My sympathies are with Armenians who remember those they lost during relocation in 1915.
The relocation took place from May 27, 1915 to February 8, 1916. Measures taken to ensure safe arrival to destinations could not be very effective because of epidemics and scarcity of food. Attacks for vengeance at some points which could not be stopped were also disastrous. Probably some 900.000 Armenians were meant to be relocated from the Caucasus Front, supply routes of the Ottoman Army and Armenian population wise dense locations to avoid possible revolts and sabotage while fighting on several fronts. It is known that 486.000 reached their destinations as it was reported by the American Consulate in Mersin to the Embassy in Istanbul. The number of those who fled to countries such as Russia, those who converted to Islam and stayed back, and those who were hidden by their neighbours are not known. However, we know that 644.000 returned home following Moudros Armistice which was signed in October 1918. These figures probably indicate a loss around 300.000 at most if my maths do not fail me.
I have come across the expression of "Armenian Genocide 1915-1923" while navigating on Internet several times. From 1919 to 1923 Turks fought for independence against occupation. If any Armenians died during the War of Independence fighting on either side surely they can not be regarded victims of a genocide. I don't know whether the majority of Armenians think there was a genocide at that time too, or not. I will not mention what voluntary units in Russian Army and fedayees were busy with in Eastern Anatolia around that time on this day.
Surely it can not be any consolation but please remember that the losses counted up to 5.5 million among Turks and other Muslim population of the Ottoman Empire during these long consecutive years of wars. Please extend your prayers to them and all victims of WWI as well.
The relocation took place from May 27, 1915 to February 8, 1916. Measures taken to ensure safe arrival to destinations could not be very effective because of epidemics and scarcity of food. Attacks for vengeance at some points which could not be stopped were also disastrous. Probably some 900.000 Armenians were meant to be relocated from the Caucasus Front, supply routes of the Ottoman Army and Armenian population wise dense locations to avoid possible revolts and sabotage while fighting on several fronts. It is known that 486.000 reached their destinations as it was reported by the American Consulate in Mersin to the Embassy in Istanbul. The number of those who fled to countries such as Russia, those who converted to Islam and stayed back, and those who were hidden by their neighbours are not known. However, we know that 644.000 returned home following Moudros Armistice which was signed in October 1918. These figures probably indicate a loss around 300.000 at most if my maths do not fail me.
I have come across the expression of "Armenian Genocide 1915-1923" while navigating on Internet several times. From 1919 to 1923 Turks fought for independence against occupation. If any Armenians died during the War of Independence fighting on either side surely they can not be regarded victims of a genocide. I don't know whether the majority of Armenians think there was a genocide at that time too, or not. I will not mention what voluntary units in Russian Army and fedayees were busy with in Eastern Anatolia around that time on this day.
Surely it can not be any consolation but please remember that the losses counted up to 5.5 million among Turks and other Muslim population of the Ottoman Empire during these long consecutive years of wars. Please extend your prayers to them and all victims of WWI as well.
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