Anti-Christian atmosphere is developing in Turkey, in parallel with the improvement of Turkish-Kurdish relations, Turkish studies expert Artak Shakaryan told a news conference, commenting on the attacks of Armenian women committed in recent months in Istanbul.

“It is difficult to say who the killer is, but it is a fact that those killings are instigated by the nationalists,” he said, adding that the current atmosphere in Turkey is much alike that in 1915.

According to the expert, Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party tries to form an internal front not only against the Armenians but also against the entire Christian population so as to please the nationalists and to gain additional political dividends.

Following elderly women, Armenian citizens living illegally in Turkey are in danger, said the Turkish studies expert.

“They cannot apply to anyone for assistance because they know that police will either demand bribes or will deport them to Armenia. Armenian citizens will certainly be the next victims,” said Shakaryan.