Erdoğan's much-discussed 1915 statement: 'I share the pain of the Armenian community'

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a message addressed to the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey and the Armenian community on the anniversary of the events of April 24, 1915. Erdoğan, who has issued a message every April 24 since 2012, had this year's message read at the "Holy Martyrs Commemoration Service" at the Surp Hagop Church in Altımermer, Istanbul.

At the beginning of his message, Erdoğan stated, "Patriarch of Turkey's Armenians, Mr. Sahak Maşalyan, esteemed members of the Armenian community, my dear citizens; I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings and affection." The President commemorated the Ottoman Armenians who lost their lives under the difficult conditions of the First World War and once again conveyed his condolences to their grandchildren.

"WE ARE PROTECTING THE SHARED MEMORY OF PAIN"

Reminding in his message that losses were experienced across Anatolia alongside the occupation, strife, conflict, and various difficulties during the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Erdoğan said, "Unfortunately, there were also those among the Ottoman Armenian citizens who experienced great pain." He emphasized that all Ottoman peoples experienced serious traumas during this period.

Erdoğan stated, "We succeeded in founding the Republic of Turkey without forgetting these pains, but by knowing how to cope with them. We are working and struggling together with all our citizens, regardless of their ethnic and religious identity, to reach better days based on peace, tranquility, and brotherhood."

Expressing that they are striving to pass on the truths to future generations with the language of conscience rather than the bad memories of the past, Erdoğan stated that they continue an approach that prioritizes the language of peace, empathy, and dialogue, and that they emphasize the importance of reconciliation against those who want to generate hostility.

"I SHARE THE PAIN OF THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY"

At the end of his message, the President underlined that they would build the country's future together with 86 million citizens and concluded his message with these words: "With these thoughts, I reiterate that I share the pain experienced by the Armenian community in the past, and I once again respectfully commemorate all Ottoman citizens who lost their lives."

News Source: 12punto