Genocide Memorial Day in Armenia
Genocide Memorial Day is a holiday in Armenia.
When is Genocide Memorial Day in Armenia
Genocide Memorial Day is celebrated on 24, April, 2023 in Armenia.
About Genocide Memorial Day in Armenia
Genocide Memorial Day, also known as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, is a national holiday in Armenia observed on April 24th every year. It is a day to remember and honor the victims of the Armenian Genocide, which began in 1915 and resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians.
The holiday is marked by solemn ceremonies and events throughout the country, including the laying of flowers at the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial Complex in Yerevan, which is dedicated to the victims of the genocide. The complex includes a museum and a monument with an eternal flame, and is visited by thousands of people every year.
The Armenian Genocide is recognized as a genocide by many countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, but is not officially recognized as such by Turkey, which denies that a genocide occurred. The commemoration of Genocide Memorial Day is therefore an important way for Armenians to remember and honor their history and culture, and to continue to seek recognition and justice for the victims of the genocide.
History of Genocide Memorial Day in Armenia
Genocide Memorial Day, also known as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, is an annual holiday in Armenia that commemorates the victims of the Armenian Genocide, which took place from 1915 to 1923.
The Armenian Genocide was the systematic extermination of the Armenian people by the Ottoman Empire. It is estimated that over 1.5 million Armenians were killed during this period. The genocide was carried out through mass deportations, forced marches, and massacres.
The idea of a Genocide Memorial Day in Armenia began in the 1960s, when survivors of the genocide and their descendants began to organize events to remember the victims. In 1965, on the 50th anniversary of the genocide, a large-scale commemoration was held in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
In 1995, the Armenian parliament declared April 24th as the official Genocide Memorial Day. This date was chosen because it marks the beginning of the genocide, when Ottoman authorities arrested and executed hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople (now Istanbul).
On Genocide Memorial Day, Armenians around the world gather to remember the victims of the genocide and to demand recognition and justice for the crimes committed against their people. In Armenia, a solemn ceremony is held at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan, where thousands of people lay flowers at the eternal flame and pay their respects to the victims.
The holiday is also recognized by the international community, with many countries and organizations acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and expressing their solidarity with the Armenian people on Genocide Memorial Day.
How is Genocide Memorial Day celebrated in Armenia
Genocide Memorial Day, also known as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, is observed on April 24th every year in Armenia to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide. The day is marked with solemn ceremonies, speeches, and marches throughout the country.
Here are some ways in which Genocide Memorial Day is celebrated in Armenia:
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Commemorative events: The day begins with a solemn ceremony at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan, which includes the laying of wreaths and flowers at the monument. Throughout the day, various events are held across the country, including religious services, cultural performances, and candlelight vigils.
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Moment of silence: At 11:00 am, a moment of silence is observed across the country to honor the victims of the genocide.
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Marches and rallies: Thousands of people participate in marches and rallies organized by political parties, youth groups, and other organizations. The marches usually begin at the Genocide Memorial and end at the Opera House in Yerevan.
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Exhibitions and lectures: Various exhibitions and lectures are organized to educate people about the Armenian Genocide and its impact on the country and its people.
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Lighting of candles: In the evening, people light candles in memory of the victims of the genocide. This is done at home, in public places, and at the Genocide Memorial.
Overall, Genocide Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and reflection for the Armenian people. It is a time to honor the memory of those who were killed during the genocide and to reaffirm the commitment to preventing such atrocities from happening again in the future.
Dates
Genocide Memorial Day will be celebrated in Armenia on 2023-04-24, 2024-04-24, 2025-04-24, 2026-04-24, 2027-04-24 in the comming years.
