April 24 marks the annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, one of the darkest chapters of the 20th century. On this day in 1915, hundreds of Armenian intellectuals, community leaders and clergy were arrested in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), marking the beginning of a systematic campaign against the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire.

A campaign of destruction

In the years that followed, Armenians were forcibly removed from their homes and subjected to mass deportations, executions and death marches through the deserts of Mesopotamia. Deprived of food, water and shelter, countless men, women and children perished along the way.

Historians widely estimate that around 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives during this period. At the same time, other Christian communities of Anatolia—including Greeks and Assyrians—also suffered mass killings, displacement and persecution.

Targeting entire communities

Eyewitness accounts and historical records describe widespread atrocities carried out by irregular units and state-backed groups. Families were separated, children were forcibly taken and assimilated, and entire communities were uprooted.

The policy of forced displacement and violence extended across Anatolia, fundamentally altering the demographic and cultural landscape of the region.

The tragedy of Smyrna

In 1922, the destruction of Smyrna Catastrophe marked another devastating moment. Fires engulfed Greek and Armenian neighbourhoods, forcing thousands to flee toward the harbour, where many were killed or displaced.

A day of remembrance

The first official commemoration took place in 1919, when survivors gathered to honour the victims. Since then, April 24 has become a global day of remembrance for Armenians and for all those affected by the events.

Today, ceremonies are held worldwide, including at memorials such as Tsitsernakaberd in Yerevan, as communities reflect on the past and honour the memory of those who perished.

Ongoing recognition and debate

Most historians and numerous countries recognise the events as genocide—a term denoting a deliberate and systematic attempt to destroy a people. However, Turkey disputes this characterisation, maintaining that the deaths occurred in the broader context of war and civil unrest.

More than a century later, the Armenian Genocide remains a subject of international reflection, historical research and dialogue—serving as a reminder of the importance of remembrance, justice and the prevention of such atrocities in the future.

The parallel tragedies of Greeks and Assyrians

Alongside the Armenians, other Christian populations of the Ottoman Empire—particularly Greeks and Assyrians—endured similar campaigns of persecution during the same period.

The Greek Genocide saw the systematic targeting of Greek communities in Asia Minor, Pontus and Eastern Thrace. Hundreds of thousands were killed, while many more were displaced through forced marches, massacres and expulsions. These events culminated in the population exchanges that followed the Greco-Turkish War and the destruction of long-established Hellenic communities.

Similarly, the Assyrian Genocide—known as Sayfo (the “Sword”)—resulted in the deaths of up to 400,000 Assyrians. Entire villages were destroyed, and survivors were driven into exile, scattering ancient communities across the Middle East and beyond.

Today, Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians around the world continue to commemorate these shared histories of suffering and survival. Their remembrance serves not only to honour the victims, but also to preserve historical truth and promote awareness for future generations.

 https://greekcitytimes.com/2026/04/25/april-24-remembering-the-armenian-genocide-and-its-enduring-legacyarmenian-greek-assyrian-genocide-april-24/