Social Democrat Hunchakian Party facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Social Democrat Hunchakian Party
Սոցիալ Դեմոկրատ Հնչակյան Կուսակցություն
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| Abbreviation | Henchag (SDHP) |
| Central Committee (Global) Chairman | Dr. Harry Hampartzoum Sarafian |
| Executive Committee Chairman - Armenia | Sedrak Achemyan |
| Founders | Avetis Nazarbekian, Mariam Vardanian, Gevorg Gharadjian, Ruben Khan-Azat, Christopher Ohanian, Gabriel Kafian and Manuel Manuelian |
| Founded | August 1887 |
| Headquarters | Yerevan, Armenia |
| Newspaper | see Party publications |
| Youth wing | Gaidz Youth Organization |
| Membership | 20,000+ (in Armenia) |
| Ideology | Social democracy Armenian nationalism Pro-Europeanism |
| Political position | Centre-left |
| National affiliation | March 14 Alliance (in Lebanon; 2005-2016) |
| International affiliation | None, formerly Second International |
| National Assembly of Armenia |
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| Parliament of Lebanon |
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The Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (SDHP) is the oldest political party in Armenia that has been running without a break. It was started in 1887 by a group of Armenian students in Geneva, Switzerland. It was the first socialist party (a party that believes important services should be shared to help everyone) in the Ottoman Empire and in Iran.
The party's founders included Avetis Nazarbekian and Mariam Vardanian. Their main goal was to win Armenia's independence from the Ottoman Empire.
The party's name comes from its newspaper, Hunchak, which means "bell" in Armenian. For party members, this name stands for a "wake-up call" for freedom and learning.
Contents
How the Party Began
The seven founders of the party were young university students from wealthy families. They were studying in Western Europe and were inspired by new ideas about how to make society fairer. They even contacted famous thinkers like Frederick Engels.
In August 1887, they officially created the Hunchakian Revolutionary Party. Their goal was to help Armenians living under Turkish rule in the Ottoman Empire. The party's newspaper printed a powerful slogan: "Those who cannot attain freedom through revolutionary armed struggle are unworthy of it."
The Hunchak party fought to free the Armenian people from Ottoman rule. Many smart and talented people joined the party. A famous Armenian hero, Andranik Ozanian, joined the party at first but left after about a year to join another group.
The Hunchak party wanted a fully independent Armenian country. In 1894, the party published "The Communist Manifesto" in Armenian for the first time. This was a very influential book about politics and economics.
The party was also active in the Caucasus region. It fought against Russian policies that tried to reduce Armenian culture and influence.
Fighting for Freedom in the Ottoman Empire
The Hunchak party organized many protests and rebellions to protect Armenians and demand reforms from the Ottoman government.
- Kum Kapu Affray (1890): Hunchak members led a demonstration in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) to demand better treatment for Armenians.
- Sasun Resistance (1894): The party helped organize the people of Sason to fight back when the government demanded unfair taxes.
- Zeitun Rebellion (1895–96): The party helped lead a major uprising in the town of Zeitun to defend the local Armenian population.
During the Armenian genocide, which began in 1915, the party continued to organize resistance. They helped defend the city of Van and led uprisings in other areas. Sadly, on June 15, 1915, one of the party's leaders, Paramaz, and 19 of his friends were executed by the Ottoman government in Constantinople.
The Party in Modern Times
The First Armenian Country
The party played an important role in creating the First Republic of Armenia in 1918. Its members fought in the Battle of Sardarapat, a key battle that saved the capital city of Yerevan from the Ottoman army.
During the Soviet Union
In 1921, communists took control of Armenia, and it became the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. All political parties were banned except for the Communist Party. The Hunchakian Party had to operate outside of Armenia, mainly in communities of the Armenian diaspora (Armenians living in other countries).
For many years, the Hunchakian Party supported the Armenian SSR, hoping it would protect the Armenian people. This caused disagreements with other Armenian parties who were against the communist government.
After Independence
When Armenia became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991, the Hunchakian Party returned. Party members helped defend Armenia during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the early 1990s.
Today, the party is still active in Armenia and in Armenian communities around the world. In May 2024, party leaders met with the President of Armenia to discuss important issues, like the border with Azerbaijan. They promised to continue supporting Armenia's government.
Activities in Lebanon
The Hunchakian Party has a long history in Lebanon, where there is a large Armenian community. In the past, there were serious disagreements with another Armenian party, the Dashnak Party.
However, during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s, the Armenian community began to work together more closely. The Hunchakian Party has often worked with other political groups in Lebanon and has had members elected to the Parliament of Lebanon.
What the Party Believes In
The Hunchakian Party is a social democratic party. This means it supports ideas like:
- Free education and healthcare for everyone.
- Protecting human rights and making sure people are treated equally.
- Having a strong democracy.
- Protecting the environment.
- Creating a fair economy that helps all people.
In foreign policy, the party wants Armenia to have strong relationships with European countries. It also supports closer ties with Georgia, Iran, and China. In 2023, the party announced its support for Armenia to one day join the European Union.
Party Groups and Newspapers
The Hunchakian Party has several related organizations. These include groups for students, young people, and sports.
The party also publishes several newspapers and websites to share its ideas with Armenian communities worldwide. These include:
- Ararad, a daily newspaper in Beirut, Lebanon.
- Tchahagir, a weekly paper in Cairo, Egypt.
- Massis and MassisPost, a weekly paper and website in Los Angeles, USA.
See also
In Spanish: Partido Socialdemócrata Hunchak para niños
- Armenian Democratic Liberal Party
- Programs of political parties in Armenia
