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Friday 24 October 2008

"Burnt alive": new photo testifying of the Armenian Genocide revealed

The photo originally published in the “Album of refugees” in 1917.

The original photo found in 2008 by AGMI.

The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute reports:

Recently, the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute’s efforts towards collection of new data on the Armenian genocide have experienced great success with the enrichment of AGMI’s collection of documentary photographs. The most recent discovery is a photo testifying of the Armenian Genocide and in particular the massacres of the Armenian population in the region of Mush.

The photograph has been acquired by the AGMI and was captured by Russian soldiers on the Caucasus front in 1915. It portrays the remains of the Armenian villagers who were burnt alive during the massacres of Mush.

This photograph is one of a kind. It is one of the well preserved photos discovered in an album called, “Album of refugees” published in Tiflis (1917). The album is consisted from 62 unique photos that demonstrate the events of the Armenian Genocide. However, only a few of the original 62 have survived and most of them are in dire conditions.

Nonetheless, the authenticity of the “Album of refugees” is demonstrated through the validity and great condition of this unique photo. On the back of this picture is a quote in Russian stating; “Armenians burnt alive in Sheykhalan by Turkish soldiers”. Furthermore, the photo is marked with the number 74, which indicates the existence of a larger collection of photographs captured by Russian soldiers during WWI.

Hence, the AGMI is adamant in locating the remaining photos of this collection which will sturdily assist the Institute’s efforts to demonstrate the complete picture of the first genocide of the 20th century.

6 comments:

Haik said...

They could be my or your relatives. I don't imagine how can any Armenian forget it? Not talking about showing slightest signs of doubting. What historical committee is Serjik talking about aren’t we good enough historical "artefacts" for him? My grandmother was born in Mersin in a family of railroad dispatcher who whenever knew informed the local haydooks (one of them his brother) about the transportation of Armenians in train carriages. In that manner they managed to save a number of people from death in Syrian deserts. She herself had 3 or 4 adopted brothers and sisters.

Anonymous said...

yes, and if our relatives knew that their bones will be used for selfish internal political games, Haik, aren't you trespassing the red line?

Haik said...

Anonymous
You are accusing me for politicizing the Armenian Genocide. How dare you?
You are looking at the wrong direction open your eyes that's what I can only say, nothing more.

Anonymous said...

I'm kind of tired of everyone politicizing the issue. If Serge does one thing, the opposition attacks. If Levon were to do something similar, they wouldn't, but pro-government forces would.

This in essence is why the country is in such a mess. It has nothing to do with issues. Nothing at all. Besides, how do you expect things to be worked out? There have to be legal and international mechanisms.

Incidentally, the last time people started throwing stones regarding the genocide was TARC four years ago. Initiated by the US State Department, one of its main people was one of Levon's closest associates -- his foreign minister, Alexander Arzoumanian.

They too set up groups to determine whether the events were actually Genocide. The International Center for Transitional Justice were responsible for doing that and guess what, they determined that it was. Of course, Dashnaks were still not happy.

Anyway, everything is politicized here. It's all Armenians can do, and until that changes nothing else will.

Anonymous said...

Haik - Have you ever asked your question to Bleyan who would be happy to see these photographs wither away and never seen again?

These are the real disappointments in modern Armenia, a generation of Armenians growing up with a "forget the past if it is not uplifting" and promoted wholeheartedly by the HHSh kozmopolitans.

Haik said...

Anonymous
Unlike some people and political organizations I criticized and will continue doing so anybody who denies the Armenian Genocide.
It was the first time in Armenian history that an RA high ranking public office holder shed a doubt on Armenian Genocide. This is something that should have ended with prompt resignation. Imagine if an Israeli official done the same regarding the Holocaust.

Onnik, I don't think that Armenian side of TARC ever doubted on the Armenian Genocide or proposed to set up a historical committee. Recognition of the Armenian Genocide and establishing relations with turkey are not mutually exclusive.