Armenia set to publish ‘genocide’ testimonials
Armenians gather to mark the 94th anniversary of the mass killings in this file photo. AP photo
The National Archives of Armenia will publish three volumes containing eyewitness accounts of the 1915 incidents, the archival director announced during a press conference Nov. 8, according to Los Angeles-based Armenian daily Asbarez.
“The first volume is ready and is currently being translated into Russian and English. The second volume is being prepared for publication. The first volume is devoted to the province of Van, the second to the province of Bitlis, the third to the province of Erzurum (Garin),” said Amatuni Virabyan, adding that each volume would have around 500 pages.
The publication is being funded by donations. Virabyan said the initiative was a continuation of an effort begun in 1916 by legendry author Hovaness Tumanian, who formed a commission to gather testimonials of survivors from the 1915 incidents. These documents have been archived in Armenia, he added.
Virabyan expressed hope that the effort would contribute to the international recognition of the 1915 incidents as “genocide.”
The archives director also said Turkey was stepping up its efforts to falsify history.
