On the 17th of October, 2011 "DVV" International, "Anadolu Kültür" and "Hazarashen" Armenian Ethnological Research Center initiated the beginning of the second phase of Armenian-Turkish Reconciliation project.

In 2009 in the frames of program called "Adult Education and Oral History Contributing to the Armenian-Turkish Reconciliation" a project started, the aim of which was to contribute to the reconciliation in the region through open dialogue.

In 2009 a camp was organized in Armenia for a group of Armenian and Turkish students aiming to teach them methods of doing research in oral history. Later, in 2010 the second camp was organized in Turkey during which the young people realized small projects. The research carried out during the realization of these projects became the basis for the publication "Speaking to One Another: Personal Memories of the Past in Armenian and Turkey", as well as for the exhibitions held in different cities and towns.

The successful implementation of this project led to the beginning of the new one.

Local History Workshop in Mush

In October, 2011 Armenian and Turkish young people formed a new working group. The young people got the chance not only to get to know each other, understand what remained in the memories of people about the past, but also make preparations for the new joint publication, through which wider layers of our societies will learn about these experiences.

For this purpose young people studied the history of Mush town and its surroundings, conducted interviews with the locals, took lots of photos, revealed the cultural heritage remaining in the town.

For the Armenian side the project was also productive in a sense that the participants before getting to Mush had a unique chance to visit different towns of historical Western Armenia, particularly Kars, Ani, Van, Bayazet, they climbed Ararat mountain (2500 meters), visited Berkri waterfall, Bitlis, St. Khach church of Akhtamar island, Erzurum.

Even some of the Turkish participants confessed they would also like to have a chance to visit these places.

The second phase of the project is still ahead. It will take place in Armenia in spring, 2012. After the second workshop a publication will be prepared, which will reflect the impressions, achievements and the creative work of the participants.

Website of "Speaking to One Another" project

English, Armenian and Turkish versions of "Speaking to One Another: Personal Memories of the Past in Armenian and Turkey" publication

Sofia Manukyan

Participant of 2011-2012 project