TV presentation of Taner Akçam’s “A Shameful Act” book (photos, video in Armenian)

Professor Taner Akcam is an author of 10 books. His “A Shameful Act” book is an extensive study, carefully crafted from Ottoman sources. This is a real slap in the face and a direct accusation against the Turkish authorities. This book is also a hint to the Armenian authorities whether to reconcile with the enemy or not.

The translator of the work, Lilit Tutkhalyan, assures that this is a book to be read in one breath, although she translated it in a year. It was emotionally difficult for the translator with the roots from Van and Mush to acknowledge that those atrocities were done to her family and nation. “Unfortunately, the policy of denial is still relevant in Turkey. The younger generation doesn’t even know what has happened a century ago.”

The acquaintance with the Armenian librarian in the United States became the reason or the occasion for the Turkish historian Taner Akcam to reveal what was hidden as a result of the policy of denial. It all started with the title. The title of the book - “A Shameful Act” was taken from Atatürk's speech on April 23, 1920. The Turkish leader calls the Armenian Genocide "a shameful act." At first, Turks accused and targeted Akcam, but the facts spoke louder. The editor of the Armenian translation claims that Akcam is still a persona non grata in Turkey. “We should learn about ourselves not through emotions, but through historiography and scientific facts.”

 

The scientific editor of the Armenian translation of the book considers it to be a must-read, especially for politicians, parliamentarians and foreign relations specialists. “He used Ottoman documents, scholarly articles and speeches as a solid background of the research. After the war, we as a nation should come together and present our claims, just like the Turkish society does.”

Now, after the Artsakh war, Akcam's work is even more relevant. Akcam himself admits that the Turkish genocidal policy against Armenia is still continuing. According to the proofreader of the book Ani Avetyan, this book is a fundamental work. “Today is the right time, as we are facing such geopolitical shifts. If you have to read ten books about genocide, this is one of them.”

 

The book gives an opportunity to confront Turkey with solid arguments. It also gives an opportunity to see what was the inside look on the Genocide. The Armenian General Benevolent Union helped Newmag to publish the book in Armenian. According to Vardan Tsulikyan, AGBU Armenia Communications and Cultural Programs Officer, publishing of books has always been in the center of their attention.

Book-accusation against Turkey for committing the Armenian Genocide and a century later denying and rejecting it. Newmag Publishing House presents one of the most fundamental works in historical circles, the book "A Shameful Act" authored by Turkish writer Taner Akcam.