Genocide museum to host presentation of "Armenian Sport and Gymnastics in Ottoman Empire"

PanARMENIAN.Net - On October 13, 2009, Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute will host the congratulatory event dedicated to the presentation of AGMI Director Mr. HAYK DEMOYAN illustrated book entitled "Armenian Sport and Gymnastics in the Ottoman Empire" ( the book consisting of 220 pages was published in Armenian). Album comprising 5 thousand photos will inform reader of the history of sport and physical training among Armenian population of Ottoman Empire.



Monograph reflects the activities of Armenian sport clubs established in Armenian-populated cities of Ottoman Empire, organization of pan-Armenian Olympic Games, history of intensively developing athletic movement in Western Armenia and Cilicia, as well as the activities of women's sport unions and establishment of Armenian scout movement. A separate chapter is dedicated to the Armenian sportsmen who fell victims to Genocide.



On the eve of World War I there were about 40 Armenian athletic clubs in Constantinople alone. Armenian football teams took part in team and international tournaments of several leagues in the capital. Most renowned football teams were "Balta Liman", "Araks" and "Torq". The best-known team in Smyrna was "Hay Vorsordats Club" ("The Armenian Hunters' club"). Armenian sport clubs were also established in Smyrna, Nikomedia, Karin, Marzvan, Samson, Adana, Van, Caesarea, Dortyol, Trapizon, Konya etc.



Many Armenian sportsmen became victims of Armenian Genocide. Among them was Shavarsh Chrisian, editor of "Marmnamarz" periodical whose publication was stopped after his death.