Amid the tumult of World War I and the ongoing Armenian Genocide, a remarkable human effort unfolded on Musa Dagh, a mountainous region along the Mediterranean coast of modern-day Turkey. The Armenians there had resisted deportation orders from the Ottoman Empire, retreating to the heights of Musa Dagh to evade certain death. Their courageous stand lasted for several weeks under dire conditions, with families surviving on limited supplies while attempting to fend off the Ottoman military forces. The plight of these Armenian refugees drew international attention as reports of the atrocities committed against their community spread throughout Europe, prompting calls for intervention.

In response to these distressing circumstances, French naval vessels arrived in the region to assist the besieged Armenians. On September 12, 1915, a daring rescue mission was launched. French forces successfully evacuated more than 4,000 survivors, transporting them to safety aboard ships that had been sent to the region. The French intervention was a response not only to humanitarian concerns but also to the geopolitical context of the Great War, where securing allegiance from minority populations was deemed vital for the Allied cause against the Central Powers.

This act of rescue not only saved countless lives but also symbolized the global recognition of the atrocities faced by the Armenian community. Furthermore, it helped to cement the narrative of the Armenian Genocide in historical memory. The evacuated Armenians would go on to establish communities in France and other nations, contributing to the Armenian diaspora that endures to this day, while also stressing the importance of international humanitarian efforts during crises.