‘GENOCIDE’ COURSE FOR TEACHERS IN THE US
By Ahmet Dinc, Ankara
Zaman, Turkey
March 13 2006
The Federation of Turkish-American Associations (FTAA) in the United
States has taken the initiative to explain the true face of the
so-called Armenian genocide. The project was launched in 2006 by
the federation which believes the Armenian issue is not thoroughly
explained to American teachers.
The FTAA, beyond the Atlantic, is exerting great efforts for the
promotion of Turkey. As part of this project the federation aims at
elaborating on the details of the so-called Armenian genocide, and so
far 46 American teachers have been reached as part of this initiative.
In various cities across the US with a high Turkish population, the
FTAA plans to establish “Turkish towns”. In the days following the
“Turkish Day Parade,” this year, “Peace Day Parades” will be started
with the participation of various other nations. The federation
has also launched a campaign to send cards on special days, such
as anniversaries and birthdays, to prominent US figures including
President George W. Bush and pop star Madonna. It has also been
reported that Turks living in the US had requested an imam be provided
by the FTAA.
Establishing community associations such as the Turkish People’s
Union and the Cyprus Association, operating since 1956, Turks in
America have increased the number of such associations to more than
40, and have managed the formation of the federation. From Turkey,
Atilla Pak from Midyat in Mardin, was appointed as the FTAA president
three months ago, and as head of the federation he hopes to shed
light on the problems facing Turks, as well as the Armenian genocide
allegations. The federation, operating in the interests of the country,
continues its struggle in several other areas such as lobbying for
Turkey, Pak informs. The FTAA cooperates with organizations from nine
countries to stage the “Peace Day Parades,” and it will be a wholly
Turkish production, Pak adds.
About a thousand Turkish restaurants operate in the US, according
to the FTAA’s newly elected president. As part of their activities,
they will assemble a box to include three CDs, one will contain the
Armenian Reality, and the others will have information about Turkey
and will reflect the lives of Turks residing in the US. The evil eye,
as part of the unique Turkish tradition, will also be added to this
box bearing the slogan, “Not Turkey, but Turkiye” together with a
tulip motif. Customers at Turkish restaurants will be presented with
this box, as part of the new project initiated by the FTAA.