SYDNEY: Nagorno Karabakh was the focus of the Armenian National Committee of Australia's (ANC Australia) EXHIBITION ARMENIA poster display held at NSW State Parliament House on Tuesday.
On the 18th anniversary of the Liberation of Shoushi - a key victory for the long-persecuted Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh on the way to the region's declaration of independence - over 20 NSW State legislators and representatives of Armenian community organisations attended the exhibit in the Jubilee Room.
The 32 posters on show guided attendees through Armenia's rich history and culture, its Christian heritage, its bloody battles, its achievements, Armenia today and Armenia tomorrow. The Armenian Genocide and the Armenian Relief Fund of Australia were given key focus, while Nagorno Karabakh was discussed for the first time in NSW State Parliament House.
ANC Australia Political Relations Officer Vache Kahramanian said: "Nagorno Karabakh is recognised by Armenians as the heart and soul of the Armenian nation. Its history and current status is something we wish to share with our friends in NSW Parliament and the NSW Legislative Council."
Nagorno Karabakh belonged to Armenians since before Christ, but was handed to Azerbaijan by Joseph Stalin despite protests from the region's inhabitants. Armenians made up 95% of the total population.
From 1921 to 1988, for 67 years, the Christian Armenians held off countless attacks by Azeris, many incidents of uncalled-for persecution at the hands of Azeris, and attempts at ethnic cleansing through massacres. Despite this, Armenians remained the main inhabitants of the region.
In 1988, the Armenian civilians of Nagorno Karabakh rose. Men, women and children fought against constant persecution, for self-determination, and the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh was born in 1992.
A key event along the way to this independence was on 9th of May 1992. The Armenian forces of Nagorno Karabakh rose against the odds to liberate a region called Shoushi. Shoushi was one of the highest points in Nagorno Karabakh, and the victory was a turning point in the Karabakh Movement.
While historically-Armenian regions such as Shahumian remain in Azeri control and constant threats of war are expressed by Azerbaijan's government, the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh remain resilient and proud defenders the Republic.
Kahramanian added: "ANC Australia is delighted to be able to bring Nagorno Karabakh's battle for self-determination to the attention of our legislators."
For more information on Nagorno Karabakh, please click here.
