Author: Elizabeth Jabejian

Every March 15, Armenian communities across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East gather for ceremonies, lectures, monument unveilings, and memorial services honoring one man and one mission: Soghomon Tehlirian and Operation Nemesis.

By William Paparian

On that day in 1921, 25-year-old Armenian survivor Tehlirian walked up behind Talaat Pasha, the chief architect of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, in broad daylight on a Berlin street and shot him in the head. The act was not random vengeance. It was the most visible strike in a secret Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) campaign called Operation Nemesis, launched because the world had failed to deliver justice. For the Armenian diaspora, March 15 is “Avenger’s Day,” an annual remembrance established by the ARF in 1974. It is more than nostalgia; it is a living affirmation of identity, moral resolve, and the refusal to let genocide go unpunished.

The Shadow of Genocide

The date carries profound weight because of its history. Between 1915 and 1923, the Ottoman Young Turk government orchestrated the systematic deportation, massacre, and death marches of roughly 1.5 million Armenians. After World War I, promises of tribunals faded. Key perpetrators, Talaat Pasha, Enver Pasha, Cemal Pasha, escaped into exile, living freely while survivors rebuilt shattered lives in foreign lands. International justice had failed.

In response, the ARF’s 1919 congress in Yerevan authorized Operation Nemesis: a secret mission to deliver accountability where none existed. Named for the goddess of retribution, it targeted those most responsible. Between 1920 and 1922, the group carried out at least seven successful assassinations across Europe and the Middle East.

Tehlirian: Survivor and Avenger

Tehlirian became the face of that campaign. A genocide survivor who had lost his mother, sisters, and most of his family on the death marches, he was chosen to target Talaat, whom Shahan Natalie called “Number One.” After months of surveillance in Berlin, Tehlirian pulled the trigger on March 15, 1921. He did not flee; he waited to be arrested.

At his two-day trial in June, the courtroom became an unofficial tribunal on the Genocide. Survivor testimony, expert witnesses, and Tehlirian’s calm statement, “I have killed a man, but I am not a murderer,” filled the German press. The jury acquitted him in less than an hour. The verdict sent shock waves: a European court had implicitly recognized the Armenian Genocide as a mitigating circumstance for an act that would otherwise have been simple murder.

Diaspora Memory and Identity

For the diaspora, this sequence, genocide, impunity, targeted justice, public vindication, condenses the 20th-century Armenian experience into one dramatic episode. Most diaspora families trace their presence in California, France, Argentina, or Lebanon directly to genocide survivors who arrived as refugees. Annual April 24 commemorations remember the victims; March 15 remembers the response. It affirms that Armenians were not passive martyrs but agents who reclaimed agency when governments abandoned them. The act restored dignity and pride.

This truth resonates in my own family. My mother, Serpouhi, survived the horrors, and I grew up hearing fragments of the Dickranian family story—not as dramatic tales, but as quiet, enduring truths. Eventually, they found safety in America and rebuilt a life of quiet strength. Those stories shaped me—not with anger, but with a deep responsibility to remember and honor those who ensured our survival.

In Fresno, California, at the Masis Ararat Armenian Cemetery, a monument honors Tehlirian: an obelisk topped with a gold-plated eagle slaying a snake, symbolizing Armenian justice striking down Talaat Pasha, the “snake” as the chief architect of the Genocide. Erected in 1969, it remains a powerful pilgrimage site, drawing visitors who lay flowers and reflect on the enduring legacy of retribution and resilience.

Lessons for Today

The remembrance also looks forward. Turkey’s continued denial of the Genocide, coupled with recent threats against the Republic of Armenia, keeps the memory urgent. March 15 is not merely historical; it is a reminder that justice sometimes requires extraordinary measures when lawful avenues are closed. It inspires advocacy for recognition, reparations, and security, while also encouraging reflection: many Armenians today distinguish between the justified retribution of 1921 and modern violence, using the anniversary to explore non-violent strategies for the 21st century.

Ultimately, the Armenian diaspora remembers Soghomon Tehlirian and Operation Nemesis every March 15 because the date captures the central narrative of our collective identity: a people who survived attempted extermination, refused to accept impunity, and acted when the world would not. Tehlirian’s bullet in Berlin did not erase the Genocide, but it ensured its chief architect did not enjoy a quiet exile—and that Armenians would never forget they once delivered justice with their own hands. For millions in the diaspora—including me, carrying forward my mother Serpouhi’s legacy, March 15 is the day we reaffirm that memory, that pride, and our unbreakable commitment to “never again.”

Armenia is set to welcome three million tourists in 2026, driven by strategic investments, enhanced infrastructure, and its rich cultural heritage. The country is focusing on promoting its natural beauty and historical landmarks while improving services to elevate its tourism experience, ensuring a significant boost to its global appeal. With these efforts, Armenia is poised to attract travelers seeking unique experiences in a growing destination.

Armenia is witnessing a remarkable growth in its tourism sector, with projections indicating a significant rise in the number of tourist arrivals. The country is set to welcome around 3 million visitors by 2026, marking a notable achievement for its tourism industry. This surge in tourist traffic comes as Armenia positions itself as a key destination for travelers in the region and beyond, driven by the diverse range of attractions it offers and its efforts to promote itself on the global stage.

The announcement was made during the 32nd Moscow International  Travel & Hospitality Exhibition (MITT-2026), a major event that brings together industry professionals, tourism associations, regulators, and businesses to explore emerging trends in tourism. The exhibition, which opened at Moscow’s Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre, runs through March 13, providing a platform for networking and discussions about the future of global tourism. It also gives participants a chance to connect with potential clients and partners from across the world.

Armenia’s Tourism Committee, in partnership with other stakeholders, has been working tirelessly to build the country’s reputation as a premier  travel destination. According to industry experts, the Armenian tourism sector has grown rapidly over the past few years, with the number of visitors steadily increasing. In 2025, Armenia welcomed 2.3 million tourists, a strong indicator of the country’s rising appeal to international travelers. However, this is just the beginning, as the country anticipates an even more significant influx of tourists in the coming years.

Looking ahead to 2026, Armenia’s tourism industry expects to see a 30% increase in arrivals, with the total number of visitors projected to reach 3 million. This growth comes as a result of both Armenia’s well-preserved historical heritage and its burgeoning infrastructure, which makes it a highly attractive destination for those seeking new and exciting places to visit in Europe and Asia. The development of Armenia’s tourism sector is being driven by both private and public sector initiatives, with the government focusing on sustainable tourism practices, better infrastructure, and stronger international marketing efforts.

One of the primary reasons for this growth in tourism is Armenia’s unique positioning as a gateway to both Europe and Asia. Its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes have long made it a destination of interest to travelers from around the world. However, in recent years, Armenia has actively sought to elevate its status by diversifying its tourism offerings and promoting lesser-known attractions beyond its capital city, Yerevan. These efforts are paying off, as more visitors are discovering Armenia’s cultural, natural, and historical treasures.

Russia remains the most significant source of tourism for Armenia, with around 40% of all international visitors coming from Russia. This is no surprise, given the close geographical and cultural ties between the two countries. Russia has long been a primary market for Armenian tourism, with a shared history and a deep connection between the people of both nations. Armenian officials have noted that Russian tourists are particularly fond of visiting Yerevan, Armenia’s vibrant capital, as well as other popular destinations, including Lake Sevan, Areni, and Dilijan.

Lake Sevan is one of Armenia’s most iconic natural landmarks, attracting tourists with its breathtaking beauty and recreational opportunities. Known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, Lake Sevan is a favorite among nature lovers and those looking to relax in a serene environment. Areni, on the other hand, is famous for its ancient wine caves and rich winemaking tradition. Visitors to Areni have the chance to explore the historical vineyards and sample some of Armenia’s finest wines, a must-visit for any wine enthusiast. Dilijan, commonly known as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” provides travelers with a serene escape surrounded by vibrant forests and stunning mountain landscapes. The town is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor adventures.

In addition to these established destinations, Armenia is also focusing on promoting its lesser-known regions, hoping to diversify its tourism offerings and attract a broader range of visitors. By focusing on sustainable tourism practices and the preservation of its cultural and natural heritage, Armenia aims to ensure that its growth as a tourism hub is both responsible and beneficial to local communities.

Armenia’s tourism success can also be attributed to the ongoing improvements in the country’s infrastructure, such as better transportation links, upgraded accommodation options, and improved services for international tourists. These upgrades make it easier for visitors to travel around the country and enjoy a comfortable stay, further enhancing Armenia’s attractiveness as a destination.

The country is also increasing its visibility in the global market, participating in major tourism fairs such as MITT-2026 and working with international travel agencies to promote its tourism offerings. With these efforts, Armenia hopes to not only maintain its current growth trajectory but also continue expanding its reach in the global tourism market.

Armenia is set to attract three million tourists in 2026, driven by strategic investments, its rich history, natural beauty, and enhanced tourism services, positioning it as a rising global destination.

As Armenia prepares for a surge in visitors in 2026, it is clear that the country is becoming an increasingly important player in the global tourism industry. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern infrastructure, Armenia is poised to offer tourists an unforgettable experience, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. As the country continues to grow and evolve, Armenia is on track to become one of the most sought-after destinations in the region. With the continued focus on sustainable tourism and responsible growth, the future of Armenian tourism looks incredibly promising.