  Osman Koker: Armenians were the pride of Ottoman EmpireDecember 12, 2008 - 12:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The history of one nation - Turks - has been always studied in Turkey. Sometimes, there is an impression that no other nation ever lived in this country, a Turkish historian and author said. "Turks used to eye Armenians not as a part of the society but as a source of problems. So, to fill the gap in the Turkish history, I decided to publish this book," Osman Koker said in Yerevan today when presenting 'Armenians in Turkey 100 years ago' collection of postcards and photos telling about the life of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire before 1914. "According to the census of enumeration of 1914, some 1.5 million Armenians (9,37% of the population) lived in the Ottoman Empire. In 1927, there were 100 thousand Armenians (0,73%); in 1965, the number reduced to 80 thousand (0,025%); in 2008, there are 60 Armenians (0,08%) in Turkey," he said. "When I started collecting postcards I found out that there are archives throughout the globe. But I had the fortune to meet with renowned collector Orlando Carlo Calumeno, who had over 8000 postcards of the Ottoman era. Thanks to him, I organized an exhibit in Istanbul, and then in Germany, France and Switzerland. Many in Turkey slammed my idea. It's clear why. Armenians had had a significant role in economic and cultural life of the Empire for 500 years. Renowned architect Sinan was an Armenian, the fact that is hushed up and even denied in Turkey," Mr. Koker said. Armenians were the pride of the Ottoman Empire. There were 47 Armenian churches, 67 schools and 158 newspapers in Istanbul before 1914. Tokatlyan Hotels resounded through the world; the art of carpet weaving [Turkish carpets which made the major part of the Empire's export] was introduced by Armenians. Another fact which is still hushed up in the Turkish history is that the first congress of Kemalists took place in Erzrum, in Sanasaryan Armenian school on June 23, 1918," he said, adding that 80% of Turkish trade and industry was owned by Armenians.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Related sections Latest news U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border  The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel.Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan.Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |
