Changing perception of 1915 in Turkey

This year, all Armenians around the world will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the great tragedy they underwent in 1915. It is both hard and unfair to bear the burden of a great pain that has been denied for 100 years. Therefore, the majority of Armenians feel serious resentment. It is necessary to understand this feeling. Not only Turkey, but all developed countries are guilty of failing to show the deserved respect to this pain since the tragedy took place before the eyes of the entire world in 1915.

1915 is a calamity stuck between denial and confessions and is overwhelmed by the weight of the word "genocide." Although Hrant Dink's murder still marks a black stain on Turkey, at the first Armenian Conference, which was held with great efforts in 2005, he said: "Those meetings held to understand Armenians will be an unbelievable acquisition for Turkey."

And this came true. Only a short while ago, the word "Armenian" used to be uttered as a curse and even state authorities used it in that sense. However, with the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, the state perception of non-Muslims changed rapidly. But the real change took place in society. As linguist Sevan Nişanyan pointed out, the Turkish public leaped from the position of brutally defending 1915 to the position of regret.

However, the most crucial change was experienced at the state level last year. Effectively changing the position of denial and ignorance, the AK Party government issued an official condolence on April 23, 2014, which was signed by then Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: "April 24 carries a particular significance for our Armenian citizens and for all Armenians around the world, and provides a valuable opportunity to share opinions freely on a historical matter. ...

In Turkey, expressing different opinions and thoughts freely on the events of 1915 is required for a pluralistic perspective as well as for a culture of democracy and modernity.

Some may perceive this climate of freedom in Turkey as an opportunity to express accusatory, offensive and even provocative assertions and allegations. Even so, if this will enable us to better understand historical issues with their legal aspects and to transform resentment to friendship, it is natural to approach different discourses with empathy and tolerance and expect a similar attitude from all sides.

The Republic of Turkey will continue to approach every idea with dignity in line with the universal values of law. It is our hope and belief that the peoples of an ancient and unique region who share similar customs and manners will be able to talk to each other about the past with maturity, and to remember together their losses in a decent manner. And it is with this hope and belief that we wish that the Armenians who lost their lives in the context of the early 20th century rest in peace and we convey our condolences to their grandchildren."

And this year, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu issued a condolence for the eighth year commemoration of Hrant Dink's assassination. "Having already underscored the inhumane consequences of the relocation policies essentially enforced under wartime circumstances, including that of 1915, Turkey shares the suffering of Armenians and, with patience and resolve, is endeavoring to re-establish empathy between the two peoples. ... Furthermore, we will press ahead with resolve to give due recognition to Armenian cultural heritage in Turkey and to those Armenian personalities who made inestimable contributions to Ottoman and Turkish culture. Our desire to share in the pain, to heal the wounds and to re-establish friendships is sincere. Our course is set toward a horizon of friendship and peace."

Regarding these efforts by Turkey as a political maneuver by the state would mean missing the change in society. The steps can be found insufficient, but Turkey is leaving its official position on the matter of 1915. If this new situation is ignored instead of being considered an occasion for dialogue, those ignoring it could soon possibly find themselves alone in irrationality.