Tomorrow marks the observance of the 97th anniversary of the massacre of the Armenian people by the Ottoman Empire (Turkey). As yet, if Turkey has ever even acknowledged it, let alone apologized for it, I have yet to hear about it.
Starting in 1915, the Ottoman Empire began murdering and deporting Armenians who lived in Turkey. The method of deportation was forced march, under conditions specifically and intentionally designed to bring suffering and death to the people being moved. Marching through the desert with no water isn’t good for anyone. I’ve seen estimates ranging from 600,000 to 3 million Armenians died during the events of this 8 year period of time.
Other ethnic groups were targeted for this genocide as well, including Greeks and Assyrians. Turkey continues to deny that these events were genocidal in nature, despite the fact that genocide scholars, historians, and many nations have officially stated their position that it was an act of genocide on the part of the Ottoman Empire.
I can’t help but wonder how many of my ancestors died during that time. The entire population of the Republic of Armenia is now roughly 3 million. That means that nearly 100 years ago, the Turks wiped out anywhere from 25% to 100% of the current national population of Armenia.
In 3 years, we will observe the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of the wholesale slaughter of my people. It would be nice if the nation of Turkey could be bothered to stand and at least admit to the actions of their forefathers. Maybe even an apology. A nod? A smile?
Or as usual, nothing more than contempt. We’ve come to expect no less from the Turks. Some things will never change. Armenians have a long memory. 100 years is but a drop in the bucket.
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