The first Armenian revolutionary
party, the Hunchakian party, was founded by a group
of university students who wanted to awaken the national,
social and democratic ideas in the Armenians of the
Ottoman Empire.
The main aim was to create an independent Armenian state
by breaking the enslaving chains of "the sick man
of Europe". The "Hunchak" party ("Bell"in
English), became synonymous to "awakening, enlightenment
and freedom." This was also the name given to the
party's first newspaper ("Hunchak",1887-1915).
Founding members of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party.
(Left to Right)Roupen Khanazad, Boghos
Afrigian, Avedis Nazarpegian, Maro Nazarpegian (Vartanian),
Manuel Manuelian (Standing), Kevork Gharachian, Kapriel
Gafian.
