YEREVAN. – As a result of the recent attacks that were carried out against elderly Armenian women in Istanbul’s densely-Armenian-populated Samatya district, certain Turkish nationalist factions have achieved their objective of creating a climate of fear among Istanbul Armenians. Turkologist Andranik Ispiryan stated this during a press conference on Monday.

In his words, these assaults were directed against Armenians.

“Judging by the nature of the attacks, it becomes clear that the objective of the Turkish nationalist factions, which set up the assaults, was to create—yet again—a climate of fear and concern within the Istanbul-Armenian community. 

This is evidenced also by the fact that the organizations, which represent the interests of Istanbul Armenians, avoid making assessments on the attacks while the Istanbul Armenians do not conceal their deep concern by the situation and they are afraid to go out alone.    

In addition, Turkish NGOs staged protests against the recent assaults on Armenians,” Ispiryan noted, and said it is very likely that the attacks against the elderly Armenian women in the aforesaid district will come to an end.  

To note, as a result of the recent attacks against elderly Armenian women in Istanbul’s densely-Armenian-populated Samatya district since December 2012, a woman was killed, two others lost one of their eyes, and an attempt was made to kidnap another.