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 Azat Sulukyan from Musa Dagh.

YEREVAN, JUNE 25, ARMENPRESS. 101-year old Azat Sulukyan is a very famous and respected figure in Nor Aresh Street of Yerevan. He is fond of playing backgammon. But now his sole playmate is his grandson Vahe. All his friends died…

The absence of grey hair makes it difficult to guess his old age from the first sight. Notwithstanding, his life full of difficulties is reflected in his deep eyes.

"I am from Musa Dagh. I was born in Armenian village Betias in the surroundings of Musa Dagh. Our family stayed in the homeland until 1939, after we migrated to Lebanon," the eyewitness of the Armenian Genocide said.

The Sulukyan family had no casualties in the self defense fights. Azat remembers that the nine members of the family went to Lebanon on foot spending two months in Aynchar village before.

Among other things Azat noted: "The way was very long, 10-15 men died each day. There were nine of us – my father, mother, four brothers, two sisters and me."

In 1946 his family leaves Lebanon and moves to Armenia. They settled in Alaverdi. Azat got married in 1955.

Also, Azat Sulukyan touched upon the issue of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and stated that he is hopeful that sooner or later it will be recognized. His attitude towards the Turks is not so positive, notwithstanding he objectively noted that he had even met the Turks, who used to take care bout the Armenian children.

Azat is not the sole long-liver of the Sulukyan's family. Her mother died, when she was 103-years old.

Years passed and Azat wanted to see Musa Dagh once more very much, but his desire remained unrealized. Instead he paid a visit to Lebanon few years ago. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)

Article by Tatevik Grigoryan

Photos by Samvel Berkibekyan