An Armenian Living in Turkey: The Events of 1915 Cannot Be Forgotten

• 05.16.2017, 16:27
•  Region,  World,  Interview

"Armedia" IAA talked to an Armenian living in Turkey,Tailor Romanos Cezveciyan. During the talk the latter briefly presented the story of his family, referred to the problems, that the Armenians today face in Turkey. Below is the story of Romanos Cezveciyan.  

My grandmother and grandfather were born in Istanbul. My wife’s family is from Caesarea. I was born, grew up and live in Istanbul. My family is an Armenian-speaking one; my son-in-low is also an Armenian. He is a popular and respected car specialist in Istanbul. My grandchild is in his first form at the Armenian school. I have been engaged in tailoring for 40 years in Turkey and had 25 workers. However, because of health problems I had to give it up.

Although during the last 100 years there have been many positive changes, the events of 1915 cannot be forgotten. It was in 1915, when 215 Armenian intellectuals were killed in Istanbul. I was 23-24 years old, when I started to be informed about the details of the events that happened in Western Armenia. This information was kept in secret, as they did not want us to learn and know about it. Those, who knew about it, were talking in a secret, so that nobody heard and learned. During the time, I read the details of the past events in the Internet. However, I do not want to read more, because I get angry. The grown-ups were also advising us not to tell about what happened to our acquaintances, so as not to make them angry.

However, in the recent 10-15 years we have not had problems and live in good conditions. Our estates - churches, graves – are being returned to us. The churches, 12-year Armenian schools, colleges are open for us. We just do not have an Armenian University in Istanbul and our children in order to study in Armenian go to Armenia or continue their studies in the Turkish Universities, but in Turkish. In case of problems, we turn to the municipality and they willingly respond and solve the problems. Other minorities, such as the Greeks, Jews, etc. also enjoy the same attitude here.

What refers to the future, then I hope that the Armenians and Turks will reconcile in the end. The problem is between the governments and they must resolve it. Common people like me can offer nothing. We can just hope that the borders will be opened and the two nations will have free access.