ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

The 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide was commemorated on April 24, 2015. This date is considered the beginning of the genocide and is commonly known as Red Sunday, marking the deportation and execution of many Armenian intellectuals in 1915.

In Armenia, a governmental commission for the coordination of events relating to the Armenian genocide was established by a presidential decree. The first meeting of the Commission was held on January 1, and it is headed by Hayk Demoyan, director of the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute. Chavarch Kocharian, the Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that "the efforts that have been undertaken are important not only for our country and the Diaspora, but for the whole world." He emphasized that impunity and denial of crimes against humanity create fertile ground for similar events to recur.

The Attorney General of Armenia, Aghvan Hovsepian, made a significant statement on April 24, 2013, at a forum organized by the Ministry of Diaspora. His "feeling statement" was considered as Armenia's first territorial claim to Turkey made at an official level. As the holder of the highest judicial authority in the country, his statement is equivalent to an official declaration.

Giro Manoyan, Director of the International Secretariat of the Office of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsoutioun) in Yerevan, commented on the development, stating that it was still impossible to say that Armenia had made a formal claim to Turkey. However, this statement has been disputed by some, who argue that the commission's efforts are an attempt to counter the upcoming genocide centennial activities.

The Armenian Cause is being promoted through various means, including commemorative events and publications. The Armenian people have shown their resilience in the face of tragedy, organizing lighting ceremonies, evening commemorations, and publishing books to honor the memories of those who suffered.

In Turkey, the government's stance on the issue remains contentious. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to Armenia's claims, but no official statement was made regarding the commission's efforts or the territorial claim.

The Armenian genocide is a dark chapter in human history, and its commemoration serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and learning from past atrocities. As the world marks this significant anniversary, it is essential to recognize the significance of Armenia's claims and to work towards creating a more just and equitable future for all