One of Turkey’s most prominent Armenian politicians, Garo Paylan emerged as a powerful voice for justice and minority rights in a county where acknowledging its troubled past is a source of contention, resentment and danger. As a former member of the Grand National Assembly representing the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), Paylan dedicated his career to advocating for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the protection of Turkey’s marginalized communities. His journey from an educator to a fearless voice of truth demonstrates resilience and determination in the face of systemic opposition.
Early Influences
Paylan was born in 1972 in Malatya, Turkey. It’s a city with deep Armenian roots, once home to a vibrant Armenian population, and a poignant backdrop to his early years. The remnants of Armenian churches and cultural landmarks served as silent witnesses to the tragic events of 1915, which loomed heavily over his family’s narrative. His ancestors’ survival of the Genocide was a story passed down with both pride and grief. These stories instilled in Paylan a deep sense of responsibility to preserve his ethnic heritage.
Reflecting on his family’s past, Paylan once remarked, “I grew up in a household with my grandmother, who was an orphan who had lost her entire family. I don’t need a document [to know what happened]. My grandmother is my document.”
Growing up in Istanbul’s bustling multicultural neighborhoods, he learned to navigate the duality of being Armenian in a predominantly Turkish society. His education at Armenian schools provided him a safe space to explore his roots, yet it also exposed the systemic challenges minority communities faced in Turkey. He pursued higher education at Istanbul University, balancing his professional aspirations with his passion for cultural preservation.
Upon graduating from Istanbul University’s School of Business, Paylan initially worked in his family’s shoe manufacturing business. He later became a board member and coordinator of Armenian community schools in Istanbul, with a focus on projects promoting multilingual education.
I grew up in a household with my grandmother, who was an orphan who had lost her entire family. I don’t need a document [to know what happened]. My grandmother is my document.
This early career as an educator and director of Armenian schools in Istanbul was pivotal in shaping his mission. He not only worked to ensure quality education but also to instill a sense of pride in the students about their Armenian identity. However, the bureaucratic hurdles and restrictions imposed on minority schools were a constant reminder of the broader challenges faced by Armenians in Turkey. “Every step forward was met with resistance,” Paylan has reflected. Yet, these struggles seemed to fuel his resolve to fight for systemic change.
Political Ascent
The assassination of Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in 2007 inspired Paylan to get involved in civil society affairs. He was a founding member of “Friends of Hrant Dink,” which organized annual vigils in Istanbul on the anniversary of Dink’s death, starting in 2008.
His entry into politics was driven by a commitment to address the systemic discrimination faced by Armenians and other minorities in Turkey. In 2015, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the HDP, becoming one of the few Armenians to serve as an elected representative. This was a historic moment, not only for the Armenian community, but also for Turkey’s broader movement for democracy and equality. He served for two consecutive terms; 2015–2018 representing Istanbul and 2018–2023 representing Diyarbakir.
The HDP, known for its progressive platform and focus on human rights, provided Paylan with a public platform to raise his voice. His fiery speeches in Parliament often confronted uncomfortable truths, challenging the status quo. Paylan was also instrumental in drafting policies aimed at protecting minority rights, including legislation to safeguard the cultural heritage of Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians. He also worked to address issues such as hate crimes and the unequal treatment of minority religious institutions.
Paylan’s call for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide has been a cornerstone of his political career. “Acknowl-edging the Genocide is not just about Armenians—it is about healing Turkey,” he has often said. Despite the risks, Paylan has consistently pushed for open dialogue on Genocide recognition—a taboo topic in Turkey. His efforts sparked debates both within Turkey and internationally, garnering support from human rights organizations while drawing the ire of nationalist factions.
Challenges and Risks
Paylan’s activism came at a personal cost. In 2016, during a parliamentary session, he faced physical assault from nationalist MPs after speaking about the Genocide and the historical erasure of Armenians. The incident underscored the hostility he faced in advocating for justice. Reflecting on the attack, Paylan remarked, “Their violence speaks louder than their words—it shows the fear that truth instills in them.”
In addition to physical attacks, Paylan was subjected to relentless hate speech and defamation campaigns. Nationalist media outlets frequently targeted him, accusing him of being a traitor or a foreign agent. Despite these challenges, Paylan remained steadfast. “Silence is not an option,” he once stated. “Our history demands accountability, and our future depends on justice.”
Turkey’s increasingly authoritarian political climate has further complicated Paylan’s work. The government’s crackdown on dissent led to the arrest and imprisonment of numerous HDP members, making his advocacy even riskier. Yet, he continued to raise his voice, drawing strength from the communities he represented.
Legacy and Vision
Paylan’s efforts extend beyond the Armenian Genocide. He has championed the rights of other minorities in Turkey, including Kurds, Jews, Greeks, and LGBTQ+ individuals, advocating for equal representation, freedom of expression, and cultural preservation. His vision for a pluralistic Turkey is rooted in the belief that diversity strengthens society.
One of Paylan’s key initiatives has been the preservation of minority cultural heritage. He has worked tirelessly to restore Armenian churches, cemeteries, and historical sites that have been neglected or destroyed over the years. “These are not just monuments—they are the soul of our communities,” he has said. His efforts have inspired local and international support, though they often face bureaucratic and political hurdles.
Paylan’s ability to bridge divides and engage in dialogue with various communities has earned him respect among human rights activists and international organizations. He frequently participates in global forums, using his platform to shed light on Turkey’s human rights issues. His speeches emphasize the importance of reconciliation, urging nations to learn from their pasts to build inclusive futures.
For Paylan, the fight for justice is deeply personal. “I owe it to my ancestors, to those who perished, and to those who survived,” he has said. His journey serves as a beacon of hope for Armenians and other marginalized groups in Turkey. Paylan’s perseverance in the face of adversity exemplifies the resilience of a community that has been legally and socially silenced.
As he continues his mission, Garo Paylan stands as a symbol of courage and hope for Armenians and other marginalized groups in Turkey. His legacy is a testament to the power of persistence, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. In his own words: “History is watching us. We must decide whether we will be remembered as those who silenced the truth or those who stood for justice.”
Paylan is also the recipient of the Grand Vermeil Medal, and has been twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. He continues to work toward a more inclusive and democratic society.
The Journey Continues
In 2024, Paylan became a visiting scholar with the Europe Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC. His research focuses on the South Caucasus and Turkey. He has taken his message of peace, reconciliation, justice and human rights to the power center of the United States, seeking to build ties and consult with decisionmakers in foreign affairs. He has appeared on various panels and guest lectures in the United States. In January 2025, he was invited to speak at Harvard University about “Building Bridges of Understanding: Hrant Dink’s Legacy in a Fractured World.” In October 2024, he received the AGBU Boghos Nubar Award for his leadership and courage in speaking truth to power.
