Armenians flee Syria for their ancestral homeland
A century after their ancestors fled mass killings in Ottoman Turkey, Armenian communities are again on the move - amid fears they could become victims of violence in Syria, BBC reports.
The latest composition by musician Sarkis Atamian is haunting, combining melancholic Middle Eastern melodies and ancient Armenian folk instruments.
It is an emotional homage to his hometown, Aleppo - which he has fled because of the heavy fighting.
The musical mix reflects Mr Atamian's own background: he is ethnically Armenian. But for generations his family has lived in Syria.
Many Armenians are now finding their lives in Syria untenable - alarmed by the on-going war, and terrified of what may come next.
As Christians, some fear for their futures if Islamist rebels take control.
So even though unemployment is around 20% and Armenia is desperately poor, there is no public resentment here that a wave of refugees might take scarce jobs or housing.
Instead some Armenians have opened up their homes. Charities have been set up to provide clothing, and help find work and accommodation. Plus, after initially being criticised for not doing enough when the conflict first broke out, the government has eased visa and residency restrictions.
"Everyone understands that they are the descendants of those Armenians who died in the genocide. We all want to do something to help," says Firdus Zakarian, from Armenia's Ministry of Diaspora.
Being uprooted like your forefathers is painful. But this time round Armenians are not fleeing violence aimed specifically at them. But rather escaping a civil war, which is looking increasingly dangerous for everyone.