Erdogan reaches out to Armenian patriarch, emphasizes unity
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes statements following the Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye on April 15, 2025. (AA Photo)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a message to Sahak II Mashalian, the Patriarch of Turkish Armenians, emphasizing the importance of shared history and future cooperation between all citizens of Türkiye.
“We who have lived together for centuries in this homeland continue to share our joys and sorrows today as we did in the past,” Erdogan said in his message.
“We have never allowed, and will never allow, even a single one of our people to suffer discrimination, exclusion, or marginalization for any reason.”
The president’s message comes as Türkiye continues to navigate complex historical relationships with its minority communities, including Armenians, who have long been an integral part of the country’s social fabric.
Preventing hostility from historical events
In his statement, Erdogan commemorated Ottoman Armenians who lost their lives during the difficult conditions of World War I, extending his condolences to their descendants.
He acknowledged the pain still felt from losses during that period, which he attributed to rebellions, increased gang activities, armed groups’ disruptive actions, and epidemic diseases.
“We still feel the pain of the lives we lost because of rebellions, increased gang activities, disruptive actions by armed groups, and epidemic diseases during the war years that coincided with the final period of the Ottoman Empire,” Erdogan said.
The president emphasized that painful memories from the past should not “hold hostage” the present and future, stating that all 86 million citizens must build their future together.
Building ‘Turkish Century’ together
Erdogan noted that those who try to create hostility from history and damage the deep and strong bonds between communities have not succeeded in their aims.
He highlighted the valuable contributions of Armenian citizens to Türkiye’s culture, arts, politics, economy, education, and social life.
“The peace, security, and well-being of our Armenian citizens, who make valuable contributions to our country’s culture, art, politics, economy, education, and social life, will continue to be our priority, just like all our other citizens,” he said.
Looking toward the future, Erdogan pledged continued unity in building what he calls the “Turkish Century.”
“Just as we brought Türkiye to where it is today together, we will build the Turkish Century shoulder to shoulder,” Erdogan stated.
“We will forever live freely as honorable citizens of the Republic of Türkiye under the peaceful and reassuring shadow of the star and crescent red flag.”
The president concluded his message by reiterating that he sincerely shares in the suffering experienced by the Armenian community in the past and respectfully commemorated all Ottoman citizens who lost their lives during that period.
