A number of Turkish intellectuals have founded the "History for Peace" organization–to campaign against an April 2003 Turkish Education Ministry decision to introduce anti-Armenian–anti-Greek–and anti-Assyrian material in schools.
The Turkish-German human rights organization TUDEY–welcomed the organization’s initiative–stressing that this is the first time Turkish intellectuals have united to address Turkey’s greatest taboo–the Armenian Question.
The members of "History for Peace," well-known cultural workers–scientists–pedagogues–attorneys–historians–and journalists–recently issued a statement saying: "We–as citizens and parents–are greatly concerned over the changes to be introduced in history books and curriculum."
They stress that school instruction must be conditioned by international views–not by one-sided argumen’s that may result in political confrontation.
Teaching–they urge–must be undertaken "in the spirit of mutual understanding and trust between various nations and ethnic groups."
The new books present Armenia’s–Greeks–and Assyrians as "enemies–spies–and barbarians," while their spiritual centers–churches–and schools claim to "damage communities."