As the European Syriac Union (ESU), on the 111th anniversary of the great genocide carried out on April 24, 1915, against the Armenian, Syriac–Chaldean–Assyrian and Pontic Greek peoples, we respectfully commemorate the victims: 1.5 million Armenians, 500,000 Syriac–Chaldean–Assyrians, and 353,000 Pontic Greeks. This date remains a dark stain on the conscience of humanity and continues to live on as a deep wound in our collective memory.
The mass killings, violence, and policies of extermination implemented in 1915 targeted the ancient peoples of Mesopotamia and Anatolia, along with their cultural, religious, and social existence. These events led to the loss of millions of lives and caused severe destruction to the region’s multicultural fabric. The effects of this great tragedy are still felt across generations today.
Confronting history does not weaken societies; on the contrary, it strengthens democratic maturity, peace, and mutual trust. Therefore, recognizing the events of 1915 in light of international law, historical scholarship, and human rights principles is a moral responsibility toward both the victimized peoples and all of humanity.
As ESU, we believe that confronting the past is indispensable for building a shared and peaceful future. In this context, we call on all states that have not yet recognized the 1915 Genocide to fulfill their historical responsibilities and to stand on the side of truth and justice. Truth is the foundation of peace; and peace is only possible through justice. We respectfully commemorate all the martyrs.
