This past week there was extensive coverage of events leading up to the centenary of the Armenian Genocide, which will be officially marked in Yerevan and around the world on April 24.
On April 12, Pope Francis led a Holy Mass for the faithful of Armenian Rite in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. During the mass, Pope Francis said that the slaughter of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire was the first genocide of the 20th Century. “In the past century our human family has lived through three massive and unprecedented tragedies. The first, which is widely considered ‘the first genocide of the 20th century,’ struck your own Armenian people,” the pontiff said during the mass.
“It seems that the human family has refused to learn from its mistakes caused by the law of terror, so that today too there are those who attempt to eliminate others with the help of a few and with the complicit silence of others who simply stand by,” he continued.
According to the Associated Press, Turkey’s embassy to the Holy See canceled plans to hold a news conference that day after learning that the Pope would indeed use the word genocide. Following the mass, Turkey’s foreign affairs ministry summoned its envoy to the Vatican and then announced that it was recalling its ambassador to the Vatican for consultations.
Turkey’s MFA issued a statement where it said that the people of Turkey would not recognize the pope’s statement “which is controversial in every aspect, which is based on prejudice, which distorts history and reduces the pains suffered in Anatolia under the conditions of the First World War to members of just one religion.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted “The Pope’s statement, which is out of touch with both historical facts and legal basis is simply unacceptable,” and then: “Religious offices are not places through which hatred and animosity are fueled by unfounded allegations.”
On April 14, a resolution was passed in the Chilean parliament expressing “solidarity with the Armenian nation in condemning the genocide of its people that started in 1915.” The resolution passed with 77 votes in favor, one against and three abstentions.
On April 15, the European Parliament passed a resolution on the occasion of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide calling on Turkey to come to terms with its past. In a press release, the European Parliament said “MEPs stress the need for Turkey to recognize the Armenian genocide, so as to pave way for ‘genuine reconciliation.’ They also commend the statement by Pope Francis on 12 April honoring the centenary of the genocide.” The resolution “pays tribute, on the eve of the Centenary, to the memory of the 1.5 million innocent Armenian victims” and calls on Turkey “to come to terms with its past.”
On April 16, Etyen Mahçupyan, a Turkish-Armenian senior adviser to Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu “retired” following comments that the events of 1915 were indeed Genocide.
Turkey’s reactions to these events were quick, harsh and often times utilized threatening rhetoric.
Below is a round-up of how the Turkish press responded to these events for the week of April 12-17.
Sunday April 12, 2015
Turkey Says Deeply Disappointed by Pope’s Comments on Armenian Killings
Today’s Zaman | April 12
“Turkey told the Vatican’s ambassador on Sunday it was “deeply sorry and disappointed” that Pope Francis had called the 1915 mass killings in Armenia a genocide, an official said, adding the pope’s comments had caused a ‘problem of trust’.”
Pope Uttering ‘Genocide’ Angers Turks, Vatican Ambassador Recalled
Today’s Zaman | April 12
“Pope Francis called the mass killings of Armenians at the end of World War I under Ottoman rule “the first genocide of the 20th century” during his Sunday Mass, and immediately after it Turkey called its ambassador to the Vatican back to Ankara for consultation.”
Turkey Summons Vatican Ambassador Over Pope’s Comments on Armenian ‘Genocide’
His Holiness Pope Francis.
Daily Sabah | April 12
“Ankara on pope’s genocide remark: Religious bodies not meant to instigate hatred”
Germany Calls for Historians, Experts to Ascertain Facts About Deportation of Armenians During WWI
Daily Sabah | April 12
“The German government on Monday called for historians to ascertain the facts surrounding the deportation of Armenians during World War I. Deputy government spokeswoman Christaine Wirtz said Germany would not intervene in the debate around the events of 1915 after Pope Francis referred to the deaths of Armenians as ‘genocide.’”
Pope Francis Holds Service for Armenians Who Died in 1915
Anadolu Agency | April 12
“Pope Francis has held a service in Vatican City for Armenians who lost their lives in the 1915 incidents.”
Turkey Recalls its Vatican Envoy Over ‘Genocide’ Remark
Anadolu Agency | April 12
“Ambassador Pacaci summoned to Ankara for consultations over Pope Francis’ statement on 1915 incidents, Turkish Foreign Ministry says.”
Mehmet Pacaci, Turkey’s Ambassador to the Vatican.
Turkey FM Slams Pope’s ‘Genocide’ Remarks
Anadolu Agency | April 12
“Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu dismissed Pope’s ‘genocide’ remarks as ‘baseless claims,’ after Ankara reacted to the pontiff referring to the 1915 incidents as ‘genocide.’ Cavusoglu said: ‘Pope’s statement is devoid of any historical or legal facts. Religious posts are not for fueling grudge and hatred with baseless claims.’”
Turkey Angered by Pope’s Use of ‘G-word’
Al-Monitor (Reuters wire) | April 12
“Less than two weeks before the centennial of the Armenian genocide, the leader of the world’s billion Catholics made remarks that shocked the Turkish government and gave a dramatic boost to those who believe genocide was committed in 1915.”
Pope’s Remarks on Armenia Issue Irk Ankara
Hurriyet Daily News | April 12
“Turkey has strongly reacted against Pope Francis’ description of the mass killings of Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire as ‘genocide,’ vowing to show an appropriate reaction against the Vatican.”
Monday April 13, 2015
Turkey’s Ambassador to Vatican Returns Home After Pope’s ’Armenian “Genocide’ Remark
Today’s Zaman | April 13
“Mehmet Paçacı, Turkey’s ambassador to Vatican City, arrived in İstanbul late on Sunday, after he was recalled by the Turkish government over Pope Francis‘ comments describing the killings of Armenians by Ottomans a century ago as ‘genocide.’”
Pope Francis’s Genocide Remarks a Sign of Worsening Diplomatic Ties
Today’s Zaman | April 13
“Despite knowing that his remarks would anger Turkey, Pope Francis‘s use of the word ‘genocide’ during a mass on Sunday may be a sign that the Vatican is changing its official position and may signal worsening ties between Turkey and the Vatican.”
Pope Francis and His Holiness Karekin II.
EU Affairs Minister Says Pope’s Nationality Behind ‘Armenian Genocide’ Remarks
Today’s Zaman | April 13
“Turkey’s EU Affairs Minister and Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkır attributed the pope’s remarks to the powerful Armenian lobby and diaspora deeply rooted in Argentina, the pontiff’s home country.”
Turkish PM Criticizes Pope’s Remarks on 1915 Incident
Anadolu Agency | April 13
“Pope’s statement calling 1915 events ‘genocide’ are ‘unfortunate’ and ‘incorrect,’ says Prime Minister Davutoglu.”
Pope Prays for Reconciliation Between Armenians and Turks
Anadolu Agency | April 13
“Pope prays for ‘path of reconciliation’ after calling 1915 events ‘genocide,’ drawing fierce criticism from Ankara.”
Turkish Religious Head Criticizes Pope’s Remarks
Anadolu Agency | April 13
“Mehmet Gormez says Pope’s comments on historical incident involving Armenians are ‘baseless claims.’”
Germany Dodges Pope’s Armenian ‘Genocide’ Claims
Anadolu Agency | April 13
“The German government on Monday called for historians to ascertain the facts surrounding the deportation of Armenians during World War I. Deputy government spokeswoman Christaine Wirtz said Germany would not intervene in the debate around the events of 1915 after Pope Francis referred to the deaths of Armenians as ‘genocide.’”
UN Chief Wants Cooperation to Establish 1915 Events Facts
Anadolu Agency | April 13
“Ban says commemorating centenary of 1915 incidents should strengthen collective determination to prevent future atrocities”
Turkish Ambassador: Pope’s Description of 1915 Events ‘Big Surprise’
Anadolu Agency | April 13
“The description given by Pope Francis for the events of 1915, which he termed as ‘genocide,’ came as a big surprise to Turkish authorities, Turkey’s Ambassador in Paris Hakki Akil said Monday.”
INTERVIEW: ‘Turks and Armenians Should Escape Vicious Circle of Assertion and Denial’
Hurriyet Daily News | April 13
“De Waal spoke to the Hürriyet Daily News about his work and the prospects for the future of ties between Ankara and Yerevan – as well as between ordinary Turks and Armenians on the ground.”
Lobbies, PR Firms Influence Vatican, Turkey’s Top Religious Official Says
Hurriyet Daily News | April 13
“The head of Turkey’s top religious body has criticized Pope Francis’ description of the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as “genocide,” arguing that the Vatican is influenced by ‘political lobbies and PR firms.’”
Turkey Mulls Further Measures Against Vatican as Envoy Returns to Ankara
Hurriyet Daily News | April 13
“Turkey’s ambassador to the Vatican, Mehmet Paçacı returned to Ankara late April 12, after Ankara’s strong reaction against Pope Francis’ description of the mass killings of Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire’s genocide.”
Will Obama Use the Word ‘Genocide,’ Like the Pope?
Hurriyet Daily News | April 13
“Recently, Obama has been taking a number of historical steps that indicate shifts in U.S. foreign policy, such as the ones with Iran and Cuba. Will that include calling the 1915 calamities ‘genocide,’ regardless of the political consequences? Or will he stick with the line he has been following for the last seven years, in order to avoid worsening the situation not only in the Middle East, but also in the Caucasus and the Black Sea, where a major crisis is ongoing with Russia over Ukraine? We will all learn the answer to that in two weeks’ time.”
Tuesday April 14, 2015
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.
UN Chief: 1915 Slaughters of Armenians are ’Atrocity Crimes’
Today’s Zaman | April 14
“Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon‘s spokesman says the UN chief considers the slaughter of Armenians by Ottoman Turks 100 years ago ‘atrocity crimes,’ but he isn’t supporting Pope Francis’ description of the killings as ‘the first genocide of the 20th century.’”
UN Chief: 1915 Killings of Armenians ’Atrocity Crimes’
Hurriyet Daily News | April 14
“Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon considers the mass killings of Ottoman Armenians 100 years ago ‘atrocity crimes,’ but he isn’t supporting Pope Francis’ description of the killings as “the first genocide of the 20th century,” the U.N. spokesman said April 13.”
Erdoğan Warns Pope Francis Not to Repeat ‘Mistake’ About Armenian Claims
Hurriyet Daily News | April 14
“Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has condemned Pope Francis, warning him to not repeat the ‘mistake’ of describing the mass killings of Ottoman Armenians as ‘genocide.’”
European Parliament Set to Vote on ‘Genocide’ Claims
Hurriyet Daily News | April 14
“The European Parliament is set to discuss and vote on a resolution April 15 on the claims of genocide about the mass killings of Armenians at the hands of Ottomans a century ago, turning up the heat on the debates before a ceremony in Armenia on April 24. The European Parliament will decide whether to name the year 2015 as the centennial of the Armenian genocide perpetrated in the Ottoman Empire.”
Turkey’s Main Opposition Party Blames Ruling AKP for ‘Genocide Defeat’
Hurriyet Daily News | April 14
“The reason for the growing international tendency to recognize the mass killings of Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire in 1915 as genocide is the Sunni Islamist policy pursued by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), a senior main opposition party leader has claimed.”
Wednesday April 15, 2015
Acting spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Marie Harf.
US Says Recognition of ‘Facts’ is in Everyone’s Interest Over 1915 Events
Today’s Zaman | April 15
“The United States on Tuesday said it has frequently acknowledged the ‘Armenian massacre’ in the final days of the Ottoman Empire as a historical fact, and stressed that the acknowledgement of ‘the facts’ is in all parties’ interest, including Turkey, Armenia and the US.”
Vatican Website Hacked Over Pope’s ’Armenian Genocide’ Remarks
Today’s Zaman | April 15
“A member of a Turkish hacking team briefly blocked access to the Vatican’s official website on Tuesday night, in response to Pope Francis‘ describing the 1915 mass killing of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as the ‘first genocide of the 20th century’ on Sunday.
Erdoğan Threatens to Deport Armenian Citizens in Turkey
Today’s Zaman | April 15
“President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that Turkey retains the right to deport the roughly 100,000 citizens of the Republic of Armenia who live and work in Turkey, at a time when there is an increasing tendency, particularly in Europe, to recognize the 1915 mass killings of Armenians during World War I under Ottoman rule as genocide.”
EP Passes Resolution Calling on Turkey to Recognize ‘Armenian Genocide’
Today’s Zaman | April 15
“European Parliament in a vote on Wednesday adopted a resolution that refers to the killings of Armenians during the final years of the Ottoman Empire as genocide and calls on Turkey to recognize that ‘genocide.’”
European Parliament Passes Resolution Calling on Turkey to Recognise Armenian Genocide Claims
Daily Sabah | April 15
“The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted a resolution which urges all EU member states and Turkey to recognize the events of 1915 in the Ottoman Empire as Armenian ‘genocide.’”
The Armenian Diaspora’s Misleading Show
Daily Sabah | April 15
“Western politicians are either too naïve or they are extremely sinister and do not mean well for the well-being of Turkey. The controversy over the incidents of 1915 in eastern Anatolia, where the Ottomans are blamed by those who have been misled by the global Armenian lobby for committing genocide, is raging like mad as the April 24 anniversary of the so-called incident approaches.”
The Armenian Allegations of Genocide and Propaganda in the United States
Daily Sabah | April 15
“Turkey proposed to form a joint commission of scholars to study the 1915 events in detail to gain full perspective. But the Armenian government rejected this proposal. If Armenians were really looking for closure, why would they refuse this chance?”
Turkey Opens Ottoman Archives Over 1915 Incidents on 100th Anniversary
Daily Sabah | April 15
“Turkish General Directorate of State Archives yesterday began to open the state archives over the 1915 incidents between Turkey and Armenia to the public via Twitter, following scores of unanswered calls by the Turkish side to open the archives.”
Pope Has Joined Conspiracy Against Turkish Government, PM Davutoğlu Says
Hurriyet Daily News | April 15
“Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has accused Pope Francis of ‘joining the conspiracy’ of an ‘evil front’ targeting Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), after the pontiff referred to the killings of Ottoman Armenians in 1915 as ‘the first genocide of the 20th century.’”
President Erdoğan: Turkey Cannot Accept ‘Genocide Crime, Sin’
Hurriyet Daily News | April 15
“Turkey has no reason to react against any motion to recognize the mass killing of Ottoman Armenians in World War I as ‘genocide,’ as it will never accept ‘a crime and sin’ like genocide, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said, as the European Parliament is set to vote on a motion on the issue on April 15.”
US Urges ‘Full’ Admission of facts in 1915 Armenian killings
Hurriyet Daily News | April 15
“The United States April 14 called for a ‘full, frank’ acknowledgement of the facts surrounding the mass killing of Armenians in World War I, but shied away from calling it ‘a genocide.’”
How Turkey Successfully Averted a Crisis With the Vatican
Hurriyet Daily News | April 15
“But fear the Turkish wrath! Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has threatened that Ankara was mulling further (retaliatory) measures against the Vatican. That’s scary. […] Turkey will also use its superpower influence and block the Vatican’s bid to become a member of the United Nations Security Council. Separately, a planned Turkish soft loan for the Vatican, worth $52 billion, will be suspended until the Pope apologizes to Turkey.”
An Open Letter to Pope Francis
Hurriyet Daily News | April 15
“What makes so many Turks so reactionary to statements on “Armenian Genocide” is really this mutually painful history. Their perception is that Armenians are singled out as its only victims. To overcome this conundrum, we in Turkey must work to raise awareness about the tragedy of Ottoman Armenians. In return, the world can help us by remembering the tragedy of Ottoman Muslims as well. I hope you will understand.”
The Pope, the European Parliament… Is Obama Next on the Genocide Bid?
Hurriyet Daily News | April 15
“The Pope’s recognition is of course very important, as it could be seen as a call for other Christian countries to follow in his footprints and acknowledge the 1915 incidents as genocide. It’s for sure going to be influential on many members of the European Parliament during a vote on the recognition of the Armenian genocide April 15.”
Etyen Mahcupyan.
Turkish PM’s Chief Advisor Calls 1915 a ‘Genocide’
Hurriyet Daily News | April 15
“Etyen Mahçupyan, who became the ever first Armenian-origin chief advisor to a Turkish prime minister when Ahmet Davutoğlu appointed him to the post on Aug. 27, 2014, has described the killings of Armenians in 1915 at the hands of the Ottoman Empire as a ‘genocide.’”
Call for ‘Balance’ as EU MEPs Set to Vote on 1915 Events
Anadolu Agency | April 15
“Friends of Turkey, MEPs, says pressure to recognize 1915 events is a hurdle to reconciliation between Turkey, Armenia.”
European Parliament Terms 1915 Events ‘Genocide’
Anadolu Agency | April 15
“European Parliament has adopted a resolution that recognizes the 1915 events affecting Armenians as ‘genocide.’”
European Parliament Destroys its Credibility: Turkish Dep. PM
Anadolu Agency | April 15
“Akdogan says labeling events of 1915 as genocide is ’empty historical rhetoric.’”
Turkey calls EU Parliament’s resolution ‘preposterous’
Anadolu Agency | April 15
“Turkish Foreign Ministry says the ‘preposterous text’ of the resolution repeats the anti-Turkish clichés of the Armenian propaganda”
1915 Events: Turkey to Disregard European Parliament Vote
Anadolu Agency | April 15
“Turkish president rejects outcome of vote in European Parliament on draft resolution on 1915 incidents.”
Vatican Does Not ‘Seek Polemic’ Over 1915 Incidents
Anadolu Agency | April 15
“Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi’s comments follow Pope Francis’ controversial statement over 1915 incidents in Turkey”
Turkey Ready to Face History, Says Parliament Speaker
Anadolu Agency | April 15
“Cemil Cicek says Turkey was ready to face historical records involving 1915 events.”
Thursday April 16, 2015
Hurriyet Daily News | April 16
“The important thing for many Turks is not the politics, but the fact that the Armenian genocide, or tragedy – call it what you will – is discussed openly today. Even films are being made about it by Turkish directors. This is a fundamental change from the past, when the topic was shrouded by a seemingly impenetrable taboo. This centenary will pass, but what will remain is a growing awareness by Turks that their past is not just made up of heroic moments, but also dark ones. This is part of the national maturing process. Turks will also see that they are no different to any other nation in this respect.”
Reaction Mounts to Pope’s Armenian ‘Genocide’ Remarks
Daily Sabah | April 16
“Pope Francis’s remarks describing the mass deportation of Armenians from Anatolia in 1915 continue to makes waves in Turkey four days after he said that the deportation was the “first genocide of the 20th century” during a mass in the Vatican.”
Azerbaijan: European Parliament’s Decision Outcome of Anti-Islamic, Anti-Turkic Mindset
Daily Sabah | April 16
“The Azerbaijan president’s assistant for public and political affairs, Ali Hasanovhas, said on Thursday that the European Parliament’s (EP) adoption of a resolution urging all member states to recognize the 1915 events as ‘genocide’ is ‘an unjust, political decision that does not reflect facts and serves special agendas.’”
Turkish President Erdoğan: EP resolution Null and Void
Daily Sabah | April 16
“President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Thursday that the European Parliament’s Resolution on the 1915 incidents are null and void as far as Turkey is concerned. He spoke at a joint press conference held with his Kazakh counterpart in Astana and touched upon a number of issues including the recent controversy surrounding the ‘genocide’ claims.”
CHP Angered Over Armenian Candidate’s Genocide Remarks
Daily Sabah | April 16
“Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP)’s candidate of Istanbul’s second electoral district, Selina Doğan, has made controversial remarks regarding the so-called Armenian ‘genocide’ claims, saying that she will be at Taksim Square on April 24, which implies that she will attend the gathering organized by the Armenian community in Turkey to call for recognition of the 1915 incidents as ‘genocide.’ Doğan’s remarks have caused intra-party tension among the members of CHP.”
PM Adviser ’Retired’ After ’Armenian Genocide’ Remarks
Today’s Zaman | April 16
“Etyen Mahçupyan, an adviser to Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu who has recently been in the news for his remarks backing claims of an Armenian genocide at the hands of the late Ottoman Empire, retired more than a month ago and is no longer serving in the position, according to news reports on Thursday.”
EU Parliament.
European Parliament Calls on Turkey to Recognize ’Armenian Genocide’
Today’s Zaman | April 16
“A resolution adopted by the European Parliament on Wednesday has called for reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian people, and called on Ankara to recognize the 1915 mass killings of Armenians as genocide.”
Armenian Gangs Killed More Than 500,000 Turks: Academic
Anadolu Agency | April 16
“Erol Kurkcuoglu, professor at the Erzurum-based Ataturk University, says mass graves prove thousands of Muslims also died in the 1915 events”
Akdogan Calls EU Parliament’s Resolution ‘Unacceptable’
Anadolu Agency | April 16
“Turkey’s Deputy PM Akdogan adds his voice to growing criticism of European Parliament’s recent resolution that termed the 1915 events ‘genocide.’”
Turkey: Opposition, Govt Jointly Condemn EU Parliament
Anadolu Agency | April 16
“Turkish parliament speaker, ruling AK Party and opposition parties, CHP and MHP, have jointly condemned European Parliament’s resolution on the 1915 events”
EU’s ‘Genocide’ Decision Islamophobic: Azeri Official
Anadolu Agency | April 16
“National adviser to the president of Azerbaijan says EU Parliament’s decision regarding 1915 events shows islamophobia present in Europe.”
Erdogan Reiterates Call for Friendship with Armenia
Anadolu Agency | April 16
“European Parliament’s resolution on the 1915 events is null and void for us, Turkish president says.”
Mahcupyan No Longer PM Adviser: Turkish Prime Ministry
Anadolu Agency | April 16
“The official statement follows media reports that Turkish PM’s chief adviser Mahcupyan welcomed Pope Francis’ statement over 1915 incidents in Turkey”
EU Parliament Labelled ‘a Circus’ Amid 1915 Controversy
Anadolu Agency | April 16
“Turkish Minister Bozkir says Turkish ambassador will return resolution letter on 1915 incidents ‘without even opening it’.”
European Commission Calls 1915 Events ‘Tragedy’
Anadolu Agency | April 16
“European Commission refers to 1915 events as ‘tragedy’ despite European Parliament’s resolution to recognize events as ‘genocide.’”
Turkey’s EU Minister on ‘Common Pain’ of 1915
Anadolu Agency | April 16
“Turkey’s EU minister on Wednesday spoke of the ‘common pain’ facing both Turks and Armenians over atrocities committed during World War I.”
Friday April 17, 2015
Turkey to Commemorate WWI Over Three Days, Coinciding With April 24
Hurriyet Daily News | April 17
“Representatives from around 80 countries, including 21 presidents, three deputy presidents, and five prime ministers, will attend controversially rescheduled events in Turkey on April 24 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War. Turkey has rescheduled the international commemoration of the Gallipoli campaign to coincide with the date when Armenia traditionally commemorates the 1915 massacres of Ottoman Armenians, which it refers to as the Armenian genocide.”
EU’s Schulz Told Turkey He Understood Reaction to Genocide Vote: Sources
Hurriyet Daily News | April 17
“European Parliament President Martin Schulz told Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu on April 17 he “understands” Ankara’s reaction to a vote calling the 1915 mass killing of Armenians a genocide, sources in the prime minister’s office said.”
Turkish PM Talks With EU’s Schulz Over Armenian Resolution
Anadolu Agency | April 17
“Turkey rejects European Parliament’s resolution recognizing 1915 events as ‘genocide’, Davutoglu tells EU Parliament president in telephone call”
