Filiz Kilic: Turkey should have had Armenian language department long ago

PanARMENIAN.Net - The lack of any Kurdish or Armenian language departments at universities does not mean it is not allowed, said the head of higher education watchdog.



Turkish universities offer in-depth knowledge of long-extinct civilizations of Sumerian, and Hittite culture, but none as yet has a department devoted to Kurdish and Armenian languages, or Hebrew. A recent proposal by the Democratic Society Party, or DTP, deputy Osman Ozcelik to open a department on Kurdish language at Istanbul and Dicle universities has highlighted this deficit.



"If universities make such a proposal, we can discuss the issue with our friends and do what is necessary," President of Higher Education Board, or YOK, Yusuf Ziya Ozcan said.



A department on Armenian language and literature is expected to be launched next year at Nevsehir University.



"At least three professors who can teach the subject are required before the department is operational. We are talking with professors in Turkey who wrote about Armenian literature," Nevsehir University Rector Filiz Kilic said yesterday.



"A department on Armenian literature is a critical subject, and it is a long due project. Turkey should have had several similar departments long ago," Kilic said.



"Classes will necessarily include particularities of the Armenian language and literature, but the specific content will be written once the professors start their job," she said. "It is not clear whether the department will be ready for the 2009-2010 academic year, but we want to start it after adequate preparations," Kilic said, Hurriyet daily reports