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100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide

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100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
DateApril 24, 2015 (2015-04-24)
LocationArmenia and Armenian diaspora
Also known asCentennial of the Armenian Genocide
ParticipantsArmenians worldwide

The 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide[1] will be commemorated on April 24, 2015.

The day

See also: Genocide Remembrance Day

Every year on April 24 Armenians around the world commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide. April 24 of 1915 is the day when thousands of the Armenian community leaders of Constantinople (now Istanbul) were deported and mostly executed.

Background

Armenia

Official

On April 23, 2011, a state commission coordinating of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was founded by a presidential decree. It is headed by the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute director Hayk Demoyan.[2] The first meeting of the commission was held on May 30, 2011, and chaired by President Serzh Sargsyan.[3]

Shavarsh Kocharyan, the Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister, stated in June 2012 that "the efforts that have been initiated are important not only for our country and the Diaspora, but for the entire world. The unpunished crimes against humanity and their denial create fertile ground for recurrence of similar events." He claimed that "by denying the Genocide, the leadership of modern Turkey resembles the Ottoman Turkish government which perpetrated the Genocide."[4]

Possible territorial claims

On July 5, 2013,[5] during a forum of Armenian lawyers in Yerevan about the anniversary of the genocide organized by the Ministry of Diaspora, Armenia's Prosecutor General Aghvan Hovsepyan made a "sensational statement".[6][7] He stated:

Indeed, the Republic of Armenia should have its lost territories returned and the victims of the Armenian Genocide should receive material compensation. But all these claims must have perfect legal grounds. I strongly believe that the descendants of the genocide must receive material compensation, churches miraculously preserved in Turkey's territory and church lands must be returned to the Armenian Church, and the Republic of Armenia must get back its lost lands.

According to ArmeniaNow news agency "this was seen as the first territorial claim of Armenia to Turkey made on an official level. The prosecutor general is the carrier of the highest legal authority in the country, and his statement is equivalent to an official statement."[6]

In response, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on July 12, 2013 saying that Hovespyan's statement

reflects the prevailing problematic mentality in Armenia as to the territorial integrity of its neighbor Turkey and to Turkish-Armenian relations and also contradicts the obligations it has undertaken towards the international organizations of which it is a member, particularly the UN and the OSCE. One should be well aware that no one can presume to claim land from Turkey.[8]

Non-official

Opposition politician and 2013 presidential election runner-up Raffi Hovannisian stated that

the 100th anniversary does not imply an end to the struggle. The struggle is continual. The 100th anniversary is not a limitation period; it marks the divide which has to force Turkey to decide between paying reward without preconditions and accepting the Armenian people's victory.[9]

Vartan Oskanian, Armenia's Foreign Affairs Minister from 1998 to 2008, stated in 2013 that he has

noticed a change in the emphasis of our political, spiritual community and the society as a whole. It is high time we went from recognition of the Genocide to the elimination of its consequences. It means being ambitious in defending our own rights, in claims for compensation for the material, spiritual, intellectual and moral losses.[10]

Armenian diaspora

The Lebanese-based Catholicos of Cilicia Aram I stated in May 2011 that the 100th anniversary of the genocide is "not a regular date" and that the Armenian organizations and institutions "should consider thoroughly our actions and words." He suggested a "need to change our behavior" and called on Armenia

to act as a state, while the Diaspora should set its tasks more clearly and all the Armenians should unite. Our people's demand on the Armenian Genocide recognition should be presented to the world. We need to unite and speak only about our demands.[11]

His Holiness went on to explain:

for 100 years, we stressed the remembrance of the Genocide. We lit candles, organized commemorative evenings, and published books. These important activities will imbue our youth with the sacred testament and souls of our martyrs. Yet, we should not singly focus on this subject. For 100 years, we reminded people through demonstrations, lobbying, and raising our voices. We aim to continue these activities with different approaches. However, it is imperative that we stress our demands for restitution.[12]

Armenian American writer Harut Sassounian claims that "the Turkish government and its agents are closely monitoring all announced Armenian plans, so Ankara could prepare its counter-moves to the anticipated Armenian "Tsunami"."[13] In his words, Turkey "would be helping to publicize the Armenian Cause" by attempting to counter the upcoming genocide centennial activities.[14]

Memorials

In July 2013, the construction of the Armenian Genocide Museum began in Montevideo, Uruguay. Uruguay, which was the first country to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide in 1965, thus became the first country besides Armenia to build a museum dedicated to the Armenian Genocide "at the initiative of the state."[15] The Ministry of Education and Culture along with the Armenian community of Uruguay is expected to complete the construction of the museum on the 100th anniversary of the genocide.[16]

In September 2013, the Pasadena City Council approved the proposal for a genocide memorial, which is expected to be completed by April 24, 2015.[17][18]

It is expected that the Armenian Genocide Museum of America in Washington DC to be opened in 2015.[19] In addition, the Montebello Genocide Memorial in California is expected to become a historical landmark in 2015, coinciding with genocide continental.[20]

International reaction

Turkey

"Even though that milestone is two years away, in 2015, the country [Turkey] is already questioning how the anniversary will be treated: as a chance for reconciliation and full recognition of the massacres by the Ottoman Army or an occasion for more tension and hate speech."

 —Tim Arango, The New York Times, April 2013[21]

Official

In his address to Turkish envoys, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recalled that 2015 would mark the 100th anniversary of the 1915 events, referring to what many interpret as the genocide of more than a million Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire during World War I.[22]

We should all be ready and well-equipped so that the 1915 events can be dealt in an objective, scientific and realistic way. The Armenian diaspora is making its preparations to turn the events of 1915 into a political campaign by [distorting] the historical reality. In contrast to this political campaign, we will firmly stand against them by highlighting historical and scientific data.

Non-official

According to the Turkish journalist Mehmet Ali Birand

Armenians are almost approaching the end in their genocide claims. They have made the world accept their claims by working continuously like industrious ants for 100 years. While they were explaining their pain and what they had to live through, we did not even discuss among ourselves what had happened. We buried our heads in the sand and have reached these days. We could not reply in a persuasive manner. We lost the case.[23]

İshak Alaton, prominent Jewish Turkish businessman, stated in 2012 that

Apology is a sign of maturity and it is time for Turkey to grow up... There is little time left until 2015 when Turkey will face a huge campaign by the Armenian lobby, which claims it will be the 100th year of Armenian genocide.[24]

Journalist Hasan Cemal, who is the grandson of Djemal Pasha, one of the main perpetrators of the genocide, stated in 2013 that "Turkey, as a state, should apologize to the Armenians".[25]

United States

On April 10, 2014, on the eve of the 99th anniversary, the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations reported to a resolution (S. Res. 410) United States Senate which condemns and commemorates the Armenian Genocide, describing it as an act of "elimination of the over 2,500-year presence of Armenians in their historic homeland". It drafted by committee chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ), it was approved by a vote of 12-5.[26][27] In his statement, co-author of the resolution, Mark Kirk (R-IL) made a reference to the 100th anniversary of the genocide and the importance of its recognition.[28]

Armenia's Foreign Ministry welcomed the adoption of the resolution, describing it "an important step on the way to restoration of historical truth and prevention of crimes against humanity."[29] The Turkish foreign ministry released a statement criticizing the adoption of the resolution, stating that the committee "has acted beyond its position, competence and responsibility by adopting by majority vote a hastily and ineptly prepared draft resolution". The statement went on to describe it as an "attempt at a political exploitation that distorts history and law [and] prejudiced initiative, which is devoid of any legal ground."[30] In response to a question about the stance of the US government on the issue, on April 11, 2014 State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki avoided using the word "genocide" and stated that

Our position has long been that we acknowledge – clearly acknowledge as historical fact and mourn the loss of 1.5 million Armenians who were massacred or marched to their deaths in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. These horrific events resulted in one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century, and the United States recognizes that they remain a great source of pain for the people of Armenia and of Armenian descent, as they do for all of us who share basic universal values.[31]

Other

In June 2013, during the opening of the Armenian embassy in Vatican, Pope Francis stated he wants to visit Armenia in 2015 on the 100th anniversary of the genocide.[32][33]

Today's Zaman suggested that the recognition of the genocide by Israel will be one of the main goals of Armenians worldwide in the eve of the anniversary.[34]

In culture

Films

In January 2011, the Armenian National Cinema Center announced that it was holding talks with world-known film director Steven Spielberg and Armenian American screenwriter Steven Zaillian to produce a full length feature film about the Armenian Genocide. The cinema center director Gevorg Gevorgyan stated that "On the 100th anniversary of the Genocide, we must have a film to demonstrate to the world. We want more than the films Mayrig or Ararat."[35] Over a year later, in February 2012 the center declined the claims that Spielberg is involved in producing such on the 100th anniversary of the genocide. Vardan Abovian, the deputy director of the Armenian National Film Academy, said that they "indeed have plans on a movie on the Armenian genocide, however, this is still in the 'idea' phase and nothing has been decided yet. We are trying to find the budget."[36] Ruzanna Bagratunyan, spokesperson for the center, stated that the movie "is a huge load of work, and we are trying to do it in time; all of us understand what this date [2015] means for the whole Armenian nation."[37]

In February 2013 a new film project was launched by Armenian American director Artak "Sevada" Grigorian. Sevada plans to shoot a film, The Genex, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the genocide. It is expected to appear on the big screen on April 24, 2015.[38] It was reported that Natalie Portman and Armand Assante will be involved in the film with an expected budget of $30 million. Al Pacino and Leonardo DiCaprio are featured in the trailer.[39][40]

Armenian American film director Eric Nazarian stated in 2013 that "it's time for the stories of the genocide to be told, and the more good movies out there, the merrier. On the eve of the 100th [anniversary of the Armenian Genocide] we need a catharsis."[41]

Books

The National Archives of Armenia published a three-volume book entitled Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Turkey: Testimonies of the Survivors including eyewitness accounts of the genocide, archive documents, maps and photos.[42]

Concerts

In 2011, Los Angeles-based Armenian singer Flora Martirosian started a series of concerts Never Again dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the genocide. The first concert took place in Los Anegeles on November 1, 2011, featuring Stevie Wonder, Arto Tunçboyacıyan, Eric Benét, Alexia Vassiliou.[43][44]

Since 2011, the Armenian Ministry of Culture and Pyunik human resources development foundation and the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute present 100 concerts thought the world dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the genocide.[45]

See also

References

  1. ^ Template:Lang-hy
  2. ^ "Plans for 100th Anniversary Appeal: Leader of commission says unity needed in quest for Genocide Recognition". ArmeniaNow. 22 April 2013. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
  3. ^ "Armenian genocide centennial commemoration commission begins its work". ArmeniaNow. 31 May 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  4. ^ "Armenia's Foreign Policy Priorities Highlighted". Asbarez. 21 June 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  5. ^ "Turkey Angry at Yerevan Over 'Land Claim' Remarks". Asbarez. 15 July 2013. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  6. ^ a b Hayrumyan, Naira (11 July 2013). "Armenia and Year 2015: From Genocide recognition demand to demand for eliminating its consequences". ArmeniaNow. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  7. ^ "Prosecutor General: Armenia Should Have Its Territories Back". Asbarez. 8 July 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  8. ^ "QA-18, 12 July 2013, Statement of the Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey in Response to a Question Regarding the Declaration of the Prosecutor General of Armenia about the Border between Turkey and Armenia". Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  9. ^ "Genocide 100th anniversary to mark serious divide – Armenian opposition leader". Tert.am. 24 April 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  10. ^ Hayrumyan, Naira (24 April 2013). "April 24 Analysis: Armenian rhetoric toughens ahead of approaching Genocide Centennial". ArmeniaNow. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  11. ^ "Aram I: 100th anniversary of Armenian Genocide is not regular date". PanARMENIAN.Net. 30 May 2011. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  12. ^ Sassounian, Harut (16 April 2013). "Remember, Remind, and Reclaim: Guidelines for the Genocide Centennial". Hetq. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  13. ^ Sassounian, Harut (30 January 2013). "Turkey Should be Kept in the Dark On Armenian Genocide Centennial Plans". Hetq. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  14. ^ Sassounian, Harut (18 December 2012). "Turks Help Publicize Armenian Genocide Centennial". Asbarez. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  15. ^ "Armenian Genocide Museum construction underway in Uruguay". News.am. 20 July 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  16. ^ "Armenian Genocide Museum construction launched in Uruguay". PanARMENIAN.Net. 19 July 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  17. ^ Gold, Lauren (10 September 2013). "Pasadena Council unanimously approves Armenian Genocide Memorial in Memorial Park". Pasadena Star-News. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  18. ^ "Pasadena City Council Unanimously Approves Genocide Memorial Plans". Asbarez. 10 September 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  19. ^ Sassounian, Harut (20 May 2011). "There is a Time to Sue And a Time to Settle". Asbarez. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  20. ^ "Genocide Monument Freeway Signs Installed". Asbarez. 24 March 2011. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  21. ^ Arango, Tim (3 April 2013). "Attacks on Elderly Armenian Women in Turkey Awaken Fears". New York Times. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  22. ^ "PM Erdoğan tasks ambassadors with fighting against 'treacherous plot'". Hürriyet Daily News. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  23. ^ Brand, Mehmet Ali (27 December 2011). "Now, the Armenians are making us walk the 'Deportation March'". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  24. ^ Yinanç, Barçın (28 January 2012). "Businessman warns: Act fast before political storm in 2015". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  25. ^ "Turkey Must Apologize to Armenians before Centennial, Says Hasan Cemal". Asbarez. 13 November 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  26. ^ "U.S. Senate Committee Approves Armenian Genocide Bill". RFE/RL. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  27. ^ Tanış, Tolga (10 April 2014). "'Armenian genocide' bill passes U.S. Senate Committee with 12 votes". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  28. ^ "Menendez and Kirk Introduce Senate Resolution Commemorating the Armenian Genocide". menendez.senate.gov. 3 April 2014. Archived from the original on 12 April 2014.
  29. ^ "Edward Nalbandian's Statement on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide". Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Armenia. 11 April 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  30. ^ "No: 113, 11 April 2014, Press Release Regarding the Draft Resolution Adopted by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee". Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 11 April 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  31. ^ "U.S. Department of State reacts toadoption of resolution on Armenian Genocide bySenate Committee". Armenpress. 11 April 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  32. ^ "Pope plans to attend 2015 ceremony in Yerevan amid Ankara's 'genocide' protest". Today's Zaman. 9 June 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  33. ^ "Pope Francis wants to visit Armenia in 2015". PanARMENIAN.Net. 10 June 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  34. ^ Öztarsu, Mehmet Fatih (20 July 2011). "Armenia ready, target 2015". Today's Zaman. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  35. ^ "Armenian State Film Studio In Talks with Spielberg, Zailian for Genocide Movie". Asbarez. 26 January 2011. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  36. ^ "Spielberg's genocide film claim refused". Hürriyet Daily News. 16 February 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  37. ^ "Spielberg won't shoot Genocide movie". PanARMENIAN.Net. 16 February 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  38. ^ "New Armenian Genocide film to be screened in 2015". Tert.am. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  39. ^ "The Genex: New movie on Armenian genocide to feature Hollywood stars, due for release in 2015". ArmeniaNow. 12 February 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  40. ^ Yakut, Osman (3 March 2013). "Movie on alleged Armenian genocide due for release in 2015". Today's Zaman. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  41. ^ "Filmmaker Eric Nazarian: On eve of 100th anniversary of Armenian Genocide we need a catharsis". Panorama.am. 1 June 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  42. ^ "National Archives Publishes Genocide Testimonials". Asbarez. 28 November 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  43. ^ Gevorgyan, Siranuysh (8 December 2011). "Never again: World renowned singers will perform in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide victims". ArmeniaNow. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  44. ^ "Stevie Wonder, Michael Stone and others say "Never Again" to Armenian Genocide". News.am. 8 December 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  45. ^ "100 concerts dedicated to 100th anniversary of Armenian Genocide". Panorama.am. 30 November 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
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