By Saghatel Basil

“I am amazed that nothing no longer amazes me...” Artour Meschyan

Every year at around this time, Armenian from Aleppo make a mass voluntary exodus to the village of Kessab.

Of course many would go for the religious holiday of   Asdvadzadzin (the Assumption of the Mother of God – “Verapokhoum”) and the blessing of the grapes.  There are also the scouts who go for their summer camping events and marches.

In a word, all the Armenians of Aleppo, young and old, rich and not so wealthy, would pack their bags to spend time in the historic Armenian village of Kessab by the Mediterranean.

I have remained in Aleppo as I write these lines.

While I am walking the streets I have for years, I don’t see the same faces strolling around. It’s as if the place is deserted. Some are staying in their homes behind locked doors. Others have left for Yerevan, Beirut. The wealthier have left for points more distant.  

This year, no one has gone to Kessab.

Those who have stayed behind in Aleppo have no money to go anywhere else or don’t have relatives with whom to stay elsewhere.

Some stay based on the principle, “I was born here and her is where I’ll die if need be.”

Many of those who have stayed declare that they will remain until forced to leave. “This is my city and no one has the right to tell me to leave,” is what they profess.

So, there are many reasons why those who remain in Aleppo choose to do so. Those who have left, however, are united by the need for safety and security.

There is no right and wrong in this equation. The only thing I do lament is that Haleb, this very prominent “mother” community, with its leaders and political parties, is suddenly being emptied and on the decline.

For decades, our organizations have preached about “hayabahbanoum”;  the need to stay Armenian. They have worn down future generations with their inane combat exercises but have never fomented relations with other local groups. They have called others traitors in the belief that they are the best of the bunch – much better organized and noble.

But when the time came to put that so-called power and organization into practical use, nobody was left to do so. They all ran and left a void behind. What a scandal on all levels.

Their place was filled by individuals and groups we always ridiculed. They have proved to be more visionary and organized than the traditional Armenian organizations.

What a pity...Once I read that it was difficult to tell a lie, but that telling a lie was easier than listening to one.

Today, I can say I have experienced these words on my very flesh. It’s truly a pity.