Bio

Soghomon Tehlirian was born on April 2, 1897, in a village called Pakarish near Erzincan in the Ottoman Empire. He belonged to the Armenian Evangelical community. Soghomon was born into a time when Armenian people faced significant challenges and hardships. His early life was influenced by the political climate around him.

During his childhood, Soghomon and his family experienced the Armenian Genocide, a tragic event where many Armenians were killed or forced to flee their homes. This event shaped the course of his life and would have a lasting impact on his views and actions. He survived this dark period, which deeply affected his community and his personal view of justice.

After the genocide, Soghomon moved to Germany. He settled in Berlin, where he continued to live and adapt to his new environment. Despite starting over, the memories of his past and the loss of his people weighed heavily on him.

Tehlirian's life took a notable turn when he became involved with the Dashnak Party, an Armenian nationalist group. They aimed to seek justice for what had happened to the Armenians during the genocide. This organization played a significant role in his actions, which stemmed from his deep sense of vengeance and need for justice for the pain his people experienced.

As he moved through his early adult years, Soghomon's life was a mix of seeking normalcy and grappling with the trauma of his early experiences. He lived in a time of great turmoil and conflict, and the events of his past would eventually lead him to a fateful decision that defined his later life. Soghomon Tehlirian died on May 23, 1960, in San Francisco, California, leaving behind a complex legacy shaped by the struggles of his early life.

Murder Story

Soghomon Tehlirian assassinated Talat Pasha on March 15, 1921, in Berlin, Germany. Talat Pasha was the Grand Vizir of the Ottoman Empire and was seen by many as a key figure responsible for the Armenian Genocide. Tehlirian shot him in public, in the Charlottenburg District, where many witnesses were present.

After the assassination, Tehlirian was arrested and put on trial for murder. His defense team included three lawyers, one of whom was a law professor. During the trial, the focus was on Tehlirian's motives and mental state, particularly his experiences as a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. The defense did not argue against the fact that Tehlirian had killed Pasha but instead emphasized how the genocide had affected him.

The jury took a little over an hour to deliberate and ultimately found Tehlirian "not guilty" by reason of temporary insanity. This trial attracted significant attention and highlighted the historical context of the genocide.

Tehlirian lived until May 23, 1960. His actions and the trial sparked discussions about justice and the impact of large-scale violence on individuals.