Armenian cavalry in Van, 1915

The photograph shows Armenian horsemen in Van in 1915, on the eve of one of the most tragic episodes of the First World War. The coming battle with the Ottoman forces took place during the Armenian Genocide, which claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenians. Despite the enemy’s considerable superiority in numbers and arms, these men united to defend their city and their families, and the defence of Van became a symbol of Armenian resilience.

Text by Vigen Avetisyan; photograph source: Tigran Avarian.

Dozens of riders in tall fur hats are lined up along a road. Behind them are bare trees and buildings, and there are patches of snow on the ground.