Armenia: Pain, And Sometimes, Forgiveness

April 23, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Even 92 years later, nearly all Armenians feel a strong connection to the events of 1915, whether through the memories of older relatives or by reading accounts of the event. Most are staunch in their conviction that the mass slaughter of their forbearers was genocide. But some are beginning to look beyond the devastating chapter in their history to a time when Turks and Armenians can bridge their deep divisions. RFE/RL's Armenian Service spoke to Yerevan residents about their views on Turkey, the recognition of genocide, and whether time can heal all wounds.

Haykuhi Harutyunian, 25, linguist:

"When I hear the word genocide, it has a very deep personal impact, since every Armenian family has experienced it personally, through their ancestors. The pain is very personal for me, but I also accept it as a historical reality -- although I think we don't have to view it as something that's occured and we're simply victims. Such an approach is wrong for us now. It's high time to step forward and consider the issue from a slightly different standpoint.

"Perceptions have changed among young people. For example, if an Armenian and a Turk met 20 years ago, there would most probably be some hostility between them. But nowadays, young people in Armenia and Turkey are on quite good terms. I don't carry any hostility within me. I feel pain, but I have a feeling of immense forgiveness as well. I would really like it if we could replace their aggression and our sense of victimization with a brave step toward dialogue.

I don't believe Turkey will recognize the genocide. And for me, as a citizen, mere recognition is not enough. It's not enough for them to say 'yes, it has occured.' There should be compensation for all the damage and losses as well. I want back everything that we lost."

Davit Gevorgian, 21, computer programmer:

"'Recognizing' genocide is an obscure concept. What does it mean to recognize genocide when it's already happened and we all know about it? What do we achieve when someone stands up and declares that he recognizes the genocide? Nothing.

"Turkey is under pressure from the European Union; it may or may not recognize it. If it does, that recognition will simply generation a feeling of satisfaction among a large number of people. Nothing more."

Svetlana Galoian, 45, accountant:

"I'd like the whole world to deal with this issue. Turkey should get down on its knees and ask forgiveness. Turkey has never asked forgiveness for all the blood that was spilled, and we don't have any reason to forgive them. Turkey will never admit its blame on its own; they'll only admit it under pressure from powerful countries.

"Of course, we know that recognizing the genocide won't bring back [Armenian composer and folklorist] Komitas [who witnessed the worst of the genocide] and [Armenian writer Grigor] Zohrap [who was killed during the genocide]. But at least Turkey's current generation will know that their ancestors were criminals and murderers.

"Time changes the situation. The power of the issue is fading, and I can't expect my grandchild will see it the way I do. I've heard so much about it that it seems to me I was there, but for my grandchild it surely won't be the same. For him, it will just seem like a movie."

Samson Hovhannisian, 93, historian:

"During the war in 1914, Turkish leaders planned the mass destruction of Armenians. They didn't want a single Armenian to remain in western Armenia; they wanted to own that land.

"The whole world has recognized the genocide, but Turkey still doesn't admit to it. Turkey is a lapdog for the United States, and it won't be able to take a single step without the U.S. Turkey won't admit to the genocide until [U.S. President George W.] Bush does. The day Bush accepts the genocide, Turkey will follow suit."

Stepan Avetisian, 24, lawyer:

"Genocide is the cruelest, most hideous act one human can perform against another. For me, the Armenian genocide is shameful, an indelible part of the history of our nation. It's an enormous sorrow, an aching wound that hasn't been cured.

My ancestors came from Igdir [in eastern Turkey, at the border with Armenia], but they didn't experience the worst of the genocide and perhaps that's why I try to take a slightly more moderate stance on the issue. When you read the memoirs of people who lived through it or look at the pictures from that time, however, it's impossible to stay cool and detached.

"Recognition for me means respect. But the issue of recognition has always been taken advantage of and used for political purposes. I'm a bit conservative about Turkey; I don't think they'll admit to genocide. Even if they do admit to it, it won't change anything significantly. My father has a good saying: 'Turkey is a hyena, you should always keep the whip handy.' We should have a whip, in the form of a strong military, achievements in science and art. In other words, we should be powerful."