The Armenian Genocide was commemorated in Istanbul Sunday evening.

The members of the European Grassroots Antiracist Movement (EGAM), Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), journalists, intelligence representatives and deputies attended the event, Istanbul-base Agos newspaper reports.

Turkish public figure Emel Kurma spoke on behalf of those gathered, stressing that 1.5 million Armenians were exterminated in 1915, and April 24 became the beginning of slaughter.  

“Genocide is a terrible crime, but its denial is even worse. We demand the state to apologize to Armenians and face its reality,” Emel Kurma said.