Vocal Diplomacy

Today is Armenia's independence day. We don't feel like celebrating the day, which we celebrate with great enthusiasm every year, especially this year. Because right on our independence day, we had to sit at the negotiation table with the representatives of the aggressive and genocidal Azerbaijan. However, let's remember the history to understand the independence day.   The road to Armenia's independence was full of difficulties and troubles. After living under foreign rule and domination for centuries, Armenia found itself part of the Russian Empire in the early 19th century. However, as the empire collapsed during World War I, Armenia used this opportunity to declare its independence on May 28, 1918.   Unfortunately, this newfound freedom was short-lived. Amid political turmoil and the chaos of the Armenian Genocide, Armenia came under Soviet rule in 1920 and remained under Soviet rule for several decades. This time, Armenia had to wait until September 21, 199...

Today is the birthday of dear Hrant Dink, whom everyone knows, loves and misses. I wanted to commemorate Hrant by taking a look at his short 53-year life. Let’s start! H rant Dink was born in 1954 to an Armenian family in the city of Malatya, Turkey. From a young age, he grappled with the complexities of identity and belonging in a country with a diverse cultural heritage. He later moved to Istanbul and became a prominent figure within the Armenian community in Turkey, passionately advocating for human rights and reconciliation. One of the most notable aspects of Hrant Dink's life was his dedication to fostering communication and understanding among different ethnic and religious communities. He was the founder and chief editor of Agos, a bilingual Armenian-Turkish newspaper aimed at bridging divides, challenging biases, and promoting a more inclusive society. Dink's work was particularly significant in the context of Armenian-Turkish relations, which had long been marred by ...

The Armenian Genocide, which occurred between 1915 and 1923 during the waning years of the Ottoman Empire, remains one of the darkest chapters in human history. However, within this harrowing period, there emerged a story of resilience, courage, and international intervention that illuminated a glimmer of hope. At the heart of this story lies the heroic resistance of Armenians on Musa Dagh, or "Moses Mountain," and the timely arrival of French naval ships on September 12, 1915. The Armenian Genocide was a systematic campaign of extermination, forced deportations, and persecution perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire against its Armenian population. It resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians . Families were torn apart, communities devastated, and a rich cultural heritage nearly extinguished. As the Armenian Genocide unfolded, a group of Armenian villagers found themselves cornered on Musa Dagh, a mountain perched along the Mediterranean coast, now within mode...

On September 6, 1955, a horrifying chapter unfolded in the history of Istanbul, one that still casts a long shadow over the city and its diverse communities. The Istanbul Pogrom, targeting Greeks, Armenians, and Jews, was a violent eruption of hatred, fueled by ethnic and religious tensions. Today, we look back at this dark episode not to reopen old wounds but to advocate for acknowledgment, accountability, and reconciliation. The day began like any other for the Greeks, Armenians, and Jews of Constantinople. Little did they know that their lives would soon be irrevocably changed. Mobs descended upon their neighborhoods, driven by a campaign of ethnic cleansing. Homes, businesses, and places of worship were destroyed, and the violence extended to rape, forced circumcision, and even the exhumation of the dead. The Istanbul Pogrom lasted for two days, and its brutality knew no bounds. Witnesses reported that attackers had lists of addresses, and even Turkish shop owners were ordered t...

In the heart of South Caucasus, uncertainty casts a shadow over the Artsakh region. The embargo imposed by Azerbaijan not only leads to political tensions but also seriously affects the most vulnerable - children. Thousands of children living in Artsakh cannot attend kindergarten, preschool, and full-day schools due to the embargo, which deeply impacts their right to education. Perhaps the most concerning aspect is that the embargo deprives approximately 20,000 school-age children in Artsakh of their fundamental right to education. The situation also makes it extremely difficult to provide these children with education about basic human rights and freedoms - which is an essential part of their development and is disrupted due to the ongoing embargo. However, it is not only the students who are experiencing hardship. Dedicated teachers in Artsakh have to cope with significant challenges arising from the embargo, which disrupts the education process and deprives thousands of children of ...

In recent years, African nations have witnessed a troubling surge in coup attempts and successful coups. According to available data, there have been at least 106 coups across Africa since 1950, alongside 108 unsuccessful attempts. These events have raised concerns and shed light on the multifaceted factors contributing to political instability on the continent. While the reasons for coups are diverse and complex, it is essential to examine the historical context and the role of colonialism in shaping the political landscape of many African nations. The year 2021 was particularly tumultuous for Africa, with six coups or attempted coups recorded, four of which were successful. Mali faced two coups in quick succession in August 2020 and May 2021, followed by coups in Chad in April 2021 and Sudan in October 2021. The year 2022 saw two takeovers in Burkina Faso and failed coup attempts in Guinea Bissau, The Gambia, and the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe. More recently, in July 202...