Turkish nationalism starts at school-age

PanARMENIAN.Net - "In terms of perceiving Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, Turkish society can be divided into 3 parts: nationalists, who have a negative attitude to border opening, neutral people, and liberals who positively treat the process," Turkish Studies specialist Ruben Melkonyan, expert at Noravank scientific-research foundation, told today a seminar devoted to "Armenian-Turkish relations: present and past".



Turkish ideology, according to him, starts from a schoolchild's oath. Kemal Atatürks slogan saying "I am proud to be a Turk" reflects religious and national intolerance, Melkonyan said, adding that nationalists in present-day Turkish society make up a majority.



The expert brought the example of Turkish chauvinists who mounted a protest against the proposal to organize Armenia-Turkey football match in Kayseri, President Gül's hometown. "That was immediately followed by protests. 250 Turks signed below a petition expressing unwillingness to see Armenians in their town," Armenian expert said.



In a joint press-conference with his Serbian colleague Boris Tadić, RA President Serzh Sargsyan said he will go to Turkey only in case Armenian-Turkish border opens or parties in the run-up to lifting blockade.



Armenia-Turkey return match within the frames of WC 2010 qualification tournament is due in October 14, 2014, in Bursa, in the stadium after Atatürk.