Turkish Historian Taner Akçam Presented His Book in Yerevan (Photos)

Taner Akçam, a prominent scholar and one of the special guests of the event, is the author of numerous groundbreaking works on the Armenian Genocide. His presentation and public meeting in Yerevan drew a full audience and lasted over two hours. well beyond the scheduled time.

Akçam’s visit to Armenia was organized by Ex Oriente. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Karen Mirzoyan, a member of the Council of the Armenian Union of Orientalists, noted the importance of this visit, sharing that he has known Akçam for nearly 30 years.

“He is a true warrior for justice. His works not only explore the Armenian Genocide but critically examine the foundations of the Turkish state itself,” said Mirzoyan. “His books are read in both Armenia and Turkey, breaking down long-held stereotypes and reshaping how the Turkish Republic’s origins are understood.”

Artak Aleksanyan, head of Newmag Publishing House, shared his personal connection to the historian, recalling their first meeting at a book presentation in Glendale in 2007. “Mr. Akçam’s work shows that the story of the Armenian Genocide must continue to be told and studied. The popularity of his previous books in Armenia reflects the growing public interest in his research.”

This is the third of Akçam’s books to be published in Armenian by Newmag. The historian expressed his gratitude, noting the symbolic significance of the Armenian edition. “Although I always publish my books first in Turkish, Armenian holds a special, almost native place in my heart. I’m sorry I don’t speak the language, especially as someone writing about the Genocide. It’s a real disadvantage.”

The book “The Hundred Years of Apartheid” was written on the occasion of the centennial of the Republic of Turkey. Akçam explores how the Turkish state was built on principles of ethnic cleansing and exclusion, with no space left for non-Muslims in public life. “Everyone in Turkey talks about democracy,” he said. “But why, after 100 years, has there not been a single Christian or Jewish official in high office?”

He emphasized the need for Turkish society to come to terms with the darker sides of its founding fathers and confront the legacy of apartheid that has shaped the republic. “You cannot build democracy without facing your past. That’s the only way forward.”

Akçam also addressed recent developments in Turkey. “Since the assassination of Hrant Dink, something has changed. Genocide denial remains official state policy, but they’ve lost the ideological ground in society. Among Kurds, for instance, denial no longer holds. The psychological war has been won.”

He recounted that the Turkish government, which once prosecuted genocide scholars, is now pleading, “Please listen to us too.” According to Akçam, this marks a significant loss of ground in international platforms.

He concluded by calling for perseverance. “Freedom is not free. Rights, justice, democracy, they all come with a cost. We must be ready to pay it.”

During the discussion, Akçam responded to a question about Turkey’s future, affirming that a majority of Turkish citizens do want democracy. He added that the democratic struggle continues not only in Turkey but also in the U.S. and Russia, and Armenia must fight to preserve and develop the democracy it has.