This is a Zoom webinar by Ekrem Yener, who is currently enrolled in graduate studies at Istanbul Bilgi University. Mr. Yener's academic research interest focuses on the ethnic cleansing policies implemented by the Union and Progress administration in the last decade of the Ottoman Empire. This event is organized by the Armenian Genocide Research Program of the Promise Armenian Institute at UCLA  and co-sponsored by the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR).

Monday, April 14, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)
Webinar

This lecture explores the roots of Armenian genocide denialist discourse and its construction as part of the official Ottoman state narrative. Drawing on Ottoman archival documents, diplomatic correspondences from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and contemporary publications, Ekrem Yener examines the evolution of these denialist policies. He highlights how various ministries coordinated to shape the industry of denialism and underscores the roles of high-ranking state bureaucrats, especially diplomats, as desk perpetrators (Schreibtischtäter). Yener also uses various archival documents to demonstrate that denial was not only a post-genocide development, but an intrinsic part of the genocidal process itself. 

Born in Zara, Turkey, Ekrem Yener completed his studies in Istanbul and graduated with a degree in engineering from Istanbul Technical University. After receiving a master's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and business administration training from Harvard University, he worked as a manager for an international technology company. Ekrem turned to academic studies after becoming interested in late Ottoman history. After receiving his graduate degree in history from Istanbul University, he enrolled in graduate studies at Istanbul Bilgi University, where he currently is. Ekrem Yener's academic research interest is the ethnic cleansing policies implemented by the Union and Progress administration in the last decade of the Ottoman Empire. In addition to researching Armenian traces in Ottoman archives, Ekrem maintains an extensive book collection and shares his findings at conferences and in academic publications. Currently residing in Istanbul, he is available for freelance work and speaking engagements. 

Sponsor(s): Armenian Genocide Research Program, The Promise Armenian Institute, Ararat-Eskijian Museum, National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR)