The Armenians | Victims
The Armenians are an ancient people who have existed since the first century C.E. Today, the country lies in Eurasia, bordered by modern-day Turkey to the West, and Georgia to the North. The history and culture of Armenia is deeply rooted in Christianity, being the first nation to adopt the faith as a state religion. This early identity has majorly impacted its culture, again setting it apart from neighboring nations and ideals.
Historically, Armenia has been recognized as a kingdom, but today is a young independent country. After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the first world war, Armenia gained independence in 1918. Though in 1920, the Armenian invasion by the Red Army led to its induction to the Soviet Union. The effects of the genocide eventually continued until 1923, ending an eight year period of pain and death. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia has declared independence, and remains an independent republic. Today, its borders encompass only a small portion of land that was once historic Armenia.
Historically, Armenia has been recognized as a kingdom, but today is a young independent country. After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the first world war, Armenia gained independence in 1918. Though in 1920, the Armenian invasion by the Red Army led to its induction to the Soviet Union. The effects of the genocide eventually continued until 1923, ending an eight year period of pain and death. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia has declared independence, and remains an independent republic. Today, its borders encompass only a small portion of land that was once historic Armenia.
The Ottoman Turks | Perpetrators
As early as the eleventh century, the Seljuk Turks began to inhibit the Anatolian Peninsula (Asia Minor). By 1453, their descendents, the Ottoman Turks, had captured Constantinople and settled the Ottoman Empire. The empire included many nations and ethnicities, including the Armenians; under Ottoman rule, the Armenians were second class citizens. The Ottoman Turks were behind this genocide, more specifically, the Central Committee of the Young Turk Government. The Armenians were granted a few freedoms (they were able to practice Christianity), but were faced with special fines and taxes, along with discriminatory laws that limited their participation in all civil wings. As the Ottoman Empire declined, the ideologies of Pan Turkism ('Turkifying' or 'Ottomanizing' the region) and Islamic dominance led to the mass genocide of the Armenian people.