The Turkish intellectuals, who contradict the official
standpoint of Turkey in the issue of the Armenian Genocide, become target of
threats and persecutions. Prominent Turkish activist Baskın Oran is among those
intellectuals. Baskın Oran has become the target of persecutions of the Turkish
nationalists because of his thoughts. "Armenpress" News Agency had a
conversation with the Turkish intellectual regarding the Armenian Genocide
issue and other interesting topics as well.
A couple of days ago the Supreme Court decided to annul the
decision made by the Ankara 2nd Penal Court of First Instance, which canceled
the hearings on Bilal Şekeroglu's case, who offended You and the Armenians.
What are Your expectations from the hearings?
The Penal Court of the First Instance will resume the hearings
and will make a decision about a minor punishment and the suspect will not
spent even a single day in jail, as the Supreme Court decided that it was just
a "common threat". Notwithstanding we may consider this a signal
about positive changes in this issue. Offences and threats are now considered
to be crimes. This is a significant achievement.
Can the "democratization package" issued by
Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan improve the state of the national
minorities in Turkey?
Sure, there may be some positive phenomena, as, for
instance, was the decision to return Mor Gabriel temple to the Assyrians.
Notwithstanding if the national minorities formed 2,5 percent of Turkey's
population in 1927, but currently they form only 1 per 1000 in the country's
population. And this will not change. Only those who remained in Turkey will
feel easier.
Can there be any changes in Turkey's denialism policy
advancing the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide?
In time. Only in time. Notwithstanding it changes faster.
Can the awakening of civil conscious in Turkey push on the
state to recognize the Armenian Genocide?
Undoubtedly, civil awakening in Turkey will compel them to
recognize atrocities against the Armenians. From one hand the very term "genocide"
makes it more difficult to admit and to recognize the massacre by the states.
It's the same as to tell the Turks; "Your grandfathers were Nazis."
The genocide is associated with the Nazis in Turkey. It will be much easer to
admit and recognize if it is called a massacre. The stubborn position of the
Armenians and Diaspora in particular is a kind of revenge for the disgraceful
denialism of the state and it’s not difficult to understand it. (THE
FULL VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN).
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