Silent Minority Revolution

In these days when there is discussion on whether Ataturk’s adopted child Sabiha Gokcen is of Armenian origin, the government silently put into practice, a decision and abolished the Minorities Sub-Commission (ATK). Then, those set to abolish this commission wondered about the reasons of setting up such a commission, but could not find any information about that. The Commission which was found out to be active since 1962, was noticed after a warning was made about it to the Reform Monitoring Commission (RIG) –including Foreign Minister Gul, Interior Minister Aksu and Justice Minister Cicek. Even though the ATK did not concern Turkey’s harmonization to EU, the Reform Monitoring Commission which is charged to monitor Turkey’s reforms, secretly abolished ATK which was set up secretly in 1962. This commission had imposed numerous restrictions on minorities, including denying permission to minority schools to open summer camps, on grounds that “This will endanger Turkey’s security.” PM Erdogan removed this secret circular letter.In addition, the government set up a new commission, to facilitate solving the problems faced by minorities. This time, the new commission did not include any representative from the National Security Board and the National Intelligence Organization, but instead, representatives of the Interior, Foreign, Education Ministries and the Ministry that the foundations are affiliated. This new commission was then charged with solving the problems of minorities living in Turkey. �