Armenian genocide denial

The denial of the systematic extermination of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during WWI.

Quick Facts: Who was Armenian genocide denial?

Subject:
Armenian genocide denial
Known for:
The denial of the systematic extermination of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during WWI.
Verified Source:
2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Armenian genocide denial is the negationist claim that the Ottoman Empire and its ruling party, the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP), did not commit genocide against its Armenian citizens during World War I—a crime documented in a large body of evidence and affirmed by the vast majority of scholars. The perpetrators denied the genocide as they carried it out, claiming that Armenians in the Ottoman Empire were resettled for military reasons, not exterminated. In its aftermath, incriminating documents were systematically destroyed. Since the 1920s, denial has been the policy of every government of the Ottoman Empire's successor state, the Republic of Turkey. Borrowing arguments used by the CUP to justify its actions, Armenian genocide denial rests on the notion that the deportation of Armenians was a legitimate state action in response to an alleged Armenian uprising that threatened the empire's existence during wartime.

Career & Major Achievements

Deniers assert that the CUP intended to resettle Armenians, not kill them. They claim the death toll is exaggerated or attribute the deaths to other factors, such as a purported civil war, disease, bad weather, rogue local officials, or bands of Kurds and outlaws. The historian Ronald Grigor Suny summarizes the main argument as: "There was no genocide, and the Armenians were to blame for it." A critical reason for denial is that the genocide enabled the establishment of a Turkish nation-state; recognizing it would contradict Turkey's founding myths. Since the 1920s, Turkey has worked to prevent recognition or even mention of the genocide in other countries. It has spent millions of dollars on lobbying, created research institutes, and used intimidation and threats.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Denial, according to Donald Bloxham, is usually accompanied by "rhetoric of Armenian treachery, aggression, criminality, and territorial ambition". Denial affects Turkey's domestic policies and is taught in Turkish schools; some Turkish citizens who recognize the genocide have faced prosecution for "insulting Turkishness". Turkey's century-long effort to deny the genocide sets it apart from other historical cases of genocide. Azerbaijan, a close ally of Turkey, also denies the genocide and campaigns against its recognition internationally. Most Turkish citizens and political parties support Turkey's denial policy.

Notable Quotes by Armenian genocide denial

“There was no genocide, and the Armenians were to blame for it.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Armenian genocide denial

True or False: “The denial of the Armenian Genocide is primarily motivated by a desire to contradict Turkey's founding national myths.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Recognizing the genocide would directly challenge the foundational narratives upon which the modern Turkish nation-state was built.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

  • Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: An ancient Armenian state in Southern Anatolia, flourishing from the 11th to 14th centuries.
  • Armenian national movement — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A complex political and military struggle for Armenian self-determination in the Ottoman and Russian Empires.
  • Armenian question — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The historical debate concerning the protection and rights of Armenians within the Ottoman Empire.
  • Armi Kuusela — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Finnish-American beauty queen and philanthropist, first-ever Miss Universe.
  • Armie Hammer — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: American actor known for roles in 'The Social Network' and 'Call Me by Your Name'
  • Armin Hary — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: German sprinter, Olympic champion, and pioneer in 100m dash history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Armenian genocide denial

Who was Armenian genocide denial and what are their primary contributions?

The denial of the systematic extermination of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during WWI. Origins & Early Life: Armenian genocide denial is the negationist claim that the Ottoman Empire and its ruling party, the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP), did not commit genocide against its Armenian citizens during World War I—a crime documented in a large body of evidence and affirmed by the vast majority of scholars. The perpetrators denied the genocide as they carried it out, claiming that Armenians in the Ottoman Empire were resettled for military reasons, not exterminated. In its aftermath, incriminating documents were systematically destroyed. Since the 1920s, denial has been the policy of every government of the Ottoman Empire's successor state, the Republic of Turkey. Borrowing arguments used by the CUP to justify its actions, Armenian genocide denial rests on the notion that the deportation of Armenians was a legitimate state action in response to an alleged Armenian uprising that threatened the empire's existence during wartime.

Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Armenian genocide denial?

Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.

Source: Wikipedia