Erdogan issues ‘condolence message’ to Armenian community, urges future built

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a condolence message on April 24 addressed to the Armenian Patriarchate of Türkiye and the Armenian community in Türkiye, Agos reports.

In his message, Erdogan said he respectfully commemorates the Ottoman Armenians who lost their lives “under the difficult conditions of the First World War” and once again extended his condolences to their descendants.

He noted that during the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, all Ottoman peoples suffered deeply due to occupation, conflicts, rebellions, gang violence, acts of terror, epidemics, and forced displacement from the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Erdogan stated that Ottoman Armenians, who had existed and contributed significantly in all areas of life under the Ottoman Empire, were also among those who experienced great suffering.

“We succeeded in establishing the Republic of Türkiye without forgetting these pains, but by knowing how to cope with them,” he said.

The Turkish President stressed that efforts continue to build a better future based on peace, harmony, and brotherhood together with all citizens and friends, regardless of ethnic or religious identity.

He said future generations should inherit not painful memories, but a future where truth is approached through the language of conscience.

“We give the best response to those who seek hostility from history by prioritizing peace, empathy, and dialogue, rather than conflict, and by adopting an approach based on reconciliation rather than confrontation,” Erdogan stated.

He added that all 86 million citizens of Türkiye would continue to build their shared future and the legacy to be left to future generations together.

“With these thoughts, I once again share the pain experienced by the Armenian community in the past and respectfully commemorate all Ottoman citizens who lost their lives,” Erdogan concluded.