"Gigliola Papa Timurian, a merchant and mother from Bari, Armenian by love!" by Carlo Coppola

https://www.lafiaccola.it/wp/gigliola-papa-timurian/ "Gigliola Papa Timurian" un articolo di Carlo Coppola su "La Fiaccola" diretto dall'avv. Paolo Scagliarini.

The community of Bari and the local Armenian diaspora are mourning the passing of Gigliola Papa Timurian, a beloved resident of this vibrant city in Puglia for 79 years. While the specific details of her life remain largely private, her family history is intertwined with prominent Italian and Armenian figures, having also developed a strong sense of responsibility and belonging towards her husband’s culture.

With her in her final moments were her husband Rupen, her sons Diran and Dario Rupen, and her daughters-in-law and grandchildren Ashkhen, Rupen and Gigliola, to whom she was deeply attached.

Gigliola was the mother of Dario Rupen Timurian, the esteemed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Bari. This family connection is more than just a title; it likely reflects the values, open-mindedness and civic engagement that Gigliola cultivated and instilled in her son. Her role as a fundamental bridge between Italy and Armenia speaks volumes about a family environment that has embraced international dynamics and actively promoted Armenian culture in the Bari area.

Her importance in the local economic fabric has been crucial, having previously served as a representative of the important company Timurian srl. Her active participation in the professional and entrepreneurial sphere of her hometown is undeniable.

This involvement underlines her deep ties with the Armenian community of Bari and Puglia in general, as well as her tangible support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the bonds of friendship and understanding between the two nations. Gigliola has been able to maintain ties with her husband's culture, the Armenian culture, which she has fully embraced, also through the teachings of her in-laws Diran and Ashkhen Timurian, among the first to arrive in Bari after the Armenian Genocide.

In this time of grief, our thoughts are with her beloved husband Rupen, Dean of the Armenian Community of Puglia, her sons Diran and Dario Rupen, and all the family and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love Gigliola Papa Timurian. Her legacy will live on through her loved ones, the ideal and material contribution she gave to the Armenian and Bari communities together. Although the details especially of the last period of her life remain private, her impact on the family and the community is undeniable and deserves to be honored.