Onnik Krikorian

Perhaps the only day when most Armenians set aside their differences and come together is 24 April. This date commemorates the death of as many as 1.5 million Armenians during the massacres and deportations that took place in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 onwards.

The annual march to the memorial in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, took on a special significance this year – the 90th anniversary. There are now hopes that Turkey will soon recognize the massacres and deportations as genocide. As the modern-day Republic of Turkey enters into negotiations for accession to the European Union, many intellectuals, historians and human rights activists – including in Turkey itself – believe that recognition is crucial if Armenia’s neighbour is to develop democratically.

I am a photojournalist covering political and social issues in Armenia.

Onnik Krikorian

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