Armenian-Americans and the semicentennial of the Medz Yeghern: Ethnic mobilization in action

Abstract

In the wake of the 100th anniversary, this paper examines the shift in Armenian genocide commemorations materializing in the USA for the 50th anniversary of the 1915 genocide. Explored are ritual aspects of the commemorative practices undertaken to pay homage to its victims. Accentuated is the 1965 landmark year during which Armenians from diasporas around the world (including the American at the heart of this analysis) took to the streets, for the first time, to demand Turkey’s recognition of the Medz Yeghern. Through the prism of two newspapers published in English ( Hairenik Weekly and The Armenian Mirror-Spectator), the author explores this ethnic mobilization of the Armenian-American community with its public protest against the decades-long injustice and silence. Unveiled are the inner workings of the commemoration planning, as well as the ways by which Armenian-Americans narrated their tragedy to the host community (in which they were already well-settled). The article depicts the preparations for and the semicentennial itself as the moment of formation of an ethnic body politic – one transcending intra-ethnic competition and dispute even as the group remained formally divided.