Tall Armenian Tale

 

The Other Side of the Falsified Genocide

 

  Commentary by Edward Tashji   
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Mahmut Ozan
Edward Tashji
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It's tragic how many Armenians are so blinded by hatred that they prefer to live in the past, and deny themselves the joys of their roots. Not all Armenians are like that. Some Armenians prefer concentrating on their emotional attachments to the old country. These Armenians know Turkish music, food and language form as much a part of their identities as anything else, and don't appreciate being ostracized by the larger, more hateful Armenian group. They feel they are robbed of their precious past and cherished memories, and resent the domineering attitude of the other group.

I'm a big fan of Edward Tashji, who has the guts and the love to come right out and declare where he stands. In his own words, this "Armenian-American has become 'famous,' (he said with all humility), within the Turkish community, while becoming "infamous", (he said with deep regret), within the Armenian community." Also, in his words... he is : "An American born of an Armenian mother and a Syrian-Orthodox father (.) He is the younger son of parents who had been born in Ottoman Turkey, became eye-witness to the conflagration of the First World War in their beloved homeland, and as a result, their destiny brought them to the land where millions had emigrated."

 

 
Program for a Turkish Course of Action

MY PROGRAM FOR A COURSE OF ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE TURKISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY, IN REVEALING ITS POSITION ON THE SUBJECT OF TURKISH-ARMENIAN RELATIONS.

As prepared by Edward Tashji

Sept. 1982

I.

INTRODUCTION;

My feelings on this subject have been revealed in numerous published articles, coupled with hundreds of letters written by me through many years of effort. My sole intention in undertaking this extremely difficult endeavor has been and will continue to be my fervent desire to maintain my ancestral and cultural bond with the land and the people of Turkey; now and for all time. I say extremely difficult because of the following reasons:

1. No one has ever publicly spoken in behalf of Turkish-Armenian brotherhood before.

2. My efforts have created deep animosity toward me on the part of my co-religionists, that being the Armenian community.

3. Because of my opposition to the illogical attitude of continuous hatred on the part of Armenians toward Turkey — I consider myself severed from the Armenian family.

4. Even though I have been received into the heart and soul of the Turkish community, I am by birth outside the Turkish family as well.

5. Turkish indifference and silence toward a campaign of terror conducted against them, continues to confound my comprehension.

6. Threats trade against me several years ago were not of a serious nature, but Armenian terrorism has taken the lives of 23 innocent Turkish Diplomats. A possible threat on my life is as certain as is the fanaticism of certain Armenian groups.

   II. PURPOSE




My reasons for formulating this program are not intended to conceal any ulterior motives. Let us immediately dispel any thoughts of a desire for prestige or monetary advantage.


My writings are testimony to this fact. This “course of action” is just one more effort on my part in search of rational and constructive thinking on a subject which neither has prevailed. As always, this effort is mine alone. It represents no other person or organization, and I would not want it to be construed as such. I claim this work as my own and I am proud to dedicate this program to the memory of my beloved parents, George and Izabel Tashji, who throughout their lifetime bestowed upon me joy, not remorse —compassion, not vengeance - love, not hate.

A STATEMENT TO THE TURKISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY:



You will agree and disagree with my program. You will approve and disapprove or my program. Some of my thoughts will please you, and yet you might even be angered by one who loves you. After years of extensive effort in your behalf and after years of close observation, I now, having no alternative, charge you with indifference and ineptitude.

You have, with your silence, permitted the accusations made against you to remain unanswered. As a result the Western World for over sixty—five years has heard you described in terms attributable to a sub—human culture. Are you concerned? I say you are not! I say for generations you have not been. Now that your sons are being killed by Armenian assassins, will you begin to pay attention to the demands of justice and civilized behavior? The future is in your hands. The time for action is long overdue.

AN OUTLINE OF MY PROGRAM:


 

a. Education — YOUR education. Learn exactly what your adversary is saying about you and your ancestors. Learn who your adversary is, where and under what banner does he function.

b. Organization — within the Turkish—American Associations committees should be formed throughout our country, and. contact with these groups should be maintained. The creation of new clubs should not be considered, but working committees can be selected from existing organizations from within the major Associations. Their functions will be discussed later.

c. Communication and publicity — Expressing the Turkish point of view to the news media, to other cultural and religious groups, to universities and libraries, to correspondence with members of our government, at all levels. A continuous flow of letters to the above mentioned, letters by the thousands, will in my mind create a positive atmosphere for Turkey, while raising a voice which till now has remained mute.

d. Demonstration — The time for peaceful demonstrations is now, and without it your rights will never be recognized. You are facing a Godless enemy whose source of life is hatred, whose only purpose in life is to kill innocent Turks. No other nation or people would display your patience as you have now buried twenty-three of your sons. Armenian terrorism against your nation and people will continue, and. Turks must take action to expose their barbarism to the entire world.

e. Dedication - For years I have been trying to tell the Turkish community the only people who can express Turkey’s position and its outrage, is none other than the Turkish people themselves! No one cares certainly, about your representatives or diplomats being killed. In fact we see examples of sympathy for the assassins in certain cities around the world. Their dastardly deeds are compounded by their continuous erosion of the truth, and by their claim that theirs is an act of vengeance; but against whom? It purports to be against a regime and government which disappeared over sixty years ago. I can not emphasize this strongly enough: There must be a commitment on the part of Turks wherever in the world they reside, whatever their position might be to raise their voice in a world where little is known about the Great Turkish People. More than the Turkish Government’s participation, and this is necessary, Turks, Turks of foreign citizenship, and. friends of Turkey, should - must — individually and collectively exert their energies in creating a Turkish voice of resounding impact. Let us now turn to specific information under each of the above titles shown as follows:



A. EDUCATION
B. ORGANIZATION
C. COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICITY
D. DEMONSTRATION WITHOUT A SMILE
E. DEDICATION

MY PROGRAM:

EDUCATION:


 

The position of the Turkish—American community in creating an effective responsive program, is similar to my entering into competition with a professional boxer. On the one hand we see an opponent with no physical training, lacking the strength and the ability in the technique of self defense. While on the other hand, we have an adversary who for years has trained for and prepared. his strategy for action, while building his strength to achieve a devastating blow. Since Armenians began coming to the United States, there has been within the Armenian Church and its community, a bitter hatred toward Turkey and this philosophy has extended to its youth. The seed of hate has been implanted into young minds and the world is witness to its results: 23 innocent Turkish Diplomats have been murdered in numerous cities around the world by Armenian extremists. Yes your position is difficult indeed, but not impossible!

Edward Tashji

Edward Tashji fired up at a
2004 Rutgers University
conference

In any dispute or argument over a political issue, an effort should be made to concede where possible, in order to gain concession from the other side. Turks must be able to say, quite freely and honestly, that indeed a large number of innocent Armenians lost their lives in Turkey during the First World War period. But this in no way admits to a plan for genocide as the Armenians have accused you of. Suffering and deprivation were not endured only by the Armenians during those terrible years. The Greeks, the Kurds, the Jews, the Suryaniler (Syrians), Arabs, and certainly an entire nation of Turks; all these peoples shared that anguish. By what logic can the Armenians blame the nation of today’s Turkey, for what they regard as crimes committed by a crumbling Ottoman regime? Let us look further into the Armenian community and its church.

In America the Armenians are seen as an intelligent and hard working group of people, and above all they are Christians. The latter has been very beneficial to them in their convincing a Christian majority of the brutality of the Turkish people. To the outsider and uninformed they present an image of a righteous minority. Yet in reality, we see a community and church separated by a bitter hatred toward EACH OTHER. There are the Hinchak — Ramgavar —Tashnaksagan groups, its people and. church separate. The hate being so intense, the latter group has created its own church hierarchy. Every religious body has one head, the Armenians have two! We see a monument erected in front of an Armenian old—age house in New Jersey, reminding the elderly every day of old conflicts.



We see hundreds of Armenians at dock-side in New York City, on their way to Soviet Armenia. Taking with them their wealth and possessions, acquired in this country; in a shameful manner they urged other Armenians to abandon America and go with them to the land of their dreams, Soviet Armenia. — We see in major cities around the world, Armenian demonstrations and protests against Turkey and Turkish cultural activities. — We see Armenian pressure on the news media resulting in extensive time and space in reporting on what they call, “The first genocide of the 20th century”. — We see an ancient church split by the hatred of its followers, and yet this division serves as a weapon against the people of Turkey. —• We see an ever increasing campaign on the part of Armenian churches in perpetuating old wounds, to the extent of recording the voices of elderly people on tape as evidence against Turkey. We see such a hatred, so deep, so ingrained in the Armenian psyche, as to render impossible even the thought of an intelligent discussion between Armenian and Turkish spokesmen. We see much more that the Turkish people should become aware or.

Turkish-Americans have never witnessed this animosity between two ancestral brothers, in Turkey. The Armenians of Turkey are loyal and faithful citizens of a free and vibrant nation. As in their history, the children of the one and same motherland shall remain inseparable.

ORGANIZATION:

 

Even though the Turkish community in America is indeed small, we should recognize that numbers alone can not reach and influence world public opinion. In spite of our numbers we have established in a short time, social, cultural, and religious organizations throughout America, and with pride we can look to our achievements in all walks of American life. Our organizations are represented by the Assembly Of Turkish American associations, based in the Washington, D.C. area, and by the Federation of Turkish-American Societies, Inc., with its offices in New York City. Within the framework of these umbrella organizations, committees should be selected in a number of cities comprised of the following: Turkish students, men and women of professional and non-professional backgrounds, Turkish-American businessmen, educators, athletes, and friends of Turkey born in the United States. The participation of our elderly loved ones should not be overlooked, for they are our history.

In their respective cities these committees should arrange meetings and conferences with other ethnic and religious groups. No effort for face to face contact with any Armenian organization should be made at this time. To our meetings and cultural activities we should invite politicians, educators, businessmen, religious representatives of all faiths, news broadcasters and writers. Our aim should not be to attack our adversary, but rather coupled with the incomparable Turkish hospitality, we must reveal the greatness of our culture, and make known our position on a subject which has been obscured by a distortion of historical facts, exaggerations, and emotionalism. A line of communication should be opened between the Turkish community and the World Council of Churches, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, as well as the Syrian Orthodox Church. The latter represents the “Suryaniler” who have always remained faithful to Turkey.

It is recognized that the above mentioned umbrella organizations have in recent times publicized Turkey’s position on a number of subjects; but much work remains to be done. Only by a concerted and vigorous campaign of action will we be able to reverse the trend in public opinion. Our clubs and the committees therein must be informed of the activities taking place in other cities with an effort to create a simultaneous action. Those who enter this venture must do so with the realization the righteousness of their cause will be recognized as long as they continue this work with courage, enthusiasm, and above all unity.


COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICITY: 


 

Ours is a most difficult task; to turn back the tide of anti-Turkish sentiment will require the efforts and sacrifices of a special people. If you did it while facing monumental obstacles, under the Great Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, then you will do it again under the spirit of this immortal leader.

Aside from the influential position Armenians enjoy in our country, there are a few state government officials of Armenian background, which strengthens Armenian propaganda against Turkey. Coupled with the Greek lobby in the Congress, ....it reminds us of the unmatched opponents to which I referred earlier. Advertising — without it nothing will sell. Publicity — without it no one will hear you. Paid newspaper announcements sponsored by our parent organizations should he increased. On national holidays a message extended in the name of the Turkish-American community, expressing best wishes on specific American celebrations will have a positive effect. Together with a writing campaign to the areas mentioned in my Outline section C., congratulatory messages should be sent on the following ethnic and religious holidays: Saint Patrick’s Day — Columbus Day — Pulaski Day — Stubbens Day — Christmas — Hanukkah — among others. Remembering the celebrations of non-Turkish Moslem societies should not be overlooked.

It can be argued that friendly greetings will not stop Armenian terrorism. I would not suggest for one minute that it could. But you are living in a nation that knows very little about your culture, and what it does know is based on information which for sixty—five years has been supplied by your enemies. An atmosphere of sympathy in certain countries for the Armenian assassins is reprehensible, and as a result these murderers are walking free, planning their next assault on Turkish Diplomats.

The news media — If the American press and news broadcasters do not give full coverage to the Turkish point of view, it is because they believe no one cares to hear it. If our politicians can make speeches before the Congress, commemorating the “Armenian genocide,” it is because their desks are not filled with letters of protest from the Turkish community. A flood of letters, telegrams, and phone calls to CBS, NBC and ABC will eventually make our case known. A constant flow of mail sent to our government officials will indicate to them that ours is a viable and responsible community, and we will demand that our rights be upheld. Since Armenian fanaticism has now taken the form of an organized band of killers, our efforts should extend to an F.B.I.. investigation of Armenian churches with special attention given to the Tashnaksagan group. As a staunch ally of the United States, Turkey must have her people and its facilities protected against this sick element.

 DEMONSTRATION WITHOUT A SMILE:



An unusual heading to be sure, but I could not be more serious. How many Americans could truly understand the meaning of “guler yuzlu”? Because I was fortunate to have had parents from Turkey, I learned early in my life the significance of a simple smile. The Turkish people in its totality, display this inherent characteristic endlessly. The Turkish smile is but a symbol of the patience and compassion of an entire nation, that does not strike back at the fanatical group which continues to spill innocent Turkish blood. In my many conversations with Turks, in which I have expressed my vehement outrage for the killing of Turkish Diplomats, the Turkish response is unbelievable: You speak softly, there is no hate or vengeance in your eyes, there is no call for retaliation in your statements, and then that eternal smile — with a gentle smile, you say: “May God protect us....” And the Christians speak of “turning the other cheek.” It might be contrary to your basic ideals, but the time for action is here, and I feel the following is an integral part of my entire program:

From the outset let us clearly understand that I do not now, nor have I ever, suggested the only response to Armenian terrorism is physical force. A public area near Armenian churches should be our place for action. Peaceful demonstrations by large numbers of our people carrying posters, expressing our outrage and with loud angry voices, we should condemn Armenian responsibility for the savage attacks on Turkish representatives. NO smiles, NO patience in our attitude, NO tolerance for American indifference. We must reveal our anger, our revulsion, and our demands that the killers be apprehended and punished by the authorities where these crimes occur. With permission from the civil administration our demonstrations should take place in public areas near government offices as well as the Armenian Cathedral in New York City. Participation is everyone’s obligation, men and women, young and old, voices in unison, posters, flags, distributing leaflets to the public — do not underestimate the impact these demonstrations can have. The television cameras, the radio and press reporters, and the general public at large, eventually they all will make themselves available to us. Our demonstrations don’t necessarily have to be of a negative nature:

A Turkish parade. Why should we not have a parade in celebration of the founding of the Turkish Republic? As other ethnic groups express their cultural pride, so must we with all segments of our community reveal our feelings of pride in our history, our heritage, and honor the memory of one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known: our Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

  DEDICATION:




The program I have presented and. the opinions I have expressed are all meaning1ess without this one indestructible force: dedication! Can there be any question about the dedication of Armenian terrorists? That he remains faithful to his cause is beyond question. That in order to achieve his goals, he utilizes his resources to their fullest extent, is also beyond question. His one failure, however, and this will commit him to eternal damnation, is that his objectives and his entire philosophy are molded by hatred. You are the victim, and the world is not concerned. What answer will you give the children of our slain diplomats who were not even born during the conflicts of the early part of this century? Will these children and their children also have to worry about another assassin’s bullet? Who will be the next father, son, or husband slain by yet another Armenian terrorist?

Edward Tashji as an invited speaker for the Turkish-American student organization at Rutgers University in 2004. His wife, Mary, is at left.

Edward Tashji as an invited speaker for the Turkish-American student organization at Rutgers University in 2004. His wife, Mary, is at left.

Of top priority is the attitude and behavior of the Turkish-American community in relation to its revealing the feelings of the entire Turkish people. The heretofore activities of some of our organizations, as useful as they have been, fall far short of what our goals should be. These efforts have been isolated, ineffectual, and above all non—repetitive. Only by a network of communication, extensive planning, and mutual cooperation, among our organizations in all parts of the country, can actual deployment of our activities become a reality.

The first obstacle we must overcome is our own pessimism! Statements such as, “You cannot unite the Turks.“ — “There is discord within our organizations.” — “We are few and they are many.” — “I don’t have the time.” — Let the doctors do it, they are wealthy.” — “In a few years all the elderly of that period will be gone and all this hatred will come to an end.” -- If you adhere to any of the preceding quotations, then you can not consider yourself a true follower of the great Ataturk. There would not be the Republic Of Turkey today, If negative attitudes had crippled the vision and incentive of Ataturk for his people and his nation. You — each of you — must continue his efforts by realizing that indifference and disunity can only weaken your position in the world family of nations, while at the same time encourage the assassins to repeat their deplorable actions.

It is incumbent upon you to get involved, to fulfill your obligations toward your people and history, in making an effort to reveal the facts about Turkish-Armenian relations. NO ONE else will do it; you can, you MUST. Let there be a new beginning now, step by step, but always forward, to put forth any program that will continue the proper recognition due the great Turkish People. The success or failure of this mission depends upon YOU!

CONCLUSION:


 

You have spent much time in reading my program and for the time you have given, I express my deep appreciation. But you shouldn’t consider it a complimentary gesture toward me, but rather an effort in behalf of your people.

Most of my adult life has been dedicated toward the service of Turkey and her people. That my interest and affection began with my parents is obvious, but the extent of my love for Turkey and her people could never have been foreseen. ‘The difficulties I have faced include the accusations made against me by my own people. I have never denied my ancestry and yet I am an outcast from my own kind. For the goodwill I have created, and for my humble efforts in continuing the brotherhood between the Turkish and Armenian peoples, I am proud and my joy is endless.‘

In preparation of this program much time and effort has been consumed, and yet it is merely a beginning. It does not claim to have all the answers, it does not suggest that Turks will accept it in its entirety, it certainly could never affect the course of Turkey’s future. Mine has been an honest effort to eradicate animosity by revealing the futility of it, and its potential for creating an even greater human conflagration. During the weeks spent on preparing this work, we are witnessing once again man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. The fabric of civilization is being torn apart by war in the Middle East and elsewhere. We have exerted our genius to bring us upon the surface of the moon, and yet humans have not learned war has never solved any problems, it only creates new ones. Of what value is our technology if we lack compassion and love?

As my program comes to a close, I offer for your consideration an item of major importance to which I have made no reference till now: There is in existence a dossier on Turkey prepared by and in the possession of this writer. I proudly claim it has no equal in the entire United States. The Counselor to the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C., Mr. Murat Sungar, having seen but a small section of my dossier, found it to be extremely valuable and suggested it should be given to the Turkish government. There are countless letters, printed articles, books, pictures, photographs, prints, magazine and newspaper stories about our efforts, thousands of Turkish recordings inc1uding some original Hafiz Burhan records recorded in 1913, thousands of newspaper clippings from the American press going back many years, books written in Osmanlica and more… much more. What is to become of this treasure, my life’s long labor? What is to become of Turkey’s position in the world of tomorrow? What will be the Turkish response to the hate merchants who profess to be Christians? Only you dear reader can answer these questions. I pledge to you to continue the love for Turkey passed on to me by my parents, and in their name I conclude with the words of the founder of the modern Turkish nation: NE MUTLU TURKUM DIYENE!*

 

(*Happy is He/She Who is a Turk)

 

 

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THE PURPOSE OF TALL ARMENIAN TALE (TAT)
...Is to expose the mythological “Armenian genocide,” from the years 1915-16. A wartime tragedy involving the losses of so many has been turned into a politicized story of “exclusive victimhood,” and because of the prevailing prejudice against Turks, along with Turkish indifference, those in the world, particularly in the West, have been quick to accept these terribly defamatory claims involving the worst crime against humanity. Few stop to investigate below the surface that those regarded as the innocent victims, the Armenians, while seeking to establish an independent state, have been the ones to commit systematic ethnic cleansing against those who did not fit into their racial/religious ideal: Muslims, Jews, and even fellow Armenians who had converted to Islam. Criminals as Dro, Antranik, Keri, Armen Garo and Soghoman Tehlirian (the assassin of Talat Pasha, one of the three Young Turk leaders, along with Enver and Jemal) contributed toward the deaths (via massacres, atrocities, and forced deportation) of countless innocents, numbering over half a million. What determines genocide is not the number of casualties or the cruelty of the persecutions, but the intent to destroy a group, the members of which are guilty of nothing beyond being members of that group. The Armenians suffered their fate of resettlement not for their ethnicity, having co-existed and prospered in the Ottoman Empire for centuries, but because they rebelled against their dying Ottoman nation during WWI (World War I); a rebellion that even their leaders of the period, such as Boghos Nubar and Hovhannes Katchaznouni, have admitted. Yet the hypocritical world rarely bothers to look beneath the surface, not only because of anti-Turkish prejudice, but because of Armenian wealth and intimidation tactics. As a result, these libelous lies, sometimes belonging in the category of “genocide studies,” have become part of the school curricula of many regions. Armenian scholars such as Vahakn Dadrian, Peter Balakian, Richard Hovannisian, Dennis Papazian and Levon Marashlian have been known to dishonestly present only one side of their story, as long as their genocide becomes affirmed. They have enlisted the help of "genocide scholars," such as Roger Smith, Robert Melson, Samantha Power, and Israel Charny… and particularly  those of Turkish extraction, such as Taner Akcam and Fatma Muge Gocek, who justify their alliance with those who actively work to harm the interests of their native country, with the claim that such efforts will help make Turkey more" democratic." On the other side of this coin are genuine scholars who consider all the relevant data, as true scholars have a duty to do, such as Justin McCarthy, Bernard Lewis, Heath Lowry, Erich Feigl and Guenter Lewy. The unscrupulous genocide industry, not having the facts on its side, makes a practice of attacking the messenger instead of the message, vilifying these professors as “deniers” and "agents of the Turkish government." The truth means so little to the pro-genocide believers, some even resort to the forgeries of the Naim-Andonian telegrams or sources  based on false evidence, as Franz Werfel’s The Forty Days of Musa Dagh. Naturally, there is no end to the hearsay "evidence" of the prejudiced pro-Christian people from the period, including missionaries and Near East Relief representatives, Arnold Toynbee, Lord Bryce, Lloyd George, Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, and so many others. When the rare Westerner opted to look at the issues objectively, such as Admirals Mark Bristol and Colby Chester, they were quick to be branded as “Turcophiles” by the propagandists. The sad thing is, even those who don’t consider themselves as bigots are quick to accept the deceptive claims of Armenian propaganda, because deep down people feel the Turks are natural killers and during times when Turks were victims, they do not rate as equal and deserving human beings. This is the main reason why the myth of this genocide has become the common wisdom.