Monday, March 8, 2010
The first round of the annual "genocide" resolution fight is over. Though there are different interpretations for the close call and controversially managed House Foreign Relations Committee voting, both sides can claim victory following the result.
The Armenians announced that the victory was attained in spite of the powerful lobbying forces of the Turkish government in Washington, and the Turks argue that the close result was a testament to the maturity of the Turkish diaspora in America which proved that it had now learned the rules of the game.
I think even though the resolution passed at the committee last Thursday and that this result declares the Armenians' victory for now, the same result also sent a chill to the powerful Armenian-American diaspora, who always came to see this committee voting as a piece of cake, until this year.
I have contacted many leaders in the Turkish-American community after the committee vote to get a sense how they view the result. I also tried to have the same conversations with leaders among the Armenian-Americans, but I have failed to reach them so far.
One of the questions I asked to those Turkish leaders was whether the Turkish and Armenian communities can ever reconcile, at least some of their differences. Would it be possible to hold panels and discussions, like the one just organized last week in Yerevan between Turkish and Armenian thinkers?
Many of the executives and leaders of the different Turkish associations said they have hopes for closer relationships with the Armenian diaspora, nevertheless they stated that the pressure that the Armenian diaspora utilizes at many levels, including the stiff lobbying in states across America to append the events of the 1915 as a “genocide” in school textbooks, adds daily tension to the relationships between the two communities.
"Being under constant attack was just one of the factors that pumped up Turkish communities to fight harder this year," according to Ali Çınar, one of the vice presidents of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations, or ATAA. Çınar said, as the attacks on the Turkish community increased, the grassroots of the Turkish community also started to better organize.
Mr. Günay Evinch, the president of ATAA, said to me in an interview: "The ATAA led many different Turkish associations intellectually and practically. They targeted those Foreign Affairs Committee members across America that potentially can take stances against the resolution."
Evinch said: “We worked systematically this year, did more aggressive fundraising in many states and organize other events. We had meetings at the State Department, with the staff of the National Security Council and various Intelligent Communities to explain Turkey's position at the executive level."
And Evinch argued they were able to send clear messages to the Congress arguing how this bill would damage the normalization process between Turkey and Armenia, and how the Turks see this bill as humiliating.
The president of the Turkish forum, Mr. Kayaalp Büyükataman said in a phone interview while he was in Turkey, "It took sometime to energize the Turkish diaspora in the States, however it seems that the long years of work have now born fruit."
According to Büyükataman, "Turkish-Americans are the most educated and wealthy ethnic segment when one compares them with other people that belong to the different backgrounds."
However, he said, "Until now, we have waited for the Turkish state like a father to do everything for us, but Ankara also asked the Turkish-American community to stay sedated when it comes to these matters in the past. However the views have changed on both sides, and the Turkish officials have come to appreciate our work."
Kaya Boztepe, president of the Federation of Turkish American Associations, echoed the same sentiment in his email and announced that Turkish-American organizations had stopped being on the defensive with the latest 22-23 Thursday tally.
"Turkey's increasing importance makes it more difficult for U.S. administrations to let these resolutions be put on a vote in the House floor," says Kemal Oksuz, president of the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians, one of the (Fethullah) Gülen organizations that have been growing rapidly in recent years.
Oksuz was able to give the most detailed report on what happened behind the scenes before and during the resolution debate at the House Committee. Oksuz said, "The lobbying firms that have been paid loads of money in Washington by Turkey actually worsen the image of Turkey at the Congress, rather than helping. Instead, civil grassroots' visits to the Congressional members, especially in their districts, made the biggest differences run up to the Thursday voting."
All of the Turkish leaders in America I talked to past week, complained about Howard Berman's tendentious managing of the vote as head of the committee. According to many firsthand accounts I have heard, Berman, even chased a couple of the committee members to their offices to bring them to vote and especially the junior ones faced the most pressure, some who resisted to come to the voting room until the last minute.
Mahmut Yeter, the executive director of the Midatlantic Turkic American Association, another Turkish-American association that has proximity to the Gülen Movement, said: "Turkish constituencies maintain their close relationships with their Congressional members and host them when it is possible for dinners and award ceremonies, even if some of those representatives were going to vote against to the Turkish position."
Yeter concluded: "With persistence, but while respectfully elaborating their cause, those Turkish grassroots become more convincing and less irrupting than the Armenians.”
He also said, “[They is] more visible Turkish diplomacy in the international arena, [their] work and arguing for Turkey's position to those Congressional members has also become easier."
These Turkish grassroots leaders expect to see more similar resolutions appear, at least until 2015, when the hundredth years of the events of 1915 will be remembered. However, if the resolution does not pass this year amid heavily Democratic Party-dominated Congress and ahead of an election year, with the supporters like Obama and other key cabinet members who voted for similar resolutions in the past, one wonders how will the similar resolutions will pass in the future.
One would think with the effectiveness that the Turkish grassroots organizations have proved this year, the Armenians will have harder times being successful in coming years.
None of the Turkish representatives that I talked to opposed to the idea of having dialogue with the Armenian diaspora, accepting that the both sides cannot settle all the problems. And I think nobody expects from either side to give up on their causes, or change perceptions about the past. However, maybe the time is for closer dialogue and interactions should be near, at least for the newer generations of both communities. This is maybe an early dream – but a dream that will be realized sooner or later.
I will try more to get in touch with those leaders in the Armenian community to reflect their views as well. I hope we can at least open the channels of simple dialogue and the exchange of ideas for now.
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Guest - from trabzon (2010-03-11 09:42:25) :
@ guest harry. you never even bothered to read the article did you.
Guest - metin (2010-03-10 19:01:05) :
@arkadas: I salute your warm email. I think that there are many notions in your email that the both sides can agree with. I see that almost only one problem is there, that the both sides cannot agree on, it is what the events of 1915 should be called. Everybody, if not blindfolded, accepts that there were tragedies and hundreds of thousands of Armenian waned. However, the turks claim it was not systematic and it was result of a deportation, not intentionally haunting and killing spree.. Why cant you understand this? Untill 1974, the resolutions came to the US House of Reps. did not include the word of 'genocide', then suddenly you discovered the word and tried to inject into the resolutions.. Until last time around, 2007, it was 1915 thru 1918, now you suddenly made it between 1915-1923, every year you guys add and change the history.. dont you think it is little weird? However, i share with many sentiments you wrote... i hope we can sit and talk and have coffee and talk... instead of hotheaded people who claim to be representing the the both sides
Guest - Arkadas (2010-03-10 01:03:23) :
Murat, We all find what we look for. I have been to Turkey and found it to be the closest thing to “home”. In fact, I felt everyone was Armenian up until they spoke in a different language. I saw the same soul and a special Anatolian spark in their eyes. Everyone was so nice. Now, you and I know that this is a generalization. My late grandfather use to resort to Turkish proverbs in situation like this one “there are dogs in every town”. As caring people of art and culture, people such as you and I should take the “higher road” to light up the path that leads to solutions for both our nations: one candle at a time, one person at a time. The alternative is the sorry situation we have at hand. Surly it is not an easy task and often a very dangerous and deadly one…we all remember what happened to Hrant Dink, the messenger of “love and hope”…Murat, you mention the “Genocide Industry”, “historic tragedy as national myth” , “in general very hostile” Diaspora…The word “general” is to be highlighted here…Unfortunately, often hot headed people on both sides of the subject matter generalize, compete and celebrate hate out of their own ignorance, fears and self doubts…For most Armenians the issue of genocide and its proper acceptance and its condemnation is about self respect and justice. Justice so we can believe in humanity. The emotional entrapment we feel is of a “violated person” that awaits justice so he or she can move on. In fact the issue is more of a violation of our common humanity. In a broader sense, this is not about Armenians and Turks at all but about human rights in general. You and I know that big fish eats small fish in nature and the phenomenon of genocide is not a Turkish one. It is rather a human weakness, a flow in human nature… The Armenians basically strive to correct the injustice done and not to hate or punish a particular nation. As such we do not understand why our Turkish brothers and sisters are having such a hard time accepting and condemning a horrible crime: a crime that targeted humanity in each and every one of us. This is not about lost property, land, ego, etc., but about self respect, first and foremost. Mr. Ilhan’s article and the question it poses explores a possibility to a solution, yet most respondents in it appear to be “blindfolded” , limited in their scope and vision to find solutions to a problem based on all that we all value; our humanity. Instead, they are racing to perfect methods of denial of genocide that has affected both our nations in different ways. Murat, the Armenian nation has a long, vibrant, rich history and cultural traditions. There is no shortage of “national myth” to identify with. In fact the Armenian national myth is called “David of Sassoon”, Sassoon being a town / province in modern day Turkey (historic western Armenia). You can look it up if you want. So Please, lets not all dwell and loose direction in a “Myth” created by politicians and political exploitation of the subject matter. Murat, The Armenian and Turkish nations made lots of love, art and culture in their long common history. The potential in their cooperation and constructive engagement is immense and immanent, once the fundamental issue of genocide is properly resolved. I have no reason to question your or anyone else’s sincerity. The cliché arguments that have been mass produced and long circulated to argue or to even justify what led to and resulted in genocide, or to cover it up and deny it, do not honor any one person or nation. It is time to move on by helping each other. We all have everything to win and nothing to loose.
Guest - Arkadas (2010-03-09 21:31:31) :
Murat, We all find what we look for. I have been to Turkey and found it to be the closest thing to “home”. In fact, I felt everyone was "Armenian" up until they spoke in a different language. I saw the same soul and a special Anatolian spark in their eyes. Everyone was so nice. Now, you and I know that this is a generalization. My late grandfather use to resort to Turkish proverbs in situation like this one “there are dogs in every town”. As caring people of art and culture, people such as you and I should take the “higher road” to light up the path that leads to solutions for both our nations: one candle at a time, one person at a time. The alternative is the sorry situation we have at hand. Surly it is not an easy task and often a very dangerous and deadly one…we all remember what happened to Hrant Dink, the messenger of “love and hope”…Murat, you mention the “Genocide Industry”, “historic tragedy as national myth” , “in general very hostile” Diaspora…The word “general” is to be highlighted here…Unfortunately, often hot headed people on both sides of the subject matter generalize, compete and celebrate hate out of their own ignorance, fears and self doubts…For most Armenians the issue of genocide and its proper acceptance and its condemnation is about self respect and justice. Justice so we can believe in humanity. The emotional entrapment we feel is of a “violated person” that awaits justice so he or she can move on. In fact the issue is more of a violation of our common humanity. In a broader sense, this is not about Armenians and Turks at all but about human rights in general. You and I know that big fish eats small fish in nature and the phenomenon of genocide is not a Turkish one. It is rather a human weakness, a flow in human nature… The Armenians basically strive to correct the injustice done and not to hate or punish a particular nation. As such we do not understand why our Turkish brothers and sisters are having such a hard time accepting and condemning a horrible crime: a crime that targeted humanity in each and every one of us. This is not about lost property, land, ego, etc., but about self respect, first and foremost. Mr. Ilhan’s article and the question it poses explores a possibility to a solution, yet most respondents in it appear to be “blindfolded” , limited in their scope and vision to find solutions to a problem based on all that we all value; our humanity. Instead, they are racing to perfect methods of denial of genocide that has affected both our nations in different ways. Murat, the Armenian nation has a long, vibrant, rich history and cultural traditions. There is no shortage of “national myth” to identify with. In fact the Armenian national myth is called “David of Sassoon”, Sassoon being a town / province in modern day Turkey (historic western Armenia). You can look it up if you want. So Please, lets not all dwell and loose direction in a “Myth” created by politicians and political exploitation of the subject matter. Murat, The Armenian and Turkish nations made lots of love, art and culture in their long common history. The potential in their cooperation and constructive engagement is immense and immanent, once the fundamental issue of genocide is properly resolved. I have no reason to question your or anyone else’s sincerity. The cliché arguments that have been mass produced and long circulated to argue or to even justify what led to and resulted in genocide, or to cover it up and deny it, do not honor any one person or nation. It is time to move on by helping each other. We all have everything to win and nothing to loose.
Guest - Fatih (2010-03-09 20:48:06) :
@Harry but you still fail to explain why the 'grown' up armenians, knocking on every countrys door always forgets to knock on International Court of Human Rights....where I believe Jewish holocaust survivors earned their war reperations. Hand on heart I will not have the slightest problem with apologising to as many Armenians there are in the world today, as soon as they present the world their evidence.
Guest - Murat (2010-03-09 19:30:54) :
J2, it turns out that I do not need your permission to engage this topic and here we are, though often not face to face. I have happened to have obtained much of my knowledge from non-Turkish and English-writing authors and scholars by the way. There is much quality work done within last two decades as more scholars delve into wide open archives. What comes out rarely supports Armenian mythology. In fact, I have never read any work of Elekdag (not even a historian!) or Halacoglu (though none of his statements have ever been refuted, too controversial and subjective). More importantly, some of this is family history and I do not really need books and archives to find out that my grandfather's family was buthchered in Bitlis in 1916 by Armenians. I do not need archives to know that as an Ottoman officer and a scholar, grandpa never received any orders from anyone to kill civillians. No one would have dared. You have this notion that we are force fed all our facts by a state machine. You will find many Turks with differing opinions on the matter, but rarely any such spectrum among Armenians. How come there is not even one single Akcam among millions of Armenians? Brain-washed crowds act and think in such unison. What an irony that you level this criticism to Turks and Turkey, while it is illegal to even challenge the Armenian view of events in many European countries. In any case, as I said, for many Turks this is just a chapter in their long history, which is full of glorious and also dark chapters. For a mjority of Armenians, this is a matter of idenitity. If anything I have learned over the years, it is not to argue about someone's identity, it is the most powerful notion humans have.
Guest - Guest Harry (2010-03-09 17:24:03) :
There comes a time when individuals and nations must grow up by facing up to the Truth even when it hurts. Yes the hurt is spread to all: Some suffer subconciously other suffer consciously however the pain is still there. Scoring point might be nice on the soccer field but doesn't get you over the stumbling block which requires a stop to bullying and a first step to even-ing out the playing field. Reconciliation is not only for the historians and politicians. First step require face to face dialogue by non politicians. First step require not only talking but good listening skills. First steps require deeper understanding than the materials at stake, it is to be able to fulfill both our destinies on the human being level.
Guest - J2 (2010-03-09 16:43:50) :
Well, Murat jan, I guess you won't be partaking in any discussions with Armenians. The "white elephant" in the room is an industrialized and well oiled Turkish denial machine. You seem to be a very smart fellow, and well versed in the English language...who unfortunately reads from the same pages of the likes of Elekdags and Halacoglus. There is a vast wealth of information that does not come from Armenian sources which is ignored by educated Turks today. But thankfully, there are some Turks who have the knowledge and the honesty to see what cannot be ignored. I believe those are the Turks that will end up talking with the Armenians (diaspora or in Armenia...to put a difference between the two is a futile dream of nationalist Turks). Murat, and your like will be dismissed.
Guest - Murat (2010-03-09 15:18:25) :
Arkadas, I share you sentiments and I am touched by it. Let us remember though that as people and individuals we have much in common and in fact may be members of the same "family", nations are not people and nationalism is a different matter. Being a smart person you must realize that there is an Armenian genocide industry out there, people and institutions who would not be around if not for this topic. Every nation has a myth, and unfortuantely Armenians have chosen a historic tragedy as their national myth and what defines their national identity. How can anyone argue or challenge that? In my limited encounters with Armenian diaspora, I have found them to be in general very hostile and far from being able to sit and discuss anything related rationally. When I was abroad for the firtst time so many decades ago I was shocked at the wall of hate I ran into, having been somewhat insulated from it due to lack of the kind of media we have now. Is it possible to have an interaction by ignoring the white elephant in the room? Maybe but not very natural, and I really do not think many in the diaspora are capable of it.
Guest - Lag (2010-03-09 08:05:27) :
How about the lobbying activity of the huge defense firms Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Raytheon, and United Technologies on this issue? These firms all lobbied on last year's House genocide resolution, and they are likely to be doing the same for this year's. Do you consider these firms to be part of the Turkish diaspora? Would they like to join the dialogue that US Turks supposedly seek with US Armenians? The US Armenians may be influential in their own congressional districts, as would be expected, but they don't have four conglomerate defense firms that employ hundreds of thousands of Americans and bring in tens of billions of dollars in revenue every year. Which is David, and which is Goliath?
Guest - Orhan Kucukoglu (2010-03-09 04:31:37) :
I suggest to Turkish diaspora and Armenian disapora to avoid each other,they have conflicting ideas about the historical fact.only with Turkey acceptance of Armenian genocide,then there is possiblity.
Guest - daniel (2010-03-09 04:04:41) :
as long as there are 1915 events that are not agreed upon, there will be no consensus.. it is indeed a dream..
Guest - arkadas (2010-03-09 03:51:04) :
Dear Ilhan, I read your article with outmost interest, as the subject matter is of contemporary importance and close to my hearth and soul. The absence of a meaningful and healthy dialogue in between Turkish and Armenian peoples, in this instance their diasporas is unfortunate in many ways then one. Unfortunately, It is often comfortably forgotten fact that we lived under “one roof” for centuries, shared good times and bad, gave and took, enriched each others lives, cultures in so many ways and so profoundly. Our relations perhaps can be described as the ones in between step siblings… To be more precise, I’m an artist, a humanist, and I do care for all of humanity without being selective and partisan. My family originates from territory of the modern day Turkey. I learned Turkish language from my grandparents. They, I was told did not speak Armenian growing up, their mother tongue was Turkish. They came from educated families who had very close relations with their Turkish neighbors, and the only thing they know about their difference was the religion. My grandfather even had a Turkish name… I grew up with the stories of extreme suffering, loss and brutal treatment as the result of what we know is / was a classic genocide and in Turkey it appears with quotes “genocide”. They also told us about the GOOD people, the Turkish neighbors who saved some of them from death. The bad ones never had nationality; they were bad people, period. It is also a fact that two nations also share the same blood, yes blood, we all like it or not. Many have been converted by force, before during and after the Genocide, as a result now we have Muslim Armenians in Turkey. The cultural inter enrichment is too vast to list here, starting from architect Miamar Sinan to Tateos Efendy, and so on so fort… When we meet by chance at a public space our eyes meet, blood calls, we know who is who, yet we talk with eyes, never saying all that that has accumulated in between “step siblings”. The feeling is as if two members of a family that are not talking because of a old family feud, long cemented, long turned into a taboo. Yet there is the filling of closeness and warmth… strange warmth of a familiar faces, looks and even gestures…. We need to sit down “ bas- basa” “ kalb-kalbe” acknowledge each other , share each others pain and continue a abruptly and brutally broken story line… take the quotes off… As I read the accounts of your telephone interviews, it became apparent that most of the people interviewed were caught in a race to out do an adversary, to win wit every effort and method possible, to better attack, and assassinate character of an adversary… I did not feel that most of them realized what were your questions and the essence of your position… Most of them I felt did not think of their own humanity and humanity in all of us… Everyone is perfecting their skills as to how to win a childish game… and is ready to loose what is important … the human consideration, for everyone’s sake… Everything is possible. A honest, constructive dialogue is long overdue indeed, but as long lost members of same family and not adversaries…
