Guest Professor Lectures On Armenian Genocide

GUEST PROFESSOR LECTURES ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

University of Virginia The Cavalier Daily
March 26 2015

Attendees note general lack of awareness on subject

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Asst. History Prof. Lerna
Ekmekcioglu spoke to students and members of the University community
Tuesday about the 1915 Armenian Genocide, commemorating the centennial
of the event.

The lecture, held a month before the day to mark the event,
was hosted by the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian
Studies, the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences and the History
Department. It was followed by a panel discussion between various
University professors on the topic.

Ekmekcioglu said the event had the potential to bring greater attention
to the tragedy.

“I hope that it’s going to initiate a conversation about the centennial
of the Armenian genocide.” Ekmekcioglu said.

Ekmekcioglu said the violence of various groups worldwide, such as
ISIS and the recent bombing of the Deir Al-Zor Church, a monument to
Armenians massacred, demonstrate the importance of being aware when
trying to prevent further tragedy.

“Its the time to think about these things — not just about the
Armenians,” Ekmekcioglu said. “Hopefully it’s going to bring more
awareness to what’s going on in other parts of the world.”

Many attendees, University students and professors alike, said there
is a lack of awareness on the topic of genocide and in particular
the Armenian Genocide. The U.S. government does not recognize the
Armenian Genocide, a point noted by a student attendee.

Ekmekcioglu said it was related to self-interest and maintaining good
relations with Turkey.

“It’s very basic — in one sentence, it is their political interests.

Turkey is an important ally.” Ekmekcioglu said. “It comes down to
sheer politics.”

Along with speaking on the genocide, she gave a summary of her
research on the history of the Ottoman Empire and its relationships
with non-Muslim minorities. The panel of professors, mostly from the
religious studies and history departments, commented on the dynamic.

Religious Studies Prof. Vigen Guroian, a descendant of Armenian
genocide survivors, told stories of Armenians’ experiences in his
homeland of Turkey. He recounted the tension he felt as an Armenian
in his own country.

“Once I got off that plane, I felt very uncomfortable,” Guroian said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress