Sayat Tekir, a representative of the Nor Zartonk civic group in Istanbul, told Hetq that the violence now being perpetrated against the Armenian community in Turkey is nothing new; it’s just that the media and the social internet has raised it to a new level of awareness.

“We have seen pogroms and massacres,” said Sayat, who is visiting Armenia for a week.

Sayat believes that the recent incidents in Istanbul were predictable to a degree because Turkey is closely following the overall Armenian situation, especially preparations for the upcoming 100^th anniversary of the 1915 Genocide.

The community activist said that an atmosphere of fear had descended over Armenian residents of Istanbul and that the time had come for unity.

“The days to come can be quite dangerous not only for Istanbul-Armenians but for RA citizens who have come to Turkey to work,” warned Sayat.

He declared last Sunday’s protest march in Samatya a success because it was the first time that local Armenians came out into the streets to voice their concerns.

Sayat also called on the Armenian community to reach out to other minority groups in order to raise a collective voice in defense of their interests.

Photo: Sayat Tekir (right)