EU removes "genocide" term from Armenia remembrance post

The European Union's mission in Armenia has removed the term "genocide" from a social media post referring to the 1915–1923 events, also known as the Armenian Genocide.

The mission initially published a post on  X using the term "genocide," Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

However, within hours, the post was edited to remove the controversial wording, replacing it with the phrase "memory of the victims of 1915–1923."

Thus, the core idea of the events surrounding the Armenian population during World War I centres on the complex historical context and differing perspectives on the relocation of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire in 1915. Amid the outbreak of the war, the Ottoman Empire faced a multi-front conflict, with Armenian nationalists, seeking an independent state, allying with Russian forces. This led to armed groups of Armenians sabotaging Ottoman military operations, which further escalated tensions.

In response, the Ottoman government first tried to halt the sabotage by engaging with influential Armenian leaders. However, these efforts failed, and on 24 April 1915, it decided to close Armenian revolutionary committees and exile several Armenians. This event has since been used as a symbolic starting point for the term "Armenian genocide."

In May 1915, the Ottoman authorities decided to relocate Armenians from war zones and those supporting Russian forces to other regions. Despite preparations for their relocation, the displaced Armenians faced violence, banditry, and famine, leading to significant loss of life. While archives show no evidence that the Ottoman authorities planned these tragic events, some officials were later prosecuted for crimes against Armenians.

Türkiye rejects the term "genocide," arguing that these tragic events affected all citizens of Anatolia during a period of war. It advocates for an unbiased, comprehensive study of the events, including access to archives, with the involvement of international experts. While there were attempts at reconciliation between Türkiye and Armenia, political and constitutional conflicts, particularly around the recognition of the "genocide," have hindered progress. Thus, the debate remains a source of tension between the two nations, with contrasting narratives on the historical events of 1915.

By Aghakazim Guliyev