Prof. Taner Akcam, the Robert Aram, Marianne Kaloosdian, and Stephen and Marian Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark University, gave the following remarks at the Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Times Square, New York, on April 26.
On this, a day laden with great urgency and historical meaning, I would like to thank you for allowing me to appear with you and to share your grief and sorrow.
Today does not merely mark the centennial of the annihilation of some 1.5 million A
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Reading this article has somewhat subdued the anger in me and a glimmer of hope is now visible on the horizon like a tiny candle light. I pray that the Turkish population will soon make the passage through the gates of civilisation into this “other Turkey” and the Armenian nation can finally close this horrible chapter in their history and continue life without the heavy burden that they have been carrying on their shoulder for the past century.
What Turkey needs is many Taner Akcams for their salvation.
Thank you from the depth of my heart.
mr.akcam- if only we had more people like you who is not afraid to speak but the truth.
Professor Taner Akcam. A true champion of the Armenian genocide recognition cause. A brave Turk who fully deserves our praise and appreciation.
Simply put, after losing the Balkans in 1912, and suffering defeat in Sarikamish Nov. 1914, the Empire had lost its cover, and Turkish Nationalism was adopted: In saving their VATAN, the motherland, Armenians as part of “others” had to be exterminated, at least Turkified. That extermination and cleansing became the “necessary evil” of establishing this Turkish Republic of only Turks. Too bad that all “others” could not exist there anymore, ’cause that was the National Security Interest of Turks passing from Empire citizenry to Republic citizenry. “If the US is guided solely by its National Security Interests in 2015, what’s wrong if Turks left morality aside and did the same in 1915?” a Turk may ask today. And Armenians are still seeking a moral compass in Recognition of this Genocide, and not only in Turkey, but even in the US!
Prof Akcam, having already read your books and heard your words in person, I applaud your leadership. i agree that recognition is due to the Turkish citizens and officials who resisted or tried to prevent the atrocities.
Prof. Taner Akcam, a man of values and integrity, all Turks are not the same.
Prof Taner Akcam has gained the hearts and souls of the Armenians all over the world. What is keeping the other Turks from joining the rank of this great scholar?
THANK-YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER
I agree with sirop- it is for some reason in the turkish blood even today otherwise why would turkey’s president act the way he does.
denying our genocide is a normality to them, meaning if it happens again it won’t be a big deal.
it really is in their blood, observe their history.
Dear Mr. Akcam,
Your courage and ability to see and speak the truth is nothing less than heroic! Yours is an important, articulate, just voice that hopefully will find more and more listeners in Turkey. May Allah bless you!