The Armenian Genocide initiated in the Ottoman Empire during the World War I in the beginning of the previous century is one of the biggest crimes against humanity. Advancing the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide the new project introduced by "Armenpress" news agency is dedicated to the story of the eyewitnesses and survivors of the calamity to prove the world one more time that our demand for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide is fair and justified. This time the project is dedicated to the story of 101-year old Andranik Matevosyan.

YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. The residents of a small house in Yerevan never miss any news program on TV cherishing a hope that they will be lucky enough to hear something new about the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Grandpa Andranik always seats in front of the TV. Andranik Matevosyan can never forget his family from Kars, which had to step the path of migration 95 years ago. 101-year old Andranik Matevosyan is among the oldest survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Andranik recalled: "I was 6 years old, when my family managed to migrate to Batumi. I don’t remember much about that time, but I have heard a lot about the story of my family from my mother."

Among other things the eyewitness of the Armenian Genocide stated: "We had no idea where we are going to, but we had clear understanding that if we stay, the Turks will simply kill us. Many parents, who had no power to carry their children, preferred to drop the kids into the river. They were confident that even if they die, the children will have a chance to survive this way." In addition he noted that he had two brothers, but he was the only one to survive with his parents. Also Andranik emphasized that the Armenians pretended to be Kurds and remained silent on their way, in order not to reveal their true nationality to the Turks.

In 1928 the Matevosyans family travels to Russia and settles in the city of Maykop. “In Russia I married a girl named Siranush, we had children. Several years later – in 1936, we came to Armenia,” tells the hero of the story.

Andranik Matevosyan has received no education. He has worked as a worker in the field of road construction during his entire life.

Recalling Kars, grandpa Andranik tells about his parents and house left in Kars with great delight. “Of course, I want to go there, to get back our lands, but where to go? How to go?” says Andranik, stressing that seeing Kars at this age is something like a dream, which will never come true. “Man lives with hope. Let’s hope that something nice will happen,” he stresses, adding that he does not trust the Turks any more.

With his example Andranik Matevosyan shows that the past 101 years only symbolize his biological age, and the grandpa goes to the market even at this stage, walks and is engaged in domestic affairs. He lives in his own house, which he has built with his very hands. He is loved and respected by everyone. Andranik has 7 children: the general number of his family surpasses the 70.

Article by Tatevik Grigoryan

Photos by Samvel Berkibekyan