The Light of Ararat, Spring 2009

In April 2009, the European Stability Initiative released a report titled “Noah’s Dove Returns: Armenia, Turkey and the Debate on Genocide” (www.esiweb.org). The report relates the profound changes Turkey has undergone in recent years in terms of democratization and open debate of the Armenian question – also pointing out the remaining contradictions. While Turkey continues to expend capital into resisting international recognition of the Armenian genocide, a growing tide of recognition has been witnessed. On the other hand, maximalist demands by Armenians for territory from Turkey is unrealistic, the report argues, because recognition of 1915 events as genocide does not create legal basis for territorial or financial compensation. This short story which illustrates the complexity of the relationship between Turkey and Armenia, is related in place of a conclusion in the ESI report.