Responding to a question during a breakfast with the Diplomatic Correspondents Association in Ankara recently, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Francis J. Ricciardone called on Yerevan and Ankara “to deal with their history in a way that is open and honest and just.”
The comment, eerily reminiscent of the “just memory” discourse of Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, was preceded by the glorification of the latter as “an eminent world class scholar and historian.” After lavishing praise at Davutoglu, Ricciardone noted that he himself is “an amateur” when it comes to history, and mentioned a World War I book he is currently reading, titled The Berlin-Baghdad Express: The Ottoman Empire and Germany’s Bid for World Power. The book, by Bilkent University professor Sean McMeekin, refers to 1915 as the “Armenian massacres,” and considers genocide denier Gunther Lewy’s The Armenian Massacres in Ottoman Turkey: A Disputed Genocide “by far the best overview on the subject.”
This is not a book review where we discuss the merits—which are many—and shortcomings of The Berlin-Baghdad Express. However, as far as 1915 is concerned, the book clearly suffers from an obsession with “Armenian atrocities,” “Armenian uprisings” sweeping through the region, “Armenian partisans,” “Armenian guerillas,” and “Armenian bandits.” On the other hand, the systematic deportation and massacre of Armenians receives little if any attention, and scholarly papers exploring the role the Berlin-Baghdad railroad played during the Armenian genocide are not even considered worthy of a mere footnote by the author.
Yet, Ambassador Ricciardone cites this book as an example of how, in the context of 1915, “[t]here’s a lot of great scholarship that wasn’t possible 15 years ago. And it’s now coming out because Turkey is more confident of itself and more willing to have scholarly examination of the records of the past.”
Below, we present a short list of books published in recent months that might help Ambassador Ricciardone deal with 1915 in a way that is more “open and honest and just”:
1-Confiscation and Destruction: The Young Turk Seizure of Armenian Property by Ugur Ungor and Mehmet Polatel (Continuum, 2011)
The book’s title is self-explanatory. The authors summarize the theft of Armenian property during the genocide: “The Young Turk political elite played the decisive role in the subjugation of the Ottoman Armenian economy to an ideologically legitimized process of mass pillage. Local elites collaborated in this endeavor by assisting the militias that came to deport and murder Armenian shopkeepers, manufacturers, craftsmen, peasants. Moreover, ordinary Turks, such as direct neighbors, bazaar merchants or refugees from the Balkans, profited from the confiscation policy in different ways. Altogether, these classes and groups contributed to the economic destruction of Ottoman Armenians and the construction of a Turkish national economy.”
2-The Armenian Genocide: A Complete History by Raymond Kevorkian (I.B. Tauris, 2011)
This 1,000-page monumental book is the most comprehensive history of the Armenian Genocide ever written. The author examines the genocidal process by zooming in on Armenian-populated towns and villages across the Ottoman Empire.
3-A Question of Genocide: Armenians and Turks at the End of the Ottoman Empire edited by Ronald Grigor Suny, Fatma Muge Gocek, and Norman Naimark (Oxford University Press, 2011)
In this book, 15 experts on the Armenian Genocide and Ottoman history delve into the history and historiography of the genocide, and discuss the continuities between the Young Turks and the Turkish Republic.
4-The Making of Modern Turkey: Nation and State in Eastern Anatolia, 1913-50 by Ugur Ungor (Oxford University Press, 2011)
The author examines the violent destruction of the multi-ethnic fabric of the eastern provinces of the Ottoman Empire. He notes that these provinces “became an epicenter of Young Turk population policies and the theatre of unprecedented levels of mass violence.”
The following observations on Ricciardone from a few years back should not be lost in the shuffle. They are eerily relevant today at a time when Armenians and other minorities in Turkey are struggling to get on their feet again after a century of unspeakable trauma.
http://www.copticassembly.org/showart.php?main_id=953
Diran,very good article in your comment re: Coptic Assembly of America.It is very sad that a learned person like the ambassador Ricciardone , chooses to read propaganda books other than historical and factual ones.As an American i am insulted that he is bowing and kissing behinds just to look good in his current location and position.He should be recalled immediately and told to refrain from making stupid statements.
Well, look what our current president did to get elected…promised to call “The Armenian Genocide” as such and then he reneged and called it “Yeghern” No balls and next time in 2012 NO VOTE ! from me and my friends.He will be one term prez.
It would do Ricciardone well to read the book/words of a former USA Ambassador to Turkey…
Reading Henry Morgenthaus words – enlightening a Ricciardone – thus to become better educated to know, obviously, what he appears not to know still – or cares!
Too, amazing that the USA State Department does not offer such honest reading matter to those who serve as the USA representatives to foreign nations – that which a former Ambassador had experienced… to form his insight/understanding… of the lands/peoples/values of the nation he is assigned.
Thank you for the editorial and the book list. It is an important resource for us all. I had already pre-ordered Ungor’s book after I read his article in the Armenian Weekly magazine. I will now order his second book and Kevorkian’s book.
Any treatment of Turkish-Armenian conflict that does not refer to Armenian propaganda, agitation, terror, raids, revolts, bombings, assassinations, treason, territorial demands, and Turkish victims at the hands of Armenians in the time period 1862-1922 cannot be taken seriously.
yes… especially a denialist like you…
BTW: The United States National Archives and Record Administration holds extensive and thorough documentation on the Armenian Genocide, especially in its holdings under Record Group 59 of the United States Department of State, files 867.00 and 867.40, which are open and widely available to the public and interested institutions.
Try reading it sometime..
Manooshag,
Morganthau? Really! Even his own grand-daughter set the record straight on that one! BTW, we all know that you people will never accept a debate with us because the world will see you for what you truly are…
There are over 40,000 pages in the US national archives on the systematic Armenian race extermination, all written in real time a sit was happening, as well as thousands of pages in many other countries national archives all detailing the same events, the same actors and the same circumstances and results..
Why do you think over 20 countries acknowledge the Armenian genocide? They have nothing better to do? get a clue…
Also in 2005 both Turks and Armenians asked the (ICTJ) International Center for Transitional Justice, to conclude on the events of 1915 and they returned with the unanimous verdict that it meets all definitions of genocide and should be referred to it as so… as usual the Turks just ignored that ruling and continued the denial..
There was no, quote, ‘Turkish-Armenian conflict‘. It was a one-side orgy of destruction, burning, looting, mass-murder, gang-rapes, massacres, forcible conversion to Islam, abduction of Armenian boys, girls, and young women.
It was a centuries long nightmare that culminated in the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923, when 1.5 Million Armenians were exterminated by Turks. Prior to 1915, several other massacres of Armenians took place, most notably the Hamidian Massacre, the Adana Massacre, and several other smaller massacres, totaling about 500,000 Armenian victims.
Around 1000 AD, Seljuk-Turks invaded – let me rephrase that, INVADED, as in INVADED – the Armenian Highlands. Armenians had been living in their ancestral homeland for about 4,000 years when Seljuk-Turk hordes appeared. Seljuk-Turks, who originated in the Altai Mountains and Mongolian Steppes, were Nomadic warrior tribes highly skilled in mobile warfare. They fell upon the sedentary civilizations of highly advanced and cultured people – who were skilled in creating, designing, building….. – and destroyed everything in their path. Any resistance that was offered proved to be ineffectual, as the Turks successfully exterminated most of the Christian Civilizations – Armenian, Greek, Assyrian – and took over their lands, where they remain to date.
The cultural Genocide continues to this day. Just recently, Azeri-Tatar Turks destroyed several thousand Armenian Khachkars (cross-stones), centuries old, intricately carved, irreplaceable historic masterpieces. Note that the destruction was conducted by regular Azeri Army troops under orders, not some unruly mob.
To Ergun Kirlikovali: Any treatment of the “Turkish-Armenian conflict” that does not begin with a clear acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide is designed to negate the truth and rationalize the state orchestrated annihilation of the Armenians.
Hi Mr. Ergun Klirikovali,
Long time no talk. Hope your lectures at the univercity are not going well. Too much opposition I guess-what can you do?! People are getting more educated and are not buying your ballshit anymore ha? I guess your career must be nearing its end! Well, what do you have to worry about? You still can live up to your name by developing your stinky “historyoftruth.com”
Whatever the case may be, DON’T YOU GIVE UP! I know, it must be getting heavy for you, but don’t stop. Contnue the lies, the manipulation and the distortion because your soul is feeding of it. If you stop then your soul will stop functioning.
With regards to treatment of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire up until the eve of WWI.
1. Reforms to be implemented to make Christians equal citizens under Ottoman law will never be implemented. Lip service will be paid by the various Sultans but Christians will subject to further maltreatment for having the audacity to want to live unmolested. The Ottoman Empire was permitted to remain in existence by their European allies (Britain, France, Prussia, etc) if reforms were implemented, though in actuality their plight worsened.
2. A Christian will not be allowed to defend himself from any Turk, Kurd, Circassian who wishes to take his home, wealth, goods, children, and even his life. Self-defense is a crime. Any show of defense is regarded as treason, terrorism, and revolution. Self defense by a Christian will then be used as an excuse to massacre said Christians village.
3. An Armenian will be forced to pay triple taxes, often on multiple occasions, at the behest of local rulers all the way to Kaimakams and even the Sultan. Despite the hard work and industriousness of the Armenians, the local Muslim population will be empowered to leach of the hard working Armenian and Assyrian population at will. This will ensure that Armenians remain largely in poverty. Though Armenians will not be allowed to serve in the military (until 1908), they will be forced to pay several times the amount in military tax that a Muslim will pay to buy out his service. Armenians will be ridiculed for not serving the state while at the same time, they are not allowed until 1908- and even then will be targeted for mistreatment.
4. Armenians can support the CUP but cannot expect equal status or protection under the CUP regime. If they question why, they will be regarded as treasonous. Armenians rightful demands cannot be given same measure of those belonging to the Turkish population.
5. Armenians will be treated as foreigners in their own homeland and will be blamed for the missteps taken by the Ottoman and CUP authorities. There history, culture, and blood will be appropriated by the Turkish, Kurdish, and Circassian population.
6. Eventually under the guise of war, they will be dealt a final solution. Armenians will be targeted in all areas of the Ottoman Empire, (indeed, there were no areas that were spared even small scale massacres) for murder. Armenians will further used a propaganda tool for the Turkish Republic.
Any response to Ergun Kirlikovali that does not include hours and hours of laughter and ridicule cannot be taken seriously.
Robert: you again. Have you people, Turks, no shame ? why are you back ? didn’t you get the memo from your Turk group leader Necati Genis ? The one about staying away from AW.
Can’t stay away from Armenian sites can you ?
Where does this myth come from that Armenians have not debated?! Just because Erdogan says it does not mean it’s true. Haven’t you heard of TARC, which concluded that a genocide took place? Haven’t you seen Vartan Oskanian’s interview on CNN Turk where he says that Armenia ACCEPTED Erdogan’s 2005 suggestion for the historical commission, but in the context of open bilateral relations? In fact, it is Erdogan who is preventing this commission by keeping the blockade. Why is HE so scared of debating?? By the way Robert, nice racism there (“you people”). Say what you really mean, why don’t you.
Okay Alex,
Assuming the editorial board will post this without censorship, let’s set up a date and a neutral location for a debate! You get your people at ANCA together with our people at ATAA! It’ll be a moderated 12-membered panel (six from each side) having a three hour open forum debate WITH full media coverage (taped also for rebroadcasting to PBS stations, schools, interested major networks and their affilliates, interested nations, etc.). One hour will be uninterupted evidence and presentation from each side. The final hour will be Q&A sessions from the audience and call-ins. There will be a 5-10 minute break inbetween each group’s presentation. If this is fair to you, then be real men and let’s do this and set the record straight once and for all!!
Robert: A very interesting idea. Can I ask what you propose as the title for this important debate?
Robert the Turk,
It seems like you have finaly found “the ultimate” way to twist our arm. You must be “smart”.
Sorry! We can’t take your offer and can’t have that “official” debate with you and your group. If we do then the whole world will realize that there was indeed an ARmenian Genocide. It is a little to soon. By day our diaspora gets stronger, ARmenian government becomes smarter, worldwide recognition around the world gets bigger and more cases are being ruled in favor of Genocide survivors in different parts of the world(s). What is important is that with all these development something very important grows too. Our demands :) Maybe 50 years ago, Turkey could get away by just recognizong and appologizing for Genocide. Not today, not in the future.
So, my question to you is: why rush?
We have your appology in our pockets. That is not what we are going after anymore. We are going after our lands now. Expect more US and international court rulings on that in the near future.
AR et al,
Be as smug as you wish! It’s the public finally learning the truth about your ARF and their countless crimes! You keep forgeting the many weapons we have in our civil suit arsenal which, paradoxically, you yourselves provided us. These will all come forth when the time comes (as you said). Then we’ll see just how smug you’re going to be. We all know that you’ll never accept the presented debate challenge. Cowards never do. Still, we’ve offered it every year for the past 15 years! Accept it or not, it makes little difference to us anymore. See you all in court! :)
AR,
BTW, you should know by now that you’ve used the term “demand” so much that people automatically associate the term with Armenians. But you all should also know this…demands can also work for us and against you very easily and quickly…as you’ll all find out soon enough! Assuming that the editorial board doesn’t censor this, nor delete it or the previous post, then we may actually begin having a regular dialogue, one where we can defend ourselves from defamation and slander from your people. We’ll see if it comes to pass.
Robert: you again. Have you Turks no shame ? why are you back ? didn’t you get the memo from your Turk group leader Necati Genis ? The one about staying away from AW.
Didn’t you promise yourself never to come back to ArmenianWeekly ?
Can’t stay away from Armenian sites can you ?
And why did you change your icon/avatar again ? what are you trying to hide ?
Robert,
re. We all know that you’ll never accept the presented debate challenge. Cowards never do.
Look Robert, you know what quinton hypertonic water is? It is a solution which has a higher concentration of solutes than that in a cell. This solution has more solute particles and, therefore, relatively less water than the cell contents. The ability of a solution to change the shape or tone of cells by altering their internal water volume is called tonicity (tono = tension). In biology, a hypertonic cell environment has a higher concentration of solutes than inside the animal or plant cell. In a hypertonic environment, osmotic pressure causes water to flow out of the cell. If enough water is removed in this way, the cytoplasm will have such a small concentration of water that the cell has difficulty functioning. Studies have shown that systematic consumption of hypertonic water can shield mongols and/or their descendents from brainwashing propagandas of their governments and therefore influence turkey’s EU membership bid.
re. See you all in court!
I guess you missed the prelimenary hearing! Let me know if you need the court address.
I remember when the Turks asked for a ICTJ judgement during the TARC fiasco. The Armenians relented. Both sides offered testimony, documentation, etc. It was ruled a genocide after careful review. The Turks flipped out and TARC essentially ended. The latest calls are just ruse to try a muddy the truth and to stall further action towards recognition and nothing more.
Ditto to Tim!
Robert: You still haven’t said what your title for the ‘big debate’ is. You can’t have a debate without a title. You can’t even PROPOSE to have a debate without offering a title. But maybe you don’t really know or care what true debate is.
Diran, an khellk-eh. Mee bades-khanair… yerp vor bades-khan-es anor ooz gu das.
Hok cheh, Manooshag, g’desnass vor lavm’ l’ratsav ir anbidan khagherov.
By the way, the State of New York has accepted the Azerbaijani Commemoration Day citing the Azeri Genocide by the Armenians.
Here is the link:
http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/api/1.0/html/bill/J3784-2011
Armenians are losing ground while Turkic people gaining.
Robert,
”BTW, you should know by now that you’ve used the term “demand” so much that people automatically associate the term with Armenians.
I do not see a problem in demanding our belongings from the thieves.
Mr. Riccardone can sit and relax and read patiently, and observe with the rest of denialist Turks, about the truth of the First Genocide of Century, while having Turkish raki in a Midnight Express freight liner, travel from Western Armenia toward Tigris and Der Zor desert, in order to understand and digest the atrocities of Young Turk, and the murder of a nation!!
Western Armenia? Where is it? I could not find it on Google Earth.
Ahmed, see Google Armenian highlands.. your invading Altai Mongolian Turks call it’s Politicized name as “Anatolia” to fool people of the world, especially a person like you, even today, still have no idea, how a well civilized advanced Christian nation become forcefully islamized “turk worshipers” land, and name them after their beloved Turks, as Turkey… at least 90 years ago you people called correct name as “Ottomans”, which come from a rightful famous tribal leader, named Osman!!
FYI FROM GOOGLE: (I wonder if Google still is blocked in Turkey)
Armenian Highland, Russian Armyanskoye Nagorye, also spelled Arm’anskoje Nagor’e, mountainous region of Transcaucasia. It lies mainly in Turkey, occupies all of Armenia, and includes southern Georgia, western Azerbaijan, and northwestern Iran. The highland covers almost 154,400 square miles (400,000 square km). The average elevation of the Armenian Highland is 5,000 to 6,500 feet (1,500 to 2,000 m), but several peaks exceed 14,000 feet (4,000 m). The highland is a segment of the Mediterranean alpine volcanic zone of folding and has a subtropical continental climate. It is rich in minerals including chromite, gold, and iron.
GB,
I said on the Google Earth map. Not on a map prepared by armenians.
By the way, Google also says the Republic of Armenia does not have territorial claim over Turkey. So, why is all the fuss?