Armenian Migrations Pathways to Upstate New York

Authors: Samantha Donnelly, Camilia Estevez, Faatihah Koti

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Sule Can

Abstract: The Armenian diaspora has been burdened by migration and displacement conflicts such as the Armenian Genocide, followed by rising tensions in the Middle East, leading to mass displacement e.g., the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This project aims to understand and distinguish the unique migration paths from Armenia to upstate New York and explain the reasoning behind establishing a diaspora in Binghamton compared to New York City, a historical settlement location known for its vibrant immigrant communities. By reviewing the push factors for Armenian migration out of the Middle East and pull factors to the Southern Tier through an ethnographic research process with those impacted by the movement, this project highlights the reality of discrimination faced by Armenians that led to their migration and the determination that they carry to preserve their culture across migration paths and the diaspora.