PRESIDENT OF SYRIAC FOUNDATION:"SYRIACS ARE HAPPY TO LIVE IN TURKEY"

Keeping their presence with their own language, beliefs and culture for centuries in the tolerant ambiance of Anatolia, Syriacs will benefit from various rights like Greek, Armenian and Jewish communities by adoption of the new Draft Bill of the Foundations Law prepared by General Directorate of Foundations.

Many individuals of Syriac community appointed in top positions within the government in the period of Seljukian and Ottoman Empires and this community has always been loyal to the government. However, other than few Syriacs being deceived by Armenians in the past few years - that there are fanatics in every community - they still express their loyalty to the government. It is also a known fact that many Syriac originated artists are widely acclaimed by the Turkish people. Coskun Sabah from Elazig and Bedri Ayseli from Diyarbakir are two of these artists.

President of The Board of Directors of Syriac Catholic Foundation, Zeki Basatemir made an important statement to weekly Aksiyon about the position of Syriacs. Z. Basatemir stated, "the reason of their involvement in Armenian case is due to the fact that they are Christian", and he added, "Syriacs have always constituted an obedient community. They have never had the ambition to establish a state. They would like to live with other citizens in Turkey at peace".

During the preparation period of Lausanne Treaty, Armenian, Greek and Jewish representatives living within the boundaries defined by the National Pact had joined Lausanne negotiations and determined their status so that they obtained certain rights. On the other hand, Syriacs did not require to be considered as minority. Z. Basatemir's views in this respect are as follows: "Syriacs has always considered themselves close to the government. Referring to the opinion of the community, the then religious leader adopted the view 'We don't consider ourselves as minority, we are a part of this state and this nation'. In the light of those words, they anticipated not to benefit from the rights given to minorities. This indicates that Syriacs feel integrated to Turkish community."

Mainly living in Southeastern region up to 1970, Syriacs began to immigrate due to bad economic conditions and influence of the PKK terror in the region. Part of Syriacs who became dense in İstanbul immigrated to Europe. While emigrating from where they live, Syriacs left several historic works behind.

President of the Syriac Foundation Z. Basatemir stated that the most important problem of Syriacs was the issue of foundations and added that several foundations and properties of foundations were wasted after Syriacs had emigrated from Southeastern region. He also stated, "We have priceless foundations in Mardin; however, when our community has immigrated from Mardin to Istanbul no community has been left there to benefit from these foundations. Owing to laws, we cannot sell these properties or transfer here to make use of them. In contrast, the grants flown there will be used for the same purposes within borders of the National Pact by the same community. Currently 5-10 families are found in Mardin, whereas there are thousands of Syriacs in İstanbul. We have churches. There are landed properties and shops owned by the church. With the revenues of those landed properties and money, churches and monasteries can be restored."

"At a meeting held by Governorship three months ago, we proposed a legal status for gathering all the Syriac foundations under one representative body, thus protection and restoration of historic works of Syriacs would be possible", stated Z. Basatemir.

Saying that they cannot predict the position of Syriacs if the new Draft Bill of the Foundations Law, which is currently on the agenda of the government, is approved, President of Syriac Foundation Z. Basatemir emphasized in the last part of his statement, "Regarding our political view, as the Syriac community we are happy to live in Turkey and being Turkish citizen. We do not want privileged rights. We do not want anything other than our minority rights."

The Draft Bill that allows Syriacs to benefit from the rights of communities having a 'minority' status was welcomed by Syriacs in Turkey and abroad. Bahro Suryoyo Journal of Sweden has also announced this subject matter to its readers. In the meantime, it has been learnt that several Syriac individuals, institutions and organizations sent messages of appreciation to authorities of the Republic of Turkey.

As it may be reminded, in a circular issued a short time ago by the Prime Minister of Turkey Bülent Ecevit, it has been stated that Syriacs who were obliged to immigrate because of the PKK terrorism can return to their villages. The new Draft Bill of the Foundations Law includes considerable articles in favor of Syriacs. As Syriacs, we are grateful to Turkish government.