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: Hardback
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 in the trenches 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 perspective on the events of that time.

Furthermore, When We Dead Awaken sheds light on the courageous soldiers who risked their lives to defend the Armenian refugees fleeing the genocide. These soldiers, from various nations, including Australia and New Zealand, selflessly put their lives on the line to provide safe passage to those in need. Their actions not only saved countless lives but also demonstrated the unwavering spirit of humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The book also delves into the involvement of Australia and New Zealand in the post-war Armenian relief movement. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, these countries mobilized their resources and efforts to provide aid and support to the Armenian communities affected by the genocide. They established relief camps, provided medical assistance, and helped rebuild devastated communities. Their contributions not only demonstrated their compassion and solidarity with the Armenian people but also played a significant role in shaping the international response to the genocide.

By exploring the vital political implications of this unexplored history, When We Dead Awaken questions the national folklore of Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey, as well as the mythology of Anzac Day itself. It challenges the notion that the Anzac spirit is solely tied to the heroism of the soldiers who fought in the war and emphasizes the broader historical context in which the genocide occurred. The book encourages readers to confront the painful legacy of the Armenian Genocide and to recognize the importance of acknowledging and commemorating this tragic chapter in human history.

In conclusion, When We Dead Awaken is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on a previously obscured chapter of history. Through the accounts of Anzac Prisoners of War, soldiers, and the post-war Armenian relief movement, James Robins provides a comprehensive and deeply emotional exploration of the Armenian Genocide. The book challenges the national folklore, questions the mythology of Anzac Day, and encourages readers to confront the painful legacy of this tragic event. It is a testament to the power of history and the importance of learning from our past to build a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838607494