TURKISH JOURNALIST RECOGNIZED AT THE TURKEY-ARMENIA JOURNALISM AWARD CEREMONY IN ISTANBUL

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Istanbul, Turkey  – The Global Political Trends Center (GPoT) of Istanbul Kültür University together with the Eurasia Partnership Foundation and the Yerevan Press Club and funding from USAID, held the Annual Journalism Award Ceremony on July 7, 2011 in the Consulate General of Belgium in Istanbul. The Consul General of Belgium, François Del Marmol, and his spouse and member of EPF’s Board of Trustees Danielle Del Marmol, hosted the event which brought together distinguished opinion makers, media professionals, civil society representatives from Turkey and Armenia, as well as representatives from several international organizations based in Istanbul.

The Annual Journalism Award is part of the USAID-funded “Support to Armenia-Turkey Rapprochement” project, which seeks to support Armenia-Turkey rapprochement by facilitating engagement between civil society groups, establishment and development of business partnerships and regional professional networks, and enhanced understanding between the people, for peace and economic integration in the region.

The Yerevan Press Club and GPoT established the Journalism Award to recognize the highest quality and most engaging media publications on Armenian-Turkish issues. A jury of three Armenian and three Turkish renowned media experts regularly reviews publications by Armenian and Turkish journalists.

Kadri Gürsel of Milliyet daily newspaper was announced as the Turkish award recipient this year for his coverage of Turkey-Armenia issues and contribution to the normalization of relations between the two countries.

“In the past, mainstream media in both countries were reflecting the official state views. In his articles, however, Kadri Gürsel reflected his own personal experience and opinion with a very professional approach to the problems between Armenia and Turkey. Only these kinds of publications can help these countries understand each other,” Yerevan Press Club President Boris Navasardian was quoted by the Turkish Hürriyet Daily on July 8. “Reporting about Armenian issues used to be a taboo for Turkish journalist in the past,” Gürsel said. “I cannot say this taboo has been broken totally, however it is not as strong as it used to be. Now we can write about this issue more freely.”

The award ceremony for an Armenian award recipient was held on May 18, 2011 as part of the USAID-supported Armenia-Turkey Policy and Media Discussions in Yerevan. Edward Mkrtchian from Gala TV based in Gyumri, Armenia received the award for his “Tell Me Who’s Your Neighbor?” series of short films featuring Armenia-Turkey relations.