One of the least acknowledged populations in the Armenian community are Bolsahyes or Armenians from Istanbul. Armenians from Turkey are often subject to dual rejection – in Turkey, they are forced to repress their Armenian identity and in the diaspora, they must hide all aspects of Turkish culture, leaving them in a virtual “no man’s land” of belonging. Tamar, whose Armenian parents hail from Turkey, discusses her conflicted thoughts and feelings as she claims her rightful place in the diaspora.

You can reach Tamar on IG @tamm_alexandra