Everyone in Germany knows Armenians after Bundestag recognized Armenian Genocide: Serovbe Otapashean
An Armenian Genocide memorial will be built in Cologne, Germany. The city authorities approved the proposal of the Church Board of the Armenian community of Cologne on installing the memorial to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
“Armenpress” had an interview with Serovbe Otapashean, Chairman of the Diocesan Council of Germany’s Primacy, on the memorial and the upcoming commemorative events for April 24.
Mr. Otapashean, why was it decided to build the memorial in that very city and in the cemetery of Brück, Lehmbacher Weg region?
In around 9-10 cities of Germany, there are memorials, which were blessed by clergy. We have two memorials in Berlin, one of which being in a cemetery, it is dedicated to the memory of the killed Armenians, Greek and Assyrians, meaning this upcoming memorial isn’t the rst neither the last. The cemetery is very big, a part of it is allocated to us. As we know, there are private areas in Armenian cemeteries in many countries, which are dedicated to the victims of genocide. The goal was that every time Armenians visit this place they remember the victims, and not only Armenians, many Germans will also see the memorial, which will have an engraved writing in Armenian and German.
When is it planned to be erected?
I think it will be erected in one or two months.
Were there pressures on the location of the memorial during the discussions of the decision in the City Council?
Yes, there were, because there were some people (Turks) in the Cologne City Council and organizations cooperating with them, which were acting for the benet of the Turkish interests, and after all German members of the council, who followed them for some reasons. We shouldn’t forget that these processes lasted for around two years, but the majority of the parties were in our favor.
Mr. Otapashean, what would you say about the Armenian community of Germany, namely Cologne? What is the number of Armenians, in what specic areas are they engaged in?
The number of Armenians in Germany is around 50-70 thousand, however I am not sure in the number, because in recent years the number of Armenians arriving from Armenia is big. As for Cologne I can say they are about 8000, but once again I’m not that sure, because these numbers change. They are active in many different spheres. There are people who began their own businesses, trading stores, and academicians.
Overall, what’s the mood in the country for Armenians after the Armenian Genocide resolution was adopted?
The mood towards Armenians hasn’t been bad till now. I live here for almost 50 years and I can say it gets better and better. Initially, in the 1960s, many didn’t know the Armenians, rather very few knew Armenians, and in late 1988, that is since the earthquake, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t know Armenians, namely after the recognition of the Armenian Genocide last year.
April 24 is approaching, what events are planned on that occasion?
April 24 events will be held in all Armenian communities this year, like previously. Meetings will be held, with the participation of members of parties of Germany. Now it is a little difcult to present the programs for all communities.
