Life under the Ottoman Empire had its own unique challenges and opportunities for Armenians, as is evident through this collection of pictures, courtesy of the Project Save Armenian Photo Archives, Inc. This lesson focuses on analyzing primary sources and finding universal connections with the people in the images—people who lived over 100 years ago, doing things similar to what people do today. By focusing on Armenians and their life experience before the Armenian Genocide of 1915, students can relate to individuals and better reflect on the impact of the genocide on the Armenian people.

Kindergarten children and their teachers, St. Garabed quarter of Kharpert, 1913.
Project SAVE Photograph Archive, Courtesy of Arra S. Avakian