283) Mango: If the goal had been genocide, no Armenians would be left in Istanbul

 

 

Biographer of Ataturk's life, as well as professor at London University's School of Oriental and African Studies, Andrew Mango, has said that one of the reasons the Armenian matter has laid claim to such wide interest was the use of the word "genocide" in its introduction to the world.

 

Mango also said that the loose usage of the word "genocide" would turn human history into one giant genocide history. Said Mango: "In this case, every government and people has at one point or another been responsible for a genocide. This is not an accusation that only the Turks should have to shoulder."

Leave the arguments to the historians

 

Mango also affirmed his belief that the Armenian claims are something which should be left to historians to work out. Said Mango "It is quite clear that the goal of Ittihat and Terakki was not to destroy all the Armenians. The Armenians living in Istanbul are the best proof of this." Regarding the recently delayed "Ottoman Armenians During the Collapse of the Empire" conference which was to be held at Bosphorus University, Mango said "The storms surrounding this subject are completely out of place. They should have known beforehand that it would be used against Turkey."

 

Source: Hurriyet, 30 May 2005