How Many Armenians Does It Take To Win A Nobel Prize?

How Many Armenians Does It Take To Win A Nobel Prize?
3 000 000 In Armenia
8 000 000 As Diasspora
1 Turk

How can an Armenian go pilgrimage?
-Through Turkish Customs

How can an Armenian find a job?
-Through Turkish Customs

Other Jokes:

What do you call an Armenian with Honour?
-A miracle

Whats the word for "National Hero" in Armenian?
-Terro_risti'yan

What is a caravan owned by ASALA called?
-terro_van

What Are The Qualifictions Required To Join The Armenian Army?
15 Points and Fluent Russian

15 points on what?
Any IQ test

What Is An Armenian Without A Broom In Turkey?
-Unemployed

What's The Crew List To Create A Good Genocide Story?
1 Armenian Punk To Betray The Country
1 Turkish Soldier To Fart On His Face
300 Western Journalist To Watch
1 Of Them Overreacting


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Barack Obama's Foreign Policy Blunder!

NOBAMA

1. US-Armenian Relations really necessary?
2. Tax-Payer Money Going to a War-Mongering Nation?
3. This is the nation that the aid is going to
4. Barack Obama thinks he's a historian
5. Double-Faced Barack Obama
6. Obama Lost Significant Support
7. Barack Obama flip-flops!
8. Warning to American Voters
9. Barack Obama's Voting Record and Facts
1. Abortion issues
2. National Security

Barack Obama has distanced himself from Turkey (a NATO ally since 1952, that the United States still has many bases in), Azerbaijan, Israel, and even the Iranian-Diaspora. He lost the Turkish, Azerbaijan, and Israeli votes when he tried to claim there was a U.S.-Armenian relationship and pledged to recognize a genocide that many world renowned historians such as Dr. Bernard Lewis, Dr. Stanford Shaw, Dr. Justin McCarthy, Dr. Norman Stone, Guenter Lewy and many other Western scholars dispute.

The following is a letter to the ANCA (Armenian National Committee of America) by Barack Obama and his team of incompetent foreign policy advisers that have no historical knowledge of the Middle East except what they Google'd on the internet.

They will do anything to get Armenian voter bloc (approximately 500,000 voters in California) and donations. In fact, recently some non-partisan organizations such as Judicial-Watch have reported Obama as being #8 of the top 10 most corrupt politicians, taking in bribes from organizations like the ANCA as well as AAA (Armenian Assembly of America) and being involved in some suspicious activities. <1>

Here is the letter from BarackObama.com:
Barack Obama wrote:

I am proud of my strong record on issues of concern to the one and a half million Americans of Armenian heritage in the United States. I warmly welcome the support of this vibrant and politically active community as we change how our government works here at home, and restore American leadership abroad.

I am a strong supporter of a U.S.-Armenian relationship that advances our common security and strengthens Armenian democracy. As President, I will maintain our assistance to Armenia, which has been a reliable partner in the fight against terrorism and extremism. I will promote Armenian security by seeking an end to the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades, and by working for a lasting and durable settlement of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict that is agreeable to all parties, and based upon America's founding commitment to the principles of democracy and self determination. And my Administration will help foster Armenia's growth and development through expanded trade and targeted aid, and by strengthening the commercial, political, military, developmental, and cultural relationships between the U.S. and Armenian governments.

I also share with Armenian Americans – so many of whom are descended from genocide survivors - a principled commitment to commemorating and ending genocide. That starts with acknowledging the tragic instances of genocide in world history. As a U.S. Senator, I have stood with the Armenian American community in calling for Turkey's acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide. Two years ago, I criticized the Secretary of State for the firing of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, after he properly used the term "genocide" to describe Turkey's slaughter of thousands of Armenians starting in 1915. I shared with Secretary Rice my firmly held conviction that the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence. The facts are undeniable. An official policy that calls on diplomats to distort the historical facts is an untenable policy. As a senator, I strongly support passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106 and S.Res.106), and as President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Genocide, sadly, persists to this day, and threatens our common security and common humanity. Tragically, we are witnessing in Sudan many of the same brutal tactics - displacement, starvation, and mass slaughter - that were used by the Ottoman authorities against defenseless Armenians back in 1915. I have visited Darfurian refugee camps, pushed for the deployment of a robust multinational force for Darfur, and urged divestment from companies doing business in Sudan. America deserves a leader who speaks truthfully about the Armenian Genocide and responds forcefully to all genocides. I intend to be that President.

I look forward, as President, to continuing my active engagement with Armenian American leaders on the full range of issues of concern to the Armenian American community. Together, we will build, in new and exciting ways, upon the enduring ties and shared values that have bound together the American and Armenian peoples for more than a century.

<2>
US-Armenian Relations really necessary?

Barack Obama says there is a U.S.-Armenian relationship. Let's analyze that, Armenia is geographically isolated country with a war-mongering attitude. They are in cease-fire with Azerbaijan since they conquered about 20% of their land called Nagorno-Karabakh in 1994 (some scholars have labeled the event the Khojaley Genocide, others call it Khojaley Massacre).

One of the key issues for Armenian-Americans seems to be the recognition of an Armenian Genocide. In fact, one of their Christian neighbors, Georgia does not recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Turkey and Azerbaijan have established a trade embargoes as well as no-fly zones around Armenia. The poverty in Armenia is worse than most African nations. In fact, there are about 70,000 or so illegal Armenian immigrants in Turkey. They currently receive aid from the United States, France, and Russia, most likely because they have huge voting blocs in those nations. Their closest regional ally is Iran.

There is no excuse for Armenian Armed Forces to conquer Nagorno-Karabakh, and the international organizations have condemned the illegal invasion and subsequent massacres. So why does Barack Obama, Adam Schiff, and Nancy Pelosi support Armenia? This is because California has a huge Armenian voting bloc--Adam Schiff and Nancy Pelosi both have many good relations with Armenian-Americans and they are their constituents.
Tax-Payer Money Going to a War-Mongering Nation?

Barack Obama then says "and targeted aid", hmm, now why are we giving aid to an aggressive conquering country who still does not recognize certain treaties that even the United States has signed (such as Lausanne Treaty)?

A country that has been under Soviet Rule for 70+ years, and STILL has Russian bases controlling and protecting Armenia and its politics. Now with great relationships with Iran, it bewilders many people as to why America is giving them aid!

If they want aid and help, why don't they repair their relationships with Turkey and Azerbaijan?
This is the nation that the aid is going to

Armenian President Iranian President
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan after making enemies with countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan and distancing themselves from Georgia, they now side with their only peaceful and cordial neighbors, Iran! We give millions of dollars of aid to Armenia for being with the Soviet Union for 70+ years, massacring and invading Middle Eastern nations, and now siding with extremists and terrorists. What a great investment, or is it because Armenian voters are controlling some of our senators?
Armenian Iranian Press conference
One of the many meetings between allies Iran and Armenia! A nation (Armenia) that is suspected of funding terrorism against Turkey (a NATO ally since 1952) and Azerbaijan and a nation (Iran) that funds terrorism against Israel, United States, and Iraq--- together!
Armenia Iran
Barack Obama thinks he's a historian

Barack Obama then says "I criticized the Secretary of State for the firing of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, after he properly used the term 'genocide' to describe Turkey's slaughter of thousands of Armenians starting in 1915". Well of course, Obama assumes the term genocide was properly used, but Obama hasn't studied the complex Ottoman-Armenian history that historians debate to this day.

Obama claims that the "slaughter of thousands of Armenians starting in 1915" should be attributed to Turkey. However, Turkey didn't exist until 1923, apparently Obama confuses the difference between Turkey and the Ottoman Empire.

Perhaps he's hoping to impress the Anti-Turkist Armenians among the Armenian voters.

This foreign-policy blunder is much like when Obama thought he visited 57 states in the United States.

This blunder is also similar to when Obama thought that meeting with dictators of the world would be beneficial for America (even Iranian-Americans disagreed with Obama meeting with Ahmadinejad).

He dares to say something like
Barack Obama wrote:
The Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence. The facts are undeniable.
Really? Since when did widely disputed historical events that world-renowned historians have debated become a fact?

There are no facts that prove the suffering of Armenians was part of a genocide. The proof of intent of the Ottoman government has not been revealed by the Armenian scholars for 93 years.

Even the British who captured the Ottoman archives in Istanbul after the Versailles Treaty of World War I could not find a single shred of evidence to convict the Ottoman leaders they held captive for 2 years on the island of Malta.

There were Armenian massacres (not even the Turkish government denies this), which was perpetrated by Muslim (mostly Kurdish) bandits seeking vulnerable travelers (the Armenians who were being relocated) to rob. The Armenians also suffered losses because of Muslim villagers seeking revenge for Turkish massacres by Armenian rebels (General Antranik massacred thousands of Turkish villages, and he's regarded as a national hero in Armenia). This is a complex history and you cannot sum it up under one word like "genocide", otherwise you can say ANY EVENT with civilians killed is genocide (In fact, some Armenian-Americans attribute about FIVE genocides to the United States: Philippines, Japanese-Americans in WWII, Native Indians, Iraq War, and Vietnam War).

Even The NY Times newspaper talked about the aggression and horrors of the Armenian rebels against the rural Turkish population, all the way back in 1890s way before the supposed genocide of 1915. Barack Obama probably hasn't read NYTimes articles from 1895, so it is safe to assume that he doesn't know the history. However, if he's not a historian, a scholar, or someone regarded as an expert on the issue, why is he allowed to judge history as a politician?

The point is the Ottoman government was never involved in massacres, and took extra precautions to prevent massacres from taking place, including relocating suspected villages and cities where Armenian rebel committees took refuge in to stop the violent ethnic conflict. The Armenians in Istanbul and Izmir and other major cities were not relocated--Could you imagine Hitler sparing the Jews of Berlin?
Double-Faced Barack Obama

Barack Obama then says "As a senator, I strongly support passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106 and S.Res.106), and as President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide." Is that why Obama hasn't signed the Armenian Genocide Resolution? Perhaps it's because Obama is a politician that likes to play both sides to every issue, a flip-flopper like his buddy John Kerry. Remember when Democrats questioned why John Kerry voted to go to the Iraq War in 2003, Barack Obama sided with Kerry and defended his record saying that his position and "George Bush's position" on the Iraq war is no different.
Obama Lost Significant Support

Barack Obama lost the support of Turkic people numbering approximately 120 million people world-wide, which in turn will convince the hundreds of thousands of Turkish-Americans and Azeri-Americans who will be voting in the United States. Israeli-Americans as well find that Barack Obama trying to decide on genocide history without studying the issue, and making such outrageous claims against their Turkish allies also have lost confidence in Barack Obama.

His discussion about being friendly with Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has caused him to loose the support of Iranian-Americans and Israeli-Americans as well.
Barack Obama flip-flops!

Barack Obama flip-flops, but he is careful to avoid public flip-flopping like John Kerry had done. The difference is, Barack Obama says one thing, and his staff and advisers say another thing. That way if someone complains about Barack Obama's opinion on one thing, his supporters can say "But Barack Obama's foreign policy adviser said this, so Barack Obama does not take that position."

He had done something like this with the NAFTA subject as well, where his advisers said something completely opposite to the Canadian government, by claiming that what Barack Obama says on the campaign trail "is just political rhetoric."
Warning to American Voters

Be careful with Barack Obama, he looks like a charismatic young man on the outside, but once you do the research, it seems that he will tell you what you want to hear rather than what he believes in. He based his campaign on ideologies of "change", "New politics", and that he would not support lobbyists. Yet some of his greatest supporters are lobbyists and his top supporter is political activist and billionaire George Soros, who is anti-Israel.

His idea that he will not play the old political game, is a bluff that needs to be called, because he does the same dirty tricks that politicians have been doing for ages, there is nothing new or different about Barack Obama's campaign.

Many people seem to compare his campaign to Jimmy Carter's campaign.
Barack Obama's Voting Record and Facts

Many voters and students in college say that Barack Obama will be the candidate they vote for. Some of them have watched his speeches and have become convinced that Barack Obama will bring a "fresh new change" for America. Well let's examine some of his votes, it seems that they are mostly Liberal votes with expensive government spending being supported.

Let's review some facts about him and make an informed decision:
Barack Obama was elected to the Senate on 11/02/2004, this is his only time as a senator, he has voted "present" for 131 votes (avoiding controversial bills) and has successfully supported only 27 bills. Much of his years in the Senate has been used to prepare for his eventual Presidential campaign.

Let's review his voting record, these are indisputable facts, and they show clearly what kind of person Obama is or who his constituents are.
Abortion issues

It seems as thought Barack Obama does not care too much about abortion, or perhaps he wants to avoid being attacked by Pro-Choice OR Pro-Life supporters.

10/18/2007 Prohibiting Funds for Groups that Perform Abortions Barack Obama did not Vote
This bill is about stopping funding to groups that perform abortions.
09/06/2007 Prohibiting U.S. Assistance for Groups that Support Coercive Abortion Barack Obama did not Vote
Similar vote.
03/17/2005 Unintended Pregnancy Amendment Barack Obama voted Yes
100 million dollars, to reduce abortions and unintended pregnancies.
National Security

12/21/2005 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations bill Barack Obama voted No
Very odd, Barack Obama voted no to a bill that would help fund Hurricane Katrina victims? Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan?

06/06/2007 Denying Legal Status for Immigrants Convicted of Certain Crimes Barack Obama voted No
So he doesn't mind if immigrants commit crimes, that they still should have the chance to become citizens.

03/07/2005 Minimum Wage Amendment Barack Obama voted No
Voted no to increase minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.25 in 18 month period.
03/07/2005 Minimum Wage Amendment Barack Obama voted Yes
Voted yes to increase minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 in 2 year period.
I thought that Barack Obama's platform is to increase wages, why is he denying some, and accepting others?
Perhaps he is playing both sides of his constituents.

Welfare and Poverty votes: Barack Obama wasn't there for 90% of them.<3>

You can see more of his votes by simply searching the Barack Obama voting record on your search engine. So decide on each issue yourself, and don't think for one minute that Barack Obama is not paid by lobbyists and does not vote for his constituents.

He isn't the "fresh new change" America needs, because we don't really know what he stands for or who he really is. In a sociological perspective, the only reason why Barack Obama has gotten so many votes is because he is a young male with a good toned voice.

Do you really think Obama could run such a massive campaign without lobbyists and rich supporters?

Sources
1. Top Ten Most Corrupt Politicians - http://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-announces-list-washington-s-ten-most-wanted-corrupt-politicians-2007
2. BarackObama.com - http://www.barackobama.com/2008/01/19/barack_obama_on_the_importance.php
3. Vote Smart - http://votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=9490


Read More . . .

"Facts About 40 Days of Musa Dagh" Feigl



Erich Feigl
Erich Feigl


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Turkish Nationalism

Turkish Nationalism

1. Ottoman Nationalist Armenian Genocide Plans
2. Ziya Gokalp, Turanism
3. History of Turkish Nationalism
4. Turkish War of Independence
5. Definition of Turkish Nationalism

A common misconception blames Turkish nationalism as the cause of Armenian massacres in Turkey; however, Turkish nationalism did not exist before the 1920s and sometimes Ottoman nationalism is confused with Turkish nationalism. Starting in the 1920s, Turkish nationalism was founded upon the determination of the Turks to survive World War I. The Sevrés Treaty and Sykes-Picot agreements were European Imperialists and Anti-Turkish Nationalist’s plans to divide the crumbling Ottoman Empire.

As a response to Anti-Turkish Nationalism that had begun to ethnically cleanse Anatolia, Turks united behind Mustafa Kemal Ataturk to defend themselves from extinction.

Ottoman Nationalist Armenian Genocide Plans
Ottoman nationalism was an attempt by certain members of the Committee of Union and Progress (Young Turks) to unite the empires’ peoples to fight off the enemies of the empire. The problem was there were too many ethnicities and religions underneath the Ottoman Empire that really did not care much about the Ottomans. Sometimes Ottoman Nationalism is confused with Turkish Nationalism and Armenian authors love to reference any hint at Ottoman Nationalism as a motivation or source for "exterminating Armenians."

The CUP wanted to unite the empire, but they did not intend to rid the Ottoman Empire of its Islamic Empire status. The CUP could not possibly rid the empire of its conservative thinkers or religious people. Instead of replacing Ottoman Islamic rule, Islamic systems and schools, they simply added new European systems alongside the old, because they knew how easily Sultans and Ottoman governments have been overthrown when radical reformers took power.

Sometimes Armenian-Genocide proponents claim that Turkish nationalism, which they claim "Pan-Turkism" or "Turanism" is what fueled and motivated genocide against Armenians. Armenian author Vahakn Dadrian who strongly supports the Armenian Genocide thesis, writes in his book that Talaat Pasha (Minister of Interior) and the CUP met secretly and planned an anti-Foreigner nationalist genocide plan. Dadrian sources British Vice Consul Arthur B. Geary, since he was one of the few diplomats to receive Talaat Pasha's secret speech. However, the source does not mention plans to kill, but merely mentions the difficult "task of Ottomanizing the empire" because without Ottomanization the leaders knew they would soon be victims of revolts such as the problems they witnessed in the Balkans. <1>

Ridding the empire of Christians would have only fueled the Christian Nationalism that was growing in the empire and increase European Powers using imperialism and nationalism to destroy the empire. One has to only read the Tehcir Law (Relocation and Immigration Laws) that relocated Armenians in Eastern Anatolia to understand the intent of the Ottoman government. The Tehcir Law was the most primitive solution of any government to silence future revolutions as a quick and hasty response to Armenian rebellions such as in Van during war-time.
Ziya Gokalp, Turanism

Mr. Dadrian and other pro-Armenian-Genocide authors usually claim that Ziya Gokalp, who had also been a member of the CUP Young Turk government, was responsible for Turanism and thus helped the CUP "set the philosophical base for the eradication of the Armenians" according to Haigazn Kazarian, an Armenian scholar.

The reality is Ziya Gokalp only talked about Turanism in his poem Turan and book The Principles of Turkism, in a very non-political manner. His philosophy according to all interpreters of his work is completely based on Turkish culture and language rather than political unity. Ziya Gokalp talks about Turkish nationalism as a "sharing of education and culture."

Ziya Gokalp may have influenced the growth of Turkish nationalism in the 1920s but back in 1909 the political atmosphere did not allow a disassociation with Islamic unity. Ziya Gokalp was a humanitarian and his thoughts were mostly poetic and cultural in nature, he did not expect or request anyone to fulfill pan-Turkism. <2>

Ziya Gokalp’s writings may have influenced certain Ottoman readers, but the exposure was very limited and would have certainly been rejected by Ottoman leaders because of the urgent problems all over the empire that took precedent.
History of Turkish Nationalism

Turkish Nationalism started mainly in the 1920s, beginning with the Turkish War of Independence. The Greek Republic’s invasion in the Western Turkey supported by the British, and the Armenian Republic’s invasion of Eastern Turkey supported by the Russians, the Armenian Legion’s invasion of Southern Turkey supported by the French until the extermination of Turkish civilian population was noticed by the French and the legion disbanded, had all contributed to forced migration of Turks to the center of Anatolia and the development of Turkish Nationalism based on self-defense and fear of extermination.

The destruction of Turks was the worst human tragedy of World War I. A U.S. investigation by Arthur E. Sutherland and Captain Emory H. Niles was recently declassified by the United States National Archives. The report tells a gruesome story that was detailed by Mr. Sutherland and Captain Niles in Eastern Turkish provinces right after World War I in August 1919.

In the report, the Muslim population of Bitlis decreased by 26,000, Van province by 38,000, and in Beyazit by 2,540. The houses of Muslims by 1919, 6,500 houses in Bitlis, 3,397 in Van, and 360 in Beyazit had been burned to the ground. In Van province over 3,000 Turkish/Kurdish villages were destroyed compared to only 99 Armenian villages. Many Armenian population and houses were also destroyed but the destruction of Muslim lives and property was at a much higher percentage. <3>

Nationalism of Greeks, Armenians, and other Balkan nations were forged out of racial beliefs of ethnic superiority, the illusionary belief that Christians are better rulers than Muslims, and the nationalistic goal of territorial claims. In contrast, Turkish nationalism was formed out of a necessity to survive the attacks and destruction of other nationalists.

Turkish War of Independence
Turkish Army

The destruction had forced hundreds of thousands of Turkish speakers to migrate to central Turkey and the many other ethnicities along with them that were thought of as inferior by Greek and Armenian nationalists. This devastation fueled Turkish nationalism and the people's trust of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk grew as the enemy drew closer to central Turkish province of Ankara.

The Turkish Grand National Assembly, which was newly formed in opposition to the Ottoman government in Istanbul that was trying to appease the Allied Powers, had at first tried to restrict the authority of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. However, as the Greek army had marched from the Western coastal city of Izmir to the province of Ankara where citizens of Ankara city could hear the guns and artillery of the Greek army, the Assembly gave all their authority to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk organized his armies and slowly drove the Greek invasion back to Izmir. After many battles they finally drove the Greek army to evacuate back to Greece. The Greeks had burned agriculture, livestock, food stockpiles, factories, shops, buildings, and even burned down forests in their deliberate policy to weaken the new Turkish Republic as they retreated back to Greece. They slaughtered thousands of Turkish civilians believing that when they come back there would be less recruits for the Turkish army. When the Turks had arrived, Izmir city was burning to the ground. Although few in number, some Greek nationalists blame Turks for the fire in Izmir, claiming that they were trying to burn the Greeks of Izmir. The idea that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who liberated his own industrious port city of Izmir, would for some reason burn his own city, is beyond absurd and such beliefs are irrational nationalistic idealism in which the nationalist is for some reason never at fault. <4>

The Armenian legion was formed to invade Cilicia (Southern Turkey) with the help of French supplies and officers. However, by December 1921, the Turkish nationalists were able to slowly fend off the Armenian legion and liberate their cities. The French noticing the destruction caused by the Armenian legion on civilian populations decided their interests lay in Syria and not in Cilicia so they made a deal with the Turkish Grant National Assembly in Ankara and withdrew from Cilicia. <5>

The invasions in the East by the Armenian Republic, which had now ceased to receive aid from Russia due to the Bolshevik Revolution, had caused much destruction of Turks and Kurds in Eastern Turkey. The conflict had created an ethnic communal warfare where both sides were disorganized guerilla bands seeking revenge for past massacres and wars. Ethnic hatred grew as proper government or civil order disappeared, replaced by massacres, ethnic cleansing, and warfare. The local Armenians banded together with Armenian nationalism that had been born in the 1870s, fueled by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaks) and the Hunchaks who opposed Islamic rule of Christian Armenians. The Armenians remembered the Ottoman Relocation Laws (today Armenians claim it was an Armenian Genocide), and the Turks and Kurds remembered the Armenian betrayal and enforcement of Russia, both of which brought equal death and destruction to the people of Eastern Anatolia. Nevertheless, with the help of Kazim Karabekir Pasha, the Turkish nationalists had finally arrived to easily drive away the disorganized and unaided Armenians. <6>
Definition of Turkish Nationalism

The problem of Turkish nationalism was that the people of the Turkish nation were of a wide variety of ethnicities, genes, and races. As such, Turkish nationalism was inclusively defined as either anyone who speaks Turkish or who calls him or herself "a Turk."

Turkish Patriotism Nationalism
Hence, the Turkish nationality has been created from mainly Greek, Armenian, Circassian, Tatar, Laz, Abhazian, Azerbaijanian, Georgian, Assyrian, Jewish, Albanian, Macedonian, Bulgarian Muslim, Sephardic Jew, and Turkish ethnicities and religions. In essence, it is a melting pot of all Anatolian people ranging from the gene pools of Asia and the Balkans. <7>

The common traits of the Turkish nation are simply language, culture, tradition, common citizenship and activity, very similar to the make-up of the United States. Unlike European, Arabic, and Balkan nations, there are no exclusive ideas involved in defining a Turkish national. Not having a certain common trait does not exclude one from calling oneself a Turk.

The religious make-up of the majority of Turkey being predominantly Islamic is not a mark that excludes non-Muslims from being Turkish. The religious make-up is an effect of forced migration of Muslims from Europe and the Caucuses into Turkey, and the ethnic cleansing of Jews by Christian nationalists including Jewish migration to Israel, and the internal political problems of Turkey in comparison to more successful and richer European nations in which Christians are attracted and migrate to. Regardless, there are still a considerable number of Christians, Jews, and other religious people in Turkey today. Many Armenians and Greeks in Izmir and Istanbul have remained in those cities for centuries and no one has tried to displace them.

Sources
1. A Disputed Genocide by Guenter Lewy, p. 44 -
2. A Disputed Genocide by Guenter Lewy, p. 45-46 -
3. United States National Archives, 184.021/175 and The Ottoman Peoples and The End of Empire by Justin McCarthy, p. 202 -
4. The Ottoman Peoples and The End of Empire by Justin McCarthy, p. 145-147 -
5. The Ottoman Peoples and The End of Empire by Justin McCarthy, p. 138-139 -
6. The Ottoman Peoples and The End of Empire by Justin McCarthy, p. 141-144 -
7. The Ottoman Peoples and The End of Empire by Justin McCarthy, p. 200-205 -


Read More . . .

Kemalism Discussion

From: Ara, May 20, 2008, About Kemalism
Idols are the surest symptoms of a society's backwardness. Stalin in Russia, Hitler in Germany, Mussolini in Italy, Mao in China, Fidel in Cuba, and Ataturk in Turkey: of these only Ataturk has lost none of his initial hold on the masses. The average Turk continues to be brought up (i.e. brainwashed) to believe Kemal is the Father of the Nation because he saved Turkey from the brink of annihilation. That may or may not be true, but it is equally true that most of Turkey's problems today “ among them the introduction of nationalism in an essentially multicultural and cosmopolitan environment, the forceful rejection of traditional values, the festering Armenian question, the irredentism of the Kurds, the fiasco surrounding the application for membership in the EU, a junta's shadowy presence and quasi-veto powers, the rise of fundamentalism, laws that curtail free speech, among other violations of fundamental human rights – may be traced to Kemalist dogmas. Turkey will be born again as a truly civilized, progressive, and democratic nation on the day it discards Kemalism to the dustbin of history the way Russia, Germany, China, and Italy rejected their fascist idols.
*
Why I write the way I do? Am I foolish and arrogant enough to think that I can change anyone’s mind? Certainly not. I write by way of wondering why is it that, that which is clearly visible to me should remain shrouded in impenetrable darkness to others who may well be smarter than I am.
*
It happens in life all the time. A solution that worked in stage one becomes a recipe for failure in stage two.
*
Power corrupts and ideologies decline because they fall into the hands of opportunists who care more about their privileges than the welfare of the people. If Kemal were alive today, would he declare himself a Kemalist?

Kemal continues to be a taboo subject in Turkey. To say anything remotely critical of him is “to offend Turkishness.” which may result in being dragged to court like a common criminal. But since neither Giles Milton, author of PARADISE LOST; SMYRNA 1922 (London, 2008, 426 pages) nor his reviewer, Philip Mansel, author of one of the very best books on Constantinople, are Turkish citizens, they discuss freely and objectively the events surrounding the destruction of Smyrna.

About the so-called mysterious fire, Mansel writes: “Milton quotes eye-witnesses who saw Turkish soldiers pouring oil.”

About Kemal we read: while the burning, looting, raping, and killing were going on, Mustafa Kemal spent days up in a villa courting his future wife Latife Hanim, daughter of one of the many Turkish businessmen who had profited from 'infidel Izmir.'” We are further told that thousands of Greek and Armenian men of military age were deported into the interior “in theory to rebuild villages destroyed by the retreating Greek army: few returned.”
Mansel concludes his review by echoing the very same sentiments I voiced in my recent essay “About Kemalism.” He writes: “Kemal shows that, if nothing succeeds like success, it can also be true that nothing fails like success...If Izmir had retained even a fraction of its cosmopolitan population, it might have helped Turkey's entry into the European Union.” For more details, see THE SPECTATOR (London, 10 May 2008, page 40); or www.spectator.co.uk

From: "k.rdvan" Jun 2, 2008
I have been following this forum for about a year now, and have always found Mr. Ara editorials interesting. Both in dept and ideas. But I have found his dislike for Ataturk, quite vexing. My history of who burned Izmir differs from Mr. Ara, but if it wasn't for Ataturk the Ottoman ( not Turkish ) Kingdom would stretch from Bursa to Samsun. And since neither Bursa or Samsun is located in Europe, applying to join the E.U. without any territory in Europe would be quite outlandish.

Lastly one only needs to read Andrew Mango's biography on Ataturk to see how good his relations were with Eleftherios Venizelos. No past or current leader of Turkey had his special relationship with a Greek Prime Minister.

So if Kemalism ( Republicanism, Populism, Secularism, Revolutionism, Nationalism and Etatism ) is unfit for the E.U. as you suggest, than unlike a Poland or Serbia, Turkey has other options ( Asia ).

From: Macreau@... Jun 2, 2008
. When Kemal was trying to " Westernize" Turks, he was trying to emulate the European powers of his time, namely the Italy of Mussolini and the Germany of Hitler. As these ideologies are dead so should be Kemalizm in the 21 st century. The remnants of these old ideologies are the cause of "Ergenekon " (deep state,) and the train of thought of Perincek & Co. and those lost souls of murderers of Hirant Dink.

Kemal was good for Turks while he was alive, he was unifying force, but now?????? He made Turks to be proud of themselves....for what one may ask....is it for pain they have inflicted on the denizens of Anatolia, or for the pain they have inflicted to their neighbors?

I wonder why Turks keep mentioning Andrew Mango? Is it because he resides in Istanbul ? for he is not a historian although Turks like to call him that ) Kemals biography has been embellished as all parts of Turkish history has been thru the similar sanitization.

As for the burning of Izmir.....of course it does not fit into Turkish history......Have the Kemalist hords done anything similar??? Have they ever.......How many people in this medium know about Cherkez Ethem?????....one has to ask also to Dersim Kurds....Kemalist ideolgy at its best in the 1930s and surviving until today....

As for loooking toward Asia....another pipe dream of Turks....Although Central Asia is composed of Turkic nations they are so different from each other and there are many local animosities . Turks can not get along their own Anatolian Kurds and they think they can with Central Asians??????

From: "k.rdvan" Jun 3, 2008
Mr. Mac,
You can also read Lord Kinross' biography on Ataturk if you'd like, but that would do little good to you. From what I have read of your previous posts, I would rather exchange ideas with a tree than you. Since a tree has less hate and dogma. On the other hand anything you oppose or dislike MUST be good, because the only thing you write about is hate and more hate. I will not waste my time again in replying to you Mr. Mac.

P.S. When I meant Asia, I meant the Asia Cooperation Dialogue which will form the basis of the Asian Union.

From: Macreau@...Jun 3, 2008
Ridvan, clean minds, those who have not been brainwashed by Turkish Educational System, can see the truth.......You have been fed all these make-believe half baked truths when in your "lise"... You answer or not, nobody gives any hoot....the facts are out there...

From: "barbarosarii" Jun 3, 2008
LOL, please for the love of god stop. Does everybody in this forum know that macreau is a douche bag. What a loser. "I would rather exchange ideas with a tree than you ( macreau ). > Since a tree has less hate and dogma." I second that lol.

From: Samosata1@... Jun 7, 2008
Turks had burned 'infidel' sections of towns before in Anatolia, before Izmir If Kemal was more generous in victory to the non Turkish groups, and kept the cosmopolitan character of Izmir, Samsun, Adana,Trabzon, Kayseri Turkey's image would be much better today

From: "k.rdvan" Jun 7, 2008
There are no objective facts! Every report on facts is somebody's opinion. It is therefore, useless to continue debating this subject.

From: "Ara Jun 7, 2008
we either believe objective historians or political propagandists. we may not recognize an honest historian when we see one, but there is no need to identify a propagandist because all politicians are propagandists...for the simple reason that truth and politics are mutually exclusive concepts.

From: Samosata1@...Jun 7, 2008
the sensitivity to Kemal is that without him Turkey would be smaller,maybe 60% of its present size.

So kemalism is still important in Turkey because without it, many Turks think that Turkey might break up. Any negative reporting about Kemal is considered unpatriotic. For the moment Turkish media and the establishment don't want to take any risks by allowing different views on Kemal

From: "k.rdvan" Jun 7, 2008
the sensitivity to Kemal is that without him Turkey would be smaller,maybe 60% of its present size.

More like 40 per cent!

From: "zack_ashi" Jun 7, 2008
Is it make anything different? Today majority of Turkish citizens do not want to be live same land with other nationals like Turk, Kurd, Rum, Ermeni, Cerkez, Laz ...

From: Macreau@...Jun 7, 2008
This is where one notices that Turkey is far from being democratic and more close to fashism. In a democracy more divergent opinions are discussed in the public . After so many years if a country still lives with a personlity cult than that country has not matured enough to be called democracy.

You say the media and the establishment does not want to take the risk....well. this reminds me of an ostrich that does not want to take its head off the sand because of the "danger". Besides, Kemalism that tries to oblitarate other ethnic ( Cherkez, Alawis, Kurds, ) groups has failed....It was the religion that kept these different masses together, but now???? They all want recognition, religion is not binding them anymore, thus....Kemalizm has failed and it is propped up only by the gun....

From: "barbarosarii" Jun 7, 2008
Thank god you are an idiot and have no RELEVANCE! Continue talking out of your ASS.
>This is where one notices that Turkey is far from being democratic and more close to fashism. In a democracy more divergent opinions are discussed in the public . After so many years if a country still lives with a personlity cult than that country has not matured enough to be called democracy.

You say the media and the establishment does not want to take the risk....well. this reminds me of an ostrich that does not want to take its head off the sand because of the "danger". Besides, Kemalism that tries to oblitarate other ethnic ( Cherkez, Alawis, Kurds, ) groups has failed....It was the religion that kept these different masses together, but now???? They all want recognition, religion is not binding them anymore, thus....Kemalizm has failed and it is propped up only by the gun....




From: "zack_ashi" Jun 7, 2008
Please barbarosarii watch your language my kid is member of this group.

From: "barbarosarii" Jun 8, 2008
For your kids sake sure, but that tin Hitler ( Macreau ) won't make it easy.

From: "Ara Jun 8, 2008
even assuming without Kemal Turkey would be half its present size: it seems to me size does not matter. what matters is to have a progressive leadership that respects the human rights of all its citizens. England is smaller than Russia, but many more Russians emigrate to England than the other way around. the countries of europe are smaller than those in Asia, but if you ever visit a European capital you will find there immigrants from Africa, Asia, and in general from states with backward, totalitarian, and reactionay countries.

having said as much, as an Armenian i am willing to agree that our own leadership in Yerevan is not much better than the Kemalists in Ankara. On the contrary, it may be worse.

From: "k.rdvan" Jun 9, 2008
For arguments sake one overlooks the reforms of Ataturk, which propelled Turkey into the 21'st century. One must not forget, that Turkey did not go through the industrial revolution and imperialism that brought extreme wealth to Europe. For a country, which lacked technological prowess, when it gained Independence its size (resources available) was the most important asset to achieve economic prosperity. Even without participating in the destructive nature of WW2, Turkey today still lacks in the economical sense when compared to the big five European countries. Though, one must not forget that Turkey is the world's twentieth largest economy. That is why in Turkey's situation, its size and natural resources crucial in bringing her economic prosperity; because without economic development human rights and democracy can't materialize and survive.

From: "Ara Jun 9, 2008
i do not think a nation needs a charismatic leader to introduce industrialization. when europe was industrialized it was not as a result of great leaders. and not all of Kemal's reforms worked or were successes. the violent suppression of religion and calling kurds mountain turks and armenians christian turks is an insult to these minorities. most of turkey's problems today, if not all, go back to Kemal's authoritarianism, paternalism, dogmatism, and suppression of fundamental human rights.

From: Macreau@... Jun 8, 2008
When one is unable to answer
When one has no logical train of thought
When one has a brain that has no independent function but what it has been told
Then.......the pinheads have nothing but foul language.
That proves that they have been check mated and the only road to them is swear words.....well such is the way of barbarians...

From: Macreau@... Jun 8, 2008
Hemsinliler Islam olmus Ermenidirler. Koylerindeki konustuklari hemsince eski bir Ermenicedir...

From: Samosata1@... Jun 10, 2008
Turks who favor kemalism might argue that ottomanism was worse

From: "barbarosarii" Jun 10, 2008
WITHOUT ATATURK THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN THE RESULT:
AHALAHALAHALAHALAHALAHALAHALAHALAHALAHALAHA and then

From: "haci_mirtaza" Jun 10, 2008
SIVRI AKILLI KANUN DIYE YUZNUMARA KAGIDINA KARALANANLA SANA " KARA DEGNEGI BASI" NAZIK YERINE DOKANDIGINDA SAKINA ALLAH ALLAH DIYE BAGIRMA YALNIZ BASI DEGIL KOKUDE SENINLE OLUR ALLAHSIZ SOYTARI

From: Macreau@...Jun 10, 2008
Be more explicit....." Geveleyip duruyorsun .."....

From: "barbarosarii" Jun 11, 2008
What is there to elaborate? Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan. Aren't these great places to live in? To be a woman? Or to choose to be without faith? What is the consequence to be born to a Muslim family and choose to be faithless in Saudistan? IS IT DEATH, or am I mistaken.
===========================
Scenes from a Turk Basher Yahoo Group so called "TurkishArmenianFriendship"
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Diaspora Dreamer: We also want these . . , when we achieve recognition of our genocide,

When we achieve recognition of our genocide -which entails reparations indeed - whether restitution of usurped land, compensation for repair of properties whether private or ex -communal such as churches shcools etc.,plus of course b l o o d money , which only to mention, nobody else does...(But that is what nazi germany's succeeding germany paid and pays to jewery....

Then as one commented great Turkey's position -as always -would be to declare...

Come and see our treasuries coffers are empty we are in deficit..Etc.,

Then we ventured, since huge amounts of oil-pipeline transit duties are paid by anglo oil companies. Once latter acknowledge genocide recognition Armenians can then press fwd that instead of paying 1.6 billion dollars annually to Turkish Govt. A certain amount,rather percentage of it ought to go to the Armenian survivors families.

Then the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU, be paid as compensation monies, which will then pay to the survivors...

Whether in RA or anywhere else..

Especially the oil companies did very bad in paying Armenia with the pipeline...
That would be the Solution.

Hamahaigagani Siro,

Gaytzag Palavraciyan


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Seljuk-Armenian Relations

Towards the end of 7th century, the Byzantine hegemony in Anatolia came to an end. First, the Umayyeds gained sovereignty and then the Abbasides came into power, ruled until the end of the 9th century. At the end of 10th century, the Byzantine Empire restored its hegemony in entire Anatolia.

Byzantine Emperor Vasil II spent the last years of his life leading some activities in the Caucuses. After the death of Gagik I (990-1020) of the Armenian Bagratuni dynasty, chaos started in this region, which gave the Byzantine Emperor a chance to interfere with the Caucuses successfully. Thus, a part of Georgia and Van region were annexed to the Byzantine Empire and the Armenian Ani dynasty was succeeded by Ionnas Smbat, the son and life-long heir apparent of Gagik. After Ionnas Smbat died Byzantine Empire had annexed the dynasty.

The Byzantine Empire not only annexed the territories in this land, where Armenians lived but also “removed the commanders of Armenian nation from their own houses and states and exiled these commanders with them” as Mateos of Urfa stated. The situation was really suitable for Seljuks to enter Anatolia. Christian defenses in the region had weakened and Byzantine army also lost power due to domestic political disputes and military rebellions.

The Seljukian Crown Prince Hasan commenced raids to Van Lake region in 1047-1048. Ibrahim Yinal who was appointed as Azerbaijan Governor General, in collaboration with Kutalmish defeated the Byzantine Army, which was under the command of Liparit, Aaron and Katalon, in Pasin Plains in September 1048, upon the order he took from Tugrul Beg.

Romanos VI. Diogenes, who obtained power by marrying Byzantine Emperor Konstantin Dukas’s (May 1067) wife after the emperor’s death, promptly took the control of the war against the Seljuks. However, due to the weakening of his army, he gathered an army mostly consisting of foreign soldiers (Pecheneg, Oghuz, Norman, Frank, Armenian, Slav, Bulgarian, German, Caspian, Georgian) with great difficulties.

According to Islamic and Christian resources, this army mobilized by the Byzantine Emperor, added up to a total between 200.000 and 600.000 soldiers. The Byzantine Emperor, before moving towards Malazgirt, heard the news that Armenians acted more brutally than the Turks did and he swore to destroy Armenian community after the war.

On 26th August 1071, the Byzantine Emperor attacked onto Sultan Alparslan’s army at a location around Van Lake near Malazgirt with his paid army, which was superior in number but undisciplined and consisting of foreign soldiers. However, his army was routed and almost destroyed by Alparslan’s army, and even the Emperor himself was captured. Alparslan made peace with Emperor Diogenes and sent him to Istanbul back to his throne with a great ceremony.

Mateos of Urfa, after listening to people who had experienced these events personally wrote about it and expressed Byzantine behavior towards Armenians who lived for so long under the sovereignty of Byzantium:

“... They (Romans) caused Catholicos (Haçik) to suffer from various types of torture because of his sect. As we heard, they tortured him with fire, but he came out of fire safe and sound.”

“Two years later (993-994) the Great Roman Duke attacked the Armenians with a powerful army, dashing at Christians, he killed them and captured them. He, like a poisonous snake, brought death everywhere, and thus took the place of godless nations.”

How did Turks behave the Armenians who fought together with Byzantium against Turks? Did Turks despise and oppress them or burn their churches and monasteries as the Byzantine rulers did? Mateos of Urfa recorded the tolerance shown to all non-Moslem minorities living under Seljukian rule, especially the Armenians:

“In 539 (27th February 1090-26th February 1091) the Armenian Catholicos Barseg went to Conqueror Sultan Melikshah. Seeing that Christians are oppressed at some places, taxes are demanded from churches of God and clergy, and bishops are oppressed in monasteries for taxes, Catolicosis decided to enter the presence of Iran’s and all Christians’ magnanimous and pleasant Sultan and tell him all problems. The Sultan admitted signor Barseg to his presence paid him a great compliment and fulfilled his wishes. The Sultan exempted all churches and monasteries and the clergy from taxes and gave Armenian Catolicosis, firmans and saw him off with compliments.”

As it can be understood from the statements above, Seljukian Turks showed Armenians as well as the other non-Muslim subjects, the tolerance, which had not been shown by the Byzantine Empire and ensured them that he will protect their religion and social lives. This tolerance continued in the period of Anatolian Seljuk Empire as well. In spite of all the tolerance shown to them, it is also known that Armenians sometimes supported to the Byzantine Empire and also, at the time of the Crusades, they reinforced the Crusade Armies.

REFERENCE:
Yıldırım, Dr.Hüsamettin, Ermeni İddiaları ve Gerçekler, Ankara, 2000.
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Relations between Turkish Republic and Armenia from Laussanne to present time

The states which had been the protectors of Armenians for long years, claimed that they fulfilled this task with humanitarian feelings for human rights and justice, and they gave them promises and made commitments about some issues. However, when they saw that they would not benefit from this policy, they left them to their fate in Laussane Peace Conference. Armenians hoped that great European countries would be able to find solutions to their problems. When they understood that they would not be able to realize their demand in this way, they felt the necessity of befriending to Russia. Armenians thought that Russians had always been the natural enemy of Turks throughout history, that there was a deep-rooted antipathy between them, because Russia still aimed at reaching the Iranian Gulf or The Mediterranean Sea via Eastern Anatolia. They thought that any kind of regime in Russia would protect Armenians. Upon this thought, they prepared a program and decided to work on the principles below:

To consolidate the economy and the culture of Soviet Armenian Republic apart from the regime of the country.
To ensure and protect the national feelings, language, religion, culture and targets of Armenians living in the different parts of the world.
To ensure the demands and claims of Armenians in European countries and The League of Nations and to watch for an opportunity for this.
To provide donations of from charities for Armenian people and immigrants; to bring up orphans, to give necessary assistance to the ill and those in need.
It was planned to establish an organization to practice this program and to receive the support of Armenians living in Europe. However, some groups which opposed this, as they were afraid that committees would intervene again. In spite of this, the Tashnak Committee continued its demands about a “United and Independent Armenia”.

After the foundation of the Turkish Republic, a non-aggression pact was signed on December 17, 1925 between Soviet Russia and the Turkish Republic. That pact was in force for almost 20 years, however, when Second World War broke out Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs gave a note to the Turkish Embassy in Moscow, stating that the agreement was invalid from then on. While Turkey was under such bad circumstances, a petition signed by effective and dominant figures of the Armenian Diaspora in America, was submitted to Harry S. Truman, President of the United States. This petition, provoked by Armenian Tashnak Revolutionary Committee member, tried to bring the old problems on the agenda considering that Turkey living through extremely different difficult conditions.

In the petition submitted to Truman, it was requested that the USA should suggest the board of the United Nations (UN) that Armenia should attain its borders drawn by Woodrov Wilson, the President in 1920. Soviet Russia administrators began to follow a different policy when the Second World War ended. According to this policy, all Armenians living around the world would gather in Soviet Armenia Republic; Armenians who dispersed around the world would be provoked to rise in rebellion; especially Turkish antagonism would be regenerated; thus, they would get control of Eastern Anatolia. To this end, they started a intensive provocation. The advantages and benefits of the regime of Soviet Russia were explained; the exaggerated pleasure of Armenians in Soviet Armenia was propagated. For this reason, in order to deceive Armenians living in other countries and persuade them to join this cause, agents were sent those countries and Armenian Societies were established; it was put forward that the cause of Armenia was a problem of humanity and justice, hence, big states were called to be a mediator for this issue.

As the result of the aforementioned studies, the activities below were realized:

An American committee, so-called “Justice”, was founded by Armenians in Washington, the capital of the United States in December 1945. This committee, formed by people with communist tendencies published a declaration and demanded that Eastern parts of Anatolia should be given back to Armenian Republic, and the Turkish-Armenian border drawn by Wilson should be put into practice.

VI. Kevork Corekciyan, Echmiyazin Catholicos, sent a diplomatic note to Stalin, Soviet leader of Soviet Union Public Commissariat, to Truman, president of the United States, to Atlee, prime minister of England. In this diplomatic note old claims were repeated and it was demanded that towns in Eastern Anatolia had to be given to Soviet Armenia.

The activities in Syria and Lebanon: Soviet Russia increased its activities concerning Armenians by making use of the weak administration in Syria and Lebanon; it provoked Armenians there under the guise of assistance. These activities were conducted by the diplomats of Soviet Russia and one each head offices were opened in Aleppo, Damascus, Beirut and in many other cities. There were many schools, teachers of which were Russian Armenians. Military officers worked in these schools as agents. As a result of these activities, an Armenian organization was formed consisting of 100.000 members, 30.000 of whom lived in Lebanon. Solod, the Soviet Ambassador, founded “the Society of Armenian Friends” in Damascus with the cooperation of a communist party chaired by Armenian Hrant Devyan whoo had a political tendency towards Moscow. In those organizations communist members worked and aimed at annexing Eastern Anatolia to the Soviet Union, with the promise of founding an independent Armenia State.

In January 1946, a Soviet diplomat visited Beirut, met with representatives of Armenians in Lebanon and Hatay one by one and informed them about the directives of Soviet Russia.

The Armenian Committee in Lebanon sent a telegram to UN Security Counsel on May 16, 1946, saying that “we demand that our aforementioned territories should be annexed to Soviet Armenia in return for the confiscation of our goods and the invasion of our territories by Turks during the events resulted in the death of one and half million Armenians.

Armenian defense committee in Paris, in June 1946 sent a diplomatic note to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of four big states, demanding the annexation of Kars and Ardahan to Soviet Armenia.

Soviet Russia tried to influence Armenians in the country in various ways and also tried to seduce Armenians in other countries. Civenof, who was one of the members of the Armenian Science Academy was made to give a conference to the representatives of Armenian commission on February 20, 1946 at the hall of Polytechnic School in Moscow. During this conference the lecturer stated that Van, Bitlis, Elazığ, Erzurum, Sivas and Trabzon were within the borders of Armenia; he said that Armenians were killed in masses and accused the great states of Europe of having been spectators during such a tragedy. Civenof praised the interest of Russians for Armenians, and emphasized that towns in Eastern Anatolia left to Armenians in compliance with the Peace Treaty of Sévres had been exposed to attacks by Turks and that Turks regained control of the towns with the Treaty of Gumru signed with Tashnak Revolutionary committee members.

National Armenian Counsel prepared an 800-person feast for an American association named “Defense Association for Armenian Rights”. During the feast it was decided that one and half million Armenians dispersed all around the world would apply to UN board to claim the annexation of East Anatolian towns, which had been confiscated by Turks to Soviet Armenia.

On July 29, 1946 in Erivan, Bochon, a representative of English- Soviet Association told journalists that: “Each Englishman who knows Armenian history, knows about their sufferings and sympathize them. We will try to make these positive feelings the general view of English public opinion when we return home.”

Armenian Counsel in the United States published a brochure titled “What do Armenians want?” in September 1946. They claimed that the population of Armenians was increasing; the territories confiscated by Turks were empty and they added: “Armenians just want justice to prevail in order that their territories are given back to them.”

On August 15, 1946, Turkish-Armenian Problem Defense Committee applied to representatives of 21 nations in UN with a message about Turkish-Armenian Issue.

French Armenian Committee arranged a religious service chaired by Monsignor Manukyan on April 24, 1965, at the Armenian Church. In the evening of the same day, Old Warriors Association realized a demonstration and laid a wreath on the Unknown Soldier monument in France. Next day, another religious service was arranged at Notre Dame Church.

Demonstrations were also realized in England on April 24, 1969 which was declared as the remembrance day of the Armenian dead. An Armenian group, the majority of which was young, protested Turkey while passing by the Turkish Embassy.

Turkish antagonism appeared in the universities in the United States. An Armenian tycoon, named Agop Kevorkyan, donated 30 million Turkish Liras to New York University and had “the Institute of the East” department of the university closed down, and the Institute of Armenian Language and History founded. Now in New York university, people who have never heard about the existence of such a society study the language and history of Armenians, who had never notified to a nation.

Armenians in Latin America arranged a demonstration in Brazil, in the city of San Paulo, where Armenian majority lived. Armenians carried out a ceremony at the monument of Armenian Dead on April 24, 1965 of 50th Anniversary of putting into force the Law of Relocation, and a play titled “The Adventures of Armenians 1915” was written and played by Armenians of Brazil at a theatre of San Paolo.

An establishment on behalf of the United States National Armenian Committee, gave an announcement to the New York Times, in order to have the Armenian issue placed on the agenda of UN on April 2, 1967, when Cevdet Sunay, the president of Turkish Republic was visiting the United States.

Armenian Revolutionary committee members demanded that putting the Armenian issue on the agenda of UN had to be supported with this announcement, and hence they claimed that Turkey would participate in and serve for the world peace.

Armenians did not refrain from continuing their protests by means of press during president Sunay’s visit to Paris. It was stated in the article written by Hrant Samuel that: “Armenians in Paris welcomed General Sunay and expressed their respect and regard for this country; Turkish president received a standing ovation from them. However, we would like to emphasize that it does not mean that Armenians do not demand anything from Turkey. We would not give up our just cause, we will continue our struggle in the political arena in peace and try to find a solution.”

Patriarch I. Horen, took a trip in Europe, met with Makarios in Cyprus and following this, provocative publications in Armenian began to be published in Cyprus. Meanwhile, due to the 45th Anniversary of its foundation Armenian Ramgavar Party, the headquarter of which was in Lebanon, made a statement to the press about its purpose and plans concerning the determination of the boundaries of the territories which had been belonged to Armenians but now confiscated by Turks; realizing the independence and freedom efforts of Armenians in the framework of a free and democratic understanding.

While Armenian Revolutionary committee members were arranging demonstrations, conferences and protests in the countries where they were living, in order to protect their own existence and interests, Archbishop Shinork Kalusyan, Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul, made statements to the world press on February 6, 1967 and April 4, 1967 as a response to the events going on throughout the world. He announced that there was not an Armenian Issue since Lausanne Treaty was signed, and that he regretted to see the development of these events.

Muslims of Lebanon and Christian Arabs commemorated 54th Anniversary of so-called Armenian Genocide all together in 1969, and Lebanon Government granted a day off Armenian officials on April 24 to mourn. As a result of this they arranged demonstrations in the streets against Turks and Israelis.

Big demonstrations were arranged in France, the United States, Germany and Greece due to the 60th Anniversary of the so-called Genocide, claimed to be realized against Armenians. Governments of aforementioned countries had to take measures concerning the protection of Turks before those demonstrations. (1)

After 1965, the Armenian issue was felt strongly in the world and in Turkish public opinion because of a campaign started by Armenians in various countries, to discredit Turkey. It turned into terrorist actions against Turkish representations abroad in 1970’s. “Individual Armenian Terror” started with the murders of Consul-general of Los Angeles, Mehmet Baydar and Consul Bahadır Demir by an old Armenian named Gurgen (Karekin) Yanikan on January 27, 1973 in Santa Barbara, USA. Then, it turned into “Organized Armenian Terror” in 1975.Armenian Attack directed to Turkish Embassies, Institutions and officials abroad, increased in a short time and became denser after 1980. Armenian terrorists realized 110 terrorist attacks, 39 of which were committed with arms and 70 of which were realized with bombs. These attacks were carried out in 38 cities of 21 countries. During these attacks 42 Turkish diplomats and 4 foreigners lost their lives, 15 Turkish and 66 foreigners injured.

The First World Congress of Armenian Organizations met in Paris on September 3-6 1979. ASALA participated in the congress with a significant power and played an efficient role during the congress. The congress had a great influence on the Armenian revolutionary forces in France, ASALA became particularly effective by providing participation to the terrorist organization. The purpose of this congress might be summarized as gathering and organizing Armenians in the world around a single ideal and under a flag, and making efforts to demand land use of convenient political circles.

PKK, the terrorist organization, declared the date of 21-28 April 1980 as the Red week and Armenians commemorated 24 April as so-called Armenian massacre day and arranged meetings on that date. PKK and ASALA, the terrorist organizations, arranged a joint press conference on April 08, 1980 in Sidon, Lebanon. As a result of this conference a declaration was prepared and they took a decision to organize their relations in an illegal arena secretly due to the reactions received from various sources. After the meeting, the attacks directed to Turkish Consulate-General in Strasbourg on November 09, 1980, and to THY agency in Rome on November 19, 1980 were undertaken jointly by the terrorist organizations, PKK and ASALA.

1983 Lausanne Congress was gathered owing to the important developments. Terrorism increased so considerably that world public opinion was about to condemn Armenians and terrorists. Especially the actions in the form of massacres began to disturb even the states that gave support to the Armenian cause. Under these circumstances Lausanne Congress was gathered in order to “unify the Armenian political views and direct their activities in one direction”. At the end of the congress, in which ASALA had not participated and parties in favor of violence were in the minority, separations from Tashnak and ASALA were observed. Sub terrorist teams and groups sometimes organized actions in the form of vagabond new organizations, their majority was cleared up, arrested and convicted.

The basic purpose of the congress titled “Third World Congress of Armenian Organizations” gathered in Sévres on July 7-13, 1987, was to accept the draft of the “Armenian Constitution”. Therefore, it was decided to form a “Union” which would represent Armenians throughout the world. During the congress which Armenian terrorist organizations did not attend legally, quality of the representation of Tashnaqs led to discussions. ASALA, which was not represented in this congress was exposed to drastic criticism.

With the participation of members of Armenian Hinchak Party, the terrorist organizations ASALA and PKK, a meeting was arranged at the headquarters of PKK in West Beirut on June 4, 1993.

Meetings were arranged in two different churches in Beirut on January 6-9, 1993 with the participation of Lebanon Armenian Orthodox Archbishop, Armenian authorities and 150 young people. The following decisions were taken:

For now, calm stance should be displayed against Turkey.
Armenian society has enlarged gradually and has been getting stronger economically.
By means of propagandist activities developed, the so-called genocide has started to be known well throughout the world.
Armenian state has been founded; they will take revenge of their ancestors and their territories have been gradually expanding.
Western countries, especially the United States, have considered Armenians to be right in the still war continuing in Nagorno Karabakh; this chance should be made use of and new young men should join the Armenian youth in Nagorno Karabakh.
Civil war (meaning the struggle against PKK terrorist organization) will go on in Turkey; its economy will decline to the bottom; citizens will rebel.
Turkey will be divided.
Kurdish State will be founded in Turkey.
Armenians should continue their friendly relations with Kurds and support the struggle of Kurds.
The territories under the control of Turks now, will be under the control of Armenians tomorrow.
Meanwhile, it is known that the arms supplied from Greece or other countries with the help of Greece with the money collected in October —November —December 1992 for Armenian Parties and institutions in Lebanon and other countries, and the food supplied with the rest of the money has been sent to Armenia at the beginning of January 1993, in order to transfer them to Armenians fighting in Nagorno Karabakh.

Armenian committees which transferred their activities to PKK terrorist organization in Turkey after 1984, have continued to make their so-called claims by means of Armenian Diaspora. They had the parliaments of some European countries, especially some states in the United States, which supported them issue laws which recognized the “so-called Armenian Genocide”. This process is still continuing.

REFERENCE:
(1) Sakarya, Em. Tümg. İhsan, Belgelerle Ermeni Sorunu, Gnkur. Basımevi, Ankara, 1984, 2. Baskı, sh. 439-474


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Armenian atrocities against Armenians

Armenian committeemen not only conducted massacres on Turks, but also made various oppressions on the Armenians whom they suspected were on the side of the Turks.

After the Kumkapi demonstration, which took place in July 1890, the Hinchak Committee, started arranging assassinations to the suspected Armenians presumed to be the supporters of the government.

Advocate Hachik was killed by a 15-year-old Armenian named Armenak.

Dacad Varabet, the preacher of Gedikpasa Church was cut into pieces.

Mampre Karabet, who was elected to the Spiritual Assembly, was wounded assassination and because of spying for the government.

It was suspected that Patriarch Ashikyangave the plans of the committee to the government, and due to this reason an assassination was arranged by an Armenian named Diyarbakirli Agop / Agop From Diyarbakir, elected by drawing lots by the committee in the patriarch ate church on March 24, 1804. Since the Karadag branded pistol the assassin used was defective, the young man was arrested.

The Hinchak Committee carried out an assassination on March 10, 1894 to Simon Maksut, when they considered being the friend of Ashikyan, through two committeemen, in front of the Havyar Han in Galata.

The French Ambassador Monsieur Cambon gave the following information to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 27, 1894 about these assassinations:

“From Cambon to Casimir Perier,

Beyoglu: March 27, 1894

Last Sunday, while Patriarch Ashikyan was leaving the Kumkapi Church after the ritual service in order to go back to the patriarchate, an eighteen-year-old Armenian youngster aimed on him by his pistol and fired a few shots. Since the weapon was defective, no bullet hit the patriarch. The patriarch was fainted and he was treated in his home. The young Armenian was taken to the police station, and when he was interrogated on the reason of the murdering, he told that Ashikyan is the enemy of Armenians, and that he frequently informed the government, therefore, the Armenians had sworn to get rid of this man to save the nation. He also emphasised that he and his colleagues from the same sect were faithful to the Sultan.

Cambon. “

Monsieur Cambon states in his telegram which he sent on June 3, 1894 that :

“ From Cambon to the Minister of Foreign Affairs :

Beyoglu : June 3, 1894

In the last days, an assassination has been made to a leader of Armenian Society in Istanbul. This person who survived the attack, is Simon Maksud, the gate attendant or the chief translator, a wealthy banker, and one of the contractors of the Ministry of Defence. Mr. Maksut, one of the members of the Patriarchate People’s Assembly, were known by the members of the same sect as a treacherous person who was sold to the Turks. Mr. Maksut, last year, when the celebration of the constitution granted by Sultan Mecit to the Armenians was banned by the Sultan, he refused to make conspiracies for the lifting of this ban. He attracted the hatred of the conspiracies and provocateurs violently.

The porters from Van, who tried to kill him, are the people who suffered a lot of from Kurds, and Turkish officials in Van.

There is no doubt that that we are facing a political murder. The murderers were carrying documents and letters written by the Armenian committees. These people admitted that they were hired by an Armenian person named Levona and who had paid them for the crime. After the assassination attempt, the committees wished to warn the members from the higher Armenian classes whom they considered to be treacherous and who did not serve to their national cause and were considered to be the friends of Turks. The committees wanted to strike their blows in the center of the government / in the capital, and not in the provinces from then on, and to provide a larger area for their activities, and to make a strong effect on the Sultan.

The Sultan was very annoyed by this assassination. A lot of arrests that were made by the police in Istanbul prove this.

P. Cambon “

The leader of the Hinchak Committee in Istanbul, after the Kumkapi demonstration, is Murad (Hamparsum Boyaciyan). Vart Badrikyan, came from Caucasia as the Hinchak representative. Badrikyan was arrested after one or two months later but since he was a Russian citizen, he was taken; by the Russian Embassy. Ardavazt Ohancanyan, was sent from Caucasia in lieu of him. The assassinations occured at a time when these representatives were in Istanbul. (1)

The oppressions of Armenians on Armenians do not only comprise of assassinations. The Armenian committeemen, who tried to obtain money for the rebellions, robbed a great number of Armenian citizens. As a matter of fact, the following information given to M. Sifir, whose actual name is Rezi Yalkin, by the famous Pantikyan, who played a great role in the armistice, is very shocking :

“ I would like to stress especially that, in the raids made by the Kurds and the Turks, as a reaction to the rebellion movements in the several regions of Anatolia at those times, the amount of material losses were extremely small compared to the wealth pillaged by the Hinchaks in the robberies in Istanbul. The percentage would not total even to one percent. The committeemen robbed the Istanbul Armenians in such a pitilessly. They put several wealthy persons into a penniless situation.

I find it useful to list the amount of money stolen at that time, to give a lesson to the new Armenian generation, to expose these robbers by giving figures, and the names of the owners of the money as far as I remember:

A committee of bandits conducting robberies under the leadership of the priest Murat Irakliyan, from Van, one of the famous wicked men operated in Bakirköy, Yedikule and Samatya. The collected twenty two thousand gold coins only from poor Armenian shoppers and craftsmen. They apart from these they collected six thousand gold coils from carpets trader Karnik Sümbülyan, five thousand gold coins from draper Nisan ªahpazyan, and ten thousand gold coins from mobile grains traders.

The robberies made in Yenikapi, Kumkapi districts were not less than these were at all. The all existences of all-small traders, shoppers and craftsmen were taken away from their hands and the safes of the outstanding wealthy men were all seized. In case my memories do not mislead myself, the totals of the robberies made in this district also reached thirty thousand golden coins.

Those who collected tributes in Galata and Beyoglu brole all the records of robbery. Thirty thousand gold coins were seized only from one of the outstanding jewellers of that time named Istepan, who was a wealthy Armenian, and a total of the robberies in this district hundred thousand gold coins was the sum total. Izmirliyan, who gained control of even the patriarchate Migir, together with the five secret detectives of the committee; priest Murat Irakliyan; Musdic Kesisyan, from Aleppo and his friends became extremely wealthy.

The committeemen of that time claimed that an important part of that money was given to the men of the palace. But these words are absolute lies, because, ten years after the event, Murat Irakliyan escaped to Sofia, and settled there. He personally told the event to my father in detail, and he emphasized that the thirty thousand gold coins which was his share, was taken by force from him by Izmirliyan. “ (2)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Oktay, ation from the University of Yüzüncü Yil, Department of History, has found out a very shocking example regarding the oppressions of Armenians on Armenians :

“Following the atmosphere which prevailed after the announcement of the Second Constitutional Regime, the post of Mayor in Van, was given to Bedros Kapamaciyan, an Armenian member of Van Administrative Assembly, in the midst of the year 1909. In spite of the fact that the Moslem people constituted the majority of population in the city; Kapamaciyan Efendi was elected as a member without any considerations of discrimination by earning the respect of all the people, therefore, he also received votes the Moslem people. As a matter of fact, at the end of the elections, two out of ten members in the Administrative Assembly were Armenians.

Kapamaciyan Efendi, who pleased the people of the province during his administration and who always sided with the Ottoman State in spite of the Tashnak and Hinchak committees, served for the peace and the welfare of both the Turkish and the Armenian committees in Van. While Kapamaciyan, the Mayor, was working hard for the peace and the future of the city, the Armenian Patriarch was conspiring for plots and provocation in Van and its environs. He collaborated with the Tashnak committee in order to keep the Armenian matter alive for the European states.

As a result of these plots, a series of fires broke out in Van, and the houses of some of the Armenians were also burned up in these fires. The Patriarch wanted the Major to send a report to the Ambassadors of the European States stating that the fires and provocation were caused by the Moslem people, and that they are getting ready to destroy the lives and the property of the Armenians at any moment.

However, Kapamaciyan Efendi, the Mayor, sent a report telling that the matter was not so and the fires were started by the Armenian Tashnak committees.

The existence of Kapamaciyan Efendi, who spoiled the efforts of the revolutionary Armenians still working with great efforts in the center of Van, was an unbearable situation, so the committees took the decision to execute the major. The revolutionary gangs, who based their theories on an Armenian-Turkish conflict, had arranged assassinations before the outstanding Armenian people who supported the Ottoman State and who weakened their domination over the people. Thus, with this assassination they were going to frighten the community and avoid further opposition.

Kapamaciyan Efendi, who was frequently threatened on December 10, 1912 in the evening, w,th all his family got onto the sledges that was waiting in front of the door of his home, to go to Marcidciyan Efendi, who was one of his relatives, for the celebration of “name giving”. He did not know that he was on the black list. A Tashnak group was waiting near his home the group started a volley of shots onto the crowd. The Mayor, who was caught unaware and without any protection at all, was shot with two bullets in his head and fell dead on the ground.

Since the home of the Mayor was in the Baglar quarter, the closest patrol station was ten minutes away. So, the murderers fled in the darkness before the gendarmerie arrived. The Baglar quarter was a place with gardens and vineyards. In this is quarter Armenians were the majority and it was easy for the murderers to hide and run away.

The witnesses who saw the incident started to be questioned. The facial features and other information about the murderers were slowly being revealed. Especially from the evidence given by the Mayor’s son, it was understood that Karakin and his friend were probably the murderers. Thus, the disclosure of the murderers prevented probable clashes between the Moslem and the Armenians. Karakin was caught after rapid operations, and his friend whose name we could not find out, escaped. The assassins who were among the group who committed the crime and was wanted for smuggling arms into Van whose names were Potur, the carriage man, Sarac, Osep, jeweller Karakin, and somebody named Sahaf who fled to Karagündüz village after the event and who was one of the leading members of Tashnak committee, and who planned the murder of Kapamaciyan Efendi, were caught after a difficult search. The friend of the murderer Karakin, who got lost just after the event, was later on captured and put in prison.

Viramyan Efendi, one of the writers of the Azadamart newspaper as published in Van by the members of Tashnak committee in Van; Aram Manukyan Efendi, the inspector of Armenian schools and the Van delagate of Tashnak committee; and some of the Armenian leaders of the Tashnak committee were arrested for plotting Mayor Kapamaciyan’s murder.

Because the Ottoman officials were successful in finding the murderer of Kapamaciyan, who was very popular among the Armenians, the capturing of the murderers, even though they were not punished severely, still met with pleasure by the people. But the Armenian people felt deep sorrow because the murderers were Armenians. Necessary measures were taken in the funeral and thus special care was taken to avoid any disturbances. The English, Russian, and the French Consuls were among the foreign missions who also participated in the funeral. However, the fact that nobody from the military and also from the Tashnak committee was at the ceremony, which was rather meaningful. With this attitude, the Tashnak committee made it clear to their supporters and enemies that they killed the mayor and thus this was a warning to their enemies.

The revolutionist Tashnak committees could kill their own people without any their hesitation to reach their goals. The committeemen were capable doing all kinds of actions for the formation of a suitable medium for a revolution. They conducted their actions systematically with the help of Russia; they were able to occupy Van, temporarily. When the Russians retreated because of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, Van again passed to the hands of Turks. “ (3)

Oktay, reports the following from Altan Deliorman concerning to the oppressions of Armenians on Armenians:

“While the Armenians were conducting their activities in Anatolia, in Istanbul they were also, killing those Armenians who did not sympathise with them. Advocate Hachik; Dacad Vartabet, the Chief priest of Gedikpasa Church; Trader Karagözyan, Candle man Onnik; Apik Uncuyan; Policeman Markar, Mampre Vartabet, the member of the Spiritual Assembly; Hajji Dikran Migirdic Tütüncüyan are only a few of the Armenians who were murdered by the Armenian gangs. “ (4)

REFERENCES
(1) Uras, Esat, Tarihte Ermeniler ve Ermeni Meselesi / The Armenians and the Armenian Matter In History, Belge Publications, Istanbul, 1987, p. 469 — 471.
(2) Banoglu, Niyazi Ahmet, Gündüz Printing House, Ankara, 1976, p. 24 — 25.
(3) Oktay, Assoc. Prof. Dr., Hazan, "www.ermenisorunu.gen.tr/articles"
(4) Altan Deliorman, Türklere Karsi Ermeni Komitecileri, Istanbul, 1975, p. 31.


Read More . . .

Turkish Diplomats Killed By Armenian Terrorists During Their Duty

The main targets of Armenian terror organizations, ASALA in particular, were now being chosen from among Turkish diplomats abroad. The first of the series of terrorist attacks was carried out against Mehmet Baydar, the Turkish Consul General in Los Angeles and his Deputy, Bahadir Demir. The assassinations were perpetrated by an Armenian by the name of Gurgen Yanikan in 1973. This individual action turned into organized Armenian terror as of 1975 and further escalated as of 1979. 110 acts of terror were carried out by Armenian terrorists in 38 cities of 21 countries. 39 of these were armed attacks, 70 of them bomb attacks and one was an occupation. 42 Turkish diplomats and 4 foreign nationals were assassinated in these attacks, while 15 Turks and 66 foreign nationals were wounded.

Tarih Şehir / Görev Adı-Soyadı
27.01.1973 Santa Barbara / Consul General Mehmet BAYDAR
Santa Barbara / Consul Bahadır DEMİR
22.10.1975 Vienna / Ambassador Daniş TUNALIGİL
24.10.1975 Paris / Ambassador İsmail EREZ
Paris / Driver Talip YENER
16.02.1976 Beirut / First Secretary Oktar CİRİT

09.06.1977 Vatican City / Ambassador Taha CARIM
02.06.1978 Madrid / Ambassador’s wife Necla KUNERALP
Madrid / Retired Ambassador Beşir BALCIOĞLU
12.10.1979 The Hague / Ambassador’s son Ahmet BENLER
22.12.1979 Paris / Tourism Counsellor Yılmaz ÇOLPAN
31.07.1980 Athens / Administrative Attache Galip ÖZMEN
Athens / Administrative Attaché’s daughter Neslihan ÖZMEN
17.12.1980 Sydney / Consul General Şarık ARIYAK
Sydney / Security Attaché Engin SEVER

04.03.1981
Paris / Counsellor for Labour Affairs Reşat MORALI
Paris / Counsellor for Religious Affairs Tecelli ARI
09.06.1981 Geneva / Secretary M.Savaş YERGÜZ
24.09.1981 Paris / Security Attaché Cemal ÖZEN
28.01.1982 Los Angeles / Consul General Kemal ARIKAN
08.04.1982 Ottawa / Counsellor for Commercial Affairs Kani GÜNGÖR
04.05.1982 Boston / Honorary Consul General Orhan GÜNDÜZ
07.06.1982 Lisbon / Administrative Attaché Erkut AKBAY
27.08.1982 Ottawa /Colonel, Military Attaché Atilla ALTIKAT
09.09.1982 Bourgas / Administrative Attaché Bora SÜELKAN
08.01.1983 Lisbon / Administrative Attaché’s wife, wounded in the armed assault directed against her husband Erkut Akbay on 07 06 1982, died on 08 01 1983 Nadide AKBAY
09.03.1983 Belgrade / Ambassador Galip BALKAR
14.07.1983 Brussels / Administrative Attaché Dursun AKSOY
27.07.1983 Lisbon / Counsellor’s wife Cahide MIHÇIOĞLU
28.04.1984 Teheran / Secretary’s wife Işık YÖNDER
20.06.1984 Vienna / Attaché for Labour Affairs Erdoğan ÖZEN
19.11.1984 Vienna / International Official Enver ERGUN
07.10.1991 Athens / Press Attaché Çetin GÖRGÜ
11.12.1993 Baghdad / Administrative Attaché Çağlar YÜCEL
04.07.1994 Athens / Embassy Counsellor Haluk SİPAHİOĞLU


MEHMET BAYDAR

27 January 1973

Los Angeles/USA

The Armenian assaults against Turkish citizens started in 1973 when Mehmet Baydar and Bahadir Demir, Turkish Consul General and Consul in Los Angeles, were murdered by a 78-year-old American Armenian named Gurgen (Karakin) Yanikian.

Inviting Baydar and Demir to the Baltimore Hotel in Santa Barbara by declaring that he wished to give a painting of Abdulhamid as a gift to Turkey, Yanikian shot the two Turkish diplomats dead. He was arrested for murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, Yanikian was paroled on 31 December 1984 and died shortly afterwards.

This incident, constituting the first assault against the Turkish diplomats, launched a chain of murders and became a template for the subsequent attacks by Armenian terrorists.


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BAHADIR DEMIR
27 January 1973

Los Angeles/USA

The Armenian assaults against Turkish citizens started in 1973 when Mehmet Baydar and Bahadir Demir, Turkish Consul General and Consul in Los Angeles, were murdered by a 78-year-old American Armenian named Gurgen (Karakin) Yanikian.

Inviting Baydar and Demir to the Baltimore Hotel in Santa Barbara by declaring that he wished to give a painting of Abdulhamid as a gift to Turkey, Yanikian shot the two Turkish diplomats dead. He was arrested for murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, Yanikian was paroled on 31 December 1984 and died shortly afterwards.

This incident, constituting the first assault against the Turkish diplomats, launched a chain of murders and became a template for the subsequent attacks by Armenian terrorists.




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DANIS TUNALIGIL
Vienna/Austria

22 October 1975

Turkey’s Vienna Ambassador Danis Tunaligil was murdered by three terrorists raiding the Embassy.

When the Turkish Airline Office in Beyrouth was bombed on 20 February 1975, the letter left in the location by ASALA’s Esir Yanikian group that undertook the attack’s responsibility declared that they would fight against the imperialists for the Armenians’ rightful case and that the attacks would aim at Turkey, Iran and United States and that this case was only a beginning.

On 22 October 1975, three persons bearing automatic weapons forced their way into the Turkish Embassy in Vienna, neutralised the guards and entered the Ambassador’s office. Receiving an affirmative reply to their question in Turkish to Danis Tunaligil if he were the Ambassador, they shoot him with automatic weapons. Tunaligil died on the spot and the murderers rapidly left the premises and fled in an automobile.


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ISMAIL EREZ
Paris/France

24 October 1975

Turkey’s Paris Ambassador Ismail Erez and his driver Talip Yener were murdered in the vicinity of the Embassy. The Ambassador’s car was ambushed at around 13.30 hours at the Bir Hakeim Bridge on Seine River and Ismail Erez and his driver Talip Yener were murdered by automatic weapon fire. The attack

was owned by an organisation that called itself the Armenian Genocide Justice Commandos.




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TALIP YENER
Paris/France

24 October 1975

Turkey’s Paris Ambassador Ismail Erez and his driver Talip Yener were murdered in the vicinity of the Embassy. The Ambassador’s car was ambushed at around 13.30 hours at the Bir Hakeim Bridge on Seine River and Ismail Erez and his driver Talip Yener were murdered by automatic weapon fire. The attack

was owned by an organisation that called itself the Armenian Genocide Justice Commandos.



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OKTAR CIRIT
Beyrouth/Lebanon

16 February 1976

Turkey’s Beyrouth Embassy First Secretary Oktar Cirit became the victim of Armenian terrorism while sitting at a hall. The attack was owned by the ASALA, which made its name known for the first time.



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TAHA CARIM
Rome/Italy

9 June 1977

Turkey’s Vatican Ambassador Taha Carim was killed by the cross fire of two terrorists in front of the Embassy’s residence. The attack was owned this time by the Armenian Genocide Justice Commandos organisation.




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NECLA KUNERALP
Madrid/Spain

2 June 1978

Three terrorists opened fire on the car of Turkey’s Madrid Ambassador Zeki Kuneralp whose wife Necla Kuneralp and retired Ambassador Besir Balcioglu lost their lives in this attack owned by the organisation that called itself the Armenian Genocide Justice Commandos organisation. For the first time in this incident, a foreigner had lost his life in an attack directed against Turks. That was the Ambassador’s driver Antonio Torres.


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BESIR BALCIOGLU

Madrid/Spain

2 June 1978

Three terrorists opened fire on the car of Turkey’s Madrid Ambassador Zeki Kuneralp whose wife Necla Kuneralp and retired Ambassador Besir Balcioglu lost their lives in this attack owned by the organisation that called itself the Armenian Genocide Justice Commandos organisation. For the first time in this incident, a foreigner had lost his life in an attack directed against Turks. That was the Ambassador’s driver Antonio Torres.




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AHMET BENLER
The Hague/Netherlands

12 October 1979

Ahmet Benler, son of Turkey’s The Hague Ambassador Özdemir Benler, was killed in an armed attack. This case was owned separately by the ASALA and the Armenian Genocide Justice Commandos organisation.



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YILMAZ COLPAN
Paris/France

22 December 1979

Turkey’s Paris Tourism Counsellor Yilmaz Colpan was murdered as a result of the attack by a terrorist. This case was the second attack in Paris of the Armenian terrorism. A person calling the news agencies thereafter said that the Armenian Genocide Justice Commandos was responsible for the assaults in Rome, Madrid and Paris and added that it was killing the Turkish diplomats because Turkey did not grant the rights of Armenians.



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GALIP ÖZMEN
Athens/Greece

31 July 1980

Turkey’s Athens Embassy Administrative Attaché Galip Özmen and his 14-year-old daughter Neslihan Özmen were killed in an armed attack by a terrorist while his wife Sevil Özmen and son Kaan Özmen survived though seriously wounded. The attack was owned this time by the ASALA.



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NESLIHAN ÖZMEN
Athens/Greece

31 July 1980

Turkey’s Athens Embassy Administrative Attaché Galip Özmen and his 14-year-old daughter Neslihan Özmen were killed in an armed attack by a terrorist while his wife Sevil Özmen and son Kaan Özmen survived though seriously wounded. The attack was owned this time by the ASALA.




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SARIK ARIYAK
Sydney/Australia

17 December 1980

Turkey’s Sydney Consul General Sarik Ariyak and his security guard Engin Sever became the victims of Armenian terrorism.

Aside from this case,

- Dogan Türkmen, Turkey’s Ambassador to Switzerland, came out alive from the attack on 6 February 1980 in Bern,

- Fire was opened on 17 April 1980 on the official car of Turkey’s Vatican Ambassador Vecdi Türel. Both Türel and his security guard Tahsin Güvenc were wounded in this attack, and

- Selcuk Bakkalbasi, the Press Attaché of Turkish Embassy in Paris, was wounded in an armed attack on 26 September 1980.




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ENGIN SEVER
Sydney/Australia

17 December 1980

Turkey’s Sydney Consul General Sarik Ariyak and his security guard Engin Sever became the victims of Armenian terrorism.

Aside from this case,

- Dogan Türkmen, Turkey’s Ambassador to Switzerland, came out alive from the attack on 6 February 1980 in Bern,

- Fire was opened on 17 April 1980 on the official car of Turkey’s Vatican Ambassador Vecdi Türel. Both Türel and his security guard Tahsin Güvenc were wounded in this attack, and

- Selcuk Bakkalbasi, the Press Attaché of Turkish Embassy in Paris, was wounded in an armed attack on 26 September 1980.




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RESAT MORALI
Paris/France

4 March 1981

Resat Morali and Tecelli Ari, Counsellors of Labour and Religious Affairs at the Turkish Embassy in Paris were attacked by two terrorists when they were taking their car in front of the Labour Attaché’s office. Morali was killed on the spot while the Religious Affairs Attaché Ari succumbed to death at the hospital where he was rushed with serious wounds. The attack was owned by ASALA in this third murderous attack of the Armenian terrorism and Turkey gave a protest note to France for not properly protecting the Turkish diplomats.



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TECELLI ARI
Paris/France

4 March 1981

Resat Morali and Tecelli Ari, Counsellors of Labour and Religious Affairs at the Turkish Embassy in Paris were attacked by two terrorists when they were taking their car in front of the Labour Attaché’s office. Morali was killed on the spot while the Religious Affairs Attaché Ari succumbed to death at the hospital where he was rushed with serious wounds. The attack was owned by ASALA in this third murderous attack of the Armenian terrorism and Turkey gave a protest note to France for not properly protecting the Turkish diplomats.




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M. SAVAS YERGÜZ
Geneva/Switzerland

9 June 1981

Mehmet Savas Yergüz, Secretary of the Turkish Consul General in Geneva, lost his life in an armed attack shortly after leaving the office for going home. The attack was owned by the ASALA. Mardiros Camgozian, the Lebanese Armenian terrorist arrested after the attack, received a 15-year imprisonment sentence.




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CEMAL ÖZEN
Paris/France

24 September 1981

Four Armenian terrorists occupying the premises housing the Turkish Consulate General and the office of Cultural Attaché, hostaged 56 Turkish officials and citizens and killed security guard Cemal Özen who attempted to attack and wounded Consul General Kaya Inal. The terrorists wanted Turkey to release 12 political detainees and to send them to Paris. As they realised that this demand would not be complied with, they surrendered to the police some 15 hours after. Turkey warned France once more and France demented the attack that was owned by the ASALA. Four Armenian terrorists named Vasken Sakoseslian, Kevork Abraham Gozlian, Aram Avedis Basmacian and Agop Abraham Turfanian, received 7-year imprisonment sentences. The court verdict received a large dissentment in Turkey.

Also in 1981,

- Turkey’s Copenhagen Labour Attaché Cavit Demir came out with small arm wounds on 2 April in the lift of the apartment house where he lived, and

- Turkey’s Rome Embassy Second Secretary Gökberk Ergenekon survived with minor wounds an attack that was directed against him on 25 October on a street.




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KEMAL ARIKAN
Los Angeles/USA

28 January 1982

Turkey’s Los Angeles Consul General Kemal Arikan was killed by the Tashnak militant Hampig Sasunian, who was sentenced to life imprisonment.



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ORHAN GÜNDÜZ
Boston/USA

5 May 1982

Turkey’s Boston Honorary Consul General Orhan Gündüz was killed in an armed attack.




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ERKUT AKBAY
Lisboa/Portuga

7 June 1982

Turkey’s Lisbon Embassy Administative Attaché Erkut Akbay died as a result of an armed attack on his car. His wife Nadide Akbay succumbed later to death at the hospital where she was brought with corporeal wounds.




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NADIDE AKBAY
Lisboa/Portuga

7 June 1982

Turkey’s Lisbon Embassy Administative Attaché Erkut Akbay died as a result of an armed attack on his car. His wife Nadide Akbay succumbed later to death at the hospital where she was brought with corporeal wounds.




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ATILLA ALKIKAT
Ottawa/Canada

27 August 1982

Atilla Alkikat, the Military Attaché at the Turkish Embassy in Ottawa, was killed in an armed assault.


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BORA SÜELKAN

Bourgos/Bulgaria

9 September 1982

Bora Süerlan, Administrative Attaché of the Turkish Consulate General in Bourgos, was killed by a terrorist attack.

Also in 1982,

- Kani Güngör, Commercial Attaché in the Ottawa Embassy of Turkey, was wounded in an attack on 8 April,

- Kemal Demirer, Rotterdam Consul General of Turkey, was wounded in an attack in front of his residence on 21 July. He came out of this attack with minor wounds and the attacker was arrested while trying to get away.

- On 7 August, two ASALA terrorists made an armed attack in Esenboga Airport of Ankara. There were eight casualties and seventy two injuries in this attack, constituting the first within Turkey of the Armenian terrorism.






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GALIP BALKAR

Beograd/Yugoslavia

9 March 1983

An armed assault was made against Turkey’s Belgrade Ambassador Galip Balkar on 9 March 1983 by two terrorists. Mortally wounded in this attack, Balkar died on 11 March. A Yugoslavian student also lost his life in this incident. Terrorists Kirkor Levonian and Raffi Alexander were sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment on 9 March 1984, exactly one year after the incident.




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DURSUN AKSOY

Bruxelles/Belgium

14 July 1983

Turkey’s Brussels Embassy Administrative Attaché Dursun Aksoy was murdered by Armenian terrorists.



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CAHIDE MIHCIOGLU

Lisboa/Portugal

27 July 1983

The Lisbon Embassy of Turkey was occupied and those within the building were hostaged by five Armenian terrorists. Cahide Mihcioglu, wife of Embassy Counsellor Yurtsev Mihcioglu, was killed during this incident. The Portuguese police saved the hostages by an operation and killed all five terrorists. The attack was owned by an organisation that called itself the Armenian Revolutionary Army, which threatened with death the Portuguese Prime Minister Mario Soarez because of the death of the terrorists.

On 16 June, a terrorist opened fire on the people at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Two persons were killed and twenty-one were wounded in this attack of which the author was killed on the spot. It was later ascertained that he was an Armenian.

A bomb exploded in front of the Turkish Airlines office in Paris-Orly Airport. Two Turks, four Frenchmen, one American and one Swedish died and sixty-three persons, of whom twenty-eight were Turks were wounded in this attack, named later as the “Orly massacre”.



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ISIK YÖNDER

Teheran/Iran

28 April 1984

Isik Yönder, husband of Turkey’s Teheran Embassy Secretary Sadiye Yönder, who was a businessman doing trade with Iran, was killed by an ASALA militant.



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ERDOGAN ÖZEN

Wien/Austria

19 November 1984

Turkey’s Vienna Embassy Labour Attaché Erdogan Özen was killed as a result of the explosion of a bomb planted in his car. This incident was owned by the Armenian Revolutionary Army.



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ENVER ERGUN

Wien/Austria

19 November 1984

Enver Ergün, an official at the UN Representation of Turkey, was killed as a result of the explosion of a bomb planted in his car. This incident too was owned by the Armenian Revolutionary Army.

A terrorist trying to plant a bomb on the car of Isil Ünel, Turkey’s Teheran Embassy Deputy Commercial Attaché, was blown to pieces as the bomb exploded in his hands on 28 March 1984.

The next day, Hasan Servet Öktem and Ismail Pamukcu, First Secretary and Deputy Attaché of the Turkish Embassy in Teheran, were wounded in an armed assault in front of their houses.


Read More . . .