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Book of Istanbul-Armenian journalist breaks the ice in Turkey

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The work of 12 years of Istanbul-Armenian journalist Verichan Ziflioglu was summed up in a book. Her book entitled “The story of Armenians who are in purgatory/ ‘We do not curry favour with either Jesus or the Prophet Mohammed” was published in August. Her  research in Eastern Anatolia for over twelve years has culminated in a publication by Turkey’s largest publishing house, İletişim. The book has been published 1000 copies and the first copies have already finished in a short period. The publishing house will be publishing officially the next1000 copies. The bookstores put her book on the best-selling shelves. Verichan confesses that it wasn’t easy work, it was difficult to gain confidence of the Islamized Armenians. - This important book deals with aspects of the history of the Armenian people and the turmoil and suffering they have endured over the past centuries. In this remarkable account of the diverse fortunes of Armenian people, readers will for the first time have access to personal accounts of Armenians who have in the past joined the Kurdistan Workers' Party (commonly referred to by the acronym, PKK or Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê). Readers will also access information on Kurds who over a period of 129 years joined the Turkish Hamidiye corps. The guy whitnessed of the genocide as a soldier. I also spoke to the mullah who was the rescuer of the Armenians during the genocide. I also tried the write the stories of wind bound Armenian women and I tried to tell their stories. In addition, the book aims at identifying and discussing important information and data regarding Armenians who live in Istanbul and their social and personal evolutionary journeys after 1997. The book also traces important sociological data about both Christian and Islamized Armenians before and after 1915. If you read the book you will also find the differences of Islamized Armenians and Crypto Armenians. -How long did you work on the book and how did you find time by being an active journalist? - I worked on this book for 12 years. As a journalist I often go to eastern Anatolia. Besides preparing news I also pick up stories. I knew that picking up these stories was my duty. It was not easy when I tried to contact with the Islamized Armenians in Eastern Antolia. During these years we have been establishing ‘trust’ between each other… - What was the reaction of the literary circles? - Here in Turkey mass media wrote and are still writing about my book. Such as Hurriyet, Radikal, Taraf, Milliyet etc. Diaspora newspapers have also attracted attention to the book. Everyday I receive much email from the Islamized Armenians, they send me their secret stories. -  What inspires you to write? - Besides this book, I have three more books, which have been published here in Western Armenian. Some of my works have been publsihed in English, Georgian and Arabic. I cannot imagine myself without writing. Creating and researching is a kind of lifestyle to me. - How will you describe yourself and what are your plans in the literary field? - I am 100% journalist, I love my profession. I have  new projects. The new project will be the resumption of this book. Next month my Western Armenian book will be published here in Istanbul. The topic is my drawings and poems, it’s a different style of work. I am also working on some books for chilren. Verichan Ziflioglu