Colonel Atilla Altıkat Assassinated in Canada
August 27th, 1982
August 27th, 1982
How Long Ago?
42 years, 6 months, 16 days ago
Location
Ottawa, Canada
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Atilla Altıkat
- Justice Commandos of the Armenian Genocide
Links & References
Tags
Colonel Atilla Altıkat Assassinated in Canada
Colonel Atilla Altıkat, a Turkish military diplomat, was shot and killed in Ottawa. The assassination was claimed by the Justice Commandos of the Armenian Genocide, who stated their act was in vengeance for the killing of 1.5 million Armenians during the 1915 Armenian genocide. This incident highlighted the ongoing tensions between Turkish and Armenian communities over historical grievances and the memory of the genocide. The assassination took place outside a Turkish diplomatic facility, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conflict.
Turkish Colonel Atilla Altıkat was shot dead.
Justice Commandos claimed responsibility for the act.
The event spotlighted the Armenian genocide issues.
It escalated tensions between Turkey and Armenia.
What Happened?
Colonel Atilla Altıkat, stationed as a military diplomat at the Turkish Embassy in Ottawa, was assassinated on the morning of August 27, 1982, as he arrived at his office. The shooter, reportedly affiliated with the Justice Commandos of the Armenian Genocide, aimed to bring attention to the unresolved issues surrounding the Armenian genocide that occurred during World War I. The commandos, a militant group formed by Armenians, had a history of targeting Turkish officials abroad as a method of avenging the deaths of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire. Altıkat's assassination was significant as it marked a prominent act of violence in the global Armenian resistance, characterized by a series of violent responses to perceived injustices from the Turkish state regarding the historical narrative of the genocide.
The assassination led to heightened tensions between Turkey and Armenia, which were already fraught due to the longstanding dispute over recognition of the Armenian genocide. Turkish officials condemned the act and argued that it was an act of terrorism. This incident underscored the polarizing perspectives regarding historical accountability and the ongoing struggle for recognition among Armenian communities worldwide. Furthermore, it drew attention to the concept of justice and retribution in the context of unresolved historical grievances.
In the wake of this incident, there was an increase in security for Turkish diplomatic missions globally, reflecting concerns over similar reprisals against Turkish officials. The assassination further complicated diplomatic relations for Turkey and highlighted the risks faced by diplomats representing nations with contentious historical legacies. The incident resonated deeply within the Armenian community, fueling both anger and resolve for continued activism regarding historical recognition and justice.
Why Does it Matter?
This event serves as a stark reminder of how deeply historical grievances can manifest in modern acts of violence. The assassination of Colonel Altıkat highlighted the ongoing struggle between the Armenian diaspora and Turkey regarding the recognition of the Armenian genocide, influencing both diplomatic relations and public perceptions of historical accountability. It galvanized activism within the Armenian community and had ripple effects on global politics concerning human rights and historical narratives.
Discover More Historic Events from August 27th
Hurricane Irene Hits East Coast, Causes Devastation
Hurricane Irene made landfall along the United States east coast, primarily affecting areas in North Carolina and New Jersey. The storm prompted widespread evacuations, leading to significant disruptions in power and transportation. The storm's impact was felt nationwide, as it resulted in 47 fatalities and left millions without electricity. The economic cost was staggering, with damage estimates reaching approximately $15.6 billion.
Continue ReadingClashes Between Military Junta and Ethnic Armies
In August 2009, violent clashes erupted between the Burmese military junta and several ethnic armies in the Kokang Special Region, a narrow strip of land in Northeastern Myanmar. The conflict was sparked by the government's push for local ceasefire agreements ahead of the 2010 elections. Fighting primarily involved the Myanmar Army and the ethnic Kokang Army, leading to significant casualties. Many civilians fled their homes, seeking safety across the border into China as the situation escalated over three days of intense warfare.
Continue ReadingComair Flight 5191 Crashes at Blue Grass Airport
Comair Flight 5191, a regional jet, crashed shortly after takeoff from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, while en route to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The aircraft took off from the wrong runway, which was too short for its operation, leading to the tragic accident. Of the 50 people on board, only one survivor was found in the wreckage, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in U.S. history.
Continue ReadingNegotiations Begin on North Korean Nuclear Concerns
Six nations including South Korea, North Korea, the United States, China, Japan, and Russia convened to address concerns surrounding North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The talks aimed to find a peaceful resolution to security concerns that had escalated due to North Korea's nuclear ambitions and regional stability. The negotiations were held in Beijing, China, reflecting the international community's desire for dialogue over military confrontation. This multi-party framework marked a significant diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing crisis.
Continue ReadingMars Closest Approach to Earth in 60,000 Years
Mars reached its closest proximity to Earth in 60,000 years, coming within 34,646,418 miles (55,758,005 km). This rare astronomical event captured the attention of astronomers and skywatchers alike, who eagerly awaited the opportunity to observe the planet's surface features more clearly. The alignment of Earth and Mars was facilitated by their respective orbits around the Sun, making it a significant moment for both scientific inquiry and public interest in space.
Continue ReadingAeroflot Flight 2808 crashes on approach
Aeroflot Flight 2808, a Tupolev Tu-154, crashed while approaching Ivanovo Yuzhny Airport, resulting in the loss of all 84 passengers and crew on board. The incident occurred during bad weather conditions, with heavy rain reducing visibility. Air traffic control had cleared the flight for landing, but complications arose as the aircraft descended. Investigations were launched to determine the specific causes, with an emphasis on understanding the role of both pilot error and weather conditions in the disaster.
Continue Reading