Atatürk's signature came from hand of Armenian-Turkish master
Friday, October 29, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Armenians experienced many tribulations during the last days of the Ottoman Empire, yet some from the community also stayed to help build the new Republic, including Hagop Vahram Çerçiyan, an Armenian-Turk that created Atatürk’s iconic signature in just one night in 1934. The Daily News spoke to Çerçiyan’s son about the making of the famous signature
From state buildings to official monuments and from the back of car windows to tattoos and all other points in between, the distinctive cursive signature of republican founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is ubiquitous in Turkey. But while few Turkish citizens would fail to recognize the leader’s signature, even fewer know that an Armenian Turk created the iconic signature – in just one night.
“It was early in the morning. Someone knocked on our door. Worried, my mother came back telling my father that police was asking for him,” Dikran Çerçiyan, the 90-year-old son of the signature’s creator, Hagop Vahram Çerçiyan, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review in recalling the day in 1934 when authorities came looking for a master signature maker.
Hagop Vahram Çerçiyan worked as a teacher for 55 years at Istanbul’s prestigious Robert College, overseeing the graduation of 25,000 students, including former Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit, former foreign ministers Selim Sarper and Turgut Menemencioğluları and former Cabinet minister Kasım Gülek.
Though teaching math and geography at Robert College at the time, Çerçiyan had also gone to the United States to learn the Palmer Method, a system of handwriting that became popular in the country. Upon his return to Turkey, Çerçiyan also taught the method at Robert College.
After the Turkish Republic was formed on Oct. 29, 1923, the country’s leaders set about trying to remake and modernize the country. As part of changes aimed at nation-building, the government decreed that all citizens should take a last name, which did not exist in Ottoman times.
Mustafa Kemal, duly, took the surname Atatürk, meaning father of the Turks.
Name needed a signature
With the 1934 adoption of the surname law, many of Çerçiyan’s former students-turned-parliamentarians, became convinced of the need for the Republic’s founder to develop a signature to accompany his new name.
“The students of my father who were then members of Parliament decided to present him with proposals for a signature. The decision was conveyed to my father by the police commissioner in Istanbul’s Bebek neighborhood,” said Dikran Çerçiyan, who still recalls the day.
After being entrusted with the task, Çerçiyan’s father set to work. “I was tired of watching him and fell asleep. When I woke up in the morning I saw five models on the table. They were handed to the police officer who came that morning,” he said.
Çerçiyan’s work later forgotten
“My father used to have great admiration for Atatürk and always feld proud of his work, so do I,” said Çerçiyan.
“Following Atatürk’s death, some wrote in the Turkish press about my father and the signature. But later on it was all forgotten. Some tried to introduce others as the creator of the signature. There were efforts to forget my father. But the truth always come to the surface,” he said.
Although Çerçiyan lives in New York, he said he spent an important part of his life in Turkey.
“After [first] retiring in 1919, my father came to America for trade but we returned [to Turkey] when I was 2 years old,” he said, adding that although he settled back in the U.S. in 1990 he still had great love for Turkey.
Ultimately, Çerçiyan said there were no problems between Armenians and Turks but only between governments.
“Although my lifetime will not be long enough to see it, the problems will be alleviated one day. We still need time for that but time will heal the wounds,” he said.
30 Ekim 2010 Cumartesi
27 Ekim 2010 Çarşamba
Treasured history of Turkish music housed in Yerevan library
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN - Hürriyet Daily News
A part of the Armenian Music and Science Library in Yerevan, home to the some of the world's most priceless musical notes, documents, manuscripts and gramophone recordings, is dedicated to maintaining a Turkish and Azeri music archive. Museum director Gulo Nahadakyan has called on Turkey to help maintain the archive. 'The language of music is universal. We want to meet with you in the universal denominator,' she says.
A treasured history of Turkish music is housed in the Armenian Music and Science Library, located a few kilometers away from the center of the Armenian capital, which maintains an archive of world music.
Besides maintaining recordings of the usual international names in music, from Beethoven to Mozart, and to Armenian music’s best-known figures such as Gomidas and Khacaduryan, and tens of thousands of documents, manuscripts, musical notes, gramophone recordings and some famous composers’ private correspondence, an archive of Turkish classical and pop music is kept in a special room in the library, which also features an impressive collection of Azeri music. It is almost impossible to find such a comprehensive archive in Turkey.
The museum’s director, Gulo Nahadakyan, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review the reason for maintaining the archive was to preserve especially regional music, because music transcends geography and politics. “Turkey and Azerbaijan are our neighbors. Moreover, art does not have a religion and language. Music is universal,” Nahadakyan said, adding that her biggest wish is to collaborate with a Turkish organization and university working in the field of music in order to safeguard the archive.
Dilapidated conditions and a lack of funds
Unfortunately, the library, which accommodates hundreds of years’ worth of world music history, has been severely neglected and some of the documents in the archive are kept in dust and dirt because of a lack of funds. Nahadakyan said the archive is deprived of financial support and has severe economic problems.
“If these documents belonged to another country, they would have been kept like priceless treasures. But unfortunately, this is our situation,” said Nahadakyan, adding that the condition of the building was far from secure. “People are not aware of the riches here. If they knew, they would steal everything in one night,” she said.
The museum employs 36 expert staff, almost 90 percent of whom are women. Nahadakyan said the reason why it is mostly women who work in the museum is again one of funding. “The maximum amount of money we can pay is $30 dollars a month. A man cannot support a family with this money.”
Nilüfer moves the library to tears
The room where the Turkish and Azeri collections are kept is full of gramophone recordings. A Turkish music expert who simply calls herself Ruzan said they had transferred the collection of gramophone recordings onto CD over the last few years in order to make things easy for researchers. “In this way, we try to protect gramophone recordings as much as possible. Researchers can take them home, which makes things easier for them,” she said.
Yet one day, as a surprise, Ruzan and her friends brought a record player to the library one day and played a record of renowned Turkish pop singer Nilüfer. The Turkish singer’s voice echoed around the library on the other side of the closed border and everyone in the room was moved to tears, she said. The name of the song was “Taa Uzak Yollardan” (From Very Far Roads). Nilüfer is the most beloved Turkish pop singer among the women working in the library, Ruzan said.
She added that recordings by many famous artists who have left their mark on Turkish and Azeri music are kept in the Turkish and Azeri music archive room.
Nahakdakyan said that all documents in the library are the common heritage of mankind and required support, calling on Turkey to contribute to the archive. “The language of music is universal. We want to meet with you in the universal denominator. Let’s collaborate. Our doors and archives are open to you,” she said.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN - Hürriyet Daily News
A part of the Armenian Music and Science Library in Yerevan, home to the some of the world's most priceless musical notes, documents, manuscripts and gramophone recordings, is dedicated to maintaining a Turkish and Azeri music archive. Museum director Gulo Nahadakyan has called on Turkey to help maintain the archive. 'The language of music is universal. We want to meet with you in the universal denominator,' she says.
A treasured history of Turkish music is housed in the Armenian Music and Science Library, located a few kilometers away from the center of the Armenian capital, which maintains an archive of world music.
Besides maintaining recordings of the usual international names in music, from Beethoven to Mozart, and to Armenian music’s best-known figures such as Gomidas and Khacaduryan, and tens of thousands of documents, manuscripts, musical notes, gramophone recordings and some famous composers’ private correspondence, an archive of Turkish classical and pop music is kept in a special room in the library, which also features an impressive collection of Azeri music. It is almost impossible to find such a comprehensive archive in Turkey.
The museum’s director, Gulo Nahadakyan, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review the reason for maintaining the archive was to preserve especially regional music, because music transcends geography and politics. “Turkey and Azerbaijan are our neighbors. Moreover, art does not have a religion and language. Music is universal,” Nahadakyan said, adding that her biggest wish is to collaborate with a Turkish organization and university working in the field of music in order to safeguard the archive.
Dilapidated conditions and a lack of funds
Unfortunately, the library, which accommodates hundreds of years’ worth of world music history, has been severely neglected and some of the documents in the archive are kept in dust and dirt because of a lack of funds. Nahadakyan said the archive is deprived of financial support and has severe economic problems.
“If these documents belonged to another country, they would have been kept like priceless treasures. But unfortunately, this is our situation,” said Nahadakyan, adding that the condition of the building was far from secure. “People are not aware of the riches here. If they knew, they would steal everything in one night,” she said.
The museum employs 36 expert staff, almost 90 percent of whom are women. Nahadakyan said the reason why it is mostly women who work in the museum is again one of funding. “The maximum amount of money we can pay is $30 dollars a month. A man cannot support a family with this money.”
Nilüfer moves the library to tears
The room where the Turkish and Azeri collections are kept is full of gramophone recordings. A Turkish music expert who simply calls herself Ruzan said they had transferred the collection of gramophone recordings onto CD over the last few years in order to make things easy for researchers. “In this way, we try to protect gramophone recordings as much as possible. Researchers can take them home, which makes things easier for them,” she said.
Yet one day, as a surprise, Ruzan and her friends brought a record player to the library one day and played a record of renowned Turkish pop singer Nilüfer. The Turkish singer’s voice echoed around the library on the other side of the closed border and everyone in the room was moved to tears, she said. The name of the song was “Taa Uzak Yollardan” (From Very Far Roads). Nilüfer is the most beloved Turkish pop singer among the women working in the library, Ruzan said.
She added that recordings by many famous artists who have left their mark on Turkish and Azeri music are kept in the Turkish and Azeri music archive room.
Nahakdakyan said that all documents in the library are the common heritage of mankind and required support, calling on Turkey to contribute to the archive. “The language of music is universal. We want to meet with you in the universal denominator. Let’s collaborate. Our doors and archives are open to you,” she said.
25 Ekim 2010 Pazartesi
Armenian students looking for Turkish exchange partners
Armenian students looking for Turkish exchange partners
Monday, October 25, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN – Hürriyet Daily News
The Mkhitar Sebastaci Education Complex, an experimental school close to Yerevan, is looking for Turkish counterparts to participate in an exchange that would help destroy the walls between the two neighbors. The school’s principal, former Education Minister Ashot Bleyan, says ending prejudice would be the project’s main goal
The Armenian school complex provides education in many different areas, from journalism to modern arts.
An educational institute on the outskirts of Yerevan looking to build bridges with Armenia’s often hostile neighbors is hoping to develop new linkages with a sister school in Turkey.
“I don’t want my children to grow up to be prejudiced individuals. They should be modern individuals looking toward the future without denying the past. And the best way is connection. Connections at early ages will remove prejudices and set the ground for friendship, not animosity,” Ashot Bleyan, the principal of the Mkhitar Sebastaci Education Complex, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review during a recent visit.
Seeking to grant students the right to speak their minds rather than defer reflexively to authority, the complex provides education in many different areas, from journalism to modern arts, from sculpture to sports and from radio technology to science. Its programs extend from preschool to postsecondary and adult education.
As part of Bleyan’s drive to mold a new generation free from prejudices, the students have already conducted exchanges with two other countries with whom Armenia has had difficult relations in recent years: Azerbaijan and Georgia.
The students met with Azeri and Georgian counterparts last year and still remain in touch with them, said Bleyan, a former education minister in the 1990s and the chairman of the Nor Ughi (True Path) Party who became Mkhitar Sebastaci’s principal after being released from prison for corruption charges in 2001.
“The students met their Georgian and Azeri peers for one-week periods. They still keep in touch. As soon as they have an opportunity, they want to get together again. It is nice to see this,” he said.
Now, however, Bleyan’s biggest goal is to find a sister school from Turkey so that he can both send his students there for a taste of Turkey before bringing Turkish students to Armenia.
A different type of school
“We aim for our children to become individuals who freely express themselves and who have self-confidence,” said Bleyan. “The oppressive and patronizing education system is dead. We are teaching our students here to have respect for human rights, to have self-confidence and to express themselves freely.”
In this, Bleyan said he considered Mkhitar Sebastici, which was named for a 17th century Armenian scholar that established the Mkhitarian order in Venice, as more than a mere school. “This place is not a school. It is an education village. This is our small village.”
With most of the students coming from backgrounds with limited financial means, many said it was quite exceptional for them to receive an education at such an institution.
The school, which covers thousands of square meters, consists of modern buildings equipped with state-of-the-art technology while the walls are decorated by the works of students from the painting and sculpture department.
Unlike some schools, the classroom doors at Mkhitar Sebastici are wide open, revealing some students sculpting and others reading. The school further has dedicated amateur journalists, radio programmers and multimedia students, with students managing to post information on the Daily News’ visit, videos and interview with Belyan online within half an hour of the event.
Questions about Turkey reflect curiosity
The visit also revealed a deep fascination with Turkey, with a number of students wondering how they would be received in the country.
“What if I visit Turkey and say that I am an Armenian, how would they treat us?” asked Ardag, a cameraman.
Meanwhile, in the computer science section, students prepared a special design consisting of Turkish and Armenian flags on computer screens in honor of the Daily News’ visit to the campus.
Monday, October 25, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN – Hürriyet Daily News
The Mkhitar Sebastaci Education Complex, an experimental school close to Yerevan, is looking for Turkish counterparts to participate in an exchange that would help destroy the walls between the two neighbors. The school’s principal, former Education Minister Ashot Bleyan, says ending prejudice would be the project’s main goal
The Armenian school complex provides education in many different areas, from journalism to modern arts.
An educational institute on the outskirts of Yerevan looking to build bridges with Armenia’s often hostile neighbors is hoping to develop new linkages with a sister school in Turkey.
“I don’t want my children to grow up to be prejudiced individuals. They should be modern individuals looking toward the future without denying the past. And the best way is connection. Connections at early ages will remove prejudices and set the ground for friendship, not animosity,” Ashot Bleyan, the principal of the Mkhitar Sebastaci Education Complex, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review during a recent visit.
Seeking to grant students the right to speak their minds rather than defer reflexively to authority, the complex provides education in many different areas, from journalism to modern arts, from sculpture to sports and from radio technology to science. Its programs extend from preschool to postsecondary and adult education.
As part of Bleyan’s drive to mold a new generation free from prejudices, the students have already conducted exchanges with two other countries with whom Armenia has had difficult relations in recent years: Azerbaijan and Georgia.
The students met with Azeri and Georgian counterparts last year and still remain in touch with them, said Bleyan, a former education minister in the 1990s and the chairman of the Nor Ughi (True Path) Party who became Mkhitar Sebastaci’s principal after being released from prison for corruption charges in 2001.
“The students met their Georgian and Azeri peers for one-week periods. They still keep in touch. As soon as they have an opportunity, they want to get together again. It is nice to see this,” he said.
Now, however, Bleyan’s biggest goal is to find a sister school from Turkey so that he can both send his students there for a taste of Turkey before bringing Turkish students to Armenia.
A different type of school
“We aim for our children to become individuals who freely express themselves and who have self-confidence,” said Bleyan. “The oppressive and patronizing education system is dead. We are teaching our students here to have respect for human rights, to have self-confidence and to express themselves freely.”
In this, Bleyan said he considered Mkhitar Sebastici, which was named for a 17th century Armenian scholar that established the Mkhitarian order in Venice, as more than a mere school. “This place is not a school. It is an education village. This is our small village.”
With most of the students coming from backgrounds with limited financial means, many said it was quite exceptional for them to receive an education at such an institution.
The school, which covers thousands of square meters, consists of modern buildings equipped with state-of-the-art technology while the walls are decorated by the works of students from the painting and sculpture department.
Unlike some schools, the classroom doors at Mkhitar Sebastici are wide open, revealing some students sculpting and others reading. The school further has dedicated amateur journalists, radio programmers and multimedia students, with students managing to post information on the Daily News’ visit, videos and interview with Belyan online within half an hour of the event.
Questions about Turkey reflect curiosity
The visit also revealed a deep fascination with Turkey, with a number of students wondering how they would be received in the country.
“What if I visit Turkey and say that I am an Armenian, how would they treat us?” asked Ardag, a cameraman.
Meanwhile, in the computer science section, students prepared a special design consisting of Turkish and Armenian flags on computer screens in honor of the Daily News’ visit to the campus.
24 Ekim 2010 Pazar
Berlin group to discuss Germany’s role in events of 1915
Berlin group to discuss Germany’s role in events of 1915
Sunday, October 24, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Germany’s Henrich Böll Stiftung will organize a conference in Berlin next year to examine the country’s role in the 1915 events in Eastern Anatolia as part of the Ani Dialogue project, a larger attempt to foster closer relations between Turkey and Armenia.
“We are aiming to do what has not been done yet and be able to openly discuss Germany’s role in World War I,” Ulrike Dufner, the Turkish representative of the German foundation, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review last week.
Germany turned a blind eye to events in the region in World War I although the German parliament only openly confirmed the country’s role in the 1915 events in 2007, she said.
The foundation further plans to hold a session in Turkey regarding the outcome of the Berlin event in the future as well.
Dufner is also the project coordinator of the Ani Dialogue project, in collaboration with the Caucasus Institute in Armenia. The project welcomes participants from both Turkey and Armenia, but is only open to people under the age of 35.
The foundation representative said there were hundreds of applications for the project and added that the team was examining each one carefully. The young people that take part in the project will hold meetings on different topics such as cultural heritage, education, science, the environment, media, democracy and human rights.
Dufner said both countries would host 25 young people from the other country.
“We want to reach young activists with our projects. Our purpose is to create a civil consciousness in the youth,” she said, adding that they wanted to bring together Turkish and Armenian historians but they had to abandon that aspect of the project, fearing possible reaction.
Although the protocols signed in October 2009 by the countries have been frozen and the communication process has been terminated, Dufner remains very hopeful about the future.
"It is true that the relations have been frozen. But this is only a natural process. Think back to how the things were three years ago and compare it with today. That is how we should be seeing things,” she said.
Organizers hope the Ani Project will be long-lasting, Dufner said, adding that next year they would invite the youth of both countries together for activities related to music.
Inspiration from Ani
Referring to the title of the project, Dufner said, "Ani was the capital of the Armenian kingdom and it has symbolic value for the Armenians."
Dufner said her biggest dream was to see the renovation of the Ani ruins – located on the border between Turkey and Armenia – and their transformation into a peace bridge.
"I do not see a reason why we could not do that,” Dufner said, adding that the project was particularly important for her because she was born on the western side of the Berlin Wall. “I know what it feels like to be behind walls and be unable to cross the borders. The pain of the deprivation behind the walls is beyond explanation.”
Sunday, October 24, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Germany’s Henrich Böll Stiftung will organize a conference in Berlin next year to examine the country’s role in the 1915 events in Eastern Anatolia as part of the Ani Dialogue project, a larger attempt to foster closer relations between Turkey and Armenia.
“We are aiming to do what has not been done yet and be able to openly discuss Germany’s role in World War I,” Ulrike Dufner, the Turkish representative of the German foundation, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review last week.
Germany turned a blind eye to events in the region in World War I although the German parliament only openly confirmed the country’s role in the 1915 events in 2007, she said.
The foundation further plans to hold a session in Turkey regarding the outcome of the Berlin event in the future as well.
Dufner is also the project coordinator of the Ani Dialogue project, in collaboration with the Caucasus Institute in Armenia. The project welcomes participants from both Turkey and Armenia, but is only open to people under the age of 35.
The foundation representative said there were hundreds of applications for the project and added that the team was examining each one carefully. The young people that take part in the project will hold meetings on different topics such as cultural heritage, education, science, the environment, media, democracy and human rights.
Dufner said both countries would host 25 young people from the other country.
“We want to reach young activists with our projects. Our purpose is to create a civil consciousness in the youth,” she said, adding that they wanted to bring together Turkish and Armenian historians but they had to abandon that aspect of the project, fearing possible reaction.
Although the protocols signed in October 2009 by the countries have been frozen and the communication process has been terminated, Dufner remains very hopeful about the future.
"It is true that the relations have been frozen. But this is only a natural process. Think back to how the things were three years ago and compare it with today. That is how we should be seeing things,” she said.
Organizers hope the Ani Project will be long-lasting, Dufner said, adding that next year they would invite the youth of both countries together for activities related to music.
Inspiration from Ani
Referring to the title of the project, Dufner said, "Ani was the capital of the Armenian kingdom and it has symbolic value for the Armenians."
Dufner said her biggest dream was to see the renovation of the Ani ruins – located on the border between Turkey and Armenia – and their transformation into a peace bridge.
"I do not see a reason why we could not do that,” Dufner said, adding that the project was particularly important for her because she was born on the western side of the Berlin Wall. “I know what it feels like to be behind walls and be unable to cross the borders. The pain of the deprivation behind the walls is beyond explanation.”
20 Ekim 2010 Çarşamba
Sharing the same room in Yerevan for the sake of dialogue
Sharing the same room in Yerevan for the sake of dialogue
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
Lengthy efforts are finally bearing fruit as Turks and Armenians are taking steps in the direction of dialogue. Somehow this happened, though undeniably painful.
I aimed high to bring Turkish and Armenian publishers together and my efforts worked this time. For once, I forgot that I am a journalist and promised myself not to make news stories out of this rendezvous. Did I meet my promise? Of course not! But I did my best and succeeded in bringing publishers and readers of the two countries together. We joined the “Tarz ar Kirk/Back to Book- International Open Space Book Festival,” sponsored by the Armenian Culture Ministry and one of the most prestigious publishing houses of the country Actual Art’s owner Migirdich Matevosian.
The festival’s budget was limited. Although Matevosian wanted to invite more Turkish publishers to the event, that couldn’t happen. However, I and other to journalists from Turkey hit the road to Yerevan. I also had some other responsibilities. I was participating in the fair as the representative of Istanbul Armenian Literature.
We set-out on the road with Ragıp Zarakolu, founder of the Human Rights Association of Turkey and the owner of Belge Yayınları publishing house, and Professor Ahmet İnsel joined us at the airport. İnsel was visiting Armenia for the first time, so he was excited. And it was Zarakolu’s second visit. The two kept asking me so many questions. İnsel and Zarakolu slipped through passport control. However, I had a little surprise. I handed my Turkish passport to the officer, but he asked me whether or not I had a residence permit. I was surprised at first, but then I told him that I was born in Turkey, so I am a Turkish citizen. Anyway, the problem was solved and I passed through the check points.
We shared the same room for the sake of dialogue
After we landed at Yerevan Airport we were welcomed by an exemplary “dialogue” in Armenia. Armenian-French academic and journalist Michale Marian and İnsel couldn’t find separate rooms at the hotel, so they stayed in the same room. Zarakolu and I had a big surprise because where we hosted was a house rented for a week. İnsel and Marian were surprised, so were we. Although it sounds strange to begin with, we immediately started to enjoy the situation. We experienced everything together – dialogue, discussions, chats, sorrow, offences… anything… Although the budget was limited, we had unlimited conversations. We openly criticized Marevosian at times, but then we appreciated him for this little surprise. Now, our biggest objective is to bring Matevosian to the leading book fair in Turkey, TÜYAP Book Fair, and give birth to several projects. During the event, İnsel and Marian participated in panels to introduce the book “Dialogue over the Armenian Taboo,” recently published by İletişim Yayınları. They are co-authors of the book in which they shared personal experiences on the subject matter. It was translated into Armenian by Actual Art. Zarakolu shared his own publisher’s experiences and struggles he went through. And I, as half writer/poet half translator identity, participated in the fair as the representative of Istanbul Armenian Literature. Therefore, I was kind of a bridge. There was a translator. However, I was translating for İnsel or Zarakolu at times and on one side I was trying to tell about my own experience in literature and about my books.
Turkish publishers faced a shower of questions
As a matter of fact, four of us were putting our mark on a historic rendezvous in Yerevan. Despite financial difficulties, we were uniting different Armenian generations from Istanbul and Paris in the Armenian capital, Yerevan. We were uniting two sides of the border. All right, if you ask me that if our duty is over, I could say “No, it is not. We’ll continue.” We will leave politics behind and as real intellectuals set out the road in order to create an atmosphere of dialogue between the two nations. İnsel and Zarakolu faced a shower of questions from Armenian readers. In fact, there were two Turks sitting across to them and they were representing very different viewpoints. So, readers listened to them, asked questions, some of which were quite to the point, but each time we found a common ground. Without doubt, İnsel and Zarakolu were the two figures that showed up on Armenian televisions and press for a week. First, İnsel left Yerevan and returned to Istanbul. The day after Marian flew to Paris. I and Zarakolu remained in Yerevan. I should confess that we got used to living in the same house, though we were critical at the beginning. Since I was in charge of the organization, I had wished to have no flaws. Still, we had a few surprises here and there. Sometimes, it is colorful to have Oriental kinds of surprises, don’t you think?
We believe in dialogue
I should most definitely add that İnsel and Zarakolu took Turkish books to Yerevan. We had an exchange of books. We made promises to join other fairs in the future. If Matevosian manages, we will be back at the book festival in Yerevan next year. But this time, we will invite Turkish authors and publishers from different views because we believe in dialogue. If you want to join us, we will be happy to see you among us. Perhaps we will make a big group, share the same room or even a house. What do you say? As the world’s poet Nazım Hikmet once said “We will see beautiful days, children / We will see sunny days…”
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
Lengthy efforts are finally bearing fruit as Turks and Armenians are taking steps in the direction of dialogue. Somehow this happened, though undeniably painful.
I aimed high to bring Turkish and Armenian publishers together and my efforts worked this time. For once, I forgot that I am a journalist and promised myself not to make news stories out of this rendezvous. Did I meet my promise? Of course not! But I did my best and succeeded in bringing publishers and readers of the two countries together. We joined the “Tarz ar Kirk/Back to Book- International Open Space Book Festival,” sponsored by the Armenian Culture Ministry and one of the most prestigious publishing houses of the country Actual Art’s owner Migirdich Matevosian.
The festival’s budget was limited. Although Matevosian wanted to invite more Turkish publishers to the event, that couldn’t happen. However, I and other to journalists from Turkey hit the road to Yerevan. I also had some other responsibilities. I was participating in the fair as the representative of Istanbul Armenian Literature.
We set-out on the road with Ragıp Zarakolu, founder of the Human Rights Association of Turkey and the owner of Belge Yayınları publishing house, and Professor Ahmet İnsel joined us at the airport. İnsel was visiting Armenia for the first time, so he was excited. And it was Zarakolu’s second visit. The two kept asking me so many questions. İnsel and Zarakolu slipped through passport control. However, I had a little surprise. I handed my Turkish passport to the officer, but he asked me whether or not I had a residence permit. I was surprised at first, but then I told him that I was born in Turkey, so I am a Turkish citizen. Anyway, the problem was solved and I passed through the check points.
We shared the same room for the sake of dialogue
After we landed at Yerevan Airport we were welcomed by an exemplary “dialogue” in Armenia. Armenian-French academic and journalist Michale Marian and İnsel couldn’t find separate rooms at the hotel, so they stayed in the same room. Zarakolu and I had a big surprise because where we hosted was a house rented for a week. İnsel and Marian were surprised, so were we. Although it sounds strange to begin with, we immediately started to enjoy the situation. We experienced everything together – dialogue, discussions, chats, sorrow, offences… anything… Although the budget was limited, we had unlimited conversations. We openly criticized Marevosian at times, but then we appreciated him for this little surprise. Now, our biggest objective is to bring Matevosian to the leading book fair in Turkey, TÜYAP Book Fair, and give birth to several projects. During the event, İnsel and Marian participated in panels to introduce the book “Dialogue over the Armenian Taboo,” recently published by İletişim Yayınları. They are co-authors of the book in which they shared personal experiences on the subject matter. It was translated into Armenian by Actual Art. Zarakolu shared his own publisher’s experiences and struggles he went through. And I, as half writer/poet half translator identity, participated in the fair as the representative of Istanbul Armenian Literature. Therefore, I was kind of a bridge. There was a translator. However, I was translating for İnsel or Zarakolu at times and on one side I was trying to tell about my own experience in literature and about my books.
Turkish publishers faced a shower of questions
As a matter of fact, four of us were putting our mark on a historic rendezvous in Yerevan. Despite financial difficulties, we were uniting different Armenian generations from Istanbul and Paris in the Armenian capital, Yerevan. We were uniting two sides of the border. All right, if you ask me that if our duty is over, I could say “No, it is not. We’ll continue.” We will leave politics behind and as real intellectuals set out the road in order to create an atmosphere of dialogue between the two nations. İnsel and Zarakolu faced a shower of questions from Armenian readers. In fact, there were two Turks sitting across to them and they were representing very different viewpoints. So, readers listened to them, asked questions, some of which were quite to the point, but each time we found a common ground. Without doubt, İnsel and Zarakolu were the two figures that showed up on Armenian televisions and press for a week. First, İnsel left Yerevan and returned to Istanbul. The day after Marian flew to Paris. I and Zarakolu remained in Yerevan. I should confess that we got used to living in the same house, though we were critical at the beginning. Since I was in charge of the organization, I had wished to have no flaws. Still, we had a few surprises here and there. Sometimes, it is colorful to have Oriental kinds of surprises, don’t you think?
We believe in dialogue
I should most definitely add that İnsel and Zarakolu took Turkish books to Yerevan. We had an exchange of books. We made promises to join other fairs in the future. If Matevosian manages, we will be back at the book festival in Yerevan next year. But this time, we will invite Turkish authors and publishers from different views because we believe in dialogue. If you want to join us, we will be happy to see you among us. Perhaps we will make a big group, share the same room or even a house. What do you say? As the world’s poet Nazım Hikmet once said “We will see beautiful days, children / We will see sunny days…”
19 Ekim 2010 Salı
Turkey to export pearl mullets to Armenia
Sunday, October 3, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
VAN - Hüriyet Daily News
The fish trade between two countries is hoped to serve diplomacy.
Armenia will begin to import Lake Van’s prized Pearl Mullet fish in what one Turkish businessman hopes will be the first stage toward the eventual opening of the two countries’ closed frontier.
“The sooner we develop the bilateral trade the sooner we can get the borders opened,” Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry board member Ayhan Fidan recently told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.
The fish, however, will be transported to Armenia via Georgia because of the closed border, thus affecting the price because exporters will need to pay customs tax twice.
“We would like our export to be consumed by a larger section of the society, however, due to this formality about the custom tariff it seems that the sales price of the fish in Armenia will be rather high,” he said.
"Armenia is a country of 3.5 million people; Turkey’s population is 75 million. If the borders are opened it is for the benefit of the Armenian businessmen and industrialist, because they will have access to a large market,” he said.
Nonetheless, in addition to the pearl mullet, Turkey will also export oranges to its neighbor, Fidan said, adding that the decision to do so was made six moths ago.
The oranges cultivated in Turkey would be launched in the Armenian market directly Fidan said, adding that the terms and conditions of the orange export were also tied together with the export agreement for the pearl mullets.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
VAN - Hüriyet Daily News
The fish trade between two countries is hoped to serve diplomacy.
Armenia will begin to import Lake Van’s prized Pearl Mullet fish in what one Turkish businessman hopes will be the first stage toward the eventual opening of the two countries’ closed frontier.
“The sooner we develop the bilateral trade the sooner we can get the borders opened,” Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry board member Ayhan Fidan recently told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.
The fish, however, will be transported to Armenia via Georgia because of the closed border, thus affecting the price because exporters will need to pay customs tax twice.
“We would like our export to be consumed by a larger section of the society, however, due to this formality about the custom tariff it seems that the sales price of the fish in Armenia will be rather high,” he said.
"Armenia is a country of 3.5 million people; Turkey’s population is 75 million. If the borders are opened it is for the benefit of the Armenian businessmen and industrialist, because they will have access to a large market,” he said.
Nonetheless, in addition to the pearl mullet, Turkey will also export oranges to its neighbor, Fidan said, adding that the decision to do so was made six moths ago.
The oranges cultivated in Turkey would be launched in the Armenian market directly Fidan said, adding that the terms and conditions of the orange export were also tied together with the export agreement for the pearl mullets.
11 Ekim 2010 Pazartesi
TURKISH ENGLISH BOOK TO SHED LİGHT ON HİSTORY OF AHTAMAR
TURKISH ENGLISH BOOK TO SHED LİGHT ON HİSTORY OF AHTAMAR
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Research on the history of Akdamar Island conducted by Armenian historian Stepan Mnatsakanian has been compiled by historians Ara Sarafyan and Osman Köker and published by Birzamanlar Publication in both Turkish and English. ‘I have observed that Turkish people are interested in the history of this land,’ says Sarafyan
Despite being an object of dispute between Turks and Armenians, the historic Surp Haç Church on Akdamar Island has also recently paved the way for dialogue between the two groups.
Ara Sarafyan, director of the London-based Gomidas Institute, and Osman Köker, owner of Birzamanlar Publications, have published a book about Akdamar Island. The book is titled “Aghtamar: A Jewel of Medieval Armenian Architecture / Ahtamar: Ortaçağ Ermeni Mimarlığı'nın Mücevheri” and is available in both English and Turkish.
Armenian General Benevolent Union, or AGBU, one of the most important organizations in the diaspora, gave its support to the book, which Köker and Sarafyan wrote from research conducted by Armenian Stepan Mnatsakanian in 1980.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the book is its drawings of the Surp Haç Church. Speaking to the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, Sarafyan said, “I realized that Turkish people are interested in the history of this land.”
Köker shared the reasons he and Sarafyan published the book. “By publishing this type of book, we are trying to raise public awareness,” he said. “The traditional historical ideology should be broken in Turkey, and I think this book will help do that.”
History of the island
Noting that many Armenian cultural sites in Anatolia have been damaged, and kept away from their rightful owners, Sarafyan said, “There is a big paradox here, because the ownership of Armenian cultural sites is not written in the Van Archaeology Museum, but the Surp Haç Church is now open to worship.” He admitted that Turkey has made important steps toward democracy, but not enough has been done.
“I noticed the dialogue between the Turks and Armenians improving during the worship,” he said. “The diaspora may react negatively to what I am saying, but I think this shows progress. No positive development should be ignored.”
Sarafyan said he and Köker deliberately published the book simultaneously with the opening of the church. “Everyone was talking about the church, but no one was aware of its historical significance,” he said.
“I totally agree with him, and believe that our work was very successful,” said Köker. “Since 2007, everyone has been debating which cross should be displayed on the dome of the church, but nobody knows the building’s historical significance. I have been conducting research on the history of Armenians for years, and even I was not aware of the historical significance of the island until preparing this book.
“The island was the capital of the Armenian kingdom of Arzsurini,” said Köker. “A palace, a tower and some houses were built on the island. It was not a place where priests lived in seclusion.”
When asked about the architectural drawings on the back of the book, Köker said, “These drawings and figures will enable people to understand the island in a more general sense. We did not want the book to be thick. We wanted it to be an easy read.”
Noting that Anatolia has been home to various civilizations throughout history, Köker said, “We always choose to forget the history of this land. “We are all under the impression that everything began and has continued with Turks. This is mainly because the new generation is comprised of many nationalist and discriminatory individuals. This is why differences are not tolerated. It is time to break away from this way of thinking.”
Köker said he was very excited about the interest the book has garnered. “I know that this interest will increase in the future. As historical awareness increases, people will be more willing to protect it.”
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Research on the history of Akdamar Island conducted by Armenian historian Stepan Mnatsakanian has been compiled by historians Ara Sarafyan and Osman Köker and published by Birzamanlar Publication in both Turkish and English. ‘I have observed that Turkish people are interested in the history of this land,’ says Sarafyan
Despite being an object of dispute between Turks and Armenians, the historic Surp Haç Church on Akdamar Island has also recently paved the way for dialogue between the two groups.
Ara Sarafyan, director of the London-based Gomidas Institute, and Osman Köker, owner of Birzamanlar Publications, have published a book about Akdamar Island. The book is titled “Aghtamar: A Jewel of Medieval Armenian Architecture / Ahtamar: Ortaçağ Ermeni Mimarlığı'nın Mücevheri” and is available in both English and Turkish.
Armenian General Benevolent Union, or AGBU, one of the most important organizations in the diaspora, gave its support to the book, which Köker and Sarafyan wrote from research conducted by Armenian Stepan Mnatsakanian in 1980.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the book is its drawings of the Surp Haç Church. Speaking to the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, Sarafyan said, “I realized that Turkish people are interested in the history of this land.”
Köker shared the reasons he and Sarafyan published the book. “By publishing this type of book, we are trying to raise public awareness,” he said. “The traditional historical ideology should be broken in Turkey, and I think this book will help do that.”
History of the island
Noting that many Armenian cultural sites in Anatolia have been damaged, and kept away from their rightful owners, Sarafyan said, “There is a big paradox here, because the ownership of Armenian cultural sites is not written in the Van Archaeology Museum, but the Surp Haç Church is now open to worship.” He admitted that Turkey has made important steps toward democracy, but not enough has been done.
“I noticed the dialogue between the Turks and Armenians improving during the worship,” he said. “The diaspora may react negatively to what I am saying, but I think this shows progress. No positive development should be ignored.”
Sarafyan said he and Köker deliberately published the book simultaneously with the opening of the church. “Everyone was talking about the church, but no one was aware of its historical significance,” he said.
“I totally agree with him, and believe that our work was very successful,” said Köker. “Since 2007, everyone has been debating which cross should be displayed on the dome of the church, but nobody knows the building’s historical significance. I have been conducting research on the history of Armenians for years, and even I was not aware of the historical significance of the island until preparing this book.
“The island was the capital of the Armenian kingdom of Arzsurini,” said Köker. “A palace, a tower and some houses were built on the island. It was not a place where priests lived in seclusion.”
When asked about the architectural drawings on the back of the book, Köker said, “These drawings and figures will enable people to understand the island in a more general sense. We did not want the book to be thick. We wanted it to be an easy read.”
Noting that Anatolia has been home to various civilizations throughout history, Köker said, “We always choose to forget the history of this land. “We are all under the impression that everything began and has continued with Turks. This is mainly because the new generation is comprised of many nationalist and discriminatory individuals. This is why differences are not tolerated. It is time to break away from this way of thinking.”
Köker said he was very excited about the interest the book has garnered. “I know that this interest will increase in the future. As historical awareness increases, people will be more willing to protect it.”
Armenia resentful one year after signing accord with Turkey
Armenia resentful one year after signing accord with Turkey
Sunday, October 10, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN - Hürriyet Daily News
Armenian Foreign Ministry officials have blamed Turkey for failing to bring into effect protocols that were signed a year ago, as the Turkish-Armenian border is still closed and the Nagorno-Karabakh issue remains a source of friction.
“A political battle continues between Turkey and Armenia. The U.S., the European Union and Russia made promises to Armenia, but betrayed us. The protocols are a political fiasco from the Armenian viewpoint,” Levon Zurabian, a key figure of the Armenian National Congress, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review in a recent interview.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry says it holds Turkey responsible for the protocols having not yet come into force while Armenia remains ready for dialogue without precondition. Armenian President Serge Sarkisian also announced in April a unilateral freeze of the protocols because Turkey had not delivered what it promised.
Excitement for reconciliation between the countries peaked a year ago when Turkey and Armenia signed historic protocols to begin working toward opening the border and re-establishing official relations. The signing ceremony, however, was tense and required international mediators to broker a last-minute deal.
Zurabian told the Daily News in a recent interview that the political battle continues between Turkey and Armenia, adding that the protocols add tension to bilateral relations instead of easing them. “Both sides accuse each other of not actualizing the protocols. Both sides are trying to put the blame on each other.”
Zurabian said the Sarkisian government had made a big mistake by signing onto the road map. “Sarkisian thought the U.S., the EU and Russia would pressure Turkey to enforce the protocols. Armenia was given promises. We warned the Sarkisian government that due to Turkey’s strategic importance no country would take any risk for Armenia. But they did not listen.”
Zurabian criticized the Sarkisian administration, the U.S., the EU and Russia, saying Armenia was deceived. “Armenia made concessions on the protocols. Turkey wanted to prevent the U.S. congress from recognizing the Armenian genocide and they’ve managed it through the protocols. The protocols are a political fiasco from Armenia’s viewpoint.”
‘There could’ve been no Karabakh issue’
Turkey unilaterally closed the Turkish-Armenian borders in 1993 as a response to the Nagarno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and bilateral relations nearly froze.
Although not included in the protocols, Turkey ties the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to the re-opening of the borders. Western officials continue shuttle diplomacy between Armenia and Azerbaijan to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, but so far no progress has been made.
While encounters take place sometimes on both sides, Zubarian claimed that if Turkey had considered the offers made by the Levon Der Bedrosian government in the 1990s there might be no Karabakh question today. “Der Bedrosian had asked for the launch of bilateral relations unconditionally. Turkey, however, rejected the olive branch. If steps had been taken in those days, we wouldn’t be in today’s situation and would have overcome the crisis with Azerbaijan,” he said.
‘Laçin is of political importance’
Armenian political experts are mostly of the opinion the protocols cannot be brought into effect, Zubarian said, adding that he believed Turkey would never ignore the interests of Azerbaijan.
“Turkey will not re-open borders without reaching a final solution in Nagorno-Karabakh,” he said. “The Karabakh administration and Azerbaijan should immediately start direct dialogue. This is the only solution. Otherwise, it is impossible to solve the problem.”
Zurabian said handing over the Laçin Corridor to Azerbaijan would be impossible. “Surrendering Laçin will create a strategic risk not only for Nagorno-Karabakh, but also for Armenia. Such a risk cannot be taken.”
Sunday, October 10, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
YEREVAN - Hürriyet Daily News
Armenian Foreign Ministry officials have blamed Turkey for failing to bring into effect protocols that were signed a year ago, as the Turkish-Armenian border is still closed and the Nagorno-Karabakh issue remains a source of friction.
“A political battle continues between Turkey and Armenia. The U.S., the European Union and Russia made promises to Armenia, but betrayed us. The protocols are a political fiasco from the Armenian viewpoint,” Levon Zurabian, a key figure of the Armenian National Congress, told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review in a recent interview.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry says it holds Turkey responsible for the protocols having not yet come into force while Armenia remains ready for dialogue without precondition. Armenian President Serge Sarkisian also announced in April a unilateral freeze of the protocols because Turkey had not delivered what it promised.
Excitement for reconciliation between the countries peaked a year ago when Turkey and Armenia signed historic protocols to begin working toward opening the border and re-establishing official relations. The signing ceremony, however, was tense and required international mediators to broker a last-minute deal.
Zurabian told the Daily News in a recent interview that the political battle continues between Turkey and Armenia, adding that the protocols add tension to bilateral relations instead of easing them. “Both sides accuse each other of not actualizing the protocols. Both sides are trying to put the blame on each other.”
Zurabian said the Sarkisian government had made a big mistake by signing onto the road map. “Sarkisian thought the U.S., the EU and Russia would pressure Turkey to enforce the protocols. Armenia was given promises. We warned the Sarkisian government that due to Turkey’s strategic importance no country would take any risk for Armenia. But they did not listen.”
Zurabian criticized the Sarkisian administration, the U.S., the EU and Russia, saying Armenia was deceived. “Armenia made concessions on the protocols. Turkey wanted to prevent the U.S. congress from recognizing the Armenian genocide and they’ve managed it through the protocols. The protocols are a political fiasco from Armenia’s viewpoint.”
‘There could’ve been no Karabakh issue’
Turkey unilaterally closed the Turkish-Armenian borders in 1993 as a response to the Nagarno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and bilateral relations nearly froze.
Although not included in the protocols, Turkey ties the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to the re-opening of the borders. Western officials continue shuttle diplomacy between Armenia and Azerbaijan to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, but so far no progress has been made.
While encounters take place sometimes on both sides, Zubarian claimed that if Turkey had considered the offers made by the Levon Der Bedrosian government in the 1990s there might be no Karabakh question today. “Der Bedrosian had asked for the launch of bilateral relations unconditionally. Turkey, however, rejected the olive branch. If steps had been taken in those days, we wouldn’t be in today’s situation and would have overcome the crisis with Azerbaijan,” he said.
‘Laçin is of political importance’
Armenian political experts are mostly of the opinion the protocols cannot be brought into effect, Zubarian said, adding that he believed Turkey would never ignore the interests of Azerbaijan.
“Turkey will not re-open borders without reaching a final solution in Nagorno-Karabakh,” he said. “The Karabakh administration and Azerbaijan should immediately start direct dialogue. This is the only solution. Otherwise, it is impossible to solve the problem.”
Zurabian said handing over the Laçin Corridor to Azerbaijan would be impossible. “Surrendering Laçin will create a strategic risk not only for Nagorno-Karabakh, but also for Armenia. Such a risk cannot be taken.”
7 Ekim 2010 Perşembe
Armenian students in Turkey have new books, 80 years later
Armenian students in Turkey have new books, 80 years later
Monday, October 4, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Armenian schools in Istanbul are to receive updated textbooks after a decision by Education Minister Nimet Çubukçu. The current textbooks have not been revised since the 1930s. Almost 24,000 books are to be distributed to students. Special permission is necessary to revise the content of the Armenian Language and Literature book, which has been the same since 1934
TEAOV Chairman Garo Garabetyan (R) and TEOV Secretary Aram Kamburyan worked on the revisions of the textbooks for Armenian schools. DAILY NEWS photo, Emrah GÜREL
Armenian schools in Istanbul are to receive updated textbooks after a decision by Education Minister Nimet Çubukçu. The current textbooks have not been revised since the 1930s.
Almost 24,000 books are to be distributed to students. Special permission is necessary to revise the content of the Armenian Language and Literature book, which has been the same since 1934. Minister Çubukçu broke a taboo by distributing new books to Armenian schools. Since books from the 1930s had been used in Armenian schools and their content had not been revised, all the schoolbooks were decades out of date.
Turkish and English CDs have been added to the updated schoolbooks, which were distributed for free. The biggest difficulty encountered in the revising was in the translation of books from Turkish into Armenian, because there were problems finding an interpreter with the capacity to make the translation.
The Turkish Armenian Minority Schools Teachers Fund, or TEAOV, worked to overcome this problem with the help of 80-year-old retired Armenian teachers. The hero behind the revising of the books is a member of Istanbul’s Armenian society, Varujan Turaç. Turaç, who is also a parent, has sent lots of letters to the ministry petitioning to renew the books.
TEAOV Chairman Garo Garabetyan, who followed all developments and prepared the books for publication with a community from Ankara and Istanbul, explained the difficulties. “We needed to get special permission from the Board of Education and Discipline to print the new books. It continued in the same way for many years. Ankara used to ask for 18 copies of each book with the approval of a certified interpreter and notary to determine whether the book was suitable or not.”
Aram Kamburyan, TEAOV secretary since 1974, claimed that they had problems with the Education Ministry in 1998. “We wanted to update the science and math books at the very least. We asked to translate the books that are used in Turkish schools. But the publication of the books was halted because some translation mistakes were found.”
Now the biggest problem for the foundation is the Armenian Language and Literature book used in high schools, because most of the writers of the book have died. Therefore it is not known how the content of the updated book will be prepared. Special permission is necessary to renew the content and publish the books. The book currently used, “Nor Tankaran” (New Museum), was published in 1934; the writer is Hrant Asadur.
3,000 students, 300 teachers
Although there are many historical Armenian schools in Istanbul, most of these schools have been closed because of the dwindling number of students. Istanbul’s Armenian community, which has a population of 50,000, has 16 schools. Only two of these are high schools. The number of Armenian students system-wide is 3,000, with 300 teachers. Since there is no department of Armenian Language and Literature at Turkish universities, teachers teach students what they have learned from their families.
Garabetyan said their schools were behind the times. “We have tried to do our best; this is all we can do. Our teachers’ knowledge of academic Armenian is insufficient; something should be done about the issue as soon as possible. Even if the borders open, we cannot bring teachers from Armenia. But with our foundation’s budget we can send students to departments of western Armenian language at universities in Yerevan. The eastern dialect of Armenian is spoken in Armenia but the Istanbul-based western Armenian is the one spoken by most Armenians worldwide.”
Weak in Turkish
According to Garabetyan, Armenian language is not the only difficulty in Armenian schools. At the same time, there are problems with the Turkish language. “This problem is gradually being overcome,” said Garabetyan. “The main reason for this problem is Turkish deputy principals appointed to Armenian schools. Even though the principals of the schools are Armenian and their title is higher, these Turkish deputy principals were the only ones who were the decision-makers. The Armenian principals did not have a chance to influence the education. This is why Turkish language remained weak, just like Armenian. But this problem is being solved.”
Kamburyan said TEAOV was founded in 1965. “Teachers who used to teach in Armenian schools in those years were not given their social security rights. They were not civil servants. We wanted to secure their rights.”
He said among the other Armenian foundations, TEAOV was the first to obtain the right to possess property. “In the first year of the association, a lawyer named Garabet Ersan filed suit for the association and won. Therefore, we have an autonomous status among Istanbul’s Armenian foundations.”
Monday, October 4, 2010
VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Armenian schools in Istanbul are to receive updated textbooks after a decision by Education Minister Nimet Çubukçu. The current textbooks have not been revised since the 1930s. Almost 24,000 books are to be distributed to students. Special permission is necessary to revise the content of the Armenian Language and Literature book, which has been the same since 1934
TEAOV Chairman Garo Garabetyan (R) and TEOV Secretary Aram Kamburyan worked on the revisions of the textbooks for Armenian schools. DAILY NEWS photo, Emrah GÜREL
Armenian schools in Istanbul are to receive updated textbooks after a decision by Education Minister Nimet Çubukçu. The current textbooks have not been revised since the 1930s.
Almost 24,000 books are to be distributed to students. Special permission is necessary to revise the content of the Armenian Language and Literature book, which has been the same since 1934. Minister Çubukçu broke a taboo by distributing new books to Armenian schools. Since books from the 1930s had been used in Armenian schools and their content had not been revised, all the schoolbooks were decades out of date.
Turkish and English CDs have been added to the updated schoolbooks, which were distributed for free. The biggest difficulty encountered in the revising was in the translation of books from Turkish into Armenian, because there were problems finding an interpreter with the capacity to make the translation.
The Turkish Armenian Minority Schools Teachers Fund, or TEAOV, worked to overcome this problem with the help of 80-year-old retired Armenian teachers. The hero behind the revising of the books is a member of Istanbul’s Armenian society, Varujan Turaç. Turaç, who is also a parent, has sent lots of letters to the ministry petitioning to renew the books.
TEAOV Chairman Garo Garabetyan, who followed all developments and prepared the books for publication with a community from Ankara and Istanbul, explained the difficulties. “We needed to get special permission from the Board of Education and Discipline to print the new books. It continued in the same way for many years. Ankara used to ask for 18 copies of each book with the approval of a certified interpreter and notary to determine whether the book was suitable or not.”
Aram Kamburyan, TEAOV secretary since 1974, claimed that they had problems with the Education Ministry in 1998. “We wanted to update the science and math books at the very least. We asked to translate the books that are used in Turkish schools. But the publication of the books was halted because some translation mistakes were found.”
Now the biggest problem for the foundation is the Armenian Language and Literature book used in high schools, because most of the writers of the book have died. Therefore it is not known how the content of the updated book will be prepared. Special permission is necessary to renew the content and publish the books. The book currently used, “Nor Tankaran” (New Museum), was published in 1934; the writer is Hrant Asadur.
3,000 students, 300 teachers
Although there are many historical Armenian schools in Istanbul, most of these schools have been closed because of the dwindling number of students. Istanbul’s Armenian community, which has a population of 50,000, has 16 schools. Only two of these are high schools. The number of Armenian students system-wide is 3,000, with 300 teachers. Since there is no department of Armenian Language and Literature at Turkish universities, teachers teach students what they have learned from their families.
Garabetyan said their schools were behind the times. “We have tried to do our best; this is all we can do. Our teachers’ knowledge of academic Armenian is insufficient; something should be done about the issue as soon as possible. Even if the borders open, we cannot bring teachers from Armenia. But with our foundation’s budget we can send students to departments of western Armenian language at universities in Yerevan. The eastern dialect of Armenian is spoken in Armenia but the Istanbul-based western Armenian is the one spoken by most Armenians worldwide.”
Weak in Turkish
According to Garabetyan, Armenian language is not the only difficulty in Armenian schools. At the same time, there are problems with the Turkish language. “This problem is gradually being overcome,” said Garabetyan. “The main reason for this problem is Turkish deputy principals appointed to Armenian schools. Even though the principals of the schools are Armenian and their title is higher, these Turkish deputy principals were the only ones who were the decision-makers. The Armenian principals did not have a chance to influence the education. This is why Turkish language remained weak, just like Armenian. But this problem is being solved.”
Kamburyan said TEAOV was founded in 1965. “Teachers who used to teach in Armenian schools in those years were not given their social security rights. They were not civil servants. We wanted to secure their rights.”
He said among the other Armenian foundations, TEAOV was the first to obtain the right to possess property. “In the first year of the association, a lawyer named Garabet Ersan filed suit for the association and won. Therefore, we have an autonomous status among Istanbul’s Armenian foundations.”
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