"Turkey Must Recognize the Armenian Genocide for Recovery”

bianet interviewed Hayk Demoyan, Armenian Genocide Museum Director on the 99th anniversary of the genocide. He emphasized on where Turkey-Armenia relations are standing and the importance of recognizing the genocide for both countries’ people. 

Coming from a Kars originated family, Demoyan said they survived the Armenian Genocide and left the country. “Turkey must recognize the genocide for its people to acquire democratic values” said Demoyan.  

“Baby steps in 99 Years”

Professor Demoyan evaluated the process starting from U.S. President Barack Obama using the phrase “Great Disaster” instead of genocide and until Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoğlu’s “We’re not embracing relocation, it’s an inhuman application” words on December 2013, before his travel to Armenia. Professor Demoyan continued: “This is a development of course, but sadly, we were able to come this far in 99 years.” 

“This is half of a step. Taking a step towards something but not calling it by its name. Too close to reality but still not the reality itself. This is why this is a psychological problem. We would like to help Turkey and Turkish community to solve this problem.” 

“We share the same memories with Turkey. We’re not here to put a burden on Turkish community’s shoulders or to create hate statements to the media. We would like to peacefully confront the history.”

“For both communities, reconciliation and recovery is very important. For one side, it’s important to repair its crimes and for the other side, it’s important to let go their traumas.”

“We will work with independent academicians”

Demoyan disagreed with Turkish government officials’ “Our archives are open, lets investigate” statement. He said they wouldn’t be able to work with Turkish History Foundation or with the government funded academicians. 

“We are working with many independent academicians from Turkey. Our archives are open to them. We would like Turkey to open its archives so that we would benefit from them through these academicians. But, we’re still waiting for the Atatürk archive.” 

“Kessab brings flashbacks of the genocide”

Professor Demoyan referred to the situation in Kessab, mostly Armenian-populated town in northwestern Syria, administratively part of the Latakia Governorate, and expressed that those attacks brought back his genocide memories. 

“Kessab was the only place Armenians had a village life outside Turkey after 1915. An extremely peaceful society was living there. Radical Islamic attacker groups coming through Turkey’s borders brought back my genocide memories.” 

Professor Demoyan is the government council secretary in charge of organizing Armenian Genocide’s 100th anniversary events. The council will host many events, conferences and exhibitions in various countries including Turkey. (EA/ENÜ/BM)

* This trip has been realized with Turkey - Armenia Trip Fund, a EU-supported projected coordinated by Hrant Dink Foundation and Civilitas Foundation.

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.