Discover the solemn history at the Armenian Genocide Museum in Yerevan as we embark on a guided tour. We were fortunate to have the insights shared by a knowledgeable PhD researcher, Hasmik Martirosyan. Today, we step back in time to witness the haunting legacy of the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923). As we explore the museum’s exhibits and immerse ourselves in the harrowing accounts of survival and loss, we come face to face with a story that has endured oppression, resilience, and, finally, courage. Join us as we shed light on the well-documented but long-suppressed events that shaped the fate of the Armenian people.
The Armenian Genocide is a story that needs to be told
My main takeaway was that this genocide by what is now Turkey was well documented by the outside world while it was happening. Then it was repressed when the Soviet Union absorbed the Caucasus countries. But after the break up of the USSR, the Armenians themselves were able to tell the world what happened to them.
Armenian Genocide: Extermination of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire
Imagine a time when the world was at war, and empires were crumbling under the weight of their ambitions. The early 20th century saw the Ottoman Empire struggling with the winds of change. As the empire fought to preserve its identity and territory, a dark chapter unfolded that was the Armenian Genocide.
The Young Turks and the Changing Landscape
The Young Turks, a group of ambitious reformers sought to modernize their nation. Their vision was to create a unified and homogeneous Turkish state. But this would mean casting aside the empire’s diverse cultural fabric. In their pursuit of a “Great Turan,” they aimed to reshape the region.
Amid the chaos of World War I, the Young Turks saw an opportunity to cement their influence. The empire’s alliances and loyalties were shifting. And they decided that Armenia and its Armenian population posed a threat to their vision.
The Armenian Community in the Ottoman Empire
The Armenian people had a rich history in the Ottoman Empire stretching back centuries. They contributed to its cultural, economic, and intellectual life.
But, as the Young Turks rose to power, the Armenian community found itself marginalized and discriminated against. The Armenians’ cultural identity and Christian faith set them apart. That made them targets of suspicion and prejudice.
Implementation of the Genocide
The genocide was a well-documented government-run policy. It had four phases:
- Conscription and and then murder of Armenian men in the Ottoman army.
- Arrest and elimination of Armenian intellectuals and elites.
- Exile and massacre of women, children, and elderly Armenians to the Syrian desert.
- Denial and distortion of history by the Turkish government, despite international condemnation.
Death Toll and Aftermath of the Armenian Genocide
Before World War I, there were about two million Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. About one and a half million Armenians were killed during the genocide. And the remaining population was either forced to convert to Islam or exiled. This resulted in widespread suffering, trauma, and loss for the Armenian people. And Turkey’s denial and distortion of history continue to be a problem.
A Call for Remembrance and Understanding
The Armenian Genocide stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked power and intolerance. Today, as we step foot in the Armenian Genocide Museum in Yerevan, we bear witness to the stories of those who endured suffering and loss. It is our collective responsibility to remember their plight and ensure that history never repeats itself.
Time for Reflection
Because of the serious nature, Peace Corps was generous enough to let us have most of our training day off. This is so we would have time to reflect on what we had learned. We all felt this was an essential piece of Armenian history that all volunteers should know. And that the museum visit was the best way to get them that information.
Day of Remembrance – April 24th
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day or Armenian Genocide Memorial Day is a public holiday in Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh and is observed by the Armenian diaspora on 24 April. It is held annually to commemorate the victims of the Armenian genocide of 1915-23. It was a series of massacres and starvation of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottomans. In Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, hundreds of thousands of people walk to the Genocide Memorial to lay flowers at the eternal flame.
Wikipedia.org
Conclusion
Even today, Armenia is squeezed between two regimes (Turkey and Azerbaijan) that consider themselves brothers. It is no wonder that Armenians still feel like the threat of another genocide is a possible future.
What Hazmik and other Armenians have asked us, is to share their story with those back home in America. We are not offering solutions or pointing fingers. But it is a story that others should hear.
Below are links to the Armenian Genocide Museum and other recommended sites:
Feature photo by DziDzernagapert under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
