Erdogan Apologizes for Dersim Killings
ISTANBUL, Turkey (A.W.)—Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan apologized today for the killings in Dersim (now Tunceli) from 1936-1939.
The apology on behalf of the Turkish Republic came on the heels of the release of documents showing that military operations had killed thousands in the Dersim region in the late thirties. Erdogan showed documents during his speech implicating the Turkish leadership in the massacres.
According to Anatolia News Agency, Erdogan referred to the Dersim killings as “the most tragic incident of our near past.”
Erdogan laid the blame squarely on the Republican People’s Party (CHP), which was the single party ruling Turkey until the mid-20th century. Erdogan called on the leadership of CHP, currently the main opposition party in Turkey, to apologize for the massacres as well.
“Is it me who should apologize or you [CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu]? If there is an apology on behalf of the state and if there is such an opportunity, I can do it and I am apologizing. But if there is someone who should apologize on behalf of the CHP, it is you, as you are from Dersim. You were saying you felt honored to be from Dersim. Now, save your honor,” Erdogan said according to Today’s Zaman.
“Dersim is among the most tragic event in recent history. It is a disaster that should now be questioned with courage. The party that should confront this incident is not the ruling Justice and Development Party [AK Party]. It is the CHP, which is behind this bloody disaster, who should face this incident and its chairman from Tunceli,” Erdogan added, referring to Kilicdaroglu.
For the video of Erdogan’s speech, click here.