Andranik Toros Ozanyan

Andranik Toros Ozanyan stands out as an Armenian general, a notable political and public figure, and a freedom fighter. He also served as a Bulgarian officer during the Balkan War and is widely regarded as a national hero among Armenians.

Originating from Shebinkarahisar, which is located in what was once Turkish Armenia and is now known as Giresun Province in Turkey. Following the tragic loss of his wife and son at a young age, he became involved in the Armenian Liberation Movement within the Ottoman Empire and took part in several political parties, notably the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.

Since 1907, he has made his home in the village of Galata, which is now a district within the city of Varna. At the onset of the Balkan War, he took part in gathering Armenian volunteers and establishing the Armenian Volunteer Company. On October 16, 1912, it became part of the 12th Lozengrad Battalion of the Macedonian-Adrianople Volunteers. In this capacity, Andranik took on the role of a company commander within the Bulgarian Army. The individual in charge of the company was Garegin Nzhdeh, while Antranik held the title of voivode. At first, the organization had a total of 231 individuals, but subsequently, an additional 42 volunteers became part of the team. The company took part in conflicts in the Rhodope Mountains and the regions surrounding the Sea of Marmara. The company ceased operations on May 28, 1913. Antranik received the Soldier’s Golden Cross “For Bravery” 2nd class in recognition of his commendable actions and was subsequently promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. He was granted Bulgarian citizenship, awarded the Silver Cross “For Bravery” in both IV and III class, and received a special government pension. Following the conflicts, he resided in Galata. He continued to reside in Bulgaria until July 1914.

In the course of World War I, he participated in the Caucasus Campaign and achieved the rank of general within the Armenian Volunteer Corps of the Russian Army. He took part in 20 distinct offensives, earning recognition for his bravery and strategic abilities. His leadership enabled the people of Van to flee from the Turkish army into Eastern Armenia, which was then under Russian control. The region eventually became known as the Democratic Republic of Armenia.

In January 1919, with Armenian forces making headway, the British command decided to pull Andranik back to Zangezur, assuring him that a favorable peace agreement would be achieved at the Paris Peace Conference.

In 1919, he departed from Armenia during a time of significant political upheaval and power conflicts, ultimately finding a new home in Fresno, California, USA. He resided in the city for 18 years before passing away on August 31, 1927, at the age of 62. The remains were first dispatched to Armenia; however, the communist authorities declined to accept them. As a result, they found their final resting place in a cemetery in Paris, only to be returned to Armenia in the year 2000.

On July 7, 2011, the leadership of the Union of Armenians in Bulgaria took the initiative to unveil a monument dedicated to General Andranik Ozanyan at General Andranik Square, located in the Galata district of Varna.

• Wikipedia