KAMP ARMEN

A gathering was organized at Kamp Armen, which still faces the threat of demolition, after activists and the public thwarted the initial attempt. Speaking at the gathering, Rakel Dink said, “This story must not end here”.

By universal law, the definition of seizing a camp created by the sweat of children’s brows, in the simplest terms, is ‘usurpation’. The State has usurped Kamp Armen. And everyone should know very well that this is a terribly grave sin to pay for.

On the one hand, in view of all that we have experienced over the years, there is nothing to be surprised. On the other hand, if we are still surprised, it is an embarrassment for all of us. An embarrassment for Turkey.

The solidarity vigil that began at Kamp Armen (Tuzla Children’s Camp) after heavy machinery entered the site continued all day and through the night. Nor Zartonk (New Renascense), Dört Ayaklı Şehir (Quadruped City) and İstanbul Kent Savunması (Istanbul Urban Defence) issued a collective call to attend the solidarity vigil.

Demolition that began in the early hours of the day at Tuzla Children’s Camp, also known as Kamp Armen, was stopped with the intervention of activists, members of the public and politicians that gathered at the site. The waiting continues.

The Gedikpaşa Armenian Protestant Church and volunteer lawyers are initiating a legal campaign for the return of the camp, or compensation for losses. A new appeal will be made for the amendment of the decision for the cancellation of the sale, and the prevention of the demolition planned for the end of May.