The Battle of Sardarapat: Armenia’s Last Stand in 1918

The Story of Armenia: Survival Through Empires and Genocide — Fexingo History · Oct 5, 2026 · 6m · transcript

In May 1918, the First Republic of Armenia faced annihilation. With the Ottoman Fourth Army advancing on Yerevan, exhausted survivors and newly arrived refugees formed a makeshift line at Sardarapat. This episode explores the desperate defense that halted the Turkish advance, preserving Armenian independence for two decades. We examine the roles of Drastamat Kanayan, known as Dro, and the critical leadership of Avetis Aharonian, who coordinated the fragile defense. The narrative details the chaotic mobilization of students, peasants, and even monks, contrasting their improvised tactics with…