Bodil Katharine Biørn

Bodil Biørn - PA 0699 U 35 268

Bodil Biørn 2021 stamp of Armenia

Bodil Katharine Biørn (27 May 1871 – 22 July 1960) was a Norwegian missionary and nurse known for her humanitarian work during the Armenian Genocide. She is remembered for her efforts in providing medical care and aid to Armenian orphans and refugees.

Early Life

Bodil Katharine Biørn was born in Kragerø, Norway. She trained as a nurse and midwife before joining the Women’s Missionary Organization in 1905. Her early work involved providing medical care in the Ottoman Empire.

Humanitarian Work

Biørn was stationed in Mush, Anatolia, where she established a hospital and an orphanage. During the Armenian Genocide, she witnessed the atrocities committed against the Armenian population and dedicated herself to rescuing and caring for Armenian orphans and refugees. She documented her experiences through photographs and diaries, which later became valuable historical records.

Later Life and Legacy

After World War I, Biørn continued her humanitarian work in the Middle East, including in Syria and Lebanon. She returned to Norway in 1935 but remained active in raising awareness about the plight of Armenians. Biørn passed away in Oslo in 1960.

Bodil Katharine Biørn is honored in Armenia for her contributions, and her legacy is preserved in various memorials and institutions dedicated to her work.

Related Pages

• Armenian Genocide
• Norwegian Missionaries
• Humanitarian Aid
• Women’s Missionary Organization

Categories

This Norwegian biography related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.