Call for Papers
The Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State, is planning to hold a conference tentatively titled, “Resilience and Reconstruction: The Armistice Period in the Ottoman Empire (1918-1923),” which will be held on Friday evening October 23, and Saturday, October 24, 2026 on the Fresno State campus.
UPDATED SUBMISSION DEADLINE: All submissions should be sent via email to [barlowd@csufresno.edu and umit.kurt@newcastle.edu.au (or umit105@gmail.com)] by Friday, April 17.
Conference Organizers: Barlow Der Mugrdechian and Ümit Kurt
Overview:
The aftermath of World War I marked a significant and tumultuous period for the Armenian people, whose struggles were compounded by the devastation of the war and the preceding Armenian Genocide. As the Ottoman Empire transitioned into the post-war era, various critical events unfolded that reshaped the lives of its inhabitants, particularly the Armenian survivors, and influenced the future trajectory of the region.This conference aims to explore the complexities and dynamics of the Armistice period in the Ottoman Empire from 1918 to 1923, focusing on the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide and the broader socio-political landscape of the time. It covers the multifaceted experiences of Armenians in the years following the war, focusing on themes of resilience, identity reconstruction, and the quest for recognition and justice.
Topics of Interest: We invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit papers that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
• The situation of Armenian survivors in the aftermath of the genocide.
• The Armenian experience after the war and broader implications of conflict and displacement on national identity and collective memory
• The demographic shifts that occurred after the genocide; the formation of diasporic communities across the globe.
• Property restitution and the challenges faced by displaced Armenians.
• The political landscape of post-war Armenia, including the establishment of the First Republic of Armenian in 1918.
• The political, social, and economic atmosphere in Istanbul during the occupation.
• The trials of Ittihadists and their implications for justice and accountability.
• The impact of the Armistice on Western Armenia and the broader region of Asia Minor.
• Interactions and relations between various ethnic communities during the post-war period.
• The role of international actors and organizations in the restitution process and humanitarian efforts.
• Cultural and social resilience among Armenian communities in the face of adversity.
• The emergence of nationalist movements and their influence on the post-war landscape.
• The efforts of Armenians in advocating for international recognition of their plight and diplomatic negotiations and the role of influential figures within the diaspora.
Submission Guidelines:
• Abstracts should be no more than 300 words and must outline the primary focus of the proposed paper, key arguments, and the relevance of the topic to the conference theme.
• Please include a brief biography (150 words) highlighting your academic background and relevant research interests.
• All submissions should be sent via email to [barlowd@csufresno.edu and umit.kurt@newcastle.edu.au (or umit105@gmail.com)] by Friday, April 17.
Review Process:
All submissions will undergo a peer review process. Selected papers will be invited for presentation at the conference, and authors will be notified of their acceptance by the notification date.
Publication Opportunities:
Selected papers may be considered for publication in an edited volume following the conference.
Contact Information:
For inquiries regarding the conference, please contact barlowd@csufresno.edu; umit.kurt@newcastle.edu.au (umit105@gmail.com)