May 28: Honoring the First Republic of Armenia

Each year on May 28, Armenians around the world commemorate First Republic Day—a defining moment in the nation’s modern history. This national holiday marks the founding of the Republic of Armenia in 1918, following a series of critical victories that ensured the survival of the Armenian people during one of their darkest hours.

In the spring of 1918, as the Ottoman Empire launched a final push into the South Caucasus, Armenian soldiers and volunteers mounted a determined resistance. The battles of Sardarapat, Bash Aparan, and Gharakilisa became turning points—not only in military terms but for the very fate of the Armenian nation.

Despite being outnumbered and under-equipped, the Armenian forces managed to halt the Turkish advance. These victories were nothing short of historic, preventing the complete destruction of the Armenian population in Eastern Armenia.

One of the most influential figures in this resistance was Garegin Nzhdeh, a renowned military leader and nationalist. His strategic leadership, especially during the Battle of Gharakilisa, played a decisive role in securing victory. Nzhdeh's dedication and vision earned him a lasting place in Armenian history as a national hero.

With the collapse of the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, the Armenian National Council declared independence on May 28, 1918, in Tbilisi. This announcement marked the re-establishment of an Armenian state after nearly 900 years of foreign rule.

Soon after, on June 4, 1918, Armenia signed the Treaty of Batumi, which officially recognized the new republic—albeit within a territory of only 11,000 square kilometers. Despite its small size and fragile circumstances, the First Republic of Armenia embodied the hopes of a nation long denied sovereignty.

The First Republic’s independence lasted just over two years. On December 2, 1920, the Bolshevik 11th Red Army entered Yerevan, effectively ending the republic and bringing Armenia under Soviet rule. Although brief, this period laid the groundwork for the future Armenian state and became a symbol of national resilience.

The dream of sovereignty did not die with the First Republic. Decades later, in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia once again declared its independence. Recognizing the enduring importance of the events of 1918, the Armenian parliament designated May 28 as a national holiday and non-working day.

Since 1992, First Republic Day has been officially celebrated across Armenia. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by earlier generations and the strength that defines the Armenian spirit. The legacy of leaders like Garegin Nzhdeh continues to inspire Armenians as they look to the past with pride and to the future with determination.

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