Lebanese writer, publisher and intellectual Naji Naaman, who is a friend of the Armenian people and a supporter of a multi-ethnic culture was recently in Artsakh. Naji Naaman has over 20 books devoted to the Armenian people. In his books, the author shows his love for the Armenian people, as well as Armenian history and culture. On the occasion of the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the writer has released his book “Hundred…And the Genocide Continues”, the presentation of which marked the launch of the events dedicated to the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Lebanon. One of Naaman’s mottos is “Culture can’t be bought or sold” or “A free and open culture shapes peace”.

Hayern Aysor presents “Aparaj”’s interview with the Lebanese writer.

Aparaj: You express great love for and admiration of the Armenian people in your books. What sparked your interest in the Armenians?

Naji Naaman: I have been interested in the Armenians since my teenage years. I had a lot of Armenian friends in the neighborhood that I grew up in. We would exchange different thoughts and ideas, and that sparked my interest. Later, I learned about the history and was introduced to the issue of the Armenian Genocide. I enhanced my knowledge during my years of study at the university. I started conducting research on the histories of ethnic minorities of the Near East, including the history of the Armenian people, and I conducted a more in-depth study on the Armenians than the others. Later, in 1979, I founded my publishing house, and it happened that the building in which I established my publishing house was the property of the Armenian Catholic Congregation of Zmmar. I became friends with the owner, and I began to publish the Congregation’s works as well. My publishing house has released over 350 books, most of which are devoted to the Armenians or are written by Armenians. Among them are Supreme Archimandrite Gevorg Yeghiayan’s book “Days and Visions”, the volumes “Man, the Martyr and the Blessed” and “Christians: The Yeast and Wine of the East” by Ignatios Maloyan and more.

I am very connected to the Armenian people, and I know that this nation is a nation of heroes and martyrs and has its just rights to land and water. The struggle of the Armenians is just, and I consider it my duty to support that struggle. It is the duty of a human being to eliminate injustice, wherever there is injustice. If injustice remains, it becomes ongoing. It’s not by chance that in my book about the genocide I mention that the genocide will continue as long as the criminal hasn’t been punished. Impunity will lead to more evil.

Aparaj: As you mentioned, your book “Hundred…And the Genocide Continues” is called for raising the awareness of the Arab World about the Armenian Genocide. How was the book received in the Arab World?

N. N.: It wouldn’t be immodest to say that this book is the best book about genocide in Arabic, and it was released in Lebanon on the occasion of the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. It was very well received in Lebanon, especially among the Arabs, and what is considered the best in Lebanon is unquestionably considered the best in the Arab World.

One of the best proofs of how well the book was received is the fact that it was presented during an event at the American University in Lebanon. Three famous Lebanese figures, including former President of Lebanon Amin Jmael, former Prime Minister Mishel Aun and Cardinal Beshara Rai expressed their views on the book.

There is freedom of press in Lebanon, but I must emphasize the fact that Lebanese media outlets are a little precautious when it comes to talking about topics related to the Armenians because they’re afraid that the Turks might respond sharply. However, what amazed me was the local Turks’ reaction. It’s safe to say that they even gave a positive response. They would often call me and ask about the book.

I intentionally didn’t include in my book the thoughts or evaluations of any Armenian figure on the genocide, but only the thoughts or evaluations of 256 international figures in 14 languages, and 80 of those figures were my friends and foreigners.

Aparaj: In one of your interviews, you said modern-day Turks aren’t guided by the mindset of their ancestors. So, what do you think the new generation needs to acknowledge what their forefathers did?

N. N.: The first thing that the Turks lack is courage to confront their history and the truth. If they acknowledge what their forefathers did, they’ll first have peace of mind because if the culprit acknowledges his guilt, that is great courage. If Mr. Erdogan wants to go down in history with a good name, he has to change his working style, and he can do that by recognizing the Genocide first. His line of conduct in Iraq and Syria is condemnable. He is fostering the perpetration of new genocides…

Of course, recognition of the Armenian Genocide must be followed by reparations. Just like it is impossible to picture Lebanon without its cedar trees, the sacred mountain of the Armenians needs to be returned to its rightful owners.

Aparaj: Is this your first visit to Artsakh? What are your impressions?

N. N.: I have always been interested in Artsakh. I decided to learn about Artsakh by visiting Artsakh, not via the Internet. I believe Artsakh is really a touristic site, and if the tourist is impartial, he can only talk about the good sides. I believe I’ll visit again because I’m returning with indescribably good impressions. I believe I’ll have books devoted to Artsakh in the future.

We are currently seeing a war between a nation with an old civilization and an uncivilized country. The semi-nomads want to destroy the values of Armenian civilization, and that’s unacceptable.

Aparaj: One of your books ends with the following lines: ��?I am Armenian! I am Armenian, the son of the Armenian nation!’ Are these heartfelt words, or do you have Armenian descendants?

N. N.: I have tried to find out if I have Armenian roots, and I have found that there are Naamans living in Egypt. They are of Armenian descent and moved from Damascus. Currently, I can’t find my roots tracing back to my family and their family. I don’t think an Armenian needs to have an Armenian passport to be referred to as an Armenian. I consider myself Armenian. I am Christian and the son of the Armenian nation. I believe the Armenian Cause is a universal issue, and I consider myself a small part of that issue.

Interview by Hermine Avagyan