SULAIMANI — Today marks the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with commemorations taking place around the world in an effort to raise awareness and gain recognition of the atrocity in which approximately 1.5 million people died.
This year’s events on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day hold a special significance given the stunning developments in the country over recent weeks, where massive public protests forced Armenian leader Serzh Sargsyan to step down as Prime Minister.
Large commemorations are expected in Armenia itself, with some smaller, unsanctioned events to be held in Istanbul, reports the Voice of America.
Tuesday (April 24) is the culmination of a week of commemorations in cities across the world.
On April 21, a candlelight vigil was held in front of the White House, in Washington, DC. The US government has stopped short of recognizing the events as genocide.
On April 22, Armenians in Aleppo rallied to mark the anniversary of the Armenian genocide, by burning Turkish goods on a bonfire, according to Al-Masdar News. One participant said, “these activities and pleas are a union of voices raised to the international community, until Turkey is condemned and asked to stop the crimes against the people of the world”
A march was held in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City on Monday (April 23) night. Israel does not formally recognize the genocide.
The Armenian Genocide began on April 24, 1915 when the Ottoman Empire rounded up 250 Armenian intellectuals and community leaders. Eventually, this would lead to the deaths of approximately 1.5 million Armenians through murder, deportation, and forced labor.
Modern-day Turkey disputes this, actively forbids discussion of it within its borders, and aggressively lobbies against recognition abroad.
Nevertheless, 29 countries (mostly in Western Europe and South America) and numerous international organizations and international figures, such as Pope Francis, recognize the events as genocide.
(NRT)