The Armenian Genocide: The Arrest of Armenian Intellectuals on April 24, 1915

On April 24, 1915, a significant and tragic event marked the beginning of the Armenian Genocide, a systematic campaign of extermination carried out by the Ottoman Empire against its Armenian population during World War I. This date is now commemorated as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.

Context Leading to the Arrests

The Ottoman Empire, which had been in decline for decades, entered World War I on the side of the Central Powers. Amidst the war, the Ottoman government, led by the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP), perceived the Armenian population as a potential threat due to their Christian faith and alleged sympathies with the empire’s enemies, particularly Russia.

Tensions between the Ottoman authorities and the Armenian community had been escalating for years, fueled by nationalist movements and demands for reform and autonomy by Armenians. The outbreak of World War I exacerbated these tensions, leading to increased suspicion and hostility towards Armenians.

The Arrests on April 24, 1915

On the night of April 24, 1915, the Ottoman government initiated a coordinated plan to arrest Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). This operation was intended to decapitate the Armenian leadership and prevent any organized resistance.

• Targets: Approximately 250 to 270 Armenian intellectuals, including writers, clergy, doctors, lawyers, and politicians, were rounded up. These individuals were influential figures within the Armenian community and played crucial roles in cultural and political life.
• Immediate Consequences: The arrested individuals were initially detained in local prisons. Many were subsequently deported to remote locations in Anatolia, where most were executed or died under harsh conditions.

Broader Historical Significance

The arrests on April 24, 1915, marked the beginning of a broader campaign of extermination against the Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire. Over the following years, it is estimated that 1.5 million Armenians perished through mass killings, forced marches, and starvation.

• Genocide Recognition: The Armenian Genocide is recognized by many countries and historians as one of the first modern genocides. However, the Turkish government has historically disputed the characterization of these events as genocide.
• Legacy: The genocide had a profound impact on the Armenian diaspora, with survivors and their descendants spreading across the globe. It remains a deeply significant and sensitive issue in Armenian identity and international relations.

Aftermath and Commemoration

April 24 is commemorated annually as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, honoring the victims and raising awareness about the atrocities. The events of 1915 have had lasting implications for international law and human rights, influencing the development of the concept of genocide and efforts to prevent similar atrocities in the future.

The Armenian Genocide serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of intolerance and the importance of historical memory in fostering reconciliation and understanding.