Tag: Turkey

Genocide of 1.5 Million Armenian Christians Recognized by Germany

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The genocide of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks during Wold War I, many of them Christians, has been recognized by the German parliament in a move that prompted Turkey to recall its ambassador in anger.

CHR Comment: The first genocide of the 20th century took place from 1915–1917. As Christian-Muslim relations are strained these days by terrorist attacks and other reports of violence, the memory of the genocide during the First World War continues to cause tension.

Source: Genocide of 1.5 Million Armenian Christians Recognized by Germany, Turkey Throws Tantrum

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End of Christian Rule in Constantinople

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In Turkey, secularists and Islamists alike revere Mehmet II, but both sides paint him in their own image.

CHR Comment: May 29th is commemorated in Turkey as the day when Mehmet II conquered Constantinople in 1453. He ended the Christian Byzantine Empire—the last remnant of the ancient Roman Empire. He likewise converted the grandest church in Christendom, Hagia Sophia of Constantinople, into a mosque. He is a controversial figure these days as different Muslim groups try to interpret his legacy and plan their future.

Source: In 1453, this Ottoman sultan ended Christian rule in Constantinople. But was he a good Muslim? – The Washington Post

Turkish Faith Movement Secretly Funded 200 Trips for Congressmen

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A Turkish religious movement has secretly funded more than 200 trips to Turkey for members of Congress and staff since 2008, apparently repeatedly violating House rules and possibly federal law, a USA TODAY investigation has found.

CHR Comment: The Gulen Movement sponsors interfaith talks with Christian, Jews, and Muslim groups. Although the group is openly committed to peaceful relations, its secretive practices are undermining trust. I’ve added a second link below about their interfaith efforts.

Source: Turkish faith movement secretly funded 200 trips for lawmakers and staff

http://www.interfaithdialog.org/