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"The Armenian Weekly", Volume 73, No. 32, August 11, 2007
Commentary:
1. Istanbul-Armenians or Turkish-Armenians?
By Khajag Mgrditchian
2. Prelude to a Symphony of Change
By Raffi Wartanian
3. Turkey Election
By Garen Yegparian
4. Why Demand Recognition?
By Simon Beugekian
5. Letters to the Editor
***
1. Istanbul-Armenians or Turkish-Armenians?
By Khajag Mgrditchian
ISTANBUL, Turkey (A.W.)-The Armenian genocide depleted Western Armenia of
its Armenian population. Istanbul, however, was spared from most of the
large-scale massacres and deportations, and a sizeable number of Armenians
remained there-in a city that has played an important role in Armenian
history and literature during the last century and a half.
For years and years, the words "Western Armenian" and "Turkish-Armenian"
have been taken out of our communal vocabulary and replaced by
"Istanbul-Armenians," with the assumption that Armenians in Turkey live
exclusively in Istanbul.
It was later discovered that Armenians continue to live under the shadow of
Musa Dagh, in the village of Vakif. And in the last few years, pockets of
Armenians have been "discovered" throughout the different regions of Western
Armenia, living in hiding and keeping their identity a secret, fearful of
reprisals if they assert themselves as Armenians. Many have converted to
Islam. Apart from these Armenians, there are also the Hemshin Armenians, who
themselves discovered their Armenians roots only after the Republic of
Armenia gained independence and they met others who spoke Armenian for the
first time.
The French television station "France 24" recently broadcast a program about
Armenians in Turkey who have had to hide their ethnic origins. The reporter
preparing the program stated that the number of Armenians currently living
in Turkey is significantly more than the 60,000 that is declared, since that
figure only represents the Armenians living in Istanbul.
Hemshin Armenians are gradually becoming more aware of their roots, and the
thousands of Armenians who have immigrated to Belgium, France, Holland,
Germany and other European countries from Turkey are evidence of the
relatively large Armenian population still in the regions of Western
Armenia. International experts and media outlets also confirm the presence
of a large number of Armenians living in Western Armenia.
Thus, the label of "Istanbul-Armenians" has once again come to define the
Armenian population of one specific city, while the label of
"Turkish-Armenian" now applies to a much larger constituency. The use of
these words is not just a matter of semantics, it is a matter of our
fundamental approach to Armenian communities and our acceptance of the
presence of a very large community.
Without discussing the above-mentioned issues, we talked to some
Istanbul-Armenians regarding the use of these words. Sarkis Seropian, editor
of the Armenian section of the Agos newspaper agreed that the label of
"Turkish-Armenian" has a more inclusive connotation, and it would be wrong
to limit ourselves to the use of "Istanbul-Armenians." But, he said, "We are
used to it. Sometimes I make that mistake as well. For example, the
Patriarch is the Patriarch of all Turkish-Armenians, at least for now he is
thus named. But, given that 99 percent of the Armenian population in Turkey
is concentrated in Istanbul, and that every year the Armenian population in
Anatolia decreases due to migration to Istanbul or elsewhere, the use of the
term "Istanbul-Armenian" is not that inappropriate, in my opinion. Aside
from the Vakif village, which has an Armenian community, there are no other
villages or cities with considerable Armenian populations. Thirty to forty
years ago there were some, but their numbers have and still continue to
decrease every day."
Let us open a parenthesis here and expand on the village of Vakif. Seropian
said that "Vakif is the only village where Armenians live and are still the
majority. Unfortunately, the youth there are leaving the village, though at
least in the summers, they visit the village from abroad or from Istanbul.
The village is very unique, and it received some exposure in the Turkish
press and television ads. Some people have opened businesses there to
produce organic, clean vegetables and fruits. The tourism sector is also
developing in the village, and some old buildings have been renovated and
turned into hotels. The Church has also been renovated," he added.
Robert Haddejian, editor of the Marmara daily newspaper, is not opposed to
the use of the label "Turkish-Armenian" because for him, "Turkish-Armenians
have symbolically been fused with Istanbul-Armenians." He continued, "Before
anything else, we must protect ourselves and what we have. When I talk about
what we have I am referring to a treasure that we have, which is not small
or insignificant. It is quite large, vast and historic. What
Istanbul-Armenians have is a huge treasure, it is historic, it is living, it
is above and underneath the soil. We are the protectors of all that, and by
staying here we are that treasure’s loyal protectors. I have always believed
that our brothers and sisters living abroad, those who have Armenian
consciousness, should thank us for having stayed and protecting our wealth
here. And we will always protect it."
We are naturally proud of Istanbul-Armenians who are guarding our heritage
and of course, we thank them for guarding our history despite the
unfavorable conditions. However, our gratitude must not stop us from
expanding the sphere of those who are aware of the treasures still in
Western Armenia. We saw some of those treasures when we visited the
Patriarchate and were welcomed graciously, and were guided through the
Patriarchate museum. In this museum, however, almost all of the exhibited
relics and objects were gathered from Istanbul or from the immediate
proximity of the city. There was only one object from Western Armenia, which
belonged to a church in Van. We would have been glad to see the history of
Western Armenia exhibited where it belongs and not in a museum, but the fact
is the treasures of Western Armenia have disappeared.
The label of "Turkish-Armenian," should be adopted first and foremost by
Istanbul Armenians themselves. They must realize that they are the
protectors of all the cultural and historical treasures of Armenians in
Turkey and not just Istanbul. They should open their doors wide to those who
come to Istanbul Kurdified or Islamized, yet nevertheless aware of their
Armenian roots. Because it isn’t just the Istanbul Armenian community that’s
ours, but the thousands, if not millions of Armenians all over Turkey whose
identity was assailed by the genocide and Turkish government policies.
This call to change our mentality also applies to the different areas of the
diaspora, and especially to the "Istanbul Armenian Unions" active in
Northern America. They should become "Unions of Turkish-Armenians," not just
in name but in spirit.
—————————————— ————————————————– ——-
2. Prelude to a Symphony of Change
By Raffi Wartanian
"And this continent is Africa." I drew Sudan and circled the Darfur region.
The chalkboard wobbled. The nails supporting its corners shook as I carved
the chalk into its worn and crumbling surface. The wood under my feet came
loose again, and I kicked it back into place. "Can anyone name this country
or region?"
Their baffled stares startled me. How could they not know? This is Armenia!
The acts perpetrated by the Janjaweed mirror the unspeakable crime which has
become a hallmark of our history. I explain the situation in Sudan. They
stare with disbelief.
Perhaps I was naive to believe my village students would know of such
things. But I don’t doubt their intelligence for a second. Perhaps I was
naive to believe my village students are getting what they deserve. How can
I expect them to know about things as grand as international politics when
their school lacks the most fundamental necessities-a playground, gym,
unbroken windows, a floor that doesn’t come loose when you step on it, a
bathroom you can walk into without covering your nose, a road you can walk
down without falling into a pot hole, a library, seats without splinters,
internet access. The list goes on.
Knowledge of the world is a luxury afforded to the fortunate few. My village
students deserve better, not because they are my students, not because they
are Armenians, but because they are humans.
Unfortunately, the distribution of wealth among individuals and nations is
designed to make the strong stronger and the weak weaker. A few empty
gestures can lead us to believe that the strong and powerful do enough to
help those in need. Why can’t these villagers have internet access? Why must
they sit on splintered seats? Where is their library?
It is up to us, the fortunate few who have seen the strongs and the weaks of
the world, to open our eyes. As Armenians, we can work to solve a global
crisis by focusing locally on our nation. Interning through the AYF and
facilitating the resources of Birthright Armenia have taught me so much. I
can make a difference. I can step into a village classroom and expose my
students to an array of information they don’t have access to, not because
they’re unintelligent, but because they have been neglected by policy and
poverty.
I have seen my people with my own eyes. I used to roll my eyes in Armenian
school, bored to tears by something so distant and irrelevant to my American
lifestyle. Now I’m here in Armenia and I role my eyes at how ignorant I once
was. What an amazing nation. What a history. Our ancient monasteries, our
gorgeous Ararat, our lasting people.
I care about my village students and I want them to receive the minimum in
adequate resources. Sitting in Armenian school, I never could have imagined
who my people were, what they looked like, or what they sounded like. Now I
know.
I hope my summer in Armenia is just a prelude to a symphony of change.
Armenia’s republic is young, its economy expanding. The opportunities here
abound, not just to put money in your pocket but to improve the conditions
of our fellow people throughout the country and other areas where Armenians
have once populated. I want to be a tuba in a sea of instruments, playing
together, a tune for a better Armenia.
Raffi Wartanian, an AYF member, is a student at Johns Hopkins University
currently interning in Armenia. He wrote this article for the Armenian
Weekly.
—————————————– ————————————————– —
3. Turkey Election
By Garen Yegparian
Did you even notice? Two weeks ago that bastion of democracy, modernity, and
hope for humanity’s future held an election. They elected a bunch of Turks.
No surprise, of course, since it’s in Turkey.
But, there were a few interesting elements. The Islamists, incarnated as the
Justice and Reconciliation Party (Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi, AKP) returned
to and expanded their hold on parliamentary power, no doubt much to the
consternation of the allegedly secular military elite that sees itself, by
god-, er Ataturk-, given grace to be the guardians of the above mentioned
bastion.
But what do you expect? You can’t keep people’s true nature forcibly
repressed forever. Nor can you fight forbidden fruit syndrome-religion/Islam
has been denigrated for over two generations in Turkey, so much like the
revival of religion/Christianity in the former Soviet landscape, a
comeback/reaction was due.
Now couple these human tendencies with the fact that governments in Turkey,
going right back to and through Ottoman rule, have been so corrupt that
people were fed up. Half a decade ago, being well organized and perceived as
clean, the AKP came to power. That carried through. Plus, a period of
economic growth was ushered in, so why wouldn’t the electorate support such
a party again?
However, in the West, anything smacking of Islam is suspect, so it’s a big
deal. But by now, even the West should be accustomed to religion invading
the government sphere. Look at what the radical Christians in the U.S. have
wrought since their initial successes with Ronald Reagan and the 1994
Republican takeover of Congress. Heck, at least the AKP seems to be better
at governing than the bozos who ran Congress for a dozen years.
But why should Armenians care? No fundamental policy shift regarding issues
of concern to us is in the making in Turkey. There would be no such change
regardless of who was in power. So what’s the difference?
Well, according to an interview with some of Bolis’ Armenian leading lights
published in Hairenik before the election, the AKP is the best (or perhaps
least-worst) option for Armenians. It’s not clear to me if this means
Armenian needs in Turkey, Armenian issues in general, or both. It is
interesting to consider. The same interviewees also liked a couple of
unaffiliated candidates.
All this should be seen in the context of the three political "factions"
extant in Turkey. Besides the Islamists, there are two types of secularists.
One is the more enlightened, left-leaning, perhaps Europeanized faction
(these are the folks who hit the streets over Hrant Dink’s murder). Then
there are those secularists who are the chauvinists driving the court cases
against anyone in Turkey who dares go against the official position
regarding the genocide or any other of Turkey’s taboo topics. Obviously,
Turkey’s military falls into the latter category.
I can’t help but believe that the last faction probably wraps back into some
part of the Islamist wing. After all, only two to three decades ago, it was
the military that encouraged Islamic schools to counter the rise of left
wing political activity. Also, as far as Armenian issues go, the AKP is not
going to deviate from existing policy. Even if they wanted to, they couldn’t
since the guardian generals of Turkish "democracy and secularism" would
probably resort to another coup d’etat if the AKP added this class of issues
to the already tenuous relationship it has with the military. Why do you
think even the civilian leadership is saber rattling regarding invading Iraq
to go after Kurdish freedom fighters? They feel compelled to kiss up to the
generals so they can have wiggle room on other policy issues. Currently,
since they’re ascendant, these kinds of lesser, internal divides will be
minimized within the Islamist camp. But over time these rifts, if indeed
they do exist, will surface and create fissures.
Another interesting aspect is the election of a number of Kurds to
parliament. They ran as individuals, not on party slates. These guys should
probably be approached by the Armenian political leadership ASAP. And this
point is most important. We in the diaspora should initiate back door, quiet
communications with all significant political parties in Turkey. And, the
AKP in particular might be confident enough now to enter such a process.
This is separate from any formal diplomacy undertaken by Armenia, and
probably complementary to the latter.
But EXTREME caution must be exercised since any Turkish party would
obviously participate only if they saw some benefit to themselves, and those
benefits could be very detrimental to our interests. This is why only groups
with rock-solid credentials should undertake such endeavors. Imagine two
scenarios. The ARF (or even the Hnchagians) talking to the AKP. The Armenian
Assembly of America (AAA) talking to the AKP. The AKP is far less likely to
blab prematurely about such discussions with the ARF because of how AKP
would be perceived in Turkey vs. the analogous perception regarding the
already tame AAA (think TARC, port-building, Genocide Resolution minimizing,
Hoagland).
So we’ve got interesting developments in Turkey on multiple fronts and must
all re-acquaint ourselves with our current-enemies/eternal-neighbors if we
expect to advance our cause.
——————————————- ————————————————– —–
4. Why Demand Recognition?
By Simon Beugekian
In a recent article published in the Washington Times ("Trivializing
Genocide," July 30), Garin Hovannisian reflects on the ANCA’s efforts to
ensure the passage of the Genocide Resolution through Congress. Hovannisian,
who has a generally negative view of the resolution, writes: "But should the
Armenian Genocide Resolution pass, we will at least enjoy the consolation of
some high comedy. As imperious Turkey runs away from the West and then
reluctantly returns, and as the Armenian lobby revels in its final success
before the inevitable existential crisis, bad congressional resolutions
might well begin to sound like good Philip Larkin."
Hovannisian’s article proposes many different ideas. He labels the Genocide
Resolution as futile, indirect and almost an insult. He underlines that
while the 2001 French Parliament resolution clearly stated that "France
recognizes the Genocide of 1915," the resolution currently in Congress is
written in ambiguous language and has complicated, pointless components. He
also asserts that the U.S. government has no place in confirming the
Armenian genocide, a historical event, since the truth is the truth whether
or not the U.S. government confirms it or not.
Hovannisian raises some good points. The genocide took place whether the
U.S., Turkey, or France recognize it or not. Parliaments don’t construct
reality. But Hovannisian forgets that genocide recognition is not a goal in
itself, but a means to achieve a goal. This is where the West’s recognition
of the genocide and subsequent pressure on Turkey comes into the equation.
This is also why the ANC’s raison-d’etre does not end with its recognition.
Coincidentally, 2007 is the 20th anniversary of the recognition of the
Armenian genocide by the European Parliament. In its July issue, the
"France-Armenie" magazine published a series of articles on what Armenians
in Europe have been doing during the past 20 years and what they will do in
the future.
The fundamental questions remain: Why are we trying so hard to get
resolutions passed in legislative bodies throughout the world, as if we need
confirmation from others that the genocide happened? And what will do once
these resolutions pass? Is that where the struggle ends?
In answer to the first question, the international recognition of the
genocide helps to achieve two goals: First, it puts pressure on Turkey to
recognize the genocide, which would be a step towards healing and perhaps
even the normalization of relations. Secondly, it sets the stage for other
Armenian demands, such as reparations and territorial concessions.
With each passing year, there is more and more pressure on the Turkish
governments to recognize the genocide. Ultimately the Turks themselves may
realize that recognizing the genocide is in their best interests as they try
to align themselves with the EU and the West, and as they try to portray
their country as a bastion of democracy in a troubled region. If Armenians
wake up one day and realize that genocide recognition is no longer an issue,
what will be their next step?
Will we demand reparations? Money never heals wounds, especially when we’re
talking about a cataclysmic event such as genocide. Some might say that
accepting reparations is the ultimate trivialization of genocide, since it
implies that the perpetrator can simply hush the victim by filling their
pockets. Then the question becomes, How will those reparations be
distributed? Will the money go to the Armenian government? To the offspring
of survivors? Ultimately, the issue of reparations immerses us into an ugly
debate that revolves around money. Of course, history shows that even when
reparations are granted, genocides are not forgotten. If reparations are not
demanded from the Turkish government, there might be a sentiment that Turkey
got off scot-free.
Reparations aside, the greatest demand of Armenians is territory. We still
call Eastern Turkey "Western Armenia," and almost every time we mention the
genocide, we mention our occupied territories. Every Armenian child grows up
with the knowledge that Turkey occupies a large amount of Armenian land.
Yet, it is hard to fathom that Turkey will readily give up territory. Turkey
is a powerful country with one of the most powerful militaries in the world.
The Turkish Armed Forces are considered one of the most powerful in NATO.
Turkey also enjoys the backing of virtually every other powerful military in
the world, including the United States and Israel. Its military might
translates into diplomatic might, and it would be almost impossible to
diplomatically pressure Turkey into yielding.
Efforts to ensure international genocide recognition should continue, yet we
should always think about our next step, and the ANC should lead these
efforts.
—————————————- ————————————————– —
5. Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I would like to congratulate Michael G. Mensoian for his article on the
Armenian-Iranian Cooperation in the Weekly’s August 4 issue. His article is
to the point and with great insight to the entire situation.
Sincerely,
Kevork Ghazarian
Bethesda, Md.
***
Dear Editor,
First of all, I would like to thank the Armenian Weekly for having a
reporter/photographer present for the recent 17th Annual Homenetmen (HMEM)
Athletic Games hosted by the Detroit HMEM community during this past 4th of
July weekend ("17th Annual HMEM Eastern USA Regional Olympics Bring Together
1,000 Athletes," July 21). I’m certain every Homenetmen member that was
present and those who were not able to be present enjoyed reading about the
games. We all know that these games, as well as the AYF Olympics, are geared
to inspire friendly athletic competition amongst our youth with the duel
purpose of maintaining our Armenian heritage through belonging and
participating in Armenian community events with sports being a very
important attraction in drawing our youth together.
The Homenetmen Eastern Region USA has made tremendous gains in presenting
their annual games these past 17 years and making this event available to
Armenian youth ages 7 years old to 35 and older. Each and every year there
has been improvement in numbers, improvement in planning and in execution.
Thank you, again, Armenian Weekly for your compliments to the Detroit HMEM
regarding their successful hosting of this year’s games. However, there
seemed to be a bit of negativity in Simon Beugekian’s reporting when he
referred to past games being hosted in "inappropriate host towns" and
singling out Washington, D.C. Washington did a commendable job considering
the time that the games were handed to them. It was not necessary to set up
a comparison, when our goal is to improve and achieve bigger and better each
year.
Mr. Beugekian also stated that swimming and volleyball were organized a bit
"more haphazardly" and "It might be time to re-consider the inclusion of
swimming events in HMEM and AYF given the lackluster interest." Actually,
swimming is a first time event in HMEM games, mandated by the Central
Executive, since it is a HMEM World Games event. The swim event was run
efficiently and professionally, and, in fact, many compliments were made to
the officials and games committee on the way the meet was run-due to the
involvement of the Karapetian family, Raffi, Greg, Steven and Seena (the
most dominant Armenian swim family in the U.S.A.).
The Homenetmen has developed a Regional Athletic Committee, which has been
assigned the task of standardizing the blueprint for the annual games and
providing a format and guidelines for each host chapter to follow. This will
definitely be another helpful step toward growth and improvement.
Aram (Sonny) Gavoor
Livonia, Mich.