The portrait of an ethnic Armenian Mimar Sinan on the 10,000 Turkish lira banknote

The 10,000 Turkish lira banknote features the portrait of Mimar Sinan, also known as Ovsep Agirneci, a great architect of the Ottoman Empire. However, what makes this banknote unique is that Mimar Sinan was an ethnic Armenian.

Born in 1489 in Kayseri, an Anatolian city in modern-day Turkey, Mimar Sinan was a renowned architect who designed and oversaw the construction of hundreds of buildings, including mosques, palaces, and bridges, during his long career in the Ottoman Empire. He is considered one of the greatest architects of the Islamic world and his works are still admired for their beauty and technical innovation.

But Mimar Sinan’s Armenian heritage is often overlooked or downplayed in Turkey due to the country’s history of discrimination against Armenians. Many Armenians were killed or forcibly deported from Turkey during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923, and the Turkish government has been criticized for denying the genocide and suppressing the discussion of it.

The inclusion of Mimar Sinan’s portrait on the 10,000 Turkish lira banknote is a rare acknowledgment of the contributions of ethnic Armenians to Turkish culture and history. It also serves as a reminder that Turkey’s past and present are intertwined with the Armenian people, and that acknowledging this shared heritage is an important step toward reconciliation and understanding.

It is worth noting that not all people in Turkey are comfortable with Mimar Sinan’s Armenian heritage being highlighted. Some ultra-nationalists and anti-Armenian groups have called for the removal of Mimar Sinan’s portrait from the banknote. However, many others see the inclusion of his portrait as a positive step towards recognizing and celebrating Turkey’s diverse cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the portrait of Mimar Sinan, an ethnic Armenian, on the 10,000 Turkish lira banknote is a significant symbol of Turkey’s complex and multifaceted history. It serves as a reminder of the contributions of Armenians to Turkish culture and history and highlights the ongoing need for reconciliation and understanding between Turkey and Armenia.

by Vigen Avetisyan