Two Turks – Burcin Gercek, a journalist engaged in Holocaust and Genocide studies and Emre Can Daglioglu, who is also engaged in genocide studies – took part in the events dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide held in Worcester city of the U.S. Massachusetts State, Telegram.com reports.

“We have a duty to face our past. Of course, justice cannot be done for killed people. It’s too late for that. But at least a recognition, an official apology, and some steps concerning the Armenian cultural heritage in Turkey could be positive steps,” Gercek said in his speech at the Worcester Area Armenian Genocide Commemoration event recalling the estimated 1.5 million Armenians.

Raised in secular Muslim family in Istanbul, she said the Armenian Genocide was taboo as a discussion topic when she was growing up in Turkey, and it was only when she travelled to study and work in France that she learned the history.

“I was so shocked over such a big lie that was told to us by the government and media and schools,” the reporter noted.

Emre Can Daglioglu said that they have to apologize for what’s happened in the Ottoman Empire, not only in 1915 but at the end of the 19th century.

“I am part of this denial. (As a citizen of Turkey) I have that privilege to be in Turkey unlike Armenians or Greeks who were killed or deported from Turkey. That’s why I think I have to apologize,” he added.