Armenians in Hamburg

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.

Caroline Thon studied Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Hamburg. Her research was part of a comparative project on diaspora communities in diverse European cities and their relationship to success.