AGMI to Host 12th Conference of International Association of Genocide Scholars

September 17, 2014 By administrator

The Armenian Genocide Museum and Institute will host a conference of the International Association of Genocide Scholars in 2015

The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) will hold its twelfth meeting in Yerevan from 8 to 12 July, 2015, hosted by the Armenian Genocide Museum & Institute (AGMI). Director of the AGMI Hayk Demoyan will serve as Local Conference Chair. The conference theme is “Comparative Analysis of 20th Century Genocides.”

2015 is an important year for all Armenians worldwide in terms of commemoration of the centennial of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. The Armenian Genocide is considered as the first genocide of the 20th century and in many ways served as a template for subsequent genocidal crimes.

2015 is also the year of 70th anniversary of the end of WWII and the Holocaust. Therefore, it is a significant time to analyze both crimes and all genocides of the 20th century in global and comparative perspectives. The event will bring together hundreds of renowned genocide scholars from all around the world.

The International Association of Genocide Scholars recognized the Armenian Genocide in 1997 and was awarded the Armenian President’s 2010 Prize for considerable contribution to the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

The International Association of Genocide Scholars is a global, interdisciplinary, non-partisan organization that seeks to further research and teaching about the nature, causes, and consequences of genocide, and advance policy studies on genocide prevention.

The Association, founded in 1994, meets regularly to consider comparative research, important new work, case studies, the links between genocide and other human rights violations, and prevention and punishment of genocide. The Association holds biennial conferences and co-publishes the scholarly journal Genocide Studies and Prevention.

A central aim of the Association is to draw academics, activists, artists, genocide survivors, journalists, jurists, public policy makers, and other colleagues into the interdisciplinary study of genocide, with the goal of prevention.

Turkish foreign ministry reacts to Greek parliament’s Genocide bill

September 11, 2014 By administrator

September 11, 2014 – 16:07 AMT

Turkish foreign ministry reacted to Greek parliament’s adoption of a bill criminalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide and other crimes against humanity.

According to the statement by foreign ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgic, Turkey always closely followed discussions on the draft law and urged Greece to exercise care where the issue is concerned.

According to the statement, it was stressed during the discussions that the law and its formulations won’t become part of Turkey-related foreign policy. However, the adoption of the law is seen as suppression of the right for freedom of speech, and can become discriminatory for Turkish communities in the East Thrace, islands of Rhodes and Kos. Ankara further expressed concern that Greece-based Turkish nationals might be punished for violation of the law.

The Parliament of Greece on Tuesday, September 9 adopted a bill that criminalizes the denial of the Armenian Genocide and other crimes against humanity.

Greece becomes the third European country after Switzerland and Slovakia to adopt such a measure.

The bill known as “Fight against Xenophobia” envisions bringing criminal charges for denial of the genocides of not only Jews, but also Armenians and Pontus Greeks. The bill stipulates heavy fines and imprisonment terms for individuals who publicly deny genocides and other crimes against humanity that are recognized by the Greek Parliament and international courts.

The vote passed by 54 to 42 with three abstentions.

In early September, French MP Valerie Boyer introduced a new bill on criminalization of denial of genocides and crimes against humanity in the 20th century.

“With the centenary of the Armenian Genocide ahead of us, France has no laws to punish denial of genocides and crimes against humanity, with the exception of the Holocaust. Though officially recognizing both genocides, only the denial of Holocaust was made punishable by Paris,” the parliamentarian stressed, urging to rectify the situation.

According to the MP, criminalization of the genocide denial is gaining urgency amid relentless persecution of Christians in Iraq. In this context, Boyer suggested to introduce a new classification of the denial of genocide viewing it as a crime against humanity rather than abuse of free speech, thus protecting the memory of all genocides.

In 2012 and 2013 Boyer also initiated draft laws on criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial.

On January 23, 2012, French Senate passed the bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide. The bill envisaged imposing a 45,000 euro fine and a year in prison for anyone in France who denies this crime against humanity committed by the Ottoman Empire.

Later, the French Constitutional Council ruled that a bill adopted by the French Senate making it a crime to deny the Armenian Genocide was anti-constitutional.

In July, French President Francois Hollande confirmed plans for a new law criminalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide with representatives of the Armenian community.

Greek parliament adopts law criminalizing Armenian Genocide denial

September 9, 2014 By administrator

The Greek parliament on Tuesday adopted law criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial.

An anti-racism bill provides for stricter punishment for individuals and political parties that engage in racism or incite racist violence.

The vote on the bill was postponed several times, and the amendments were made.

Accordingly, any attempt to disrespect the genocide of the Armenians, or the Greeks, shall be considered a crime.

Erdogan tries to pressure Hollande into reconsidering Genocide bill

September 9, 2014 By administrator

New Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attempted to pressure French leader Francois Hollande into reconsidering the bill criminalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide.

As Istanbul-based Armenian daily Marmara reported citing Lebanese Aztag daily, the conversation took place during the September 4-5 NATO summit in Wales.

Erdogan also reminded about the oncoming meting between Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders for Karabakh talks. The Turkish President demanded fulfillment of promises given to Baku, noting that partnership with Azerbaijan will greatly benefit NATO.

In early September, French MP Valerie Boyer introduced a new bill on criminalization of denial of genocides and crimes against humanity in the 20th century.

In 2012 and 2013 Boyer also initiated draft laws on criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial.

Later, the French Constitutional Council ruled that a bill adopted by the French Senate making it a crime to deny the Armenian Genocide was anti-constitutional.

In July, French President Francois Hollande confirmed plans for a new law criminalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide with representatives of the Armenian community.

By: Aztag Daily: Էրտողան Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան Հարցով Զգուշացուցած Է Հոլլանտը

IZMIR 9 SEPTEMBER 1922, THE HISTORY OF ONE is TİPÇİLİG

September 8, 2014 By administrator

By ZEYNEP TOZDUMAN see also Turkish Version

Izmir; 1922 before the Turks, Greeks, Armenians, Jews and Europeans (Dutch, Italians, French and British consisting of 17.ve. in the 18th century for trade to settle in Izmir Levantine called the cuts are) formed multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-civilization of a city was the name .

Izmir on 9 September 1922 M.Kemal entering the regular army in the first place, the Armenians and the Greeks plundered shops, armed robberies have been making. September 9th, 1922 in Izmir to tell extinguished the fire on September 13 beginning on September 18 would not be able to tell. Izmir by the Turks in 1922 passed into the hands since, historians still unclear documents without relying with comments made in the descriptions we saw it in Izmir, first the Greeks, then the Armenians oil thesis that the official ideology by the still continuing.

Izmir, the Turkish army entered on September 9, described as heroic epic ‘Greek’ve poured into the sea’ in literature and in history books for years, the ceremony told us ad nauseam. Three generations as a Izmir; Inhabit knows best! With starter or almost Izmir, Izmir have been cranking up the country of our childhood it was immaculate and innocent. ‘Flowers bloom in the mountains of Izmir,’ he would begin to march … Come and see, in the mountains of the Izmir colorful flowers that can not be hungry anymore. Have turned blood red flowers bloomed flowers provided another 92 years.

In 1915, nearly 2 million people on the eastern front; Armenians, Assyrians and Pontic Greeks, which ended the existence of the Union-i Terakkici that the Young Turks were heading west from the next new management. September 9, 1922, Greeks and Armenians on the Western front end to the presence of a more dönmeyesi is the date. On 9 September 1922 about 200 thousand Greeks, Turks and Armenians were killed our compatriots.

The so-called war of liberation only with the Greek army was the battle on the western front. Izmir, to recover from the Greek occupation off from the Dardanelles, Istanbul Turkish armies from kocahisar, Izmir press reports on approaching rich Armenians and Greeks who lived here were almost deserted city.

On September 9, the Greek army into the sea, was burned on September 13 m from the sea come to Izmir? Or swing of the sword of Islam throughout history wherever Armenians who had been murdered; homeland of the way, can also fall into trouble with his own hands has been burning their monasteries began to remove Izmir fire? Izmir on fire in different views of the historians Let’s leave aside the reviews. Want Izmir Turkey, whether Armenians, Greeks, if you want to get burned. Lighted the fact that multiculturalism in Izmir, is very dillicili. This day, which has become a bastion of Kemalism in Izmir, ancient languages other than Turkish is still ignored. Is the fate of Izmir, grief Is it known? Except for extraordinary disasters such as earthquakes throughout history, has always been the scene of destruction.

Seljuk Turks in 1084 in the historical process, the Persians in the 1130 Smryna (Izmir) ‘t have destroyed. Tamerlane monasteries and churches not only in Mardin, was demolished in 1402 in Izmir. Tamerlane, Izmir kıyıcılıkl of people it’s a great slaughter, and structures destroyed in Iraq and Syria to hear that they are doing these days is not so. Smyrna (Izmir), passed into the hands of the Ottomans in 1424. On that day the name of Smyrna, Izmir has turned behalf. In short, Smyrna, Izmir is oil.

Before 1922, a Greek city, Izmir, these days are even traces of Greek architecture. These days the so-called modern Izmir, only 30 Greek families are living. Levantine before 1922 in Izmir, consists of Greeks and Turks insisted that the message that the current system these days is in conflict with their thesis. Armenians of Izmir, one of the former owners do not always counted by the official ideology in the historical process assets in Izmir has always been manipulated. Telling of the sufferings of the Greeks in Izmir, to see the sufferings of the Armenians would be a great injustice.

Izmir is an important center of Christianity; Armenians and Greeks monasteries, churches, historical monuments, walls and architecture despite the great fire little has survived to the present day. Ignores the existence of Armenians in Izmir How is it that the official ideology of the great fire of Izmir is taking on these ancient peoples, the need to query. Armenians; Like the Greeks Muslim invasion at least 1,500 years ago are a people who settled in Asia Minor. Armenians; Black Sea, Central Anatolia, Cilicia (Adana, Maras, Gaziantep, Malatya), Western Armenia called (Van, Kars, Muş, Diyarbakır, Mardin, Batman) and Istanbul (Konstantapolis) after their geographical regions. In almost every region of Anatolia region called the ancient Armenian people, such as the Greeks and Assyrians went where each has undergone massacres and genocide.

Ottoman 1913, the Greek Relocation and 1,915 Armenians, Syriac Pontic Greeks Relocation route the Muslims, slaughter and plunder in order to provoke any kind of support given to about 2 million people Anatolia region called destruction and traces of a culture completely erased caused.

Sahin September 9, 1922 What is the liberation?

Armenians, Greeks, Jews, Armenians, Levantines will create wealth and civilization in this country is to get rid of me they say is the salvation? The overwhelming majority of the islands brought from the Balkans and Turkey, consisting of monolingual, mono-religious, mono-cultural ideology is a residential center in Izmir. Perhaps this is why Izmir is still on …

Yesterday the Armenian Ruma, Judea, to the Assyrians who survived; If this day is similar sufferings in Izmir and everywhere dominated by Kemalism, Kurdish people is kept alive. In a country where people speak only killed for their mother tongue, Kurdish, if he can not talk about democracy and law. Non-self destroying this country as the country will go into the history of mankind.

As the last word in Izmir, tipçilig one of these days (Kemalism), the most obvious is the name of the city alive.

Turkish Version

İZMİR’DE 9 EYLÜL 1922, TEK TİPÇİLİĞİN TARİHİDİR

İzmir; 1922 öncesi Türk, Rum, Ermeni, Yahudi ve Avrupalılardan ( Flemenkler, İtalyanlar, Fransızlar ve İngilizlerden oluşan 17.ve. 18. yüzyılda Ticaret için İzmir’e yerleşen Levanten adı verilen kesimdir ) oluşan çok dilli, çok kültürlü, çok medeniyetli bir kentin adıydı.

İzmir’e 9 Eylül 1922’de giren M.Kemal’in düzenli ordusu ilk iş olarak, Ermeni ve Rum dükkânlarını yağmalayarak, silahlı soygunlar yapmak olmuştur. 9 Eylül 1922 İzmir’i anlatmak için 13 Eylül’de başlayan 18 Eylül’de söndürülen yangını anlatmadan mümkün olmaz. İzmir, Türklerin 1922’de eline geçtiğinden bu yana, Tarihçilerin hala net belgelere dayanmadan, yorumlarla yaptığı açıklamalarında gördüğümüz o ki İzmir’i, önce Yunanlıların daha sonra Ermenilerin yaktığı tezi, resmi ideoloji tarafından hala sürdürülüyor.

9 Eylül’de İzmir’e giren Türk ordusu, kahramanlık destanı diye anlatılan ”Yunanı denize döktük” edebiyatını yıllarca törenlerde ve tarih kitaplarında bizlere bıktırıncaya kadar anlattılar. Üç kuşaktır bir İzmirli olarak; İzmirliler iyi bilir! Neredeyse İzmir marşı ile yatar, İzmir marşı ile kalkar olmuştuk çocukluğumuzun o tertemiz ve masum ülkesinde. ‘’İzmir’in dağlarında çiçekler açar ‘’ diye başlardık marşa… Gelin, görün ki İzmir’in dağlarında o rengârenk çiçekler artık açmıyor. Kan rengine dönüşmüş çiçeklerden başka çiçek yeşermedi 92 yıldır.

1915’de Doğu cephesinde yaklaşık 2 milyon insanın; Ermeni, Süryani ve Pontus Rum’un varlığına son veren İttihat-ı Terakkiciler yani Jön Türklerden sonraki yeni yönetim batıya yönelmiştir. 9 Eylül 1922, Batı cephesinde Rumların ve Ermenilerin bir daha dönmeyesiye varlıklarına son verildiği tarihtir. 9 Eylül 1922’de yaklaşık 200 bin Rum, Türk ve Ermeni yurttaşımız hayatını kaybetmiştir.

Kurtuluş savaşı denilen şey ise sadece Yunan ordusuyla batı cephesinde yapılan savaştır. İzmir’i, Yunan işgalinden kurtarmak için Çanakkale’den yola çıkan, Afyon kocahisar’a gelen Türk orduları, İzmir’e yaklaşıyor basın haberleri üzerine burada yaşayan zengin Ermeni ve Rumlar şehri hemen terk etmişlerdi.

9 Eylül’de denize dökülen Yunan ordusu, 13 Eylül’de denizden çıkıp mı yakmıştır İzmir’i? Ya da tarih boyunca İslam’ın kılıcının sallandığı her yerde katliama uğrayan Ermeniler; anayurtlarından giderken, can derdine düşmemiş de kendi elleriyle yaptıkları manastırlarını yakarak mı başladılar İzmir yangını çıkarmaya? İzmir yangını ile ilgili tarihçilerin farklı görüşteki yorumlarını bir kenara bırakalım. İzmir’i ister Türkler, ister Ermeniler, isterse Yunanlılar yakmış olsun. İzmir’de yanan aslında çok kültürlülük, çok dilliciliktir. Bu gün Kemalizmin kalesi haline gelen İzmir’de, Türkçe dışında kadim diller hala yok sayılmaktadır. İzmir’in kaderi midir, kederi midir bilinmez? Tarih boyunca deprem gibi olağanüstü felaketler dışında, hep yıkımlara sahne olmuştur.

Tarihsel süreç içerisinde Selçuk Türkler’i 1084’de, Persler de 1130’da Smryna ( İzmir)’yı yerle bir ettiler. Timurlenk sadece Mardin’deki manastır ve kiliseleri değil, 1402’de İzmir’i de yıkmıştır. Timurlenk, İzmir halkını öyle büyük bir kıyıcılıkla kılıçtan geçirdi ve yapıları yıktı ki bu gün İŞİD’in Irak ve Suriye’de yaptıklarını aratmayacak cinstendir. Smyrna (İzmir ), 1424 yılında Osmanlının eline geçti. İşte o gün Smyrna adı, İzmir adına dönüşmüştür. Kısacası Smyrna’yı, İzmir yakmıştır.

1922 öncesi bir Rum kenti olan İzmir’de, bu gün bile Rum mimarisinin izlerine rastlanmaktadır. Bu gün sözde çağdaş İzmir’de, sadece 30 Rum aile yaşamaktadır. İzmir’de 1922 öncesi levanten, Rum ve Türklerden oluştuğu mesajını ısrarla veren mevcut sistem, bu gün kendi tezleriyle çelişkiye düşmektedir. İzmir’in eski sahiplerinden biri olan Ermeniler ise resmi ideoloji tarafından hep yok sayılarak, tarihsel süreç içerisinde İzmir’deki varlıkları hep manipule edilmiştir. İzmir’de Rum’ların yaşadığı acıları anlatıp, Ermenilerin acılarını görmemek büyük bir haksızlık olurdu.

Hıristiyanlığın önemli bir merkezi olan İzmir; Ermeni ve Rum’ların manastır, kilise, tarihi eserleri, surları ve mimarisi ile büyük yangına rağmen az da olsa günümüze kadar ayakta kalabilmiştir. Ermenilerin İzmir’deki varlığını yok sayan Resmi ideoloji nasıl oluyor da büyük İzmir yangınını bu kadim halkın üzerine atıyor, sorgulamak gerek. Ermeniler; Yunanlılar gibi Müslüman istilasından en az 1500 yıl önce Küçük Asya’ya yerleşen bir halktır. Ermeniler; Karadeniz, İç Anadolu, Klikya (Adana, Maraş, Antep,Malatya), Batı Ermenistan denilen ( Van, Kars, Muş, Diyarbakır, Mardin, Batman ) ve İstanbul (Konstantapolis)’dan sonra yaşadıkları coğrafi bölgelerdir. Anadolu denilen coğrafyada hemen hemen her bölgede yer alan kadim Ermeni halkı, Rumlar ve Süryaniler gibi her gittiği yerde katliamlara ve soykırımlara uğramıştır.

Osmanlı, 1913’deki Rum Tehcirinde ve 1915 Ermeni- Süryani- Pontus Rumların Tehcir güzergâhındaki Müslümanları, kıyım ve talan edilmesi için kışkırtıp her türlü destek verilerek yaklaşık 2 milyon insanın Anadolu denilen coğrafyada yok edilmesine ve izlerinin, kültürlerinin tamamen silinmesine neden olmuştur.

Sahi 9 Eylül 1922 neyin kurtuluşudur?

Ermenilerin, Rumların, Yahudilerin, Ermenilerin, Levantenlerin bu ülkede yaratacağı zenginlik ve medeniyetten kurtulmaktır mıdır kurtuluş dedikleri? Ezici çoğunluğu balkanlardan ve adalardan getirilen Türklerden oluşan, tek dilli, tek dinli, tek kültürlü bir ideolojinin yerleşim merkezidir İzmir. Belki de bu yüzdendir İzmir hala yanıyor…

Dün Ermeni’ye, Rum’a, Yahudi’ye, Süryani’ye yaşatılanlar; bu gün ise benzer acıların İzmir’de ve Kemalizm’in egemen olduğu her yerde, Kürt halkına yaşatılmaktadır. Bir ülkede insanlar sadece anadili olan Kürtçeyi konuştuğu için öldürülüyorsa, o ülkede demokrasi ve hukuktan söz edilemez. Bu ülke kendinden olmayanları yok edenlerin ülkesi olarak insanlık tarihine geçecektir.

Son söz olarak İzmir, Bu gün tek tipçiliğin(Kemalizmin) en bariz yaşatıldığı şehrin adıdır.

ZEYNEP TOZDUMAN

1915 destroyed the hope for the future of the Assyrian society

September 7, 2014 By administrator

According Feyyaz Kerimo, writer and teacher living in Sweden, the 1915 genocide had irreparable effects on the Assyrian identity that now seems weakened and divided. The war in Iraq and Syria has caused new waves of immigration and the idea of returning to Turkey seems far for the new generations in the Diaspora.

Read suite… http://repairfuture.net/index.php/fr/l-identite-point-de-vue-de-turquie/1915-a-detruit-l-espoir-d-avenir-de-la-societe-assyrienne

Armenian Genocide through art: Impact of performance on recognition

September 7, 2014 By administrator

Any piece of art or performance by a Diaspora-Armenian artist can raise awareness of the Armenian Genocide and the Armenian Cause, but given the targets and audiences, they are not absolutely likely to replace state functions, says Violet Grigoryan, an Armenian writer and publicist.

“A piece by an independent artist – be it a painting, performance or whatever – is of more help to the audience and people who might be politically less aware of the Armenian Genocide, interstate relations and the Armenian history. It works better, raising more people’s awareness. But its effect is for the given moment only, with no guarantees or responsibilities for future,” she told Tert.am, commenting on US-Armenian rock musician Serj Tankian’s initiative to co-author the symphonic composition 100 Years ahead of the Armenian Genocide centennial.

The musician had earlier unveiled a plan for presenting the project on September 20 in Pasadena. Lark Musical Society has been chosen to premier the new composition.

Actress Lala Mnatsaknyan is of the opinion that it is very important to focus more coordinated efforts on the art or performance aspect while seeking an international recognition and condemnation of Genocide. Speaking to Tert.am, the actress said she expects more concrete results from Diaspora-Armenian artists but expressed regret that the events were not arranged much earlier.

“It is impossible to organize a concert in May and invite a couple of people here to sing, recite poetry and then leave. This should have been already done, but I do not see anything as yet. Perhaps they are planning to arrange it later. But why do it late? Didn’t we know about 2015 five years ago? This should have been done long ago so that we would be in that process now,” she said.

The actress proposed producing films and staging performances, noting in the meantime that they do not absolutely have to feature crying scenes or other sad episodes.

“It is important to organize globally interesting events, and not only on artists’ level. The more we have people speaking about Genocide, the better the international community will be aware of it. We, the individuals, do what were are supposed to, but we need a higher level of state assistance and a higher level of reaction. It is necessary to speak about this, because we are losing the moment,” Mnatsakanyan added.

source: tert.am

Anti-racism Bill: Changes in Genocide and Sexual Discrimination Issues

September 2, 2014 By administrator

by Nikoleta Kalmouki

On Tuesday morning, Greek Justice Minister Charalambos Athanasiou tabled the anti-racism bill in Parliament and announced the included amendments.

The amendments concern genocide and sexual discrimination issues. According to the bill, apart from Holocaust deniers, there will also be sanctions for the deniers of the genocides against Armenians, Pontians and Christians of Asia Minor, which have been recognised by the Greek Parliament.

Those who urge or incite actions that may lead to discrimination, hatred or violence against a person or group, based on their sexual orientation, will face imprisonment.

Both issues had caused strong reactions between New Democracy party members who had sent a letter to Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. SYRIZA MPs expressed their satisfaction with these amendments.

On Monday, Democratic Left (DIMAR) submitted its proposal to include four amendments in the anti-racism bill. These amendments concern civil partnerships, acquisition of Greek nationality, exploitation of seized bank accounts and abolishing the in flagrante procedures for debts towards the state.

The Church of Greece had also expressed its support to the bill, while it had requested that the genocides against the Greek Pontians and the Christians of Minor Asia also be included.

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It is worth dying for art – Turkish director’s Genocide movie premiered at Venice festival

September 1, 2014 By administrator

A Turkish-German director’s movie telling viewers about the Armenian Genocide has been screened at the 71st Venice International Film Festival.

The Cut, which was premiered at this year’s cultural movie event, vies for the Golden Lion prize, according to Hurriyet.

The director, Fatih Akin, had earlier faced threats by Turkish nationalists. “It is worth dying for the sake of art,” he said in that connection.

Armenian members of the creative group, including scriptwriter Martik Marin, actor Simon Abgaryan (better known to the Armenian audience as Rober Keshishyan), also attended the premier in Venice.

Nalbandian invited Erdogan to attend Armenian Genocide centenary ceremony

August 29, 2014 By administrator

PanARMENIAN.Net – Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian attended the Ankara-hosted inauguration of Turkey’s new President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

At the ceremony organized for the heads of delegations, Nalbandian had a short conversation with Erdogan, giving him President Serzh Sargsyan’s official invitation to attend the Armenian Genocide centenary event on April 24, 2015.

On August 24, Sargsyan said that Yerevan has received an invitation to the Turkish President-elect Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s inauguration ceremony.

“Armenia will probably accept the invitation, with Foreign Minister to attend the ceremony. Nalbandian will ask Erdogan whether he plans to visit Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial in Yerevan on the centenary of the tragedy,” the President said.