The Armenian Time

Being positioned between Europe and Asia ever since the beginning of times, Armenia always had to choose which part of the world to identify with. Recently, it is fashionable (and is in many cases justified) to view Armenia as a European country. There can be endless arguments for and against it. There is no arguing with this, however: as far as the perception of time is concerned, Armenia and Armenians should be classified with their Southern neighbors.

Roman Smirnov, a theatrical director from Saint Petersburg, spent some time in Armenia collecting materials for a film he was working on. Some of his reflections on the time spent here can be found in an article he wrote, called “Ban-man” (loosely translated as “Things and such”). Here is an excerpt in my translation.

“Armenian time is a complicated thing and cannot be measured by logic. This is how it works: you make an appointment for three o'clock, but the person comes at five, not today but tomorrow, not alone, but with friends and on a totally different business. At first I thought I will go crazy, then decided to look carefully into how the locals deal with the problem and started following their system.

The system is simple. You should arrange things in general. As in, when accidentally bumping into someone somewhere, discuss business (“do things”, as the locals would call it), make plans, further perspectives, shake hands and forget about it until the next accidental meeting. This is normal. “Problem chka” (no problem). “

I must admit this is very true. Just because someone told you they will call you back doesn’t necessarily mean they will. They tell you they will come, but they don’t, or come on another day. With the exception of the most modern and progressive offices, no business keeps the business hours they announce. And most concerts usually start 15-20 minutes late, waiting until the tardy fans get in and find their seats.

After spending 2 years in Armenia, Roxy too is getting the idea and is making a dictionary of Armenian time for her own personal use. “I am almost there means I have another 20-30 minutes to go. I will call you tonight means I might call you tomorrow, or might not call you at all. Come around two means I don’t expect you earlier than four.”

You see, it's simple to learn, and the good thing is, you can be as slow and relaxed as you wish most of the time. Just remember, if you are invited to an Armenian house for dinner, never arrive on time, or else the host will get an impression you were starving for days.