ABSTRACT
The denialist attitude of the Turkish State is motivated primarily by the commitment of the State to guarding Turkish national identity and avoiding any discussion of possible consequences of the recognition of genocide. The denialism by the Turkish State, its rationale and its forms are explored to provide an historical and political narrative of the debate. Even after 100 years, the rationale for the Turkish denial of the Armenian genocide remains rooted in the foundations of the modern Turkish Republic. On 24 April 2015, the Turkish government marked the centenary of the battle of Gallipoli in World War I, even though the actual landing of the Allied forces took place on 25 April 1915. The official Turkish position and the attempts at the recognition of the Armenian genocide worldwide most certainly left an imprint on Turkish foreign policy. The legalisation of the genocide denial within Turkey will be considered, with particular reference to freedom of expression and Turkey's international obligations.
