Sardarapat Battles: How Armenians Defeated the Ottomans and Forged a Nation

The Battles of Sardarapat: Armenia's Fight for Independence in 1918 On May 15, 1918, the Ottoman Turkish army invaded Alexandropol (modern-day Gyumri) in Armenia. This invasion followed the Armenian Genocide and posed an existential threat to the Armenian people. Aram Manukyan, a member of the Armenian National Council, rallied his countrymen with the powerful words: "We must fight to the last. Fight and win!" The ensuing battles at Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan, and Karakilisa, from May 22nd to 29th, became pivotal moments in Armenian history. These were not just military engagements; they were a testament to the unwavering spirit of a nation fighting for survival. The Turkish commander, General Vahid Pasha, later acknowledged the significance of the battles, stating: "This was the greatest battle of this war. The Armenians showed that they are capable of being the best warriors in the world!" The Armenian forces, despite being outnumbered and outgunned, fought bravely. Their resilience and determination, coupled with the support of the local population, led to a decisive victory against the Turkish invaders. These victories, against all odds, were instrumental in the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia on May 28, 1918, marking a resurgence of Armenian statehood after centuries.