Turkey: Historians tells ‘open’ the archives (Armenian Genocide)

May 19, 2014 By administrator

By: UYGAR GÜLTEKİN

uygargultekin@agos.com.tr

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s’ condolence message, one of the most important archives were emphasized. Erdogan message “in the use of all researchers have opened our archive. Today, hundreds of thousands of documents found in our archives, historians are offered to all, “he said. Historian Prof. And Prof. Taner Akcam. Ayhan Aktar ATASA been unable to archive documents freely accessible underscores.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued on April 23 ‘condolence message, one of the most important archives were emphasized. Erdogan message “in the use of all researchers have opened our archive. Today, hundreds of thousands of documents found in our archives, historians are offered to all, “he said.

Condition is that really so? Researchers in the state archives in Turkey is able to work as they want me? The status of the message archive, then came up again.

Historian Prof. Oktay private, in an article published in Radikal on May 7, as the Prime Minister announced that the archives of the state, he noted. The Department of the General Staff Military History and Strategic Studies, known as ATAS briefly with the following statements drew attention to the importance of archives “of the government, including the Prime Minister is also the public’s need to know. Comes archives theoretically the time of the Ottoman government of the First World War during the War Ministry (Enver Pasha) out of civil-military all units, and particularly the Ministry of Interior of the (Talat Pasha), including all relevant ministries ‘conditions of martial law under’ and relocation applications, including a variety of topics contains all his correspondence. So ‘1915 ‘Archives of the Ministry of Interior and the Prime Minister of Public Safety-counsel with the correspondence of the most important and critical document containing a set of classification, are ATASA this correspondence in the archive. They all work will be done without missing, misleading and one-sided to provide a picture inevitable. Indeed it is happening. Prime Minister’s statement that the relevant critical issues in this archive, literally ‘open’ can not be considered an archive. Because all of the material, the researchers are not freely open to scrutiny. ATASA working as an apartment in the management of the General Staff in the archives to document them directly and freely historians do not reach. “

The two historians Prof. facts about archive ask. Taner Akcam and Prof. Ayhan Aktar private with the Oktay agree.

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‘Off the entire attaché’

Prof. Ayhan Aktar, with the support of the archives. “Archives are meaningless to say completely open,” said Aktar, drew attention to the situation of the archives of the General Staff.

“Foreign Ministry archives külliyen are closed. Chief of Staff ATASA known as archive while on paper is clear. Ataste work is impossible. Herein, documents originals see is not possible. Preliminary inspections are. Want shows that they are. Such archival not. Ben British official archives II . the World War II era prime minister Winston Churchill’s letters, notes read. Nobody told me, ‘No, give it to you do not’ beam. Nobody in Turkey to me, ‘archives’ on to say. Only Prime Ministry Ottoman Archives are open, work well. world’s no national in the archives of everything you will not find. Every time a self-censorship and a screening has. that the percent that is important. ataste the entire closed. Press had taken place: 1915 related shipping documents there but covered. Anatolia in every city, sent Armenians List of delegations given to the head of the gendarmerie. these documents, we know that there are, but they can not reach. “

Taner Akcam: Documents have be settled

Which is the most important documents on genocide in Turkey in the archives?

The most important archives, the Prime Ministry Ottoman Archives in Istanbul, known as ATAS short of the Archives of General Staff. Other than that, with the State Department’s own archives as well as the Red Crescent, there is another archive.

Which archives accessible? Which are classified?

Most regular ones and researchers Prime Minister’s Archives in Istanbul archives are providing good service. Classified in this archive studies, as far as I know, is still pending. For example, issues related to our important documents related to the various departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which has new documents are added constantly. General Staff Military Archive (ATAS), the program is practically closed. This archive access is subject to special permission. Until recently did not even have an application form. This archive receive special permission, had the chance to study, some researchers say that this is an incomplete archive of the classification. This archive Archive a moment before connecting to the Prime Minister and gives the same level of service must be rendered.

Many documents have been destroyed possible?

The likelihood that the documents have been destroyed, not a reality. After the cleaning was done in 1918 in the archives, was founded in November 1918 after the government said the ministers themselves. Deportation and extermination of the Armenians regarding the lawsuit filed against Unionists in prosecution in the indictment, this article provides answers to the relevant ministries. Cleaning, especially the Ministry of Interior of the documents were made. In 1919, the Minister of Post and Telegraph about the war years, due to the destruction document even have a case opened. I ‘Armenian Question has be settled’ in my book, made in the archives gave detailed information on the cleaning.

Archive cleaning does not belong to a single 1918-19. For example, the cleaning made after 1980 and some documents in the archives of the ATAS ‘to be destroyed’ are separated. To me this story, personally involved in the cleaning business, a historian told him. Perhaps the latest information that can be added is: Prime Archive, orderliness and professionalism in the work of all, in spite of all documents related to our topic of the researcher is to provide services; can not offer.

Archives of General Staff, especially the topic of discussion. You can do it whenever you want do research in the archives?

I did not have to apply for work in this archive. I know both are not allowed, as well as working conditions is meaningless to go … this archive and employees entering some scholars, for example, on several occasions Oktay private transfer the experience has been. Topics related to your document when you want, they want you just to bring a few documents are sitting on a strange system … This archive was closed most accurate to say that is a way of expression. Mr. Prime Minister, before the big words for 1915, which is attached to it that allows the opening of the archives if you would have made a very big business.

Source: Agos

Turkey: ‘record unknown capital inflow’

May 18, 2014 By administrator

STANBUL – Reuters

Capital inflow of unexplained origin has hit Republic era-record over the past 12 months, an economy report prepared by the main opposition CHP states, finding the flow ‘meaningful’

CHP report says gold trade and unidentified capital narrowed current account gap. REUTERS Photo

Turkey’s main opposition party has questioned in Turkey’s record amount of capital of unexplained origin that entered the country over the past year in a fresh economy report, which also drew attention to changing gold balance.

“The amount of capital inflow of unknown sources in Turkey has reached $12.7 billion over the past 12 months. And this is the record highest for whole Republican history,” the 92nd Economic Outlook Report prepared by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) read.

The report was prepared by taking the March 2014 balance of payment figures and says “the record in capital inflow with unknown sources is meaningful, as capital inflow from official fund accounts were halted during the period.”

The report says $58 of every $100 current account gap has been funded by capital inflow of unknown origin, which is recorded as “net error omission” in the account.Central Bank data announced on May 13 showed Turkey’s current account deficit had contracted by 30.8 percent to $11.5 billion in the first three months.

The report further claims the rest of the deficit was financed by the Central Bank’s reserve auctions.

Gold trade

The CHP report also suggests that most of the contraction in the deficit was led by Turkey’s gold trade, which has been reversed due to unknown reasons. “Around $3 billion of the $5.1-billion recovery from last year’s same period was undertaken by the gold trade. Therefore, $58 of every $100 recovery is sourced by gold trade,” the report states.

The report recalls that the gold-for-gas trade with Iran made Turkey’s gold exports peak in 2012 and after falling since the first months of 2013, it began rising again as of February 2014.

However, the CHP report argues the exports’ destination has switched to Switzerland from Iran “due to unknown reasons.”

Ankara was paying for its natural gas and oil imports with the Turkish Lira, and Iranians were using those deposits held in Turkish bank accounts to buy gold. However, the trade tailed off last year when U.S. sanctions on Tehran tightened, leading to the remarkable closure of the deficit in Turkey’s trade balance.

CHP also reminds Turkey registered a record amount of gold exports to Switzerland in the first quarter as a whole amounted to $2 billion, up from just $102,912 a year earlier.

May/18/2014

Turkey: 19 detained as part of probe into Soma mine accident: Governor

May 18, 2014 By administrator

ANKARA – Hürriyet

The entrance of the Soma mine has been closed with a brick wall on May 18. AA Photo
Nineteen people were detained May 18 as part of the investigation into the Soma coal mine accident, the Manisa Governor has said in a statement.

“Nineteen people have been detained as suspects. The interrogation of five of the suspects is still ongoing,” Governor Abdurrahman Savaş said.

Doğan News Agency, meanwhile, has reported that the number of detained suspects is 24.

High-ranking officials of the company operating the Soma mine, including operating manager Ramazan Doğru and chief engineer Akın Çelik, are among the detained company officials, daily Hürriyet has reported.

Prosecutors have sent five of the suspects to court, demanding their arrest, private broadcaster NTV has reported.

The entrance of the mine has been closed with a brick wall, after the authorities called for an end to rescue works.

All mining activities have also been halted, upon a decision by the Turkish Labor Inspection Board. Only inspectors and prosecutors investigating the accident are now allowed to enter the vicinity of the mine.

Company head to be tried for fraud

Meanwhile, a lawsuit against Alp Gürkan, the head of Soma Coal Mine Company, has been opened on fraud charges, daily Hürriyet reported. Prosecutors are demanding a prison term from six to 18 years in the case, which is separate from the probe into the mine disaster.

The indictment prepared by the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office demands to try Gürkan on charges of being a member of a criminal organization founded by businessman Korkmaz Yiğit, and being involved in a fraudulent bankruptcy.

Some 17 suspects, including Gürkan, reportedly bought property in the Avcılar, Ispartakule, Tahtakale neighborhoods of Istanbul on behalf of Korkmaz Yiğit. All suspects, including Gürkan, are expected to stand trial next month at the Istanbul 12th High Criminal Court.

May/18/2014

Armenian church in Turkey continues to be destroyed

May 17, 2014 By administrator

May 17, 2014 | 08:08

The Armenian church, which is located in Germus (Gamurch, in Armenian) of Turkey’s UrfaProvince, continues to be plundered, albeit it was declared a tourism center two years ago.

The village residents are concerned that the church, which was built in 1895, was left to the mercy of fate after 1915, reported Yeniurfagazetesi website of Turkey.

Although the church was declared a tourism center and it underwent a special cleaning in 2013, it remains a target of treasure hunters.

The locals noted that an article was published last year, according to which the church was used as a stable. Subsequently, attention was paid to the church for some time, but its maintenance lapsed yet again.

The villagers also stated that they place an emphasis to the historical structure and try to preserve it, but what they do is not enough.

Armenian President expressed his condolences to Turkey

May 16, 2014 By administrator

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on Wednesday sent a telegram of condolences to Turkish President Abdullah Gül after an accident at a coal mine in Turkey, which has left hundreds of people killed.

According to the official website of the head of the Armenian state, in his telegram Serzh Sargsyan expressed his sincere condolences to President Gul and the people of Turkey and sent words of comfort to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to injured in the accident.

At least 232 people were killed in the explosion that occurred at a coal mine in the Turkish city of Soma, 13 May 100 people remained trapped in the mine.

Turkey: The sad story of father and son miners on same work shift

May 16, 2014 By administrator

By: Okan Konuralp HÜRRİYET / MANİSA

Fatih Akvaş, who escaped the Soma mining disaster only because he was ill at home, is overcome by grief at the funeral for his father and brother. (Rıza ÖZEL / Hürriyet)

The sad story of a father and his son has added to the grief of the May 13 mine disaster that claimed at least 284 lives.

Father Hüseyin Avkaş, 43, had retired from mining, but in order to offer his family a better life he carried on working at the Eynes Spate mine in Soma, just like many others. He was a team leader. As miners say, “You feel safe if you’re in the team of a good leader who can also instruct well.”

Avkaş moved to Soma in 1990 from the Black Sea province of Ordu. Ordu is famous for raising good miners, so he easily found a job in Soma.

His son Fatih was first to join him, while the younger Ferhat also started working at the mine when he was 19.

It is an unwritten law that miners from the same family should not work the same shift, but this did not work for the Akvaş family, just like many others. The three mining men did not want to bother Melek, the mother, three times a day with preparations for the day’s shift.

On the day of the accident, Hüseyin and Ferhat left the house to mine for coal. Fatih stayed home as he was ill.

Hüseyin Avkaş was the leader of 60 men, including his son Ferhat, who was willing to learn the details of the profession from his own father. He had been a miner for less than a year.

Hüseyin left the team for one moment to make a telephone report, as Ferhat and colleagues were hundreds of meters below the surface. Then came a sudden, unexpected flame and carbon monoxide engulfed the mine.

Hüseyin realized how serious the case was, but he did not hesitate for a second to go down the mine and retrieve his son.

As colleagues close to the mouth of the mine were escaping, he ran in the opposite direction to save his son and their beloved friends. We do not know what happened then. No one knows how long their struggle went on or what their final words were. But a rescuer gives us a clue. “They were hugging each other when we found them dead,” he said.

Now they rest side by side at Soma’s Kırkağaç Cemetery.

Melek, Fatih, who escaped death only by chance, and little brother Ferdi are now suffering unparalleled grief.

May/16/2014

Turkey and the tunnel of time

May 15, 2014 By administrator

By Nikos Konstandaras

The images from Turkey in recent days have shown how much the country has changed. The explosion and underground fire at a coal mine in the town of Soma in western Turkey, where the number of dead reached 282 yesterday and another 100 are still missing, is the worst such accident the country has recorded. Until last Tuesday, the worst occurred in March 1992, when 263 miners were killed in an explosion at Kozlu, on the Black Sea coast. Then, as now, worried relatives gathered at the mine, and anxiety quickly turned to grief and rage. Today, dynamic protests and strikes have sprung up across the country, and two days ago the prime minister came under withering attack from relatives who accuse him of supporting his crony mine-owning friends at the expense of workers’ safety. In 1992, the miners’ relatives were alone and torn between the pain of their loss and the knowledge that if the mines closed the region would sink into poverty.

From 1992 I remember the cries of families, when they learned that the mine would be sealed with cement while many miners were still underground, because it was the only way to stifle the fire. Desperate relatives clashed with police a short distance from the shaft that would be closed with their sons, fathers and husbands inside. I remember bodies, under blankets. Tears had dug channels through the black dust on faces of silent men who had carried only dead colleagues into the winter light. I remember the grief and apprehension on the face of the main opposition party leader when he looked over at the relatives before getting into his limousine – I remember how shiny his black shoes were, like his hair.

I visited a mountain village lost in the clouds, submerged in grief, snow and mud. It had lost 15 men in the previous day’s blast. “It is dangerous, but we have to work there. No one wants the mines to close,” said Ali Demirce, a 32-year-old survivor and father of two, with burns and cuts on his hands and face. Mine union officials said the same. They were afraid the government would grab the opportunity to shut down the heavily subsidized mines where more than 32,000 people in the region worked. An average miner’s salary was 500 dollars, about double the national average. The life expectancy of a miner was 46, compared to the national average of 68.

The people were poor, with few opportunities. The state’s power was absolute and harsh. This paternalism still exists to a great extent, with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan its chief proponent after his decade-long domination of the political scene. But now the average wage is much greater than in the past, and, thanks to many of Erdogan’s policies, the country has enjoyed a rapid rise in living standards. Today, a vocal part of the population demands that government and state officials be held accountable for their acts and omissions. They might be a minority but they are determined. People may still be dying in the bowels of the earth, but today their lives have a greater impact on their country and their government. This is real growth – far greater than any rise in GDP.

Video: Did Turkish PM Erdoğan slap a protester in Soma?

May 15, 2014 By administrator

Many social media users have suggested that the image shows Turkish PM Erdoğan ‘punching’ a protester.

New footage emerged May 15 apparently showing Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan engaging in a scuffle in a crowd in the mining disaster-struck town of Soma.

The crowd surrounding Erdoğan in the footage, which has been widely circulated on the Internet, makes it difficult to discern the exact circumstances. However, at the beginning of the video several people are heard booing and whistling at Erdoğan, who then appears to single out one protester, telling him to “Come and boo me here to my face.”

Erdoğan’s advisor kicking Soma mourner leads to outrage

May 15, 2014 By administrator

May 15, 2014, Thursday/ 10:37:36/ TODAYSZAMAN.COM / ISTANBUL

Yusuf Yerkel, an adviser of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, sparked massive outrage after being photographed while kicking a mourner in Manisa’s Soma on Tuesday in the wake of the previous day’s mining disaster that killed at least 282 people.

Tension rose as the anger in Soma, which went through the worst mining tragedy in Turkey’s history. PM Erdoğan faced boos and calls for his resignation as his bodyguards had allegedly tried to suppress any attempt at protest.

Yerkel, one of Erdoğan’s advisers, was captured delivering an enraged kick at a prone protester who was being held down by two soldiers. Turkish media reported that according to witness accounts, special forces were interrogating the protester after the latter kicked an official car belonging to the convoy of the prime minister. Yerkel, who saw the scene as he was preparing to take a seat in the car assigned to him, ran at the protester, kicking him three or four times.

His act has caused fury on social media, with the picture being shared widely. Yerkel later spoke to BBC Turkish, confirming that he was the one in the picture and that he would soon make a public statement regarding the incident.

Armenian Patriarchate in Turkey: Churches will pray for miners

May 15, 2014 By administrator

Armenian Patriarchate in Turkey May 18, will be held on Sunday liturgy of the Armenian church in Istanbul, who died in the mine disaster, the injured and prayed for the workers who are under the rubble announced.

In the message released from Armenian Patriarchate in Turkey, as a result of an accident at the mine in Soma everyone mourning for the suffering experienced and deeply wounded were recorded.

In the teachings of the Bible, “My body is composed of many members, if one member suffer all the members suffer together,” the statement cited in the message that was recorded as follows:

“Acýlarýn by sharing easier believes the miners of our brothers and their families the pain in our hearts we feel. Lives lost miners, our brothers and sisters of God Almighty have mercy, painful to the families and relatives Patriarchate, Spiritual Assembly and our whole community on behalf of our condolences to the injured a speedy recovery wish. Still under the rubble found our brothers My sağsağl also to their families as soon as possible to recover, we pray with all our hearts.

This market in Istanbul all Armenian churches will be held in rituals, Manisa Soma mines experienced in my hand in the accident who lost their lives to God Almighty have mercy, the injured worker for the speedy recovery and dent at the bottom of the saliman Enthusiasts to recover, to pray. “

source: Agos

‘Off the entire attaché’

Taner Akcam: Documents have be settled

Which is the most important documents on genocide in Turkey in the archives?

Which archives accessible? Which are classified?

Many documents have been destroyed possible?

Archives of General Staff, especially the topic of discussion. You can do it whenever you want do research in the archives?

Capital inflow of unexplained origin has hit Republic era-record over the past 12 months, an economy report prepared by the main opposition CHP states, finding the flow ‘meaningful’