Istanbul. She has lived and worked illegally in Turkey for 18 years, avoided trouble with the authorities and still tries to support her family in Armenia and Russia. "I've been setting up a stall and selling my goods here for five years. No one's ever asked me what I was doing here. Never. Everyone's fond of me and I'm fond of them." Karine Galstyan is also Armenian and came to Turkey looking for work in 2004. After marrying a Turkish man, her residency and work status are a lot more stable, allowing her easier transport in and out of Turkey and Armenia. "It was very difficult for me. I would lie in bed at night and my mind was in Armenia with my children. But, as a mother, I suffered to make sure my children were taken care of," she remembers. Galstyan buys cheap clothes in Istanbul and takes them in a suitcase to sell in Armenia a couple of times a month, earning around $300 [≈ cost of PS3 gaming system, 2011] a trip. Where children's shoes can cost as much as $21 in Armenia, Istanbul affords Galstyan a business opportunity with commodities at a fraction of the price, at as little as $2 per item. In spite of the distance from their families, the intensity at which they work and the routine lives they lead trying to make ends meet, the two women are happy to be able to support the ones they love and support themselves. A feeling that trumps the desire to be at home. "I love Istanbul. People love a place if they have a good life and are making a good living," confirms Galstyan. More from Al Jazeera World on: YouTube - http://aje.io/aljazeeraworldYT Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AlJazeeraWorld Twitter - https://twitter.com/AlJazeera_World Visit our website - http://www.aljazeera.com/aljazeeraworld Subscribe to AJE on YouTube - http://aje.io/YTsubscribe
Comments
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Sad story... I always welcome Armenian people in Turkey. They are cheerful people.
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Najek u paytek...
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i thought armenia is a properous country with so many jobs to offer to there people.
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I have lots of armenian neighbor in Istanbul Turkey. They are so friendly and kind. Hundreds of thousands armenian live in turkey in illegal but no problem we love you.
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Why don't they converted to be muslim and become a part of turkey?
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Thumbs down! exaggeration making Armenia look much worse than it is... and making Turkey look MUCH better than it really is.. Turkey is an islamic ISIS terrorist shithole... Turks ommitted the Armenian genocide, left 1.5 million Armenians dead from 1918 to 1923.. and they deny it ever happened! Turkey occupied Western Armenia til this day. Armenia is 10% of its original size because of Turkey. Turkey supports warmongering Azerbaijan who kill Armenians daily on the border over land that belongs to Armenia.. please do your research this documentary was created by Muslims in cahoots with the Turks (muslims too)
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Es eh irakanotyoun, che vor spurki Hayer vor ku gan, jibbereh baytoom dollarov yev yergooh shabbottom hed gertan voch el chen giden inc e Hayereh vijakeh Hayrenikoom
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Sad to see armenia illegaly invading lands of Azerbaijan yet the country can not take care of its people. Disgusting.
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СЛАВА АРМЕНИИ И СМЕРТЬ НАШИМ ВРАГАМ !!!
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beautiful mothers really shows how they love their children😢
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I can't believe my people have been reduced down to this level!
Shame on you Russia and your puppet Armenian government! -
A very touching documentary about Armenians living in Turkey. Armenians today are scattered around the world due to the 1915 genocide committed by the Ottman Turks against their parents, where almost 1.500,000 Armenians were murdered in cold blood. Turkey up till today refuse to admit this horrific genocide they committed against the Armenian people...
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this was a joke , both the women in the documentary are attention whores who have learned to play the "poor me" act very well for their financial benefits.... there are a lot of people working and supporting for their families and they don't pretend to pass out at a wedding in front of everyone lol this video was inaccurate for the majority of it but thats just what I think
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Is there anybody still view or listen to any of false materials presented by al-Jazeera (one of pioneers of the Lying industry in the world)!!
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собакам собачье жизнь.
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I can't help but cry to this inspiring strong willed ladies to survive against all odds. God bless you remember Jesus Christ always care He loves us so much. Thanks.
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The good news is... at the end, little Khatchig was back to his homeland, Gyumri, Armenia...
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sad to see armenia was a great empire now its a tiny country
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Is Turkey in the middle East?
45m 12sLenght
190Rating