Turkish historian Taner Akçam continues to prove to the world that there was an Armenian Genocide with exceptional works and Ottoman archival facts. Weeks ago, the professor presented a new book to the public.
“This is the short story of the Armenian Genocide. I wrote the book for people who want to have general information about the Armenian Genocide. New previously unpublished materials are presented. For example, about when the decision was made to exterminate the Armenians,” says historian Taner Akçam.
Akçam is the author of ‘Shameful Act’, ‘Killing Orders’ and ‘The Spirit of the Laws’ on the Armenian Genocide. According to him, the Armenian Genocide should not be considered as just a 1915 event. It lasted from 1878 to 1923 and was directed against Christians, involving not only the Turks.
“The book sold out in a week. It aroused great interest in Turkey as well. I suppose that Biden’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide had contributed to such a great public interest,” Taner Akçam says.
Speaking about the consequences of the US President’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the Turkish historian assured that Turkey was left alone with its policy of denial, as it had lost important strategic support. Although this will make Erdogan think differently about this issue, nevertheless according to Taner Akçam, he will continue to resist international pressure as long as the dictatorial atmosphere he has created in the country prevails.
“France, Germany can recognized and nothing will happen, but in the case of the United States the situation is different because of the country’s legal system. The victims’ heirs will now file a lawsuit against Turkey, which will be a major headache for Ankara,” Taner Akçam says.
Taner Akçam has been persecuted many times for his thoughts and studies. Even living far from Turkey, hate campaigns against him continue. Now, with more than 100 Kurdish intellectuals collecting signatures, he has demanded evidence of a recent statement in which he spoke about cases of violence against Armenian women by Kurds in the 19th century. Turkish intellectuals also joined the signature collection.
“I hope this campaign will end soon, because my goal is to talk about historical injustices,” says Taner Akçam.
Taner Akcam will soon continue to study the cases of violence against Armenian women, to reveal new historical facts. The Turkish historian living in Boston will soon present another major work, this time about Djemal Pasha.
