Andranik Ozanian facts for kids
Andranik Toros Ozanian (born February 25, 1865, died August 31, 1927), often called Zoravar Andranik, was an important Armenian military leader. He was a brave general and a freedom fighter who worked to protect his people. Many Armenians consider him a great national hero.
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Biography
Andranik was born in a place called Şebinkarahisar, which was part of the Ottoman Empire (now in Turkey). When he was young, he sadly lost his wife and son. After this, he decided to join the Armenian freedom movement. This movement aimed to protect Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire. He became involved with different political groups working for this cause.
Military Service and Fame
Andranik was a skilled military leader. He fought in the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913 as part of the Bulgarian army. He commanded Armenian volunteer troops alongside another general named Garegin Njdeh. After some time, he was arrested and spent a period in Istanbul.
During World War I, Andranik joined the Russian army in the Caucasus region. He was made a general of the Armenian volunteer units. He took part in many battles, about 20 different attacks. He became very famous for his bravery and clever plans to defeat enemy forces.
Key Battles and Leadership
Andranik led Armenian volunteer units that helped in the Van Resistance. This was a fight where Armenians took control of the city of Van on May 6, 1915. He also helped to take the city back from Ottoman forces during the Battle of Van. Later, he commanded a group that captured the city of Bitlis from Ottoman forces.
After the Democratic Republic of Armenia was created, Andranik organized more volunteer groups. He fought against the Ottoman army with these units. He did not agree with the borders set by the Treaty of Batum, which was signed while he was still fighting. He focused his efforts on areas like Karabakh, Zanghezur, and Nakhichevan, which connected the Ottoman Empire to Azerbaijan. Andranik continued to fight against the Ottoman forces.
Later Life and Legacy
Andranik tried several times to take control of Shusha, a main city in Nagorno-Karabakh. Just before a peace agreement called the Armistice of Mudros was signed, he was on his way to Shusha. However, British forces asked him to go back to Zangezur. They promised that the conflict would be solved at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919.
In 1919, Andranik left Armenia. He did not want to be involved in the political struggles happening in the new Republic. He moved to Fresno, California, in the United States. He lived there for 18 years until he passed away on August 31, 1927. His body was later moved to Paris in 1928. Finally, in 1999, his remains were brought back to Armenia. He was buried at the Yerablur military cemetery, a place for national heroes.
Images for kids
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An undated photo of Andranik. The flag has words from a poem that became Armenia's national anthem.
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Andranik on his horse, from the early 1900s.
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A report from The New York Times about a battle.
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The Holy Apostles Monastery of Mush.
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The location of the Sasun uprising (orange) and the Bitlis region (yellow).
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Andranik in the Bulgarian army around 1913.
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Armenian volunteers under Andranik during the Balkan War.
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Andranik as the commander of the first Armenian volunteer group.
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Andranik with his soldiers during World War I.
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The largest area of Russian control in Turkish Armenia during World War I, September 1917.
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The Republic of Armenia delegation to the United States. Andranik is shown second from the bottom right.
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Andranik with commanders in Zangezur, 1918.
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Andranik with the Military Council of Goris, 1918.
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Andranik with his men and two archbishops in Etchmiadzin before leaving Armenia, April 1919.
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Andranik Ozanian and Hovhannes Tumanyan in Tbilisi.
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Andranik Ozanian with General Jaques Bagratuni and Hovhannes Katchaznouni and Armenian military people in the United States, 1919.
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Andranik's wedding in Paris, 1922.
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Andranik's grave in Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris.
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Andranik's grave at Yerablur cemetery.
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General Andranik on the cover of the French magazine L'Image, 1919.
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A statue of Andranik on a horse near the Saint Gregory Cathedral in central Yerevan.
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A statue of Andranik on a horse in Gyumri.
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A poster showing Andranik, similar to the "Lord Kitchener Wants You" posters.
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A comic by Stookie Allen showing Andranik, from the New York Journal-American, 1920.
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Andranik's certificate for the Legion of Honour, a French award.
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See also
In Spanish: Andranik Ozanian para niños
