241) Did the Turks and the Armenians Share a Common Culture? & Program for a Turkish Course of Action - Edward Tashji

Commentary by Edward Tashji    

It's tragic how many Armenians are so blinded by hatred that they prefer to live in the past, and deny themselves the joys of their roots. Not all Armenians are like that. Some Armenians prefer concentrating on their emotional attachments to the old country. These Armenians know Turkish music, food and language form as much a part of their identities as anything else, and don't appreciate being ostracized by the larger, more hateful Armenian group. They feel they are robbed of their precious past and cherished memories, and resent the domineering attitude of the other group.

 

I'm a big fan of Edward Tashji, who has the guts and the love to come right out and declare where he stands. In his own words, this "Armenian-American has become 'famous,' (he said with all humility), within the Turkish community, while becoming "infamous", (he said with deep regret), within the Armenian community." Also, in his words... he is : "An American born of an Armenian mother and a Syrian-Orthodox father (.) He is the younger son of parents who had been born in Ottoman Turkey, became eye-witness to the conflagration of the First World War in their beloved homeland, and as a result, their destiny brought them to the land where millions had emigrated."

 

 
Did the Turks and the Armenians Share a Common Culture? 

ONE ARMENIAN-AMERICAN’S PERSPECTIVE!

By: Edward Tashji

 

The above heading surely must be a misprint, or it must be an attempt by the editor to attract the attention of the readers of The Turkish Times. “Okay, I’ll take the bait and read this one; where’s the gimmick?� If this describes your initial reaction, read on, for you will find no “gimmicks,� no fraud, no subterfuge. In all its simplicity and honesty, this writer once again reaffirms his lifelong belief by responding to the above question with a resounding and irrevocable, YES!

 

Dear readers, the expressed opinions and years of effort on the part of the undersigned, have been revealed in these pages for many years. Once again I am privileged to have the opportunity of addressing myself to the readers of this newspaper, and I hope after reading these lines, you might extend your comments to The Turkish Times, either in support of or opposition to my stated position.

 

Why should the question above be asked anyway? How is it pertinent to the Turkish-American community in 1996? Fully cognizant of my statements, it is my contention that no other question is so significant and so current in the historical and future history of the Turkish people. Anyone who has even a miniscule knowledge of Turkish-Armenian history and relations, must, most assuredly, be aware of the maniacal and eternal hatred as displayed by the Armenian community in the United States for all things Turkish. From time to time this writer has been politely chided by those whom I proudly serve, for my “negativism� on an issue about which most Americans remain regrettably uninformed.

 

But if negativism reveals irrefutable facts pertaining to Turkish and Armenian relations, it can not be harmful to people of goodwill. It can only hurt those whose fundamental philosophy is based upon hatred and bestows the legacy of hate upon its innocent children.

 

In spite of the totally inaccurate interpretations presented by the Armenians relating to Turkish-Armenian culture and relations, the factual events of the harmonious relationship which has prevailed for over six centuries up to the present times in Turkey, have been described to me by my beloved parents. They were born and lived in Ottoman Turkey and they witnessed the darkest pages of Turkish history; the story is similar to my wife’s parents. Because of the First World War our families had come to the United States, bringing with them the traditions, languages, and culture. Because it serves the interests of the “hate merchants,� their attempt to eradicate our mutual culture continues in the United States. The media, politicians, and the public have for generations been fed a “diet� of falsehoods, such as: Turks and Armenians had no common interests or shared traditions. The Armenians continually describe the Armenians of Ottoman Turkey as well as the Armenians of the Turkish Republic, living as a subjugated and persecuted people. On and on the well orchestrated fraud continues, not the least of all the mythical “genocide.� But in the truth, in reality, in factual documentation, (such refreshing words, are they not?) — we find total harmony and a mutual participation in the administration and working for the prosperity of all the peoples of that land. In reality we find: an Ottoman Foreign Minister of 1912, named Gabriel Nordunkyan; Minister of the Treasury and Counselor to the Foreign Ministry, Ohannes Sakaz Pasa, (Pasha); Minister of Finance, Agop Kazazyan Pasa; Minister of Public Works and Communications, Garabet Artin Davut Pasa; and a long list of Senators and Members of Parliament, and other government officials. That the Armenians contributed to the prosperity of Ottoman Turkey is beyond dispute.

 

To this day classical Ottoman music pays tribute to the art and talent of many composers and musicians who were of Armenian, Jewish, and Syrian-Orthodox, (Süryani, in Turkish), backgrounds. Names like, Asdik Aga, Kemani Tatyos Efendi, and Udi Hrant, are but three masters of Turkish music and compositions. Space prevents the long list of names (in my possession), which were prominent during the Ottoman period up to more recent times. Included are the names of artists who had brought their talents to the United States and made countless recordings of their music: Turkish. Among these in my collection are many recordings of American born who had, and continue to perform in the art of the music they learned from their parents. - From the symphony orchestra to the rock band, the world recognizes the name: Zilciyan, to this day renowned family of cymbal manufacturers. The incomparable and magnificent beauty of Ottoman architecture was due, in part, to the architectural genius of the famous Balyan family. Indeed, the children of the one and the same homeland, in medicine, business, literature, and in every phase of human endeavor our peoples had thrived, and continue to thrive, in peace and harmony. Armenian schools, churches, press, and community functions had prospered for centuries in Ottoman Turkey, and yes, it continues to this day. I have evidence that Armenian braille was printed in Ottoman Turkey around the year 1910! In my possession is a three language dictionary dated 1908! Printed in the respective languages are, English, Osmanlica (Ottoman Turkish), and Armenian; what better example of coexistence between these peoples could there be??

 

There is more evidence that Turks and Armenians share a common culture: idioms. There are countless examples of expressions spoken in Turkish and Armenian having the same meaning but when translated into English, in some instances, it might be difficult to rationalize. Here is one example: “Bas(h)imin üzerine yeriniz var�. This idiom is spoken verbatim in Armenian; its literal translation: You have a place on my head! No, not acrobatics, it is an expression of high esteem held for another person.

 

To the readers of The Turkish Times, as I say to each of you, “You have a place on my head,� I hope you will receive my expression of respect as it is intended to be.

 

Would you be interested in more truths? (Truths, has a nice sound to it, doesn’t it?) —An integral part of any culture is its cuisine; my favorite topic. To this day in the United States, the Armenians when referring to “Armenian� foods, speak and write the words IN TURKISH! To use the Armenian words for, “dolma,� “yalanci sarma,� “imam bayildi,� “s(h)is(h) kebab,� among many others, would create uproarious laughter. Quite humorous indeed, but at the same tine it displays their pathetic hypocrisy. - What is the culture of any people without its religion? In Ottoman Turkey, again, to this very day, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have been practiced by its respective adherents in harmony and mutual respect. The memories of my beloved mother, as related to me throughout my life, should have its place written in Turkish history. She, the daughter of Armenian parents, was born in the city of Balikesir, these are her words: “My son, in our Turkey during Christian and Muslim religious holidays, neighbors and friends would exchange holiday greetings, offer baskets filled with flowers, fruits, and pastries. We had no major problems, no animosity among the various communities.� This saintly woman who witnessed the ravages of war had no reason to relate untrue events which took place in her early life. It remains therefore, the supreme compassion of my parents, their wisdom and their respect for historical events, which have guided their son on this path which my wife and I have followed for many years. Our peoples remain inseparable!

 

In response to the question found in the heading of this offering, I believe an unequivocal affirmative has been presented. Until next time, the work continues…

 

Edward Tashji

I am Called: "Turk Dostu" — A "Friend of Turks"

The Turkish Times

1996

 

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Program for a Turkish Course of Action 

 

MY PROGRAM FOR A COURSE OF ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE TURKISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY, IN REVEALING ITS POSITION ON THE SUBJECT OF TURKISH-ARMENIAN RELATIONS.

 

As prepared by Edward Tashji

 

Sept. 1982

 

I.

 

INTRODUCTION;

 

My feelings on this subject have been revealed in numerous published articles, coupled with hundreds of letters written by me through many years of effort. My sole intention in undertaking this extremely difficult endeavor has been and will continue to be my fervent desire to maintain my ancestral and cultural bond with the land and the people of Turkey; now and for all time. I say extremely difficult because of the following reasons:

 

1. No one has ever publicly spoken in behalf of Turkish-Armenian brotherhood before.

 

2. My efforts have created deep animosity toward me on the part of my co-religionists, that being the Armenian community.

 

3. Because of my opposition to the illogical attitude of continuous hatred on the part of Armenians toward Turkey — I consider myself severed from the Armenian family.

 

4. Even though I have been received into the heart and soul of the Turkish community, I am by birth outside the Turkish family as well.

 

5. Turkish indifference and silence toward a campaign of terror conducted against them, continues to confound my comprehension.

 

6. Threats trade against me several years ago were not of a serious nature, but Armenian terrorism has taken the lives of 23 innocent Turkish Diplomats. A possible threat on my life is as certain as is the fanaticism of certain Armenian groups.

 

 

   II. PURPOSE

 

My reasons for formulating this program are not intended to conceal any ulterior motives. Let us immediately dispel any thoughts of a desire for prestige or monetary advantage.

 

My writings are testimony to this fact. This “course of action� is just one more effort on my part in search of rational and constructive thinking on a subject which neither has prevailed. As always, this effort is mine alone. It represents no other person or organization, and I would not want it to be construed as such. I claim this work as my own and I am proud to dedicate this program to the memory of my beloved parents, George and Izabel Tashji, who throughout their lifetime bestowed upon me joy, not remorse —compassion, not vengeance - love, not hate.

 

A STATEMENT TO THE TURKISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY: 

 

 

You will agree and disagree with my program. You will approve and disapprove or my program. Some of my thoughts will please you, and yet you might even be angered by one who loves you. After years of extensive effort in your behalf and after years of close observation, I now, having no alternative, charge you with indifference and ineptitude.

 

You have, with your silence, permitted the accusations made against you to remain unanswered. As a result the Western World for over sixty—five years has heard you described in terms attributable to a sub—human culture. Are you concerned? I say you are not! I say for generations you have not been. Now that your sons are being killed by Armenian assassins, will you begin to pay attention to the demands of justice and civilized behavior? The future is in your hands. The time for action is long overdue.

 

AN OUTLINE OF MY PROGRAM:

 

a. Education — YOUR education. Learn exactly what your adversary is saying about you and your ancestors. Learn who your adversary is, where and under what banner does he function.

 

b. Organization — within the Turkish—American Associations committees should be formed throughout our country, and. contact with these groups should be maintained. The creation of new clubs should not be considered, but working committees can be selected from existing organizations from within the major Associations. Their functions will be discussed later.

 

c. Communication and publicity — Expressing the Turkish point of view to the news media, to other cultural and religious groups, to universities and libraries, to correspondence with members of our government, at all levels. A continuous flow of letters to the above mentioned, letters by the thousands, will in my mind create a positive atmosphere for Turkey, while raising a voice which till now has remained mute.

 

d. Demonstration — The time for peaceful demonstrations is now, and without it your rights will never be recognized. You are facing a Godless enemy whose source of life is hatred, whose only purpose in life is to kill innocent Turks. No other nation or people would display your patience as you have now buried twenty-three of your sons. Armenian terrorism against your nation and people will continue, and. Turks must take action to expose their barbarism to the entire world.

 

e. Dedication - For years I have been trying to tell the Turkish community the only people who can express Turkey’s position and its outrage, is none other than the Turkish people themselves! No one cares certainly, about your representatives or diplomats being killed. In fact we see examples of sympathy for the assassins in certain cities around the world. Their dastardly deeds are compounded by their continuous erosion of the truth, and by their claim that theirs is an act of vengeance; but against whom? It purports to be against a regime and government which disappeared over sixty years ago. I can not emphasize this strongly enough: There must be a commitment on the part of Turks wherever in the world they reside, whatever their position might be to raise their voice in a world where little is known about the Great Turkish People. More than the Turkish Government’s participation, and this is necessary, Turks, Turks of foreign citizenship, and. friends of Turkey, should - must — individually and collectively exert their energies in creating a Turkish voice of resounding impact. Let us now turn to specific information under each of the above titles shown as follows:

 

 

 

A. EDUCATION
B. ORGANIZATION
C. COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICITY
D. DEMONSTRATION WITHOUT A SMILE
E. DEDICATION

 

MY PROGRAM:

 

EDUCATION:

 

The position of the Turkish—American community in creating an effective responsive program, is similar to my entering into competition with a professional boxer. On the one hand we see an opponent with no physical training, lacking the strength and the ability in the technique of self defense. While on the other hand, we have an adversary who for years has trained for and prepared. his strategy for action, while building his strength to achieve a devastating blow. Since Armenians began coming to the United States, there has been within the Armenian Church and its community, a bitter hatred toward Turkey and this philosophy has extended to its youth. The seed of hate has been implanted into young minds and the world is witness to its results: 23 innocent Turkish Diplomats have been murdered in numerous cities around the world by Armenian extremists. Yes your position is difficult indeed, but not impossible!
 

 

In any dispute or argument over a political issue, an effort should be made to concede where possible, in order to gain concession from the other side. Turks must be able to say, quite freely and honestly, that indeed a large number of innocent Armenians lost their lives in Turkey during the First World War period. But this in no way admits to a plan for genocide as the Armenians have accused you of. Suffering and deprivation were not endured only by the Armenians during those terrible years. The Greeks, the Kurds, the Jews, the Suryaniler (Syrians), Arabs, and certainly an entire nation of Turks; all these peoples shared that anguish. By what logic can the Armenians blame the nation of today’s Turkey, for what they regard as crimes committed by a crumbling Ottoman regime? Let us look further into the Armenian community and its church.

 

In America the Armenians are seen as an intelligent and hard working group of people, and above all they are Christians. The latter has been very beneficial to them in their convincing a Christian majority of the brutality of the Turkish people. To the outsider and uninformed they present an image of a righteous minority. Yet in reality, we see a community and church separated by a bitter hatred toward EACH OTHER. There are the Hinchak — Ramgavar —Tashnaksagan groups, its people and. church separate. The hate being so intense, the latter group has created its own church hierarchy. Every religious body has one head, the Armenians have two! We see a monument erected in front of an Armenian old—age house in New Jersey, reminding the elderly every day of old conflicts.

 

 

We see hundreds of Armenians at dock-side in New York City, on their way to Soviet Armenia. Taking with them their wealth and possessions, acquired in this country; in a shameful manner they urged other Armenians to abandon America and go with them to the land of their dreams, Soviet Armenia. — We see in major cities around the world, Armenian demonstrations and protests against Turkey and Turkish cultural activities. — We see Armenian pressure on the news media resulting in extensive time and space in reporting on what they call, “The first genocide of the 20th century�. — We see an ancient church split by the hatred of its followers, and yet this division serves as a weapon against the people of Turkey. —• We see an ever increasing campaign on the part of Armenian churches in perpetuating old wounds, to the extent of recording the voices of elderly people on tape as evidence against Turkey. We see such a hatred, so deep, so ingrained in the Armenian psyche, as to render impossible even the thought of an intelligent discussion between Armenian and Turkish spokesmen. We see much more that the Turkish people should become aware or.

 

Turkish-Americans have never witnessed this animosity between two ancestral brothers, in Turkey. The Armenians of Turkey are loyal and faithful citizens of a free and vibrant nation. As in their history, the children of the one and same motherland shall remain inseparable.

ORGANIZATION: 

 

 

Even though the Turkish community in America is indeed small, we should recognize that numbers alone can not reach and influence world public opinion. In spite of our numbers we have established in a short time, social, cultural, and religious organizations throughout America, and with pride we can look to our achievements in all walks of American life. Our organizations are represented by the Assembly Of Turkish American associations, based in the Washington, D.C. area, and by the Federation of Turkish-American Societies, Inc., with its offices in New York City. Within the framework of these umbrella organizations, committees should be selected in a number of cities comprised of the following: Turkish students, men and women of professional and non-professional backgrounds, Turkish-American businessmen, educators, athletes, and friends of Turkey born in the United States. The participation of our elderly loved ones should not be overlooked, for they are our history.

 

In their respective cities these committees should arrange meetings and conferences with other ethnic and religious groups. No effort for face to face contact with any Armenian organization should be made at this time. To our meetings and cultural activities we should invite politicians, educators, businessmen, religious representatives of all faiths, news broadcasters and writers. Our aim should not be to attack our adversary, but rather coupled with the incomparable Turkish hospitality, we must reveal the greatness of our culture, and make known our position on a subject which has been obscured by a distortion of historical facts, exaggerations, and emotionalism. A line of communication should be opened between the Turkish community and the World Council of Churches, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, as well as the Syrian Orthodox Church. The latter represents the “Suryaniler� who have always remained faithful to Turkey.

 

It is recognized that the above mentioned umbrella organizations have in recent times publicized Turkey’s position on a number of subjects; but much work remains to be done. Only by a concerted and vigorous campaign of action will we be able to reverse the trend in public opinion. Our clubs and the committees therein must be informed of the activities taking place in other cities with an effort to create a simultaneous action. Those who enter this venture must do so with the realization the righteousness of their cause will be recognized as long as they continue this work with courage, enthusiasm, and above all unity.

COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICITY:

 

Ours is a most difficult task; to turn back the tide of anti-Turkish sentiment will require the efforts and sacrifices of a special people. If you did it while facing monumental obstacles, under the Great Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, then you will do it again under the spirit of this immortal leader.

 

Aside from the influential position Armenians enjoy in our country, there are a few state government officials of Armenian background, which strengthens Armenian propaganda against Turkey. Coupled with the Greek lobby in the Congress, ....it reminds us of the unmatched opponents to which I referred earlier. Advertising — without it nothing will sell. Publicity — without it no one will hear you. Paid newspaper announcements sponsored by our parent organizations should he increased. On national holidays a message extended in the name of the Turkish-American community, expressing best wishes on specific American celebrations will have a positive effect. Together with a writing campaign to the areas mentioned in my Outline section C., congratulatory messages should be sent on the following ethnic and religious holidays: Saint Patrick’s Day — Columbus Day — Pulaski Day — Stubbens Day — Christmas — Hanukkah — among others. Remembering the celebrations of non-Turkish Moslem societies should not be overlooked.

 

It can be argued that friendly greetings will not stop Armenian terrorism. I would not suggest for one minute that it could. But you are living in a nation that knows very little about your culture, and what it does know is based on information which for sixty—five years has been supplied by your enemies. An atmosphere of sympathy in certain countries for the Armenian assassins is reprehensible, and as a result these murderers are walking free, planning their next assault on Turkish Diplomats.

 

The news media — If the American press and news broadcasters do not give full coverage to the Turkish point of view, it is because they believe no one cares to hear it. If our politicians can make speeches before the Congress, commemorating the “Armenian genocide,� it is because their desks are not filled with letters of protest from the Turkish community. A flood of letters, telegrams, and phone calls to CBS, NBC and ABC will eventually make our case known. A constant flow of mail sent to our government officials will indicate to them that ours is a viable and responsible community, and we will demand that our rights be upheld. Since Armenian fanaticism has now taken the form of an organized band of killers, our efforts should extend to an F.B.I.. investigation of Armenian churches with special attention given to the Tashnaksagan group. As a staunch ally of the United States, Turkey must have her people and its facilities protected against this sick element.

 

 DEMONSTRATION WITHOUT A SMILE: 

 

An unusual heading to be sure, but I could not be more serious. How many Americans could truly understand the meaning of “guler yuzlu�? Because I was fortunate to have had parents from Turkey, I learned early in my life the significance of a simple smile. The Turkish people in its totality, display this inherent characteristic endlessly. The Turkish smile is but a symbol of the patience and compassion of an entire nation, that does not strike back at the fanatical group which continues to spill innocent Turkish blood. In my many conversations with Turks, in which I have expressed my vehement outrage for the killing of Turkish Diplomats, the Turkish response is unbelievable: You speak softly, there is no hate or vengeance in your eyes, there is no call for retaliation in your statements, and then that eternal smile — with a gentle smile, you say: “May God protect us....� And the Christians speak of “turning the other cheek.� It might be contrary to your basic ideals, but the time for action is here, and I feel the following is an integral part of my entire program:

 

From the outset let us clearly understand that I do not now, nor have I ever, suggested the only response to Armenian terrorism is physical force. A public area near Armenian churches should be our place for action. Peaceful demonstrations by large numbers of our people carrying posters, expressing our outrage and with loud angry voices, we should condemn Armenian responsibility for the savage attacks on Turkish representatives. NO smiles, NO patience in our attitude, NO tolerance for American indifference. We must reveal our anger, our revulsion, and our demands that the killers be apprehended and punished by the authorities where these crimes occur. With permission from the civil administration our demonstrations should take place in public areas near government offices as well as the Armenian Cathedral in New York City. Participation is everyone’s obligation, men and women, young and old, voices in unison, posters, flags, distributing leaflets to the public — do not underestimate the impact these demonstrations can have. The television cameras, the radio and press reporters, and the general public at large, eventually they all will make themselves available to us. Our demonstrations don’t necessarily have to be of a negative nature:

 

A Turkish parade. Why should we not have a parade in celebration of the founding of the Turkish Republic? As other ethnic groups express their cultural pride, so must we with all segments of our community reveal our feelings of pride in our history, our heritage, and honor the memory of one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known: our Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

  DEDICATION:

The program I have presented and. the opinions I have expressed are all meaning1ess without this one indestructible force: dedication! Can there be any question about the dedication of Armenian terrorists? That he remains faithful to his cause is beyond question. That in order to achieve his goals, he utilizes his resources to their fullest extent, is also beyond question. His one failure, however, and this will commit him to eternal damnation, is that his objectives and his entire philosophy are molded by hatred. You are the victim, and the world is not concerned. What answer will you give the children of our slain diplomats who were not even born during the conflicts of the early part of this century? Will these children and their children also have to worry about another assassin’s bullet? Who will be the next father, son, or husband slain by yet another Armenian terrorist?
 

 

Of top priority is the attitude and behavior of the Turkish-American community in relation to its revealing the feelings of the entire Turkish people. The heretofore activities of some of our organizations, as useful as they have been, fall far short of what our goals should be. These efforts have been isolated, ineffectual, and above all non—repetitive. Only by a network of communication, extensive planning, and mutual cooperation, among our organizations in all parts of the country, can actual deployment of our activities become a reality.

 

The first obstacle we must overcome is our own pessimism! Statements such as, “You cannot unite the Turks.“ — “There is discord within our organizations.� — “We are few and they are many.� — “I don’t have the time.� — Let the doctors do it, they are wealthy.� — “In a few years all the elderly of that period will be gone and all this hatred will come to an end.� -- If you adhere to any of the preceding quotations, then you can not consider yourself a true follower of the great Ataturk. There would not be the Republic Of Turkey today, If negative attitudes had crippled the vision and incentive of Ataturk for his people and his nation. You — each of you — must continue his efforts by realizing that indifference and disunity can only weaken your position in the world family of nations, while at the same time encourage the assassins to repeat their deplorable actions.

 

It is incumbent upon you to get involved, to fulfill your obligations toward your people and history, in making an effort to reveal the facts about Turkish-Armenian relations. NO ONE else will do it; you can, you MUST. Let there be a new beginning now, step by step, but always forward, to put forth any program that will continue the proper recognition due the great Turkish People. The success or failure of this mission depends upon YOU!

 

CONCLUSION: 

 

You have spent much time in reading my program and for the time you have given, I express my deep appreciation. But you shouldn’t consider it a complimentary gesture toward me, but rather an effort in behalf of your people.

 

Most of my adult life has been dedicated toward the service of Turkey and her people. That my interest and affection began with my parents is obvious, but the extent of my love for Turkey and her people could never have been foreseen. ‘The difficulties I have faced include the accusations made against me by my own people. I have never denied my ancestry and yet I am an outcast from my own kind. For the goodwill I have created, and for my humble efforts in continuing the brotherhood between the Turkish and Armenian peoples, I am proud and my joy is endless.‘

 

In preparation of this program much time and effort has been consumed, and yet it is merely a beginning. It does not claim to have all the answers, it does not suggest that Turks will accept it in its entirety, it certainly could never affect the course of Turkey’s future. Mine has been an honest effort to eradicate animosity by revealing the futility of it, and its potential for creating an even greater human conflagration. During the weeks spent on preparing this work, we are witnessing once again man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. The fabric of civilization is being torn apart by war in the Middle East and elsewhere. We have exerted our genius to bring us upon the surface of the moon, and yet humans have not learned war has never solved any problems, it only creates new ones. Of what value is our technology if we lack compassion and love?

 

As my program comes to a close, I offer for your consideration an item of major importance to which I have made no reference till now: There is in existence a dossier on Turkey prepared by and in the possession of this writer. I proudly claim it has no equal in the entire United States. The Counselor to the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C., Mr. Murat Sungar, having seen but a small section of my dossier, found it to be extremely valuable and suggested it should be given to the Turkish government. There are countless letters, printed articles, books, pictures, photographs, prints, magazine and newspaper stories about our efforts, thousands of Turkish recordings inc1uding some original Hafiz Burhan records recorded in 1913, thousands of newspaper clippings from the American press going back many years, books written in Osmanlica and more… much more. What is to become of this treasure, my life’s long labor? What is to become of Turkey’s position in the world of tomorrow? What will be the Turkish response to the hate merchants who profess to be Christians? Only you dear reader can answer these questions. I pledge to you to continue the love for Turkey passed on to me by my parents, and in their name I conclude with the words of the founder of the modern Turkish nation: NE MUTLU TURKUM DIYENE!*

 

 

(*Happy is He/She Who is a Turk)

 

 

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