The Great Boston Armenian Census: You Can Almost Smell the Baklava
Ah, Boston. City of clam chowder, baked beans, and...Armenians? You betcha! But how many Armenians are we talking about exactly? Buckle up, history buffs and hummus enthusiasts, because we're diving deep into the world of Boston's Armenian population.
From Humble Beginnings to Bustling Community
The first Armenian in Boston? A mystery shrouded in fog (or maybe just the harbor mist). But by the late 1800s, Armenians started arriving in droves, drawn by job opportunities and a chance to escape...well, let's just say things weren't exactly sunshine and roses in their homeland.
These resilient folks settled in places like Watertown, now practically the Ellis Island of Armenian Boston. Fast forward to today, and the Greater Boston area is estimated to be home to between 50,000 and 70,000 Armenians. That's a lot of people who know the difference between baklava and borekas (hint: baklava is the winner...always).
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
How Many Armenians Live In Boston |
Watertown: The Heart of Armenian Boston
Watertown wears its Armenian heritage with pride. Armenian restaurants line the streets, the scent of barbecued lamb filling the air. The Armenian Library and Museum of America even calls Watertown home. It's like a little slice of Armenia, conveniently located near Fenway Park (because who doesn't love a good Red Sox game followed by some dolma?).
Armenians Beyond Watertown
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But hold on there, shish kebab lovers! Armenians aren't just a Watertown phenomenon. Pockets of Armenian culture can be found throughout the Greater Boston area, from Belmont to Waltham. So, wherever you roam in Boston, you might just stumble upon a hidden gem of Armenian cuisine or a vibrant community center.
How to Spot an Armenian in Boston (Besides the Amazing Food)
Okay, this might be a little tricky, but here are some clues:
- They call you "geez" (pronounced "gheeze") for everything, both good and bad. ("Geez, that was a great game!" or "Geez, you spilled coffee on your new shirt?")
- They can discuss the finer points of rug-making with surprising passion.
- Their weekends involve large family gatherings that vaguely resemble Olympic eating competitions.
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
Bonus points if they:
- Know the lyrics to every Cher song ever written. (Yes, there's a connection, look it up!)
- Can haggle the price of a rug down to practically nothing (those negotiation skills are legendary).
Armenian Boston: A Culinary and Cultural Delight
So, there you have it, folks! The Armenian population of Boston is as rich and flavorful as a plate of mezze. Next time you're in Beantown, keep your eyes peeled for Armenian restaurants, cultural centers, or maybe just someone with a really good rug story. You won't be disappointed.
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How-To FAQ for the Curious:
How to Find Armenian Food in Boston? Easy! Search online for "Armenian restaurant Boston" or head to Watertown. Your stomach will thank you.
How to Learn More About Armenian Culture? The Armenian Library and Museum of America in Watertown is a fantastic place to start.
How to Haggle Like an Armenian? This is a masterclass you won't find at Harvard, but maybe you can befriend a local Armenian and learn their secrets.
How to Say Hello in Armenian? "Barev!" (pronounced "bah-rehv"). Now you can greet your new Armenian friends like a pro.
How to Resist the Urge to Eat All the Baklava? We can't help you there. It's a battle you may not win.