end of a beginning, beginning of an end

headscarf (n): A scarf worn over or around the head, often folded and tied. (1) Headscarves are scarves covering most or all of the top of a woman's hair and her head. Headscarves may be worn for a variety of purposes, such as fashion or social distinction, religious signifiance, modesty, or other forms of social convention. (2)

turban (n): (hijab) the Arabic term for "cover" (noun), based on the root حجب meaning "to veil, to cover (verb), to screen, to shelter" (3) The term hijab or veil is not used in the Qur'an to refer to an article of clothing for women or men, rather it refers to a spatial curtain that divides or provides privacy. The Qur'an instructs the male believers (Muslims) to talk to wives of Muhammad behind a hijab. This hijab was the responsibility of the men and not the wives of Muhammad. However, in later Muslim societies this instruction specific to the wives of Muhammad was generalized, leading to the segregation of the Muslim men and women. The modesty in Qur'an concerns both men's and women's gaze, gait, garments, and genitalia. The clothing for women involves khumūr over the necklines and jilbab (cloaks) in public so that they may be identified and not harmed. Guidelines for covering of the entire body except for the hands, the feet, and the face, are found in texts of fiqh and hadith that are developed later. (4)

democracy (n) 1. Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.
2. A political or social unit that has such a government.
3. The common people, considered as the primary source of political power.
4. Majority rule.
5. The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community. (5)


The tide is turning. Chaos is prevailing. It is rather funny to observe an inherently occidental society to find its way through modern western jargon in its search for contractual consistency. Elected government and its leaders quote words like "individual rights", "democracy", "right to express one's political view" on a daily basis in their angered and agitated speeches against minority leaders and opinion think-tanks.

In the Middle Eastern form of electoral government however democracy means majority dictatorship. As long as the ruling party could express their opinion, there is freedom of speech; as long as that party's political ambititons are served, there is "development" in the society. One could, albeit simply by reading unofficial history, see that nothing has changed so far. Since the first modernization attempts of "tanzimat" (reorganization) movement of the mid 19th Century Turkey is in search of an electoral system that can serve the ultimate goal of that peculiar culture; namely the preservation of the state and concurrently saving face vis a vis the widely accepted notions related to the welfare of its citizens. But it's really getting old. Globalism has pressures as no previous global system asserted over its members. Communications and rapid transfer of in-depth information made it impossible for countries like Turkey just to save face for prolonged periods of time.

The parliament has passed on an overwhelmingly yea vote, an ammendment to the constitution that enables girls who wear "headscarves" to enter universities as students. This act was hailed as an important move in civil rights by government communiquees and official media.

The parliament is still negotiating on a bill to improve the conditions of minority (read Christian) foundations whose main function is to take care of religious buildings and management of minority (read Armenian and Greek) schools. These for decades cannot function due to red tape and nationalization of their posessions indiscriminantly. An opposing MP declared that this bill cannot pass because it would be against the Lausanne Agreement since it gives enormous rights to "foreigners". In Turkey today, any foreigner, say a Greek citizen can buy property. But if you are a Turkish citizen belonging to a Christian (read Armenian or Greek) minority, a foundation you establish cannot own or manage property, even if this property is in your posession for centuries, and an MP can call you a "foreigner" without any consequence. Yet girls who are forced by their parents can go to the university. A great act towards civil liberties!

A professor in an university was convicted of acts against the state because in a public speech, he called, Mustafa Kemal, the founder of the Republic, a "man". For my illiterate readers, I may add that he was actually a member of the male gender. He was criticized by "important" public opinion makers in the media. He will now have to go to European Human Rights court. Yet girls who are forced by their big brothers to hide their faces from other humans now can go to the university. What a major democratic development!

It has been made public that many killings of minority leaders, bombings against a major newspaper and the supreme court was organized by a terrorist group formed by likes of a former general, a prominent lawyer and nationalist. The aim of that organization was simply to provoke nationalist feelings to further oppress minorities. But what happens now is a great mystery. Will there be a court trial against those involved, or will there be any consequences for these individuals are still vague questions with vague answers. Yet girls who beat their siblings because they wear mini skirts can go to the university. It should be counted as joy for democracy mongers!

Near future should unveil all major divisions in Turkish social make up. They would come out of their respective closets like no pervert ever did. This is the age of global chaos and Turkey should have her share. The political camps are getting futher away from each other, minimizing the hope for mature discussion or compromise. As history tells us, most of the price will be paid by the minorities in the broad sense. Liberals, extremists and religious minorities are those who shall pay for the turbulances of a nation that takes shelter in extreme nationalism and majority terror during the times of instability, and proud of it.

This shall be the beginning of an end. The end of a national hypocrisy, since during this phase of instability the closets in each dark corner of a state so secretive in her inner thoughts shall be public once and for all.

But for us, now it is time for silence again. For all shrieking voices are to be silenced by the most powerful weapon of all times: fear for loved ones.




(1) American Heritage Dictionary
(2) Wikipedia
(3) Wikipedia
(4) Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World by Macmillan Reference
(5) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language

A Moment In Paradise*

That May morning that Greek troops were landed on Kordelia on the third decade of last century in Smyrna, vast majority of citizens were there to greet them. They were waiting for that moment for generations. Greek Government ready with its carefully studied Asia Minor Politics, started an integration plan immediately. This plan with its economical and political aspects aimed to integrate Christian. Muslim and Jewish communities of the city under a multi-ethnic consensus about the commercial and social life of the city so distinct in many aspects. The Greek army was introduced as peace keepers and it was made clear to the city council, representing all communities of Smyrna that, immediate replacement with the soon to be formed local police is imminent in a very near future. All members of the army were cautious on their treatment of locals in and the people of surrounding towns of Smyrna. Rumours have spread, even among Muslim population of Asia Minor that this government was among the best they've seen ever. Only within months, an unseen social harmony was achieved, Muslims, Christians and Jews alike went by their daily businesses as if nothing happened. The only problem that the governor was facing was due to the very peculiar way of living habits of the city: drunkenness, tavern brawls and street fights among local hoodlums.

However in the rest of Anatolia, another kind of fire was burning. Constantinople, once the center of two civilizations, was under occupation, and Turks everywhere were organizing themselves to liberate their homeland of 700 years. Meetings were held in many major cities and local leaders gathered to discuss ways of obtaining International support in forms of diplomacy, weapons and basic needs of the long starving population. A newly found socialist republic was interested in her southerly neigbor's nationalistic aspirations. The relations between Russia and Ottoman Empire was a sour one historically. Two imperialistic neigbors had always a dispute among them, but newly found republic found a opportunity for a new strategic friendship with Turks.

Nationalist movement was not a new concept among Turks. Unity and Advancement Society (Young Turk Movement) with its roots among Turks from Thessaloniki and Constantinopolis even had some government experience in the files and ranks of the old Empire. Dissidents and followers of that society alike found themselves new possibilities in a nationwide movement to start up a new republic based on Turkish identity. However they had a great problem at hand. Asia Minor was more ethnically divided than any geographical area where a nationalist movement had any hint of success in history. In the meetings they held throughout Anatolia, and after hours of brainstorming they came up with a brilliant idea based on the recent events. Just a few years ago, the dying Empire was able to protect its vast Armenian population by succesfully protecting them against their brothers who were in arms with Russian invasion army, and against Turkish bandits that were destroying remote Armenian villages. They based their new vision on this piece of history. They would go about and embrace every little group of people in Anatolia to form a new identity for a new republic purely based on millenium old civilization that existed in Asia Minor: Federal Democracy. No first among equals, but a strong state based on values and traditions of major ethnic groups, namely Turks, Greeks, Armenians, Kurds and Jews. The eyes of their leaders were shining; they have discovered the secret to save all mankind!

Their military movement followed the same path of vision. With the help of armaments sent by Soviet Republic, and the bravery of the people they have won the war, but were careful on the welfare and protection of their future citizens along the way. Finally they took back Smyrna. Again commotion were on the streets. This time there was again a new hope in the air. The city was excited to be a part of that new kind of state. The religious leaders as well as many Italians, Americans and others that were inhabitants of the city back then gathered up with Turkish authorities to form the first modern city council in Asia Minor immediately. The city, once more was an attraction to the people many surrounding towns and islands. Numerous people moved in to increase the population of this new metropolitan magnet to one million people in a matter of few years. In 1923 only 400,000 Greeks were living in Smyrna with 300,000 Turks and 150,000 Armenians. Today the city hosts more than 1,000,000 Greeks, 1,500,000 Turks and second city with biggest Armenian population in the world with over 1,200,000 Armenians.

Yes, this was a dream. Yes this was a description of paradise. But just think about it. Why did it have to happen otherwise? Whose fault is it? Can human kind be so wrong in its every deed? Does it have to be just one single moment in paradise?

(*)Paradise is also the name of a quarter at the turn of the century Smyrna.

convoluted

today I walked. I walked the streets where thousands walked on tuesday. I was out of town that day. I no longer live in istanbul. I followed their footsteps in reverse direction. I stopped and paid my respects, even uttered a prayer at the doorstep of Agos. A newsancor approached me and asked what are my thoughts. thoughts? what can one think but murder!

I cannot cry out loud. there is something stuck in me. it does not work since last week.

its's so convoluted. I read the first issue of Agos after Mr. Dink's death. every thought very idea born by his death apperead there. one prominent turkish writer said Turks, who consider themselves a part of the 'state' but not really a part of the 'people' since the birth of the republic must recognize that 'the state' is responsible for the genocide and the murder of Mr. Dink, not 'the people'.

it's so convoluted. My conscious could not spare anyone off the guilt of the death of a man who was so pro-peace, so sentimental, so human. I am guilty. who did not act, who did not protest, who did not throw himself between the bullet and the man is guilty.

but mourning shall end at one point. there is his legacy. we must all do our share albeit too late. is it too late? it never is.

I call upon everybody around the world who is Armenian, American, Greek, Turk, everyone WHO IS HUMAN to support his ideals. we can start by subscribing to his legacy, to his ideal, Agos Weekly and make sure that his opinion will continue to be represented in Turkey.

Subscription is easy. in Turkey, send YTL 96 to Garanti Bank Harbiye Branch A/C No:6200720-8 and fax the receipt of transfer to fax no: +90 212 247 55 19 for a yearly subscription. In Europe, it's €55 and in the USA and Australia $180.

Support the voice of equality and fight against all kind of suppression.

ps. this author is not related to Agos newspaper or Turkish Armenian community.

heute bin ich ein Armenien

as I write these, hrant dink's body is being carried through the streets of istanbul to his final resting place. followed by thousands, and lead by his widow Rakel who in her letter to her decesased husband told the crowds that he has left everyone he knew but his land.

today I am a different man. today I carry on my shoulders hundreds of years of discrimination, neglect and murder. today I became an Armenian. today I am an Armenian. today I became a grown-up man. Today I understand my elders who always told me 'Turks never change'. Indeed they don't.

in the personality of Mr. Dink, the latest Armenian martyr (I am afraid not the last), I cry for the millions massacred and I beseech the world opinion to stop it. to stop it by acknowledging ignorance, to stop it by acknowledging genocides and mass murders and discrimination, and ignorance, and neglect. this is the only way to light a candle for Mr. Dink, and all the millions scattered around the world that are represented in his name.

today, I am an Armenian, even for one day I am proud of it.

he was under influence of the internet

the guy that allegedly murdered Hrant Dink said (as I predicted yesterday) he acted alone and was under influence of the web sites that propagated against Hrant Dink in his early deposition. he is a minor. he will be prosecuted as a minor. the feeble government already blaming 'outside forces'. spineless politicians already arguing this act was against Turkey, one conspiracy theory after another.

this is no conspiracy theory. a wonderful person, a fighter for freedom of speech, a fighter for liberty is slained. and this is a casual event in Turkish standards. but this also is a beginning of a different road that this country has to cope with. this is the end of a century long denial.

today is sunday. let our prayers be with Mr. Dink, his family, his friends and Armenians of Turkey at large. let us pray for his soul and let us hope his death shall be a beginning, him a martyr of a long road to freedom and fight against oppression.
Amen.

they caught the guy

Media reports the authorities have caught the guy who pulled the trigger based on a pilot picture taken by a security camera on 23:00 hours local time.

One Ogun Samast, a native of northern town of Samsun, close to where a catholic priest was murdered last year was taken into custody by security forces supposedly coming out of a bus that took him from Istanbul, the city where he allegedly killed Mr. Hrant Dink.

He is said to carry all artifacts that can put him to the place of murder and can be seen on the pilot picture. He is said to be a worker in a northern town municipality.

This author still believes that all will be blamed to this guy and to this guy only and they will claim that he was acting alone and is solely responsible from this murder.

It is this author's view that, every Turkish citizen who turns his head against injustice, double standards and ignorance, who thinks that minorities are not citizens but foreigners, and they should be deprived off all human rights is the murderer, is the real murderers' accomplice.

But that is a matter of tomorrow. Today is the day for respect and mourning.

As I was writing these sentences, on TV the mayor of Istanbul was thanking the security forces for acting so quickly to take the alleged murderer into custody. I protest this hypocrisy. People whose job is to protect citizens cannot boast on catching some criminals. Shame on them, shame on all politicians right or left who fuelled these double standards and ignorance for 90 years now.

from the press on mr. dink 1

Armenian anger at Turkish murder

From BBC.co.uk- The Armenian government has condemned the murder in Istanbul of a prominent Turkish journalist of Armenian descent.
The speaker of Armenia's parliament said the murder showed that Turkey should not even dream about joining the European Union.

Hrant Dink's murder on Friday sparked a protest by thousands of people where he was shot near his newspaper's offices.

He had written extensively about the massacre of Armenians during the final days of the Ottoman Empire in 1915.

Armenian President Robert Kocharian said: "The killing of this well-known Armenian journalist in Turkey raises numerous questions and deserves the strongest condemnation.
"We hope that the Turkish authorities will do everything possible to find and punish the culprit strictly in accordance with the law".

The speaker of Armenia's parliament, Tigran Torosyan went even further.
"Following the murder, Turkey should not even dream about joining the European Union," the Armenian news agency Arminfo quoted him as saying.
Journalists and politicians in Turkey have expressed outrage at the killing, which many described as a political assassination, while the US, EU, France, and several human rights groups also voiced shock and condemnation.
Police said Hrant Dink was shot twice. Late on Friday, Turkish media quoted Istanbul's governor as saying three people were in custody over the killing.

Hrant Dink was found guilty in October 2005 of insulting Turkish identity after he wrote an article which addressed the mass killings of Ottoman Armenians nine decades ago.
Dink was one of Turkey's most prominent Armenian voices and despite threats on his life, he refused to stay silent.
The killings of hundreds of thousands of Armenians by the Ottoman Turks is a sensitive subject in both Armenia and Turkey. Many Armenians have campaigned for the killings to be recognised internationally as genocide. Turkey denies any genocide, saying the deaths were a part of World War I.
The two countries still have no official relations since Armenia gained independence after the break up of the Soviet Union in 1991.

liberty defeated

first apologies are in order. for a long 15 days I couldn't write anything. literally. there are a lot of personal reasons but there are no excuses.

but the wake up call came yesterday. in the form of a tragic event of the kind that dwellers of this country are all so familiar with , but the global public might get schocked. the prominent (and tha accent is on the 'the') Armenian journalist in Turkey was massacred yesterday in front of his newspaper's door, daytime, in front of hundreds of onlookers. he wrote several times that his life was being threatened, by letters, e-mail and even by a deputy governor of istanbul during a meeting in the governor's palace. no precautions were taken. despite the crocodiles' tears on media today his blood stays in the hands of every authority and public opinion maker in this country. at a time he was getting ready to bring issues about problems about freedom of speech in Turkey to the human rights court of Europe, this author thinks the action is another ring in the chain of suppressive events by Turkey at large against its Christian minorities.

I personally wish to condemn all hypocrites of this country and leave the rest of my space to a press realease by his Agos Newspaper staff and his short biography. more I shall write later. May he rest in peace and God bless his soul.

PRESS RELEASE
Our dearest friend , our brother , the editor in chief of AGOS newspaper Hrant Dink has been assasinated ruthlessly.There are no words to explain our pain.

Our deepest condolences for those who can still feel themselves as human beings.

AGOS Members

Hrant Dink was born in Malatya on 15.9.1954.
At the age of seven, he migrated to İstanbul together with his family.
He got his primary and secondary education in Armenian schools. Immediately after lyceum, he got married.
He graduated from Zoology Department of İstanbul University's ScienceFaculty. Then he continued his education at Philosophy Department of the same universities Literature Faculty for a while.
Since 1996 he works as the columnist and editor-in chief of AGOS weekly newspaper which can be regarded as the voice of Armenian community.
He tries to make this newspaper a democrat and oppositional voice of Turkey and also to share the injustices done to Armenian community with public opinion.
One of the major aims of the newspaper is to contribute to dialogue between Turkish and Armenian nations and also between Turkey and Armenia.
He takes part in various democratic platforms and civil society organizations.

PS. The web site of AGOS Newspaper could be reached through this link.