Armenian genocide denial

The Armenian Genocide Denial refers to the refusal to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, the systematic mass extermination and expulsion of 1.5 million ethnic Armenians carried out by the Ottoman Empire during and after World War I. Denial of the genocide is considered a form of historical negationism and is often associated with Turkey, where it is an official state policy.

Background

The Armenian Genocide occurred between 1915 and 1923, during which the Ottoman Empire systematically exterminated its minority Armenian population. The genocide is widely recognized by historians and scholars, but its acknowledgment has been a contentious issue, particularly in Turkey.

Forms of Denial

Denial of the Armenian Genocide takes several forms, including:

• Outright Denial: Claiming that the genocide did not occur or that the events were not systematic or intentional.
• Justification: Arguing that the actions were a legitimate response to Armenian uprisings or a necessary wartime measure.
• Minimization: Downplaying the number of victims or the severity of the events.
• Equivocation: Suggesting that the deaths were part of a civil war or mutual conflict rather than a targeted extermination.

Official Turkish Position

The official stance of the Republic of Turkey is that the deaths of Armenians were not a result of a deliberate policy of genocide but rather due to civil strife, disease, and famine during the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Turkey acknowledges that many Armenians died but disputes the characterization of these events as genocide.

International Recognition

Despite Turkish denial, many countries and international organizations recognize the Armenian Genocide. France, Germany, Russia, and the United States are among the nations that have officially acknowledged the genocide. The European Parliament and the United Nations have also recognized the events as genocide.

Impact of Denial

Denial of the Armenian Genocide has significant political and social implications. It affects Armenian-Turkish relations, influences diaspora communities, and impacts international diplomacy. Denial is also seen as a continuation of the genocide itself, as it perpetuates the erasure of Armenian history and suffering.

Efforts to Combat Denial

Efforts to combat denial include:

• Education and Awareness: Promoting historical research and education about the genocide.
• Legislation: Some countries have passed laws criminalizing genocide denial.
• Commemoration: Annual remembrance events and memorials to honor the victims.

Also see

• Armenian Genocide
• Historical negationism
• Holocaust denial
• Genocide recognition politics