Turkish activist preparing for visit to Yerevan in April, says wide masses of Turkish society are unaware of Armenian Genocide due to Turkey’s denial

YEREVAN, 2 FEBRUARY, ARMENPRESS. To confront the Armenian Genocide means to deny the more than 90-year old “myth”, that is, the Republic of Turkey. This is what active member of the “Saying No to Racism and Discrimination” (DurDe) organization Levent Şensever mentioned in an interview with “Armenpress”, adding that his organization will also be participating in the Armenian Genocide Commemoration ceremonies to be held in Yerevan on April 24.

“Armenpress”: Although Turkey continues to deny the Armenian Genocide ahead of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, more and more Turks are confronting their past year after year. What do you think is the reason for this paradox?

Levent Şensever: The wide masses of Turkish society are unaware of the Armenian Genocide due to the denial that has been a state policy for the past 100 years. The issue was first discussed during a public conference in 2005. After that, Hrant Dink was killed in 2007. The tens of thousands of people having joined the funeral procession for Hrant Dink weren’t content with just condemning the crime. They also showed that they’re ready to confront the history that has not been discussed, has been kept confidential and has been denied systematically for 90 plus years.

After that, the process gained momentum. In 2009, Turks launched the “I Apologize to My Armenian Brothers” petition. In 2010, 95 years after the Armenian Genocide, the non-Armenian citizens of Turkey organized an Armenian Genocide Commemoration ceremony. The process has gained even more momentum over the past years due to not only the civil society’s efforts, but also the numerous seminars, exhibitions, conferences and similar events, as well as the books devoted to the issue. However, the most important thing was the establishment of dialogue between Turkish civil society and leading Diaspora Armenian intellectuals, artists and activists. These efforts had an impact on the masses of Turkish society and the ruling party.

“Armenpress”: Why do you think the Turkish government is denying the Armenian Genocide? Is the government ashamed of apologizing? Is it afraid of reparations? Are there other reasons?

L. S.: Throughout the history of the Republic of Turkey, all political forces have continued the policy of denial. The Republic of Turkey was established through the nationalization that emerged from the myth of the Genocide and of the “enemy” invented to legitimize that Genocide. The Genocide became a reason to seize the properties of non-Muslim minorities and ensured the capital that was required for the establishment of the nation. This means to confront the Armenian Genocide means to confront the myth of the “heroic” and “great” Turkish state. Turkey’s ruling forces aren’t ready for that yet. Nevertheless, I believe the “Justice and Development” Party will take action to recognize the Armenian Genocide and apologize. If it doesn’t happen this year, it will happen soon. I think the most disputed issue will be reparations.

“Armenpress”: What do you have to say about the Turkish government’s decision to celebrate the 100thanniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli on April 24th?

L. S.: I believe the government’s decision to organize two different events devoted to the Battle of Gallipoli is a very cheap attempt at denial. As we know, the events dedicated to the Battle of Gallipoli have always been held on March 18th. The ground warfare began on April 25th, meaning if there is going to be a second commemoration ceremony, it shouldn’t be held on April 24th, but April 25th. Therefore, it becomes clear that this second commemoration ceremony is a clever, diplomatic step to change the agenda and continue the policy of denial. The government doesn’t notice that this is a sign of disrespect to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

“Armenpress”: As a human rights activist in Turkey and a person who courageously expresses his views on the Armenian Genocide, will you be visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex in Armenia on April 24th?

L. S.: As the “DurDe” Organization, we visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex in Yerevan and laid a wreath there as part of the joint program of the European Grassroots Antiracist Movement (EGAM) and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in 2014. After that, we had a meeting with representatives of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.

We’re working on making sure the Armenian Genocide Commemoration ceremonies in Istanbul this year are bigger than the ceremonies held last year. Many Diaspora Armenians will be visiting Istanbul to participate in the Armenian Genocide Commemoration ceremony.

However, another delegation of “DurDe” will also be participating in the Armenian Genocide Commemoration ceremony to be held in Yerevan on April 24th. In addition, a group of activists of EGAM, AGBU and “DurDe”, including me, will pay a three-day visit to Yerevan on April 25th. During the programs to be held in Yerevan, we will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, will meet with Armenian political and non-governmental organizations and will give a press conference.

Interview by Arax Kasyan