KAMP ARMEN

Istanbul Municipal Council unanimously approved the rezoning plan for rebuilding Kamp Armen.

The symbol of the confiscation of the properties of Armenian society, Kamp Armen’s deed is returned to Gedikpaşa Armenian Protestant Church Foundation. Foundation’s lawyer Sebu Aslangil declared that the returning process is done.

On 25 July Saturday, the victims of the Suruç massacre were commemorated at Kamp Armen, as the vigil to protect the camp enters its 3rd month. Kamp Armen Solidarity planted sycamore trees in memory of the 32 murdered members of the Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGDF).

52 days have now passed since the resistance began at Kamp Armen on May 6 after bulldozers entered the camp in Tuzla to demolish the facilities. Despite promises made by the government and municipality, the deed has still not been returned to the Armenian community.

Still, no official step has been taken for the return of Kamp Armen to its rightful owner. Although current property owner Fatih Ulusoy announced he would return the deed, the official procedure that needs to be carried out at the deed registry was not completed this week either.

Despite repeated promises for the return of Kamp Armen, the official handover has not taken place yet. The current owner of the camp, Fatih Ulusoy, has stated that the procedures are continuing, and that the return will take place next week. The postponement of the return of the camp to after the election has increased concern, and calls have been made for the immediate finalization of the process.

The process for the return of Kamp Armen has reached the final stage, however, the necessary procedures have not been fulfilled. Official procedures need to be completed for the deed to be registered under the foundation’s name.

The Children’s Foundation has published a statement about Kamp Armen underlining the fact that respect to children and their rights necessitates the return of the camp to its true and rightful owners.

HDP Mardin Member of Parliament Erol Dora and HDP Istanbul 3rd zone parliamentary candidate Assyrian lawyer Erkan Metin visited Kamp Armen today.

While reactions to the demolition of Camp Armen mount, and the vigil at the camp site against demolition continues, attempts for a solution have also begun. The matter is on the government’s agenda, and AKP parliamentary candidate Markar Esayan has stated that he has spoken with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu on the issue, and that has work towards a solution has begun. The Armenian community is hopeful yet cautious. The demand is not for expropriation but for the return of the camp deed to the Church Foundation.