Haroutioun Zakarian

Who was Haroutioun Zakarian?

Haroutioun Zakarian was a 27 (twenty-seven) year-old Armenian man who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. He was a third-class passenger fleeing religious persecution in his homeland, seeking a new life in Canada.

Early Life and Background

A Life Shaped by Conflict

Born in 1885 in Turkish-occupied Armenia, Haroutioun Zakarian grew up in a region fraught with tension. As a Christian in a predominantly Muslim area, Zakarian faced ongoing challenges that would ultimately shape his fate.

The Decision to Emigrate

In 1912, at the age of 27 (twenty-seven), Zakarian made the life-altering decision to leave his homeland. This choice was not made lightly, but was prompted by a renewed vendetta against Christians by Turkish Muslims. Seeking safety and opportunity, Zakarian set his sights on Canada, a land that promised religious freedom and new beginnings.

The Journey Begins

Companions in Exodus

Haroutioun Zakarian did not embark on this perilous journey alone. He was accompanied by several compatriots, each sharing the dream of a better life:

Neshan Krekorian
Arsen Siraganian
Mampré Zakarian
David Vartanian

These men, bound by shared culture and circumstance, would face the ultimate test of fate together aboard the Titanic.

Boarding the Titanic

On April 10, 1912, Zakarian boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France. As a third-class passenger, he carried with him ticket number 2670, for which he paid £7 4s 6d - a substantial sum for someone of his means.

The Fateful Voyage

Life Aboard the Ship

What was life like for a third-class passenger like Zakarian on the Titanic?

While the Titanic was famed for its luxury, third-class accommodations were basic but still considered high quality for their time. Zakarian would have had access to common areas where he could socialize with other passengers, perhaps finding comfort in the company of his fellow Armenians.

The Night of April 14, 1912

As the Titanic struck the iceberg on that fateful night, Zakarian’s chances of survival were slim. Third-class passengers faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats, often hindered by complex passageways and language barriers.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Life Cut Short

Haroutioun Zakarian lost his life in the sinking of the Titanic. At just 27 (twenty-seven) years old, his dreams of a new life in Canada were tragically cut short. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his final resting place as the cold depths of the North Atlantic.

Remembering the Forgotten

While Zakarian’s name may not be as well-known as some of the Titanic’s more famous passengers, his story represents that of many who sought a better life and instead met tragedy. He stands as a symbol of the countless immigrants who risked everything for a chance at freedom and opportunity.

Historical Context

Armenian Diaspora

Zakarian’s journey was part of a larger exodus of Armenians fleeing persecution. This period saw many Armenians seeking refuge in North America, contributing to the rich tapestry of immigrant stories that define the early 20th century.

The Titanic’s Role in Immigration

The Titanic, despite its tragic end, played a significant role in the story of global migration. For many like Zakarian, it represented a gateway to a new world of possibilities, making its sinking all the more poignant.

Haroutioun Zakarian’s story, though brief, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster and the dreams that sank with the ship. His journey from Armenia to the decks of the Titanic encapsulates the hope, courage, and ultimate tragedy that defined one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.