“What do you mean an Armenian is trying to rekindle ties with a Turk? Wait, so you mean to tell me that two Archbishops from Armenia want to invest in Turkey? This is absurd. Do they not know the history and the animosity that is present between our people until this day? The Turks have massacred our ancestors, and now we want to do business with bad blood?” Does any of this sound familiar? If it doesn’t, that’s because you haven’t been around Armenians. If it does, that’s because you have been around Armenians and you know that anytime Turkey and Armenia are mentioned in the same sentence it’s going to cause a ruckus.
Recently, an article titled “Ham Ziyarat, Ham Tidjarat: [Eastern] Diocese Sees $$$ in Diyarbakir Church Opening” graced the cover of Asbarez (an Armenian based newspaper), which brought into light that two Archbishops- Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Vicken Ayvazian attended the grand re-opening of St. Giragos Church in Diarabekir. This all seems normal. Archbishops attending a grand opening of a church. No big deal. Now, insert in an alternative motive and it turns out that it actually is a big deal, at least for an Armenian.
The two church leaders had with them an entourage of 26 Armenian-American business individuals to help them discuss investment opportunities with the mayor of Istanbul, Kadir Topas alongside one of the main businessman in Turkey, Ahmet Calik ( owner of Calik holdings, which is one of Turkey’s largest corporations). I’ll give you a second to fathom the fact that Armenians are actually interested in doing business with Turks.
Moreover, one of the 26 business people was Oscar Tatosian who was quoted saying: “Our people should come together and enjoy a cup of tea. The dialogue starts with arts, culture, academic cooperation and trade. The rest will follow.” What Tatosian is suggesting is something that Armenia as a nation and as a people are not ready for. Sure, in an ideal world an Armenia and Turkey relationship would be commendable. However, until the Turks don’t confess and tell the world that indeed they were the perpetrators of the 1915 Genocide, things will not go forward. At first, the fact that Archbishops were seeking pilgrimage to attend a grand opening of a church in Turkey was seen as admirable, however once it became clear that the pilgrimage served more than one purpose, it was seen as dubious and skeptical. Ara Khachatourian, a writer of Asbarez, was quoted saying: “How easily are people willing to become pawns of the Turkish propaganda machine? These Armenian-American businessmen may have personal gain—and profit—from their behavior. But, the Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America engaging in such blatant kowtowing is entirely unacceptable on a moral basis, and, as a practical matter, falls far outside his clerical and spiritual mission.”
However, this isn’t the first time that possible relations with Turkey has caused chaos in the Armenian community. Let’s back track to the time when Kobe Bryant was closing his deal with Turkish airlines. It nearly caused an uproar in the Armenian community with Armenian Laker fans feeling betrayed and nearly threatening to never watch or attend a Laker game. Armenian youth organization across the nation began to call Kobe’s publicist and flooded his e-mails notifying him of his wrongdoing. Yes, the story even made it to the “breaking news” segments on local news stations. But wait, Kobe Bryant isn’t Armenian, so why should it even matter? Well, considering the fact that he has a huge Armenian fan base in Los Angeles, it should matter to him. Does he not know that Lamar Odom is married to an Armenian? I’m sure one time or another they’ve had a chat about the Genocide, or maybe not. Fact of the matter is that Kobe’s move was purely business, and yes maybe he should have considered to oversee the option of signing the deal but when millions are involved decisions can be easily swayed.
Thus, it is clear that morality and bad blood play a vital role when it comes to Armenia and Turkey relations.
I grew up in Glendale where a lot of my friends are Armenian. I had a very in depth discussion last week about what it is going to take for forward progress. Is it going to take Turkey acknowledging the history for it to be a lesson learned and a part of history? Not that it shouldn't be remembered for it not to happen again.
ReplyDeleteI just wonder, what is the line between forgiveness and anger? Will there come a time when Kobe could support Turkey and not be ripped for it? I don't think it should be dusted under the rug, I just wonder what it will take. You probably know this better than me. I would love to hear what your thoughts are on this. I have grown to love Armenians so much and so many of my friends are Armenian. Their parents have gone through so much. There is so much history there and pain. I wonder what the healing balm is. What do you think?