Why Diyarbakir (Dikranagerd)?
The Gomidas Institute, with the support of the Turkish
Human Rights Association, is organising a series of commemorative events in
Diyarbakir between April 22-24, 2015 to mark the centennial of the Armenian
Genocide. The focus on Diyarbakir is for good historical and political reasons.
Diyarbakir was a major theatre of the Armenian Genocide
The Ottoman province of Diyarbakir was a key theatre of
the Armenian Genocide. Its governor Reshid Bey in 1915 played a prominent role
in the mass murder of Armenians. Some of the victims - such as the local
prelate Mgrdich Chlghadian - were killed in the city, thousands more were
killed outside, and even more further afield.
Diyarbakir already recognises the Armenian Genocide
Today, the people living in Diyarbakir recognise the
Armenian Genocide and wish to make amends. The city's co-mayors and regional
representative’s at the Turkish Parliament speak out on the Armenian issue with
a clear voice. Diyarbakir city has already supported the reconstruction of
Sourp Giragos church, one of the largest Armenian churches in the world.
Armenians can live freely in this city. At last year’s commemoration of the Armenian
Genocide, the men and women who stood up for Armenians represented millions of
people. They included prominent politicians, lawyers, human rights activists,
and others.
Making a common stand in Diyarbakir
A strong Armenian presence in Diyarbakir this coming
April will have great moral and political significance by strengthening
reconciliation between Armenians and Kurds - many of whose ancestors
participated in the destruction of Armenians – and challenging the official
Turkish denial of the Armenian Genocide.
The Gomidas Institute has been active in Turkey since the
1990s. While opposing the official denials of Turkish state intellectuals, the
Institute has also built bridges with Turkish civil society and sought just
resolution of outstanding issues. The Institute has organised successful
projects in Diyarbakir before, including the commemoration of the Armenian
Genocide - and this coming year's commemoration builds on earlier successes.
Join us in Diyarbakir this April 2014.
COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAMME
DIYARBAKIR APRIL 22-24, 2015
April 22
Gathering and welcome in Diyarbakir city.
April 23
Morning: Visit the major massacre site where over 600
Armenians, including the Diyarbakir Armenian leadership, were slaughtered.
Afternoon: Visit the gravesite of Mihemedê Mistê of Êlih,
the Kurdish tribal leader who opposed the Genocide of Armenians.
Evening: Visit special events and exhibitions in the city
or gather at Sourp Giragos with human rights activists and supporters.
April 24
Morning: Visit the old prison and the governor's
building, where many victims were held before being killed.
Noon: A commemorative ceremony in the ruins of St. Sarkis
church followed by a public rally with featured speakers organised by the
Diyarbakir Branch of the Human Rights' Association. This event will be followed
by serving "helva" in memory of all the victims of 1915 and their
descendants.
Additional : Kharpert to Diyarbakir
For those interested: We plan to fly to Elazig (Harput/Kharpert) on April 19th
and go to Diyarbakir overland, covering a major deportation route and crossing
key sites related to Armenians and the Genocide of 1915.
Please contact us if you are interested in coming to the
Diyarbakir commemorations this coming April, including the overland trip
between Kharpert and Diyarbakir. You may email us at info@gomidas.org or write
to Gomidas Institute, 42 Blythe Rd., London W14 0HA, England. Tel: 00 44 20
76037242. Please feel free to contact us.
Click for pdf of this announcement
DATE: 23 Dec. 2014
00 44 20 76037242
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