Oral history interview with Avedis Alabilikian 1968
Abstract
Early life in Yozgat, near Istanbul; family influence and wealth, family size and make-up; early education: mixture of Armenians and Turks in schools; impressions of Armenian culture, business; role of Christianity; relationship between Armenians and Turks prior to 1915; beginnings of the Armenian massacre, 1915: disappearance of men, separation of women from their families and the killing of women and children, recollection of specific scenes of massacres; ideological techniques used to persuade Turkish soldiers to kill Armenians; immigration to the United States; dressing as a female to escape capture; separation from father, mother and siblings; subsequent location of sister through efforts of aunt; aunt℗s purchase of sister from man who owned her; placement in Armenian orphanage with sister for three years; eventual immigration of family members to the United States; reflections on the impact of the Armenian massacre and the devastation of Yozgat.