Armenian women of Aintab digging trenches, 1920–1921

The photograph shows Armenian women of Aintab digging trenches. It dates from 1920–1921, when the Armenian settlements of Cilicia were defending themselves against the Turkish Kemalist forces. Not only men but also women took part in the defence.

More than ten women and girls stand in a dug trench and on its edge, holding shovels and pickaxes. A stone building with arched windows and stone walls can be seen behind them.

According to the source, the women dug trenches to slow the enemy's advance towards their villages.