Armenian Genocide Survivor Hovsana Kumjian sings the ballad Der Zor Chollerende (Desert of Der Zor). During the genocide victims sang this song in Turkish while on the forced marches into the Syrian Desert. The song is often from a child’s perspective and describes violent scenes and feelings of hopelessness. Kumjian states she sings this song in memory for the victims, every April 24, the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Kumjian is a survivor of the death march from Kilis, Turkey.

English Translation of Der Zor Chollerende

I woke up in the morning, looked in my bag

I put it on my arm, lamenting

I left my mom and dad on the road

Oh, Armenian - dying for your religion's sake

I woke up in the morning, the sun is shining

Chechens are seated, polishing their daggers

Helpless innocents are egregiously crying

Oh, Armenian - dying for your religion's sake

I fell wounded in the deserts of Der Zor

I was left so thirsty that I drunk red blood

I fell and was separated from my mom and dad

Oh, Armenian - dying for your religion's sake

Don’t come doctor, don’t. There is no cure

We have no one, except for God

Oh, Armenian - dying for your religion's sake

I reached the barrack, its gate was closed

Kaymakam (Governor) is coming with a club in his hand

He led the lame and blind

Oh, Armenian - dying for your religion's sake