Armenian Genocide: This pain affects us all, but remains neglected in Germany

The Armenian Genocide, an event Elie Wiesel described as the "Holocaust before the Holocaust," is officially recognized as genocide by Germany since 2016. However, the article argues that this historical tragedy remains insufficiently integrated into Germany's collective memory and educational curriculum.

When history students at German universities are asked about the genocide of Armenians during World War I, they often respond with evasive glances and awkward silence. If prompted further, perhaps only two out of twenty students might have heard of it, or sometimes none at all. This observation, made by the author in various courses not specifically dedicated to the topic, highlights a "culpably neglected" area of historical study.

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Holocaust before the Holocaust

The author stresses that the significance of this event extends far beyond Turkish history or the history of the Ottoman Christian communities who were persecuted. It is an event whose meaning resonates more broadly, impacting collective memory and understanding of historical atrocities. The article implies a need for greater engagement with this past to ensure it is not forgotten and its lessons are learned.

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culpably neglected