Diplomat Talks Turkish Politics

Turkish Ambassador Altay Cengizer discussed Turkey’s role on the global political stage yesterday at a dinner discussion hosted by International Relations on Campus (IRoC).

Turkey has made headlines in the past year with its continued effort to enter the European Union, its denial that Turkish massacres of Armenians in the early 20th Century constituted genocide, and its recent military incursions into northern Iraq to attack Kurdish militants.

Cengizer—who is currently a fellow at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs—said that he doubts that Kurds will seek independence from Iraq, but said that Turkey is not opposed to Kurdish independence in principle.

“As long as they choose what they want to do in a democratic process, we will have no problems with them,” Cengizer said.

Cengizer said that Turkey was willing to work with Armenia to form a historical commission that would review the large-scale killings of Armenians during World War I, adding that “Turkey is ready to accept findings of that commission.”

“They were certainly killed of course,” Cengizer said. “We are saying ‘massacres.’”

The Armenian question has been just one of many stumbling blocks in Turkey’s relations with the West.

Germany and France have opposed admitting Turkey to the European Union, partially because of the country’s large size, developing economy, and cultural differences.

“These are devilish questions,” Cengizer acknowledged. However, he said that Europe needs to look beyond those differences and recognize the benefits of Turkey’s entrance.

Cengizer emphasized Turkey’s global strategic importance, telling the audience of about 10 students that Turkey is “the most industrialized country between Tokyo and Vienna.” He added that Turkey “is the only Muslim country growing democratic roots.”

Noting Turkey’s unusually strong economic position, its role as a friend to both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and good relations with Europe and the United States, Cengizer said Turkey “is at the very center of things.”

Cengizer added that he believed the “fundamentals” of Turkey’s relationship with the United States were good, clouded only by a “cursory” treatment of Turkish political issues by the American media.

Event organizer Ryan L. Newbrough ’09 was enthusiastic about the dinner discussion, which was held in Winthrop House’s Owen Common Room.

“Our goal this year is to have one IRoC dinner discussion a week,” Newbrough said.

Attendee Tess M. Hellgren ’11 said Cengizer “was really interesting, and he did a good job of explaining the history.”