Drastamat Kanayan Armenian political and military figure Date of Birth: 31.05.1883 Country: Armenia

1. Dro: Armenian Nationalist Leader and Military Commander
2. Early Life and Career
3. Involvement in the Armenian National Liberation Movement
4. Role in the Armenian-Turkish War and the Soviet Period
5. Armenian Legion and Exile
6. Legacy and Controversies

Dro: Armenian Nationalist Leader and Military Commander

Dro (Drastamat Kanayan) was a prominent Armenian political and military figure known for his involvement in both the Armenian national liberation movement and the formation of the Armenian Legion during World War II.

Early Life and Career

Born on May 31, 1883, in Igdir, Eastern Anatolia, Dro completed his education in Erevan and joined the Russian army in 1902. By 1903, he had embraced the ideology of the Dashnaktsutyun party and played a significant role in the Armenian national liberation movement.

Involvement in the Armenian National Liberation Movement

Dro became notorious for his involvement in the assassination of Baku Governor Nakashiдзе in 1905. Later, he was instrumental in smuggling weapons into Eastern Armenia and commanded the 2nd Armenian Volunteer Detachment during World War I. He distinguished himself in the Van сражение, earning recognition from the Russian high command.

Role in the Armenian-Turkish War and the Soviet Period

In 1918, Dro participated in the Башапара сражение and oversaw the defense against Turkish forces. After the establishment of the Republic of Armenia, he served as its War Minister. However, following the Soviet takeover of Armenia in 1920, his membership in the provisional Revolutionary Committee was rejected.

Armenian Legion and Exile

During World War II, Dro and Garegin Nzhdeh collaborated in the formation of the Armenian Legion within the German Wehrmacht. Comprised of Armenian prisoners of war and immigrants, the Legion fought against the Soviet Union. After the war, Dro settled in Lebanon.

Legacy and Controversies

Dro died in Beirut on March 8, 1956, and was initially buried in Boston, USA. In 2000, his remains were reburied in Aparan, Armenia. Despite his significant contributions to the Armenian national movement, Dro's association with the Armenian Legion and his alleged betrayal of Armenia remains a subject of controversy.