WHAT IS GENOCIDE
• An act committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in
part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.
• The objectives of genocide would be the disintegration
of the political and social institutions, of culture,
language, national feelings, religion, and the economic
existence of national groups
WHO WERE THE ARMENIANS
• An ancient Christian people with a distinct culture,
language and history
• Lived for centuries in Eastern Anatolia (their historic
homeland) within the larger Ottoman Empire.
• A minority group, often facing discrimination and
second-class status under Ottoman rule.
• The culture of these people, known for their honesty, is
at the heart of the story. Hospitality is also an important
function in the Armenian culture.
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
• It all began with the arrest and execution of Armenian
intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople on April
24, 1915.
• Hundreds of thousands of Armenians were then forced from
their homes on death marches into the Syrian Desert with little
food or water.
• They faced starvation, dehydration, disease, and brutal
massacres by Ottoman soldiers and irregulars.
• Armenian cultural sites, churches, and properties were
destroyed or confiscated.
THE DEVASTATING OUTCOME
• Human Cost: An estimated 1.5 million Armenians perished, out of
approximately 2 million in the Ottoman Empire.
• Massive displacement led to the creation of a vast Armenian Diaspora across
the globe.
• Lack of Immediate Intervention: The ongoing World War I distracted major
powers, leading to limited international response during the events.
WHY STUDY THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE?
– Understand genocide: It’s a foundational case for
understanding how systematic destruction of a
group occurs
– Prevent future atrocities: Learning its causes and
patterns helps us recognize and act on warning
signs today
– Combat denial: Upholding historical truth is
crucial for justice and preventing similar crimes
– Foster human rights: It highlights the urgent need
to protect vulnerable groups and stand against
hatred