Land of Ararat

A history of Armenia from its ancient origins to the 1895 massacres, covering the land's division among Turkey, Russia, and Persia.

Armenians face systematic denial of their identity under Ottoman rule, forbidden from using their homeland's name or studying their history. The Sultan bans the word "Armenia" and punishes those who speak it, while Armenians are forced to convert to Islam or face death. Over 100,000 Armenians died during the 1895 massacres as Ottoman authorities systematically stripped them of rights, property, and lives. The author, a Christian Armenian minister, describes how Armenia's fertile lands and rich culture are exploited while its people suffer under oppressive taxation and violence. European powers promise reforms but fail to act, leaving Armenians to face continued persecution. The land, once called the cradle of humanity, remains under threat as its people struggle for basic survival and recognition.