Istanbul-based former Armenian summer camp under repair

PanARMENIAN.Net - Camp Armen, the former Armenian summer camp located in the Tuzla district of Istanbul, is currently under repair, Ermenihaber.am reports, citing Agos.

Representatives of a number of Armenian organizations and funds and organizations will participate in the reconstruction activities.

According to one of the activists, a camp meeting the highest international standards will reportedly be built for children from Turkey and abroad.

Camp Armen was returned to the Gedikpasha Armenian Protestant Church Foundation on October 27.

The foundation’s lawyer, Sebu Aslangil, announced that the return process had been finalized. The camp was returned after 175 days of resistance by the Nor Zartonk Armenian movement of Istanbul.

Nor Zartonk had led a campaign to occupy the grounds of the camp since bulldozers arrived to demolish it in early May. After weeks of protest, the owner of the campground, Fatih Ulusoy, said he would sign the transfer of the property over to the Gedikpasha Armenian Evangelical Church Foundation.

“On the 175th day of resistance, Camp Armen was returned to the Armenian people. Our thanks to all of you,” said Nor Zartonk activist Sayat Tekir in a video message posted on the Camp Armen Facebook page. The group also posted videos of activists celebrating the return of the camp, congratulating one another and line-dancing in celebration.

In early June, Nor Zartonk activist Sayat Tekir said that negotiations were ongoing between the government and Ulusoy to agree on a price for the “donation” by the owner to the Gedikpasha Foundation. Tekir said the Turkish government was in favor of resolving the issue outside of the courts, as a trial would set a precedent for other confiscated properties.

In June, Tekir explained the significance of Camp Armen, noting that the confiscation of the camp was in essence an assault on Armenian identity. “Taking these properties from us also means taking our identity from us. It’s not a small matter - it’s not only an issue of property, but also identity,” he said.