Filiz Kilic: Turkey should have had Armenian language department long agoNovember 27, 2008 - 17:25 AMT 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 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |