Armenian Survivor Aurora Mardiganian on Genocide | USC Shoah Foundation

Aurora Mardiganian speaks in this testimony as a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. From 1918-1920, she was also the face of the Genocide for millions of Americans and others. Her tragic and horrific story was told through a 1918 semi-autobiographical book, “Ravished Armenia,“ and a 1919 screen adaptation, known as “Auction of Souls.“ With the immediacy of a newsreel, the human side to the Genocide was brought to the screen. Working with Near East Relief and with the support of the wealthiest and the most prominent members of New York society, Aurora and her film raised approximately $117 million (the equivalent of $2 billion today) for the relief of Armenian suffering. Andy Warhol promises us all fifteen minutes of fame. For Aurora, such altruistic glory lasted somewhat longer — some two years. And then, she was forgotten. She died alone, a lost Armenian soul, her mortal reminds unclaimed by either relative or friend (of which she should have had millions in the Armenian