ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY HOSTS A PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE ARMENIANS' DEMANDS FOR ERZURUM.
The panel "Sanasaryan College and Sanasaryan Foundation Case: Armenians' Demands for Erzurum," which was organized in collaboration with Ankara University and the Center for Eurasian Studies (AVİM) and hosted by Atatürk University, conveyed significant messages regarding academic and social sensitivity. The panel, which focused on the legal, political, and historical aspects of Turkish-Armenian relations, was convened with the involvement of academics, representatives of NGOs involved in the pertinent field, students, and citizens.
"A Prominent Sign of Academic Unity"
In his introductory remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Yüksel, Director of the Atatürk University Turkish-Armenian Relations Research Center, underscored the significance of these scientific events in the context of comprehending historical realities. Immediately following his address, Prof. Dr. Birsen Karaca, the Department Head of the Caucasian Languages and Cultures at Ankara University Faculty of Language, History, and Geography, addressed the audience. Karaca asserted that the cases concerning Armenian foundations are not solely legal in nature; they also have a political underpinning.
Rector Hacımüftüoğlu: "We will persist in our fight for scientific advancement."
At the panel, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, emphasized that the litigation initiated by Sanasaryan College and Foundation are a component of the perception operations that are being conducted against Turkey on international platforms. Rector Hacımüftüoğlu, who stated, "Such lawsuits should be addressed not only within the framework of foundation or property law, but also within a much broader perspective concerning Turkey's sovereignty," expressed his commitment to addressing this issue with more comprehensive programs within Atatürk University in the future and continuing the struggle in the scientific arena. He emphasized the academic world's responsibility to illuminate historical events and defend the truth.
The Panelists Assessed the Issue from a Multifaceted Perspective
Dr. Teoman Ertuğrul Turun, Senior Analyst at the Eurasian Studies Center and an expert in Political Science and Public Administration, moderated the panel. The panel exhaustively addressed the legal processes conducted by the Sanasaryan Foundation, the historical and political context of these processes, and the demands made by Armenians in Erzurum. The transformation of Turkish-Armenian relations from the past to the present, the approach of international law to the subject, and the realities disclosed in light of scientific documents were all the subjects of discussion during the speeches.
The presentation of certificates of appreciation
At the conclusion of the panel, the panelists were awarded certificates of appreciation for their valuable presentations, which served as a lasting reminder of the event. Prof. Dr. Birsen Karaca and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Yüksel were also awarded certificates of appreciation for their efforts in organizing the panel. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, delivered the presentations.
The panel, which captivated the audience, provided a scientific perspective on history and also served as an academic protest against the perception policies that Turkey is currently confronted with on an international scale. The participants were thanked at the conclusion of the program.
11.04.2025 - Corporate Communications Directorate