ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday sent a message to the Armenian patriarch of Türkiye reaffirming the nation's commitment to unity, mutual respect, and the memory of the lives lost during World War I.

In his message to Sahak II Mashalian, Erdogan extended his "heartfelt greetings to the esteemed members of the Armenian community," while emphasizing the centuries-long coexistence of diverse communities on Turkish soil, said the Turkish Communications Directorate.

"We who have lived together on this homeland for centuries continue to share our joys and sorrows today just as we did in the past.

"Whatever the reason may be, we have never allowed and will never allow even a single one of our people to be subjected to discrimination, exclusion, or marginalization," the president declared.

Erdogan's message comes as Armenian communities around the world observe April 24, marking the anniversary of the incidents of 1915 near the end of the Ottoman era.

Erdogan reiterated his respect and condolences for Ottoman Armenians who perished during World War I, describing the tragedy within the broader context of the empire’s collapse.

"We still feel in our hearts the pain of the lives lost due to the uprisings, the rising activities of armed gangs, acts of sabotage by militant groups, and epidemics during the wartime years corresponding to the final days of the Ottoman Empire," he stated.

The president stressed the importance of facing the past without letting it dominate the present or future.

"With the belief that the sorrowful memories of the past should not hold the present or future hostage, we are also aware that we, as 86 million people (of Türkiye), must build our future together," he said.

Erdogan also warned against attempts to manipulate history to sow division, noting that such efforts have consistently failed to disrupt the social fabric of the nation.

"The peace, security, and well-being of our Armenian citizens – who contribute significantly to our country's cultural, artistic, political, economic, educational, and social life – will continue to be a priority for us, just like for all our other citizens," he added.

Concluding his message, Erdogan called for continued unity and mutual recognition as Türkiye moves forward.

“Just as we have brought Türkiye to where it is today together, we will build the Century of Türkiye side by side, shoulder to shoulder,” he said.

“Under the peaceful and secure shade of the red crescent and star flag, we will forever live freely as honorable citizens of the Republic of Türkiye. With these thoughts, I reiterate my sincere sharing of the sorrows experienced by the Armenian community in the past and once again respectfully commemorate all Ottoman citizens who lost their lives."