Friday, July 13, 2007

From Sarajevo: On meeting an exceptionally brave man who puts his life on the line in the name of truth and memory



Ragip Zarakolu is a Turkish publisher whose company, Belge Publishing, has published books on the Armenian genocide. It was an honor to meet him and one prays for his welfare.

People with views such as his have not fared well in Turkey in recent years.

Among the books he translates and publishes are those by Peter Balakian of Colgate College, who is known for his work on the Armenian genocide. I strongly recommend his work to you.

3 comments:

Srebrenica Genocide said...

Was there any Serbian author who had the courage to acknowledge Srebrenica genocide?

Deborah Lipstadt said...

I don't know.

Shaina said...

Thank you for writing about Mr. Zarakolu, a courageous man indeed.

Along the same theme, I'm sure you and your readers are also familiar with Taner Ackcam and his work "A Shameful Act: The Armenian Genocide and the Question of Turkish Responsiblity."

The book not only fully details the genocide, and shows that what happened to the Armenians was not merely an "accident" or simply a "byprouduct of war." But, a planned organized project by the government.
Just as important as documenting the genocide and responsbility for the genocide, is that he also sheds a light on the righteous; on the ordinary Turks who saved the lives of their Armenian friends and neighbors.
Unfortunately, denial of the Armenian genocide has also meant that these courageous people have been forgotten about as well.