CORRESPONDENCE 6

Dear Garabet:

Improvement in Turco-Greek relations can be a good example for us, while starting confidence building and a peaceful dialogue between our people. Though it is not perfect, we overcame lots of bad stereotypes and biases via civil society dialogue. Cultural dialogue and tourism are other factors which enable us to understand each other.

10 years ago nobody was listening to Greek music in Turkey. There were no Greek restaurants in Ankara. Very few people were going to Greece for the holydays. There was not a single Turkish/Greek player in Turkish/Greek teams.

Now, Greek and Turkish songs are simultaneously popular in these two countries. There are almost 10 Greek restaurants in Ankara and maybe many more in Istanbul. Hundreds of thousands Turks and Greeks are choosing to visit their neighbors for the holydays. Turkish basketball/football players can play in Greek teams and Greeks can play in Turkish teams. We are making trade.

We should use art, sport, tourism and trade to overcome bad images. As you said, we should enhance dialogue between civil societies. We should form common forums for associations, unions and organize annual meetings in our countries. Diaspora should encourage each step of Turkey towards Armenia. Unfortunately passing genocide laws do not serve peace. This shouldn’t be the first step. Discussing 1915, the atrocities and crimes committed by Turkish/Armenian governments, militia and armies should be the last step. Unless Turks admit the role of their ex-government’s in this tragedy, these laws will have no sense. If we restore peace in our minds, it won't be important how we call this bad experiment: genocide, massacre or something else...

Regarding the last step, if historians condemn all kinds of crimes committed by both Armenians and Turks (and Kurds), it will be much easier for Turks to admit the responsibility of their ancient government. In case we accuse just Turks it will be both unfair and unreasonable.

These are my ideas.

Best regards,

Mehmet

ANSWER TO LETTER 6

Dear Mehmet:

Your points are well taken even though there might be points that I do not agree upon. However, I was thinking out loud and had this idea that we both can create an online blog and put our emails on it, so that others can read the kind of civil dialogue we are leading. I think it might be a good idea, but it’s just an idea and I won't do anything until I hear your opinion regarding it. Please inform me about what you think regarding this idea!

Best Regards,
Garabet