Kanye West Calls for Greater Recognition of Armenian Genocide on X

In a recent post on X, Kanye West or as he is known as Ye stated that the Armenian genocide, often referred to as the Armenian Holocaust, needs to be more widely recognized.

This statement follows his and Kim Kardashian’s visit to Armenia in 2015, where they commemorated the 100th anniversary of the genocide. Their trip garnered significant attention and played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the historical atrocity and the ongoing need for recognition and acknowledgment.

Kanye West’s ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, does have Armenian heritage. Her paternal great-grandparents were Armenian immigrants who fled to the United States to escape the Armenian Genocide. Kim has been vocal about her Armenian roots and has actively participated in initiatives to raise awareness about the genocide

The Armenian Genocide refers to the systematic mass extermination and forced deportation of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923. This period is marked by widespread atrocities, including mass killings, starvation, and death marches. Despite extensive historical documentation, the genocide is still denied by some, particularly in Turkey, which complicates international recognition and remembrance efforts.

The Greek Genocide occurred during a similar timeframe, also within the context of the Ottoman Empire’s collapse. Between 1914 and 1923, an estimated 450,000 to 1.5 million Greeks (primarily those of Pontic and Anatolian descent) were killed, and countless others were displaced or forced into exile. The Greek Genocide involved various forms of violence, including massacres, forced labor, and deportations. As with the Armenian Genocide, the recognition of the Greek Genocide remains a sensitive issue in contemporary politics, particularly in Greece and Turkey.

Both genocides serve as reminders of the need for acknowledgment and education about historical injustices, as well as the importance of ensuring such atrocities are recognized to prevent their recurrence in the future.