Lecture: Political Interests Trump Humanity at LAU

The Armenian Club of LAU Beirut, in collaboration with the School of Arts and Sciences, invites you to the first event from this series on the Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemorations.

“Political Interests Trump Humanity: The British Government and the Armenian Genocide of 1914-1923,” is the name of this lecture by Katia M. Peltekia, author of “The Times of the Armenian Genocide.”

At the beginning of the 20th Century, the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire was subjected to annihilation not only through cold-blooded massacres but also by forced deportation of the men, women, children and the elderly into the Syrian Desert. Long before WWI, the British Government was greatly involved in improving the conditions of the minorities in the Ottoman Empire and demanded that the Turkish government implement reforms. During the Great War, the British official circles were also concerned about the on-going massacres and, together with other European Powers, promised to punish all those who were responsible for the massacres perpetrated against the Armenians, Syriacs, Assyrians & Greeks. Another promise Britain made was the creation of an independent Armenian nation, free of Turkish rule. However, as soon as the War ended, Britain’s interest in the Armenian Question waned as its own interests in the region took precedence.

The lecture will cover the chronology of events through British newspaper headlines as well as the parliamentary discussions and debates on the Armenian Question. The talk will be followed by a panel discussion and refreshments.

For those individuals who wish to attend who are not LAU students or staff, please register ahead of time here.

Location: BB 903