'Apricot' festivals stir debate between Turkey and Armenia"
Thursday, August 26, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
A larger crisis over fruit and film awards appears to have been avoided after it was revealed that sections of the Turkish press gave the incorrect name of a Malatya film festival, suggesting it shared the same name as a more-established Yerevan movie event.
“Our festival’s name is ‘The Malatya International Film Festival,’ and only the name of the prize we award is the “Golden Apricot.’” Malatya Gov. Ulvi Saran told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, in explaining the apparent confusion.
A mainstream Turkish newspaper had earlier called the event the “Golden Apricot International Film Festival,” causing repercussions in the Armenian press since there is a festival of the same name in Yerevan that has been held for seven years every July.
Explaining the choice of name, Saran said, “We named the prize “Golden Apricot” with reference to the delicious apricots that grow in our [eastern Turkish] province.”
Suzanna Harutyunyan, the artistic director of the International Golden Apricot Film Festival in Armenia, told the Daily News in a phone interview that they had not contacted the Malatya governor’s office, but rather learned of the story from the Turkish press.
Harutyunyan said they had sent a press statement to festival and nongovernmental organizations in Turkey with whom they are in contact.
“We are very sorry about these developments,” Harutyunyan added.
Responding to Saran’s statements to the Daily News, Harutyunyan said the story in the Turkish media might be speculative, but in this case it should be announced that the newspaper released an inaccurate story.
“We do not want to have any problems. The reactions in Armenia are increasing,” said Harutyunyan, adding that they did not yet plan to file a lawsuit in the case.
“We said if they use the name of our festival then we will use our legal rights. Because the name ‘Golden Apricot’ is a registered trademark,” Harutyunyan said.
Saran told the Daily News in a previous interview that there was no obstacle between the two cities cooperating, noting that Yerevan and Malatya, on cultural issues, are often quite similar.
Asked whether the two festivals might make a bridge between the two cities, Saran said in an interview that took place a few weeks ago, “Art is not a sphere to develop depending only on a geographical area. It is very important for the cities to carry their experiences into the world’s agenda by sharing their historical and cultural heritages.”
26 Ağustos 2010 Perşembe
25 Ağustos 2010 Çarşamba
NEWS: Istanbul Gasparyan-Bingöl concert a no go, culture agency
NATIONAL Wednesday, August 25 2010 11:23 GMT+2
Your time is 11:24:40
Istanbul Gasparyan-Bingöl concert a no go, culture agency
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
A scheduled joint performance between Turkish folk singer Yavuz Bingöl and world-famous Armenian duduk virtuoso Djivan Gasparyan will not happen in Istanbul on Sept. 1, despite previously successful concerts with the pair in 2007 and 2008. Gasparyan says the show was canceled while the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency says the concert never received approval
'Performing together with Turkish artists has a special meaning for me,' says Gasparyan. 'We produce a universal language for ourselves with the notes.'
An Istanbul concert planned for Sept. 1 with Turkish folk singer Yavuz Bingöl and world-famous Armenian musician Djivan Gasparyan will no longer occur, disappointing the latter after the pair’s extremely popular dates in 2007 and 2008.
“It had been settled on the matter of the concert happening on Sept. 1,” said Gasparyan, a master on the duduk, an instrument related to the oboe. “A decision was made on the cancellation of the concert but no explanation has been made to me yet. I am very sorry to hear of these developments.”
The Gasparyan-Bingöl concert was scheduled for March 6 as part of the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture activities but the wife of a member of Gasparyan’s band was being treated for cancer and was admitted to intensive care just days before the show. Gasparyan told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review that he chose to cancel the show, but the 2010 Agency intervened and the parties instead decided to postpone the concert until Sept. 1, which is celebrated as World Peace Day in Turkey and northern Cyprus.
Now, however, there are conflicting reasons as to why the Sept. 1 date will no longer go ahead.
Although Gasparyan has expressed his sadness at the show’s cancellation, an official at the 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency, which was organizing the concert, said the show had not actually been canceled since the date had never received approval even though a contract had been signed.
“We had put the concert on our agenda for March 6 but Gasparyan decided to cancel it for private reasons,” said the official, who preferred to remain anonymous.
“Each one of my band members are like my children. I could not leave them on their own during those hard times. That would not be worthy of me,” said Gasparyan when asked about the March 6 date.
“A contract might have been signed, but not every signed [contract] means the project is approved. It should pass from the acting board and get budget approval first. The concert being canceled is not an accurate representation of the truth because the agency did not even announce the concert,” the official said.
When asked whether the tense relations between the two countries might have affected the concert’s outcome or not, Gasparyan said: “I hope that is not the actual reason behind the cancellation. That would hurt me deeply. I support the two countries establishing dialogue with all my heart.”
Gasparyan and Bingöl previously shared a stage in 2007 and 2008, also on Sept. 1, calling on Turkish and Armenian people to find peace through those performances. Both shows took place in Istanbul and attracted great attention.
The Daily News attempted to reach Bingöl for comment on the issue, but his manager said the singer was unavailable due to tour commitments.
“Performing together with Turkish artists has a special meaning for me,” said Gasparyan. “Maybe we do not speak a common language but through music, we produce a universal language for ourselves with the notes.”
Gasparyan, 83, has roots in the eastern province of Muş. He was awarded with the title of “People’s Artist” in the Soviet Republic of Armenia in 1973 and has also received four gold medals from UNESCO due to his contributions to world culture.
The musician has shared the stage with renowned musicians such as Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel and Lionel Ritchie. At the same time, he has prepared the soundtracks for 39 Hollywood movies and is the winner of a WOMEX award for contributions to world music.
Furthermore, Gasparyan was one of the closest witnesses to the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement begun in 2008 through “football diplomacy” – the World Cup qualifying matches played between the two countries’ national teams – performing a special concert in honor of Turkish President Abdullah Gül when he visited Yerevan in September 2008. After the show, Gül presented a special plaque to Gasparyan.
Your time is 11:24:40
Istanbul Gasparyan-Bingöl concert a no go, culture agency
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
A scheduled joint performance between Turkish folk singer Yavuz Bingöl and world-famous Armenian duduk virtuoso Djivan Gasparyan will not happen in Istanbul on Sept. 1, despite previously successful concerts with the pair in 2007 and 2008. Gasparyan says the show was canceled while the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency says the concert never received approval
'Performing together with Turkish artists has a special meaning for me,' says Gasparyan. 'We produce a universal language for ourselves with the notes.'
An Istanbul concert planned for Sept. 1 with Turkish folk singer Yavuz Bingöl and world-famous Armenian musician Djivan Gasparyan will no longer occur, disappointing the latter after the pair’s extremely popular dates in 2007 and 2008.
“It had been settled on the matter of the concert happening on Sept. 1,” said Gasparyan, a master on the duduk, an instrument related to the oboe. “A decision was made on the cancellation of the concert but no explanation has been made to me yet. I am very sorry to hear of these developments.”
The Gasparyan-Bingöl concert was scheduled for March 6 as part of the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture activities but the wife of a member of Gasparyan’s band was being treated for cancer and was admitted to intensive care just days before the show. Gasparyan told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review that he chose to cancel the show, but the 2010 Agency intervened and the parties instead decided to postpone the concert until Sept. 1, which is celebrated as World Peace Day in Turkey and northern Cyprus.
Now, however, there are conflicting reasons as to why the Sept. 1 date will no longer go ahead.
Although Gasparyan has expressed his sadness at the show’s cancellation, an official at the 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency, which was organizing the concert, said the show had not actually been canceled since the date had never received approval even though a contract had been signed.
“We had put the concert on our agenda for March 6 but Gasparyan decided to cancel it for private reasons,” said the official, who preferred to remain anonymous.
“Each one of my band members are like my children. I could not leave them on their own during those hard times. That would not be worthy of me,” said Gasparyan when asked about the March 6 date.
“A contract might have been signed, but not every signed [contract] means the project is approved. It should pass from the acting board and get budget approval first. The concert being canceled is not an accurate representation of the truth because the agency did not even announce the concert,” the official said.
When asked whether the tense relations between the two countries might have affected the concert’s outcome or not, Gasparyan said: “I hope that is not the actual reason behind the cancellation. That would hurt me deeply. I support the two countries establishing dialogue with all my heart.”
Gasparyan and Bingöl previously shared a stage in 2007 and 2008, also on Sept. 1, calling on Turkish and Armenian people to find peace through those performances. Both shows took place in Istanbul and attracted great attention.
The Daily News attempted to reach Bingöl for comment on the issue, but his manager said the singer was unavailable due to tour commitments.
“Performing together with Turkish artists has a special meaning for me,” said Gasparyan. “Maybe we do not speak a common language but through music, we produce a universal language for ourselves with the notes.”
Gasparyan, 83, has roots in the eastern province of Muş. He was awarded with the title of “People’s Artist” in the Soviet Republic of Armenia in 1973 and has also received four gold medals from UNESCO due to his contributions to world culture.
The musician has shared the stage with renowned musicians such as Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel and Lionel Ritchie. At the same time, he has prepared the soundtracks for 39 Hollywood movies and is the winner of a WOMEX award for contributions to world music.
Furthermore, Gasparyan was one of the closest witnesses to the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement begun in 2008 through “football diplomacy” – the World Cup qualifying matches played between the two countries’ national teams – performing a special concert in honor of Turkish President Abdullah Gül when he visited Yerevan in September 2008. After the show, Gül presented a special plaque to Gasparyan.
23 Ağustos 2010 Pazartesi
NEWS: Piano virtuoso from diaspora to perform at eastern Turkish liturgy
Piano virtuoso from diaspora to perform at eastern Turkish liturgy
Monday, August 23, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
As a result of efforts of the United State Embassy and Van Governor’s Office, Armenian-American piano virtuoso Şahan Arzruni has been invited to Turkey for the religious ceremony that will take place on Akdamar Island on Sept. 19. The artist is very pleased with the gesture, saying communication between Turks and Armenians is of great importance
Piano virtuoso Şahan Arzruni
With anticipation growing for next month’s special liturgy on Akdamar Island, one of the Armenian diaspora’s most accomplished piano virtuosos, Şahan Arzruni, has announced that he will also perform at Surp Haç Church on Sept. 19.
“My long-time desire is about to come true. The Turkish Consulate General in New York, with the cooperation of the Van Governor’s Office, the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized and put together a full-length concert in a most satisfying way,” Arzruni told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, detailing those responsible for bringing him to the eastern province of Van for the liturgy. “I am very pleased indeed.”
Arzruni’s attendance at the religious ceremony also has a symbolic significance. The artist, an Istanbul-born Armenian-American ethnomusicologist, has roots that go back to the pre-modern Vaspurakan Kingdom, established by Gagik Artsruni in the area.
The most striking work of the concert is likely to be “Akhtamar,” by Arzruni’s aunt, master composer Sirvart Karamanukyan, who died in Istanbul last year.
When asked if the current problems between the two peoples could be overcome and a dialogue could be established, Arzruni said: “Communication is perhaps the only means to understanding each other’s aspirations, desires, intentions, thoughts and sentiments. Sometimes a simple smile is enough to communicate a host of feelings. Whatever the case, I am sure the people who will come to visit Akdamar Island on that historic weekend will be met with open arms by the residents of Van.”
‘Istanbul is my second home’
Like many artists from the diaspora whose roots go back to Anatolia, Arzruni has given concerts in Istanbul many times but they were only limited to the participation of the Armenian public because they were not generally promoted.
“I visit Istanbul several times a year, so it is like a second home for me,” the pianist said, noting his affection for the city of his birth. “I am equally at home both in New York and Istanbul. I have my social milieu in both cities. I engage in various cultural and community activities in both places. To tell you the truth, whichever city I am in, that is home. It is like asking which composer you like the most: The composer whose work I am listening to or playing at the moment, of course. Otherwise why would I play or listen to it?”
Arzruni also said he was very excited about the religious ceremony in Van, adding that he had wanted to come to Van for the ceremony that was held after the restoration in 2007 but had not been able to do so.
“I had written to the relevant authorities in Ankara, requesting to participate in the opening ceremonies and to present a short concert on the site,” he said. “For some reason, this did not occur.”
Common works to be performed
Arzruni’s concert on Sept. 19 will bring together Turkish and Armenian artists, with young and successful viola artist Sevil Ulucan and Istanbul State Opera and Ballet soloist Kevork Tavityan accompanying Arzruni at the concert. The artists will perform works from Turkish classical music composers Adnan Saygun and Yüksel Koptagel and Armenian ethnomusicologist-composer Gomidas, as well as many other Turkish and Armenian composers.
Arzruni said he deeply believed that Tavityan and Ulucan would stage a magnificent performance. “It's going to be a special evening.”
Preferring to eschew questions of politics, Arzrunin did not reply to a question about the current situation of Turkish and Armenian relations, saying he was an artist and that politics did not concern him. “I am a person of few words. I act rather than speak.”
Monday, August 23, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
As a result of efforts of the United State Embassy and Van Governor’s Office, Armenian-American piano virtuoso Şahan Arzruni has been invited to Turkey for the religious ceremony that will take place on Akdamar Island on Sept. 19. The artist is very pleased with the gesture, saying communication between Turks and Armenians is of great importance
Piano virtuoso Şahan Arzruni
With anticipation growing for next month’s special liturgy on Akdamar Island, one of the Armenian diaspora’s most accomplished piano virtuosos, Şahan Arzruni, has announced that he will also perform at Surp Haç Church on Sept. 19.
“My long-time desire is about to come true. The Turkish Consulate General in New York, with the cooperation of the Van Governor’s Office, the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized and put together a full-length concert in a most satisfying way,” Arzruni told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, detailing those responsible for bringing him to the eastern province of Van for the liturgy. “I am very pleased indeed.”
Arzruni’s attendance at the religious ceremony also has a symbolic significance. The artist, an Istanbul-born Armenian-American ethnomusicologist, has roots that go back to the pre-modern Vaspurakan Kingdom, established by Gagik Artsruni in the area.
The most striking work of the concert is likely to be “Akhtamar,” by Arzruni’s aunt, master composer Sirvart Karamanukyan, who died in Istanbul last year.
When asked if the current problems between the two peoples could be overcome and a dialogue could be established, Arzruni said: “Communication is perhaps the only means to understanding each other’s aspirations, desires, intentions, thoughts and sentiments. Sometimes a simple smile is enough to communicate a host of feelings. Whatever the case, I am sure the people who will come to visit Akdamar Island on that historic weekend will be met with open arms by the residents of Van.”
‘Istanbul is my second home’
Like many artists from the diaspora whose roots go back to Anatolia, Arzruni has given concerts in Istanbul many times but they were only limited to the participation of the Armenian public because they were not generally promoted.
“I visit Istanbul several times a year, so it is like a second home for me,” the pianist said, noting his affection for the city of his birth. “I am equally at home both in New York and Istanbul. I have my social milieu in both cities. I engage in various cultural and community activities in both places. To tell you the truth, whichever city I am in, that is home. It is like asking which composer you like the most: The composer whose work I am listening to or playing at the moment, of course. Otherwise why would I play or listen to it?”
Arzruni also said he was very excited about the religious ceremony in Van, adding that he had wanted to come to Van for the ceremony that was held after the restoration in 2007 but had not been able to do so.
“I had written to the relevant authorities in Ankara, requesting to participate in the opening ceremonies and to present a short concert on the site,” he said. “For some reason, this did not occur.”
Common works to be performed
Arzruni’s concert on Sept. 19 will bring together Turkish and Armenian artists, with young and successful viola artist Sevil Ulucan and Istanbul State Opera and Ballet soloist Kevork Tavityan accompanying Arzruni at the concert. The artists will perform works from Turkish classical music composers Adnan Saygun and Yüksel Koptagel and Armenian ethnomusicologist-composer Gomidas, as well as many other Turkish and Armenian composers.
Arzruni said he deeply believed that Tavityan and Ulucan would stage a magnificent performance. “It's going to be a special evening.”
Preferring to eschew questions of politics, Arzrunin did not reply to a question about the current situation of Turkish and Armenian relations, saying he was an artist and that politics did not concern him. “I am a person of few words. I act rather than speak.”
22 Ağustos 2010 Pazar
NEWS: Historian Ara Sarafian to attend church ceremony in Turkey's Van
Historian Ara Sarafian to attend church ceremony in Turkey's Van
Saturday, August 21, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Ara Sarafian, a historian of Armenian origin, plans to attend the ceremony to be held at Surp Haç church in Van in September. Sarafian says he finds the decision to allow the ceremony positive, unlike much of the Armenian diaspora. ‘Most Turks and Armenians are good people. If they are given the chance, they can resolve their differences. We have that chance now and should not lose it’
With the eastern province of Van preparing to host visitors in September for a ceremony at the historical Surp Haç Church on Akdamar Island, a historian has called on people on both sides to maintain sensible perspectives.
Visitors from both Armenia and the Armenian diaspora are expected to attend to ceremony and historian Ara Sarafian, director of the Gomidas Institute in London, plans to be among them.
"Most Turks and Armenians are good people. If they are given the chance, they can resolve their differences. We have that chance now and should not lose it," Sarafian told Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review. He said Turkey took an important step by granting permission for the ceremony. "Who would have believed 10 years ago that Surp Haç Church would be renovated and a church service held there?"
Playing games and insulting Armenians
According to the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul and the Van Governor’s Office, 50,000 people are expected to visit Van for the ceremony. Hotel rooms in the province were booked months ago according to the Van Governor’s Office. Sarafian said he is doubtful of that number. "I hope 50,000 Armenians will come to the ceremony, but I am skeptical. I do not know of anyone in the diaspora who has been invited, so I am more cautious."
The act of opening Surp Haç to worship was discussed thoroughly on the domestic and international agenda. Objections were made both from Turkey and the Armenian diaspora. "Some Armenians insisted that the opening ceremony should be boycotted because Surp Haç was made into a museum and does not bear a cross on its dome," said Sarafian. "They said Prime Minister [Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan was playing games and insulting Armenians."
AKP’s decision is strategic
"Some people are complaining that the Armenian religious ceremony will be just once a year," said Sarafian. "I do not think this is a real problem. I am sure the matter will be re-examined. We should not make the problem appear bigger than it is."
Sarafian said he finds the decision of the Justice and Development Party, or AKP, appropriate despite the objections from Turkey and the diaspora. "Some Turkish groups opposed the placement of a cross and demonstrated against the opening ceremonies. They said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was 'soft' on the Armenian issue. But Erdoğan has made a correct, strategic decision."
The historical church was renovated in 2007 by the efforts of Atilla Koç, culture and tourism minister at the time. The church was opened after being renovated into a museum and a cross was not placed on the dome. The lack of a cross became the point of a debate of its own for some time. “The cross issue was made into a problem and became a political football. Some people used it for different purposes," said Sarafian. "So was the issue of turning Surp Hac into a museum and not a church. The people who raised these 'problems' either had bad intentions or were simply emotional and not thinking. There was no serious discussion," Sarafian said.
‘Put cards on the table’
Sarafian said he has seen a photograph of the church from the early 20th century without a cross. "I once pointed out that the church didn’t have a cross at the turn of the 20th century and was criticized for it. However, what I said was true and included a photograph. The point I was making was that we needed to put all the cards on the table and discuss them openly.”
Sarafian said it was very important that the church was renovated and standing tall despite all objections. "Perhaps the church will have a cross on it one day. It may even be turned into a church or a monastery as a symbolic gesture from the Turkish government. However, if it is not turned into a church, that is not the end of the world and we should not read anything negative into it. The restoration and maintenance of the church is itself already a significant step and we need to maintain a sensible perspective."
Saturday, August 21, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Ara Sarafian, a historian of Armenian origin, plans to attend the ceremony to be held at Surp Haç church in Van in September. Sarafian says he finds the decision to allow the ceremony positive, unlike much of the Armenian diaspora. ‘Most Turks and Armenians are good people. If they are given the chance, they can resolve their differences. We have that chance now and should not lose it’
With the eastern province of Van preparing to host visitors in September for a ceremony at the historical Surp Haç Church on Akdamar Island, a historian has called on people on both sides to maintain sensible perspectives.
Visitors from both Armenia and the Armenian diaspora are expected to attend to ceremony and historian Ara Sarafian, director of the Gomidas Institute in London, plans to be among them.
"Most Turks and Armenians are good people. If they are given the chance, they can resolve their differences. We have that chance now and should not lose it," Sarafian told Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review. He said Turkey took an important step by granting permission for the ceremony. "Who would have believed 10 years ago that Surp Haç Church would be renovated and a church service held there?"
Playing games and insulting Armenians
According to the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul and the Van Governor’s Office, 50,000 people are expected to visit Van for the ceremony. Hotel rooms in the province were booked months ago according to the Van Governor’s Office. Sarafian said he is doubtful of that number. "I hope 50,000 Armenians will come to the ceremony, but I am skeptical. I do not know of anyone in the diaspora who has been invited, so I am more cautious."
The act of opening Surp Haç to worship was discussed thoroughly on the domestic and international agenda. Objections were made both from Turkey and the Armenian diaspora. "Some Armenians insisted that the opening ceremony should be boycotted because Surp Haç was made into a museum and does not bear a cross on its dome," said Sarafian. "They said Prime Minister [Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan was playing games and insulting Armenians."
AKP’s decision is strategic
"Some people are complaining that the Armenian religious ceremony will be just once a year," said Sarafian. "I do not think this is a real problem. I am sure the matter will be re-examined. We should not make the problem appear bigger than it is."
Sarafian said he finds the decision of the Justice and Development Party, or AKP, appropriate despite the objections from Turkey and the diaspora. "Some Turkish groups opposed the placement of a cross and demonstrated against the opening ceremonies. They said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was 'soft' on the Armenian issue. But Erdoğan has made a correct, strategic decision."
The historical church was renovated in 2007 by the efforts of Atilla Koç, culture and tourism minister at the time. The church was opened after being renovated into a museum and a cross was not placed on the dome. The lack of a cross became the point of a debate of its own for some time. “The cross issue was made into a problem and became a political football. Some people used it for different purposes," said Sarafian. "So was the issue of turning Surp Hac into a museum and not a church. The people who raised these 'problems' either had bad intentions or were simply emotional and not thinking. There was no serious discussion," Sarafian said.
‘Put cards on the table’
Sarafian said he has seen a photograph of the church from the early 20th century without a cross. "I once pointed out that the church didn’t have a cross at the turn of the 20th century and was criticized for it. However, what I said was true and included a photograph. The point I was making was that we needed to put all the cards on the table and discuss them openly.”
Sarafian said it was very important that the church was renovated and standing tall despite all objections. "Perhaps the church will have a cross on it one day. It may even be turned into a church or a monastery as a symbolic gesture from the Turkish government. However, if it is not turned into a church, that is not the end of the world and we should not read anything negative into it. The restoration and maintenance of the church is itself already a significant step and we need to maintain a sensible perspective."
21 Ağustos 2010 Cumartesi
NEWS: Proletariat palace on Istanbul island on offer for 5 million euros
Proletariat palace on Istanbul island on offer for 5 million euros
Friday, August 20, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
After being deported from the Soviet Union, Trotsky lived in Turkey for four years, spending time in the Moda neighborhood on the Anatolian side before moving to Büyükada.
The pending sale of the Istanbul home where Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky spent part of his time in exile has drawn criticism from prominent historians, who say the building should be turned into a museum instead.
The Istanbul Adalar Municipality says it does not have the funds to buy the waterside residence, which has a sale price of 5 million euros.
“A figure who helped shape the politics of the 20th century sought refuge in and spent part of his life in Turkey. It would add to the value of our city to restore the house where such an important personality spent time and turn it into a museum,” Professor Afife Batur, an expert on historical architecture at Istanbul Technical University, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.
“It is a big shame that the building has not been restored,” Batur said, adding that the house on Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands off Istanbul’s coast, would probably only survive for another 10 years if left in its current state.
Trotsky was expelled from the Communist Party and deported from the Soviet Union in the 1920s after leading a failed struggle against the policies and rise of Joseph Stalin. His first stop in exile was Turkey, where he lived for four years, spending time in the Moda neighborhood on Istanbul’s Anatolian side before moving to Büyükada.
The house where he stayed on the island survived a fire in the 1930s and was never restored, though it had many subsequent owners. Only the walls now remain of the red-brick building set on a wooded property comprising 3,500 square meters.
Municipality lacks budget to buy the house
The Island Foundation has previously tried to turn the house into a museum but was unable to get the necessary funding. Its efforts to secure financial support from institutions run by Trotskyists also failed. “They first showed interest but then gave up,” said Halim Bulutoğlu, the director of the foundation. He added that the group hoped the new owners who bought the building for $2.5 million in 2002 would restore the structure. But once again, Bulutoğlu said, “the building was left to its fate.”
Mustafa Farsakoğlu, the mayor of Adalar Municipality, told the Daily News that the municipality does not have the budget to buy such a building, or the resources to monitor all 6,150 houses registered as historic structures. He added that the Trotsky house belongs to a private person and the government cannot interfere with the sale.
Already losing their cosmopolitan nature, the Princes’ Islands are now losing their cultural values one by one, said Bulutoğlu, who is also the secretary-general of the History Foundation. “The Greeks and the Armenians are not here any longer; they left, they migrated. We cannot take ownership of our people, nature or culture.”
Prominent historian İlber Ortaylı, who is also the director of Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace, wrote in an article published in daily Milliyet that it would be much better if the Trotsky house was turned into a museum, both for preserving history and boosting tourism. “Will our elites that see ownership of historic houses and waterside mansions as a sign of prestige show interest in this house?” he asked. “We’ll see what will happen. But it would be much better if the house was turned into a museum, like those in Belgium and Mexico.”
Trotsky left Turkey in 1933 for France. He was murdered in Mexico in August 1940.
Friday, August 20, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
After being deported from the Soviet Union, Trotsky lived in Turkey for four years, spending time in the Moda neighborhood on the Anatolian side before moving to Büyükada.
The pending sale of the Istanbul home where Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky spent part of his time in exile has drawn criticism from prominent historians, who say the building should be turned into a museum instead.
The Istanbul Adalar Municipality says it does not have the funds to buy the waterside residence, which has a sale price of 5 million euros.
“A figure who helped shape the politics of the 20th century sought refuge in and spent part of his life in Turkey. It would add to the value of our city to restore the house where such an important personality spent time and turn it into a museum,” Professor Afife Batur, an expert on historical architecture at Istanbul Technical University, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.
“It is a big shame that the building has not been restored,” Batur said, adding that the house on Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands off Istanbul’s coast, would probably only survive for another 10 years if left in its current state.
Trotsky was expelled from the Communist Party and deported from the Soviet Union in the 1920s after leading a failed struggle against the policies and rise of Joseph Stalin. His first stop in exile was Turkey, where he lived for four years, spending time in the Moda neighborhood on Istanbul’s Anatolian side before moving to Büyükada.
The house where he stayed on the island survived a fire in the 1930s and was never restored, though it had many subsequent owners. Only the walls now remain of the red-brick building set on a wooded property comprising 3,500 square meters.
Municipality lacks budget to buy the house
The Island Foundation has previously tried to turn the house into a museum but was unable to get the necessary funding. Its efforts to secure financial support from institutions run by Trotskyists also failed. “They first showed interest but then gave up,” said Halim Bulutoğlu, the director of the foundation. He added that the group hoped the new owners who bought the building for $2.5 million in 2002 would restore the structure. But once again, Bulutoğlu said, “the building was left to its fate.”
Mustafa Farsakoğlu, the mayor of Adalar Municipality, told the Daily News that the municipality does not have the budget to buy such a building, or the resources to monitor all 6,150 houses registered as historic structures. He added that the Trotsky house belongs to a private person and the government cannot interfere with the sale.
Already losing their cosmopolitan nature, the Princes’ Islands are now losing their cultural values one by one, said Bulutoğlu, who is also the secretary-general of the History Foundation. “The Greeks and the Armenians are not here any longer; they left, they migrated. We cannot take ownership of our people, nature or culture.”
Prominent historian İlber Ortaylı, who is also the director of Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace, wrote in an article published in daily Milliyet that it would be much better if the Trotsky house was turned into a museum, both for preserving history and boosting tourism. “Will our elites that see ownership of historic houses and waterside mansions as a sign of prestige show interest in this house?” he asked. “We’ll see what will happen. But it would be much better if the house was turned into a museum, like those in Belgium and Mexico.”
Trotsky left Turkey in 1933 for France. He was murdered in Mexico in August 1940.
19 Ağustos 2010 Perşembe
NEWS: Nişanyan Houses in Turkish holiday town to be demolished
Nişanyan Houses in Turkish holiday town to be demolished
Thursday, August 19, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Already facing a prison sentence due to 16 different cases filed against him, author Sevan Nişanyan is now facing a demolition order on a hotel he owns in the village of Şirince in İzmir.
Nişanyan, who is also a linguist and academic, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review that he would resist the demolition order for his Nişanyan Houses Hotel by every possible avenue.
“Those buildings are my children, each of them have my endless labor, creativity, sincerity and most importantly, sacrifice in them,” said Nişanyan. “What would you do if someone came with a bulldozer and killed your 16 children because of ideological prejudice and your identity? I will not limit myself to only protesting, let no one doubt this.”
The hotel owner said he would continue to operate the houses he has built with his own hands despite all the pressure. “Neither the threats I receive nor can the ideological pressure intimidate me. I will never, never give up on these houses. I do not intend to move anywhere else, either. They’ll need to kill me in order to make me give up on these houses.”
‘I have struggled for 20 years’
Nişanyan entered the tourism business in the early 2000s by restoring historic the Greek houses of Şirince, but a demolition order was issued for them as soon as the buildings were opened for service as a boutique hotel.
“That order was not carried out in those years,” said Nişanyan, who said he built 12 more houses in 2005 and 2006 in addition to the original historic buildings.
The new houses were built from mud bricks and stone in harmony with the 2,000-year-old tradition of the Aegean, Nişanyan said, adding that they were original enough to stand as examples of this method.
Sixteen different legal cases were filed against him in the months that followed the construction of the houses he said.
“The process regarding the demolition order was accelerated after my columns on the Turkish Armed Forces and [modern Turkish founder Mustafa Kemal] Atatürk in a newspaper,” he said.
“Şirince was a slowly dying agricultural village 20 years ago. I have transformed it to a center of attraction by my own means,” he said.
Two lawsuits on ‘zoning pollution’
Nişanyan has worked on the project of a “Mathematics Village” in Şirince in recent years in cooperation with Ali Nesin, the son of internationally known Turkish writer Aziz Nesin.
A legal case was also filed against Nişanyan and Nesin regarding the project, but the demolition order could not be executed due to pressure from public opinion and the village is now offering advanced mathematics education to 120 students.
“During this process I have experienced only hostility, doubt and hindrance from the authorities,” he said.
Nişanyan said his houses had been padlocked numerous times and that he had received countless threats.
“More than 100 cases were filed against me and demolition orders were issued for all the buildings I have built, including the henhouses,” Nişanyan said, counting the cases against him as seven for unsanctioned construction, two for zoning pollution and eight for padlock-breaking cases.
“The sentences [demanded] for all of them are at the upper limit and the total sentence could be 10 years [in prison]. An arrest order may be issued against me at any time, but I am not afraid,” he said.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Already facing a prison sentence due to 16 different cases filed against him, author Sevan Nişanyan is now facing a demolition order on a hotel he owns in the village of Şirince in İzmir.
Nişanyan, who is also a linguist and academic, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review that he would resist the demolition order for his Nişanyan Houses Hotel by every possible avenue.
“Those buildings are my children, each of them have my endless labor, creativity, sincerity and most importantly, sacrifice in them,” said Nişanyan. “What would you do if someone came with a bulldozer and killed your 16 children because of ideological prejudice and your identity? I will not limit myself to only protesting, let no one doubt this.”
The hotel owner said he would continue to operate the houses he has built with his own hands despite all the pressure. “Neither the threats I receive nor can the ideological pressure intimidate me. I will never, never give up on these houses. I do not intend to move anywhere else, either. They’ll need to kill me in order to make me give up on these houses.”
‘I have struggled for 20 years’
Nişanyan entered the tourism business in the early 2000s by restoring historic the Greek houses of Şirince, but a demolition order was issued for them as soon as the buildings were opened for service as a boutique hotel.
“That order was not carried out in those years,” said Nişanyan, who said he built 12 more houses in 2005 and 2006 in addition to the original historic buildings.
The new houses were built from mud bricks and stone in harmony with the 2,000-year-old tradition of the Aegean, Nişanyan said, adding that they were original enough to stand as examples of this method.
Sixteen different legal cases were filed against him in the months that followed the construction of the houses he said.
“The process regarding the demolition order was accelerated after my columns on the Turkish Armed Forces and [modern Turkish founder Mustafa Kemal] Atatürk in a newspaper,” he said.
“Şirince was a slowly dying agricultural village 20 years ago. I have transformed it to a center of attraction by my own means,” he said.
Two lawsuits on ‘zoning pollution’
Nişanyan has worked on the project of a “Mathematics Village” in Şirince in recent years in cooperation with Ali Nesin, the son of internationally known Turkish writer Aziz Nesin.
A legal case was also filed against Nişanyan and Nesin regarding the project, but the demolition order could not be executed due to pressure from public opinion and the village is now offering advanced mathematics education to 120 students.
“During this process I have experienced only hostility, doubt and hindrance from the authorities,” he said.
Nişanyan said his houses had been padlocked numerous times and that he had received countless threats.
“More than 100 cases were filed against me and demolition orders were issued for all the buildings I have built, including the henhouses,” Nişanyan said, counting the cases against him as seven for unsanctioned construction, two for zoning pollution and eight for padlock-breaking cases.
“The sentences [demanded] for all of them are at the upper limit and the total sentence could be 10 years [in prison]. An arrest order may be issued against me at any time, but I am not afraid,” he said.
17 Ağustos 2010 Salı
Tour operators gearing up to take Armenians to Turkey
Tour operators gearing up to take Armenians to Turkey
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN – Hürriyet Daily News
Surp Haç church on Akdamar Island
Tourism operators serving diaspora Armenians, as well as members of the community in Armenia and Istanbul, are organizing special tours for those wishing to attend a special mass in September on Lake Van.
The sole operator to organize a tour to Van in Armenia, Ani Tour, is planning to take their customers to the eastern province of Van for the Sept. 19 service at Surp Haç church on Akdamar Island through Georgia due to the closed borders between Armenia and Turkey.
The company chose to organize the tours after seeing an increase in demand since early 2010, Ani Tour Assistant Manager Lusine Garabetyan recently told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.
The number of participants had already reached several hundred by July, he said.
Tour prices start from $395 and are offered as package programs. Garabetyan said since the land borders are closed it was impossible for the tour group to reach Turkey without first going through Georgia. “Therefore, the travel time will take almost a day.”
Istanbul Armenians to attend as well
Armenians from Istanbul will also travel to Van during the week after Sept. 12 via tours organized by Turkey’s Armenian Patriarchate. Armenians from Armenia, on the other hand, will set off Sept. 17 from Yerevan.
Armenians going to Van by bus will return following the same route on Sept. 22, Garabetyan said, adding that applications to join the tours were increasing every day and that they were experiencing a surge in demand.
Not all the Armenians hoping to join the service will visit Turkey on a tour as a small minority will make their own way to Van via Georgia, with their own car or by bus.
One of the prospective travelers, Levon Astoyan, said he hoped the mass would be the beginning of a new era for both Armenia and Turkey.
Thanks to permission granted by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the event on Akdamar Island will be the first mass at the church in almost 95 years.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN – Hürriyet Daily News
Surp Haç church on Akdamar Island
Tourism operators serving diaspora Armenians, as well as members of the community in Armenia and Istanbul, are organizing special tours for those wishing to attend a special mass in September on Lake Van.
The sole operator to organize a tour to Van in Armenia, Ani Tour, is planning to take their customers to the eastern province of Van for the Sept. 19 service at Surp Haç church on Akdamar Island through Georgia due to the closed borders between Armenia and Turkey.
The company chose to organize the tours after seeing an increase in demand since early 2010, Ani Tour Assistant Manager Lusine Garabetyan recently told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.
The number of participants had already reached several hundred by July, he said.
Tour prices start from $395 and are offered as package programs. Garabetyan said since the land borders are closed it was impossible for the tour group to reach Turkey without first going through Georgia. “Therefore, the travel time will take almost a day.”
Istanbul Armenians to attend as well
Armenians from Istanbul will also travel to Van during the week after Sept. 12 via tours organized by Turkey’s Armenian Patriarchate. Armenians from Armenia, on the other hand, will set off Sept. 17 from Yerevan.
Armenians going to Van by bus will return following the same route on Sept. 22, Garabetyan said, adding that applications to join the tours were increasing every day and that they were experiencing a surge in demand.
Not all the Armenians hoping to join the service will visit Turkey on a tour as a small minority will make their own way to Van via Georgia, with their own car or by bus.
One of the prospective travelers, Levon Astoyan, said he hoped the mass would be the beginning of a new era for both Armenia and Turkey.
Thanks to permission granted by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the event on Akdamar Island will be the first mass at the church in almost 95 years.
13 Ağustos 2010 Cuma
Kurds, Yezidis in Armenia and Turkey debate identity
Kurds, Yezidis in Armenia and Turkey debate identity
Friday, August 13, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN - Hürriyet Daily News
In a battle over political identity, Kurds and Yezidis in Armenia have become engaged in a discursive debate over the two groups’ relationship to each other. Some Kurds argue Yezidizm is a religion and that Yezidis are a branch of the Kurds; some Yezidis agree with this definition, but others claim they form a different nation. The chief editors of Kurdish and Yezidi newspapers in Armenia, as well as a Yezidi in Turkey evaluated the situation for the Daily News
In a debate over taxonomy largely rooted in identity politics between state and society, Kurds and Yezidis in Armenia are increasingly struggling over definitions of their communal boundaries.
There are many Kurds in the country where religious Yezidism is practiced and where Yezidis are a Kurdish people. While many Yezidis tolerate this situation, others do not, arguing the Yezidis constitute a people separate from the Kurds.
Complicating the debate, the Yezidi community in Turkey, which numbers about 400, define themselves as Kurds.
“If you ask me what my religion is, I would tell you that I am a Yezidi but I am Kurdish,” said Grişae Meme-Chatoian, chief editor of the Kurdish-language R'ya T'eze newspaper, which has been published in Yerevan since 1930.
Yezidism, moreover, is the oldest religious belief for Kurds, according the Meme-Chatoian, who added that the notion of separate Kurdish and Yezidi communities stemmed from USSR-era policies that sought to create a conflict between the two groups.
Yezidi is the most common term applied to the community in English, although members of the group refer to themselves as “Ezidi” in Kurdish since they believe Yezidi or “Yazidi” carries with it pejorative notions of devil-worship.
“Unlike the Kurds in Turkey, we are living in extremely comfortable conditions in Armenia,” he said. “Our only problem is the separation on the matter of Kurds and Yezidis. Armenian historians have a great responsibility in [discussing] this.”
‘Yezidis are separate people’
Kheder Hajoian, chief editor for the monthly Yezidixhana, which is published in a dialect of Kurdish used by Yezidis, disagreed with Meme-Chatoian, saying Yezidis constitute a separate people.
“The Kurds are trying to assimilate us. Yezidism is not a religion; it is a nation,” he said.
“The reason Kurds are making noise wherever they are is them wanting a country [for themselves] – that is the whole reason,” he said. “They want to make their population look larger that it is. They are trying to claim Yezidism because they do not have a history or culture, but it is a futile attempt.”
According to an Armenian population census from Feb. 21, 2001, the country is home to roughly 40,000 Yezidis and approximately 1,500 Kurds. Together, the two groups generally live in 25 villages or in the country’s major population centers.
‘Yezidis in Turkey perceive themselves as Kurds’
Journalist Eyüp Burç, a Yezidi from a large clan centered in a village in the Viranşehir district of the Southeast Anatolian province of Şanlıurfa, with members in Armenia as well, said he was following the debates in Armenia closely.
Agreeing with Meme-Chatoian, he blamed Armenia for the debate over communal boundaries.
“The concept of a Yezidi nation was brought forward to divide the Kurds. That is why a great conflict is being experienced,” he said.
Yezidism is among the oldest belief systems of the Kurds, he said, adding that most of the Kurds who believe Yezidism is a religion reside in Iraq, where a similar discussion over self-definitions of identity were also occurring in Mosul.
“Yezidis are considered Arab in population records. The basic goal here is to portray the population of the Kurds as being as low as possible,” Burç said.
‘I did not believe in the Kurdish initiative’
Meme-Chatoian said he is closely following the developments on Kurds in Turkey, but added that he never believed in the Kurdish initiative brought to the agenda last year by the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP. Moreover, he said, broadcasting by TRT Şeş, the state-owned Kurdish-language TV channel was insufficient.
Instead, many Kurds living in eastern Turkey listen to Kurdish radio coming from Armenia, Meme-Chatoian said.
Friday, August 13, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN - Hürriyet Daily News
In a battle over political identity, Kurds and Yezidis in Armenia have become engaged in a discursive debate over the two groups’ relationship to each other. Some Kurds argue Yezidizm is a religion and that Yezidis are a branch of the Kurds; some Yezidis agree with this definition, but others claim they form a different nation. The chief editors of Kurdish and Yezidi newspapers in Armenia, as well as a Yezidi in Turkey evaluated the situation for the Daily News
In a debate over taxonomy largely rooted in identity politics between state and society, Kurds and Yezidis in Armenia are increasingly struggling over definitions of their communal boundaries.
There are many Kurds in the country where religious Yezidism is practiced and where Yezidis are a Kurdish people. While many Yezidis tolerate this situation, others do not, arguing the Yezidis constitute a people separate from the Kurds.
Complicating the debate, the Yezidi community in Turkey, which numbers about 400, define themselves as Kurds.
“If you ask me what my religion is, I would tell you that I am a Yezidi but I am Kurdish,” said Grişae Meme-Chatoian, chief editor of the Kurdish-language R'ya T'eze newspaper, which has been published in Yerevan since 1930.
Yezidism, moreover, is the oldest religious belief for Kurds, according the Meme-Chatoian, who added that the notion of separate Kurdish and Yezidi communities stemmed from USSR-era policies that sought to create a conflict between the two groups.
Yezidi is the most common term applied to the community in English, although members of the group refer to themselves as “Ezidi” in Kurdish since they believe Yezidi or “Yazidi” carries with it pejorative notions of devil-worship.
“Unlike the Kurds in Turkey, we are living in extremely comfortable conditions in Armenia,” he said. “Our only problem is the separation on the matter of Kurds and Yezidis. Armenian historians have a great responsibility in [discussing] this.”
‘Yezidis are separate people’
Kheder Hajoian, chief editor for the monthly Yezidixhana, which is published in a dialect of Kurdish used by Yezidis, disagreed with Meme-Chatoian, saying Yezidis constitute a separate people.
“The Kurds are trying to assimilate us. Yezidism is not a religion; it is a nation,” he said.
“The reason Kurds are making noise wherever they are is them wanting a country [for themselves] – that is the whole reason,” he said. “They want to make their population look larger that it is. They are trying to claim Yezidism because they do not have a history or culture, but it is a futile attempt.”
According to an Armenian population census from Feb. 21, 2001, the country is home to roughly 40,000 Yezidis and approximately 1,500 Kurds. Together, the two groups generally live in 25 villages or in the country’s major population centers.
‘Yezidis in Turkey perceive themselves as Kurds’
Journalist Eyüp Burç, a Yezidi from a large clan centered in a village in the Viranşehir district of the Southeast Anatolian province of Şanlıurfa, with members in Armenia as well, said he was following the debates in Armenia closely.
Agreeing with Meme-Chatoian, he blamed Armenia for the debate over communal boundaries.
“The concept of a Yezidi nation was brought forward to divide the Kurds. That is why a great conflict is being experienced,” he said.
Yezidism is among the oldest belief systems of the Kurds, he said, adding that most of the Kurds who believe Yezidism is a religion reside in Iraq, where a similar discussion over self-definitions of identity were also occurring in Mosul.
“Yezidis are considered Arab in population records. The basic goal here is to portray the population of the Kurds as being as low as possible,” Burç said.
‘I did not believe in the Kurdish initiative’
Meme-Chatoian said he is closely following the developments on Kurds in Turkey, but added that he never believed in the Kurdish initiative brought to the agenda last year by the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP. Moreover, he said, broadcasting by TRT Şeş, the state-owned Kurdish-language TV channel was insufficient.
Instead, many Kurds living in eastern Turkey listen to Kurdish radio coming from Armenia, Meme-Chatoian said.
Armenian Church officials to attend service in SE Turkey
Armenian Church officials to attend service in SE Turkey
Thursday, August 12, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has officially been invited to a historic service in Van by the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul. The See welcomed the invitation and will send two clerics for the service on Sept. 19. Bishop Sebouh Chouldjian, a patriarchal candidate in Istanbul, was not invited, however
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Armenia-based spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has accepted an invitation from the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul to attend a special mass on Van’s Akdamar Island on Sept. 19.
The See will send at least two clerics to attend the service, in addition to the clerics who will attend along with Deputy Istanbul Patriarch and Archbishop Aram Ateşyan.
Speaking Thursday to the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, Bishop Sebouh Chouldjian, primate of the Church’s Diocese of Gougark in northern Armenia, confirmed there would be attendance from Etchmiadzin.
Bishop Margos Srpazan and Father Gomidas will attend on behalf of the See, according to Chouldjian, who is one of the most likely candidates to be the next Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul.
Chouldjian, however, said he could not understand why he was not invited despite being a patriarchal candidate.
“Etchmiadzin left the decision to me,” said Chouldjian, who can still attend if he chooses. “I will declare my decision to attend or not several days before the service, without expecting any protocol application from the Patriarchate if I do decide to attend on Sept. 19.”
Explaining why only two clerics were attending from the See, Chouldjian said it was “because Turkey’s decision to allow one service a year [on the island] is perceived as a political one.”
Chouldjian stood for the election of deputy Istanbul patriarch after Mesrop II became unable to fulfill his duties due to frontal dementia, forcing the Armenian Apostolic Church in Istanbul to begin discussing new leadership options.
Since the patriarch’s illness, the Patriarchate and the rival Initiating Committee have disagreed on how to fill left by Mesrop II becoming incapacitated.
Finally, the Interior Ministry intervened after the disagreement could not be overcome and stated that no election for the position of patriarch could be held while Mesrop II is alive.
In response, the Divine Council of the Patriarchate made a snap decision that was not announced publicly and assigned Ateşyan as deputy patriarch. The incident remains a point of debate.
Sarkisian’s party discouraging Armenian participation at Akdamar
Meanwhile, Radio Free Europe – Radio Liberty, or RFE-RL, reported on Thursday that Armenian President Serge Sarkisian's Republican Party, or HHK, spoke out against Armenian participation in the landmark service to be held Akdamar Island’s Surp Haç Church in the eastern province of Van.
HHK spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov denounced the Turkish government's decision to reopen the church for a one-day religious ceremony on Sept. 19, calling it a publicity stunt and a "provocation" aimed at misleading the international community.
“Once again, instead of taking a serious step, the Turks are staging an imitation show,” Sharmazanov told Radio Free Europe. "I don't think you can achieve tolerance and solidarity of civilizations in that way."
Giro Manoyan from the opposition party Armenian Revolutionary Federation, or Dashnaktsutyun, also spoke to RFE-RL and called on Armenians to boycott the service.
"I don't want to blame believers willing to go there, but they must know that they somewhat contribute to the Turkish provocation," he said.
In the same story, Father Vahram Melikian, a spokesman for Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, said, "We believe that if we are given an opportunity to cherish a shrine that had functioned for centuries but is devoid of prayer today for some reason, we must use even that single day in order to assert our rights and ownership of the shrine with our participation."
Thursday, August 12, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has officially been invited to a historic service in Van by the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul. The See welcomed the invitation and will send two clerics for the service on Sept. 19. Bishop Sebouh Chouldjian, a patriarchal candidate in Istanbul, was not invited, however
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Armenia-based spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has accepted an invitation from the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul to attend a special mass on Van’s Akdamar Island on Sept. 19.
The See will send at least two clerics to attend the service, in addition to the clerics who will attend along with Deputy Istanbul Patriarch and Archbishop Aram Ateşyan.
Speaking Thursday to the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, Bishop Sebouh Chouldjian, primate of the Church’s Diocese of Gougark in northern Armenia, confirmed there would be attendance from Etchmiadzin.
Bishop Margos Srpazan and Father Gomidas will attend on behalf of the See, according to Chouldjian, who is one of the most likely candidates to be the next Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul.
Chouldjian, however, said he could not understand why he was not invited despite being a patriarchal candidate.
“Etchmiadzin left the decision to me,” said Chouldjian, who can still attend if he chooses. “I will declare my decision to attend or not several days before the service, without expecting any protocol application from the Patriarchate if I do decide to attend on Sept. 19.”
Explaining why only two clerics were attending from the See, Chouldjian said it was “because Turkey’s decision to allow one service a year [on the island] is perceived as a political one.”
Chouldjian stood for the election of deputy Istanbul patriarch after Mesrop II became unable to fulfill his duties due to frontal dementia, forcing the Armenian Apostolic Church in Istanbul to begin discussing new leadership options.
Since the patriarch’s illness, the Patriarchate and the rival Initiating Committee have disagreed on how to fill left by Mesrop II becoming incapacitated.
Finally, the Interior Ministry intervened after the disagreement could not be overcome and stated that no election for the position of patriarch could be held while Mesrop II is alive.
In response, the Divine Council of the Patriarchate made a snap decision that was not announced publicly and assigned Ateşyan as deputy patriarch. The incident remains a point of debate.
Sarkisian’s party discouraging Armenian participation at Akdamar
Meanwhile, Radio Free Europe – Radio Liberty, or RFE-RL, reported on Thursday that Armenian President Serge Sarkisian's Republican Party, or HHK, spoke out against Armenian participation in the landmark service to be held Akdamar Island’s Surp Haç Church in the eastern province of Van.
HHK spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov denounced the Turkish government's decision to reopen the church for a one-day religious ceremony on Sept. 19, calling it a publicity stunt and a "provocation" aimed at misleading the international community.
“Once again, instead of taking a serious step, the Turks are staging an imitation show,” Sharmazanov told Radio Free Europe. "I don't think you can achieve tolerance and solidarity of civilizations in that way."
Giro Manoyan from the opposition party Armenian Revolutionary Federation, or Dashnaktsutyun, also spoke to RFE-RL and called on Armenians to boycott the service.
"I don't want to blame believers willing to go there, but they must know that they somewhat contribute to the Turkish provocation," he said.
In the same story, Father Vahram Melikian, a spokesman for Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, said, "We believe that if we are given an opportunity to cherish a shrine that had functioned for centuries but is devoid of prayer today for some reason, we must use even that single day in order to assert our rights and ownership of the shrine with our participation."
8 Ağustos 2010 Pazar
Turkish island home to well-established Armenian summer camp
Turkish island home to well-established Armenian summer camp
Saturday, August 7, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
The summer camp of the Armenian community in Kınalıada has kept its doors open every summer for the past five decades. As members of the Armenian community slowly migrate to other countries, the camp receives only half the number of children that it used to host. The camp administration wants to host children from Armenian families that are in need of assistance but is stumbling on internal regulations
The summer camp is open for children ages 4 to 14.
Istanbul’s Princes' Islands are known for their cosmopolitan culture, as they are often frequented by the city’s non-muslim minority members, with some even owning summer houses on the islands. Kınalıada is the one mostly prefered by Turkey’s 50,000 Armenians. In addition to the summer residence of the Armenian Patriarch, a summer camp has been opening its doors to Armenian children each year for at least the last five decades.
The summer camp, constructed in the 1960’s under the initiative of then Patriarch Shinorhk Kalustyan, hosts children of families with low incomes and who need assistance.
The camp’s status is different to those of the other schools of non – muslim communities. “The camp is not tied to the Ministry of Education. It belongs to the Foundation of the school of Karagözyan Orphanage,” Zevan Çavuşyan from the camp’s administration told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review last week. “We only need the consent of the Island Municipality to open the camp each summer. It is the only one among non – Muslim community schools to have this status,” said Çavuşyan, president of the administrative board of the camp.
Run by a 12 member administrative board, the camp is open to children between the ages of 4 and 14 and the camps dozens of personnel include medical doctors and pedagogues. The camp has also started accepting an increasing number of children from Turkish – Armenian couples over the last few years.
One of the camp administration’s main ambitions is to host the children of Armenian families that need assistance, but they can not fulfill this ambition because of certain regulations.
"Although we are not under the authority of Education Ministry, when it comes to the issue of children from Armenia we have to abide to the regulations on minority schools. We can therefore only accept the children of Armenian families that are citizen of Turkey,” said Çavuşyan.
The camp hosts 130 children
The archives show that during its first years, the camp used to host more than 250 children each year from all over Turkey.
Nowadays, that number has decreased by as much as half.
"A significant number of community members pave migrated to different countries. Now finding an orphan is nearly impossible,” said Çavuşyan.
The camp will host around 130 children this summer. "The camp continues until the end of September. We start with 130 children but we might end up with around 90. Sometimes we send those minors who can not get adopted back,” he said.
Another aim of the camp’s administration is to mingle the children with local island inhabitants. A number of activities are organized with that purpose in mind, said Çavuşyan:
“Meeting the children from outside the camp enables the visiting kids to get more socialized. We try to eliminate class or social status difference through these activities,” he said.
The camp receives support and assistance from the Island Water Sports Club. “Each summer, the Club welcomes the camp’s children without any material expectation, and we are grateful to them,” he said.
In addition to the Armenian volunteers, the camp is also visited by foreigners. The children are taught different languages during their stay.
"The children also learn to play a music organ, paint and participate in sportive activities,” said Tamar Karasu, the camp’s secretary general. Basketball and football games are organized between the camp’s residents and the islands locals. Having been raised on the island, Karasu confessed he never visited the camp until he became its manager.
13-year-old Melis Öcal has been coming to the camp with her siblings for the last five years. She said she feared growing up and not being able to come to the camp. “Now I found a formula. I will come to the camp as an instructor and take care of the children. I will therefore not stay away from the camp,” she said.
12-year-old Manuel Haçikoğlu did not even realize how the two months had passed already. He does miss his parents but he said he could see them at the week-ends
Saturday, August 7, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
The summer camp of the Armenian community in Kınalıada has kept its doors open every summer for the past five decades. As members of the Armenian community slowly migrate to other countries, the camp receives only half the number of children that it used to host. The camp administration wants to host children from Armenian families that are in need of assistance but is stumbling on internal regulations
The summer camp is open for children ages 4 to 14.
Istanbul’s Princes' Islands are known for their cosmopolitan culture, as they are often frequented by the city’s non-muslim minority members, with some even owning summer houses on the islands. Kınalıada is the one mostly prefered by Turkey’s 50,000 Armenians. In addition to the summer residence of the Armenian Patriarch, a summer camp has been opening its doors to Armenian children each year for at least the last five decades.
The summer camp, constructed in the 1960’s under the initiative of then Patriarch Shinorhk Kalustyan, hosts children of families with low incomes and who need assistance.
The camp’s status is different to those of the other schools of non – muslim communities. “The camp is not tied to the Ministry of Education. It belongs to the Foundation of the school of Karagözyan Orphanage,” Zevan Çavuşyan from the camp’s administration told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review last week. “We only need the consent of the Island Municipality to open the camp each summer. It is the only one among non – Muslim community schools to have this status,” said Çavuşyan, president of the administrative board of the camp.
Run by a 12 member administrative board, the camp is open to children between the ages of 4 and 14 and the camps dozens of personnel include medical doctors and pedagogues. The camp has also started accepting an increasing number of children from Turkish – Armenian couples over the last few years.
One of the camp administration’s main ambitions is to host the children of Armenian families that need assistance, but they can not fulfill this ambition because of certain regulations.
"Although we are not under the authority of Education Ministry, when it comes to the issue of children from Armenia we have to abide to the regulations on minority schools. We can therefore only accept the children of Armenian families that are citizen of Turkey,” said Çavuşyan.
The camp hosts 130 children
The archives show that during its first years, the camp used to host more than 250 children each year from all over Turkey.
Nowadays, that number has decreased by as much as half.
"A significant number of community members pave migrated to different countries. Now finding an orphan is nearly impossible,” said Çavuşyan.
The camp will host around 130 children this summer. "The camp continues until the end of September. We start with 130 children but we might end up with around 90. Sometimes we send those minors who can not get adopted back,” he said.
Another aim of the camp’s administration is to mingle the children with local island inhabitants. A number of activities are organized with that purpose in mind, said Çavuşyan:
“Meeting the children from outside the camp enables the visiting kids to get more socialized. We try to eliminate class or social status difference through these activities,” he said.
The camp receives support and assistance from the Island Water Sports Club. “Each summer, the Club welcomes the camp’s children without any material expectation, and we are grateful to them,” he said.
In addition to the Armenian volunteers, the camp is also visited by foreigners. The children are taught different languages during their stay.
"The children also learn to play a music organ, paint and participate in sportive activities,” said Tamar Karasu, the camp’s secretary general. Basketball and football games are organized between the camp’s residents and the islands locals. Having been raised on the island, Karasu confessed he never visited the camp until he became its manager.
13-year-old Melis Öcal has been coming to the camp with her siblings for the last five years. She said she feared growing up and not being able to come to the camp. “Now I found a formula. I will come to the camp as an instructor and take care of the children. I will therefore not stay away from the camp,” she said.
12-year-old Manuel Haçikoğlu did not even realize how the two months had passed already. He does miss his parents but he said he could see them at the week-ends
4 Ağustos 2010 Çarşamba
Armenian tourists prefer Turkey's south, east
Armenian tourists prefer Turkey's south, east
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN - Hürriyet Daily News
Many Armenian tourists also visit the Ani ruins in eastern Turkey's Kars. Hürriyet photo
Ignoring the calls of their national press to boycott Turkey, many Armenians are choosing the Turkish Mediterranean coast for their summer vacations.
According to travel-agency figures, 50,000 Armenian tourists visited the southern Turkish province of Antalya in 2009 and such visitors are from the highest income bracket.
Narine Davityan, the manager of Tez Tour, believes the southern town of Bodrum, in Muğla province, will dethrone Antalya next year as an attraction for Armenian tourists. Adding that the tours Tez organizes to both locations would continue through October, Davityan told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review: “The prices are climbing depending on the season. Despite the price increase, there is not the slightest decline in demand.”
Tour prices vary between $500 and $2,000 according to the type and standards of hotel accommodation, and whether it is full-board or half-board.
Despite the closed borders and the crippled relationship between the two countries, Armenians’ demand for Turkey trips has also affected the aviation industry. In addition to regular weekly flights between Yerevan and Istanbul by Armavia Airlines (the national airliner of Armenia) and Atlas Jet, tour operators have recently begun flights between Antalya and Yerevan via Airbus 300 charter planes hired from Armavia Airlines.
The flights between Antalya and Yerevan occur twice a week, and, according to tour operators’ figures, demand is high. Statistically, the demand for tours to Turkey is followed by the demand for tours to Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, as well as to Dubai.
According to figures by Davityan, Tez Tour has taken 7,000 Armenian tourists to Antalya: “We started our tours three years ago. Every year there is a 30 percent boost in demand, and this is really promising.”
Valer Muradyan, the manager of Nekevank Tour, confirmed the high demand for Turkey, adding that the company is taking Armenian tourists to Antalya twice a week. He said each tour operator has its own pricing policy, and the prices vary according to the type of accommodation and the standards of the hotels with which the operators contract. Muradyan said high agency’s prices range between $300 and $500, adding that tour operators in Armenia have already started making bookings for next year.
“We only have tours for Antalya, and there is a new demand for Bodrum. Perhaps we will include it in our program next year. Our tours will continue through October,” he said.
Cultural tourists prefer eastern Turkey
Although beach lovers prefer Antalya and Bodrum, not all Armenians are after sea and sun for their vacations. Those who look for culture and history instead favor Istanbul and eastern Turkey. Among the eastern provinces, the most preferred are Kars, where the ruins of the ancient Armenian city of Ani are located, and Van, famous for the Surp Harç Church on Lake Van’s Akdamar Island, which opens in September for one annual service.
Davityan said tour operators are doing their best to meet the demand by introducing new package programs. “Despite the closed borders, the tourism capacity is fascinating,” the Tez Tour manager said. “I cannot imagine how much it will prosper once the borders are opened again.”
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN - Hürriyet Daily News
Many Armenian tourists also visit the Ani ruins in eastern Turkey's Kars. Hürriyet photo
Ignoring the calls of their national press to boycott Turkey, many Armenians are choosing the Turkish Mediterranean coast for their summer vacations.
According to travel-agency figures, 50,000 Armenian tourists visited the southern Turkish province of Antalya in 2009 and such visitors are from the highest income bracket.
Narine Davityan, the manager of Tez Tour, believes the southern town of Bodrum, in Muğla province, will dethrone Antalya next year as an attraction for Armenian tourists. Adding that the tours Tez organizes to both locations would continue through October, Davityan told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review: “The prices are climbing depending on the season. Despite the price increase, there is not the slightest decline in demand.”
Tour prices vary between $500 and $2,000 according to the type and standards of hotel accommodation, and whether it is full-board or half-board.
Despite the closed borders and the crippled relationship between the two countries, Armenians’ demand for Turkey trips has also affected the aviation industry. In addition to regular weekly flights between Yerevan and Istanbul by Armavia Airlines (the national airliner of Armenia) and Atlas Jet, tour operators have recently begun flights between Antalya and Yerevan via Airbus 300 charter planes hired from Armavia Airlines.
The flights between Antalya and Yerevan occur twice a week, and, according to tour operators’ figures, demand is high. Statistically, the demand for tours to Turkey is followed by the demand for tours to Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, as well as to Dubai.
According to figures by Davityan, Tez Tour has taken 7,000 Armenian tourists to Antalya: “We started our tours three years ago. Every year there is a 30 percent boost in demand, and this is really promising.”
Valer Muradyan, the manager of Nekevank Tour, confirmed the high demand for Turkey, adding that the company is taking Armenian tourists to Antalya twice a week. He said each tour operator has its own pricing policy, and the prices vary according to the type of accommodation and the standards of the hotels with which the operators contract. Muradyan said high agency’s prices range between $300 and $500, adding that tour operators in Armenia have already started making bookings for next year.
“We only have tours for Antalya, and there is a new demand for Bodrum. Perhaps we will include it in our program next year. Our tours will continue through October,” he said.
Cultural tourists prefer eastern Turkey
Although beach lovers prefer Antalya and Bodrum, not all Armenians are after sea and sun for their vacations. Those who look for culture and history instead favor Istanbul and eastern Turkey. Among the eastern provinces, the most preferred are Kars, where the ruins of the ancient Armenian city of Ani are located, and Van, famous for the Surp Harç Church on Lake Van’s Akdamar Island, which opens in September for one annual service.
Davityan said tour operators are doing their best to meet the demand by introducing new package programs. “Despite the closed borders, the tourism capacity is fascinating,” the Tez Tour manager said. “I cannot imagine how much it will prosper once the borders are opened again.”
Armenian artist Hakverdian's works to be released in Turkey
Armenian artist Hakverdian's works to be released in Turkey
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN - Hürriyet Daily News
Turkish music companies have begun to move to secure the copyrights to the works of legendary Armenian artist Rupen Hakverdian, whose songs have been popular across Europe. Conveying his love to Turkish intellectuals working for reconciliation between Turks and Armenians, Hakverdian says, ‘Stay away from nationalism; ignorance feeds nationalism’
Armenian musician Rupen Hakverdian
Illustrating the cultural exchange that occurs despite continued political tension, the works of legendary Armenian musician Rupen Hakverdian are now set for release in the Turkish market as local companies queue to secure copyrights for the music.
“It makes me happy that my songs are being performed in different languages,” Hakverdian told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review in a recent interview in his house, in which he is preparing for a new album.
Although his works were banned during the Soviet era, Hakverdian’s music was nonetheless performed in languages as diverse as French and Czech.
Hakverdian said he had received many demands from Turkey to release his works in the country although he did not mention the names of the companies.
The demand for his songs points toward the larger trend of cross-cultural exchange. “Borders are closed but the way for intercultural interaction is open,” Hakverdian said, adding that Armenian culture in the present eponymous republic was largely under the effect of Turkish culture.
“What we call unique Armenian culture has been created by Istanbul-based western Armenians and Anatolian Armenians. Armenia does not have its own culture,” he said. “It has been affected by other cultures.”
Emphasizing his point, Hakverdian said Armenian artists had stolen Turkish and Azerbaijani music. “In the past, Armenian songs were stolen in Turkey but now it is the same in Armenia. This is a big mistake. We should not have repeated the same mistakes.”
Noting that many in Armenia would disagree with his statement, he said: “I wish I were mistaken but unfortunately, all I said is true. Of course intercultural exchange is possible, I am not against it but everything should have a style – stealing cannot be accepted.”
Furthermore, the constant Turkish and Armenian squabbling over the cultural ownership of anonymous songs was tiring, Hakverdian said.
“What is the point of discussing the ownership of anonymous songs? What is important is how they make us feel,” he said, pointing to a healthier attitude on the issue in the Balkans. “There is no fight for songs in the Balkans. This is why they have become richer in the cultural field.”
‘I am estranged from this city’
Despite numerous tours around the world, Hakverdian said he had never been to Turkey, but added that he would gladly come if he received an invitation.
Noting that many friends had migrated overseas after Armenia’s independence, Hakverdian said he felt alone, a feeling he shares in his songs with his listeners.
“I’ve become estranged from this city [Yerevan] and its people. I prefer to get in touch with an intellectual Turk rather than an ignorant Armenian,” he said. “What I want to say is that the human being comes first before [anything else]. Being able to find a common language with them is important.”
Hakverdian said he appreciated the recent steps taken by Turkish intellectuals to bring the peoples of the two countries together, sending them his love and greetings. “They are struggling for the peace of two peoples. They are worthy of appreciation.”
He said he had met many Turkish artists during his tours, having discussions with them.
Most important, however, was staying clear of nationalism: “Let’s act with humane values and justice. Nationalism poisons each of us. It is only fed by ignorance,” he said.
As for the contributions of Turkey’s goodwill ambassador, Zülfü Livaneli, to the reconciliation process between Turkey and Greece, Hakverdian said he would be very happy to serve for the establishment of a bridge of peace between Turkey and Armenia.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN - Hürriyet Daily News
Turkish music companies have begun to move to secure the copyrights to the works of legendary Armenian artist Rupen Hakverdian, whose songs have been popular across Europe. Conveying his love to Turkish intellectuals working for reconciliation between Turks and Armenians, Hakverdian says, ‘Stay away from nationalism; ignorance feeds nationalism’
Armenian musician Rupen Hakverdian
Illustrating the cultural exchange that occurs despite continued political tension, the works of legendary Armenian musician Rupen Hakverdian are now set for release in the Turkish market as local companies queue to secure copyrights for the music.
“It makes me happy that my songs are being performed in different languages,” Hakverdian told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review in a recent interview in his house, in which he is preparing for a new album.
Although his works were banned during the Soviet era, Hakverdian’s music was nonetheless performed in languages as diverse as French and Czech.
Hakverdian said he had received many demands from Turkey to release his works in the country although he did not mention the names of the companies.
The demand for his songs points toward the larger trend of cross-cultural exchange. “Borders are closed but the way for intercultural interaction is open,” Hakverdian said, adding that Armenian culture in the present eponymous republic was largely under the effect of Turkish culture.
“What we call unique Armenian culture has been created by Istanbul-based western Armenians and Anatolian Armenians. Armenia does not have its own culture,” he said. “It has been affected by other cultures.”
Emphasizing his point, Hakverdian said Armenian artists had stolen Turkish and Azerbaijani music. “In the past, Armenian songs were stolen in Turkey but now it is the same in Armenia. This is a big mistake. We should not have repeated the same mistakes.”
Noting that many in Armenia would disagree with his statement, he said: “I wish I were mistaken but unfortunately, all I said is true. Of course intercultural exchange is possible, I am not against it but everything should have a style – stealing cannot be accepted.”
Furthermore, the constant Turkish and Armenian squabbling over the cultural ownership of anonymous songs was tiring, Hakverdian said.
“What is the point of discussing the ownership of anonymous songs? What is important is how they make us feel,” he said, pointing to a healthier attitude on the issue in the Balkans. “There is no fight for songs in the Balkans. This is why they have become richer in the cultural field.”
‘I am estranged from this city’
Despite numerous tours around the world, Hakverdian said he had never been to Turkey, but added that he would gladly come if he received an invitation.
Noting that many friends had migrated overseas after Armenia’s independence, Hakverdian said he felt alone, a feeling he shares in his songs with his listeners.
“I’ve become estranged from this city [Yerevan] and its people. I prefer to get in touch with an intellectual Turk rather than an ignorant Armenian,” he said. “What I want to say is that the human being comes first before [anything else]. Being able to find a common language with them is important.”
Hakverdian said he appreciated the recent steps taken by Turkish intellectuals to bring the peoples of the two countries together, sending them his love and greetings. “They are struggling for the peace of two peoples. They are worthy of appreciation.”
He said he had met many Turkish artists during his tours, having discussions with them.
Most important, however, was staying clear of nationalism: “Let’s act with humane values and justice. Nationalism poisons each of us. It is only fed by ignorance,” he said.
As for the contributions of Turkey’s goodwill ambassador, Zülfü Livaneli, to the reconciliation process between Turkey and Greece, Hakverdian said he would be very happy to serve for the establishment of a bridge of peace between Turkey and Armenia.
2 Ağustos 2010 Pazartesi
Patriarchate worried about mass preparation on E Turkish island
Patriarchate worried about mass preparation on E Turkish island
Monday, August 2, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
The historical Surp Haç Church on the Akdamar Island in the eastern city of Van will stage and important date for the Armenian community.
A Sept. 19 mass on Akdamar Island is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year for the Armenian community, yet questions over its organization are worrying some that preparations will not be completed in time.
The Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review has learned that the entire organization of the event at the historical Surp Haç Armenian Church on eastern Van’s Akdamar Island has been left to the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey, which will be responsible for technical installation, projection systems and sound systems, as well as tents, which must be set up in order to protect visitors from the sun.
A delegation sent to the island ahead of the event said the current electricity infrastructure is highly deficient and voiced concern that the few weeks left until the event would not be enough to sort out the problems.
Speaking to the Daily News, Van Gov. Münir Karaloğlu said the Governor’s Office was doing everything it could to assist. “We have only left a portion of the organization to the patriarchate. I do not understand the criticism.”
Deputy Patriarch Archbishop Aram Ateşyan, however, had a different view. “Three weeks ago, we were officially told that the organization was to be done by the patriarchate,” he said. “Frankly, we were startled at first, as before they had said all work was to be done by the Governor’s Office. Now the Governor’s Office will only install a single generator on the island. That is all.”
Speaking to the Daily News on June 18, Karaloğlu said his office was working together with the patriarchate and added that there would be no problems. He also had said projection and sound systems would be installed on the island, a press center would be set up and 3G technologies would be utilized to ensure live broadcasts ran smoothly.
Karaloğlu said only the preparation of the mass would be organized by the Patriarchate.
“We have assumed responsibility of the other 25 organizational issues, including security,” he had said. “The Governor’s Office may also help with the transport to and lodging of visitors on the island. We are doing our best for the mass to run smoothly.”
Monday, August 2, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
The historical Surp Haç Church on the Akdamar Island in the eastern city of Van will stage and important date for the Armenian community.
A Sept. 19 mass on Akdamar Island is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year for the Armenian community, yet questions over its organization are worrying some that preparations will not be completed in time.
The Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review has learned that the entire organization of the event at the historical Surp Haç Armenian Church on eastern Van’s Akdamar Island has been left to the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey, which will be responsible for technical installation, projection systems and sound systems, as well as tents, which must be set up in order to protect visitors from the sun.
A delegation sent to the island ahead of the event said the current electricity infrastructure is highly deficient and voiced concern that the few weeks left until the event would not be enough to sort out the problems.
Speaking to the Daily News, Van Gov. Münir Karaloğlu said the Governor’s Office was doing everything it could to assist. “We have only left a portion of the organization to the patriarchate. I do not understand the criticism.”
Deputy Patriarch Archbishop Aram Ateşyan, however, had a different view. “Three weeks ago, we were officially told that the organization was to be done by the patriarchate,” he said. “Frankly, we were startled at first, as before they had said all work was to be done by the Governor’s Office. Now the Governor’s Office will only install a single generator on the island. That is all.”
Speaking to the Daily News on June 18, Karaloğlu said his office was working together with the patriarchate and added that there would be no problems. He also had said projection and sound systems would be installed on the island, a press center would be set up and 3G technologies would be utilized to ensure live broadcasts ran smoothly.
Karaloğlu said only the preparation of the mass would be organized by the Patriarchate.
“We have assumed responsibility of the other 25 organizational issues, including security,” he had said. “The Governor’s Office may also help with the transport to and lodging of visitors on the island. We are doing our best for the mass to run smoothly.”
Prominent diaspora Armenians split on lawsuit against Turkey
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU, ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Although a majority of Armenians have supported a new U.S.-based lawsuit to claim compensation for land lost in 1915 in the late Ottoman Empire, some prominent academics and journalists from the community have criticized the measure.
“We cannot allow these individual steps to cause us to fall out with each other,” Ara Sarafian, a historian and director of the Gomidas Institute in London, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review. “The Turkish people need to understand that these people do not represent the diaspora or the entire Armenian world. Just like Turkish nationalists, they’re trying to make Armenian nationalism.”
Echoing Sarafian’s statements, famous Professor Oshin Keshishian said: “Of course it’s important for Turkey to accept the genocide. However, it is very wrong to reduce this sensitive and hurtful event to material things.” Keshishian is the editor-in-chief of the Armenian Observer, a newspaper based in the United States.
Answering questions from the Daily News, Amaduni Virabian, the director of the National Archives of Armenia, said that although he believes the lawsuit has merit, he does not think it can achieve the desired results. Virabian expressed his pessimism on the matter, saying that he “knows” Turkey will not pay compensation.
On the other hand, Ruben Safrastian, director of the Armenia National Academy of Sciences Institute of Oriental Studies, said the lawsuit could be a way for Armenians to regain what was taken from them.
Commenting on whether or not the lawsuit will affect attempts to improve ties between Turks and Armenians, Safrastian said they were independent processes.
Meanwhile, Syrian-Armenian journalist Harout Ekmanian said, “I think the lawsuit must not only seek compensation, but allow the restoring of the right of return of diaspora Armenians to their ancestors’ homeland, and to guarantee their physical, cultural and political safety within the Republic of Turkey as a first step.”
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU, ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Although a majority of Armenians have supported a new U.S.-based lawsuit to claim compensation for land lost in 1915 in the late Ottoman Empire, some prominent academics and journalists from the community have criticized the measure.
“We cannot allow these individual steps to cause us to fall out with each other,” Ara Sarafian, a historian and director of the Gomidas Institute in London, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review. “The Turkish people need to understand that these people do not represent the diaspora or the entire Armenian world. Just like Turkish nationalists, they’re trying to make Armenian nationalism.”
Echoing Sarafian’s statements, famous Professor Oshin Keshishian said: “Of course it’s important for Turkey to accept the genocide. However, it is very wrong to reduce this sensitive and hurtful event to material things.” Keshishian is the editor-in-chief of the Armenian Observer, a newspaper based in the United States.
Answering questions from the Daily News, Amaduni Virabian, the director of the National Archives of Armenia, said that although he believes the lawsuit has merit, he does not think it can achieve the desired results. Virabian expressed his pessimism on the matter, saying that he “knows” Turkey will not pay compensation.
On the other hand, Ruben Safrastian, director of the Armenia National Academy of Sciences Institute of Oriental Studies, said the lawsuit could be a way for Armenians to regain what was taken from them.
Commenting on whether or not the lawsuit will affect attempts to improve ties between Turks and Armenians, Safrastian said they were independent processes.
Meanwhile, Syrian-Armenian journalist Harout Ekmanian said, “I think the lawsuit must not only seek compensation, but allow the restoring of the right of return of diaspora Armenians to their ancestors’ homeland, and to guarantee their physical, cultural and political safety within the Republic of Turkey as a first step.”
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