Visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Armenians gather around the world to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Armenians from the far corners of the globe; from Buenos Aires to Guangzhou to Chicago honor 1.5 million Armenians slaughtered by the Turks in 1915. In Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, hundreds of thousands solemnly march to Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial. The memorial was constructed in 1967 and overlooks Yerevan from its perch on a hill.
April 24th commemorates the day Turks from the Ottoman Empire gathered Armenian intellectuals in Istanbul and deported them (most were eventually murdered). This marked the beginning of a systematic slaughter that decimated the Armenian population, who were citizens of the Ottoman Empire. Modern day Turkey still refuses to recognize their history and has continued a multi-decade smear campaign, defying the vast majority of genocide scholars and historians who recognize this horrific event.
Armenians and other visitors pay their respects to their fallen ancestors. Hundreds of thousands patiently make their way to the eternal flame to place flowers in their honor. The eternal flame is surrounded by 12 grey slabs, representing the 12 lost provinces in present-day Turkey. Multi-generations of families gather and offer their prayers.
How to get around in Yerevan? Check out this taxi guide.
Even Hollywood paid their respects when George Clooney made the walk to Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial. Clooney was in Yerevan as a member of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee. The first annual Aurora Prize Award was presented on April 24, 2016 at a ceremony in Yerevan. The Aurora Award recognizes individuals and organizations for the incredible efforts on preserving human life and advancing humanitarian causes.
Armenians around the globe along with their allies in both truth and justice persevere in their efforts in gaining recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial.
Tens of thousands march to the Genocide Memorial
Walking into the Memorial
A men reflects in silence
Armenia genocide
Visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial.
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[…] out my visit on April 24th to the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Thanks for reading my visit on Candle Light Vigil To The Armenian Genocide […]
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[…] a requirement when visiting Yerevan is a stop at the Armenian Genocide Memorial also known as Tsitsernakaberd. This Soviet-built creation honors and commemorates the 1.5 million […]
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