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The
oppressed minorities of Turkey, most of whom evaded
genocides by passing into Islam, are getting bolder
in their speeches and activities as the country bids
for the EU. The Greeks of Pontos, Assyrians, Arabs
and especially Armenians of Hamshen, Mush, Sassoon,
Vardo, Zakho and other regions who were "turned
into" Kurds and Muslims are living days of wakening.
The latter sent a delegation to take part in the
rally of European Armenians in front of the European
Parliament last September. Afterwards, excited by
the ongoing pressures on Turkey to recognize the
Armenian Genocide, the Armenian converts give
interviews to French, German, Belgian, Turkish and
Armenian newspapers.
We called the "mother" of "Kurdized" Armenians and
Hamshen Armenians in Germany historian and political
scientist Alis (Aliye) Alt to get information on
these issues. He said from his Frankfurt apartment
which is in effect is a castle for preserving the
Armenianhood: "We always follow your articles on
Hamshen Armenians and Armenian converts.
Thanks to the influence of these articles that are
often posted on the Internet, hundreds of lost
Hamshen Armenians who feared to reveal their
identity in past get in touch with us now.
Certainly, the important reforms that took place in
Turkey under the EU's pressure and... the threat
that a Kurdish state will emerge forced Turkey's
state circles to be a little more democratic with
the free press and mass media.
We call on the Armenians of Armenia and Diaspora to
provide care for their brothers and sisters who were
forcefully converted and who number 1.5 million in
Turkey. Time is ripe for a conference to assemble
all Armenians who are willing to get out of forced
isolation, reveal their identity and tell about
their 90 years long persecutions in European
institutions. This is to be an all-Armenian
initiative with contribution from all
organizations", the author of "Hamshen Armenians in
the Mirror of History" tells.
Simon Geonden is from Karmir Khach village of Mush
who currently lives in Wiesenbaden. He lived the
greatest half of his life as a converted "Kurd" but
returned to his roots due to the Kurdish national
awakening. Emigrating to Germany as a student, he
got in touch with national minorities from Turkey,
including Armenian Genocide survivors.
"We are hopeful that the European Armenians will be
more kind to us. Some people have morbid
understanding of the converts and want to see
everything settled in a few days. Time will solve
all our issues and will heal our deep wounds", Simon
Geonden said.
By Hamo Moskofian in Frankfort-Wiesbaden
www.azg.am
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