Armenian Diaspora’s Cross-Generational Trauma, Victimhood and Intergroup Emotions

This chapter explores the collective victimhood identity and its implications within the Turkey-originated Armenian diaspora in Australia. It begins by examining the causes of the Armenian genocide and why Armenians were perceived as a threat to the new Turkish Republic. The chapter also addresses the persistent denial of the genocide by the Turkish Republic and its impact on Armenians, many of whom have resettled in countries such as Australia. Through a series of interviews with members of the Turkey-originated Armenian diaspora, the chapter presents thematic analyses, offering insights into Australian-Armenian identity, collective emotions, collective victimhood and their relationships with Turkey, Turkish people and other Turkey-originated diaspora groups in Australia. Despite the physical distance from Turkey, the chapter reveals how cross-generational trauma, hereditary collective victimhood and the Armenian struggle continue to emotionally engage the community in the social and political dynamics of Turkey. The chapter highlights the various emotions experienced by the group, including feelings of grief, loss, hopelessness and fear stemming from the Armenian experience in Turkey.