What is the Armenian Genocide?
The Armenian Genocide was the systematic mass-killing and annihilation of over 1.5 million Armenian people perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) in 1915-1923. This was not the first massacre of the Armenians nor the last. Today, the Republic of Turkey and Azerbaijan deny the Armenian Genocide and work to prevent its international recognition. At the same time, Turkish and Azerbaijani politicians continue to lay claim to Armenian lands and make threats of "finishing" the Armenian Genocide.
Check out this 22-minute video to understand what led to the Armenian Genocide, what it entailed, and how it is relevant to Artsakh and the Armenian struggle today.
What is Artsakh?
Watch this short video for a concise synopsis on the Republic of Artsakh's history and struggle, from antiquity up until 2018.
Occupation
In 2020, Azerbaijan, backed by Turkey and Israel, launched a full-scale military invasion on the Republic of Artsakh, which ended with the occupation of almost the entire republic. This is internationally known as the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. The centuries-long massacre and dispossession of Armenians continues. The following article written by a Turkish journalist does a stunning job of summarizing the invasion as well as the war crimes which followed and the genocidal methods Azerbaijan employs.
The Blockade
Beginning in December 2022, Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting the mountainous and isolated Republic of Artsakh to Armenia and the rest of the world. For nine months, the Armenians of Artsakh were subjected to a blockade which near totally deprived them of food, medicine, water, and basic necessities of life. Luis Moreno Ocampo, the first chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, declared, "Starvation is the invisible genocide weapon. Without dramatic change, this group of Armenians will be destroyed in a few weeks."
Recent Developments
As of this moment, the Republic of Artsakh is under total occupation. On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched another military assault under the guise of an "anti-terrorist operation." Civilians were heavily bombarded while the Lachin Corridor remained closed. On September 24th, the mass exodus of Artsakh-Armenians began. Over 100,000 Armenians became refugees as a result of Azerbaijan's genocidal campaign. Hundreds died as a result of shelling, blockade, and famine. On October 15, the 20th anniversary of his presidency, Ilham Aliyev arrived in Artsakh, using the Armenian flag as his welcoming mat. Emboldened by the lack of international accountability, Azerbaijan now eyes the southern province of Armenia and continues to lay claims to the entire republic, naming it "Western Azerbaijan." An invasion of Armenia is imminent.
Read more here and here
Under Azerbaijani Rule
While Azerbaijan often claims Armenians and Azerbaijanis lived peacefully alongside one another in the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast until Armenians turned to "irredentism," this could not be further from the truth. Artsakh-Armenians suffered a 7-decade long occupation under Soviet Azerbaijan, in which Armenians were indiscriminately murdered, their culture stifled, and their region deliberately underdeveloped. During this time, Armenians would continuously hold protests and petitions calling for independence or reunification with Armenia.
Armenophobia in Azerbaijan
Armenophobia in Azerbaijan is state-sanctioned. It is systematic. It is openly taught in schools and encouraged amongst its youth. Perhaps the most unquestionable example is the case of Ramil Safarov, an Azerbaijani man who axe-murdered the sleeping 26-year-old Armenian Gurgen Markaryan in Hungary. Azerbaijan extradited Safarov and he arrived in Baku greeted by bouqets from citizens, a presidential pardon, a free apartment, and compensation. He is hailed as a national hero of Azerbaijan for his act of murdering an innocent Armenian.
Is it Genocide?
Yes. It absolutely is genocide. The evidence is insurmountable. In fact, countless genocide scholars and genocide prevention organizations have released statements calling it just that.
Read the Lemkin Institute's statement here
Read Genocide Watch's statement here
Read The International Association of Genocide Scholar's statement here
Does the Republic of Artsakh have a right to exist?
History has taught us that some of the vilest acts of humanity were considered legal at their time. Legality is not a tool with which we should measure morality. However, the short answer is: Yes.
Certainly. The United Nations Charter is international law, and all UN nations are bound to it. Article 1 states, "All people have the right of self-determination." For the still hesitant individuals out there, we recommend checking the following link.
Watch this video for a thorough breakdown of international and soviet law in regards to Artsakh.
All done?