The Great Armenian Census Caper: How Many Armenians Can One Windy City Hold?
Ah, Chicago. City of broad shoulders, deep-dish pizza, and...a thriving Armenian community? You betcha! But just how thriving, exactly? That's the million-dollar question (or maybe a delicious Armenian khachapuri, depending on your priorities).
Counting Sheep vs. Counting Armenians: Why It's Tricky
Now, you might think counting people is a straightforward business. One, two, three...easy peasy, Armenian squeezy, right? Wrongo. The United States Census, for all its glory, doesn't exactly hold Armenian ancestry hostage and squeeze out a number. People can identify with multiple ethnicities, and sometimes, those "multiple ethnicities" involve a delicious Armenian grandma's baklava recipe passed down through generations.
This, my friends, is where things get interesting.
Estimates Are Like Baklava: Sweet, But Not Always Spot On
So, if the official count is a bit fuzzy like sheep's wool (no offense to any Chicago-based sheep), we have to rely on estimates. And let me tell you, estimates for the Armenian population in Chicago range from 22,000 to 25,000. That's a spread you could fit a whole lot of Armenian barbeque in (shish kebabs for days!).
Here's the thing: both numbers could be right! It all depends on how you define "Armenian." Are we talking folks with pure Armenian heritage? People with one Armenian grandparent and a closet full of Armenian dance costumes? The answer, like a good cup of Armenian coffee, is strong and depends on your taste.
Where to Find These Elusive Armenians?
Alright, alright, enough with the metaphors. You want to know where these Armenians are hanging out, right? Well, Chicago's Armenian community has deep roots on the Northwest Side, particularly in neighborhoods like Norwood Park and Edison Park. But like any self-respecting diaspora, Armenians are spread out across the city, weaving their delicious food, rich culture, and infectious sense of humor into the fabric of Chicago.
So, the next time you're enjoying a stunning sunset over Lake Michigan, remember – there might just be an Armenian family nearby, grilling up some delectable lula kebabs and sharing stories that would make their ancestors proud.
And hey, if you ever bump into one? Don't be shy! Ask them about their heritage. You might just be invited to a family feast that'll leave you saying, "Merci, but I think I've had enough!" (Merci is French for thank you, but that's a story for another time)
