Turkologist Hakob Chakryan has shared his impressions of a recent meeting with Hakan Oktay, a Turkish professor best known for his nationalist views.

Speaking to Tert.am, the expert said their meeting focused on plans for opening an office for the Turkish professor in Armenia, as well as the latest developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process. The Turkologist said he was aware of Mr Oktay’s affiliation with the nationalist organization Grey Wolves.

“He himself wanted a meeting with me. Well, because he had come to Armenia and had an interest, I agreed to meet. I have no reason to be afraid of a Turk, of course. He had said it wasn’t his first visit to Armenia and that he was a member of the Nationalist Movement Party, the founder of Panturkism and the political organization of the Grey Wolves,” he said.

Oktay’s Facebook photos published by an Armenian language portal covering Turkish studies issues reveal that he had meetings with not only Turkologists and political analysts, but also Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II and Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan.

Oktay also shared photos featuring him in different regions of Armenia with the nationalist organization’s logo.
Asked about details of the meeting, the Armenian Turkologist said he remains in the dark about Mr Oktay’s plans. “What could he have talked to me about? He was talking about water and air, not of course his plans and meetings. As to what he had come for, he will probably notify of that to their intelligence services.

“He said he’s the director of the Caucasus Center for Strategic Studies, which opened several years ago. And he also talked of plans for opening the Center’s office here. A conversation began over the Karabakh issue, so he was interested to know when I think the problem will be resolved. I said it is under the spotlight of the [OSCE Minsk Group’s] three co-chairing countries and that the co-chairs will not allow any intervention by Turkey,” Mr Chakryan said.