March 21^st marks one year since armed terrorists seized Syria’s Armenian-populated town of Kessab and the nearby villages. All the residents were taking shelter in Latakia and elsewhere until the liberation of Kessab. Although the 21^st of March brings sad memories to us Armenians of Kessab, we are grateful to those who risked their lives and fought courageously for the liberation of Kessab. Today, we are happy to see that the people of Kessab have returned and have restored the ruins of everything that was destroyed by the terrorists. True, our homes, churches and cultural centers were robbed and burnt, but we found the strength inside of us as Armenians to restore the ruins.

This year marks the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. As we remember, we also demand that international tribunals condemn the genocide and any crime against humanity. We demand reparations from Turkey for the numerous human and material damages that it caused. Of course, we also don’t forget the losses and the martyrs. May God bless their souls! May the Armenians of Kessab and all Armenians around the world live in peace and be prosperous!

On this occasion, a candlelight vigil was held on the occasion of the first anniversary of the displacement of Kessab at the St. Poghos Armenian Church of Anjar on March 20, and the Yeritsaguyn Mairik (Zuzan Kilaghbian) of the Armenian Catholic Church was granted the “Holy Mary the Painful” icon of Zmmar.

Source: Kessab Youth Union Facebook page

As you watch the video, you will see how the noble people of Kessab live and their traditions. They talk about their heavenly and marvelous Kessab.

P.S.: Let’s hope we have another opportunity to set foot on the land of the once Cilician Armenia laying on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, which is an exotic corner in nature and to enjoy the company of the cordial and sincere people of Kessab.