Musaler Memorial, Harisa festival

Armenian village Musaler is situated in the province of Armavir, on the way to Echmiadzin. This small village is a symbol of Armenian will to survive and firmness of national spirit.

Musaler was situated on the Mediterranean coast, on the territory of historical Armenia. This territory today is a part of modern Turkey on the border of Syria. This small village is famous for the struggle of its people against Turkish powers during the bloody year of 1915, the event called “ethnic cleaning of Armenians”. People were forced to leave their homes but the inhabitants of Musaler did not obey and resisted Turkish troops showing miracles of heroism. A little more than 4000 Armenians of Musaler were repulsing attacks of Turkish army during 53 days in spite of starvation, thirst and rain.

French and British sailors rescued 4,200 Armenians and transported them to Egypt. After the First World War they returned to their motherland in new-formed state of Syria. In 1939 Turkey annexed this territory again and Armenians left Musaler finally having settled in Lebanon and Armenia.

The historical struggle of Musaler’s inhabitants was reflected in Franz Werfel’s novel “The Forty Days of Musa Dagh”, a famous bestseller of twentieth century. It was very popular among Jews in Europe during the time of Holocaust. The book inspired people for save and freedom.

Until nowadays the memory about those heroic times of Musaler is being stored by descendants in Armenia. Every year in the third Sunday of September the people celebrate the victory and tribute to the fallen heroes, preparing traditional food Harissa, beating drums and dancing all through the night.

Harissa is cooked from lamb and wheat, it has long national history and its recipe is being passed inside just a few families from father to son. This food was served both on festive and funeral occasions. Preparing harissa the Musalerians are making fire, gathering around it and singing traditional songs.