Mr Mampré Zakarian

Who was Mampré Zakarian?

Mr Mampré Zakarian was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old Armenian passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in 1890 in Turkish-occupied Armenia, Zakarian was a Christian who fled religious persecution to seek a new life in Canada. His journey on the Titanic would tragically become his last, as he perished in the sinking on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

What was Zakarian’s life like before the Titanic?

Mampré Zakarian grew up in a tumultuous period of Armenian history. As a Christian living in Turkish-occupied Armenia, he faced increasing hostility from Turkish Muslims. This ongoing vendetta against Christians ultimately led Zakarian to make the life-changing decision to emigrate to Canada.

“After Turkish Muslims renewed an ongoing vendetta against Christians, Zakarian and several of his compatriots decided to flee the country and emigrate to Canada.”

Zakarian was not alone in his decision to leave. He was accompanied by several fellow Armenians, including:

These men shared Zakarian’s hope for a better life free from religious persecution.

The Titanic Journey

How did Zakarian come to be on the Titanic?

Mampré Zakarian boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as a third-class passenger. He was traveling with ticket number 2656, for which he paid £7 4s 6d. This was a significant investment for a young man seeking a new start in life.

What were Zakarian’s accommodations on the ship?

As a third-class passenger, Zakarian’s accommodations were modest. While specific details of his cabin are not known, third-class areas on the Titanic were generally located on the lower decks and offered basic amenities compared to the luxurious first and second-class sections.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Zakarian when the Titanic sank?

Tragically, Mampré Zakarian did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a young man of 22, he likely faced significant challenges in escaping the rapidly sinking ship, particularly given his location in the third-class section.

Was Zakarian’s body recovered?

Yes, Zakarian’s body was recovered from the icy Atlantic waters. He was body number 304 among those found in the aftermath of the disaster. This recovery allowed for a proper burial and provided some closure for those who knew him.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Zakarian remembered today?

Mampré Zakarian’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse group of individuals aboard the Titanic, each with their own hopes and dreams. His burial site at Fairview Cemetery in Halifax, where he was laid to rest on May 10, 1912, stands as a memorial to his life and the tragic circumstances of his death.

What personal effects were found with Zakarian?

The recovery of Zakarian’s body provided insight into his personal possessions at the time of the disaster:

Clothing: Blue suit, striped shirt, brown pants, three shirts
Money: 80 francs in gold, $12.50 in gold in a purse
Other: An empty purse and his third-class ticket

These items paint a picture of a young man prepared for a new life, carrying with him the essentials for starting over in a new country.

Interesting Facts About Mampré Zakarian

Age Discrepancy: While official records list Zakarian as 22 years old, the body recovery report estimated his age as 26.
Name Variations: His name was recorded differently in various documents, including “Mapriededer” and “Mauri Der Zacanian” on the body recovery report.
Cultural Heritage: Zakarian’s story highlights the plight of Armenian Christians in the early 20th century, fleeing persecution to seek refuge in North America.

Mampré Zakarian’s journey on the Titanic, though tragically cut short, remains a testament to the human spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of a better life. His story, intertwined with those of his fellow Armenian travelers, adds a unique chapter to the diverse tapestry of Titanic victims and serves as a reminder of the many individual lives affected by this historic disaster.