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Channeling the Past, Diyarbakir Looks to a Shared Future
Special to the Armenian Weekly
DIYARBAKIR (A.W.)--The man was eavesdropping, it was obvious. Suren and I had sat down on the other side of the bench, backs to the Ayasofya, staring up into the minarets of the Blue Mosque. Suren was explaining the meaning of the word “axper” in English for my benefit.
“It means, like, brother, you know.”
I
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Lovely writing, Katie, and an outstanding article. Osman Baydemir is a unique mayor in Turkey. He should be rewarded and revered for his humanitarian and cosmopolitan beliefs and actions, not constantly thwarted by the Turkish state’s under-educated prosecutors and judiciary.
Great article.
Like the man sitting on the bench in Sultanahmet Square, I find that my Arm-dar (Armenian radar) is always perked for the chance encounter with other Armenians in my daily life. I think it comes from an inherited longing and restorative instinct to repair/reclaim lost parts of ourselves/our nation. This is probably also what keeps me sitting in dark movie theaters long after the movie is over, scanning to the end of the credits for Armenian names.
A very-very nice & thorough report, Katie. WELL DONE !
Quite right, it is in those nuances that we may find shared values, that may lay the ground for the solution of bigger issues and problems.
Baydemir and Demirbash are two courageous men who deserve support and protection. I will pray for their safety and health.
And thank you Katie for this moving article.
Thanks Katie for the excellent writeup on Dikranakert. I was there when the Soorp Giragos Church was renovate back last year. My father was from Shabin Karahissar Provence from the Village of Sis, now renamed Chatal Olukh and my was from the Provence of Erzerum from the Village of Goteh, now renamed Keutur. We are glad the Kurdish Mayor from Dikranakert is supporting the Armenian’s and getting Moslemized Armenian’s back to their Christian faith. Stephan
Nice article and very heartwarming. I am certain if one digs will find many more incidents of help that were given to the Armenians during the horrible period of genocide. I hope this prevails and softens Turkeys attempts to sweep their deeds under the Turkish carpet. However, as they say one or two flowers do not make a spring. There is a lot more that Turkey needs to do before we can start singing Quimbaya together.
Mayors Baydemir and Demirbas are caring human beings who have and are going through much to bring forth human rights for all citizens of Turkey, not just Diyarbakir.
As Armenians, we are fortunate to have Diyarbakir as an example of how other communities with “hidden Armenians” can once again claim their identities, as they so choose.
Excellent and informative article. Turkey is going through great changes. Some things are good but… We hope for the best for all.
Katie:
I am loss for words, all I can say is THANK YOU!