SOCIETY

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 Armenian Apostolic Karasnits Mangants Church, Aleppo’s oldest Armenian Church has been targeted in a bomb attack.

Surp Badarak mass in memory of April 24 has been held at the Turkey Armenian Patriarchal Church. Led by Deputy Patriarch Aram Ateşyan, the ceremony was also attended by EU Minister Volkan Bozkır. President Erdoğan’s message was also read at the ceremony where white doves symbolizing peace were released and bells were rung 100 times.

The Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey has issued an invite via its official Facebook page for broad participation at mass to be held on 24 April, Friday, at the Kumkapı Virgin Mary Patriarchate Church.

The Patriarchate of the Armenians of Turkey will hold mass on April 24 in memory of ‘those who lost their lives in 1915’. In his speech at mass, Archbishop Aram Ateşyan will not use the term “Genocide” but will emphasize “shared pain”.

Foundations General Director Adnan Ertem has stated that, according to Article 40 of the Treaty of Lausanne, Armenian schools have special status, and that it is not possible to treat them as private schools; and that therefore, legal procedures applied to private schools cannot be applied to minority schools.

Within the scope of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration events, all Armenian Churches across the world will ring their bells at 19.15 on April 23, Thursday, in commemoration of the victims of the Genocide. However, the Istanbul Armenian Patriarchate is not participating in this commemoration ceremony.