Hunger Strike, Rally Mark Armenian Martyrs Day

Armenian activists in Southern California have tried various tactics over the past few decades to get the Turkish government to admit the 1915 genocide that killed more than 1 million people.

They have staged boisterous demonstrations blocking Sunset Boulevard and held somber, moonlit vigils at the Armenian Monument in Montebello. One young Armenian youth assassinated a Turkish consul general near Century City in 1982 and five others were convicted of conspiring to blow up embassies.

On Friday, to commemorate the victims on Armenian Martyrs Day, eight young Armenians tried a different approach: They completed a three-day hunger strike to symbolize the death marches their ancestors were forced to undergo 83 years ago through the deserts of Anatolia and Syria.

“I’m really hungry, but I feel so proud we took part in something that we believe in so deeply,” said Talar Aslanian, a 19-year-old student who took part in the hunger strike in front of the Turkish Consulate in Hancock Park. Drinking nothing but water, Aslanian and the seven other strikers began their fast Wednesday. With sleeping bags and board games, they camped out at Wilshire Boulevard and June Street.

Supporting the group Friday were nearly 700 marchers, most of whom held signs and chanted slogans such as “Turkey run. Turkey hide. Turkey committed genocide.”

One of the supporters was California Assemblyman Scott Wildman (D-Los Angeles), who said that the state Assembly unanimously passed a resolution Thursday honoring victims of the Armenian genocide.

“We are here to demand the Turkish government recognize the genocide,” Wildman told the cheering crowd. “This is unacceptable.”

The Turkish consul general was unavailable for comment.

Many Armenian businesses closed for the annual April 24 day of remembrance.

“People ask me why do I come here and why do I close my business,” said beauty salon owner Sylvia Tchakerian, whose grandfather, a genocide survivor, died last week at age 89. “I tell them it’s history. It’s important. It’s tradition.

“My father, Haroutune, brought us to the demonstrations as soon as we could walk. When I have some children, I’ll bring them too.”

The highly spirited march, nearly deafening at times with car horns and chants, attracted a vast array of Armenians from around the world, as well as many non-Armenians. “I’m here to show solidarity with the Armenians,” said Andy Stamos, a Greek American. “The Turkish people should be ashamed of their government.”

After the demonstration, another genocide ceremony took place at the Armenian Monument at Bicknell Park in Montebello.

“This year the protest was stronger than last year’s,” said Christopher Guldjian, 20, the chairman of the Armenian Youth Federation. “Next year’s will be even stronger. One day, they’ll admit it.”