THE MEMORIAL TO THE VICTIMS OF THE GENOCIDE

The Memorial Monument dedicated to the 1,500,000 million victims of the Armenian Genocide -- 1915 -1923 -- the first genocide of the twentieth century stands on the high hilltop of Tsitsernakaberd -- overlooking the capital. The Memorial to the Genocide was erected in 195, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The shape of the 12 "kneeling" slabs are symbolic of the 12 occupied ašxarhs or provinces of Greater Armenia -- the native homeland where the carnage took place. Within the twelve "columns" is the Eternal Fire. Next to the ringed stones surrounding the flame is the twin peaked obelisk -- pointing upwards -- to the stars. In 1995 on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide -- right next to the Memorial -- a subterranean-built Museum Institute of the Armenian Genocide was established. The Museum Institute is an important center for the study of not only the Armenian Genocide, but other twentieth century genocides that followed it. Had the perpetrators of the first genocide of the twentieth century had been brought to justice by the international community, almost surely other genocides would not have taken place. In fact to this very day a number of countries fearful of the pressure by the Turkish government maintain their denial of the Armenian Genocide. This is however rapidly changing. Many important countries have stood firm and have done what is right and just. International entities like the United Nations and the European Union among others have time and again told the Turkish government that if it wants to join the civilized nations [including the EU] it must stop the ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide among other key issues. The Armenian nation, as always, not only survived the horrific pre-planned and systematically executed genocide, but, like a Phoenix has been Reborn -- rising out of its own ashes and death -- to create new Life, new progress and new civilization. Historic Armenia, deprived of its native population remains a rural underdeveloped part of "modern" Turkey. Erkir - the Land awaits for Renewal -- for the Return of her people -- the barren Land awaits the planting of new seeds after the New Spring when Erkir will blossom...anew.