Re: Armenian-Turkish Relations
Turkish nationalism starts at school-age
13.08.2009 19:41 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “In terms of perceiving Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, Turkish society can be divided into 3 parts: nationalists, who have a negative attitude to border opening, neutral people, and liberals who positively treat the process,” Turkish Studies specialist Ruben Melkonyan, expert at Noravank scientific-research foundation, told today a seminar devoted to “Armenian-Turkish relations: present and past”.
Turkish ideology, according to him, starts from a schoolchild’s oath. Kemal Atatürks slogan saying “I am proud to be a Turk” reflects religious and national intolerance, Melkonyan said, adding that nationalists in present-day Turkish society make up a majority.
The expert brought the example of Turkish chauvinists who mounted a protest against the proposal to organize Armenia-Turkey football match in Kayseri, President Gül’s hometown. “That was immediately followed by protests. 250 Turks signed below a petition expressing unwillingness to see Armenians in their town,” Armenian expert said.
In a joint press-conference with his Serbian colleague Boris Tadić, RA President Serzh Sargsyan said he will go to Turkey only in case Armenian-Turkish border opens or parties in the run-up to lifting blockade.
Armenia-Turkey return match within the frames of WC 2010 qualification tournament is due in October 14, 2014, in Bursa, in the stadium after Atatürk.
Turkish nationalism starts at school-age
13.08.2009 19:41 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “In terms of perceiving Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, Turkish society can be divided into 3 parts: nationalists, who have a negative attitude to border opening, neutral people, and liberals who positively treat the process,” Turkish Studies specialist Ruben Melkonyan, expert at Noravank scientific-research foundation, told today a seminar devoted to “Armenian-Turkish relations: present and past”.
Turkish ideology, according to him, starts from a schoolchild’s oath. Kemal Atatürks slogan saying “I am proud to be a Turk” reflects religious and national intolerance, Melkonyan said, adding that nationalists in present-day Turkish society make up a majority.
The expert brought the example of Turkish chauvinists who mounted a protest against the proposal to organize Armenia-Turkey football match in Kayseri, President Gül’s hometown. “That was immediately followed by protests. 250 Turks signed below a petition expressing unwillingness to see Armenians in their town,” Armenian expert said.
In a joint press-conference with his Serbian colleague Boris Tadić, RA President Serzh Sargsyan said he will go to Turkey only in case Armenian-Turkish border opens or parties in the run-up to lifting blockade.
Armenia-Turkey return match within the frames of WC 2010 qualification tournament is due in October 14, 2014, in Bursa, in the stadium after Atatürk.
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