Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Although Turkey is not the only country to deny the charge of genocide, few genocides are as furiously denied as the Armenian Genocide (1915- 1923). This paper is structured to elaborate on how it is denied, why it is denied, and what, if any, possibility exists for future dialogue and reconciliation when it comes to the Armenian Genocide. The first part takes stock of the complex of Turkish denial, spanning several decades. Turkish denial of the genocide now constitutes a sophisticated arsenal of strategies that not only involve all the classic tools of genocide denial but active use of campaigning and diplomatic threats against recognition of the Armenian Genocide by third parties as well. I intend to show how increasing recognition of the Armenian Genocide within academic scholarship as well as in the larger world has made Turkey constantly reshape its tactics of denial. The second part attempts to account for possible reasons behind Turkish denial, even at real cost to itself and its international image. I argue that Turkish posture towards the Armenian Genocide derives from its past historical experiences and that any attempt to understand Turkish response to the Armenian Genocide issue must account for this vital factor. Finally, the third part explores the possibilities for reconciliation between Turkish denial and demands for recognition. To what extent could we expect Turkey to name what it has refused to name for over a hundred years?