We have not forgotten our roots': Somber Kim and Khloe lay red tulips at memorial commemorating victims of the 1915 Armenian genocide during eight-day tour of their homeland

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Kim Kardashian and her sister Khloe laid red tulips near the eternal flame of the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on the outskirts of the capital Yerevan today. The sisters, whose ancestors on their father's side were from Armenia, then stood in silence as they paid their respects to the estimated 1.5m Armenians who were exterminated between 1915 and 1917 by the Ottoman government. The 100-year anniversary of the Armenian genocide, also referred to as the Armenian Holocaust, is on April 24. Turkey rejects claims that it was genocide, arguing instead that 300,000 to 500,000 Armenians and as many Turks died in civil strife when Armenians rose up against their Ottoman rulers and sided with invading Russian troops. Ahead of the anniversary there is now attention on whether Pope Francis with utter the word 'genocide' during his homily on Sunday when he will declare a little-known 10th-century Armenian mystic a doctor of the church, one of the highest honors a pope can bestow. Beyond snapping selfies with her fans, Kim Kardashian has refused to talk with the press but instead took to social media to express her delight at being in Armenia. 'Armenia we are here!!!!! We are so grateful to be here & start this journey of a lifetime! Thank you to everyone who greeted us! I can't wait to explore our country and have some yummy food!' Kardashian wrote on Instagram. 'My husband and daughter came to Armenia as well to see my heritage and learn about my ancestors! My cousins came along too! So excited I can't sleep', she added.