ON THE ISSUES OF HAMSHENS’ IDENTITY
Mahir Ozkana of Hamshen origin inhabited in Turkey may be called a representative of Hamshen intellectuals. At present he is engaged in pedagogics and teaches at school. Not long ago in the Turkish press was published his article on the issues of Hamshens’ identity. Below you can read this article’s minor version.
Hamshens are a nation which throughout the history has suffered a number of traumas. Like a heavy burden they carry on themselves influences of developments happening immediately with them or around them. It has come to be proved by their reaction to the issues connected with their identity displayed even during the most insignificant discussions. Along with the process of assimilation, Hamshens also suffer serious transformation of identity. The first big trauma for Hamshens was adoption of Islam, the second – programs of 1915. The third trauma they suffered as a result of emigration from Hamshen.
To these all was also added the remnant of the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish Republic, which denies all the identities and thinks that all Muslims are Turks. If it is also added the fact that Hamshens are called Armenians, than it will become clear that being a comparatively small nation, Hamshens couldn’t avoid transformation of identity.
Hamshens’ identity is not monogamous. Study of history and culture of Hamshens has shown that besides historical reason it also has social-psychological ones.
Manifestations of Hamshen’s identity
Assimilated identity: This group has mostly lost its ties with its cultural values, or it has preserved it on mere folklore level. They were integrated into the Turkish nation; many of them began living in cities. The most of this group is from Rize Hamshen (Bash Hamshen), however they may also be met in other districts of Hamshen. Most of them consider themselves to be Turks and live like Turks. In this group nothing is known about their ethnic origin. Even if deep in their heart some of them have vague notions about their Armenian origin, they try to get rid of them as soon as possible and pass themselves off as Turk-Muslims.
Denial of identity: being secretly aware of their Armenian identity they consciously lie to their children and surrounding. They hide their identity and are subject to assimilation; however, strong cultural ties preserved hinder their complete assimilation. In this group there are also prerequisites for forming micronationalist Hamshens. The representatives of this group consider themselves to be more Turks than Turks themselves, they sometimes transform into Turkish nationalists and turn into micronationalist Hamshens. At the same time, this contradiction has come to prove that this group still has chances to reveal its national identity and get rid of contradictions.
Indifferent identity: The representatives of this group have different reasons not to be interested in the problem (Armenian origin – R.M.). They know about their Armenian roots and accept it, but at once they bring their arguments and try to get rid of this heavy burden. One of the main and most spread arguments is the following, “There were nations inhabited in Anatolia which jointly waged nationalist-liberation war and formed the Turkish nation. And origin is of no importance.” Strangely enough such an approach, more directed to giving some reasonable shade to denial, is more spread among the intellectuals. It is also spread another opinion that there is no sense to put the accent on ethnic origin: there are things much more important. The most important problems are connected with economics, unemployment. In reality the true objective of such a position is avoiding of the problem’s complexity.
The other opinions spread directed to mollification of political denial and indifference mainly have the ones with religious education. The main point of it is the idea “We all are Muslims.” They think that one may have Armenian roots but it is more important religious and not ethnic identity. “Besides, we are more like Turks than Armenians,” they say and try to make their denial position somehow softer. “For instance, during the whole history we’ve never met an Armenian who adopted Islam. On the contrary, we know that they are disposed quite hostile to Muslims and Islam. Whereas, thanks God, we Hamshens are Muslims and will remain so.” This group, which is aware of its Armenian roots, spares no efforts not to give importance to its ethnic origin and deny it. However, they never have peace of mind.
Identity ready to be revealed: The representatives of this group are ready to accept their identity independent of whether they know about it or no. They have an objective to know the truth. They aspire at self-expression, don’t consider it necessary to hide their roots or play different roles. In this very way they want and protect the rights of other nations for freedom of self-expression. Self-expression is not considered to be nationalism but a precondition to live together fraternally. They believe that people and society which don’t have complexes and know about their past, may built healthy future.
Conclusions
The Black Sea has already begun confronting with itself. Our nation has begun to express itself by means of its music, festivals, internet and other means. However, the most important problem today remains lack of information. Hamshens must refuse their identity’s denial as soon as possible and proceed to saving their cultural values on the verge of final disappearance.
Translated from Turkish by Ruben MelkonyanReturn