Ankara panel discusses Armenian atrocities against Turks in 20th century

A panel discussion titled “Armenian Atrocities Against Turks in the South Caucasus and Anatolia in the 20th Century” was held in Ankara, jointly organised by the Embassy of Azerbaijan and the Turkish Historical Society.

The event commenced with a minute of silence in remembrance of martyrs, followed by the national anthems of both countries, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

Professor Yüksel Özgen, Chairman of the Turkish Historical Society, delivered a keynote address, highlighting that the topic of atrocities committed by Armenians against Turks in the 20th century has not been sufficiently addressed. He emphasised that these brutal actions were part of a broader strategy to establish a “Greater Armenia.”

Özgen pointed to mass graves discovered in the South Caucasus and Anatolia as evidence of the massacres and discussed the double standards often applied against Azerbaijan and Türkiye on the global stage.

In his opening remarks, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Türkiye Rashad Mammadov stated that Armenians have historically been incited to carry out genocidal acts against Turks by various imperialist forces. He also addressed the issue of the so-called "Armenian Genocide," noting that Armenians continue to use it against Turks.

Mammadov further touched on the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reiterating Azerbaijan's commitment to a sustainable peace, contingent upon the fulfilment of specific conditions.

The panel discussion, moderated by Professor Hikmet Özdemir, included contributions from Professor İbrahim Ethem Atnur, Dean of the National Defence University, Professor Toğrul İsmail of Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Professor Mehmet Akif Okur of Yıldız Technical University, and Associate Professor Ramin Sadıg of Bayburt University.

The session concluded with a Q&A session, where the panellists addressed questions on the topics discussed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev