Such a sad fate This is one of those travesties in the world that are rarely talked about. I first learned about it in the Great War youtube channel which made a good episode about it.
What an Epic! I really want to go to Armenia now! Your stories of Epics passed makes the history and the people so vivid and alive! I look forward to seeing what is next!
What an Epic! A legend that inspired a Nation. What an Epic indeed Per-Olof. Armenia was tacked as a dessert after an epic road trip through the Pamirs, but was a remarkable highlight. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you This is a blog I had to do Cindy. Thank you for spending the time to read it. I look forward to discussing it with you when I am next in Perth. It makes time stop whenever I think about it. I have had one reader in Armenia comment "Thank you so much for information. Your blog is very informative and important for our nation. Thank you so much."
A lot of churches Hi Dave, We're aware of your travels into this little known circuit - only for the very brave! Very enlightening - plus a bit like France with all its C's. Keep doing it!
David
A lot of churches For a country constantly in the path of conquerors and surrounded by Islam, Armenia's history since Christianity was accepted as the national religion has defined and in many ways united the Armenian people. To enter the ancient monasteries be it in isolation or during a wedding is to not only enter history but a culture. Thanks for commenting David & Janice...Enjoy.
I was in Armenia in the mid 90-ies I visited Armenia in the mid 90-ies. It was a strange experience. It was winter and I didn't have any guidebook (there wasn't any then). I missed a lot of interesting places for sure but I did see the genocide museum. I'll go back to Armenia one day and make a revisit because it is a lovely country and I would like to see it in summer too when I am sure that it is much better to go there.
/Ake
I was in Armenia in the mid 90-ies You must have been there shortly after its independence from the Soviet Union, Ake. I wonder if the factories were operating. Many are not now. I'm sure the Genocide Museum has come a long way since then...technological displays...hard not to be moved when visiting there.
A painful history of genocide Simply wonderful, Dave! It reminds me of the ethnic cleansing in the Serbia not so long ago. And you have summarized that in one of your response, - Serbs, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and now Myanmar. And perhaps in the future we would learn how much ethnic cleansing are being done by the ISIS. The list goes on and one thing that pains me - we never learn from the History and do the same thing over and over again. I would like to see a world without borders, as John Lennon dreamed of, but I don't think that will ever come. Because we are the beasts in the name of human. Perhaps a strong word, but that's the sentiment.
I suggested once, and I know you backed out, but this piece of yours should be published in some history journal, Dave. Think it seriously.
I am lately falling behind catching up the blogs, please bear with me! Thanks for a great blog.
A painful history of genocide Thank you for your thoughtful response Tab. "Because we are the beasts in the name of human" ...interesting analogy...not too strong as history shows us. If anything history shows the rest of the World will do little to stop ethnic cleansing...even less to punish or bring the perpetrators to account. My blog has Nil from Wikipedia so any suggestions to get the message out there would be appreciated.
Hi Dave, no Pol Pot has never been tried and for more than ten years the Cambodian had to vote for their assassins since that the UN granted for them a seat. Very shameful was that these people were called Sir and treated with respect. Only in 2003 the ONU and Hun Sen government created an international court to try the Khmer Rouge responsable for the genocide. Pol Pot escaped that trial cause he died in 1998 in Poipet near the Thai border.
Very interesting your blog Dave and thanks to reply to me.bye
Pol Pot escaped that trial cause he died Thanks Marcos for the further information. I shake my head and lament. Genocide and Justice are totally opposite poles in so many ways.
A poignant tale of a tragic past Man's ability and desire to commit atrocities on fellow man on such a scale in the name of ethnic cleansing or just hatred is difficult to comprehend. But it is not something that just happened in history. It continues in our times in various forms.
A poignant tale of a tragic past It certainly keeps happening Hem and the message must not be allowed to disappear into forgetfulness. In Armenia it dominates the national consciousness as generations are missing...as it does in Cambodia.
Genocide Hi Dave, I would also mention the genocide happened in Indonesia with the dictator Suharto. British and American conspired to take down Sukarno and it is said that more than a million people died.also horrible was that at the American embassy was said: "to bring Democracy some killings are necessary". And about the Khmer Rouge: the UN allowed those criminals to have a seat for 10 years until 1989 a these criminals represented Cambodia in the world for such a long time and the Cambodian had to vote for them.
More about Genocide Thanks for the extra info Marcos...makes one cringe in disbelief. I cannot remember if Pol Pot was ever tried for Genocide after he was pulled out of hiding years after the Vietnamese liberation. Interesting to consider the United Nations Convention on Genocide has been the vehicle used for trials of perpetrators of Genocide in World courts which came into being after the holocaust but was not available for the Armenians.
Genocide Thanks for checking in Marcos. Genocides or their attempts since the beginning of the 20th C are too many...Armenians by the Turks, the Jews by Hitler, Cambodians by the Khmer Rouge, Bosnians by Serbs, the Tutsi v Hutus and vice versa in Rwanda, Sri Lankans v the Tamils, now Rohingya by Myanmar...have I missed any? I am stunned by the long history of what led to the Armenian Genocide, lack of action by nations appalled while it was happening, and its consequences politically...hence the detail. Thanks for commenting.
I do too... Thanks for this history lesson. I read every word. I took Hitler's comment to heart, because that is why genocide continues to this day. Countries practice genocide as they know that the rest of the world will not intervene. And when Vietnam stepped in to stop the Cambodian genocide, the world, including the U.S. condemned them for interfering with another country. Shame on us and the world and the hopelessly ineffective UN.
I do too... Thanks Bob. This of course was the first Genocide of the 20th century. Hitler was encouraged by the apathy of the world in relation to the Armenian Genocide thus his comment at the end of the blog in effect giving him the green light to carry out his own atrocities. Vietnam marching into Cambodia to end the Genocide by the Khmer Rouge of Pol Pot is an excellent example. I regarded the Vietnamese as absolute heroes at the time, but World politics make many nations take their eyes off the evil perpetrated on victims while they covert the prize. The post Armenian Genocide treaties are an excellent example of that.
A GRIPPING ACCOUNT Wow David that was a gripping & extensive account & reminds me that light must be shone in dark places.
I too marvelled at the resilience & proud nature of the Armenians.
A GRIPPING ACCOUNT Thanks Denise. I had to tell the story and could not bring myself to share many of the photos as you know. I have had my say...just hope folks out their are prepared to read and dwell on it.
My wife Denise & I like to travel "on paths less travelled" that capture our imagination, inspire my photography & where we mix with locals & remain safe.
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Julie Manley
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Beautiful
Gorgeous, and fascinating history.