Armenians in Hamburg. An ethnographic exploration into the relationship between diaspora and success.

Abstract

In Germany the Armenian diaspora has hardly been noticed by the public or by researchers. However, it is one of the oldest diasporas in the world. Besides its remarkable longevity this diaspora and its members seem to be extraordinarily successful in their diverse host societies - despite the multiple experience of calamities which threatened the Armenians throughout history. Is there a relationship between life in the diaspora and success? This research examines specific resources and cultural concepts of the Armenian community in Hamburg which encourage success and the striving for it.