Karine Sarkissian
May 5, 2010
Bandits and Outlaws final Paper
Andranik of Armenia

Civilizations and societies have constantly changed and evolved throughout time. However, within these constant transformations, there happens to be one common denominator that appears and reappears within all countries and time periods. Social figures are the exception, for they are emphasis of human nature. The leader, the follower, the rebel, the lawbreaker, the bandit are all variety of these social elements present and reoccurring in various regions of the world. Of those, one particularly stands out through its analysis of Eric Hobsbawm. The role of bandits is explored and a redefining of the term emerges. Hobsbawm points out one particular type of personality of the ‘social bandit.’ He defines them as “peasant outlaws who, the lord and state regard as criminals, but who remain within the peasant society and are considered by the people as heroes.” In effect, through this thorough analysis, this does not only apply to western and local individuals but extends much further. In consequence, Armenian guerilla fighter Andranik Ozanian is the ideal example of a social bandit, in the Indo-European region of the world.

Andranik Ozanian, also known as Andranik Pasha or General Andranik was born in the town of Shabin Karahissar, part of the Ottoman province of Sivaz, on February 25, 1865. Son of a carpenter, the young hero only achieved an elementary education, after which he followed his father’s example and learned to work alongside him. Unfortunately, he stumbled on a series of misfortunes concerning his personal life. He had to endure the loss of his wife of premature death in childbirth, as well as their child who also died a couple of weeks later. With no family and domestic responsibilities then, Andranik joined the local Armenian self-defense movement, which had formed as a response to Turkish and Kurdish assaults. These two enemies were robbing and abusing Armenian villagers with the encouragement and consensus of the Ottoman Authorities. In effect, Armenians always stood out as one of the only Christian minority surrounded by prominently Muslim neighbors. As result, they were forbidden to use weaponry by law and therefore were left defenseless in front of their aggressive offenders. From that grew the informal people’s militia (within various local villages).

Andranik quickly joined the fedayee freedom fighter’s movement after coming to terms with the atrocity of the Turkish attitude to Armenians. His “character had two basic features; hatred without reservation towards the Turks, and an active and deep love towards the Armenian people—the peasants in particular. His assessment of military situations on the battlefield amounted to prophecy. Personal life had virtually no place in his thoughts.” In effect, as Hobsbawm describes that banditry emerges particularly at times of political unrest and social movements, for instance, through the creation of peasant revolutions. Of the political unrest includes a series of offenses as well as abuses by the Turks and Kurds happening at the time. Ozanian’s father was killed by a Turk, and as response the young Armenian retaliated (killing him back) and fled to Constantinople. Once there, he was constantly held under arrest for his protestation against the Turkish government—but it was not until the Russo-Turkish War of 187-78 that Andranik became truly involved. While the Russians were victorious, the overwhelming power of Sultan Abdul-Hamid had ensured complete loyalty from a large group of Armenian subjects. They claimed dedication to the Turkish monarchy and ensured never to detach from it. In effect, many other Armenians had supported the Russian advancement and therefore the Sultan suspected all Armenians to be traitors, along with his disapproval of their ethnic and religious intolerance as result of his people’s illiteracy. Therefore, the Sultan ordered for the killing of 30,000 Turkish Armenians as well as Armenians from around, through the creation of the Hamidiye (‘men of the Sultan’)—casualties reached 300,000.

After the martyr death of Serob Aghbiur the initial fedayee head, Andranik was soon enough appointed leader, and these actions needed to be avenged. He showed much strength, courage and control, especially through an act of revenge in which he beheaded Kurdish agha Bishara Khalil, one of the most feared men in the district. Without fear, with the help of his men, Andranik hunted the man down and carried off his head on a stick. This assassination made him a celebrity. In turn, the guerrilla fighter became a hero, there to protect his people and give voice particularly to the forgotten peasantry. His actions made his enemies name him ‘Pasha.’ Song and ballads began to emerge as people praised their so-called social bandit. As many sources would identify and Hobsbawm would agree, he takes on characteristics of a ‘Robin Hood,” but yet fits the typically label of ‘Haiduks,’ that of which Hobsbawm identifies as resistance and guerilla fighters and even takes on form of avenger through his entire goal of retaliation against neighboring Ottoman governments. As he would describe, “a bandit is considered an agent of justice, indeed restorer of morality, and often considers himself as such.” Andranik was a savior to Armenia with hopes of restoring their independence and land. People would even go far enough to describe him later on as ‘his people’s leader, a counselor, and judge’.

“In the history of the Armenian Liberation Movement, Andranik was the most romantic and exceptionally brilliant military figure. His proud head never bowed to the enemy, and the enemy’s blows never reached him. As a volcano erupts from the depths of a mountain, Andranik emerged from the hearts of the Armenian people as the embodiment of vengeance and rebellion. His sword never entered his scabbard in Armenian lands. Andranik was a warrior from tip to toe.” In effect, his next target included the world’s most ferocious despot of the time: Sultan Abdel Hamid. Andranik was very strategic in his methods of approach in achieving his most important goal—independence for the sake of Armenia’s self-dependency and strength. In consequence, in 1905, he reached Bulgaria’s large Armenian community, a primarily anti-Turkish Balkan state. Upon arrival, he approached the main leader, the Bulgarian Tsar, who in turn had already installed an upstanding army. As a favor to the Armenians, the Bulgarian authorities assisted Andranik in forming a military academy for young Armenian volunteer. Around 400 Armenians enlisted for training; which would allow for the strength of a newfound revolutionary movement. Andranik was powerful as an irregular fighter as well as a leader of men. Later on, he participated as part of the First Balkan war in 1912. He led his new troops into war to fight, alongside the forces of Tsarist Russia—with their main focus as the defeat of the Turks.

In an attempt to continue this form of defense, in April 1918, Andranik instilled the ‘Special Striking Force’ of 1400 Turkish Armenian volunteers. It took action as a form of defense to help the refugees find way to escape and find safe haven. However, as a response, the Turks demanded that Andranik disband his forces—as a sign of its successful results. Andranik infuriated, refuses to obey, and takes on the personal task, with his Striking Force to become the personal protector of 30,000 Armenian refugees; providing security and fighting away Turkish and Kurdish offenders.

“Andranik was to Armenia what Lawrence was to Arabia”—always welcomed and still talked about as a hero. Unfortunately, he was in exile for about seven years, and died on August 31st, 1927 in the United States, with one wish, to be buried in the motherland. Trotsky even stated; “At the head of the Armenian volunteer troop formed in Sofia stood Andranik, a hero of song and legend. He is of middle height, wears a peaked cap and high boots, is lean, with graying hair and wrinkles, fierce moustaches and a shaved chin, and has the air of a man who, after an over-long historical interval has found himself once more.”

With the constant appearance of songs, poems, and ballads to praise this local hero, one stands out particularly as it is still sung by Armenians today. The song/poem “Andranik,” truly idolizes the revolutionary figure. His strength and courage as a leader and fighter are thoroughly evoked through the chosen words and adjectives. He is compared to a variety of animals that embody heroic characteristics. For instance, the first stanza opens with “Like an eagle he had soared”—the eagle is a significant symbol used as a neo-classical, Greco-roman reference; this honorable creature embodies strength and poise. In effect, its connotations may imply Andranik’s flight to Bulgaria; and the mention of the fox to emphasize his relationship to the Tsar who was often referred to as ‘fox’. In effect with the personification of the animals, the song goes on to explore his actions and is expressed in a rather direct manner describing the various achievements of his life. Conquering of enemies, planning strikes, and winning battles, are all fundamental elements to his main goal mentioned thoroughly in the second verse “For the sake of his people and land.” This poem truly honors Andranik in the way that it praises his actions. He was salvation to Armenians, and this poem serves as tribute. One cannot ignore is fundamental reasoning behind his actions; “committed to Armenia’s Liberation” and his lack of selfish actions.

However, an another note, one particular verse stands out—it discuses the way that his life was a test, “of great resolve and sacrifice.” Emerging as son of a carpenter, the truly impressive element of this character’s life is how far he had reached from having absolutely nothing. In effect, while still being part of the peasant class, he does not forget his people’s rights and truly cares about helping his comrades survive and fight for their nation. He tried to install revolutionary groups and fighters to always protect and fight for their country’s independence and security. He was successful and his actions were simply based on a logical and thoughtful response to the problems at hand. This hero was a visionary and in a way, the poem really captures that element with the repeat of the first verse at the end of the essay. The mentioned animals are all aggressive, quick, and powerful, truly emphasizing Andranik’s actions. He ‘soared’ to Bulgaria to gather an army, he ‘caught’ Bishara Khalil, he ‘outwitted’ his opponents and the Turkish and Kurdish oppressors, and lastly he most importantly ‘fought’ for the independence and defense of his beloved Armenia.

Cited Works
"Andranik Toros Ozanian Andranic Antranik Pasha." Armenian Fedayis Monte Melkonyan KAro Qarkedjyan Shahen Andranik Pasha Serob Pasha Vazgen Sarkisyan Armenak Armenakyan. Web. 05 May 2011. <http://www.janfedayi.com/Andranik/>.

Armenian Resistance: Van Resistance, Armenian National Movement, Armenian Resistnace, 1896 Ottoman Bank Takeover, Andranik Toros Ozanian. Memphis, TN: LLC, 2010.

Avakian, Ara S. Armenia, a Journey through History. Fresno, California: Electric Press, 1998-2008.

Bakshian, Aram. "Andranik of Armenia." History Today (1993).

Chalabian, Antranig. General Andranik and The Armenian Revolutionary Movement. USA, 1988.

Hobsbawm, E. J. Bandits. New York: New, 2000.

Simonian, Aram. "An Episode from the History of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Confrontation (January-February 1919)." Iran and the Caucasus 9.1 (2005): 145-58.

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[ 1 ]. Bakshian, Aram. "Andranik of Armenia." History Today (1993), 45.
[ 2 ]. Avakian, Ara S. Armenia, a Journey through History. Fresno, California: Electric Press, 1998-2008, 313.
[ 3 ]. Bakshian, Aram. "Andranik of Armenia." History Today (1993), 45.
[ 4 ]. Nikol Aghbalian (Speech in Cairo, on the occasion of Andranik’s death. (550)
[ 5 ]. Hobsbawm, 27.
[ 6 ]. Bakshian, Aram. "Andranik of Armenia." History Today (1993), 45.
[ 7 ]. Bakshian, 46.
[ 8 ]. Chalabian, Antranig. General Andranik and The Armenian Revolutionary Movement. USA, 1988. 112-115.
[ 9 ]. Chalabian,118.
[ 10 ]. Hobsbawm, 21.
[ 11 ]. Hobsbawm, 49.
[ 12 ]. Bakshian, Aram. "Andranik of Armenia." History Today (1993), 46.
[ 13 ]. Vardges Aharonian (Andranik, marde ev razmike), Boston, 1957, p. 5)—550
[ 14 ]. janfedayi.com/Andranik/
[ 15 ]. Simonian, Aram. "An Episode from the History of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Confrontation (January-February 1919)." Iran and the Caucasus 9.1 (2005), 147.
[ 16 ]. Bakshian, 50.