06/05/2024
Join the Providence ARF at AYF Camp Haiastan on June 23rd as we celebrate the Khanasor Expedition and Armenia's First Independence:
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The Khanasor Expedition was a punitive raid launched by Armenian fedayees against the Kurdish Mazrik tribe on July 25, 1897. In 1896, in the aftermath of the Defense of Van, the Mazrik tribe had ambushed and slaughtered many of the Armenian defenders of Van as they were retreating into Persia. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation decided to retaliate for that atrocity, resulting in the Khanasor Expedition.
The 250 Armenian fedayees attacked and killed the fighting men of the Mazrik tribe, sparing only the women and children. The Mazrik chief, Sharaf Bey, found out that the Armenians were coming and managed to escape by wearing women's clothing, leaving the women and children behind. The attack ended on July 27, 1897.
Although ARF founder Rosdom's brother Garo and 25 other fedayees were among the casualties, the Khanasor Expedition was a triumph for the Armenians, both militarily and morally. As a result, Armenians built up their self-confidence and their belief in their ability to defend themselves was now reinforced. To this day, the ARF remembers the event in commemorative ceremonies honoring the expedition as an important event in the history of the Armenian struggle for freedom.
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The independence of the First Republic of Armenia was forged through the battles of Sardarabad, Gharakilise, and Pash Abaran. On May 28th, 1918, the Armenian nation declared its independence and broke the centuries-long chain of existing under neighboring empires.
This independence was born as a direct result of a small band of thousands of soldiers who lifted our broken nation and created a new Armenia. This liberation was not done through ease or convenience, but through sheer will, faith and sacrifice by those willing to put their country before self. We must always remember those that laid the groundwork for our nation today - without their selfless deeds, our homeland would not be here today.
