Today marks a milestone. Together, we left behind 52 episodes… That’s one whole year of meticulous research work.
Now that our databank is taking shape, the question begs to be asked: how can we make the best use of it? How can we use that information to respond to misrepresentations with facts and scholarly references? How can we help create an atmosphere of civilized dialogue and present responsible opposing views? I am quite optimistic about all those issues; otherwise, why would I do this arduous work week after week? No one is paying me for it or putting a gun to my head? I volunteer to share my knowledge and wisdom because I believe telling the other side of the story truthfully and compassionately will eventually lead to fairness, peace, and closure. Today I will propose to truth-seekers a practical way to use that massive information. But first, a few words on how each episode is created. First, I decide on what topic to explore based on a long list of issues ignored, dismissed, or falsified by the promoters of the alleged Armenian Genocide. I call that list “The 15 Ts of the Turkish-Armenian conflict.” Then I line up all the pertinent scholarly books, white papers, news, editorials, and documents to provide easily accessible references.
Every statement uttered in this program is supported by a scholarly and verifiable reference. The challenge is, of course, how to do all that without boring the viewers. It would help greatly if I could access all the exciting color photos, maps, and documents concerning important events in history. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. Very few photographs exist from those days since the technology of photography was in its infancy 100 years ago. Also, unlike today, the practice of taking photographs of a violent conflict by attackers, victims, or third parties was not always possible or even desirable in those days. Then, of course, there are secrecy and censorship issues that prevent public access to archives. For example, access to the Armenian archives, religious or lay, is limited to those few ardent supporters of the genocide claim. In view of all these considerations, I feel lucky to have been able to find the photos and documents that I shared with you.
So, please don’t judge me harshly on those faint black-and-white photos, fading documents, and boring old maps. I work with what is available. And about that endless parade of numbers, names, and dates, I am afraid you will have to bear with me on that as it is the nature of History scholarship. Although I am a chemist by profession, I find history relaxing as a hobby. I am a student of history. This month would mark my 44th year of reading on these issues. Why do I do this? Because I am curious. I question. I research. I share. I specialize in the history of the 19th and 20th Century Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic that followed it. Over the years, I have built up a personal library of about 1000 books, and most of them, I read thoroughly. I also utilize articles, editorials, and white papers.
When one reads for many years on a given topic, a clearer picture eventually emerges. You begin to separate the grain from the chaff. What is my goal? Simply put, my goal is to shine a light on myths to reveal the realities behind them. To present the other side of the story. To set the record straight. That said, I will propose a simple system for using effectively the information in the 52 episodes. Since the long-discredited political claim of the Armenian Genocide ignores the 15 Ts of the Turkish-Armenian conflict, why not start with them? I suggest selecting a T and then see which episodes explain what T is best. For example
T1) TUMULT (Armenians revolts) See Episodes 24 and 25.
T2) TERRORISM: See episodes 50, 51, and 52.
T3) TREASON: See episodes 50, 51, and 52.
T4) TERRITORIAL DEMANDS: See episodes 17, 19 and 50.
T5) TURKISH SUFFERING: See episodes 39 through 42.
T6) TERESET: Temporary resettlement order of May 31, 1915. See episodes 5, 9, and 10.
T7) TURCOPHOBIA: See episodes 9 through 15.
T8) TELL-ALL: See episodes 50, 51 and 52.
T9) TRANSGRESSIONS: See Episodes 6, 7, 19, and 46.
T10) TRIBUNALS: See episodes 5, 16, 17, 18, 26, 27, 28.
T11) TERMINOLOGY: See episodes 2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21 and 23
T12) TRUST LOST: See episodes 1-5.
T13) TRAPS: See episodes 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, and 13.
T14) TRUTH BASHING: See episodes 2, 3, 4, 5, 35, 38, 42, and 46.
T15) TROPES & TROLLS: See episodes 8, 11, 12 and 13. K-12 STUDENTS: See episodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 39, 40, 41. Many more topics and episode later.
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