Angelina discusses her experience with finding out about the war and living through it.
“The war began early in the morning when we were all still sleeping. We heard noises that we couldn’t comprehend. In the beginning, I didn’t pay attention to those noises; I thought that they were either fireworks or that people were working on something. But then I saw that the noises grew more frequent and more powerful,” Angelina remembers 40 days after the war began.
She said that she did not understand the severity of what was going on at the time. Now, it is clear that the enemy’s intentions were very serious. The war began on September 27th, and the intention was to capture Artsakh. The news of the war and the continuing battles have caused Angelina Balayan, a young woman from Artsakh, difficulties and sadness.
“After listening to the panic outside, we went outside and learned that it was the enemy. We began to call our relatives who were living in the regions to understand the seriousness of what was taking place. We didn’t really imagine that there would be a war, when we found out that the enemy was already attacking Stepanakert, we understood how serious everything was.”
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For their safety, Angelina and her brother initially went to Yerevan, and then their mother followed some time later. Angelina said that she always dreamed about living in Yerevan, but not in these circumstances.
According to her, it was difficult to leave her country and move to Yerevan, especially given the situation. She said that it was even difficult to agree to leave Artsakh during a war and go to Yerevan, but she finally agreed to it when she understood the severity of the situation.
Now that she is physically in Yerevan, she understands that people’s attention is focused on Stepanakert, which was the world’s most beautiful, comfortable, and safest city. “I don’t know how time passed and the days ended with us waiting. Every day was a war in many aspects. It is not easy to live every day listening to how young people are dying, becoming heroes, and leaving their earthly lives. It is not easy to hear about how places where you have built so many memories are being destroyed. To live in Artsakh and to know the history of my country and the unresolved issues makes me want to live and create in my country even more. Regardless of what is going on around me, I still learn and create in my country.”
Living in a foreign place has changed Angelina’s lifestyle and mentality. Now, her goal is peace in her country. Angelina said that she is having difficulty adapting to the situation, but she understands that she needs to continue being helpful to her homeland in any way she can as long as the soldiers are fighting for everyone’s safety. She said that this thought is what gives her the strength to find her place in Yerevan.
Angelina came to love Yerevan. She has already seen the city’s beautiful attractions, but she misses Artsakh the most. “I left my father and brother behind in Artsakh, as well as my home, which was filled with memories and joy. Now, my biggest dream is for there to be peace in my country. That is what’s most important.”
Natalie Mkrtchyan
“Aravot” daily
06.11.2020
