SYDNEY: The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) has announced its biggest Advocacy Week to date, with Turkish author Dr. Taner Akçam as its international guest of honour.
Akçam, a PhD graduate from the University of Hanover is one of the first Turkish academics to acknowledge and openly discuss the Armenian Genocide. He is regarded as the leading international authority on the subject.
Akçam moved to the United States in 2001 where he is an Associate Professor of Robert Aram, Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marion Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark University.
Akçam has lectured at many leading institutions around the world as well as publishing numerous books and articles in English, Turkish and German including, 'A Shameful Act: The Armenian Genocide' and the Question of Turkish Responsibility' and 'From Empire to Republic: Turkish Nationalism and the Armenian Genocide'.
In his latest book, titled 'Young Turks’ Crimes Against Humanity, the Armenian Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in the Ottoman Empire', Akçam discusses the latest discoveries on the Armenian Genocide.
Akçam said: “Recognition of the Armenian genocide necessitates the common effort of civil society in Turkey and the Armenian Diaspora along with the global community.”
“Recognition of the Armenian genocide is not a single event and it should be considered a part of the common efforts of humanity to increase awareness of such crimes against humanity.”
“I consider my coming to Australia very symbolic in nature and as a sign of our common effort in the fight for recognition of the Armenian Genocide,” Akçam added.
ANC Australia Executive Director Vache Kahramanian commented: “Professor Akçam’s own experience, coupled with the Armenian community in Australia, will be a powerful force during the upcoming ANC Australia Advocacy Week.”
“Having someone as high profile as Taner Akçam is a major milestone is advancing our cause and we look forward to having him visit Australia,” Kahramanian said.
ANC Australia Advocacy Week will take place from October 29th to November 2nd. Numerous events will take place during the week, including the ANC Australia Annual Banquet. Further details will be released in coming weeks.
