In the wake of the Artsakh genocide, the Lemkin Institute remains committed to engaging in active prevention work in the South Caucasus while advocating for justice and accountability. While we do not generally involve ourselves …
The solution to the current situation, both inside and around Armenia, is the establishment of a national state in accordance with Armenian national, state, and civilizational values and standards. A state that
PRESS RELEASE The Republic of Western Armenia (the State of Armenia) has begun the process of compensation for material losses suffered by the Armenian people, within the framework of which it has already appealed to …
To the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres To Heads of States Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council S T A T E M E N T On compensation of material losses suffered …
External actors, along with their internal accomplices, who undermined the management system of the Defense Forces of Artsakh and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia during the last days of the 44-day war, …
The Parliament of Western Armenia deprecates the event organized in Kars (Turkey) on March 17, 2015 by the governments of the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the start of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) construction ceremony and reminds that before taking such a step in accordance with statements of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (September 13, 2007) the before-mentioned governments of republics might get the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous people in region, especially Armenians.
And, in that, according to Treaty of Sevres (signed on August 10, 1920) Kars and the surrounding territories are a part of Armenian State and according to the 28th US President Woodrow Vilson’s Decision of the Arbitral Award (November 22, 1920) to the demarcation between Turkey and Western Armenia Kars and the surrounding territories are a part of Armenian State.
Accordingly the illegal large-scale programs and projects that are related to the indigenous in region (especially Armenians and the interests of Armenian State) and implemented in these territories by the other states cannot be considered as legitimate and illegitimate.
Accordingly we plead for the UN Security Council and the other UN’s relevant bodies to undertake decisive measures to suspend and terminate the implemented TANAP project by the governments of the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Recall, according to Western Armenia Armenian’s law and will it’s founded the government in exile in Western Armenia on 4 February, 2011, it’s formed the Western Armenia’s National Assembly (Parliament) on 20 January, 2014 on the basis of the general elections. Thus it’s elected the President of Western Armenia completing and finalizing the Western Armenia Republic final engineering process of state structures.
Armen TER-SARKISYAN
President jf the Nacional Assembly (Parliament) of Western Armenia
One of the obvious manifestations of the policy of neo-Ottomanism of the Turkish Republic at the present stage is a continuation of the policy of appropriation and destruction of the cultural, historical and spiritual heritage of the Armenian people. These are policies that have been in place at various times throughout the history of the Turkish state – whether initiated by the Sultan, Young Turks or Kemalists.
A particularly vicious example occurred during the Armenian Genocide in 1894-1923 perpetrated by the Turkish government in Western Armenia, Cilicia, and other parts of the Ottoman Empire. Since a timely condemnation of this horrific crime against humanity from the international community has not yet occurred, and compensation for damages has not been fully realized, the genocide continues to this day taking various forms, including that of a cultural genocide.
In this context, it is necessary to pay attention to the future heritage of the Armenian civilization, which is often referred to as “the cradle of civilization,” given that it denotes the foundation of spirituality, humanism and culture of the world.
Consequently, a significant portion of this ancient cultural and spiritual heritage belongs to the Armenian people. Today, this heritage is in the unfortunate hands of the Turkish state, and since it solely responsible for the horrific crime of the Genocide, it therefore intentionally shows the world this ferocious attitude toward the culture of another people – the creator of these values.
In the tradition of the Young Turks, the Turkish state continues to exemplify the politics of cultural appropriation with the thorough, consistent and methodical destruction of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Armenians.
After the physical extermination of a great part of the indigenous Armenian population during the Genocide in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, there was an even more intense process to eradicate all that was considered to be of Armenian origin.
Starting in 1928, the process of renaming historical and national landmarks in the territory of Western Armenia began to take root. Over 90% of Armenian geographical references in Western Armenia were replaced with Turkish equivalents. Hundreds of architectural monuments of the Armenian people were modified, some converted into mosques, resulting in the vast destruction of all that is of Armenian origin, culture and history.
Monuments, churches, and architectural masterpieces continue to be utilized by the Turkish army as targets during military exercises, which is unheard of in modern history, not to mention completely barbaric. The only recent example of such behavior can be seen in the rise of the Islamic State, specifically the destruction of the historic sites in Palmyra.
The few churches that remain intact serve as stables, warehouses, and prisons. Falsified official documents encourage pseudoscientific publications in which Armenian history and culture is distorted or forgotten altogether. This results in a form a legal framework of the so-called “lawful vandalism” which in turn legalizes the demolition of monuments, their use as construction material, and the illegal excavation of buried Armenian riches. Gold miners under the auspices of the Government of Turkey destroy all without exception.
Such sites do not “belong” to Turkey in the classical sense, for they are the heritage of humanity and should be considered as such. Their loss is irreparable, and should not be continued to be ignored by regional actors. The destruction and appropriation of Armenian cultural monuments can thus be more accurately described as a modern continuation of the Armenian Genocide.
Here are just a few examples:
Mount Nemrut – a pantheon to the gods of ancient Armenia, Greece, and Persia. Erected in 62 BC in honor of king Antiochus I Theos, the Turks have presently appropriated this heritage, presenting it as their own.
Göbekli Tepe – A temple/shrine complex within an ancient settlement located in the Armenian highlands. It consists of some of the oldest and largest monumental structures in the world. Dated at around 9500 BC, it is considered to be one of the most important discoveries of our time.
City of Ani – a medieval Armenian city that was once the ancient capital of the Armenian kingdom of Ani. Due to the number of historically-significant religious constructions within the city, it is colloquially known as the City of 1001 Churches. Yet today, it is an abandoned ghost city that has fallen victim to vandalism, neglect, and target practice at the hands of the Turkish military.
Turkey even encroached on the biblical values to include one of the main symbols of Armenia, Mount Ararat, renaming it “Agra.”
According to official data, in the beginning of 1914 the total number of churches and monasteries on the territory of Western Armenia and the Ottoman Empire was 2549 (including unique early Christian monuments), most of which were looted, burned and destroyed during the Genocide. According to UNESCO, after 1923 of the remaining 913 Armenian historical and architectural monuments 464 were completely destroyed, 252 are in ruins, and 197 are in need of major rehabilitation.
The modern politics of neo-Ottomanism is reflected in the reluctance of the Turkish state to return to the Holy See of Cicilia the residence of the Armenian Catholicosate, located in Sis, or modern Adana. After the Genocide, with the local Armenian population of Sis was wiped out, the Holy See was forced to relocate to Lebanon.
This policy has led to a precarious situation in which the Western Armenian language is under threat of extinction due to the deportation of the Armenians of Western Armenia, since Turkey has yet to allow the return to their historical homeland.
A good example of the Ottoman policy of assimilation in modern Turkey is related to the Hamshin Armenians, most of whom were forcibly converted to Islam. Many have lost their roots and national identity, do not recognize themselves as descendants of the Armenians, and continue to call themselves Hemshin. Reading prayers at the Western Armenian language (such as the Lord’s Prayer), some are convinced that this Hemshinli prayer is uniquely Turkish. Architectural masterpieces such as the exceptional Hemshin medieval arched bridges have been shamelessly attributed as Turkish achievements. All opportunities must be pursued in order to help the Hemshin peoples return to their Armenian roots.
The Turks are known for their uniquely-Armenian rugs and carpets, going so far as to import them from Armenia or blatantly copying them, despite the Armenian symbols, ornaments, etc. They claim that above all else these works of art are the property of the Turkish people.
“Zartir lao,” a popular Armenian folk song that is a wake-up call for the struggle against the Turks, and perhaps the only lullaby in the world in which a mother calls on her son to defend the motherland, has similarly been appropriated by a Turkish football club. The song was once assigned as the anthem of the club, with the original Armenian being replaced with the Turkish equivalent.
Ancient Armenian national cuisine has also been expropriated by its neighbor, and is easy to spot once the preparation and ingredients of a dish becomes evident. An example is wheat, as it is known that wheat comes from the Armenian Highlands. Even now, 3-4 types of wheat have been considered native Armenian. Since ancient times, it was the Armenians that have engaged in pre-treatment of wheat. All different types of wheat are treated differently, and used in Armenian cuisine. All those dishes that the Turks and other neighbors appropriate with the help of UNESCO – are as Armenian as the invention of the Armenian oven, such as that of the “tonir.” The same applies to the uniquely Armenian bread baked in the “tonir,” such as “lavash,” and “matnakash.” The tonir is considered dual-use as it also has the ability to heat a home.
The above instances illustrate specifically how Turkey has given itself the opportunity to wash away ancient Armenian history, and proclaim the Turks as the original population of the Armenian highlands.
No matter how Turkey tries to falsify its own history, whether through various international organizations or lobbying groups, they will not succeed. History will forever remember the Turks as nomads, seizing the lands of others in an effort to assign others property and cultural values as their own.
It is high time for UNESCO and other international organizations to adhere to the principles of historical justice, law, and ethics. When it comes to the matter of the Republic of Turkey, itself a member of UNESCO, double standards appear to be the norm when dealing with Turkish revisionism. It is hoped for that honesty and faith will prevail among the international community to stop the ongoing vandalism of Armenian cultural history within the borders of modern-day Turkey. Only with hard work will Turkey recognize its own relevant history on the world stage, and not a history invented by Turkish nationalists in an attempt to bring about unity after the calamity of the Armenian Genocide. For it is not only the history of the Armenian people that’s at stake, but also the cultural and spiritual history of the entire world.
Julia Gyuloyan – Head of the Cultural Affairs Committee, member of presidium of the International Women’s Association of Hamshen Armenians “Amshenka”
Since the Armenian Issue (Question) initiation (1878) and the period after the Genocide of the Armenians (1894-1923) the new agenda (national program) for the final settlement of the Armenian Issue has not been formed, with the exception of the Newest armed liberation struggle and activity program during 1973-1985 period.
Instead Armenians abroad put on their agenda the discussions on the formation of local communities, preservation of the Armenian people, the Genocide of the Armenians recognition and the issues related to the future of Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia.
The revival and the development of Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia, the issues of repatriation were on the Soviet Republic of Armenia’s agenda.
The issues of Armenians of Artsakh, Artsakh and Republic of Armenia’s security, aggression prevention and blockade reduction, self-determination, freedom and the establishment of independence and maintenance were on the Republic of Armenia’s agenda.
And as in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Armenian social and political thought, in general, was not ready for the impending reality of Armenia’s independence, so today it is not ready to irreversible impending reality of the Western Armenia’s (including Cilicia) independence.
Today, however, we tend to believe that the ultimate resolution of the Armenian Issue’s new agenda is being formed during 2004-2014 period, when on December 17th, 2004, in Shushi (Artsakh, Karabagh) the National Council of Armenians from Western Armenia was established. On the same day a Declaration on the Right to Self-Determination of the Armenians of Western Armenia has been adopted and in 2007 the Armenians of Western Armenia as an indigenous people, asserted their right to self-determination. On February 4, 2011 the beginning of the process of formation of the Government-in-Exile of Western Armenia was announced (now – the Government of the State of Western Armenia). In November 2013, through direct elections via Internet, the National Assembly (Parliament) of Western Armenia was formed, whose deputies at the first session of the Parliament on January 20, 2014, in Paris, elected the President of Western Armenia.
There should be a special mention about the activities carried out since 2006 within the framework of National Council of Western Armenia UN Expert Mechanism on Indigenous peoples, and the establishment of Public Institutions of Western Armenia for preservation of the existence and identity of the Armenian people. This forms the basis of the legal and political system of the State of Western Armenia, which also implements the whole process of protecting the rights of Armenians of Western Armenia.
Thus, it is obvious that the new agenda on the regulation of the Armenian Issue and the issue of protecting the rights of Armenians of Western Armenia is closely related to two main questions:
a)The protection of rights of Armenians of Western Armenia towards Western Armenia, more strictly the protection of the rights of Armenians in Armenia,
b) The formation of the State system of Western Armenia (Armenia).
We also note that for many, the Western Armenia is by mistaken considered as a lost territory and few people know that the State of Armenia was recognized as Armenian State by Paris Assembly as early as January 19, 1920. Many people do not value the important decisions made in 1920, which refers to the boundary configuration of the State of Armenia with Turkey, drawn by 28th U.S. President Woodrow Wilson’s Department of State Arbitral Award and taken decisions are available in the peaceful Treaty of Sevres.
In fact, to date, the decisions taken on the same international political and legal arena are sufficient already for the existence of the State of the Western Armenia (State of Armenia).
The existing counter-argument stated that if the Armenians did not live in these areas because of Genocide, consequently, decisions on the State of Armenia lost their relevance. But there are other nationalities besides Armenians, whose rights are being violated till now as well and also the Islamized Armenians living there are returning to their identity.
Consequently, the establishment of State of the Western Armenia with boundary configuration, drawn by Wilson’s Arbitral Award, again becomes urgent and could serve as a key to regional peace and peaceful cooperation.
In that sense, thanks to widely-known internationally legal papers on the Armenian Issue and recently revealed other important little-known documents and also formulated nowadays political-legal acts by the continuers of those who struggle for the protection of rights the existence of the State of Western Armenia becomes both reasonable and totally justified from legal and political point of view.
For those people, who know little about the current existence of the Western Armenia’s State structures, may seem incredible, as they are not recognised by other States, including Armenia. But we think this is a demanded format, which so far has not been used and judging by the obvious interest towards this structure by number of leading countries, it is clear that this format is the only real and productive for the full and final settlement of the Armenian Issue.
Saida Ohanyan,
Head of the International women’s union of Hamshen Armenians «HAMSHENIAN»,
Deputy of National Assembly (Parliament) of Western Armenia
P.S.
This article is based on normative acts of the Republic of Western Armenia
-having regard to the motion for a resolution tabled by Mr. Saby and others on behalf of the Socialist Group on a political solution to the Armenian question (Doc. 2-737/84), Continue reading
One of the obvious manifestations of the policy of neo-Ottomanism of the Turkish Republic at the present stage is a continuation of the policy of appropriation and destruction of the cultural, historical and spiritual heritage of the Armenian people. These are policies that have been in place at various times throughout the history of the Turkish state – whether initiated by the Sultan, Young Turks or Kemalists.
A particularly vicious example occurred during the Armenian Genocide in 1894-1923 perpetrated by the Turkish government in Western Armenia, Cilicia, and other parts of the Ottoman Empire. Since a timely condemnation of this horrific crime against humanity from the international community has not yet occurred, and compensation for damages has not been fully realized, the genocide continues to this day taking various forms, including that of a cultural genocide.
In this context, it is necessary to pay attention to the future heritage of the Armenian civilization, which is often referred to as “the cradle of civilization,” given that it denotes the foundation of spirituality, humanism and culture of the world.
Consequently, a significant portion of this ancient cultural and spiritual heritage belongs to the Armenian people. Today, this heritage is in the unfortunate hands of the Turkish state, and since it solely responsible for the horrific crime of the Genocide, it therefore intentionally shows the world this ferocious attitude toward the culture of another people – the creator of these values.
In the tradition of the Young Turks, the Turkish state continues to exemplify the politics of cultural appropriation with the thorough, consistent and methodical destruction of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Armenians.
After the physical extermination of a great part of the indigenous Armenian population during the Genocide in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, there was an even more intense process to eradicate all that was considered to be of Armenian origin.
Starting in 1928, the process of renaming historical and national landmarks in the territory of Western Armenia began to take root. Over 90% of Armenian geographical references in Western Armenia were replaced with Turkish equivalents. Hundreds of architectural monuments of the Armenian people were modified, some converted into mosques, resulting in the vast destruction of all that is of Armenian origin, culture and history.
Monuments, churches, and architectural masterpieces continue to be utilized by the Turkish army as targets during military exercises, which is unheard of in modern history, not to mention completely barbaric. The only recent example of such behavior can be seen in the rise of the Islamic State, specifically the destruction of the historic sites in Palmyra.
The few churches that remain intact serve as stables, warehouses, and prisons. Falsified official documents encourage pseudoscientific publications in which Armenian history and culture is distorted or forgotten altogether. This results in a form a legal framework of the so-called “lawful vandalism” which in turn legalizes the demolition of monuments, their use as construction material, and the illegal excavation of buried Armenian riches. Gold miners under the auspices of the Government of Turkey destroy all without exception.
Such sites do not “belong” to Turkey in the classical sense, for they are the heritage of humanity and should be considered as such. Their loss is irreparable, and should not be continued to be ignored by regional actors. The destruction and appropriation of Armenian cultural monuments can thus be more accurately described as a modern continuation of the Armenian Genocide.
Here are just a few examples:
Mount Nemrut – a pantheon to the gods of ancient Armenia, Greece, and Persia. Erected in 62 BC in honor of king Antiochus I Theos, the Turks have presently appropriated this heritage, presenting it as their own.
Göbekli Tepe – A temple/shrine complex within an ancient settlement located in the Armenian highlands. It consists of some of the oldest and largest monumental structures in the world. Dated at around 9500 BC, it is considered to be one of the most important discoveries of our time.
City of Ani – a medieval Armenian city that was once the ancient capital of the Armenian kingdom of Ani. Due to the number of historically-significant religious constructions within the city, it is colloquially known as the City of 1001 Churches. Yet today, it is an abandoned ghost city that has fallen victim to vandalism, neglect, and target practice at the hands of the Turkish military.
Turkey even encroached on the biblical values to include one of the main symbols of Armenia, Mount Ararat, renaming it “Agra.”
According to official data, in the beginning of 1914 the total number of churches and monasteries on the territory of Western Armenia and the Ottoman Empire was 2549 (including unique early Christian monuments), most of which were looted, burned and destroyed during the Genocide. According to UNESCO, after 1923 of the remaining 913 Armenian historical and architectural monuments 464 were completely destroyed, 252 are in ruins, and 197 are in need of major rehabilitation.
The modern politics of neo-Ottomanism is reflected in the reluctance of the Turkish state to return to the Holy See of Cicilia the residence of the Armenian Catholicosate, located in Sis, or modern Adana. After the Genocide, with the local Armenian population of Sis was wiped out, the Holy See was forced to relocate to Lebanon.
This policy has led to a precarious situation in which the Western Armenian language is under threat of extinction due to the deportation of the Armenians of Western Armenia, since Turkey has yet to allow the return to their historical homeland.
A good example of the Ottoman policy of assimilation in modern Turkey is related to the Hamshin Armenians, most of whom were forcibly converted to Islam. Many have lost their roots and national identity, do not recognize themselves as descendants of the Armenians, and continue to call themselves Hemshin. Reading prayers at the Western Armenian language (such as the Lord’s Prayer), some are convinced that this Hemshinli prayer is uniquely Turkish. Architectural masterpieces such as the exceptional Hemshin medieval arched bridges have been shamelessly attributed as Turkish achievements. All opportunities must be pursued in order to help the Hemshin peoples return to their Armenian roots.
The Turks are known for their uniquely-Armenian rugs and carpets, going so far as to import them from Armenia or blatantly copying them, despite the Armenian symbols, ornaments, etc. They claim that above all else these works of art are the property of the Turkish people.
“Zartir lao,” a popular Armenian folk song that is a wake-up call for the struggle against the Turks, and perhaps the only lullaby in the world in which a mother calls on her son to defend the motherland, has similarly been appropriated by a Turkish football club. The song was once assigned as the anthem of the club, with the original Armenian being replaced with the Turkish equivalent.
Ancient Armenian national cuisine has also been expropriated by its neighbor, and is easy to spot once the preparation and ingredients of a dish becomes evident. An example is wheat, as it is known that wheat comes from the Armenian Highlands. Even now, 3-4 types of wheat have been considered native Armenian. Since ancient times, it was the Armenians that have engaged in pre-treatment of wheat. All different types of wheat are treated differently, and used in Armenian cuisine. All those dishes that the Turks and other neighbors appropriate with the help of UNESCO – are as Armenian as the invention of the Armenian oven, such as that of the “tonir.” The same applies to the uniquely Armenian bread baked in the “tonir,” such as “lavash,” and “matnakash.” The tonir is considered dual-use as it also has the ability to heat a home.
The above instances illustrate specifically how Turkey has given itself the opportunity to wash away ancient Armenian history, and proclaim the Turks as the original population of the Armenian highlands.
No matter how Turkey tries to falsify its own history, whether through various international organizations or lobbying groups, they will not succeed. History will forever remember the Turks as nomads, seizing the lands of others in an effort to assign others property and cultural values as their own.
It is high time for UNESCO and other international organizations to adhere to the principles of historical justice, law, and ethics. When it comes to the matter of the Republic of Turkey, itself a member of UNESCO, double standards appear to be the norm when dealing with Turkish revisionism. It is hoped for that honesty and faith will prevail among the international community to stop the ongoing vandalism of Armenian cultural history within the borders of modern-day Turkey. Only with hard work will Turkey recognize its own relevant history on the world stage, and not a history invented by Turkish nationalists in an attempt to bring about unity after the calamity of the Armenian Genocide. For it is not only the history of the Armenian people that’s at stake, but also the cultural and spiritual history of the entire world.
Julia Gyuloyan – Head of the commission on culture of the National Assembly (Parliament) of Western Armenia,
Head of the cultural affairs committee, member of presidium of the International Women’s Association of Hamshen Armenians «Hamshenian»
Sayida Ohanyan: «We need to use all the possible resources to help bring Hamshen-Armenians back to their roots»
During the sessions of the 8th Pan-Armenian Forum of Journalists (organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora with the title “Armenian Statehood: Axis of Unity”) in Yerevan, there were interesting speeches and practical proposals.
Correspondent for the Armenian Information Center website of the Russian Federation, President of “Hamshenuhi” (Hamshen-Armenian Woman) International Women’s Association Sayida Ohanyan talked about the programs of Hamshen-Armenians and their cooperation.
The largest communities of Hamshen-Armenians are based in Abkhazia and in the coastal areas of the Black Sea in Russia. Of course, the strong community of Hamshen-Armenians still lives in Hamshen, the Hamshen-Armenians’ historic homeland.
The activities of the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia in the southern federal region of Russia (Rostov-na-Don) and the branch of the Consulate in Sochi, as well as the RA Ministry of Diaspora have contributed to the strengthening of multilateral relations between Armenia and Russia-based Hamshen-Armenians. Due to the well-known events, the situation is a little different in Abkhazia.
Whereas the absolute majority of Hamshen-Armenians in Russia and Abkhazia are Christians and consider themselves the non-Islamized part of the Armenians of Hamshen, the situation is completely different in Hamshen where the Armenians have been forcefully Islamized and many have lost their roots and national identity…
Consequently, we need to use all the possible resources to help bring our Hamshen-Armenian sisters and brothers back to their roots.
Mass media outlets play a very important role here.
Unfortunately, Hamshen-Armenians don’t have many print and electronic mass media outlets in Abkhazia, Russia, Armenia and in Hamshen, particularly in the Armenian language. As a result, the Hamshen-Armenians don’t receive much information about their problems and future actions. Fixing this situation needs to become the major imperative for the organizations of Hamshen-Armenians abroad and for the Republic of Armenia.
We consider popular diplomacy, as well as the direct contacts between Hamshen-Armenians of Abkhazia and Sochi and the Hamshen-Armenians residing in their historic homeland. Over the past couple of years, the cognitive reciprocal visits and the organizing of joint cultural events have turned into a nice tradition.
Unquestionably, Armenian women play a large and irreplaceable role in the maintenance of peace and in the restoration of language, culture, national traditions and the family. Armenian women have always been not only the protectors of the family, but also the defenders of the Homeland and the Mothers of soldiers.
In this sense, the “Hamshenuhi” (Hamshen-Armenian) International Women’s Association, which was established in 2012, has assumed a major role.
Throughout the short, four years of its existence, the Association has carried out several events that have contributed to the international cooperation of the Hamshen-Armenians. We are grateful to the RA Ministry of Diaspora and personally Minister Hranush Hakobyan for her ongoing attention, support and good advice.
In 2017, Sochi and Abkhazia will host the international conference entitled “Hamshen: We are Unified”, which will be a major event for the Armenians of Hamshen and will include conferences and different cultural festivals. The event will gather creative groups, notable cultural and educational figures, historians, political scientists and internationally recognized media representatives.
The program for the forum is almost ready, and there are already agreements with the relevant structures in Russia and Abkhazia.
We hope the Republic of Armenia supports our initiative and the forum turns into a real celebration and becomes a platform for recognition of identity for the Armenians of Hamshen.
The Parliament of Western Armenia deprecates the event organized in Kars (Turkey) on March 17, 2015 by the governments of the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the start of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) construction ceremony and reminds that before taking such a step in accordance with statements of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (September 13, 2007) the before-mentioned governments of republics might get the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous people in region, especially Armenians.
One of the obvious manifestations of the policy of neo-Ottomanism of the Turkish Republic at the present stage is a continuation of the policy of appropriation and destruction of the cultural, historical and spiritual heritage of the Armenian people. These are policies that have been in place at various times throughout the history of the Turkish state – whether initiated by the Sultan, Young Turks or Kemalists.
Since the Armenian Issue (Question) initiation (1878) and the period after the Genocide of the Armenians (1894-1923) the new agenda (national program) for the final settlement of the Armenian Issue has not been formed, with the exception of the Newest armed liberation struggle and activity program during 1973-1985 period.
European Parliament Resolution on a political solution to the Armenian question, June 18, 1987
One of the obvious manifestations of the policy of neo-Ottomanism of the Turkish Republic at the present stage is a continuation of the policy of appropriation and destruction of the cultural, historical and spiritual heritage of the Armenian people. These are policies that have been in place at various times throughout the history of the Turkish state – whether initiated by the Sultan, Young Turks or Kemalists.
Sayida Ohanyan: «We need to use all the possible resources to help bring Hamshen-Armenians back to their roots»
