When We Dead Awaken: Australia, New Zealand, and the Armenian Genocide

On April 25th, 1915, the Anzacs landed at Gallipoli, and the Ottoman Empire began arresting Armenian leaders, leading to the birth of a national story and the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. "When We Dead Awaken" explores the accounts of Anzac Prisoners of War who witnessed the genocide, the experiences of soldiers who risked their lives to defend refugees, and Australia and New Zealand's participation in the post-war Armenian relief movement. It questions the national folklore of Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey and the mythology of Anzac Day.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

On April 25th, 1915, during the First World War, the renowned Anzacs made their historic landing at Gallipoli. Simultaneously, a massive wave of arrests swept across the Ottoman Empire, targeting prominent figures in Armenian society. This tragic day marked the convergence of two pivotal historical events: the birth of a national narrative and the onset of a genocide.

In his groundbreaking work, When We Dead Awaken: The First Narrative History of the Armenian Genocide in Decades, James Robins delves into the accounts of Anzac Prisoners of War who bore witness to the genocide, the courageous soldiers who risked their lives to protect refugees, and the significant contributions of Australia and New Zealand to the post-war Armenian relief movement. By unraveling the untold political implications of this previously unexplored history, Robins challenges the national folklore of Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey, as well as the mythologized narrative surrounding Anzac Day.

The book explores the harrowing experiences of Anzac Prisoners of War who were confined in concentration camps and witnessed the systematic extermination of their Armenian fellow citizens. These prisoners, who had fought alongside the Anzacs on the battlefields of Gallipoli, bore witness to the horrors of the genocide, which unfolded in the backdrop of the war. Their accounts provide a poignant and chilling insight into the atrocities committed against the Armenian community.

Furthermore, When We Dead Awaken sheds light on the courageous soldiers who risked their lives to defend the Armenian refugees. These soldiers, driven by their sense of humanity and compassion, defied the orders of their superiors and provided shelter and protection to the persecuted Armenians. Their actions not only saved countless lives but also demonstrated the unwavering spirit of humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Australia and New Zealand played a significant role in the post-war Armenian relief movement. The governments of these countries provided financial and humanitarian support to the Armenian communities, who had suffered immense loss and devastation during the genocide. The relief efforts were led by individuals and organizations, including the Australian Red Cross and the New Zealand Red Cross, who worked tirelessly to provide food, shelter, and medical care to the survivors.

By examining the political implications of the Armenian Genocide, When We Dead Awaken challenges the national folklore and mythology surrounding Anzac Day. Anzac Day, celebrated annually in Australia and New Zealand, is a day of remembrance and tribute to the Anzacs who fought in the First World War. However, the book argues that the genocide should also be recognized as a significant part of Australian and New Zealand's history, and that the commemorations should include a broader understanding of the historical context.

Robins' work is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of genocide studies and history. It sheds light on a dark chapter of human history that has been overlooked for far too long. By exploring the connections between the First World War, the Armenian Genocide, and the post-war relief efforts, the book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of a complex and painful period of history.

In conclusion, When We Dead Awaken is a must-read for anyone interested in history, genocide studies, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a powerful testament to the resilience and compassion of the human race, and a reminder of the importance of never forgetting the lessons of the past.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 257 x 369 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755600311