COMMEMORATION OF THE CENTENNIAL OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN DIYARBAKIR
22-24 APRIL, 2015

Why Diyarbakir (Dikranagerd)?

The Gomidas Institute, with the support of the Turkish Human Rights
Association, is organising a series of commemorative events in Diyarbakir
between April 22-24, 2015 to mark the centennial of the Armenian Genocide.
The focus on Diyarbakir is for good historical and political reasons.

Diyarbakir was a major theatre of the Armenian Genocide

The Ottoman province of Diyarbakir was a key theatre of the Armenian
Genocide. Its governor Reshid Bey in 1915 played a prominent role in the
mass murder of Armenians. Some of the victims – such as the local prelate
Mgrdich Chlghadian – were killed in the city, thousands more were killed
outside, and even more further afield.

Diyarbakir already recognises the Armenian Genocide

Today, the people living in Diyarbakir recognise the Armenian Genocide and
wish to make amends. The city’s co-mayors and regional representative’s at
the Turkish Parliament speak out on the Armenian issue with a clear voice.
Diyarbakir city has already supported the reconstruction of Sourp Giragos
church, one of the largest Armenian churches in the world. Armenians can
live freely in this city. At last year’s commemoration of the Armenian
Genocide, the men and women who stood up for Armenians represented millions
of people. They included prominent politicians, lawyers, human rights
activists, and others.

Making a common stand in Diyarbakir

A strong Armenian presence in Diyarbakir this coming April will have great
moral and political significance by strengthening reconciliation between
Armenians and Kurds, challenging the official Turkish denial of the
Armenian Genocide.

The Gomidas Institute has been active in Turkey since the 1990s. While
opposing the official denials of Turkish state intellectuals, the Institute
has also built bridges with Turkish civil society and sought just
resolution of outstanding issues. The Institute has organised successful
projects in Diyarbakir before, including the commemoration of the Armenian
Genocide – and this coming year’s commemoration builds on earlier successes.

COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAMME DIYARBAKIR APRIL 22-24, 2015
April 22
Gathering and welcome in Diyarbakir city.

April 23
Morning: Visit the major massacre site where over 600 Armenians, including
the Diyarbakir Armenian leadership, were slaughtered.
Afternoon: Visit the gravesite of Mihemedê Mistê of Ã=8Alih, the Kurdish
tribal leader who opposed the Genocide of Armenians.
Evening: Visit special events and exhibitions in the city or gather at
Sourp Giragos with human rights activists and supporters.

April 24
Morning: Visit the old prison and the governor’s building, where many
victims were held before being killed.
Noon: A commemorative ceremony in the ruins of St. Sarkis church followed
by a public rally with featured speakers organised by the Diyarbakir Branch
of the Human Rights’ Association. This event will be followed by serving
“helva” in memory of all the victims of 1915 and their descendants.

Additional : Kharpert to Diyarbakir
For those interested: We plan to fly to Elazig (Harput/Kharpert) on April
19th and go to Diyarbakir overland, covering a major deportation route and
crossing key sites related to Armenians and the Genocide of 1915.

Press Release :