Turkish Consulate in Jerusalem Operates from Property Owned by Victims of Ottoman Genocide
The Turkish consulate in northern Jerusalem, located on Government Complex Hill, operates from a property owned not by Turkey but by the Syrian Orthodox Church, which represents a community descended from victims of the Ottoman-era genocide. This finding emerged from research by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCAP). The consulate primarily serves the Palestinian Authority and is regarded by Ankara as the Turkish Embassy to Palestine.
The paradox lies in the fact that the Syrian Orthodox Church, which has long sought international recognition of the genocide against its people alongside the Armenian genocide, allows a diplomatic mission representing Turkey, the successor state to the Ottoman Empire responsible for those atrocities, to operate from its property. Thousands of Syrian-Aramean Christians, also known as Assyrians or Syriac Orthodox, were killed alongside Armenians over a century ago.
An Armenian Patriarchate official expressed surprise at the discovery, lamenting that financial considerations appear to have overridden moral values. The Turkish consulate in Jerusalem is more than a diplomatic post; it serves as a platform for soft power, promoting Ottoman heritage and symbols.
This revelation comes shortly after the Israeli government unanimously approved a proposal by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to officially recognize the Armenian genocide, a move expected to heighten tensions with Turkey. The resolution condemns denial and distortion of the historical truth of these events.
Ran Yishai, head of research at JCAP and former Israeli diplomat, noted that Turkey exploits the vulnerability of Middle Eastern Christian communities, especially Syriac Christians living under Erdogan’s regime. In contrast, these communities in Israel enjoy protection and freedom. Yishai called for a reassessment of the Turkish consulate’s presence in Jerusalem, which he described as undermining Israeli sovereignty by acting as a de facto embassy to Palestine and supporting Hamas.
