The confiscation of the former Armenian summer camp Camp Armen - or any similar Armenian property - is not simply a matter of land or property rights but an assault on a people’s identity, Sayat Tekir, an Istanbul-based activist and member of the Armenian Nor Zartonk movement, told The Armenian Weekly.  

He touched on the issues which the minorities in Turkey face, creation and mission of Nor Zartonk, as well as the recent tragedies, including the murder of Hrant Dink and Sevan Balikci and attacks against elderly Armenian women in the Istanbul region of Samatya.

Referring to the atmosphere of fear that has penetrated the life of the Armenian community in Turkey, Tekir shared with his personal story: “Even my own name is the result of that fear. [My parents] named me Sayat, when they actually wanted to name me Ararat.”

The activist also spoke about the Islamized/Hidden Armenians, and their return to the community. He called on those who oppose embracing them in the community: “We can’t have bodyguards guarding the gates of the community. Anyone can be a part of the community. And they must, because they will reinvigorate us. They will bring us a different knowledge. This is important. I say these things as an Armenian.”

The activist gave a detailed description of the Camp Armen movement, which began soon after bulldozers arrived at the camp to demolish it in early May. Tekir underscored the significance of the struggle to save the camp, and the support it has garnered from the general public.

According to him, the revenue from the rent or use of such properties would have supported the community in areas of education and healthcare, while without them both the identity and physical wellbeing of a community suffer.