The Armenian Genocide was the planned and executed deportation and murder of over 2 million Christian Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians by the Ottoman Turkish Government from 1915-1923.
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day is observed each year on April 24th to mourn the tragic loss and remember the terrible cost of genocide on communities around the world.
In the 15th century, Armenia was absorbed into the Ottoman Empire during which there was vast unequal and unjust treatment of the population at the hands of the Ottoman Empire rulers, who like most of their subjects, were Muslims. Christian Armenians paid higher taxes than Muslims, for example, and had very few political or legal rights.
During World War I, The Ottomans sided with the Germans and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. When the Russians defeated Ottoman troops at the Battle of Sarakimis and the Ottoman Army lost more than half of its soldiers, they blamed the loss on supposed Armenian traitors and suspected that all Christian Armenians were disloyal. In spring 1915, the Ottoman government began the deportation of the Armenian population.
The victims of the genocide include people killed in local massacres, and many others who died during deportations, under conditions of starvation, dehydration, exposure, and disease.
To date, the governments of 32 countries have recognized the events of 1915 as a genocide, which includes the United States. However, the Turkish government still does not acknowledge the scope of these events.
Countries that Recognize the Armenian Genocide
Learn More about the Armenian Genocide HERE
The Genocide Education Project Shares Books to Read about the Armenian Genocide
California Declares April 24 ‘Genocide Remembrance Day’ a State Holiday
How Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day Will Be Observed in Southern California
On Armenian Remembrance Day, we remember those who lost their lives and remain ever vigilant against hatred in any form.
