Batzakidis: “We must apologize to the deads”
Stating that the cemetery wanted to be destroyed in Horozlu (Petinos) is Turkish cemetery, researcher and historian Giorgos Batzakidis from Xanthi said "We should apologize to the dead."
Giorgos Batzakidis, a researcher and historian from Xanthi, who gave importance to the preservation of Ottoman historical monuments and wrote a book about the Xanthi historical clock tower, stated that the cemetery that was wanted to be destroyed in Horozlu was a Turkish cemetery, and he expressed his deep sadness about the attack to the cemetery.
“We must apologize to the dead.” Batzakidis said the following to MILLET from the scene: "This is an old cemetery. This is Turkish cemetery. Here we see some cases of vandalism. We don't know with whose permission this has been done.
About 6,8 months ago, we received the news that construction equipment came here to fix this place. Then we were able to prevent this destruction from happening. From what we see here today, is that there is a continuation of this work.
It is a very sad event. This event is incompatible with the values of the civilized society. This event is incompatible with the values of respect for culture. At the same time, it does not suit a multicultural city like Xanthi. Christians and Muslims have lived and lived together in peace for many years in our Xanthi, our city. This has been so for many years.
Let me tell you this. There has not been a murder between the two elements in the last century. This explains everything. The scene we see here today is very sad. I don't know who should apologize?
I'm just really sorry. We have to apologize to the deads. We, as people who try to protect the Ottoman artefacts in our city every day, are sad.
