Name: Albert Chobanyan
Country: Armenia
Occupation: Economist
Relation with Poland: Activity in the Union of Poles in Armenia
Stay in Poland: Studies in the Summer School of Polish Language and Culture in Poznan
You lived in India, travelled through the countries of the former Soviet Union, came across many cultures and mentalities. What do you think distinguishes Poland from other countries that you have seen?
What distinguishes Poland the most is its hospitality and a friendly attitude towards foreigners. Clean and neat appearance of Polish cities and a wonderful, historic architecture are another features that make Poland attractive to foreign tourists. The uniqueness of your country is also determined by a large number of churches and the fact that Poles are very religious – to the extent I’ve never experienced when traveling around the world.
What was your first impression after coming across the Polish reality?
My first impression that I recall was a moment of movement, because I did not think that Poland can be so beautiful and europeanised. I remember the thrill when I thought of the consequences that may arise from ignorance of the language. Luckily, those fears turned out to be groundless and they disappeared as I got to know Poles and Polish reality better. Making new friends, I noticed that the Poles have an understanding attitude towards the foreigners who cannot speak Polish, and they take every opportunity to help them. Generally speaking, the first impressions were positive and they determined my further attachment and love for Poland.
What did you know of Poland before your arrival?
I knew only that what I managed to read on the Internet and what I remembered from my friends’ stories. I heard about the Polonaise by Ogiński, or that Poland is the original country of Chopin and Copernicus. I also heard of the Song Festival in Sopot and that Krakow is a very beautiful city. Before coming to Poland I was aware of the fact that Poland is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a place full of castles and historic architecture.
Polonaise by Ogiński and the Song Festival in Poland are the common associations of the citizens of the former Soviet Union. Is it similar in the case of the Armenians?
No, not necessarily. Young people are divested of such associations as they were brought up in a different era, whereas the older people, depending on their knowledge and experience, tend to have various associations.
From the average Armenian’s point of view, what is Poland, then? Do his ideas reflect the Polish reality?
A statistic Armenian, when hearing of Poland and Polish people, imagines Europe and a country with a developed infrastructure and economy, a place which embodies the hope for a better tomorrow, stability and development. For Armenia, whose economy is still developing, this idea reflects the reality quite well. I saw it in person during my visit to Poland.
What annoys you the most in Poland and Polish people?
Some Poles are conceited and very proud. But it doesn’t mean that all Poles are like that, though sometimes this is the opinion about Polish people among Armenians. The old Armenian saying is: “There is no village in which there would be no dogs.” It means that in every nation there are people who annoy others with their behaviour, but there are also those who bewitch with their personality and manners.
To make it more fun, Poles consider Armenians and other people of the Caucasus as a synonym of pride. To mitigate the situation let me tell you that you, Armenian people, are not the only ones who see Poles as a proud and conceited nation. I still hope that there are some features that can compensate our audacity?
(Laughs) Sure, and I can console you that there are much more of them than just a few. First of all, what moves me the most is the respect and love that Poles have for their own tradition and history. Additionally, they are willing to help and are keen to support those who need it. I should also emphasize the fact that Polish people are very kind and courteous, which is definitely a positive feature, and it is what helps them to adapt to reality and always find a solution to every problem. Of course, I must also mention the fact that you are very religious people. I will risk and say that the roots of Polish friendliness and kindness reaches the Catholic religion. That what arouses my sympathy is also your respect to the contribution to the history and culture in which other nationalities living in Poland took part. As an example I shall mention Zamość. For many years this city has shown a lot of care to the historic buildings built by Armenians in Baroque, which nowadays can be seen and admired in its all glory at Old Square.
I assume that as a person coming from South you are not indifferent to the charm of Slavic beauty of Polish women. Apart from physiognomy, is there anything else that you find attractive in them?
Indeed, with full responsibility I can say that Polish women are beautiful, charming, always smiling, but as you have already noticed, it’s not all. They are open, easy-going, cheerful, they can hold a good conversation and can have a very good time together at a party. I also like the way women dress and the make-up they wear. Very often it is subtle and it emphasizes their natural beauty in an organic way. I also value their class and their behaviour in company.
Before you mentioned the Polish pride. With regard to that or perhaps other typical Polish features, do you have in Armenian culture any other saying with Poles as a main theme?
Fortunately or unfortunately, we usually don’t compare Poles to anybody or anything. We also never talk much of your advantages or disadvantages. However, if it comes to a Polish mark in Armenia, I must admit that today you can hear Polish language more often in the streets of Yerevan and year by year the number of Armenians choosing Poland as a destination place of their trips abroad increases.
As far as Polish traditional cuisine is concerned, bigos and pierogi are the favourite, unrivalled dishes chosen by foreigners. Is it similar in your case?
Maybe I will surprise you, but during my whole stay in Poland I found the gingerbread from Toruń the most delicious. Of course, I tried bigos and pierogi leniwe, which also turned out to be very tasty. I also know that very popular dishes are made of meat and mushrooms. I hope I will have an opportunity to check this part of Polish cuisine.
As an economist, you certainly know the matters of foreign trade and economy. What can you say about the Polish economic system? Perhaps you would like to forecast what the Polish economy will be like in a few-years time?
I think that the economic forecast for Poland is positive. Poland ranks 20th place in the global list of the GDP, which is a significant achievement for a country with a 20-year-old free-market economy. In the time of global economic crisis, your economic stability is astonishing. I must admit that the economic system of Poland and China came off well in the fight against the global recession. Extraction of raw materials, production industry and agriculture are the engine of your economy. Seems right, though I think that you have a few more things to do in this matter. However, I am deeply convinced that you have all the necessary resources and possibilities to do it.
Which famous Pole inspires you or arises your appreciation?
What I always find inspiring and impressive is Chopin’s music. His music works both in an energising and melancholic way. Every time I listen to it, there is a moment of reflection that awakes. During my stay in Poland I also had the opportunity to visit the house of the great Polish astronomer and scientist, Nicolaus Copernicus. I found it incredibly impressive, putting me in a positive mood. Of course, I would not be myself if I didn’t mention the Pope John Paul II, who held office for 27 years and who is still a very important figure in the entire Catholic world.
What are the first three associations you have with the word “Poland”?
The first association is the beautiful architecture, castles and the Leaning Tower, which stands at the entrance gate to the city of Toruń. The second association is Europe, stability, a strong economy and the Mint of Poland, which, incidentally, mints some of the occasional Armenian coins. Finally, the third connotation are Polish people, with whom I have friendly relations and with whom I spent marvellous and unforgettable moments. I am still in contact with these people and we share a lot of joyful and warm memories. I think that the locals and the honest relations with them are the main elements that build a specific opinion of a particular country.
Do you think that Poland is an attractive country for tourists? What places would you recommend to the readers of Link to Poland?
As I have already mentioned, Poland is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a large number of beautiful cities and towns. On my list of historic places that are worth visiting are: Cracow, Poznań, Toruń, Gdańsk, Częstochowa, Warsaw and Sopot. I heard a lot about the International Song Festival in Sopot from my friends. I would really like to go there with my girlfriend, who, in fact, is a Pole living in Belarus.
What piece of advice could you give to the foreigners who are planning to Poland?
I will give the same piece of advice I would have given before a trip to any other country. First of all: study and collect information about your destination, plan your route carefully and check whether there are some tourist attractions on your way. You must also remember to keep with you all your documents, passport and its copy, tickets, keep also your luggage and personal belongings in a safe place, and while shopping in markets to negotiate the prices at every opportunity. Additionally, it is worth to sightsee on foot, taking a lot of photos and trying to memorize every single second, because the chance to return to this country may never repeat.
Thank you for the interview!