'Crypto- Armenians' seen as threat in Turkey
Republic of Cyprus
Press and Information Service
December 30, 2005
Istanbul MILLI GAZETE newspaper (28.12.05) publishes the following report under the title: "The Crypto-Armenians among us":
“The descendants of the "Crypto-Armenians" who hid their identities and appeared to be Muslims in order to escape from the forced migration applied during the deportations imposed in 1915 are now returning to their true identities.
[...]
According to Professor Salim Cohce, who is known for his researches regarding the Armenians, the Crypto-Armenians appear to be Muslims but still maintain their Gregorian traditions. Cohce, stating that some studies have been carried out on these people in recent periods, points out that, in the near future, they are going to be used in order to realize the dreams of the Armenians.
[...]
Speaking with Aksiyon magazine, Cohce states that [...] records were modified to read "Muslim" rather than "Christian" in the religion category, and [...] that the number of converts to Islam following the deportation was about 100 thousand.
There are 40 thousand hidden Armenians
According to a study entitled "Armenians in Turkey Today" [provided in English] written in 2002 by Dr Tessa Hofmann, who serves as an "expert witness" in the hearings of Turks of Armenian origin who apply for political asylum in Germany, there are "40 thousand hidden Armenians" in Turkey. [...]. While 2,630 people in Turkey changed their religions during the years 1916-2004, 2,172 of these consisted of those returning to their previous religions. Over 60 percent of those returning to their original religion, or 1,340 people, consisted of Armenians. [...].
Professor Salim Cohce explains [...] that in 2003, some 120 persons of Armenian origin with Muslim names submitted a petition for the re-opening of the church at Cavusoglu.
Cohce stresses that covert efforts are being made, via citizens of Armenian origin, to regain deed records and former properties. [...].
Could be used in "Urban Terrorism"
Cohce, indicating that [...]"The 'Crypto-' or 'secret' Armenians[...] have not to date been seen as a threat, they have not been monitored by the state. [...] it is very difficult to determine their actual numbers.
"Stressing his belief that the Crypto-Armenians are going to constitute a danger, [...] Cohce claims that "Efforts are being made to remind them of their identities. Financial assistance is being provided. [...] these people will be used for "urban terrorism" within Turkey in the post-PKK period. [...] these people are in the future going to come before Turkey with demands for land and compensation.
"Maintain close contact with PKK
Cohce, drawing attention to the close contact between the Crypto-Armenians and the PKK, says [...] It was decided to use the PKK as a "pawn" organization in order for Turkey's authority in the region to be weakened, and for its population to be reduced. [...] the existence of individuals of Armenian origin within the PKK, and [...] the existence of 'Turks' among the founders and current leaders of the PKK is thought-provoking."
Note: Above are excerpts from the article. The full article appears here. Clarifications and comments by me are contained in {}. Deletions are marked by [...]. The bold emphasis is mine.
Press and Information Service
December 30, 2005
Istanbul MILLI GAZETE newspaper (28.12.05) publishes the following report under the title: "The Crypto-Armenians among us":
“The descendants of the "Crypto-Armenians" who hid their identities and appeared to be Muslims in order to escape from the forced migration applied during the deportations imposed in 1915 are now returning to their true identities.
[...]
According to Professor Salim Cohce, who is known for his researches regarding the Armenians, the Crypto-Armenians appear to be Muslims but still maintain their Gregorian traditions. Cohce, stating that some studies have been carried out on these people in recent periods, points out that, in the near future, they are going to be used in order to realize the dreams of the Armenians.
[...]
Speaking with Aksiyon magazine, Cohce states that [...] records were modified to read "Muslim" rather than "Christian" in the religion category, and [...] that the number of converts to Islam following the deportation was about 100 thousand.
There are 40 thousand hidden Armenians
According to a study entitled "Armenians in Turkey Today" [provided in English] written in 2002 by Dr Tessa Hofmann, who serves as an "expert witness" in the hearings of Turks of Armenian origin who apply for political asylum in Germany, there are "40 thousand hidden Armenians" in Turkey. [...]. While 2,630 people in Turkey changed their religions during the years 1916-2004, 2,172 of these consisted of those returning to their previous religions. Over 60 percent of those returning to their original religion, or 1,340 people, consisted of Armenians. [...].
Professor Salim Cohce explains [...] that in 2003, some 120 persons of Armenian origin with Muslim names submitted a petition for the re-opening of the church at Cavusoglu.
Cohce stresses that covert efforts are being made, via citizens of Armenian origin, to regain deed records and former properties. [...].
Could be used in "Urban Terrorism"
Cohce, indicating that [...]"The 'Crypto-' or 'secret' Armenians[...] have not to date been seen as a threat, they have not been monitored by the state. [...] it is very difficult to determine their actual numbers.
"Stressing his belief that the Crypto-Armenians are going to constitute a danger, [...] Cohce claims that "Efforts are being made to remind them of their identities. Financial assistance is being provided. [...] these people will be used for "urban terrorism" within Turkey in the post-PKK period. [...] these people are in the future going to come before Turkey with demands for land and compensation.
"Maintain close contact with PKK
Cohce, drawing attention to the close contact between the Crypto-Armenians and the PKK, says [...] It was decided to use the PKK as a "pawn" organization in order for Turkey's authority in the region to be weakened, and for its population to be reduced. [...] the existence of individuals of Armenian origin within the PKK, and [...] the existence of 'Turks' among the founders and current leaders of the PKK is thought-provoking."
Note: Above are excerpts from the article. The full article appears here. Clarifications and comments by me are contained in {}. Deletions are marked by [...]. The bold emphasis is mine.
posted by Vahe Balabanian at 7:49 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home