10.08.05
Motives:

• belief that there is not enough sufficient interaction between Turkish and Armenian population
• TESEV report indicates that we don’t know each other
• I have an Armenian-Turkish friend in Turkey, I love them thus I can love all : )
• facing with a new culture always brings me happiness and makes me think
• I believe in a common history of all human beings and specifically we, Armenians and Turkish, have more common
• I want to see all people as ‘human beings’ first. (because we are, aren’t we :) )
• belief that human beings have many things to do on the ground of human rights, we should work on common problems rather than creating and adding more
• thought that lessons from M. Belge, F. Kentel will be exciting.
• aim to deconstruct what we’ve learn as prejudices coming from national education. and so on, and so forth…

11.08.05
Reflection of yesterday…

The most shocking event was the Armenian students’ learning of the meaning of ‘imam bayildi’. They claimed that their mothers cook it and they like its taste very much but the name ‘îmam fainted’ made them laugh.
I firmly agree with the proposal of Murat Belge which is both the no-recognition of 1915 events in Turkey and the discourse of victimization complicates the problem.
At night, some of us met in some room and sang together. We sang both in Turkish, Armenian and tried to translate the songs for the non-that language speakings.

12.08.05
St. Peter church was the most exciting thing in my day. I took information from Isabella about the church and the birth of Christianity. What is funny about the church is the guide of the Turkish state. He was explaining the story according to Islam. But the tourists were Armenians. Thus, it was really ridiculous to say Armenians that Jesus is not the God itself but a prophet who was given a holy book by the God.
We discussed every bit of political systems of Turkey and Armenia with Gayane in the dinner. That was exciting to discuss these issues with an Armenian girl, thus both of us don’t know anything about the other country.
Then, the language course (real one!) began. We taught many words from Turkish, such as “delikanlı” etc.
Dolma -> common word again : )

15.08.05
Vakiflikoy was an exciting village to see for a Turkish boy. Yet, we even could not imagine the Ottoman times where the population was “not purified”(!) Thus, I have seen the prospect of fall of nationalism one day. Because, we had (as human beings) a common history and lived in cosmopolitan cities. The cosmopolitan city is not New York but Antioch! :)
Titus was beautiful also. I liked the decorations in the corners.
One should not forget the wedding ceremony in Savon Hotel. We have danced, had fun. I have many things to write, but no time.

16.08.05
Yesterday, the funniest part was Orthodox Church. It was like a mix of humanity course and religion. Noone could answer the questions like “what is human” :)
I hope there will be one in Yerevan but with security :) Because if Gevorg’s presentation on Turkish perceptions in Armenia is true (betrayers, killers, etc.) we’ll need security.
I don’t want to eat anything from Savon. For me, Antakya (as a whole except künefe) does not have a delicious cuisine. We reached a consensus that if there is no tahin in humus, it would be more delicious.
In general, I loved the Armenian group.
Now Manan is talking about alcoholic drinks. Toygar is trying to take my attention. :) Hazar is so sweet with Sinan Abi. They passed now in front of us. I’m hearing the voice of Celil – he has a funny English, some kind of British-like I heeaaaa (I hear, he means). Mali can imitate his English very funny.
I don’t know what to write today really. Maybe I lost my ability to think that I had a different life rather than living with Armenians in Antakya. Hey! Give me my life again. :P :)