Turkish President Erdogan fined 10,000 lira for calling statue symbolising peace a 'monstrosity'
The statue was a symbol of unity between Turkey and Armenia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An Istanbul court has ordered Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to pay an artist 10,000 Turkish Lira (£2,500) in compensation, after the politician called his sculpture a “monstrosity.”
Mehmet Aksoy's Monument to Humanity featured two human figures towering 30 metres above the eastern city of Kars, and was designed to symbolise reconciliation between Turkey and Armenia.
But Mr Erdogan made his feelings towards the piece clear in 2011, when, as Prime Minister, he visited the site and suggested it should be removed as it was being erected in the eastern city of Kars.
His comments prompted local authorities there to dismantle the artwork.
Aksoy subsequently sued Erdogan for “insult” to his work, the Anadolu Agency reported.
During the trial, the Turkish Language Association argued in court that the word Mr Erdogan used - "ucube", meaning monstrosity or freak - is not an insult, but rather means "very strange and very ugly", BBC News reported.
However, the court has now ordered Erdogan to compensate Aksoy for the mental anguish caused.
Relations between Turkey and Armenia have long been strained over the mass killings of Armenians under Ottoman rule, which mean the two nations have no diplomatic ties.
Next month marks the 100th anniversary of the start what experts call the Armenian Genocide - a term the Turkish government rejects.
The death toll of the tragedy is disputed, as Armenians say 1.5 million died, but Turkey estimates the total to be 300,000.
Additional reporting by AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments