Ed Tashji, American-born son of Ottoman-Armenian and Ottoman-Syrian Orthodox parents, has devoted his whole adult life to defending Turkey and Turkish culture against un-relenting defamation campaigns launched by the AFATH community in the U.S. His love for Turkey and Turks is such that he still refers to Turkey as "my country"; his car plate reads "Vatan"; he wears gold crescent and star necklace everyday; carries the largest Turkish flag every year at the Turkish American Day Parade (May 19) in New York; and has written thousands of letters to U.S. politicians, media, companies, and whoever else would listen, enlightening them about the facts surrounding Turkish history.
Ed Tashji's sworn statement was printed by FTAA in 1992 and distributed widely to politicians, media, and academicians in the United States in order to counter the misinformation and defamation campaign waged by the AFATH community. FTAA included the following foreword with each mailing:
We, concerned American citizens who are proud of their Turkish heritage, are deeply saddened by recent attempts, SJR 212 and HJR 417, to falsely re-write our history through legislation. Both of these resolutions view the Turkish-Armenian issue from only one side: the Armenian side...
We, law-abiding. hard-working, tax-paying, god-fearing members of the Turkish-American community, are offended by the unfortunate resolutions SJR 212 and HJR 417, which seem to serve no purpose other than to slander our ancestors... The charge of "genocide" is based on "selective review" of available sources, therefore, it's bad history which is why SJR 212 and HJR 417 are bad resolutions...
We, the people, oppose SJR 212 and HJR 417, because both resolutions are factually misleading, historically biased. socially explosive, politically divisive, morally wrong, and are simply "un-American"!
How, then, do you fight misrepresentation? We believe you fight it by Introducing facts, not fiction! And that's exactly what we are going to attempt to do here, in this little booklet now...and In others like it that will follow in the future...
Please join us now for a truly unique story: that of an Armenian-American who was born in New York In 1932 of an Armenian mother and a Syrian Orthodox father. Both mother and father had been eye-witnesses to the tragic events of WV/I in eastern Anatolia... See if the true suffering and loss they experienced was not, in actual fact, shared by all the peoples of the region... See if they taught their American born sons "their suffering was genocide" or whether they urged their sons to "hate the Turk"... See !f what's espoused In SJR 212 and HJR 417 has anything to do with reality... Maybe then, and only then, the sponsors will find it In their hearts to see things as they really were, and not as some Armenian radicals want them to be seen...
Through the remarkable sworn statement of ED WARD TASHJI, you will develop an insight into what It Is that kept the Turks and Armenians in peaceful co-existence for more than six centuries... and how "an unsuccessful uprising" was packaged and marketed by some radical leaders In the Armenian community as "genocide by the Turkish rulers" and how some young Armenian students were indoctrinated to "hate the Turk".., Here Is a "primary source" telling it like It was and still Is... We are still hopeful that truth, love, and peace will prevail in the end?
We, the people, in the name of truth, oppose SJR 212 and HJR 417!
Federation of Turkish-American Societies
821 United Nations Plaza
New York, N.Y 10017
The following commentary is presented as a sworn affidavit by the undersigned, and Is intended to express explicitly my position on the subject of Turkish-Armenian relations. Being of sound mind and body, fully cognizant of my statements, free of any coercion and/or any suggestion of any monetary recompense, — I do hereby declare the comments in this written material are solely mine and for which I take full responsibility. My signature follows this declaration and It will appear at the conclusion of this commentary.
Edward Tashji
This is not intended to portray even a semblance of any historical research, nor to create a subterfuge in the expression of my thinking and sincere feelings on a subject to which I have devoted a lifetime of attention. Simply stated, these pages are intended to reveal my position on a highly emotional issue based upon childhood experiences, an exposure to both the Armenian and Turkish communities, and as a result of long years of effort.
The purpose of this life-long effort has been and, by the grace of God will continue to be, two-fold:
Firstly, to continue the bond of brotherhood between the Armenian and the Turkish peoples.
Secondly, with the continuance of the six centuries of trust and harmony, to eradicate an infectious hatred which has manifested itself in innocent hearts and minds of succeeding generations.
To say that my task has been most difficult and potentially dangerous to my life is not an exaggeration, as the content of this commentary will confirm.
The average American is unaware that a serious problem between these ancestral brothers even exists. However, as a result of a blatant anti-Turkish posture on the part of our news media, together with the acceptance by many members of Congress of one version of a tragic story, the Turkish Nation and its God-fearing people are being accused of "genocide."
The absurdity of the charge is equal only to the mindless "hate merchants" within the Armenian community. So why should my pro-Turkish position be of interest to anyone outside the Turkish Community? It should, I say, it must, I emphasize, because I am not Turkish nor am I of the Moslem faith; In reality I am a Christian and an Armenian!!
I was born In Troy, New York — In 1932 — as the second son of an Armenian mother and a Syrian Orthodox father, who had been eyewitness to the tragic events which took place In Ottoman Turkey during the First World War. In spite of their suffering, in spite of their losses, in our home, our parents had taught us not to hate the Turkish people, in fact, just the contrary, was instilled in our hearts. We learned the realities of those events about which the West has accepted one interpretation as historical fact.
My wife's background is similar to my own, except that both of her parents were Armenian. Her support of my efforts and her endless patience have been my greatest source of encouragement.
Do you think, dear reader, any book, any newspaper account, or any politician could outweigh the Influence upon me by my parents who were there!? They had no reason to give me false information, and their greatest gift to me was to love the traditions and culture of our peoples. Because of their wisdom, their compassion and their humanity, I was destined to be FREE of all animosity. Based upon THEIR comments to me, and after years of study and effort, (which cannot be described here), I offer for your consideration the following facts which should be recognized by every member of Congress:
1. That the Armenian people had suffered in Ottoman Turkey during the First World War is beyond dispute. Their suffering was brought about as a result of the ravages of war; they suffered as did the Arab, the Jew, the Syrian Orthodox, the Greek, as well as the Turkish Moslem. The suffering of the Armenians was NOT as a result of a "genocide"! To this day, the other ethnic and religious groups which had endured those terrible days, HAVE NOT referred to being the victims of "genocide" In Turkey! But Armenian extremists have used the term "genocide" as a way of concealing their own crimes:
2. My mother was born in Balikesir, not far from the city of Izmir. In her town she had remembered that there were organized Armenian political factions determined to overthrow the government, and engaged in war activities against Turkish military forces as well as thousands of innocent civilians. These groups were active In Turkey then, as they continue to be to this day IN the United States. These are the names of the infamous groups: the Ramgavar, the Huntchak, and the fanatical Dasnaksakgan, (all spelled phonetically). These armed revolutionaries were headed by a maniacal fringe who had even attacked Armenians who did not support them in their treachery and disloyalty against a country where for seven centuries they had prospered and enjoyed total freedom.
3. As a child, my mother had learned a song which had been taught in Armenian school to all the children, The following Is a translation, from the Armenian, of the only words I remember:
"Let us slaughter the Turks — Let us establish our own country..." What would be our reaction if any cultural or religious community taught their children to kill Americans?!
4. Many Armenians after leaving their homes were allowed to RETURN and take possession of their homes and properties. My uncle was one who returned to his home, and my wife's aunt, who is still living, was another. Her family had returned to their home in Adiyaman.
5. As a refugee, my mother was taken into the home of an Armenian family in the town of Kilis. They lived in a house which they owned, and this was toward the end of 1915!
6. The long list of ethnic Armenians who had attained the highest positions in the Ottoman Government is a matter of record.
7. Armenian fanaticism In Ottoman Turkey spread to our country during those years and it continues to this very day: The Armenian community and church in the United States is torn apart by bitter hatred within its own family. Many Armenians, especially those who came from Turkey in recent years, do not feel any hatred against the Turkish people but dare not make their feelings public, lest they be castigated by church and community leaders. In 1932, while celebrating mass on Christmas morning, the Armenian Archbishop Tourian was assassinated by members of an opposing Armenian group. Today Armenian terrorism has taken the lives of over sixty-five Innocent Turkish Diplomats and family members world-wide.
8. A so-called statement purportedly made by Adolf Hitler referring to the plight of the Armenians, was, after extensive research, proven to be FALSE by historian Robert John, who like myself is born of Armenian ancestry!
9. The following is an exact quotation from a pamphlet printed and distributed by The Armenian Revolutionary Federation, here in New York:
"...Its History: Struggle for National Liberation. Founded in 1890, as a confederation of various action groups struggling for Armenian national and human rights, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, (ARF), known as Dashnaktsoutioun, carried on this struggle with all available means: political action, propaganda, and at times, armed struggle…"
I direct the attention of the reader to the date: 1890! Twenty-five years BEFORE the Armenians began with their theme song: "genocide". I'm certain you made notice of the words: "...armed struggle...".
10. In her book entitled, "The Armenian Revolutionary Movement", the author, Louise Nalbandian, says about her book, in part, the following: "This study covers in detail the armed struggle of the Armenian revolutionists against the Ottoman government, beginning with the first major disturbance in 1862 and extending to 1896..."
And they speak of "genocide"! It is the Turk who is justified in accusing the Armenian of this heinous crime! There is more, much much more which can refute the allegation made against Turkey.
Once again our Congress considers the so-called Armenian Resolution. How dare they sit in judgment of a nation whose true history is not known by those who would accuse Turkey of "genocide"?! I say, Mr. Senator and Mr. Congressman, examine your own history and consider the plight of the American Indian!!
Dear reader, these are the words of my beloved mother:
"… My son, we had everything in Turkey. We owned our own homes, our farm lands, shops, and businesses. We were free in our schools, our churches, and our press. On religious holidays Christians and Muslims would exchange greetings, flowers, and baskets filled with all kinds of foods. After having so much, for so long, WHY should the Turks decide to destroy us?! WE, my son, WE were responsible, beyond any doubt, for the misfortune that befell our people! WE, the Armenians, were not loyal to our homeland, Turkey!…"
Many years later, when several Turkish Naval Officers visited our home In Queens, New York, my mother had said to them, "Welcome my children — this is your home, welcome..." She had become their "mother" and we their family in the United States.
THIS is humanity!
THIS is God's wish for all of us!
THIS is the only answer if we are to give our children a world free of hatred!
THIS is what I have found In the Turkish heart; I stand in awe of their compassion, of their warmth, their humanity.
I am proud that I have devoted a lifetime of service in behalf of our ancestral brothers and sisters. How we have labored, examples of our efforts, the Identity of the long list of government officials with whom we have met, how we were able to learn to speak Armenian and Turkish, why our home Is called an "Ottoman" home, and much more, is for another time between two hard covers perhaps. May I offer now my concluding statements:
Dear reader, to the Armenian I am a traitor, one who has committed the greatest sin; to the Turk 1 have come to be known as a, "Turk dostu" — a friend of Turks; ours Is the embrace of brotherhood. I offer the reader my greatest success, that for which I have devoted much of my life, and this you will read on separate pages following my commentary. Read carefully please the writings of an Armenian student who sent me three letters. The most satisfying achievement in my humble life is the third and final letter I received from a young man whom I have never met. Indeed, read his words carefully an~ understand I have not turned against my people, for to do so would be to deny my mother.
I am convinced that hate breeds more hatred, and as we were blessed to have parents who passed on to us their message of love, so have I spoken to all who care to listen, our history, our culture and traditions, begin In Turkey as we have shared with her people the joys and the sorrows of that beautiful land. Today, the Armenians living in Turkey praise us for our efforts. The Syrian Orthodox community shares my position and our children grow free of the cancer of hate. Let the United States Congress honor the sacred memory of ALL the peoples that had suffered, and let not this resolution blemish the honor of a great people. I have dedicated myself to the inseparability of the Turkish and Armenian peoples and no power on earth can deter my resolve. In the name of reason, of universal peace for all mankind, and in the name of the God of all peoples, I remain, yours respectfully,
Edward Tashji
Director of Public Affairs Committee , FTAA
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