Birthright Armenia’s Excursions: A Deep Dive into Cultural Immersion and Self-Discovery

At the heart of the Birthright Armenia experience lies its unique excursion program, designed not just for sightseeing but for fostering personal connection with Armenia’s rich landscapes, history, and communities. This program stands out by offering participants like Eric Babajanian and Simon Sazian, both dedicated volunteers from the United States, the opportunity to explore Armenia beyond the conventional tourist path. Through Eric’s and Simon’s reflections, we gain insights into how these excursions serve as a bridge to cultural heritage, self-discovery, and lasting community bonds.

Reconnecting with Ancestral Heritage

For Eric, visiting Armenian monuments and historical sites was not just an educational experience but a deeply personal reconnection with his roots. He describes a unique sense of belonging, “I feel like I am reconnecting with my ancestors when visiting the lands they once inhabited.” Similarly, Simon reflects on the emotional resonance of Armenia's historical sites: "The magnificent churches and fortresses...create immense feelings of pride and joy, but also pain and responsibility." For Simon, every stone and river tells a story, urging a responsibility to preserve and honor the rich tapestry of Armenian history. This emotional bond to the homeland is a sentiment that Birthright Armenia strives to evoke in all its participants, facilitating a deeper understanding and appreciation of their Armenian heritage.

As an Armenian-American, Armenia always seemed like a distant concept to Eric. The excursions transformed this perception, making what was once theoretical a vivid reality. “What was once theoretical became reality,” Eric states, emphasizing the power of firsthand experiences in bridging the cultural gap between the diaspora and their ancestral homeland.

Simon's experience underscores the importance of preserving and cherishing Armenia's legacy amidst adversity. "After so much loss, we must see what there is still left to protect, what is worth fighting for," he reflects. Simon highlights the eloquence of Armenia's natural and architectural wonders, wishing they could share their tales: "It’s our job to keep those stories, the memory of the land that we call home, and to continue to write new stories for the home which we love so dearly.” Through their excursions, both Eric and Simon were drawn closer to the essence of Armenia, inspired to connect with their heritage and contribute to the narrative of their ancestral land.

Embarking on a Journey of Open-minded Exploration

Both volunteers entered their journey with Birthright Armenia with high expectations, all of which were met or exceeded. Eric’s approach to every excursion was with an open mind, ready to embrace whatever experiences came his way. “Sometimes unforeseen circumstances change the itinerary...I never see it as a disappointment but simply a redirection of an experience,” he explains. Simon, having heard of the excursions’ impact, found his expectations surpassed: “I am impressed with the variety of the excursion locations...they have absolutely been met,” he says.

An excursion to the village of Bazmaberd was particularly impactful for Eric, offering a profound experience beyond cultural exploration. He recalls, “Visiting these soldiers’ memorials, speaking to their relatives and learning about their lives before the conflict, and paying our respects left this impact on me that, to this day, I am still processing.” For Simon, a visit to the Yerablur Military Pantheon was transformative. "It took immense strength and mental preparation through prayer to give me the strength to visit," Simon recalls, highlighting the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for Armenia. These visits highlight the program’s ability to foster empathy and a deeper comprehension of Armenia’s contemporary challenges, leaving participants with lasting impressions that extend far beyond their stay.

Cultivating Connections and Community

Both Eric and Simon attest to the excursions' role in fostering community among volunteers. Eric speaks of friendships formed through shared experiences, “Not only are excursions opportunities to connect with Armenia, but they’re also an opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers.” Simon echoes this sentiment, noting the diverse backgrounds of participants and the surprising connections made, "It is never too far away to find a mutual friend or relative...there is such a diverse group of personalities and backgrounds."

Through their journeys, Eric and Simon exemplify the essence of Birthright Armenia's excursions: transformative experiences that deepen volunteers’ connections to their Armenian heritage, promote personal growth, and foster a vibrant community. These excursions are not merely trips; they are pathways to understanding and appreciating the profound beauty of Armenia’s landscapes and the depth of its history.

Participants like Eric and Simon find in these journeys a renewed sense of identity, belonging, and a commitment to their cultural legacy, illustrating the lasting impact of Birthright Armenia’s excursions on the hearts and minds of its volunteers.

Learn more about Birthright Armenia’s excursions here!