'Crypto-Armenians' seen as threat in Turkey

Cyprus Press and Information Office

<http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Dec 30, 2005

'Crypto- Armenians' seen as threat in Turkey

Istanbul MILLI GAZETE newspaper (28.12.05) publishes the following report under the title: "The Crypto-Armenians among us":

The descendants of the "Crypto-Armenians" who hid their identities and appeared to be Muslims in order to escape from the

forced migration applied during the deportations imposed in 1915 are now returning to their true identities.

It has been stated that Armenians who changed their religion to be ostensible Muslims in order to escape from the forced

migration due to the deportation imposed by the Ottoman State in 1915, or else who were given to various families for

adoption, succeeded in hiding their existence under this "secret identity" for many years. It is being claimed that there are

currently 30 to 40 thousand "Crypto-Armenians" living in Turkey as Turks or Kurds.

According to Professor Salim Cohce, who is known for his researches regarding the Armenians, the Crypto-Armenians appear

to be Muslims but still maintain their Gregorian traditions. Cohce, stating that some studies have been carried out on these

people in recent periods, points out that, in the near future, they are going to be used in order to realize the dreams of the

Armenians.

Cohce says that they identified over 3,500 Crypto-Armenians in fieldwork conducted in Malatya.

Speaking with Aksiyon magazine, Cohce states that yet another interesting determination had been made in Tunceli. He

stresses that the population records of two thousand people were taken to Aydin although they themselves did not emigrate,

and that two years later, these records were modified to read "Muslim" rather than "Christian" in the religion category, and

they were then taken back to Tunceli. Cohce states that the number of converts to Islam following the deportation was

about 100 thousand.

There are 40 thousand hidden Armenians

According to a study entitled "Armenians in Turkey Today" [provided in English] written in 2002 by Dr Tessa Hofmann,

who serves as an "expert witness" in the hearings of Turks of Armenian origin who apply for political asylum in Germany,

there are "40 thousand hidden Armenians" in Turkey. But it is being seen clearly, in the numbers of people changing their

religions, that, apart from certain exceptions, the Armenians who ostensibly converted to Islam in the past are now

engaged in returning to their actual identities. While 2,630 people in Turkey changed their religions during the years

1916-2004, 2,172 of these consisted of those returning to their previous religions. Over 60 percent of those returning to

their original religion, or 1,340 people, consisted of Armenians. Those changing their religions were largely registered in

various provinces such as Istanbul, Diyarbakir, Adiyaman, Batman, Sivas, Tunceli, Malatya, Elazig, Kayseri, Mersin, and

Mardin.

Professor Salim Cohce explains that activities involving hidden and converted Armenians in Malatya increased after 1995,

and that in 2003, some 120 persons of Armenian origin with Muslim names submitted a petition for the re-opening of the

church at Cavusoglu.

Cohce stresses that covert efforts are being made, via citizens of Armenian origin, to regain deed records and former

properties. Cohce also claims that, during investigations conducted in Malatya, they identified "converts" [Turkish

muhtedi] who had assumed the position of MHP [Nationalist Action Party] Provincial Chairman.

Could be used in "Urban Terrorism"

Cohce, indicating that there are also, among the converts, those who truly became Muslims and live accordingly, says

that "The 'Crypto-' or 'secret' Armenians are those who only appear to be Muslim in identity. Since they have not to date

been seen as a threat, they have not been monitored by the state. Also, they have manipulated their population records.

For this reason, it is very difficult to determine their actual numbers."

Stressing his belief that the Crypto-Armenians are going to constitute a danger, Cohce points as examples to the efforts

made by Armenian groups regarding them, particularly in recent years. Cohce claims that "Efforts are being made to

remind them of their identities. Financial assistance is being provided. I think that, just like the emergence of the PKK

after ASALA [Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia], these people will be used for "urban terrorism" within

Turkey in the post-PKK period. Such a formation could be brought about by 2010. Likewise, I believe that, by reminding

them consciously of their Armenian identity, these people are in the future going to come before Turkey with demands

for land and compensation."

Maintain close contact with PKK

Cohce, drawing attention to the close contact between the Crypto-Armenians and the PKK, says the following: "A meeting

was held in 1980 at the Gulbenkian Foundation, which financed ASALA. It was decided to use the PKK as a "pawn"

organization in order for Turkey's authority in the region to be weakened, and for its population to be reduced. The PKK's

initial ability to form an effective lobby in Europe and the United States, and to get support, came about with the help of

these circles. And the existence of individuals of Armenian origin within the PKK, and even the killing of a number of them,

corroborates this. Likewise, the existence of 'Turks' among the founders and current leaders of the PKK is thought-provoking."

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