Presentation of Taner Akçam’s Book “The Hundred Years of Apartheid” Held in Yerevan (Video)

The presentation took place as part of Genocide Studies Week, a four-day conference organized by Newmag and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Akçam’s visit to Armenia was organized by the Ex Oriente Armenian Orientalists’ Union.

At the event, Akçam reflected on his two earlier books, “A Shameful Act” and “Killing Orders”, also published in Armenian by Newmag. He noted that “A Shameful Act” was based on his doctoral thesis. According to Akçam, the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide is no longer in question, particularly following official recognition by the United States.

“The Hundred Years of Apartheid” explores the creation of the Turkish Republic and the systemic exclusion of minorities. “Since 1918, Turkey has evolved into an apartheid regime,” said Akçam. “The 1974 UN Convention on Apartheid, similar to the Genocide Convention, defines apartheid as the systemic marginalization of a segment of the population. My book documents how this took shape in Turkey through various laws and policies.”

He emphasized that in the entire century of the Republic’s existence, no Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, or other minorities have held high-ranking state positions. “Minorities were given ethnic codes in state records. Even Armenians who were forcibly Islamized during the Genocide are still tracked in those registers, which disqualifies them from public service.”

Although Akçam publishes in several languages, he considers Turkish his primary audience. The Turkish edition of “The Hundred Years of Apartheid” has already been reprinted four times.

“Hrant Dink’s murder was a turning point,” he noted. “Yes, denial is still state policy, but before the coup, over 40 events in Turkey commemorated the Genocide. The government has lost the narrative battle inside the country. They are now asking to ‘please listen to us too’, a sign that they’ve lost their grip on denial.”

Akçam stressed that discussing the Armenian Genocide is not merely about history. “This is about human rights and equality today. If Turkey wants to be a democracy, it must face its past. There’s no alternative,” he said.