Armenian volunteers of Zeitun

The photograph shows the Armenian volunteers of Zeitun as a group. About 30 armed men stand and sit in three rows, with a small boy in the centre. They wear cartridge belts across their chests, hold weapons, and have head-cloths, fezzes and caps on their heads.

They represent the self-defence community of mountainous Zeitun, known for its organisation and freedom-loving spirit. For centuries the people of Zeitun had preserved their self-government and armed readiness. The community not only defended its own homes and faith but was also ready to support allied peoples in the struggle for freedom.