Neighbouring countries seldom have friendly political relations. It seems that there is almost always a history of violence and bloodshed between two countries. Turkey and Armenia are no different. The two countries have long feuded over their history. However, for the first time in decades, the Turkey-Armenia border gates have opened to allow for aid to the victims of the series of devastating earthquakes that struck Syria and Turkey recently.
Turkey-Armenia Border Gates Open For The First Time In Decades
The border gates between the two countries that have a long history of feud, opened for the first time in 35 years. After a series of devastating earthquakes rocked the countries of Turkey and Syria, Armenia sent aid and relief for the victims of this tragic natural calamity.
Turkish official and special envoy for Armenia Serdar Kilic has tweeted a post thanking Armenia for all its help. The post also featured images of trucks filled with humanitarian aid sent from Armenia. The gate was situated on the Turkish side of the Aras River and is called the Alican Checkpoint.
This is the first time in decades that the border gate connecting the two countries has been opened. The last time they opened was back in 1988 when Turkey sent aid to Armenia for the victims affected by an earthquake that hit the country.
Also Read: Turkey, Syria Earthquake: Saudi, UAE & GCC Are Stepping Up To Send Relief Plans & Aid
Thank you dear @VahanKostanyan thank you dear @RubenRubinyan for your kind efforts to make this happen. I will always remember the generous aid sent by the people of Armenia to help alleviate the sufferings of our people in the eartquake striken region in Türkiye. https://t.co/4Q6PHOhsVj pic.twitter.com/NNU7r0FLow
— Serdar KILIÇ (@serdarkilic9) February 11, 2023
History Of The Feud Between The Two Countries
The reason that the two countries have less than cordial political relations is because of the history that the two countries have. In 1915, according to the Armenians, 1.5 million Armenians were wiped out by the Ottoman Empire which is a predecessor to the current country of Turkey.
According to the Armenians, this constitutes as genocide.
While Turkey agrees that many Armenians were killed during World War one owing to clashes with the Ottoman Empire, it denies the magnitude of the number. For The Turks, the number of Armenians killed was smaller and it wasn’t systematic as the Armenians believe it to be.
Also Read: Miracles In Tragedy: Children Rescued From The Turkey-Syria Earthquake Rubble
Did you know about this fascinating piece of history?
Cover Image Credits: @Serdar Kilic/Twitter