The first wave of Armenians immigrated to Poland as early as in the 12th century. With time, they became increasingly numerous in Eastern Poland, where the city of Lwów became their cultural center from early on.
The Armenian community was known for being fiercely loyal to its new home country. Polish-Armenian soldiers fought in many of the most famous Polish military battles such as the Battle of Grunwald in 1410 against the Teutonic Order and the Battle of Varna in 1444 against the Ottoman Empire.
They were given religious liberty and political privileges by the Kings of Poland. For example, Casimir III gave to the Armenians of Kamieniec Podolski in 1344 and those of Lwów in 1356 the right of setting up a national council, consisting of twelve judges who came to administer Armenian matters without much influence by the Polish king,
Today, thousands of Armenians still live in Poland, with several Polish-Armenian associations safeguarding their traditions and interests.
Poland Daily History was fortunate to be given the opportunity to speak with one of their representatives, Maciej Bohosiewicz from the Armenian Foundation, about the long history of the Polish-Armenian community.