History Of The Dashnak Party

[katchfedayi]

ARF, Armenian Revolutionary Federation.

HoHiDa, Hay Heghapokhakan Dashnaktsutyun.

Wishful thinking or overconfidence?

Is it wishful thinking or overconfidence when we name some of our institutions American Armenian Assembly (AAA), Armenian National Congress (ANC), Amenayn Hayots Katoghikos, Mets I Tan Kilikio Kathoghokosutyun, or, how about Armenian World Congress as proposed by Ara Abrahamian?

The ARF was designed to be the ultimate Armenian "federation".

Why not?

Is not MY federation better than YOURS?

The ARF, the Hunchakian and Armenakan parties were all formed with one objective in mind, to liberate the nation from oppression and the country from occupation.

All very noble.

How did they proceed to realize this dream?

The Dashnaks, after realizing that they could not convince the others to join the "federation" decided to collaborate with the Young Turks, hoping that when the Ottoman Sultanate and the empire were taken down they would divide the land between themselves and the Young Turks. This was probably promised to them, except that the Dashnaks did not know what damn liars the Turks were then as they are today. I have heard that the Ottoman Bank incident was actually planned by the Young Turks to be executed by the naive scapegoats, and that the Hamidian police knew all about it in advance.

When it comes to Armenian affairs there is always black and the white.

Soviet Armenian sources describe the ARF as "bourgeois nazional" (spelled with a Z to impart the spirit of the appellation), while, below they describe themselves as "Marxist Socialist". Below an excerpt from the URL that follows.

 

The principal founders of the ARF were also Socialists, and Marxist elements are clearly present in the introductory section of the Party's first Program written by Rosdom and entitled "General Theory".3 Yet the aspiration for national independence is also common to all of them, whether as a result of patriotic feelings or well-grounded ideology.4 Moreover, the formulated objectives and corresponding claims are much more modest and realistic, objectively based on the actual needs and the potential of Western Armenians. The first Program of the ARF did not include ambitions of building a socialist order or creating an independent Armenian state detached from the Ottoman Empire.

 

http://www.arf.am/English/history/001history.htm

 

With all this said and done, even if the ARF has been one of the most consistent intitutions in the diaspora it seems like the it also has always been either overconfident or too reliant on imagined allies.

The Ottoman Bank fiasco. This was not only done for the benefit of the Young Turks it was also a planned by the turks to cause a massacre.

 

They try ro create a Caucasian Federation with Georgia and Azerbaijan and don't relent until both of the others declare independence and they are left with no option but to declare independence themselves. This whole process was promoted and encouraged by Turkey to try and stop the southward march of the Russians.

And now that the Red Army is marching south, panic. The Allies are licking thier wounds. It is rumored that emissaries were sent to Turkey to invite them to protect Yerevan from the Red Army. And this only five years after the Genocide. When all fails they sit down with the Turks to sign a treaty at Alexandropol on the very day that the Red Army is sovietizing Armenia.

.........

Fast forward.

1989-90, the Soviet Union is all but gone. Hrair Maroukhian is commuting between Athens and Moscow trying to convince Gorbachev to stick to his guns and not let the "Union" dissolve. Panic? Caught with one's pants down?

Maroukhian is forbidden to land at Zvartnots.

 

How many times must one be "caught with their pants down" to be disqualified as a national political party?

Has the ARF or any so called political party ever sat down and drawn a plan for the next day, the next week, next year, next decade? Never mind the next 100 or 1000 years!

Who plans for us? The Assyrians, the Persians, the Romans, the Byzantians, the Turks, the Russians, the British, the French or the US?

 

Of course, if and when we plan for ourselves and we fail, who can we blame it on?

 

This was not only done for the benefit of the Young Turks it was also a planned by the turks to cause a massacre.

 

How do you make such a claim when the young turks were still not in existence in 1896? Also the first time we see Turks and Armenians cooperate with each other was in 1905 when they tried to kill the sultan. Not all young turks are also to blame. Turks like Akhmed Riza and Damat Ferrid were Pro Armenians and believed in rights, who also helped a lot of Armenians escape. It was not untill 1913 when Anti Armenian feelsing were started to be shown by the Ittihad that came into power in 1909. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT DONT BASH ON THE ARF, those Fedayis died for U, how dare you degrade what they have done.

[Shahan Araradian]

This was not only done for the benefit of the Young Turks it was also a planned by the turks to cause a massacre.

 

How do you make such a claim when the young turks were still not in existence in 1896? Also the first time we see Turks and Armenians cooperate with each other was in 1905 when they tried to kill the sultan. Not all young turks are also to blame. Turks like Akhmed Riza and Damat Ferrid were Pro Armenians and believed in rights, who also helped a lot of Armenians escape. It was not untill 1913 when Anti Armenian feelsing were started to be shown by the Ittihad that came into power in 1909. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT DONT BASH ON THE ARF, those Fedayis died for U, how dare you degrade what they have done.

Armenia wouldn't *exist* today had it not been for the ARF, for the war of existence in 1918.

 

The A.R.F. was a best-effort by a people who hadn't controlled a nation for over 600 years. Creating a nation from zero was indeed a feat and attests to the determination of the Armenian people.

 

If Arpa thinks she has more experience than the A.R.F.'s best efforts, then I encourage her to start a new political party. I will be the first to follow her if she's got a good agenda and leadership. Arpa, I think the first task would be to write the manifesto (the plan for next day, week, month, year, 100 years, and 1000 years) and also the clear goal in mind.

 

Today we are faced with the challenge of creating an Armenia with a viable economy, military, and society. The challenge of 1820-1918 was a completely different one: that of national *existence*. Today, it's also about existence, but with land already secured, it's about creating a viable economy (to have people live happily), a good society (to live in, work in, and enjoy), and a strong military (to defend it all).

[MosJan]

Armenia wouldn't *exist* today had it not been for the ARF, for the war of existence in 1918.

 

The A.R.F. was a best-effort by a people who hadn't controlled a nation for over 600 years. Creating a nation from zero was indeed a feat and attests to the determination of the Armenian people.

 

If Arpa thinks she has more experience than the A.R.F.'s best efforts, then I encourage her to start a new political party. I will be the first to follow her if she's got a good agenda and leadership. Arpa, I think the first task would be to write the manifesto (the plan for next day, week, month, year, 100 years, and 1000 years) and also the clear goal in mind.

 

Today we are faced with the challenge of creating an Armenia with a viable economy, military, and society. The challenge of 1820-1918 was a completely different one: that of national *existence*. Today, it's also about existence, but with land already secured, it's about creating a viable economy (to have people live happily), a good society (to live in, work in, and enjoy), and a strong military (to defend it all).

 

 

Psttt Shahan - Arpa is he and he is much older then me and you

 

as for manifesto (the plan for next day, week, month, year, 100 years, and 1000 years)

do you know haw long has it been since ARF has adopted one ??

if i'm not wrong ARF did not have one for long time

[Johannes]

Հայրենասիրութիւնն ու ազգասիրութիւնը պէտք է գերադասուի կուսակցասիրութիւնէ: Ազգային հերոսները չեմ նոյնացներ կուսակցութեանց հետ:

Նախընտրելի է ընդհանրացումներ չկատարել:

Առանձին դիպուածք եւ առանձին անհատք անջատ անջատ պարագաներ ըլլալով, անկախաբար քննարկելի պատմական երեւոյթներ են:

Կը խուսափիմ անտեղի դատել մերոնց, քանզի մեր թշնամին շատ ուժեղ էր: Մեր ձախողանքի մէջ մեղաւոր են...տակաւին Մեծ Տիգրանի օրէն, անցնելով Բագրատ, Մամիկոն, Արշակ, Արծրունին հասնելով մեր օրերը: Այդ ամպերն էին, որոնք բերին այս կարկուտը:

Edited April 4, 2007 by Johannes

[Boghos]

Armenia wouldn't *exist* today had it not been for the ARF, for the war of existence in 1918.

 

Of all my years in this forum this has been one of the most preposterous statements I have seen.

[Dave]

Actually he's right.

[Zartonk]

Of all my years in this forum this has been one of the most preposterous statements I have seen.

 

Why the surprise though? The ARF is well known for crediting itself with almost all of the occurrences in modern Armenian history.

[Boghos]

Actually he's right.

 

If you say so, he must be.

[DominO123]

 

Of all my years in this forum this has been one of the most preposterous statements I have seen.

 

 

 

You were searching TB right?

 

 

[DominO123]

 

If you say so, he must be.

 

 

 

While I will not go that far, the Bolshevics were really at first considering dismenteling Armenia totally, because it was too small and not much populous. Without defense the Turks would have gone further, I don't know how much that would have played in the rational of dismenteling it altogether finally. So I won't speak with an affirmative, but I am sure that had it been not of them, NK would not have existed.

 

 

[Aaron]

I agree with Shahan!

[MadArmo]

Of all my years in this forum this has been one of the most preposterous statements I have seen.

 

 

 

Without adding insult to injury... The Armenian Church gets no credit for keeping the unity, ARF, Hnchak or Ramgavar all served a nation in exile. Job Well Done to All !!

 

However it does not change the current political atmosphere , We disagree with different ideologies or insisting policy on others, We have to put aside personal intrests and work unison to conquer all difficulties face us as Armenians. I don't care what flavor Armenian any of us claims to be, Your my People and for that I'm greatful to be particpating, I suppose Nationlism can be void at times but reignite the flame of Patriotism people. One flag, One Nation & One People...

 

 

Armenians Answer the Call !

 

 

 

[DominO123]

 

 

 

Without adding insult to injury... The Armenian Church gets no credit for keeping the unity, ARF, Hnchak or Ramgavar all served a nation in exile. Job Well Done to All !!

 

However it does not change the current political atmosphere , We disagree with different ideologies or insisting policy on others, We have to put aside personal intrests and work unison to conquer all difficulties face us as Armenians. I don't care what flavor Armenian any of us claims to be, Your my People and for that I'm greatful to be particpating, I suppose Nationlism can be void at times but reignite the flame of Patriotism people. One flag, One Nation & One People...

 

 

Armenians Answer the Call !

 

 

 

 

 

While the church had some role in patriotism, it had next to none in maintaining a sense of nationalism which made the existance of the current republic possible. Patriotism alone is not enough to form a nation, it does take nationalism, something which revolutionary parties had a major role in.

 

 

[Shahan Araradian]

Psttt Shahan - Arpa is he and he is much older then me and you

 

as for manifesto (the plan for next day, week, month, year, 100 years, and 1000 years)

do you know haw long has it been since ARF has adopted one ??

if i'm not wrong ARF did not have one for long time

I don't know what you are trying to imply. Intelligence is agnostic to age (after a certain threshold of age, of course, perhaps right after the development of natural language and logic - age 7 or 8, sometimes earler).

 

I don't know what you're basing your claims on, but the ARF has had a manifesto since day ONE. It is known as the Ծրագիր.

 

Again, if you can do better, then I suggest you organize and increase your numbers. Երբ օր մը քիւրտ մարդու մը հետ (ինծմէ տարիքով շատ աւելի մեծ) կը զրոյցէի եւ արեւմտահայաստանի նիւթը ելաւ, ան իմ հետս կեցաւ վիճաբանիլ ու վերչացուց առուտուրը ըսելով «Գիտես Արարատը ուր է, չէ՞. Գնա՛յ եւ ա՛ռ»: Ան որ ՀՅԴին կամ ուրիշ կուսակցութեան կամ միութեան կ'այպանէ ես ալ կ'ըսեմ մէկ բան «Գիտես ինչ է սխալը, չէ՞ - Գնա՛յ եւ ստեղծէ աւելի լաւը»:

Edited April 5, 2007 by Shahan Araradian

[Shahan Araradian]

Of all my years in this forum this has been one of the most preposterous statements I have seen.

The man who has no sense of history is like a man with no eyes or ears.

[Shahan Araradian]

Why the surprise though? The ARF is well known for crediting itself with almost all of the occurrences in modern Armenian history.

I don't represent the ARF nor am I an ARF member. It takes only an introductory course in Modern Armenian history to come to the conclusion. What are you talking about? If you have a counterpoint, state it and back it up.

 

The ARF played a crucial role in the formation of the first republic of Armenia. That is not to say Hnchags, Ramgavars, and other lesser groups (in size) did not do their part. But for the most part, during this period, the ARF was the dominant force in Armenian self-government.

 

Talking about the history of a political party shouldn't arouse emotions and claims of "dividing" Armenians or of supporting one political party over the other. It's only history; it's not an endorsement of the current political party.

[Boghos]

The man who has no sense of history is like a man with no eyes or ears.

 

Spare me the cheap philosophy and arrogance.

[Takoush]

I don't represent the ARF nor am I an ARF member. It takes only an introductory course in Modern Armenian history to come to the conclusion. What are you talking about? If you have a counterpoint, state it and back it up.

 

The ARF played a crucial role in the formation of the first republic of Armenia. That is not to say Hnchags, Ramgavars, and other lesser groups (in size) did not do their part. But for the most part, during this period, the ARF was the dominant force in Armenian self-government.

 

Talking about the history of a political party shouldn't arouse emotions and claims of "dividing" Armenians or of supporting one political party over the other. It's only history; it's not an endorsement of the current political party.

In the past the Tashnags played a very heroic and important role and stance in the Armenian history; I mean since the 1890's. The first Republic of Armenia and the arming of the people were done by the Armenian Republican Federation and no one would be in a position to deny that historical fact.

 

For 30 years the Taghnagtsoutyoun have tried their best to arm the Armenian people in the Western part of Armenia. The heroic Fedayis used to remain on the mountains for months and years end and they have fought diligently and with extreme heroism. They have armed the people in Van, in Zeitun; they have fought against the Kurdish Mazrig Tribe and wherever or whenever they possibly could.

 

In 1918 every Armenian person including elderly and women fought and or helped their men to fight against Turkey to have gained our independence since 600 years of having lost our lands to the Ottoman Turks; were the works of the Taghnagsoutyoun, the ARF. It was something unbelievable. Although Turkey was weaker nation at the time; because Turkey was known as the sick man of Europe; however their army was enormous compared to ours and they didn't have a Genocide as we have had. Yet it was under the ARF and the Tashnag's rule that we have gained and acquired our independence in May 28, 1918. Yes our people and anscensters fought with their last breath but we have to admit the truth that if it wasn't for the Armenian Republican Federation's party we would have never had that land that we have today as the Republic of Armenia.

 

The Tashnags ruled the nation after that for 2 1/2 years until the Russian Empire gulped us. These are historical and truthful facts.

 

They have educated and stayed behind their people in exile for close to a century now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 5, 2007 by Anahid Takouhi

[Zartonk]

I don't represent the ARF nor am I an ARF member. It takes only an introductory course in Modern Armenian history to come to the conclusion. What are you talking about? If you have a counterpoint, state it and back it up.

 

Sir, my comment was merely in response to Boghos, and an observation of the perspective of the Armenian individuals who ARE members of the ARF. My "introductory" requirement, fortunately, is met as well. The Dashnak role in the formation of the First Armenian Republic is undeniable, and any refute in this case would either be ignorance or partisan zeal. Just one look at the political inclinations of the Republic's administration and this becomes self-evident.

 

Talking about the history of a political party shouldn't arouse emotions and claims of "dividing" Armenians or of supporting one political party over the other. It's only history; it's not an endorsement of the current political party.

 

I am not an active member of any political party, so I therefore have no blind adherence, endorsement and emotions for any given faction. Granted, I will support the the attempt of any civil Armenian organization for the advancement of the Armenian cause, and beyond that the Armenian situation, but I prefer to refuse the group mentality.

History is indeed history, and what has been, has been.

 

But where I see the problem is when the membership of a certain group -Dashnak, Hunchag, Ramgavar, Homenetmen, Apostolic Church, x-Armenian Society of y, Armenian cat fanciers club, WHAT HAVE YOU- establishes an attitude of superiority upon themselves and begins to dismiss and disregard the efforts/achievements of others. YES, one group might have a better record, a be more dedicated and more successful than the next, but that is no excuse to create further real division, is it? This isn't history, this is something I witness week after week, year after year.

 

I repeat, I am NOT singling ARF out by any means. Their patriotic services are but appreciated. I am only, ONCE AGAIN back at the damned Armenian sectarianism that seems to grow by the minute.

 

It's just bitter existence, it's not an endorsement/rejection of the current political party.

Edited April 6, 2007 by Zartonk

[MadArmo]

 

 

I will support the the attempt of any civil Armenian organization for the advancement of the Armenian cause, and beyond that the Armenian situation, but I prefer to refuse the group mentality.

History is indeed history, and what has been, has been.

 

But where I see the problem is when the membership of a certain group -Dashnak, Hunchag, Ramgavar, Homenetmen, Apostolic Church, x-Armenian Society of y, Armenian cat fanciers club, WHAT HAVE YOU- establishes an attitude of superiority upon themselves and begins to dismiss and disregard the efforts/achievements of others. YES, one group might have a better record, a be more dedicated and more successful than the next, but that is no excuse to create further real division, is it? This isn't history, this is something I witness week after week, year after year.

 

I repeat, I am NOT singling ARF out by any means. Their patriotic services are but appreciated. I am only, ONCE AGAIN back at the damned Armenian sectarianism that seems to grow by the minute.

 

It's just bitter existence, it's not an endorsement/rejection of the current political party.

 

 

Zartonk Jan, well articulated reply, I'm in concert. Unity is our goal, Our aim is survival of Armenia ... Diaspora needs to embrace Armenia right now ! We can do it ... We learn fast indeed and implement tasks in force, Lets magnify our legacy via educational means, Lets prove once more Armenians are nation builders and poetic warriors .

 

 

Btw, I've seen Armenia 2020... WoW ... an splendid idea !

 

 

Armenians answer the call !

 

 

[Shahan Araradian]

But where I see the problem is when the membership of a certain group -Dashnak, Hunchag, Ramgavar, Homenetmen, Apostolic Church, x-Armenian Society of y, Armenian cat fanciers club, WHAT HAVE YOU- establishes an attitude of superiority upon themselves and begins to dismiss and disregard the efforts/achievements of others. YES, one group might have a better record, a be more dedicated and more successful than the next, but that is no excuse to create further real division, is it? This isn't history, this is something I witness week after week, year after year.

 

I repeat, I am NOT singling ARF out by any means. Their patriotic services are but appreciated. I am only, ONCE AGAIN back at the damned Armenian sectarianism that seems to grow by the minute.

 

It's just bitter existence, it's not an endorsement/rejection of the current political party.

Right. We're on the same page here. Members of ARF today and members in the past are physically different people. Current members of the ARF have no right to claim the victories of 1918 as their own! They weren't there, they didn't fight. They can only claim victories to their current campaigns.

 

When a human organization starts to rely on its past accomplishments (generations ago) it is a sign of a dying human organization. The living human organization is the one that is quietly planning its future victories. This doesn't necessarily mean it's the end of the ARF, but there is certainly room for new ways of thinking and new Armenian organizations (particularly lacking are Armenian *corporations* in the new global economy).

Edited April 6, 2007 by Shahan Araradian

[Dave]

No current ARF member claims those victories as his own.

However, the ARF as an organization, does.

 

By they way the Tashnags did have modern victories, such as the successful defense of Lebanese Armenians during the Civil War.

 

The ARF has specific rules, but I do not know the details. They were applied earlier on, and still apply today. Nobody could brag about his achievements in the organization or for the nation... I've also heard that they'd send everyone to Armenia if it is invaded.

[MadArmo]

No current ARF member claims those victories as his own.

However, the ARF as an organization, does.

 

By they way the Tashnags did have modern victories, such as the successful defense of Lebanese Armenians during the Civil War.

 

The ARF has specific rules, but I do not know the details. They were applied earlier on, and still apply today. Nobody could brag about his achievements in the organization or for the nation... I've also heard that they'd send everyone to Armenia if it is invaded.

 

 

Tashnags were not alone... They had help from all Armenians including Hnchaks & Ramgavars. They all took part in self defense , fact . Lebanese Armenians were shielded from dangers is due to unity factor and they all collectively squashed any & all threats, We all had casualties ofcourse I lost two cousins during the civil war in 77 & 79, One was Hnchaks a town outside of BH called Hajean and the other Tashnag a town called El Nabah bordering Arakatz which was used as a buffer zone by Armenians.

 

My older brother was kidnaped by christian arabs called ketayyibbs or el ahrar can't really recall their name... irony is their leader was half Armenian ! S K S I remember a Tashnag leader by Khachig Arabian rescued my brother and I'm truly greatful for him a true hero, He negotiated my brothers freedom, sadly he died sometime ago I heard. Bourge Hammond Armenians are Tashnags in majority and almost all surrounding Armenians lived in fear but were supported by Tashnags, That helped a great deal, Our suvival required it and all deserve credit for it. The message was Armenians are united and don't F @#@% with them, Tashnags did great deeds they helped across all party lines, Why can't we use this example always?

 

 

Armenians answer the call !

 

 

[Accelerated]

whats the purpose of diasporan political parties? Whatever benefits they offer in terms motivating/organising diasporans is diluted by the divisions they create IMO.

[Takoush]

MadArmo: That was a great story of heroism at it's best and of unity. I know that most ARF members as well as organizations throughout North America have always welcomed unity with other organizations, such as with Hnchakyans and wiith Ramgavars. The ARF have always stressed and humbled himself to seek and want and urge unity among other and all organizations within our nation. I know this fact for sure.

 

Your story is heartwelming and a true success story as a national entity should be (UNITED WE STAND). Great. And when this happens, we see its great and its wonderful benefits!!!!!!!!