ISTANBUL (Anatolia)–Turkey’s first Armenian Research Institute will begin its studies this month. The institute–which will maintain contacts with Armenian historians and institutions–will contribute to Armenian-Turkish relations. The institute which was established by the Avrasia One Association–is chaired by retired Ambassador Omer Engin Lutem.
In the beginning–10 academicians will work at the Institute in cooperation with the Avrasia Strategic Research Center. The academicians will not simply conduct research on the allegations of the so-called Armenian genocide–but also on the Armenian Diaspora–modern Armenian society–Armenian politics and economics. The institute will also publish a magazine titled "Armenian Research" in English–which will be sent to foreign countries. Additionally–Ottoman archives and the institute’s research will be open to the public on the institute’s web site.