Armenians in Uruguay

Armenians in Uruguay is about the Armenians living in Uriguay numbering around 19,000. The Armenian community in Uruguay is considered one of the oldest in South America. Most live in the capital Montevideo

History

Being a very old community, many of the Armenians are third- or even fourth-generation descendants of the first wave of immigrants from Turkey. The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) for example established a chapter in Uruguay in 1938 and inaugurated a community center complex in 1953.

Recognition of the Armenian Genocide by various parliaments was spearheaded by the Uruguay's Parliament, that became the first in the world in May 1985 to recognize the Armenian Genocide. It has consistently folowed its acts with supporting various resolutions in fvaour of the Armenians.

Community

Between 1974 and 1975, the AGBU Uriguay Chapter established an educational center which was completed in two phases: first to be completed was the Nubarian Elementary School in honor of the founder of AGBU, Boghos Nubar; then came the Alex Manoogian High School, named after the then AGBU President.

The Armenians are very active in the arts. Alvaro Hagopian is the conductor of the Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra. Also operating are Cordoba Dance Group "Ararat" (AGBU) and the Armenian National Center "Gayane" Dance Group (of Uruguay's Armenian National Center).

There is the long-running radio station "Radio Armenia" broadcasting from Montevideo

Montevideo has a public square named Armenia. The Uruguay Parliament also has a member of Parliament of Armenian origin, Lilian Keshishian.

Religion

Most Armenians belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church. The main center is the Armenian Church of Montevideo, Uruguay (Iglesia Armenia del Uruguay in Spanish). The church also has a memorial statue dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.