“Armenian Genocide Memorial, Montebello, California” by Serouj is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Loss after loss is no easy burden. However, when the loss is due to oppression, exile, and massacre, it soon becomes a martyr to remember. With the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Empire, the list of martyrs is one too long to fathom. Constructing a memorial in honor becomes an interesting take and dedication to continue their legacy. In Montebello, California, they have done just that.
What Was the Armenian Genocide?
To set the scene, the Eastern part of Turkey, Eastern Anatolia named back then, primarily had Christian Armenians and Muslim Kurds as their inhabitants for centuries, dating back to the Middle Ages. While it did face external powers and offenses, the Armenians ruled the area successively. However, this eventually came to an end with sets of invasions, migrations, and power by the Turkic-speaking people in the 11th century. This initiated the segway of the Ottoman Empire Turks securing the region politically and making it a part of their Empire. The Armenians weren’t a majority of the inhabitants in any place they lived, however they were densely populated in their villages and areas. A great majority of them were also poor and peasants, which made it harder to resist poor treatment or defend against violence. Since they were seen as foreign people and viewed suspiciously in their society, the Anti-Armenian rhetoric and feelings began to stir. This grew from hatred to violence rather quickly with upcoming rebellions and resistance from the Armenians (Suny, 2018).
Mass killings and riots were spreading quickly. Refusal to pay taxes led the Ottoman and Kurdish troops to kill thousands of Armenians. Suppressing demonstrations in the streets were done so by killing off the demonstrators. Due to the endless massacres occurring towards the Armenians, they would soon become known as the Hamidian massacres (Suny, 2018). This didn’t even account for the other suppressions and eliminations happening in other regions outside of Anatolia. Nevertheless, Armenian resistance groups, such as Talat Pasa, kept fighting against the Ottoman troops. Between 1915-1916, which was labeled as the official years of genocide, estimates of 600,000-more than 1,000,000 Armenians were killed as a result. From what we know now, around or more than 1.5 million Armenians were actually massacred (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, DC, 2024).
As a result, the Anatolia region soon became Turkey as we know it today. However, by the end of 1916, and essentially the end of the “war”, more than 90% of Armenians from the Ottoman Empire were wiped along with the traces of their history. The remaining properties were given to Muslim refugees, while Armenians who survived converted to Islam due to the political force or also became refugees. Until now, Turkey, along with its allies, have hesitantly refused to name the events a genocide. While they acknowledge the tragedies that occurred, they do not explicitly recognize the extent to which it happened. Undoubtedly, Armenians till this day stand firm in their justice being called, hence the explicit need for a memorial to honor their resilience (Suny, 2018).
Why Build a Memorial? How?
While the tragedies had roughly but fortunately ended in 1915, anniversaries to commemorate the martyrs followed year after year. It wasn’t until the 50th anniversary, April 24, 1965, that the idea of an Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial came together. Demonstrators and thousands of Armenians were marching the streets of Los Angeles to remember the lives lost. Due to its success and abundance in voices, they further ignited the need for a monument. Those who organized the movement in LA further helped the dedication for the martyrs. While prominent and specific figures are hard to name, the main advocators for the memorial were organizers and sponsors of local Armenian community members and institutions (Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Monument History | ArmenianMonument.org, 2025). Three submissions1 were narrowed down to be taken into consideration until architect Hrant Agbabian (Montebello, California, Armenian Genocide Monument at Bicknell Park, 2025) was chosen to fulfill the final design. It became important not to just speak about the injustices which had occurred, but secure a lasting presence for it. In this particular case, while an anniversary allows you to reflect on that history once a year, the memorial holds the ability to remind you of it daily.
“Montebello Genocide Memorial, July 2023 (main plaque)” by Wikimedia Commons is licensed under CC0 1.0.
Breaking the Monument Down
The goal of the memorial was to honor the martyrs and dedicate their lives to the freedom they had deserved. Especially for their American ancestors to follow, it was important to recognize this memory for what it was. With Agbabian’s design, it aimed to do just that. Many symbolic aspects are found within the memorial both geographically and physically. The location itself in Montebello was home to many of the Armenian refugees and the future generations to live there2. Additionally, there was and is a large community there having a vast population of Armenians. Looking at the monument itself, its pillars and rising crown symbolize the architecture of Armenian churches with their steeples (Contributor, 2011). In times of oppression, that’s how and where Armenians kept close to their identity amongst themselves. Some sources also state that these eight crowns surrounding visitors can represent the eight provinces present during the genocide, however the architect or committee has not confirmed. An inscription is also a part of the site despite its controversy. Initially, it read “Dedicated to the more than 1,500,000 Armenians, nearly one-half of the nation, who were massacred in 1915 in a premeditated act of genocide by the Ottoman Turkish government.”3 Currently, it’s been changed to say, “This monument, erected by Americans of Armenian descent, is dedicated to the 1,500,000 Armenian victims of the genocide perpetrated by the Turkish government, 1915-1921, and to men of all nations who have fallen victim to crimes against humanity.” Considering the connections of Armenian culture and change of inscription, the monument surely sends the message of bravery, heroism, and justice towards the martyrs and others who’ve experienced the same.
“an individual born here or acquiring citizenship through naturalization, should forget any allegiance to his ancestral past and not seek to foist it upon his fellow Americans”
Major Myron B. Goldsmith, Honorary Consul General of the Turkish Republic in the State of California
Should There Be a Memorial?
With initial construction, conversations from differing perspectives stirred amongst the Armenians, Turkish government and citizens, and Montebello residents. The controversy of whether the monument should even be built was certainly a hot take at the time. Certainly, the Armenians believed that this would finally provide a space of reflection and memory for their ancestors who had gone through the massacres. During the four hour city hearing, the Armenian Memorial committee, architect, Beverly Hills attorney, two UCLA professors, and many other Montebello citizens were in favor of its construction4. The Parks and Recreation Commission had also voted 7-0 in favor of the memorial4 and many other government officials further showed support. However, opponents were also there to voice their rebuttals. If not Montebello residents, the majority of those against it were Turkish officials or citizens. Major Myron B. Goldsmith, an Honorary Consul General of the Turkish Republic, had made alarming remarks during the chamber. The speech included, “that an individual born here or acquiring citizenship through naturalization, should forget any allegiance to his ancestral past and not seek to foist it upon his fellow Americans” and “all of whom have encountered problems similar to those of the Armenians in their past history and who have entertained no thoughts of alien memorials.”4 Residents of the area feared the amount of land that would be given and argued whether or not the decision should have been made off a public vote. A strong opponent, a Turkish citizen, had even exclaimed “Let’s walk together in peace, but I will blow it up if built”5.
After heated discussions and long council meetings, the monument was mostly favored by all and had been approved for erection. The controversy did not stop there. It then turned over to the wording of the inscription and whether any changes should have been made. As discussed previously, it did include the official labeling of these tragedies as a genocide and put the Turkish government at fault. Some believed direct condemnation may not have been appropriate, while others felt it was necessary to recollect the history for what it was. In favor of revision, councilman Joseph Spada stated he “would rather see the plaque express goodwill and love, perhaps an inscription dedicating the monument to all… genocide-not a condemnation of the Turkish nation.”5 Eventually, the inscription was then revised and approved for what it currently states today. It not only honors the history of oppression by the Turkish government upon the Armenians, but also serves as tribute for those who have suffered through similar circumstances.
Today’s Views
As time has gone on, the memorial has grown to be less controversial. Many people no longer debate between the history of the Armenian genocide, which has further lead to improved attitudes regarding its dedication. The general public has understood the time period as one of oppression, extermination, and massacre making the lives lost honorable. In 2019, the US had officially recognized and condemned the actions committed by the Ottoman Empire of the Armenian genocide (D-CA-28, 2019). Additionally, the memorial had officially been recognized as a state historical landmark of California as of February 21st of this year (Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument Achieves Historic Landmark Status, 2025). Many Armenians, fellow citizens, and advocates gather to Montebello on Armenian Genocide Remembrance day and pay tribute to the martyrs, especially with the recent 110th anniversary (Service, 2025). While there is a general approval for the memorial, the Turkish government still does not choose to recognize the events for what they were. They admit to the mass killings and invasions, but do not disclose it as a “genocide”, but more so a “war” (Suny, 2018). Needless to say, the memorial will still not be removed anytime soon despite the history of controversy.
“April 24 Armenian Genocide Commemorations (Los Angeles 2013)” by Kaya is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
It’s certainly never easy to memorialize an unimaginable number of lives lost. However, the challenge truly rises in the best way to do so. Amongst the controversy and concern, the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument in Montebello, California has gone against these obstacles. It not only has helped form a better memory of its history, but also recognizes the devastating consequences. Regardless of any perspective, the memorial will continue to be in its place as it has always been.
Resources
Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Monument History | ArmenianMonument.org. (2025). Armenianmonument.org. http://armenianmonument.org/monument-history.html
Contributor. (2011, April 27). Genocide Memorials: Symbolism, Ritual Use, and Meaning. Asbarez.com; Asbarez. https://asbarez.com/genocide-memorials-symbolism-ritual-use-and-meaning/
D-CA-28, A. B. (2019). Text – H.Res.296 – 116th Congress (2019-2020): Affirming the United States record on the Armenian Genocide. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/296/text
Montebello, California, Armenian Genocide Monument at Bicknell Park. (2025). Armenian-Genocide.org. https://www.armenian-genocide.org/Memorial.118/current_category.75/offset.30/memorials_detail.html
Service, C. N. (2025, April 25). Crowds gather in Montebello, Glendale, Beverly Hills for Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. San Gabriel Valley Tribune. https://www.sgvtribune.com/2025/04/24/crowds-gather-in-montebello-glendale-beverly-hills-for-armenian-genocide-remembrance-day/
Suny, R. G. (2018). Armenian Genocide | History & Causes. In Encyclopedia Britannica. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Armenian-Genocide
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, DC. (2024, November 7). The Armenian Genocide (1915-16): Overview. Ushmm.org; United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/the-armenian-genocide-1915-16-overview
