105-Year-Old Italian National Applies for Armenian Citizenship

BY ANNA GZIRYAN

YEREVAN (Armenpress)—Nourhan Josephovich, a 105-year-old Italian national, wants to acquire Armenian citizenship, Head of the Passport and Visa Department of the Police of Armenia Mnatsakan Bichakhchyan told Armenpress.

“Nourhan was born in 1915 in Western Armenia. Now, he is 105-years-old and is an Italian citizen. He wants to get Armenian citizenship,” Bichakhchyan said, adding that they made exclusions and received the necessary documents from his house. “We wish him longevity and health.”

Nourhan, who has lived in Armenia for several months now, recently spoke to Armenpress about his desire to obtain Armenian nationality. He gave a brief history of his life, as well as his hopes and dreams for the future of Armenia.

“This is my first visit to Armenia. Unfortunately, I was unable to visit until I retired, but it’s never too late. There was nothing I wanted more than to visit Armenia, and I’m thrilled to finally be here,” Nourhan told Armenpress.

Nourhan Josephovich was born in Turkey in 1915. At first, he and his family lived in Istanbul, but later moved to Ankara. His father was a hat maker who would bring the materials for his work from Italy. He was a consistent provider who made sure his children received a higher education. Nourhan studied at a local Italian school, where he was a distinguished student. After graduating from school, he worked at the Italian Embassy in Turkey, first as a secretary on cultural issues, and then as the second, and later the third, secretary of the military attaché.

After retiring, Nourhan left for Italy, where he lived for some time, and just few months ago he landed in Armenia. Nourhan, who is widowed, currently lives with his sister, his nephew, and their family.

Journalist Raffi Hermon Araks frequently provides consulting services to Diasporan relatives and friends who visit Armenia. He was overjoyed when his uncle, Nourhan Josephovich, asked for his help in becoming an Armenian national. Nourhan, who has already applied for Armenian citizenship, is waiting for his passport and warm weather so that he can explore every corner of Armenia.

“Nourhan enjoys seawater, so we plan on taking him to Lake Sevan, where he can get a taste of the Sevan trout. Nourhan is also a lover of classical music. There are a number of concerts we plan on attending with him,” said Hermon Araks.

Nourhan, who is more than excited for what’s in store, is waiting for the summer heat to get his plans moving along.

“I want Armenia to always move forward. Unfortunately, today many Armenians live abroad due to difficulty in finding jobs in the homeland. It would help if the situation here changed, so that Armenians may return to their ancestral home. I am eager to see what the new government will do in this regard,” remarked Nourhan.