For the first time in history, a candidate from Armenia can head the Armenian Patriarchy of Turkey. The Primate of Armenian Apostolic Church Diocese of Gougark, Bishop <b>Sebouh Chuljyan</b> will be the 85th patriarch of Armenians in Turkey if he wins the elections expected to take place in May, Hurriyet Daily News reported.
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.
During a visit to Istanbul, Chuljyan said that if he wins, then the patriarchy will “keep 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 described the recent warming of bilateral relations as “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 said.
The bishop criticized the West’s mediation, saying that Germany played a major role in the events of 1915 (the Armenian Genocide). “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.”
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.
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.
Chuljyan said he visits Anatolia every chance he gets. As to Armenian cultural artifacts in present-day Turkey, 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 Surb Khach (Holy Cross), on Akhtamar Island, Chuljyan said, “I believe that the Turkish people have respect for all beliefs. I believe they will understand the importance of Surb Khach for Armenians.”
