WikiLeaks: Turkey’s Armenians Fearful of ‘Violent Backlash,’ Facing ‘Uncertain Future’
(A.W.)—Turkey’s Armenians are fearful of a “violent backlash” if the Armenian Genocide Resolution passes, according to Armenian Patriarch in Istanbul Mesrob II Mutafian, as revealed in a recently released WikiLeaks cable. In 2007, the patriarch purportedly told then-Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza that Turkey’s Armenian population would be safer if it kept a low profile, although that might prove difficult after Agos editor Hrant Dink’s January 2006 murder at the hands of a Turkish ultranationalist youth. “My community is not a friend of the resolution. It won’t make life easy,” the patriarch was quoted as saying.
According to Mesrob II, on the eve of Dink’s funeral—when thousands of leftists joined the procession of mourners on the streets of Istanbul chanting, “We are all Armenians! We are all Hrant Dink!”—the Armenian community was left isolated and vulnerable, reminiscent of a time in history “when Armenians in Turkey had been given arms and told to rebel, only to be left with the aftermath.”
The patriarch allegedly told Bryza that instead of “nationalism and racism” a dialogue was necessary to surmount the tensions. And if the Turkish government would say “it was sorry” and if it acknowledged that “they helped cause these sufferings,” that would suffice, he continued.
Consul General Deborah Jones who authored the cable on Feb. 23, 2007 observed that the patriarch was quite cautious in “defending his flock.” She noted that as a leader of the small Armenian population—which roughly numbered 1 in 1,000 Turks—the patriarch had to be careful in his public statements. “For Mesrob, there is continuity from the Ottoman into the republican government of Turkey where, for successive generations, minorities have carried the burden of their initially de jure and now de facto second class citizenship,” she wrote.
Despite the patriarch’s request that his comments remain private, Jones’ cable became public when WikiLeaks released it on Aug. 30, 2011, without any redaction in place. (See the full text of the cable below).
A separate cable also authored by Jones on the same date reflects on a meeting Bryza had with the spiritual leader of Turkey’s Greek Orthodox community, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. During that meeting, which also took place on Feb. 8, Bartholomew expressed his frustration with the Turkish government’s “unresponsiveness to the Patriarchate on nearly every issue.” The conversation then turned to “the crucial issue” of reopening Halki Seminary, an institution that was founded in 1844 and trained generations of Greek Orthodox patriarchs, and which was closed to new students in 1971 due to a law that placed all private colleges under state control. Halki’s Board of Trustees refused to allow the seminary to become part of Istanbul University. Located on the island of Halki (renamed Heybeliada) in the Sea of Marmara, the seminary closed its doors in 1985 when its last students graduated.
Bryza presented a four-step “game plan” to get the seminary opened. Both the EU and the U.S. have been calling on the Turkish government to reopen the seminary. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly brought the issue up with the Turkish government during her July trip to Turkey.
In her concluding comment, Jones wrote, “Although in no way linked to this issue in the U.S., the consideration of an Armenia resolution by the Congress later this Spring may hamper our ability to work with the typically nationalist-leaning Interior Ministry, which controls the Governor’s office.”
Patriarch Mesrob II’s and Patriarch Bartholomew’s meeting with Bryza came a month after House Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the Armenian Genocide Resolution (House Resolution 106) to the U.S. House of Representatives, and eight months before the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed it. The resolution is still under consideration by the House.
Patriarch Mesrob II was incapacitated at the end of 2007 from dementia, and in 2008 Archbishop Aram Atesyan became acting patriarch. In a Jan. 8, 2010 cable originating from the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul and titled “Armenian Patriarchate: An Uncertain Future,” Consul General Sharon Wiener described the difficulties the Armenian Patriarchate faced and its petition to the Turkish Ministry of Interior for permission to elect a co-patriarch, and lamented that Atesyan, who had accepted a nomination for the position, “is viewed by many in the community as being too complacent and lacking the necessary diplomatic skills for the religious and political representational role of patriarch.”
“During such a sensitive political period in relations between Armenia and Turkey, the community’s leadership is a decisive variable in the outlook for its future,” Wiener said, adding how according to two Turkish-Armenians, the community was “entering a dark period.”
Weiner then remembered the words of Turkish-Armenian academic and journalist Sevan Nisanyan in an interview with Hurriyet Daily news, where he “said that Mesrob II changed the general perception among the community that ‘being afraid of one’s own shadow was a commendable trait.’”
Nisanyan had “expressed the hope that the community and new patriarch ‘will not prefer the old policy of succumbing and silence in the name of peace and accord in the country,’” she noted.
In her concluding remarks, Wiener said that it was a “sensitive” time for the Armenian Orthodox community, especially considering the Turkey-Armenia protocols of October 2009. “’The Armenian Genocide Resolution’ may be more heatedly debated in Congress in light of Turkey’s relationship with Israel and its impact on previous amicable relationships with the Jewish population in the United States; and, more open discussion about the tragic events of 1915 heightens resentment among some Turks even if it is a healthy development in the long run,” added Wiener.
Below is the February 2007 cable on the meeting between Patriarch Mesrob II and Matthew Bryza.
VZCZCXRO5540
OO RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR
DE RUEHIT #0137/01 0540659
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 230659Z FEB 07
FM AMCONSUL ISTANBUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6650
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ISTANBUL 000137
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2017
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, PREL, TU
SUBJECT: TURKEY’S ARMENIAN PATRIARCH ON THE GENOCIDE
RESOLUTION, NATIONALISM
REF: 06 ISTANBUL 596
Classified By: Consul General Deborah K. Jones for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) Summary. In a February 8 meeting with EUR DAS Matthew Bryza, Armenian Patriarch for Istanbul and all of Turkey Mesrob II (please protect) and who asked not to be quoted on this point, said he feared that passage of the Armenian genocide resolution (H.R. 106) could lead to “violent backlash” against Armenians in Turkey. Mesrob also said the “disaster of 1915 should be examined on separate platforms by politicians, historians, diplomats, and sociologists. This would be very helpful in terms of creating empathy and understanding, rather than enmity.” End summary.
2. (C) On the question of the pending resolution, Mesrob referred to the 260 articles that day in the national press commenting and reporting on the Dink murder. Turkish Armenians were intimidated by all the attention. Armenians’ security, he said, would be improved with a much lower profile. The response to the Dink tragedy had been positive for a couple of days at the time of the funeral; now there was a strong, nationalist backlash. Armenians felt they were in the spotlight. It had been leftists in the funeral parade who shouted, “We are all Armenians!” Now, the community felt isolated. The patriarch noted an historical parallel in history when Armenians in Turkey had been given arms and told to rebel, only to be left with the aftermath.
3. (C) Particularly in this atmosphere the U.S. Congress’ Armenian genocide resolution would not help. Emphasizing his request not to be quoted on this point, he stated that passage of the resolution could lead to a “violent backlash” against the community. Mesrob told Bryza he instead encouraged public use of his April 2006 address at Kayseri University where he urged review and translation of untapped primary sources as well as mutual respect leading to dialogue. (Text faxed to EUR/SE.) The Patriarch had also said in his speech at Kayseri University, “Turks and Armenians must break out of the straitjacket of exclusive nationalism and racism. Otherwise…the results are always bloody wars, tears, and hate campaigns. Instead of nationalism and racism, it is much more in line with our religious and ethical values to practice a love and appreciation for our national cultures.”
4. (C) Mesrob summarized his hope on the subject, saying healing would come to the community if the government could say it was sorry. Even the Nationalist Action Party’s (MHP’s) extreme nationalist founder, Alparslan Turkes, came close, he claimed, contacting the president of Armenia some four times. If Turkey could somehow acknowledge that they helped cause these sufferings, “I believe that will be enough,” he stated.
5. (C) DAS Bryza also asked the patriarch about progress in the community’s efforts to open an institution of higher learning for Armenians in Turkey and how re-opening Halki Seminary might affect these efforts. Without responding directly to the possibility of Halki opening, Mesrob said he was meeting with NSC Secretary General Yigit Alpogan in the next few days and hoped for a “universal” resolution to the need for minority community higher education. As previously noted (reftel), the solution envisioned a faculty at Istanbul University offering seminary courses as well as minority language classes. Each minority, including the Jewish community, would have its own subunit in the faculty. Practical instruction in the liturgy would be taught at the respective places of worship. Mesrob said this solution would also further intercommunal dialogue by making courses in Christian theology available to interested Turkish Muslim students. Mesrob was keen to find a solution before possible passage of a resolution, which he realized could derail this effort. “My community is not a friend of the resolution. It won’t make life easy.”
6. (C) Comment. By nature, the Patriarch is inclined to take the high road in defending his flock and the community; circumstances of the Armenian minority that number less than one in one thousand Turks make it imperative that he shape his public message with care. For Mesrob, there is continuity from the Ottoman into the republican government of Turkey where, for successive generations, minorities have carried the burden of their initially de jure and now de facto second class citizenship. End comment.
7. (U) This cable was cleared by EUR DAS Matthew Bryza.
ISTANBUL 00000137 002 OF 002
JONES
Armenians would be safe only in Armenia! The whole world is trying to keep Armenia in the cage. We must unite and stop the ongoing genocide against all Armenians including proper Armenia.
Thanks Nanore for the update. I sympathize Patriarch Mutafyan’s position, it isn’t an easy task to protect his people and at the same time to be able to stand for the Armenian cause living in Turkey. But my friend Papken in his above post is absolutely correct. Armenians in Istanbul and Turkey will be much safer in Armenia. All of them could relocate to Artsakh and rebuild their future there; for their benefit as well as for their country’s benefit. As Papken said above, “we must stop the ongoing genocide against all Armenians including proper Armenia”. After all, until Turkey accepts her belligerent past for the ethnic cleansing of all Armenians from 1915 thru 1923, and pay reparations, indeed the genocide hasn’t stopped yet. It will be good all around for both for the dignity of the Turkish people as well as of course for Armenians and for Armenia.
How dare he undermine the murder of 1.5 million Armenians to ”protect his flock”. Who do they think they are to put themselves before our dead. I don’t see the Greek patriarch cowering before Turkey!
Mutafian is a coward…
Seervart, my head understands what you mean when you encourage Armenians to leave Turkey and inhabit Artsakh. You want them to be free, protected, and fully able to be Armenian. And Armenia needs them, too. I get that.
But Armenians have a longstanding history in Constantinople/Istanbul, and the Armenian Highland, preceding the arrival of Arabs, Seljuks and Osmanli Turks. They have as much right to live there and call it home as any one else who resides there. I don’t think they should have to leave Turkey, unless they want to. It is an individual thing, of course.
In fact, I want Armenians to be free to live wherever they want to on this globe and be Armenian where they are. Yes Armenia is struggling with loss of population and Artsakh needs more Armenians as well and I hope the trend turns around soon. But I don’t think we are fighting for a country where we Armenians have to hide and take cover behind our borders. We were never a nation of isolationists. We have lived so much history, and drawn from the many cultures that passed through our lands and the lands that we passed through as well. This is who we are. We are flexible, yet hold our own. Like a good loaf of bread. Good ingredients, soft, warm middle, substantial crust.
Our goal is a real peace that fully acknowledges our history, and our right to live in our homeland. Anything short of this is just another sort of genocide.
Some things to consider:
#1 Patriarch Mutafian has not been well for a long time. (….doctors had diagnosed the current patriarch of Turkey, Mesrob Mutafian, as suffering from incurable dementia. http://armenianweekly.com/2010/07/20/turkey-has-no-right-to-interfere-in-patriarch-election/)
#2 Whatever has been related by Bryza must be suspect. Bryza is a notorious Anti-Armenian Turcophile, and has a Turkish wife. Both work against Armenians and Artsakh from Baku.
#3 Turks routinely plant misinformation and disinformation in their media and blogosphere to divide us: please look a few layers below the surface before reacting when you hear this or that Armenian said this or that. (the latest was the one with the Great Charles Aznavour just a few days ago)
#4 Many of the Diplomatic cables (and leaks) were and are meant to be leaked or intercepted. One of the oldest tricks of spycraft.
#5 Mutafian and other Armenians living in Turkey may or may not be cowards.
However, sitting in the safety of our offices in USA or Europe or Armenia it is very easy to call people cowards. How would you act if someone had put a loaded gun to your temple and told you what to do or what to say….or else. That’s what prominent Armenians living in Turkey face. Let’s all remember that fact before we pass judgment on their alleged cowardly behaviour.
One brave Armenian who didn’t play along wound up shot in the back of the head in broad daylight on a very public street.
Is there any doubt in anybody’s mind that Turk Nationalists sent a clear message to Armenians to behave….or else ?
Mutafian had such a sudden and suspicious decline.
I cannot judge the man harshly. He was under pressure we will never fully understand. All the more reason for us to press Cilicia and Etchmiadzin to speak boldly for Armenians everywhere.
I fully agree with Ananoon’s comments and some points made by Avery (sitting in the safety of our offices in West and calling people coward). We should have understanding for our Armenian compatriots in Turkey as surviving as an Armenian in that country requires great courage and patience, but it is their right to be there and to live as an Armenian.
Mesrop II, was “the best thing that ever happened” to Turkish Armenians!!
armenia, darned if we do and darned if we don’t—i say we do.
Hello Ananoon,
I sympathize your stand about the Bolsahays, but if for instance I am not safe, my life is not safe to stay in Bolis or Turkey; what good will I be for myself, for the Bolsahays, for my cause and for my beloved Armenia and beloved Artsakh if I am not alive? I would much rather see all of Bolis’, Ankara’s and Turkey’s Armenians to relocate either to Armenia and preferably Artsakh and build their homes with their children in their homeland and not only be alive but bring productivity, culture and livelihood to their own homeland. Isn’t it better than living in fear all the time and or being murdered like Hrant Dink? The man was killed right in the heart of Bolis on broad daylight. Since we have say about 60,000 Armenians living in Bolis and the surroundings, think how much we can add those numbers to the 130,000 Armenians living today in Artsakh. They won’t be hiding, but saving their own lives, their children’s lives, being able to go to school and create business’, go to Church without fright and Artsakh instead of having 130,000 souls, she will now have 190,000 souls at least. You see the logic now?
Ananoon, It will really be another Genocide if Armenians stay in Turkey and get murdered one by one when a great many Turkish muslim fandamentalists and fascists start murdering Armenians because the USA for instance has passed the Armenian Genocide bill in the Senate and Congress. Think through what I am saying now. The Armenians may be targeted again just like it happened in 1915. Therefore, as I stated above, I would much rather relocate those Armenians to our own homeland and be useful to both themselves, to their children and to Armenia and Artsakh.
Liana, I do agree with you. He has proved that very well over the years. I am sorry that he is ill, I would not wish that for anyone, but his illness can not be used as an excuse for his views. He did have his, I even dare to say, anti-Armenian views long before his illness. All he cared about was his position, his title – «Իր աթոռն է սիրում» (Պ․ Սևակ)։ Therefore, it was no coincidence that the Turkish government wanted him as the patriarch. He would be very beneficial to the Turkish government (as we have seen over the years). In return he would get the position. It is as simple as that. We had another one like him in Ani 10 centuries ago!
To the rest of you, please do not underestimate Bolsahays. They are as brave as the rest of us. Don’t judge all of them by the views of one man.
Seervart,
I don’t think most bolsahays can rough it out in Artsakh. They’re city-slickers. You must have met some.
Seervart,
In 1915, Armenians were targeted by the government. Today’s Turkish government will not do anything as extreme as the genocide in front of the entire world. They will play their current game of using pressure, fear and manipulating who is selected to replace Mutafyan while at the same time appearing to treat their minorities well for EU’s eyes. Anything that ultra-nationalists do would be in the form of terrorism. I don’t think that would constitute as genocide.
Besides, bolsahay population has been going down. It used to be over 100000 years ago. Have any decided moved to Artsakh?
Seervart jan– i agree with your logic.. at least for the time being until Turkey grows up and faces his demons by proclaiming equality about all living in Turkey, freedom of speech and religion among many othe things, ESPECIALLY recognizing the Genocide and then start on repaying back everything they stole… now is that a wishful thinking?? who knows…..if it happens, maybe just maybe then our Armenians can be safe there….Artsagh would be an ideal location for them for now.. i agree….
However, i doubt most will be willing to move… they are on their own homeland after all but like you, i am not comfortable having any of my sisters and brothers living in Turkey .. I rather see them on our lands for now….
Random Armenian jan– unfortunately they may not start another GEnocide but they sure can get rid of us one by one in Turkey… especially if regular citizens are not well known to the world like Hrant Dink was.. I can’t trust Turkish govt AT ALL….especially with my life….
Avery jan– well said my friend well said….
Gayane
Seervart, life in Turkey for an Armenian has to be tricky business. Being a loyal citizen of Turkey in your public life, hoping no one will treat you with prejudice because you are Armenian, trying to maintain your family traditions while being convinced on a daily basis that being nationalistic for your own ethnic group is evil, unless you’re Turkish! What a burden. I understand your wish for them to move to Armenia and embrace their countrymen, completely. Let us work everyday to help them by educating average Turks about the truth of their history and by exposing Article 301 as an evil that prohibits open and honest discussion about what happened to Armenians.
Let me try to understand Turkish logic; if the Armenian Genocide resolution passes in the US, the Turks will try to “prove” that they’re not genocidal by killing more Armenians? Makes perfect sense. They’re just showing their true colours.
gayane and Seervart
I don’t want to sound harsh but how are you going to convince bolsahays, many of whom have well established lives and businesses in bolis to get up and move to Artsakh? They’re not cattle that you can herd into this region or that area, so how would this migration work? Many of the bolsahays have already voted with their feet as to where they want to live and most have moved to places like the US. The bolsahay population has been going down due to emigration. And this is good news for Turkey because they have fewer Armenians left and eventually this community will collapse (I’m sure you’ve noticed that they’re paranoid about small populations of minorities), but until then, they can make small overtures to them to look good to the international audience.
You don’t want to loose the Armenian community in Turkey. Armenians, who have been in what is now Turkey long before the Turks arrived, need to exist as a community there. They need to be present and preserved.
gayane: “I can’t trust Turkish govt AT ALL….especially with my life…. ”
Never trust the Turkish government. They want to have their way and eat it too. Not repent for anything but have the rest of the world apologize to them.
That other wikileaks regarding the destruction of Ottoman archive material on the genocide only reinforced what I suspected about the protocols:
Get Armenians to a debate using the archives under the guise of honest academic discourse and then show that there is nothing in the archives regarding Armenian massacres.
You also said: “However, i doubt most will be willing to move… they are on their own homeland after all but like you, i am not comfortable having any of my sisters and brothers living in Turkey .. I rather see them on our lands for now….”
Sorry I think I read your post too fast. You pretty much summed up my previous post which followed yours.
Random Armenian, In your own words:
“Armenians, who have been in what is now Turkey long before the Turks arrived, need to exist as a community there. They need to be present and preserved.”
Fine and dandy and wouldn’t you feel for them that either on masse, partly or one by one they may parish as well? They are after all our compatriots and I am truthfully afraid for their lives. After all, the Islam fundamentalists just recently murdered Hrant Dink on broad daylight, what confidence can we have towards the Islam fundamentalists in there that the Armenian population will be left alone? On the other hand if at least most of them went either to Armenia or preferably to Artsakh, they will surely be saved.
You are saying that Bolsahays are cityslickers, I believe you in most part; but the ones that prefer the cities more, then they can go to Yerevan. On the other hand the ones that are far more patriotic, that are builders, engineers and businessmen, can opt to go to Stepanakert and start building a real city there, a city like Yerevan. Why not, although in the US, but when Kirk Kirkorian started his empire, Las Vegas was practically nothing of what has become ever since. He built Las Vegas, you can say he is the founder of what it has become today. Why not Stepanakert. Whatever they have and are constructing in Bolis or Ankara, they can take their brains, their hands and their business savvy to Artsakh and start building a mighty city there.
When one day our people can feel safe, because we got our Western Armenian lands back, then we can all go to our homeland safe and sound.
Dear Garine and Ananoon, You got the jist of my logic and sentimens. Hopefully people will read what we’re talking about in here and at least some, perhaps most will follow course.
Random Armenian jan– Seervart’s and My wish is just a wish. I know they won’t get up and move if it is up to them… or maybe they would.. who knows??? We are merely stating what we wish to see.. not what has to happen….
Dro jan– you said it my friend…brilliant…:)
It was very interesting to read all these comments. Some ideas were extremely naive and imaginative.I really want to remind you to read the last article of Dink. He was asking a crucial question. ” Where shall I go?” ” I can not live in Europe, I can not go to Armenia, because there is no democracy there, and how am I going to cope with all the injustices over there?” I think this gives you a little bit idea how he was confuse and not able to find a place to live.By the way we can see many Armenians from Diaspora were put in jail, like Sarkis Hatzbanyan and Vartkes ( I don’t remember his last name) because they were against to this corrupt regime. After all, you are not mentioning all those Armenians from Armenia who are working and living there.None of them are willing to go back.This is a very sad situation for us.We need to be more realistic and open to evaluate this kind of extreme and hard situation. I really appreciate all your concern about Bolsahays, but I don’t think our government is able to do anything about them, since they don’t even care about thousands of Armenians who are leaving the motherland every single day.We can not solve the problems with our emotions, we need really sharp and good thinking minds.Hate and accusations are not the answers.Last thing, it is very easy to talk from outside.Try to live there for a while, then give your ideas and opinions.
Bolsahay jan- can’t argue with that.. our govt is really an obstacle right now instead of great help.. and that is a fact.. unfortunately….
guess if we have more number of people in Armenia and surrounding areas, it will be easier to overthrow them crooks and mafia (govt and their shayka) out…don’t know if that is a solution but it came to mind….
Gayane jan, there are other things and realities about our motherland, but I do not want to mention here and talk about them. It is really sad that we don’t have a place to call home. Don’t get me wrong, I love my land, but our country is not ready to accept large population from another country.Since there is a huge unemployment problem there, the locals are going to be upset.Besides, even though we are the same race, we have to admit that we have differences.Recent history of Armenia has too many sad chapters regarding (nerkaght) and we have taboos on this subject. Hopefully, one day we can have a strong and democratic country, where all Armenians can gather and work together to built a new land, with new norms.
good posts Bolsahays. lots of food for thought.
bolsahay, there is not reason to get upset about our well wishing towards the Bolsahays and the Armenian Turks in the country. You got all upset at me because I echoed what Papken said that you would be safer in Armenia. I only echoed because your Patriarch Mutafyan is worried for his flock (you people). At the same time Artsakh will flourish and the enemy will us not say that we’re little in there. Plus the gov’t of Bako Sahakyan is not like Sarkisyan’s presidency nor they have oligarchal corruption in there. Gayane was right that I too was merely well wishing; there is no harm
bolsahay, no one used hate nor accusations, actually the very opposite; aren’t you seeing things that aren’t there??? I am surprised at you that you say to us go there yourself first, then give your ideas. My father was right when he used to say that Bolsahays and their ways are totally different than the Armenians living in the interior of Turkey.
speaking of trying get spyurkahyes to move to RA:
http://armenianow.com/features/31791/armenia_diaspora_panarmenian_districts
We have to start somewhere… i know our govt is not strong and not stable .. SHAME ON THEM for continuing such a trend.. our leader is not a leader.. so what do we expect???.. but we can take baby steps…. until I feel confident that Turkey will take care of you, my brothers and sisters in Turkey, I dont’ want anything to happen to you…… and right now i can’t say or feel that.. which is why our wish to see those living in turkey presently to move to safer grounds UNTIL we finally get Turkey to grow up, fess up and get over her insecurities and become mature democratic country… this is just a heartfelt wish and great desire but nothing more… i can’t force anyone to move…. especially if those lands are ours to begin with… it is just too complex of a matter.. i know…
Random, I read your site and I liked it. It’s very nice that already many went to Armenia and bought houses and lands, then go back at least 6 mos. or less of the year back and forth. It is much easier say from the middle-east and Turkey to travel back and forth then much farther away countries; but nothing is impossible. I only suggested to the Bolsahays to go there as a wish for their safety first, then also to floorish Artsakh and also Armenia if and when their lives is in danger. I understand most of them own houses, lands and riches in Bolis and or in Turkey. Buying property and vacation houses is also a thought for every Diasporan Armenian; but someone said it in here that the Bolsahays prefer to go to the States than other areas in the world if they have to migrate at all. No matter, the same as every other diasporan Armenian like you and I, they can also buy property if they so wish (which is much cheaper) in Armenia and or Artsakh, that will bring in money to our states and improve the economy there.
Dear Gayane, you said it very well. It is a very complex matter which we can not discuss in a few lines. I will repeat it one more time that I really appreciate for your concern. I am not upset at all, as Seervart is saying.How can I be upset where I can see my sisters and brothers are thinking about our well being.I used the word hate because I have seen some bad comments before on this page.Seervart jan, you got me all wrong.I did not say first you go,please read my comments again.By the way, almost all Armenians in Bolis have roots dip down in the heart of our soil. My both parents were born there.Please do not discriminate against them.We don’t need it,instead we need to feel together, a whole nation. Together we will be strong.Love and peace!
To Random Armenian et al.
Firstly I did enter site by you or your org.I would dare say it is actually a Reat Estate concern-like many many more in Yerevan,RA-which has made an effort to make people also picture it as Hayrenasiragan-Patriotic.That is O.K. too. But like many other such this cannot be considered as a REAL Remedy.Wwe need to organize the Diaspora to become a Super Structure with a National investment Trust Fund and then …start of the Repatriation, based on said Fund and Loans -long term and low interst-to those who wish to relocate to Artsakh or Armenia .
This is at best another one like the Hovnanians etc. We armenians like to be more and mlore fragmented and doing what is like copyists at work…
But again, I have nothing against your initiating yet another of these.
I am certain other such with different aspect, or Aesthetics will follow yours and others.
What we need is MObilization Diaspora Organizaation wise.Which indeed is the main issue NOW. Otherwise the Armenian mindset is as just explained another and another….
best to you all
ADDENDUM,
Let me follow up my above post, that my thesis is not directed to the OLD ESTABLISHED BOLSAHyes.and/or those very old Diasporans .They are there to stay.Whether in N. or S.Americas, Europe ,Russia or elssewhere.These in fact are to be our BACKBONE, there to stay and become Reorganized into a Super Structure/
Like someone up above wrote they SHOULD HANG ON THERE.If any from Istanbulla should repatriate, RATHER RETURN HOME< would be those who went there for a piece of bread/work and there are in the thousands there UNFORTUNATELY….these ought to be the first ones in the list OF THE REPATRIATING WITH GOOD LOANS FROM MY IMAGINED OR DREAMT NATIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND.Do read my posts please and be straight FWD and comment even negatively instead of being non-committal and silent.Latter bodes other Armenian very old Traits…. well
So much for the time being…expect to hear some -even negative comments to my perrnial CALL FOR MOBILIZATION THROUGH PCA’s and Nat’l Invdest/Trust fund.
Best to all
Bolsahay, If I have discriminated against the Bolsahays and myself in the first place, I wouldn’t have been concerned about your well-beings and about your lives and your children’s lives; I really was and still am. To me, every Armenian blood is a huge wasted blood and I cry it in my heart when that happens. Perhaps, I read you wrong that you are directing it to me and not in a good light, because I suggested that you people could migrate to our Motherland States for your well being as well as for the good of our states’ economy and progression. I know that I am also in the diaspora as I was also born in the diaspora, thanks to the Armenian Genocide. For your enlightenment, if my husband today comes with me to Armenia, I would love to go there but he does not wish it. I really would and that’s the truth.
RA jan– I read the article.. such a positive news.. and the location is absolutely breathtaking..wow such amazing land… I wish one day we all be on our lands taking in the sun and breath the clean air of our ancestral lands.. Armenia.. oh how I love thee….
Yes Gayane jan, at least I visited last year and it is lovely when you are on your own land, the land of your anscestors. To hear from the mouths of babes talking in Armenian. You feel at last that you’re in your own home, where you belong and where you ought to be. Houses are far less expensive too. We can buy houses and make the economy flourish, as well as help any organization we deem wish to help.
Mr. Palandjian, I think it is very hard to write any negative comment to you. You are right, first we should think about those who left our country to have a job.It is so sad to see our brothers on the street, selling cigarettes or other small items. We never had this kind of unfortunate situation in Bolis.I saw and talk with a lady who was selling things in the Farmers Market with his son, and you know what was very sad, her son did not know Armenian, just a word “parev” that’s all. His name was Edgar and until today, I can not forget his innocent face and blue eyes.Our government does not even care about for its own citizen, and for our national dignity.I think, this must be one of our first issue which needs to be solved. As a nation we have to do something. Maybe “All Armenian Fund” can do something.They can spend one year’s donation to built workplaces or give credits to these people.We need to bring them home as soon as possible.