Lobicilik.com [ Sample Letters ]

Turkish PM Erdogan sends letter to world leaders to ease cartoon crisis (full text)

Dear Colleague,

In the face of recent developments instigated by the publication of a series of caricatures depicting Prophet Mohammed, I felt it necessary to write to you this letter and share with you my views in the hope of preventing the present situation from escalating to a point where it could further threaten international peace and stability. These unfortunate events have created tension almost bounding to a polarization between the East and the West, and between the Islamic and Christian worlds as never seen before in recent times. For the sake of global peace and safeguarding of our commonly held values, I believe it has now become essential that the statesmen and politicians act with wisdom and common sense and display leadership in taking the joint actions expected from them.

Firstly, we all should try to understand the underlying reasons behind the latest incidents. Muslims, as a rule, pay due respect to all prophets. Despite their deep respect for Prophet Mohammed and their strong belief in the Islamic teachings, they would listen to all well-meaning criticisms. They cannot, however, be expected to tolerate so-called criticisms which evidently transgress the boundaries of genuine criticism and which are, in fact, outright insults and degradation of Prophet Mohammed.

We have observed that certain parts of the media saw this whole series of unfortunate events as a test-case for freedom of expression. We have also observed an inclination to make use of the situation to probe the patience of the Islamic world and their conceptualization of freedom. Such cultural arrogance on the part of any culture or civilization cannot be justified. No culture has a given right to insult the sensitivities of other cultures. The minimum prerequisite of harmonious coexistence is that different civilizations and traditions recognize and mutually respect each others’ cultural differences that are perfectly in keeping with the commonly shared values on which our modern democratic experience is founded. This is also a requirement of the modern pluralist approach that understands the need to preserve and respect differences as enriching elements instead of abandoning them to be exploited to create enmity and hatred.

We have been strongly advocating that unless we replace the thesis of the “Clash of Civilizations” and the culture of violence and confrontation with an “Alliance of Civilizations”, conflicts will continue to rise. The recent events have unfortunately vindicated us.

Freedom of press and expression of this freedom through all available channels is an indispensable element of democracy. However, this freedom should be applied with a sense of moral responsibility. There is no freedom on earth that can be used to degrade and insult beliefs, values and sacred symbols. We need to reflect on such fundamentally sensitive issues.

On the other hand, those who resort to violence in their dismay, and those who incite or provoke violence actually undermine their own cause and forfeit their righteousness. Islam is the religion of peace and calls for the protection of the life, property and dignity of everyone living in Islamic countries. Defense of Islam and the Muslims cannot be achieved by methods which run counter, in the first place, to the teachings of Islam.

Turkey supports all genuine efforts geared for enriched dialogue, reconciliation and integration. Our ultimate goal is to bring our own unique contributions to the humankind’s ideal of achieving “unity in diversity”. The Alliance of Civilizations initiative and our determined steps to become a full-member of the European Union all aim to the fulfillment of this noble ideal.

I strongly believe that civilizations hold common values, norms and principles that can allow them to give a joint fight against the many problems that beset the world today. I also believe that the great majority, in fact, long for embracing the other and meet them around this commonality, thereby rejecting the theories of a looming confrontation. It is in this context that we must all refrain from policies that can cause “Islamophobia” to take deeper roots in the Western societies. It is paramount that we act with common sense and a heightened sense of responsibility at this critical juncture. Our common historical experiences and values show us the way. We must not only demonstrate a common resolve, but we must also ensure that we do use all available means and mechanisms at our disposal to defuse the present tensions.
02.10.2006 www.abhaber.com

President
[ February 2006 ]

Genocide by Politics (Toronto Star Newspaper)
FROM www.ataa.org 3/2006

How many MP's voting at the Canadian Parliament on April 21st on a motion regarding the alleged Armenian genocide, knew anything about the tragic events that happened between the Armenians and the Ottoman Turks 90 years ago during the First World War in a far away land, other than what they heard from the Armenians themselves?. Did they even care to find out that about the historical facts objectively, or was this exercise rightfully a waste of Canadian taxpayers' money? Yet they acted as learned historians as well as the judge and jury.

Mr. Sarkis Assadourian, MP, who is of Armenian descent, said "this is establishing a historical fact...justice has been done"!

Historical facts do not get established almost a century later by Canadian MP's voting in the Parliament. Research by objective, third party historians establish those facts, especially in such a controversial issue. Justice is served in courts under strict rules of evidence, where all affected parties have a say in the matter, not by voting in the Parliament based on one sided Armenian propaganda.

Armenians could not establish a genocide historically and legally but did it politically in the Canadian Parliament or artistically in Egoyan's film.

Demir Delen

FROM www.ataa.org 3/2006

Response to President

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I understand that you are in the process of making your statements about the Armenian causes against the Turks. Although the historical facts are completely the opposite what has been said by the Armenians, due to their large lobby close to your circle make their voices heard by you stronger than ours. Coming from a family whose three great uncles was killed in that war I have little sympathy for those who see the facts only from one side but ignore the ones who indeed suffered more.

It is true that many lives were lost including 6 million Turks in that war mostly killed by the invading Russian armies but through the support and coalition by Armenians. Despite that we were the winning party. This should be acknowledged in your statement. I believe, distorting the truth for one’s own interest and camouflaging it as “Genocide” does not meet with honesty.

As a Turkish intellectual who had a first hand experience with this ugly war, I am asking you not to inflict us upon any more with the word of Genocide. The question should be asked though, if the Armenian citizens of the Ottoman Empire had been loyal to their country, would there be killing on their or on our side?

One has to be persistent with his/her own belief. We are a multicultural society with different heritage here in the US; would we have any tolerance had there been an uprising by any minority against out country?

I am only asking you to be honest and courageous and to tell the truth when addressing this issue in your statement.

Respectfully,

Oya Levendoglu-Tugal, M.D

FROM www.ataa.org 3/2006

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing to express my concern about the attempts of the Armenian-American community to characterize the intercommunal warfare between Armenians and Turks during collapse of the Ottoman Empire as a "genocide." This issue touches me deeply on a personal level because my family - a Turkish Muslim family from Central Turkey - faced starvation during that time when Armenians were conspiring with British, French, Greek, and Russian invaders to wipe out the Turkish state. Historian Justin McCarthy in his book "Muslims and Minorities: The Population of Ottoman Anatolia and the End of the Empire" estimates that over 2.5 million Muslims were killed during this time frame, and Ottoman Archives document over 500,000 Turkish deaths at the hands of Armenians alone . Families of my friends still tell about how they fled from the Armenians, and how their grandfather was the only child to survive the Armenian killings. Can you imagine what it would be like for your entire family to be slaughtered - mother, father, sisters and brothers - but for you to be the only survivor? And can you imagine for what it would then be like for your countrymen to be accused of genocide when they themselves were being massacred?

The massacre of Turks by Armenians is documented by not just Turkish sources and eyewitness accounts, but also by foreign observers, historians, and even Armenians themselves, bragging of their deeds. Here are just a few examples:

- “ The Moslems who did not succeed in escaping [the city] were put to death..." ( Grace H. Knapp, “The Tragedy of Bitlis,” 1919, pp. 146.)

- "Few Americans who mourn and justly, the miseries of the Armenians, are aware that till the rise of nationalistic ambitions, beginning with the seventies, the Armenians were the favored portion of the population of Turkey, or that in the Great War, they traitorously turned Turkish cities over to the Russian invader; that they boasted of having raised an army of one hundred and fifty thousand men to fight a civil war, and that they burned at least a hundred Turkish villages and exterminated their population." ( John Dewey , “The Turkish Tragedy”, 1929)

Every year Armenians commemorate 24 April, 1915 as the beginning of a "genocide", but the truth is that even before that date, Armenians began the systematic killing of Muslims in the city of Van, Turkey. Indeed, the Armenian newspaper Gochnak, in its May 24, 1915 issue published in America, openly boasted that “only 1,500 Turks remain in Van.”

It was this wide-scale massacre perpetrated by the Armenians, and to other massacres that followed in Kars, Erzurum, Erzincan and other eastern Turkish cities, that prompted the Ottoman Sultan to order the relocation of Armenians away from the frontlines to the outskirts of the Empire. At no time was there ever an order or intent of "genocide". Armenians today try to portray themselves as “innocent victims,” but the truth is that they were combatants in a war to carve up the Ottoman Empire. To quote from the January 27, 1919 letter of Armenian General Boghos Nubar to the editor of the Times of London : “Armenians have been belligerents de facto, since they indignantly refused to side with Turkey.” In his letter, Nubar also glorifies the 5,000 plus Armenians in the French Legions, the “150,000 Armenians in the Russian armies,” and the “50,000 Armenian volunteers under Andranik, Nazarbekoff, and others [who] fought for four years for the cause of the Entente” and then asks on behalf of the Armenian National Delegation “that the Armenian nation…be recognized as a belligerent.”

Who are the Armenians trying to fool? Any objective reading of the historical evidence shows one undeniable truth: Armenians chose to fight against the Ottoman Empire due to their aspirations of establishing a “Greater Armenia” out of the ruins of the Ottomans. To do so, they massacred Turks, and in the process some Armenians were killed in reprisals or died due to harsh war conditions, some were relocated to other parts of Turkey, and some fled to other countries, such as Russia, Europe, and America.

Allegations that 1.5-2.5 million Armenians were killed is just plain ludicrous since there weren't even that many Armenians in the whole of Anatolia. Armenian population estimates for before World War I range from 1.056 million (British Annual Register) to 1.555 million (French Yellow Book). Even during the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, Armenian representatives did not claim that many deaths, giving an estimate of 600,000 to 800,000. Armenian allegations are not only inconsistent with their allegations of the past, but their past allegations were rejected for lack of evidence. To quote British Ambassador Sir A. Geddes, “I regret inform your Lordship that there was nothing therein which could be used as evidence against the Turks who are being detained for trial at Malta” and Lord Curzon, “The Armenians tried to deny the massacres [of Turks] and put the blame on the Turks, but all was in vain.” (in M.K. Oke, “The Armenian Question,” pp. 136 and pp. 208, respectively)

Mr. President, April 24, 1915 marks not the beginning of some fictitious genocide plan, but the beginning of massacres of Muslims and years intercommunal warfare, at the end of which hundreds of thousands of Turks and Armenians lay dead. Please do not add more pain to the memories of Turkish families by forgetting their loved ones, and accusing their forefathers of a genocide they did not commit. Armenian-Turkish rapprochement will be possible not by one-sided accusations, but by proclamations that recognize the whole truth. It is only then that healing on both sides can begin.

Very Respectfully,

Aslihan Karatay

Statement of Opinion by American Council on Jewish-Turkish Relations (ACJTR)

Washington, D.C. April 20, 2005

We, as American Jews whose origins date from pre-1492 Spain and from post-1492 Turkey, support the Turkish Government's call for opening the archives of pertinent countries in relation to the Ottoman-Armenian Civil War waged during World War I. We believe this is the only appropriate course for determining what really happened in these unfortunate events, and then assign responsibilities.

It is a historical fact that, as part of the above hostilities in and around 1915, for whatever reasons, Armenian civilians were deported from their towns and villages in Eastern Anatolia, and routed to the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire.

A significant number among these deportees, on their way to their designed destination, were plundered and massacred by Kurdish and Arab tribesmen, as well as by some of those who were supposed to protect them during their journey.

On the other hand, it is also clear that large numbers of deportees were able to survive this tragic episode. The presence of a total Armenian population of about 9 million worldwide, including sizeable communities in the Middle-East (over 200,000 in Lebanon, 100,000 in Syria, 100,000 in Iran, 70,000 in Turkey, 50,000 in Jordan, etc.), in the U.S. (about 2 million), and in France (nearly half a million), whose ancestors found their way there from Eastern Anatolia in the aftermath of this deportation, attest to this fact.

Before accusing the Ottoman State (and its ruling Union and Progress Party regime) of the crime of ‘genocide', it is imperative to submit evidence that Ottoman government authorities gave specific orders to its military and administrative echelons for the killing of Armenian deportees.

Today's Turkish government wishes to shed light on the tragic events of that period, and proposes that the archives of all concerned countries such as Russia, Germany, France, USA, UK, Turkey, as well as Armenian archives worldwide, be made public and thoroughly studied by accredited historians in order to establish the facts.

For the sake of fairness, aspects of subject hostilities that warrant examination should encompass atrocities committed by both sides in the conflict. Such aspects include: Armenian groups who massacred Turkish villagers; Armenian militias that collaborated with invading Czarist-Russian and French armies; the secessionist activities of local Ottoman-Armenians; the share of provocations made by the British who used the Armenians in order to undermine the Ottoman State; the share of the German General Staff and its stance vis-à-vis the Armenian deportation.

We believe that world public opinion should endorse the need for conducting a thorough and objective investigation of the full historical facts relating to this conflict, before branding the present Turkish Government with ‘genocide denial' and place the collective onus of ‘genocide' on the Turkish people.

As a British citizen of Turkish origin, I was delighted to see your comments made during the Cyprus debate at the House of Commons on 7th February 2006. Your recognition of the fact that whilst ”Turkish Cypriot President Talat has made every effort to reach an agreement on the Annan proposals, President Papadopolous negotiated in bad faith and had no intention of endorsing any of the Annan plans.”

You are absolutely justified in your analysis of President Papadopoulos’ strategy on the Cyprus problem and his intention to squeeze both the European Union and Turkey to get what he wants at the expense of the Turkish Cypriots. Your statement aimed at the Foreign Secretary that “British Government should never have allowed the Republic of Cyprus into the EU without settling that problem first,” summarizes the dilemma now faced by the EU as a whole. Unfortunately it is Greek Cypriots’ belief that they may achieve a “European solution” by pressurizing Turkey during their accession negotiations and unless this myth is demolished they will have no incentive to even talk about a solution.

At the heart of the problem, which has plagued the island since 1963, is the obvious fact that certain ‘Greek Cypriots do not wish to share power with the Turkish Cypriots’. After enjoying the privileges of freedom and international trade for 42 years, now they are having difficulties accepting the requirement to share the power with Turkish Cypriots again. Mr. Papadopoulos (who has been the architect of the Akritas Plan which intented to wipe out Turkish Cypriots from the island) refuses to meet and talk to President Talat (who has been internationally recognised as a champion for unification under the Annan Plan) and still claims that he is interested in finding a solution. How can a solution ever be found if the two sides cannot talk to each other and the Greek Cypriots continue with their attempt to prevent visiting international politicians to meet and talk to the Turkish Cypriot Representatives?

As clearly stated during the debate in The House of Commons by the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Papadopoulos’ blatant policy of totally ignoring and marginalizing the Turkish Cypriots has succeeded in pushing the two communities further apart. We therefore look upon the politicians like yourselves to put across the message that unless some basic Human Rights are restored (as promised by EU) by the lifting of Embargoes and arranging Direct Trade with the Turkish Cypriot community, then Turkish Cypriots belief in a possibility of a fair solution will disappear, inevitably leading to permanent separation instead of unification.

Please accept my thanks for raising this issue in the House of Commons and expressing the realities at the heart of the Cyprus problem. This situation can only be resolved if the truth is acknowledged by all parties concerned and pressure is exerted on Mr. Papadopoulos to agree to a democratic solution rather than perpetuate the suffering of the Turkish Cypriot people.

THE SAMPLE LETTER TO BE SENT [ From www.ftaa.org ]
*********************************************************************

Honorable Lord Mayor
Walter Veltroni
Rome, Italy

I or (we) would like to congratulate you on your decision for erecting a
statue of the great Turkish statesman and the liberator of his country
around the turn of the twentieth century. Your decision to honor Kemal
Ataturk, 67 years after his death indicates to all Turks the importance
you have placed on his person. Your appreciation of him as the one who had
coined the adage which is still alive today and is shining like a beacon
of amity and harmony among nations, is warmly acknowledged by all Turks.

Ataturk's words: "PEACE AT HOME- PEACE IN THE WORLD" when chiseled on that
monument will add special significance to the description of Rome as the
Eternal City.

For you Mr. Mayor, the world will always be grateful for having
appreciated this immortal man who is Ataturk. His presence in one of
Rome's magnificent parks will always be the subject of your kind gesture.

Sincerely

(signature)

The e-mail of the Lord Mayor of Rome is as follows:
The Mayor of Rome Walter VELTRONI is: w.veltroni@comune.roma.it

THE SAMPLE LETTER TO BE SENT [ From www.ftaa.org ]
*********************************************************************
Donald Anderson(Labour Party)
Jenny Dawe (Scotch Labour Party)
Lain Whyte (Conservative Party)

If it is possible send the following letter to three of those leaders.

Your name

Dear Councilor;

I strongly object to Edinburgh City Council Leadership’s decision to introduce a motion; recognizing the alleged “Armenian genocide”.

I consider the adoption for political purposes, of decisions by foreign Parliaments or City Councils regarding certain pages of Ottoman Armenians history which are still subject to discussion among world historians and to pass a judgment, on the veracity of a specific version of a still disputed historical issue, as inappropriate, pointless, arbitrary and unjust acts which will complicate the issue and seeks to regain the trust of the British-Turkish Community.

Yours sincerely

Turkish Business and Industry Leaders Oppose Exclusion of
Textiles & Apparel from Turkish-U.S. trade

"Since the attacks of last September, there is a new recognition of the importance of the long-standing U.S.-Turkish partnership. That is why the coalition of American Jewish organizations, as indicated on this letterhead, commends your sponsorship of legislation, (S. 2663) the Turkish-Israeli Economic Enhancement Act, to create Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZs) between Turkey and Israel, under the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement.
- -

The Turkish Times - The U.S. State Department's initiative to establish Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZ, which allows specific goods to be manufactured and exported to the US without trade barriers) in Eastern and Southeastern Turkey received the overwhelming support of various American-Jewish groups in the United States within the scope of the newly sponsored Turkish-Israeli Economic Enhancement Act (S. 2663.

In a separate and earlier development, Turkish business and industry leaders have criticized the exclusion of Turkish textiles and apparel from the scope of the QIZ agreement as it relates to the Turkish-U.S. Trade .

In a letter dated September 11, 2002 and sent to US Senators John B. Breaux (Louisiana), Charles E. Grassley (Iowa), John McCain (Arizona), and US Representatives Philip M. Crane (Illinois), and Robert I. Wexler (Florida), nine major American-Jewish organizations characterized the pending QIZ legislation as a development that "sends a timely and well-justified message of American solidarity with Turkey."

American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress, Anti-Defamation League, B'nai B'rith International, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Hadassah - The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, and Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America described Turkey as a country which sits "at the center of the world."

"Since the attacks of last September, there is a new recognition of the importance of the long-standing U.S.-Turkish partnership. That is why the coalition of American Jewish organizations, as indicated on this letterhead, commends your sponsorship of legislation, (S. 2663) the Turkish-Israeli Economic Enhancement Act, to create Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZs) between Turkey and Israel, under the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement. The American-Turkish-Israeli relationship is the foundation for securing stability and democratic interests in a troubled and dangerous part of the world," the American-Jewish groups said.

"The establishment of these zones, similar to the ones at the border of Israel and Jordan, will offer new opportunities to Ankara and Israel and will no doubt increase joint Turkish-U.S. investments, aimed at exporting to the Turk countries or the Middle East and the Euro-Asia. "

"There is hardly a place in the world where the intersection of politics and economics is more clearly complete. That is why we are convinced that the benefits of creating economic development through expanded free trade are so important. We strongly support this bipartisan legislation and will work to secure its passage. We also encourage other members of the Congress who support Israel and America's loyal ally in a troubled region to come forward and co-sponsor this legislation. We hope it will pass quickly. This legislation sends a timely and well-justified message of American solidarity with Turkey," the American-Jewish groups concluded.

Concern of Turkish business
Officials of the Turkish Foreign Ministry have relayed the concerns of Turkish business community to the US State Department during a meeting held in Washington at the end of August between the Turkish and American teams. The QIZ legislation, in its current form, is opposed by the Turkish business and industry leaders because it excludes textiles and apparel, Turkey's primary exports and the only industry capable of expansion in the US market.

Republican Congressman, Cliff Stearns of Florida and Democratic Congressman, Robert Wexler of Florida, had joined a contingent of Turkish business leaders at a meeting on July 22nd in Washington where they expressed their full support for a more meaningful economic agreement for Turkey and asked the US Treasury Representatives (USTR) to prepare a more comprehensive proposal that would give Turkey the opportunity to pull itself out of its economic crisis.

QIZ, which was proposed by the State Department as a result of Presidents Bush's joint declaration for development of a strategic economic partnership with Turkish Prime Minister, Bulent Ecevit, during his visit to Washington last January, includes products vaguely defined as high tech to be exported to the US without quotas and custom taxes but excludes textiles and apparel for which Turkey has vast resources and capabilities.

"Over 50 percent of Turkish exports to the US are textiles and apparel which has reached its limit of $1.2 billion. The US imports billions of dollars worth of textiles and apparel from China and Hong Kong. It's not because of Turkish imports that US textile workers are losing their jobs. We're asking for a fair share because this is what we have to offer the US market that will pull Turkey out of economic crisis", says Ziya Sukun, US representative of ITKIB and TIM. ITKIB represents textile and apparel exporters with 14,000 corporate members, 6.4 million workers and exports of $10 billion globally. Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) has over 25,000 corporate members with $33 billion in global exports. Other industry organizations such as the Turkish National Union of Chambers of Commerce (TOBB) also oppose the agreement in its present form.

"It's expected that when the President of the United States declares an economic partnership program it means more than a simple QIZ project. It means lifting trade barriers and adjusting custom taxes for substantial industries that have a meaningful effect on our country's economy," adds Sukun.

http://www.theturkishtimes.com/archive/02/10_15/letters.html

Of the Slavs and Turks Massacred by the Greeks

OPEN LETTER
To Mr. Evangelos Venizelos
Minister of Culture, Athens - Greece

From: Dr. Georgios Nakratzas
Chest physician -Writer
Postbus 5159 3008 AD Rotterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: g.nakratzas@wxs.nl
Rotterdam 10 February 2001

Dear Sir, I was interested to learn from reports in the media that on 9 February 2001 you forwarded for signature to the President of the Republic of Greece a Presidential Decree, in accordance with which 15 September is to be declared the official day commemorating the "Genocide of the Greeks in Asia Minor by the Turks."

As Minister of Culture you will, I assume, feel a great respect for the historical truth, and I ask you therefore to permit me to inform you of certain details concerning the Genocide of the Slav-speaking Macedonians of Kilkis committed by the Greek Army in 1913, in addition to certain information on the crimes committed by the Greek Army in Asia Minor during the period 1919-1922 against the civilian Turkish population.

The Carnegie Report (ISBN 0-87003-032-9) informs us that the town of Kilkis was occupied, intact, by the Greek Army on 4 July 1913. Having occupied the town, the Greek troops removed the remaining residents and then plundered and burned their houses. The Report also mentions that in addition to the town of Kilkis the Greek Army also put to the torch 40 villages in the region, burning a total of 4,725 houses.

Of the total number of 100,000 Slav-speaking Macedonians who were thus obliged to seek refuge in Bulgaria, the Greek cavalry caught up with 4,000 at the village of Akangeli. 60 of the men were taken to a nearby forest and never heard of again. On the following day, according to eye-witness accounts, the Greek soldiers committed murder and rape and stole money. The committee were also given a list of 365 individuals from neighbouring villages believed to have been massacred by the Greek army at the village of Akangeli. Finally, a European eye-witness testified to the committee that on entering the town of Yevyeli the Greeks executed 200 Bulgarian citizens.

I do not know if this historical information will prompt you to recommend an additional Presidential Decree concerning the Genocide by the Greek army in 1913 of the Slav-speaking Macedonians of Kilkis. As for the information on the crimes of the Greek army against the civilian Turkish population of Asia Minor during the period 1919-1922, there is insufficient scope in a short letter for a full description of the events involved. I shall confine myself to mentioning in brief the massacre by the Greek army of Turkish civilians at Aidini [Aydin], Menemeni [Menemen] and Pergamum [Bergama].

I shall also mention the slaughter of Turkish prisoners of war in Smyrna on the day the Greek army disembarked in 1919.

Finally, I shall mention briefly the burning of thousands of villages in the areas of Eski-Sehir, Uzak [Usak], Kioutaheia [Kutahya], etc., as well as the destruction, robbery or looting of shops and businesses, and the seizing of vast quantities of livestock and grain from Turkish villagers. For more details and eye-witness testimony I recommend that you consult my book, recently published under the title

ASIA MINOR AND THE ORIGINS OF THE REFUGEES

The imperialist Greek policy of 1922 and the Asia Minor Catastrophe Batavia Publications, Thessaloniki 2000, ISBN 960-85800-6-4

I ask myself if the information you will find in the book will be sufficient to prompt you to recommend the appropriate Presidential Decree.

Yours,
Dr. Georgios Nakratzas

P.S. For your information, a Turkish translation of the book mentioned above
is shortly to be issued by a publishing house in Istanbul (Constantinople).

As Political Expediency Raises Its Ugly Head
Would Pataki issue a Proclamation commemorating the genocide of ethnic Turks of Cyprus?

October 9, 2002
The Honorable George E. Pataki
Governor Executive Chamber - State Capitol
Albany, New York 12224

Dear Governor Pataki: Political expediency has once again raised its ugly head and arrives in the form your Proclamation dated October 6, 2002, in which you sir, like most American politicians, have placated the anti-Turkish groups of our society. Lacking even an infinitesimal knowledge of Turkish history, you sir, with the stroke of a pen, have signed your name to the composition of an aide who has been coached by Armenian and Greek "hate merchants". Once again history has been distorted.

The content of "your" Proclamation not only lacks historical accuracy, its venomous allegations defame the honor of a great nation and a God-fearing compassionate people. The author of "your" Proclamation lacks even the simple courtesy of placing the name of a beautiful city, (Izmir), in parenthesis, and refers to it as: "Smyrna"! There are those whom you serve who, while living in the past continue to refer one of the world's most beautiful and historical cities, by its ancient: "Constantinople", instead of what the world recognizes as: Istanbul. If I were to address you sir, as Governor of New Amsterdam, you would consider me insulting or ignorant.

If the contents -all the contents- of this correspondence were brought to your attention, for surely it will not be brought to your desk, you would learn that the undersigned is an American born of Armenian and Syrian Orthodox parents, who had been born in, (Ottoman) Turkey and during their lifetime, served as our eye-witness teachers of the events of the First world War. They had suffered the ravages of war but NOT a "genocide"! They suffered equally to that of all the ethnic and religious entities of their homeland. Yet in all their wisdom and respect for the truth, they taught us that for 25 years BEFORE 1915, the Armenians had carried revolution against the land where they had, and continue, to prosper and practice their religion for over six centuries.

During the Turkish war of liberation, the Greeks burned the city of Izmir and slaughtered untold thousands of Turkish Muslims. As "your" Proclamation does not mention the brutality of those who profess to be holy Christians, you negate the suffering of the Turks and the irrefutable evidence which reveals the Turkish people were the victims and continue to be! Would you sir, consider preparing a Proclamation commemorating the genocide of ethnic Turks of Cyprus??!

The Turkish-American community, as proud productive and loyal citizens of the United States, pays its taxes and casts its ballots for those who seek justice without bias against any group. Our government is deeply concerned about Turkey's support in our actions toward Iraq. Turkey continues to be a staunch ally of our country as heroically revealed in the Korean and Gulf Wars, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, in Kosova, and as a member of the United Nations and NATO. Do you or those who applaud "your" Proclamation, believe the American air bases on Turkish soil will remain "available" to our military??

There is one word in the infamous Proclamation which has confirmed my belief that there was an Armenian ingredient in "your" anti-Turkish Proclamation. The word is: "Assyrian", and used by the Armenians in this country as: "Asorie". This name is used by a separated group from our mother church or ethnicity; this is just one of a multitude of falsehoods in "your" abominable Proclamation. There would be no purpose in presenting here even a few of the historical facts pertaining to the history of the people whom I am proud to serve. If you would welcome the facts, which our media and politicians deny to the American public, then sir, you would become aware of the monumental blunder of "your" Proclamation, which has seriously jeopardized American and Turkish relations.

Governor Pataki, our Federation has always urged our community to cast their votes for the candidates who will not be influenced by groups who are more concerned about their own agendas rather than the interests of the United States. Turkish Muslims have vehemently condemned the attacks upon our country, the United States of America. Our community continues to strive for close relations between our freedom-loving nations.

As I am well aware of the compassionate Turkish heart, I feel I must conclude with this final TURKISH perspective: we are deeply hurt by you Proclamation. We are obliged to instruct our children who are taught in their schools of a mythical "genocide", and that no such event ever took place in (Ottoman) Turkey. We would welcome a face-to-face with our honorable Governor, so that he could learn more of the humanity of the Turkish people period.

Thanking to you Sir, for your time, I extend our best wishes on behalf of our Federation.

One Armenian free of hate,

Edward Tashji
Director, Public Affairs
Turk Amerikan Dernekleri Federasyonu
(Federation of Turkish American Associations)
cc: His Excellency President George W. Bush

Turkey’s Eurasian and European Dimensions
"Turks will have increasing influence on European politics , more so than Greece"

TO: The Washington Post
Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to "Cyprus and the Clash of Civilizations" By John Sitilides and Paul Glastris from Western Policy Center, published as Op-Ed Commentary in The Washington Post on Friday, August 30, 2002.

Authors assert that failure for Turkish and Greek Cypriots to enter in European Union as a united Cyprus will lead to negative consequences for Turkey resulting in revocation of Turkish candidacy for E.U., Muslims around the world would see it as evidence that the West will never grant an Islamic country a place at the table of economic prosperity, and so on.

Although, E.U. membership has been a big hype in Turkey, however number of Turks are skeptical about benefits of Turkish membership to E.U. There is a strong argument about Turkey’s staying a Eurasian country rather than a European country. Even if Turkey to becomes a member of EU, there are no guarantees that the Turkish people will be accepted as equals, and they may suffer from wailed discrimination in workplace, business and social life. Before Turkey becomes a member of EU, they should demand better treatment of Turks living in EU.

Currently, E.U. and USA have significant political and trade problems. As E.U. continues to strengthen its unification the competition between the two inevitably will intensify while both sides position themselves for control of energy riches from Middle East, Russia and Caspian Sea. World Trade Organization website is full of the examples (i.e. beef war, banana war, steel war, US tax breaks to exporters war). When USA placed tariffs on steel, Turkey was exempt from these tariffs and benefited greatly. Turkey should carefully consider which side would they rather be as this competition intensifies.

On the other hand, Turkey has an important strategic partnership with U.S. and Israel. They are working to include Jordan, Azerbaijan and Georgia to this alliance with good results. It would not be surprising to see inclusion of a liberated and democratic Iraq in this alliance.

Authors emphasize Turkey as a "Muslim country". Turkey has been a secular country since Ataturk’s reforms. However, it might be news to the authors but Turkey has been under attack and siege by Muslim extremists for decades. Even now, many Muslims view Turkish secularism negatively. Muslim extremists would simply count Turkey as a further loss if she joined E.U. and would not consider Turkey as a "Muslim" country.

Lastly, Mr. Gerhard Schroeder won German elections with a very slim majority during which German Turks heavily favored his party. If this election can be a guide to future, Turks will have increasing influence on European politics more so than Greece.

Let us not make mistake about what Ataturk advocated for Turkey. He did not advocate becoming a Westerner. He advocated Turks and Turkey to rise above the prevailing civilization. Turks owe it to themselves to be civilized and prosperous. Some think the road to this may go through Brussels or Washington, DC. Like any other country this will be accomplished by Turks developing competitive advantage in whatever they do best and by becoming better manager of their own affairs. Authors inflate the role of Greece in the big game. This is understandable. As Mr. Portakalis said "Megalomania" is a Greek word.

Tamer Acikalin, MD, MBA
New Orleans, LA
Dr. Aciklain is a former President of ATAA.

Inaccurate Pataki Instigates Hatred and Divisiveness
"My own grandfather war murdered by the occupying Greeks"

Thursday, October 10, 2002
Governor George E. Pataki, State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor:

As a Turkish American, I am terribly offended by your recent proclamation in commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the "fraudulent" Commemoration of the Burning of Smyrna and the Persecution of the Greeks of Asia Minor in the Empire State, and misleadingly portraying an independence war, a genocide.

Your proclamation is not only historically inaccurate, but also instigates hatred and divisiveness. You, as the governor of the State of New York, posses unique powers. When used properly they are of a healing and uniting nature, but abused will result in nothing more than fueling flames of hatred. You unfortunately chose the route of instigating hatred rather than healing of the old wounds.

Below is a brief historical summary of the end of WWI and the Greek occupation of Turkey, in case you want to refresh your memory, dear Governor.

During WWI, Ottomans were German allies. Having lost the war, Ottomans had no choice but to sign the "Mondoros Armistice " in October 1918. By this treaty, Ottoman Empire was technically dissolved. The treaty conditions were as follows:

1.. Bosphorus and Dardandelles (Canakkale) will be under the control of the Allies
2.. Ottoman army will be discharged, its weapons will be surrendered to the Allies
3.. Turkish navy will be surrendered to the Allies and moored at harbors of their choice
4.. Toros mountain tunnels will be controlled by the Allies
5.. All telecommunications will be under the Allies' control
6.. All railroads will be under Allies' control
7.. Allied forces will have the right to occupy any location, if they felt threatened. The seventh item of the treaty was unequivocally giving the Allied forces under the pretense of self defense, "carte blanche" to occupy any city, any area in Turkey they desired. And exactly this is what happened. (Also as a foot-note, after the treaty was signed, the minority groups in the Ottoman Turkey started organizing, and formed internal alliances against Turkey and Turkish people). After the signing of Mondoros Armistice, secret agreements took place between, Russia, England and France. To the Paris conference they invited Greek, Arab, and Armenian delegates, to discuss the division of the country. Right after the Paris conference the wheels of occupation and division were put in motion. Greece claimed that the security of the Turkish Greeks in Izmir was in jeopardy. This notion was readily accepted by the allied forces, and the Greeks invaded the Turkish city of Izmir, May 14, 1919.

In addition to the Greek occupation, there were about 63,000 Allied soldiers (French, Italian and British) in Istanbul and Canakkale. The British controlled the railroads with 5,500 soldiers. The French troops in Adana, Tarsus and Mersin, Urfa, Maras and Antep numbered around 20,000. Italians controlled Antalya, Isparta, Mugla, Soke area with a troop size of 13,500 soldiers.

From this point on Greeks started expanding their occupation towards the north, Ayvalik area, and to the east towards Odemis, Nazilli and Tire. The British occupied Antep. And the French co-operated with the Armenians and started placing them in governmental positions in the occupied territories.

Turks still vividly recall unspeakable acts of cruelty, brutality, murder and rape under Greek occupation. My own grandfather war murdered by the occupying Greeks, leaving my father an orphan at the age of three with his three sisters.

Turks fought a war of independence with no army to speak of, no heavy weapons, no effective telecommunication system, no organization, no money, no technology. The Turks had but one leader, Mustafa Kemal, with a warrant for his arrest and execution, issued by the Ottoman puppets, and they had hope. We fought at every front with the occupying forces with our men, women, our children, relentlessly with our bodies and with our souls, with our antiquated weapons, with our farming tools with our hands, and with our unyielding will to repulse the repulsive. And we succeeded.

Your proclamation at best is one sided. It is based on poor research, it is sinister in nature and designed to serve the interests of the Greek community while trampling all over the truth and the people of New York of Turkish heritage.

Dear Governor, having supported you and having donated to your campaign last election and this election, I feel betrayed. The very least you could have done before your proclamation was to check the historical accuracy of what you were about to say. You didn't.

Very, very disappointed,
Ali M. Keskin
Jamesville, NY

Turning Talk Into Action

Many of you who know me or of me are aware that I have been involved with the Turkish American community for many years. I do these things because of personal satisfaction, personal interest and personal honor as well as the honor of Turks everywhere. When I see seedling of ideas grown into trees by other ethnic groups, even though it discourages me and I get upset, it also reinforces my personal beliefs that as Turks, as Turkish Americans we need to do more on a personal basis. We should not expect others to do our work for us; we should not ask others to donate when we should be donating whether it is money or time and energy. Do not make the mistake of not donating because in your eyes it is a small amount. Always remember that it is a drop that spills the bucket.

Get involved within your local communities and I cannot stress enough the importance of this.

There are so many things that could be done within our own communities from helping the PTA where our children go to school to helping at some of the local charities that constantly are need of help. By helping, by becoming involved within our communities, not only we are able to let others know what and who Turks, Turkish Americans are, but it is also an experience for us, a way of learning from others and applying these ideas within our own Turkish American community.

For many years, I have donated books on Turkey to the local libraries. Many of these books were lost, never borrowed or defaced. Not only it was an expense I was not getting a return on but also the books ended up being sold at the "Buck-a-bag" sale within a short period of time. A couple of years ago, I asked the local librarian what book I could donate and whether she would place in the books a bookplate that read: "This book is donated by Daughters of Ataturk." She suggested a bestseller and gave me the title. I donated the book to the library and the bookplate was placed in the book. A few months later, I met a woman at a local meeting. When I introduced myself and gave her my business card, she remembered Daughters of Ataturk and told me she read the book I had donated. Perhaps this is a drop in the bucket but it worked. I plan to follow this annually on April 23 because it is Turkish Children's and Sovereignty Day as well as United Nations' Book Day.

I read the local newspapers thoroughly and try to go to local meetings, meet local politicians, local businessmen and each time I introduce myself as a Turkish American. It always comes as a surprise to me as how many people have no idea who or what Turks are, where Turkey is, what our language is, etc. I go to other women's organizations meetings and always take "something Turkish" with me. I always keep Turkish lokum, Turkish preserves such as quince jam or sour cherry jam to take to these meetings. People are delighted. They are surprised that our jam bottles or packaging look just like theirs. We must not be from the moon then.

Recently I saw an article in our local newspaper that the local business association was planning to publish a cookbook and was soliciting recipes from the residents. I submitted some Turkish recipes with titles such as Turkish Parfait (Muhallebi), Turkish Harvest Desert (Kabak Tatlisi) and four of my recipes were accepted and published. During the cocktail party that followed to introduce the book, the association asked me to bring one of the dishes. As it is pumpkin time, I took Kabak Tatlisi and it was hit of the evening.

What I am trying to say is that it does not take much to get involved within our communities and make a difference. So, let's roll.

Sema Karaoglu
Daughters of Ataturk www.DofA.org

January 31, 2005
Fox Broadcasting Company
WBFF FOX-45 / WNUV WB-54
2000 W. 41st Street
Baltimore, MD 21211

Re: The 24 Series

Dear Fox Representatives,

My name is Hasan Kumbasar and I am the President of MARTI (Maryland American -Turkish Inhabitants). I am writing this letter on behalf of the Board of MARTI and our members. As a brief background information, MARTI is a non-profit organization established for the purpose of setting bridges between the Turkish and American cultures in the State of Maryland. MARTI serves more than 5,000 Turkish-American people in the state and many more from other nationalities. MARTI has been organizing a variety of different activities such as conferences, picnics, national holiday celebrations, art exhibits, and tutoring activities for children and adults. MARTI has been promoting friendship and peace in the community from the first day it has been established. Because of the importance and uniqueness of its mission, MARTI has received significant assistance and recognition from state and federal representatives; both in the United States Congress and Senate, as well as the Senate of Maryland. More information about MARTI can be found on our website at www.themarti.org.

The reason I am writing this letter is to express our dismay on the broadcast of your “24” TV series. I haven't seen such an unfortunate series like “24”, and have been swarmed with emails and calls from our concerned members and many other individuals. In the series, Turkish people are portrayed as either actual or dormant terrorists. It gave me the impression that the producers are intentionally depicting Turkish nationals as terrorists, because the series is full of incorrect references to Turks and Turkey. To name a few, the main terrorist “Tomas Sherek” is described as Turkish, but to start with even his name is not Turkish. Second, it is described that the vicious terrorist activity in the United States originates from Turkey, another fallacy of the movie. In actuality, no terrorist activity in US has originated from Turkey. Furthermore, the producers seem to be negligent of the fact that Turks use Latin script and have used it for about 75 years now.

After the program, Fox News aired comments by “24” producers, and cast members stating that the production team was meticulous and detail oriented (please see above!). Assuming these statements are correct, there is no other option left for us but accept that every scene, every image, every word, every insinuation, and every ambiguity is intentional. I and the Board of MARTI are willing to be convinced otherwise by Fox representatives, at your earliest convenience.

The “meticulous” people behind the production of 24 seem to lack any knowledge about the history of Turks as well, nor do they seem to care to do any research. Actually I should give them some credit; they knew the capital of Turkey is Ankara! If they have looked at the history, they would not find any support for terrorist activities anywhere among Turkish people. On the contrary, please be informed that they have been victims of terrorism with thirty plus thousand deaths in the last two decades.

I would also like to impart some basic information on Turkish-American relations. Turkey is a trusted partner of America and has been so for decades. Turkey led the stabilization force in Afghanistan and will do so again next month. Turkey is working closely with the United States to facilitate the Middle East peace process. Turkey exports security in a symbolic sense by being a positive role model as a secular, democratic, and predominantly Muslim-populated, free-market country in a critical part of the world. Furthermore, Turkey sent troops to cooperate with American forces in the Korean War where thousands of Turkish soldiers died, lying side by side with their American peers. Against the communist threat, Turkey has been the foremost fort of the free world.

They (the producers) also seem to be unaware of organizations like MARTI run by Turkish-American community. We at MARTI do not understand what the people behind 24 are trying to accomplish by incriminating such decent and hardworking people. We consider it our duty to inform Fox Television that Turkish-Americans are productive and successful members of the American society, making positive contributions in science, technology, business, education, sports and the arts. Turkish-American families are model citizens in their local communities, helping Parent Teacher Associations, coaching children's sports teams, hosting cultural festivals, writing in their local papers, participating in the activities of their local mosques, churches, and synagogues. You also are discouraging and jeopardizing our efforts and contributions to this society by airing such a show. This will not benefit anybody but deteriorate relationships in our society and our children in future for no reason.

As responsible members of the American society, we see it our responsibility to raise our voice. Please know that this mediatic defamation has hit us hard and we will undertake any necessary action within to the fullest extent of the law unless the show's plot is revised and/or a public apology is broadcast.

Sincerely,

Hasan Kumbasar,
President

FOX TV Sample Letter

Fox Broadcasting Company
WBFF FOX-45 / WNUV WB-54
2000 W. 41st Street
Baltimore, MD 21211

Re: The 24 Series

Dear Fox Representatives,

I am a Turkish-American who has been living in U.S. for many years. I haven't seen such an unfortunate and deplorable TV series like “24”. In the series Turkish people are portrayed as either actual or dormant terrorists. It gave me the impression that the producers are intentionally depicting Turkish nationals as terrorists, because the series is full of incorrect references to Turks and Turkey.

To name a few, the main terrorist "Tomas Sherek" is described as Turkish, but to start with, his name is not even Turkish. Second, it is described that the vicious terrorist activity in the United States originates from Turkey, another fallacy of the movie. In actuality, no terrorist activity in US has originated from Turkey. Furthermore, the producers seem to be negligent of the fact that Turks use Latin script and have used it for about 75 years now.

After the program, Fox News aired comments by “24” producers and cast members stating that the production team was meticulous and detail oriented (please see above!). Assuming these statements are correct, there is no other option left for me but accept that every scene, every image, every word, every insinuation, and every ambiguity is intentional. I am willing to be convinced otherwise by Fox representatives whenever it is possible.

The “meticulous” people behind the production of 24 seem to lack any knowledge about the history of Turks either, nor do they seem to care to do any research. Actually I got to give them some credit; they knew the capital of Turkey is Ankara! If they have looked at the history, they would not find any support for terrorist activities anywhere among Turkish people. On the contrary, please be informed that they have been victims of terrorism with thirty plus thousand deaths in the last decades. I would also like to impart some basic information on Turkish-American relations. Turkey is a trusted partner of America and has been so for decades. Turkey led the stabilization force in Afghanistan and will continue to do so again next month. Turkey is working closely with the United States to facilitate the Middle East peace process. Turkey exports security in a symbolic sense by being a positive role model as a secular, democratic, and predominantly Muslim-populated, free-market country in a critical part of the world. Turkey sent troops to cooperate American and NATO forces in Korea. Against communist threat, Turkey has been the foremost fort of the free world.
They (the producers) also seem to be unaware of organizations like Maryland American Turkish Inhabitants (www.themarti.org) run by Turkish-American community in this country. I don't understand what the producers of 24 and you are trying to accomplish by incriminating such decent and hardworking people. I also see it my duty to inform Fox Television that Turkish-Americans are productive and successful members of American society, making positive contributions in science, business, education, sports and the arts. Turkish-American families are model citizens in their local communities, by helping Parent Teacher Associations, coaching children's sports teams, hosting cultural festivals, writing in their local papers, participating in the activities of their local mosques, churches, and synagogues. You also are discouraging and jeopardizing their efforts and contributions to this society by airing such a show. This will not benefit anybody but deteriorate relationships in our society and our children in future for no reason.

As a responsible member of the American society, I take it my responsibility to raise my voice against such mud-slinging. Please know that this mediatic defamation has hit us hard and we will undertake any action necessary within to the fullest extent of the law, unless the show's plot is revised and/or a public apology is broadcast.

Sincerely,

Signature
Name

All State Sample Letter

Allstate Insurance Company
2775 Sanders Road,
Northbrook, IL 60062

Re: The 24 Series

Dear Allstate Representatives,

I am writing to you about a TV series you have been sponsoring, namely "24" on Fox Network. I hope you are aware of the great disappointment this sponsorship causes among the Turkish-American community here in US, and the Turks all around the world.

In the season 4 premiere night, the aforementioned TV show depicted a so-called Turkish family residing in California as a dormant \terrorist cell. We Turks are not unfamiliar with negative stereotyping, e.g. by Alan Parker's Midnight Express, but 24 sinks to a new low. The common characteristic of both movies is the utmost distortion and neglect of truth. I believe peace here at home and in the world will not be established unless media stops invoking the racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination.

I believe the Turkish community will take the necessary actions towards this type of discriminations. Today I believe that it is me who decides to take action.

I currently have two policies with Allstate:
1. Allstate Auto Insurance (#XXXXXXXXX) expiring on XX May 2005.
2. Allstate Motor Club (#XXXXXXXXX) expiring on XX September 2005.

I have been with Allstate for more than 4 years. I have enjoyed the service Allstate has provided. However, I am deeply disappointed to see that Allstate spends the money on racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination by sponsoring programs like 24. I should point out that by such sponsorship Allstate, contrary to its expectations, will very likely to lose some very loyal customers.

As I have already paid all my dues for the policies mentioned above, I have decided not to renew my policies with Allstate on their expiration dates unless Allstate withdraws its sponsorship from FOX TV series 24 and FOX TV delivers a public apology.

Sincerely,

Signature
Name

Analyze how & why each letter conveys the intended message effectively,
or what makes each letter not as effective as intended?