Armenian Sport in Ottoman Empire exhibition opened in Yerevan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Sport in Ottoman Empire exhibition opened in the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute on September 2. Some 70 photographs of Armenian sports clubs and football teams were presented.



"The history of Armenian sports in the Ottoman Empire originated in late 19th century. Pioneer football teams appeared in Constantinople in early 20th century. Thanks to professional sportsmen such as Shavarsh Krysian, Mkrtich Mkrian, Vahan Cheraz and Choloian brothers, the Armenian population in Turkey showed interest in sports," said Hayk Demoyan, director of the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute.



"Turkish Armenians' interest in sports increased after publication of Marmnamarz magazine. Armenian Olympic Games were organized in Constantinople in 1911-1914. Some 40 Armenian sports clubs functioned in Turkey before World War I," he said, adding that Turkey has manifested interest in the exhibition.