0045) Letters of an Armenian to Edward Tashji

Mr. Edward Tashji, whose commentaries are proudly featured on TAT (see under "Comment," column at left), is the only Armenian I know who has the GUTS and the INTEGRITY to PUBLICLY expose the lie of the Armenian "Genocide." He is the exceptionally rare antithesis to the Armeni-Lemming; after determining the truth, he devoted an essential part of his life to the cause of principle.

Armenians, in their typical defamatory style, have come up with all sorts of reasons to try and discredit this great man... at the head of which must have been that he is a paid tool of the Turks. That's the way the Armenians operate... as with the way Dennis Papazian's university sponsored Turkish Turncoat Taner Akcam... and of course, that would be the first thing entering their minds. Brainwashed with their own propaganda (I'm referring to the masses, and not their professors, who hopefully know better), how could another Armenian come out and say there was no genocide? He must have been corrupted somehow.

Since I've embarked on this web site, I've been poking around... as I have great respect for this man... and from what I have been able to gather, monetary compensation has never entered the picture. For one thing, it's just not the way the Turks operate. If Turks were good at public relations or propaganda, how would you explain the enormously one-sided version of "genocide" events that is commonly and lazily accepted today?

What follows this 1989 statement put out by the Federation of Turkish-American Societies is remarkable correspondence from an Armeni-Lemming and his supporters.



Foreword by the Federation of Turkish-American Societies



We, concerned American citizens who are proud of their Turkish heritage, are deeply saddened by recent attempts, SJR 212 and HJR 417, to falsely re-write our history through legislation. Both of these resolutions view the Turkish-Armenian issue from only one side: the Armenian side...

We, law-abiding. hard-working, tax-paying, god-fearing members of the Turkish-American community, are offended by the unfortunate resolutions SJR 212 and HJR 417, which seem to serve no purpose other than to slander our ances­tors... The charge of “genocide” is based on “selective review” of available sources, therefore, it’s bad history which is why SJR 212 and HJR 417 are bad resolutions...

We, the people, oppose SJR 212 and HJR 417, because both resolutions are factually misleading, historically biased. socially explosive, politically divisive, morally wrong, and are simply “un-American”!

How, then, do you fight misrepresentation? We believe you fight it by Introducing facts, not fiction! And that’s exactly what we are going to attempt to do here, in this little booklet now...and In others like it that will follow in the future...

Please join us now for a truly unique story: that of an Armenian-American who was born in New York In 1932 of an Armenian mother and a Syrian Orthodox father. Both mother and father had been eye-witnesses to the tragic events of WV/I in eastern Anatolia... See if the true suffering and loss they experienced was not, in actual fact, shared by all the peoples of the region... See if they taught their American born sons “their suffering was genocide” or whether they urged their sons to “hate the Turk”... See !f what’s espoused In SJR 212 and HJR 417 has anything to do with reality... Maybe then, and only then, the sponsors will find it In their hearts to see things as they really were, and not as some Armenian radicals want them to be seen...

Through the remarkable sworn statement of ED WARD TASHJI, you will develop an insight into what It Is that kept the Turks and Armenians in peaceful co-existence for more than six centuries... and how “an unsuccessful uprising” was packaged and marketed by some radical leaders In the Ar­menian community as “genocide by the Turkish rulers” and how some young Armenian students were indoctrinated to “hate the Turk”.., Here Is a “primary source” telling it like It was and still Is... We are still hopeful that truth, love, and peace will prevail in the end?

We, the people, in the name of truth, oppose SJR 212 and HJR 417!

Federation of Turkish-American Societies
821 United Nations Plaza
New York, N.Y 10017



Edward Tashji's 1989 Statement


The following commentary is presented as a sworn affidavit by the undersigned, and Is intended to express explicitly my position on the subject of Turkish-Armenian relations. Being of sound mind and body, fully cognizant of my state­ments ,free of any coercion and/or any suggestion of any monetary recompense, — I do hereby declare the comments in this written material are solely mine and for which I take full responsibility. My signature follows this declaration and It will appear at the conclusion of this commentary.

Edward Tashji's Signature

...(The Armenians) suffered as did the Arab, the Jew, the Syrian Orthodox, the Greek, as well as the Turkish Moslem.


This is not intended to portray even a semblance of any historical research, nor to create a subterfuge in the expression of my thinking and sincere feelings on a subject to which I have devoted a lifetime of attention. Simply stated, these pages are intended to reveal my position on a highly emotional issue based upon childhood experiences, an exposure to both the Armenian and Turkish communities, and as a result of long years of effort. The purpose of this life-long effort has been and by the grace of God, will continue to be two-fold: first, to continue the bond of brotherhood between the Armenian and the Turkish peoples. Secondly, with the continuance of the six centuries of trust and harmony, to eradicate an infectious hatred which has manifested itself in innocent hearts and minds of succeeding generations. To say that my task has been most difficult and potentially dangerous to my life is not an exaggeration, as the content of this commentary will confirm. The average American is unaware that a serious problem between these ancestral brothers even exists. However, as a result of a blatant anti-Turkish posture on the part of our news media, together with the acceptance by many members of Congress of one version of a tragic story, the Turkish Nation and its God-fearing people are being accused of “genocide.” The absurdity of the charge is equal only to the mindless “hate merchants” within the Armenian community. So why should my pro-Turkish position be of interest to anyone outside the Turkish Community? It should I say, it must I emphasize, because I am not Turkish nor am I of the Moslem faith; In reality I am a Christian and an Armenian!! I was born In Troy, New York — In 1932 — as the second son of an Armenian mother and a Syrian Orthodox father, who had been eyewitness to the tragic events which took place In Ottoman Turkey during the First World War. In spite of their suffering, in spite of their losses, in our home our parents had taught us not to hate the Turkish people, In fact just the contrary was instilled in our hearts. We learned the realities of those events about which the West has accepted one interpretation as historical fact.

My wife’s background is similar to my own, except that both of her parents were Armenian. Her support of my efforts and her endless patience have been my greatest source of encouragement. Do you think, dear reader, any book, any newspaper account, or any politician could outweigh the Influence upon me by my parents who were there!? They had no reason to give me false information, and their greatest gift to me was to love the traditions and culture of our peoples. Because of their wisdom, their compassion and their humanity, I was destined to be FREE of all animosity. Based upon THEIR comments to me, and after years of study and effort, (which cannot be described here), I offer for your consideration the following facts which should be recognized by every member of Congress:



Many Armenians... do not feel any hatred against the Turkish people but dare not make their feelings public, lest they be castigated by church and community leaders.




1. That the Armenian people had suffered In Ottoman Turkey during the First World War is beyond dispute. Their suffering was brought about as a result of the ravages of war; they suffered as did the Arab, the Jew, the Syrian Orthodox, the Greek, as well as the Turkish Moslem. The suffering of the Armenians was NOT as a result of a “genocide”! To this day, the other ethnic and religious groups which had endured those terrible days, HAVE NOT referred to being the victims of “genocide” In Turkey! But Armenian extremists have used the term “genocide” as a way of concealing their own crimes:

2. My mother was born in Balikesir, not far from the city of Izmir. In her town she had remembered that there were organized Armenian political factions determined to overthrow the government, and engaged in war activities against Turkish military forces as well as thousands of innocent civilians. These groups were active In Turkey then, as they continue to be to this day IN the United States. These are the names of the infamous groups: the Ramgavar, the Huntchak, and the fanatical Dasnaksakgan, (all spelled phonetically). These armed revolutionaries were headed by a maniacal fringe who had even attacked Armenians who did not support them in their treachery and disloyalty against a country where for seven centuries they had prospered and enjoyed total freedom.

3. As a child my mother had learned a song which had been taught In Armenian school to all the children, The following Is a translation, from the Armenian, of the only words I remember:
“Let us slaughter the Turks — Let us establish our own country...”
What would be our reaction if any cultural or religious community taught their children to kill Americans?!

4. Many Armenians after leaving their homes were allowed to RETURN and take possession of their homes and properties. My uncle was one who returned to his home, and my wife’s aunt, who is still living, was another. Her family had returned to their home in Adlyaman.

5. As a refugee my mother was taken into the home of an Armenian family In the town of Kilis. They lived in a house which they owned, and this was toward the end of 1915!

6. The long list of ethnic Armenians who had attained the highest positions in the Ottoman Government is a matter of record.

7. Armenian fanaticism In Ottoman Turkey spread to our country during those years and It continues to this very day: The Armenian community and church in the United States is torn apart by bitter hatred within its own family. Many Armenians, especially those who came from Turkey in recent years, do not feel any hatred against the Turkish people but dare not make their feelings public, lest they be castigated by church and community leaders.
In 1932, while celebrating mass on Christmas morning, the Armenian Archbishop Tourian was assassinated by members of an opposing Armenian group. Today Armenian terrorism has taken the lives of over sixty-five Innocent Turkish Diplomats and family members world-wide.

8. A so-called statement purportedly made by Adolf Huller referring to the plight of the Armenians, was, after extensive research, proven to be FALSE by historian Robert John, who like myself is born of Armenian ancestry!

9. The following is an exact quotation from a pamphlet printed and distributed by The Armenian Revolutionary Federation, here in New York:

“...Its History: Struggle for National Liberation. Founded in 1890, as a confederation of various action groups struggling for Armenian national and human rights, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, (ARF), known as Dashnaktsoutioun, carried on this struggle with all available means: political action, propaganda, and at times, armed struggle..

— I direct the attention of the reader to the date: 1890! Tuenty-five years BEFORE the Armenians began wIth their theme song: “genocide”. I’m certain you made notice of the words: “...armed struggle...”.

10. In her book entitled, “The Armenian Revolutionary Movement”, the author, Louise Nalbandlan, says about her book, In part, the following: “This study covers in detail the armed struggle of the Armenian revolutionists against the Ottoman government, beginning with the first major disturbance in 1862 and extending to 1896...”

And they speak of “genocide”! It is the Turk who is justified in accusing the Armenian of this heinous crime! There is more, much much more which can refute the allegation made against Turkey.








Once again our Congress considers the so-called Armenian Resolution. How dare they sit in judgment of a nation whose true history is not known by those who would accuse Turkey of “genocide”?! I say, Mr. Senator and Mr. Congressman, examine your own history and consider the plight of the American Indian!!

Dear reader, these are the words of my beloved mother:
— My son, we had everything in Turkey. We owned our own homes, our farm lands, shops, and businesses. We were free in our schools, our churches, and our press. On religious holidays Christians and Muslims would exchange greetings, flowers, and baskets filled with all kinds of foods. After having so much, for so long, WHY should the Turks decide to destroy us?! WE, my son, WE were responsible beyond any doubt, for the misfortune that befell our people! WE, the Armenians, were not loyal to our homeland, Turkey! - Many years later, when several Turkish Naval Officers visited our home In Queens, New York, my mother had said to them, “Welcome my children — this is your home, welcome...” She had become their “mother” and we their family in the United States. THIS Is humanity! THIS Is God’s wish for all of us! THIS is the only answer if we are to give our children a world free of hatred! THIS Is what I have found In the Turkish heart; I stand in awe of their compassion, of their warmth, their humanity.
I am proud that I have devoted a lifetime of service in behalf of our ancestral brothers and sisters. How we have labored, examples of our efforts, the Identity of the long list of government officials with whom we have met, how we were able to learn to speak Armenian and Turkish, why our home Is called an “Ottoman” home, and much more, is for another time between two hard covers perhaps. May I offer now my concluding statements:

Dear reader, to the Armenian I am a traitor, one who has committed the greatest sin; to the Turk 1 have come to be known as a, “Turk dostu” — a friend of Turks; ours Is the embrace of brotherhood. I offer the reader my greatest success, that for which I have devoted much of my life, and this you will read on separate pages following my commentary. Read carefully please the writings of an Armenian student who sent me three letters. The most satisfying achievement in my humble life is the third and final letter I received from a young man whom I have never met. Indeed, read his words carefully an~ understand I have not turned against my people, for to do so would be to deny my mother.

I am convinced that hate breeds more hatred, and as we were blessed to have parents who passed on to us their message of love, so have I spoken to all who care to listen, our history, our culture and traditions, begin In Turkey as we have shared with her people the joys and the sorrows of that beautiful land. Today, the Armenians living in Turkey praise us for our efforts. The Syrian Orthodox community shares my position and our children grow free of the cancer of hate. Let the United States Congress honor the sacred memory of ALL the peoples that had suffered, and let not this resolution blemish the honor of a great people. I have dedicated myself to the inseparability of the Turkish and Armenian peoples and no power on earth can deter my resolve. In the name of reason, of universal peace for all mankind, and in the name of the God of all peoples, I remain, yours respectfully,



Edward Tashji
Director of Public Affairs Committee -
The Federation of Turkish American Societies, Inc.



Holdwater: Isn't that something? Mr. Tashji has felt so strongly about this issue, he has even volunteered his talents as a writer to a Turkish-American organization. The key word is "volunteer" — I've checked.




STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NEW YORK

EDWARD TASHJI, residing at (withheld by Holdwater), being duly sworn, deposes that he has prepared and hereby submits the attached statement containing (a) facts, (b) extracts from published and/or uttered communications which disprove the allegations of Armenians that their ethnic brethren suffered genocide by the government of the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1923.

These facts are submitted to oppose approval of resolution S .J. 212, introduced by the Honorable Robert Dole, Senator and Republican leader of the United States Senate, at the first session of the 101st Congress of the United States.

The said resolution seeks to designate April 24, 1990, as the ‘National Day of Remembrance’ of the 75th anniversary of the alleged Armenian genocide of 1915-1923 perpetrated by the government of the Ottoman Empire.

Edward Tashji

STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NEW YORK

On this twenty-first day of November in the year of 1989, there appeared before me, a notary public duly commissioned by the State of New York, Edward Tashji, known to me. In my presence the said Edward Tashji duly took the required oath and affixed his signature to the foregoing instrument as well as to every page of the attached Statement of Facts (six pages), declaring it to be an integral part of his sworn statement.

(Withheld by Holdwater)
Notary Public. State of New York
No. (withheld by Holdwater)
Qualified in New York County



The writings of the Armenian student who sent the three letters is available in the following page. Mr. Tashji's declaration:

My life’s MOST rewarding achievement — from a student I never met.

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Introduction



Dear reader, to the Armenian I am a traitor, one who has committed the greatest sin; to the Turk I have come to be known as a, “Turk dostu” — a friend of Turks: ours is the embrace of brotherhood. I offer the reader my greatest success, that for which I have devoted much of my life, and this you will read on separate pages following my commentary. Read carefully please the writings of an Armenian student who sent me three letters. The most satisfying achievement in my humble life Is the third and final letter I received from a young man whom I have never met. Indeed, read his words carefully and under­stand I have not turned against my people, for to do so would be to deny my mother.


Edward Tashji



Holdwater Note: The following letters are handwritten, and if you think you can do a better job of transcribing them than I have, you're welcome! I have reproduced the copies of the originals.



LETTER NO. 1 — April 1969




Arm. Evangelical Sec. School
Aingar — Bekaa
Lebanon

April 4, 1969

Mr. Tashji,

I am writing to you in English because may be you don’t know Armenian. I heard that you are an “Armenian” and, being an “Armenian” you have incurraged Sadi Kochash the turkish writer for his “Tarih Boyunca Ermeniler ve Turk-Ermeni Iliskileri” history book. I am an Armenian student in Lebanon and I am sure you have forgotten how turks have slain 1.5 million of Armenians in 1915 April 24. I desire that every Armenian do not believe what turks create proofs, lie proofs to huminety to cover the rights of Armenian nation.

In reality you are a foolish person.

Shame on you.

Boghos Mardirian



1969 letter to Edward Tashji

Holdwater Note: 1969 is an earlier era than my experience in the "genocide," but how interesting that even then Armenians would refuse to capitalize the word "Turk," as they commonly do these days. Natalie, a present day version of Mr. Mardirian (although perhaps a more obsessed one) gives an idea of why the word doesn't "even deserved to be capitalized"; see under "From Natalie, with Love," in the Letters section.



LETTER NO. 2 — May 1969




May 1969

MR. EDWARD TASHJI.

WE, THE STUDENTS OF THE UPPER CLASSES OF THE ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL SECONDARY SCHOOL IN AINJAR, FULLY AGREE WITH MR. BOGHOS MARDIRIAN . AND PROTEST AGAINST YOUR PRO-TURKISH FEELINGS AND PROPAGANDA.

WE ADVISE YOU TO UNDERSTAND THE EVIL SPIRIT AND NATURE OF THE TURKS, AND TO KEEP SILENCE.


Marjain Pavas
Hrath Bormajian
??ilo Habekian
Areo?f Opelian?
Sarakjian Siran
H?anouk Madirossian
Loucia Velian
Lena Balalomian
Kuar Epra?lian
Borjanli Hammoudiem
Orchanian Hagop
Shaglig Djambagian
Haida Tanoyan
??? Kalidjian
Artin Kurdian
Simon Airgafian
Krikor Pavassian
Vahan? Leger??
????
Alice Marjoumanian
Elmart Beshikian Tsahag Balahanian
Alice Baghdassasian
Vartan Vasili
Bodres? Shihiashian
Sina? Tradian
Mouses Golfalian
Unises? Hargilian
Lucy Tradian
Hagop Medikian
Berj Balaknia
SirMar.
A??ijian Zvart?
Asa Mogeldichian
Joseph Elmassian
?oghia Kofanian
Murjessian Maro
Yorananki Bashgezenian
Mouses Kevorkian
Kevork D. Stepanion
Hagop Makhoulian
Ardavast Anespikian

1969 petition to Edward Tashji


LETTER NO. 3 — June 1974



Zahle, Lebanon
Mur? Michael
June 10, 1974

Dear Mr. Tashji,

I have dishonored you personally and do not know how to ask for forgiveness.

Be sure you have taught an armenian not to hate.

I hope you’ll consider this a very personal letter and shall not disappoint me.

Honestly,

Boghos Mardirian



My life’s MOST rewarding achievement — from a student I never met.

E.T.



1974 letter to Edward Tashji


Holdwater Note: Son of a gun! Now that Mr. Mardirian gained hold of his senses and became appropriately humbled, he spelled "Armenian" with a small "a"...

It seems Mr. Mardirian wished this letter to remain private, and ordinarily I would have respected his wish, and withheld his name. However, this information has already been made public. Therefore, Mr. Mardirian, if you come across this old letter of yours (who would have even THOUGHT of the Internet in 1974...), just remember how misled you were, and how (thanks to Edward Tashji's helping to open your eyes to your own wonderful humanity) you may be helping today's huge flock of hateful Armeni-Lemmings, who have trouble thinking for themselves... and have been conditioned to swallow the garbage and hatred they've been fed. Isn't that really the whole purpose of this exercise, to stress the love we should be feeling for each other, instead of all this horrible hate? Especially given the six centuries of brotherhood shared between the Armenians and the Turks..?

And let's stay on Mr. Tashji's note for a moment, as far as this communication being his life's most rewarding achievement. Put yourself in Edward Tashji's shoes. He has made the courageous decision to not be the typical "My people, right or wrong" Armeni-Lemming... but to live his life on the basis of principle. As always, courage comes with a price. Fanaticism ("I will KILL you!") has always gone hand-in-hand with Armenians, as Natalie (from the aforementioned "Letters" section) has kindly provided us as a current example of. Not only has Mr. Tashji have had to live with this "discomfort" for many years, but imagine the hell he must have gone through to be perceived by his own beloved people as being a traitor to their "cause." And imagine his feelings when he received this rare letter, vindicating in some small way the tough course he has bravely chosen to take. I tell you, tears don't come that easily to my eyes, but I'm getting a bit watery just thinking about it.

Thank you, Edward Tashji, for serving as an inspiring example of what humanity needs to be about.

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© Holdwater
tallarmeniantale.com/tashji-1989statement.htm
tallarmeniantale.com/tashji-armenianletters.htm

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