HETQONLINE
Bishop Sebouh Chuljyan – Istanbul Patriarchate Must Be `Free of Politics’
[ 2010/02/19 | 10:34 ]
diaspora
There’s an election slated for May to decide who will become the next
Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople.
There have been 84 individual Patriarchs since the establishment of
the Patriarchate in 1461. At this crucial juncture in Turkish-Armenian
relations, the upcoming election, due to the illness of current
Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan, is regarded as decisive not only for
choosing the spiritual head of the Patriarchate and the Armenian
community in Turkey, but also because the next Patriarch will need to
map out how the church will navigate the murky waters of
Turkish-Armenian diplomacy.
What follows is a piece taken from yesterday’s Hurriyet. Has the
Armenian press reflected on the importance of the discussions and
debate now taking place in Istanbul regarding the May election?
Bishop Sebouh Chuljyan, Primateof the Armenian Apostolic Church
Diocese of Gougark, will be the 85th patriarch of Armenians in Turkey
if he wins the elections expected to take place in May. He would be
the first from the Republic of Armenia.
According to an 1861 Ottoman regulation that is applicable even today,
a bishop can be the patriarch of Armenians in Turkey if his father was
born in Turkey.
Speaking to Hurriyet during a visit to Istanbul, Chuljyan delivered
important messages not only to the Turkish and Armenian communities,
but also to the Western world.
Speaking at the historical Armenian church of `Surp Kevork’
(St. Gregory) at KocamustafapaÃ?Â?a in Istanbul, Chuljyan said if he
wins, then the patriarchy would be `kept away from politics.’
`We will not repeat the previous mistakes. Let politicians deal with
politics. I will put effort into enhancing the dialogue between the
Turkish and Armenian peoples,’ he said. `We need to look deep in each
other’s eyes and talk about grievances.’
Chuljyan also said the recent warming of bilateral relations is a
historic milestone. He said steps must be taken immediately to
re-establish official relations. `This chance to open the path of
dialogue between the two peoples should not be missed. Time works
against us,’ he told Hurriyet.
The bishop criticized the Western world’s mediation, also saying that
Germany played a major role in the events of 1915. `Germany has not
accepted its responsibility in the events of 1915 until today. It has
always preferred to keep silent,’ he said, adding that the innocent
Armenian population in Anatolia went through great agonies in the past
because of the `egocentric stance of the West.’
`The Western world has manipulated us for its benefits in Anatolia,’
he said. `I would like to think that those who try to act as mediators
between the Turkish and Armenian peoples are trying to get rid of the
burden of their consciences. However, they have their interests in
mind once again, in the form of the Caucasus.’
No need for European mediators
Chuljyan said he believes Turkey and Armenia should start building
dialogue immediately, without mediators. `There is no one who knows us
better than us. Let us overcome our grievances together and start a
dialogue,’ he said.
Throughout the interview, Chuljyan kept his critical stance toward the
Western world, addressing the West: `Do not add any more salt to our
wounds, do not pit the two peoples against themselves for your
interests.’
Chuljyan was actually born in Turkey, in the eastern province of
Malatya, before migrating to Armenia at the age of 10 with his
family. The bishop speaks Turkish fluently. If he is elected
patriarch, he will apply for Turkish citizenship, provided the Turkish
Republic approves. He said he would keep his Armenian citizenship and
become a dual citizen.
Armenians are children of Anatolia
Chuljyan said he visits Anatolia every chance he gets. `We Armenians
are the children of these lands and are bonded here by heart,’ he
said. `Do not misunderstand me. We respect the unity of Turkey. We
love these lands as much as you do because we [too]
e a part of it.’
On the matter of Armenian cultural artifacts within Turkish borders,
Chuljyan said: `We can repair historical structures together; we can
bring our experts together for that. The remains may be a part of the
Armenian culture but they are Turkey’s legacy. All we want [from
Turkey] is to not deny their ownership.’
When reminded of the possibility of reopening for prayer the
historical church of Surp Khach on Akhtamar Island in Van province in
eastern Turkey, Chuljyan said: `I believe that the Turkish people have
respect for all beliefs. I believe they will understand the importance
of Surp Khach for Armenians.’
Mesrob II, the current patriarch, has fallen ill and was diagnosed
with dementia. Chuljyan said Mesrob II has already earned his place in
history books and commented on his sudden illness, which came in the
aftermath of the assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant
Dink: `He received many threats and they damaged his health in an
irrevocable way.’
When asked what he would do if he faced such threats, Chuljyan said:
`Intelligent people full of the love of God do not seek solution in
threats and conspiracies. Strong people who have faith in themselves
overcome problems through dialogue.’