The arrest of 250 Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Istanbul marks the beginning of the Armenian Genocide.

The somber date of April 24, 1915, is conventionally recognized as the pivotal moment marking the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. On this fateful day, a calculated and systematic operation commenced, targeting the very heart of the Armenian community within the Ottoman Empire: its intellectual and spiritual leadership. This was not a random act, but a deliberate "decapitation strike" intended to dismantle any potential for resistance and to strip the Armenian population of its guiding voices and organizational capacity.

In the bustling Ottoman capital of Constantinople, today known as Istanbul, the first waves of arrests began under the direct orders of Minister of the Interior Talaat Pasha, a prominent figure in the ruling Committee of Union and Progress (CUP). Throughout that night, between 235 and 270 Armenian intellectuals were rounded up from their homes. These individuals represented the vibrant cross-section of Armenian society – poets, writers, journalists, doctors, lawyers, teachers, clergy, and community leaders. They were not merely arrested; they were subsequently moved to two holding centers, typically believed to be near Angora (modern-day Ankara), far from the capital and any immediate support networks.

This initial crackdown was a precursor to a much larger catastrophe. While these prominent Armenians languished in detention, the Ottoman government enacted the Tehcir Law (Deportation Law) on May 29, 1915. Officially presented as a measure for wartime security, this law became the legal pretext for the mass forced removal of Armenians from their ancestral lands across the empire. The detainees from April 24th, along with hundreds of thousands of other Armenians, were subsequently "relocated" through death marches into the Syrian Desert. Tragically, the vast majority of those initially arrested and deported ultimately perished, succumbing to starvation, disease, or direct violence during these brutal journeys. Among the few who miraculously survived, numbering just over 80, were notable figures such as the writer Vrtanes Papazian, the journalist Aram Andonian, and the revered composer and ethnomusicologist Komitas, whose harrowing experiences left him deeply traumatized for the rest of his life, a testament to the psychological toll of these events.

Historians often characterize this initial targeting of intellectuals as a strategic move to disorient and disorganize the Armenian populace, rendering them vulnerable to the subsequent waves of mass killings and deportations that constituted the genocide. By eliminating community leaders, the perpetrators sought to ensure that no organized opposition could emerge, thereby facilitating the systematic eradication of the Armenian presence in the Ottoman Empire.

Commemoration and Legacy

The profound tragedy of April 24, 1915, cemented its place in Armenian history and global memory. Today, this date is observed annually as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day (Medz Yegherni Hishadagi Or). The very first commemoration took place in 1919, on the four-year anniversary of the Constantinople arrests, organized by a group of Armenian survivors in that same city. Over a century later, April 24th remains the universally accepted day to honor the victims of the genocide.

The observance has evolved into a deeply significant occasion for Armenians worldwide. It has been officially recognized as a national holiday in the Republic of Armenia and historically within the Republic of Artsakh. Moreover, the Armenian diaspora, dispersed across continents, unites in solemn remembrance, organizing vigils, educational events, and demonstrations to ensure that the memory of the genocide is preserved and its lessons are never forgotten. This global observance serves as a powerful reminder of the imperative to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the significance of April 24, 1915?
April 24, 1915, is conventionally held to mark the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. On this date, hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople (Istanbul) were systematically arrested, a calculated move to "decapitate" the Armenian community and eliminate its leadership.
Who was Talaat Pasha?
Mehmed Talaat Pasha was a prominent figure in the late Ottoman Empire, serving as the Minister of the Interior and later as the Grand Vizier (prime minister) during World War I. He was a leading member of the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) and is considered one of the principal architects of the Armenian Genocide, having issued the orders for the initial arrests and the subsequent Tehcir Law.
What was the Tehcir Law?
The Tehcir Law, officially known as the "Temporary Law of Deportation," was enacted by the Ottoman government on May 29, 1915. While ostensibly a wartime measure for internal security, it provided the legal framework for the mass forced removal and extermination of Armenians from their ancestral lands within the Ottoman Empire.
Why were Armenian intellectuals specifically targeted?
Armenian intellectuals, including clergy, writers, doctors, and community leaders, were targeted in a "decapitation strike" strategy. The goal was to remove the leadership, organizational capacity, and intellectual voice of the Armenian community, thereby hindering any potential resistance and making the wider population more vulnerable to subsequent genocidal actions.
Did anyone survive the initial arrests and deportations?
While the vast majority of the Armenian intellectuals arrested on April 24, 1915, and subsequently deported, ultimately perished, a small number, estimated to be just over 80 individuals, did manage to survive. Notable survivors include writer Vrtanes Papazian, journalist Aram Andonian, and the renowned composer Komitas.
How is Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day observed today?
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day is observed annually on April 24th by Armenians worldwide. It is a national holiday in Armenia and historically in Artsakh, marked by solemn ceremonies, memorial services, educational events, and demonstrations to honor the victims and raise awareness about the genocide. The Armenian diaspora also organizes widespread commemorations globally.