by hagop » 27 Jun 2008, 09:15
Lala,
You just said Armenians, Greeks, Kurds, etc. are in the same same boat! That's what I said too. People conform and try to assume a low profile when they face great danger. You or I may not like the result but it is what it is. Claiming that most people in general would act heroically in such situations or thinking that they go through identity crises cannot be supported by any evidence. Tens of thousands of Armenians converted to Islam in 1896 massacres and they converted back when the danger passed. In 1915 most Armenians who hoped to do the same were outwitted by the state as most converts were killed anyway. The descendants of the converted Armenians you see actually descend from a smaller number of Armenians who were spared. Getting indignant about historical facts cannot change them according to one's ideals.
The person you gave as an example, Zadik, who found his roots had parents and grandparents who had seen much worse but did not have an identity crisis. Again, they did whatever necessary to save their families in a life and death situation. I will leave it at that.
My personal opinion is that the topic shouldn't stray too much from Hamshen. I do think there should be detailed discussion about the treatment of Armenians and other minorities in Turkey but not in a forum that serves a narrow subject like the history and culture of Hamshen. Avetik, others and myself have said it here before. This has nothing to do with hiding the facts or not being open. In fact, I resent the fact that hat you are insinuating that people here are saying Armenians aren't called infidels (gavur) in Turkey or there is no pressure from the state, just because you think we do. I don't wish to comment on this non-issue anymore.