Scholars Explore Path to Recovering Armenian Genocide Looted Art

Law professor Michael Bazyler and historian Taner Akçam presented a framework for recovering art stolen during the Armenian Genocide, drawing parallels to successful Holocaust restitution efforts. The lectures, held in New York, New Jersey, and Boston in May, examined how legal mechanisms developed for Nazi looted art recovery could apply to Armenian Genocide losses.

Bazyler, a Chapman University professor specializing in Holocaust restitution law, highlighted key legislative achievements including the 1998 Washington Principles and the 2025 Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act. Akçam emphasized that securing justice requires reparations and restitution beyond genocide recognition.

The presentation promoted the Armenian Genocide Looted Art Research Project (AGLARP), established following a 2023 UCLA conference. Speakers stressed the need for institutional frameworks and binding legislation to advance Armenian restitution claims.