An Armenican Manifesto circa. 1923

**There is no better way to feel like a historian than by pouring over documents
for hours and hours for a small reward. And yet, we continue to do it.**

The H-Net blog post that I found interesting was that of a query posed

on the discussion board of ‘H-Genocide’. The post entitled “An 

Armenian Manifesto circa.1923” from Dennis Papazian who, 

at the beginning of thread stated, “This is indeed an interesting 

document...The document was written by a disillusion leader of 

the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.” The author of said document 

is known only as, Katchaznouni. 

.

The blog’s initial and following authors summarize the significance of 

the document. Armenia, newly established, was fighting against the

ruthless Turkish Armies. The Armenians were left defenseless and 

caved to the ‘Reds’. This document “evaluates the tragic incidents as

incidents of war and open heartedly declare that they (the Armenians)

have been tools in the hands of foreign powers.” (Katchaznouni, 

Hovhannes and Akalin, Lale The Armenian Revolutionary Federation

(Dashnagtzoutiun) has nothing to do anymore: (report

submitted to the 1923 party convention) (Istanbul : Kaynak Yayinlari, 

2006; Back cover)

As a historian, the document, which is neither found on the thread

nor anywhere online, is of debatable significance. On one hand, it 

is a testament to the Armenian congress in self establishment.  

On the other, Katchaznouni was considered a man of little 
significance due to his lack of experience in administration in 
international relations.He was someone who was bitter after his 
many trials, lapsing his 

judgment. The document has had varying exposure but

it is something worthwhile if studying Armenian-Turkish Issues.

-Megan Singer