Armenians in Singapore
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (100) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Singapore
|
|
| Languages | |
| Armenian, English | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity |
The Armenians in Singapore are a small community who had a significant presence in the early history of Singapore. They numbered around 100 families at their peak in the 1880s, but many have moved on to other countries or become absorbed into the wider Singapore community. They were among the earliest merchants to arrive in Singapore when it was established as a trading port by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. The Armenian Apostolic Church of St Gregory the Illuminator on Armenian Street, the first church ever built in Singapore, remains today.
The early Armenians of Singapore had their origin in Julfa, whose population were deported to Isfahan (forming New Julfa) by Shah Abbas of Persia after he captured the city in 1603. Some of these Armenians then migrated to India and further beyond, and by the 18th century, Armenian communities had established themselves in India (particularly Kolkata), Myanmar, the Malay Peninsula (particularly Penang and Malacca), and Java. Soon after Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore as a trading port in 1819, Armenian merchants arrived in Singapore. The first census of Singapore in 1824 showed 16 Armenians, and the 1826 census showed that there were 16 male and 3 female Armenians in Singapore.
Although small in number, the Armenians were active in the commercial activity of early Singapore. Armenian trading firms such as the Aristarkies Sarkies Company (1820-1841), Apcar & Stephens Company (1826-1845) and Mackertich M. Moses Company (1821-1845) were prominent in Singapore's economy. By the 1830s, Armenian merchants began investing in land. Built in 1835, in March 1836 the Church of St Gregory the Illuminator was consecrated, making it the first church in Singapore.
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Wikipedia