What was the topic of your research, and why did you choose it?My research explores the impact of the Haratch newspaper on the French Armenian community in France, focusing on how it contributed to cultural preservation, political engagement, and social cohesion. I chose this topic because I have a personal connection to both media and diaspora issues. I worked in the communication department of the Armenian parliament for almost two years, which gave me experience with how media influences public life and shapes societal dynamics. I have also been deeply interested in diaspora studies, and the 20th century when newspapers were a central form of communication—offered a unique opportunity to understand how media shaped identity and community among displaced populations. I focused on the Armenian community in France because it is one of the largest and most active Armenian diasporas in Europe, making it a rich case study.Why is this topic relevant today?In our current era of globalization and displacement, it is crucial to understand how diasporic communities maintain their identity. Media plays a key role in that process. Studying the role of newspapers in the 20th century especially at a time when many nations experienced mass migration due to events like World War I and World War II offers valuable insight not just into the Armenian diaspora, but also into the development of other communities around the world. These kinds of studies reveal the long-term influence of media and help explain how communities’ function today, often still shaped by those early forms of communication.If you had to “sell” your research in one sentence to someone unfamiliar with the topic, what would you say?It is about how one newspaper that became the voice and backbone of a community in exile—connects people, preserves identity, and influences generations. How do you think this topic could be made more accessible to everyday people?By focusing on real stories and human experiences—sharing the voices behind the newspaper, the families it connected, and the cultural memory it helped to preserve. Creating accessible formats like short videos, articles, or podcasts could make these stories resonate with wider audiences today.How did you prepare for the conference? What methodology did you use?To prepare for the conference, I began by conducting an in-depth literature review on diaspora and media studies, identifying the core theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches relevant to my topic. My thesis adopts a qualitative methodology, with narrative and content analysis as the primary tools. I focused on examining how Haratch addressed key areas such as cultural preservation, political advocacy, social cohesion, and educational influence within the French Armenian diaspora. The study uses an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on both diaspora studies and media studies. Diaspora studies provide the lens through which I explore how diasporic communities navigate identity, belonging, and memory in host societies. Media studies, on the other hand, help me investigate the role of ethnic media in this case, Haratch as an active agent in shaping and maintaining diasporic identity. This dual perspective allows for a deeper understanding of how community newspapers not only reflect the diaspora’s concerns but also influence their sense of self and collective memory. To frame my analysis, I applied Jürgen Habermas’ theory of the public sphere, particularly from his work The Theory of Communicative Action (1981). Habermas argues that the public sphere is a space where individuals come together to shape public opinion—this concept can be adapted to diasporic contexts, where media acts as a “diasporic public platform.” In my thesis, I argue that Haratch functioned as this kind of platform for the Armenian community in France, providing a space for dialogue, political participation, cultural continuity, and knowledge sharing. Additionally, I employed Eric Hobsbawm’s theory of the “invention of tradition” from his 1983 book. Hobsbawm discusses how communities create and maintain traditions to foster unity and identity, especially during moments of historical disruption. For the Armenian diaspora in France particularly in the post-genocide context, Haratch played a crucial role in sustaining collective identity through language, culture, and shared memory.What challenges did you face during the research process?To be honest, I did not face any major difficulties during the research process. However, one of the main challenges was maintaining a clear focus. Haratch was more than just a newspaper it functioned almost like an institution within the French Armenian community, influencing cultural, political, and social life in multiple ways. Because of its broad impact, it was initially difficult to narrow down my research question. I found myself drawn to many different directions, from its political role to its cultural influence and its intergenerational legacy. Another challenge was working with the sheer volume of material. Haratch published over 22,000 issues, and while having access to such a rich primary source was a privilege, it also made it difficult to decide which articles to analyse. I had to be very selective and disciplined to maintain a focused narrative. Ultimately, defining a specific research angle helped me manage these challenges and allowed me to explore the topic in depth without becoming overwhelmed by its scope.Was there a moment when you felt like giving up? What kept you going?No, there was not a moment when I felt like giving up. From the beginning, I was confident about my topic and genuinely passionate about exploring the impact of Haratch on the French Armenian community. I knew exactly what I wanted to research, and that clarity kept me focused and motivated throughout the entire process. I truly enjoyed working on this topic it felt meaningful and personally relevant, which made the research and writing process manageable. My interest in both diaspora studies and media gave me constant inspiration and a sense of purpose in what I was doing.What did you learn about yourself through the research that you do not think you could have learned otherwise?Through this research, I realized how much I enjoy working on complex topics that combine personal interest with academic depth. I discovered that I could stay focused and organized over a long period, even when dealing with large volumes of multilingual sources. I also learned that I am truly passionate about exploring themes like identity, memory, and diaspora. What was the most surprising thing you discovered – either about the topic or about academic work in general?What surprised me the most was realizing just how powerful and influential a single newspaper could be within a diasporic community. When I began my research, I had not expected Haratch to play such a central and multi-dimensional role in preserving Armenian identity, culture, and political awareness in France and that it maintains its influence until now. What struck me even more was the lack of extensive academic research on how newspapers have impacted diasporas and minority communities. As I continued my work, I spoke with people from different parts of the world who shared similar stories about local newspapers that played an essential role in maintaining their own cultural identity abroad. This made me realize how widespread and underexplored this phenomenon truly is. Media, both then and now, is an important part of communal life not just for the majority population, but for minorities and diasporic groups as well. It is a topic that deserves far more academic attention, especially in an age where media continues to shape how communities perceive themselves and interact with the world. In terms of academic work more broadly, I was surprised by how deeply engaging and personal academic research can become. It is not just about collecting data or analysing texts it is about discovering connections, building narratives, and contributing to something bigger than yourself. This process made me feel more connected to my own heritage while also broadening my understanding of others. It was a reminder that academic work, especially in the humanities and social sciences, has the power to reveal untold stories that still resonate today.
