From the Abode of Islam to the Turkish Vatan: The Making of a National Homeland in Turkey

Abstract

**Abstract:** *The Sounds of Silence*, edited by Ferda Balancar, is a pivotal work that employs oral history to illuminate the experiences of marginalized Armenian communities in Turkey during the early twentieth century. Through interviews with fifteen Armenians ranging from 19 to 70 years old, the book provides an alternative narrative to conventional historical accounts. These personal testimonies recount harrowing tales of ancestral massacres and economic hardships imposed by punitive taxes, such as the Wealth and Revenue Tax introduced in 1945. Dedicated to journalist Hrant Dink, who was assassinated for his advocacy on Armenian-Turkish relations, this volume continues his legacy by exploring the unique challenges faced by Armenians within Turkey's broader social fabric. By juxtaposing these narratives with those of marginalized groups globally, such as African Americans in the United States, *The Sounds of Silence* underscores both the universal and culturally specific dimensions of historical trauma. This work not only documents individual experiences but also highlights how past events continue to shape contemporary identities and societal structures, offering valuable insights into the enduring legacies of violence and resilience within marginalized communities.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)