Andranik Torosi Ozanyan was born on the 25th of February, 1865 in Shapin Garahisar, a region of Western Armenia under Ottoman rule. His early life was marked by witnessing the oppression and violence inflicted upon the Armenian population.
After completing his education at the local Musheghyan school, a defining incident ignited his path of resistance: he was imprisoned for assaulting a gendarme who was terrorizing Armenians. This act of defiance, followed by his daring escape, signaled the beginning of his lifelong struggle.
Zoravar Antranik married Nvard Kyourkchian in 1921 in Paris.
Rise to Resistance
Andranik’s journey took him to Constantinople, then back to Western Armenia, and on to Crimea and the Caucasus, where he worked to supply Armenian combat units with weapons. In Western Armenia, he joined the partisan group led by Serob Vardanyan (Aghbyur Serob), a renowned fidayi.
Andranik quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership and courage. He played a crucial role in retaliatory actions against those who harmed Armenians, notably leading the assassination of Bshare Khalil, who had murdered Serob. The battles at Arakelots Monastery in 1901 further solidified his reputation as a formidable commander.
From 1902 to 1904, Andranik’s detachments engaged in fierce battles against Turkish forces and Kurdish militias in Sasun, Taron, and Vaspurakan. His strategic acumen and unwavering determination inspired his fighters and instilled fear in his adversaries. By 1905, he had traveled to the Caucasus to strategize with other Armenian national movement leaders, laying the groundwork for future resistance.
Following this, Andranik embarked on an extensive journey across Europe, visiting France, Switzerland, Belgium, England, Bulgaria, and Iran. His mission was to raise awareness about the plight of Armenians in Western Armenia and to secure support for their liberation struggle, particularly the acquisition of weapons. In Bulgaria, he compiled his “Combat Instructions,” a vital manual based on his experiences in partisan warfare, which later proved invaluable to Bulgarian forces during the Balkan Wars.
Military Leadership and the Balkan Wars
In 1912, Andranik organized a volunteer company of Armenian fighters to join the Bulgarian army during the First Balkan War. His Armenian warriors distinguished themselves in numerous battles, including those at Mistanli, Uzun, Merefte, Shar-Kio, and others. Andranik’s participation in the defeat of General Yaver Pasha’s Turkish corps earned him high praise from the Bulgarian command. The Armenian company’s bravery and effectiveness were recognized as pivotal contributions to the Bulgarian war effort.
With the outbreak of World War I, Andranik immediately returned to the Caucasus. In Tiflis, he met with the Supreme Commander of the Caucasian Military District, Myshlaevsky, and offered his services to fight against Turkey. He was tasked with forming and leading the first Armenian volunteer regiment. Under his command, the regiment fought numerous battles against the Turkish army, earning him the respect and admiration of the Russian military.
Lieutenant General Chernozubov and General Yudenich both spoke highly of Andranik. Chernozubov praised him as a “warm patriot” and “fighter for the freedom of Armenia,” while Yudenich described him as “brave as a madman.” Andranik’s personal courage and the successes of his regiment on the Caucasian Front from 1915 to 1916 earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the St. George Medal of the 4th degree, the St. George Crosses of the 4th and 3rd degrees, the Order of St. Stanislav of the 2nd degree, and the Order of St. Vladimir of the 4th degree.
The regiment’s participation in the Battle of Mughanjugh (Dilman) from April 15-18, 1915, was particularly significant, as it played a crucial role in preventing a Turkish invasion of the Caucasus.
Defense of the Caucasus and the Republic of Armenia
In 1918, as Turkish forces launched a major offensive, Andranik’s regiment found itself covering the retreat of hundreds of thousands of Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian refugees. The Turkish advance threatened to repeat the horrors of the 1915 genocide. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Andranik’s division, now under his command as a major general, managed to halt the Turkish advance near Vorontsovka from May 16-18, 1918.
His strategic brilliance was further demonstrated in the Battle of Lori, from May 25-28, 1918, where he thwarted the main Turkish assault aimed at reaching Baku through Dilijan. This victory forced the Turkish command to abandon its plans for the Nagorno-Lori region. Andranik’s forces continued to liberate territories, including Nor-Bayazet, Nakhichevan, Julfa, and Bitlis.
In Nakhichevan, Andranik declared his troops’ allegiance to the central Russian government and proclaimed the region an integral part of Russia. He also offered assistance to the Baku commune against Turkish forces. His actions disrupted Turkish supply lines and forced them to divert troops from Baku to confront him in Northwestern Iran, where the battles of Khoy raged.
Despite inflicting heavy losses on the Turks, the constant influx of reinforcements forced Andranik to retreat from Khoy and Nakhichevan. He then moved to Nagorno-Karabakh, aiming to block the Turkish retreat. His defense of Zangezur was critical, tying down a significant portion of the Turkish army. Even as other Caucasian republics sought peace with Turkey, the Turks recognized Andranik as their primary obstacle.
“I have never in my life sought personal happiness and well-being. I have always sought only one thing and fought for only one thing – the freedom and well-being of my people. I do not seek an assessment of my merits and I only want the people I serve all my life to be happy.”
Said while passing through Tiflis after being forced to leave Armenia because of the betrayal of some leaders of the Republic of Armenia and the Bolsheviks.
Exile and Legacy
Faced with the betrayal of the Entente allies, some leaders of the Republic of Armenia, and the Bolsheviks, Andranik was forced into exile. Before leaving, he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the Armenian people, stating that his sole pursuit had been their freedom and well-being.
His reputation remained strong in exile. The “Washington Post” in December 1919 hailed him as a pinnacle of Armenian heroism. Andranik continued to advocate for Armenian causes until his death on August 30/31, 1927, at the Chico Spring mineral water resort complex in Sacramento, California.
He was initially buried in Ararat Cemetery in Fresno, California, but his remains were later transferred and reburied at the Pere-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, and finally to the Yerablur Pantheon in Yerevan, Armenia, in 2000. Andranik’s legacy is honored worldwide, with squares, streets, schools, and monuments dedicated to him in Armenia, Bulgaria, France, Romania, and other countries. Numerous folk songs, books, and articles have been created to commemorate his life and achievements.
When asked about the two saddest moments of his life, Andranik cited the death of his son and the loss of his comrade, Gevorg Chaush, highlighting the personal sacrifices he endured for his people.
Activities of General Andranik the Armenian military commander and national hero.
- Defiance of the Treaty of Batumi: Despite the Treaty of Batumi (June 4, 1918) demanding he disband his army and leave Armenia, Andranik continued to fight for the defense of the Armenian people, particularly in Nakhijevan, Zangezour, and Artsakh. This act of defiance demonstrates his unwavering commitment to protecting his homeland and people, even when facing international pressure.
- Defense of Zangezur: Andranik played a crucial role in defending Zangezur from Turkish forces in 1918, diverting a significant portion of the Turkish army and preventing them from advancing further into the Caucasus. This strategic victory not only protected Armenian lives but also contributed to the overall defense of the region.
- Fundraising for Armenian Refugees and Orphans: Andranik’s tireless fundraising efforts in Europe and the United States, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Armenian refugees and orphans, demonstrate his deep compassion and commitment to the well-being of his people. His selflessness and dedication to those in need are hallmarks of his heroic character.
- Advocacy for Soviet Armenia: Despite being in exile, Andranik continued to support Soviet Armenia by collaborating with the Committee for the Aid to Armenia (HOK) and promoting reconstruction efforts. This demonstrates his willingness to put aside political differences and prioritize the well-being of his homeland.
These acts, combined with his earlier military exploits and unwavering dedication to the Armenian cause, solidify Andranik’s image as a true national hero. His courage, compassion, and selflessness continue to inspire Armenians worldwide.
Some Significant Dates in Andranik’s Journey after WWI abroad.
Andranik’s most significant work during this period was his tireless fundraising efforts to support Armenian refugees, orphans, and the newly-created Armenian state. He organized several successful fundraising campaigns in Europe and the United States, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Armenian relief. He also worked to secure political and military support for Armenia from Western powers.
Here are some of his most significant works, categorized by country and timeline:
France (1919-1921)
- Met with French officials, including President Raymond Poincaré, to secure support for Armenia.
- Awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government.
- Published his memoir, “Gen. Andranik Speaks”.
England (1919-1922)
- Organized the “Clothing Fund to Assist the Armenian Refugees” in Manchester and London, raising over 100,000 British pounds.
United States (1919-1920, 1922-1927)
- Led a military mission to the US to lobby for military and political support for Armenia.
- Organized the “Salvation Fund-Raising” campaign, raising over 500,000 dollars for Armenian relief.
- Collaborated with Hovhannes Toumanian and the Committee for the Aid to Armenia (HOK) to support reconstruction efforts in Soviet Armenia.
- Published “The Historical Diary of General Andranik’s Caucasian Front. 1914-1917. Diary Kept by the General’s Bodyguard Soldier”.
- Continued fundraising and advocacy for Armenia until his death in 1927.
Egypt (1920)
- Visited Armenian refugee camps and raised funds for Armenian relief.
- Received a gold- and diamond-decorated sword from the Armenian community in Egypt.
Andranik’s unwavering dedication to the Armenian cause continued throughout his life, even in exile. His fundraising efforts, political advocacy, and writings helped to support the Armenian people during a time of great need.
