[Discussion] Fwd: H-TURK: CfP: The Destruction of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire in the Light of Recent Research [Vincent Lima]

[Gonul Pultar]

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From: TSA/H-Net List for Turkish and Ottoman History and Culture 
<H-TURK@h-net.msu.edu>
Subject: H-TURK: CfP: The Destruction of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire 
              in the Light of Recent Research [Vincent Lima]

From: Vincent Lima <vlima@gomidas.org>

CALL FOR PAPERS

The Destruction of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire in the Light of
Recent Research

The Armenian Genocide was a turning point in the formation of modern
Turkey and, more broadly, represents one of the fundamental processes
in the formation of the modern Middle East.  It is an early example of
the destructive power of ethnoreligious nationalism, heralding an era of
genocide and ethnic cleansing that has shaped the world as it is today.

Until recently, discussion of this issue was stalled by a sterile debate
over the appropriateness of the term "genocide." Thanks to the efforts 
of the Turkish government and its advocates to sow doubts as to the 
veracity of conventional accounts, discussions were limited to narrow 
debates about the reliability of first-hand sources. Original research 
and analysis also suffered from the impact of other lobbies, which 
celebrated advocacy over scholarship. Many historians, especially in 
Turkey, found it prudent to skirt the Armenian issue altogether.

There has been little exchange expounding on substantive and meaningful
ideas on the genocide of Armenians, even in an adversarial context.
A notable exception-or more accurately, a new beginning-was an
exchange that appeared in the Summer 1998 issue of "Armenian Forum."
In a discussion that benefited from the participation of distinguished
Turkish scholars, issues of interpretation were brought to the forefront
and new avenues of research were proposed.

A number of scholars have, in recent years, taken up the Armenian issue
anew or integrated it into their existing academic work. Such works
may be divided into two main categories:

(a) Those that introduce new materials and broaden the scope of
discussions into new arenas of inquiry.

(b) Those that pose new questions within the context of existing
paradigms and discussions.

In the interests of solidifying this progress and building on it,
"Armenian Forum" proposes to

(a) Solicit original academic papers on selected issues challenging
our current understanding of the Armenian Genocide.

(b) Hold a conference-seminar based on these papers, which will be
published promptly in "Armenian Forum."

"Armenian Forum" thus hopes to create meaningful dialogue and foster
ongoing research among modern scholars of the late Ottoman Empire.

PROCESS

1. Scholars who wish their work to be included in the proposed 
publication and conference should submit an abstract for consideration 
no later than 30 September 2004.

2. The abstracts will be considered by the editors of "Armenian Forum"
   and decisions will be sent by 11 October 2004.

3. Scholars who are invited to participate will submit their first 
drafts by 24 January 2005. The drafts will be circulated to all 
participants.

4. The proposed conference-seminar will take place in Istanbul
    18-21 February 2005.

5. Participants will submit final papers by 14 March for publication in
    "Armenian Forum." Authors will retain the right to publish their work
    elsewhere after publication in "Armenian Forum."

6. The formal language for articles and conference participation will
    be English.

Please send questions and abstracts by E-mail to:
Vincent Lima and Ara Sarafian, Editors, <forum@gomidas.org>
or by post to:
Vincent Lima, Editor
Armenian Forum
PO Box 208,
Princeton, NJ 08542, USA
- or -
Ara Sarafian, Editor
Armenian Forum
Garod House
42 Blythe Rd.,
London W14 0HA, UK