Respect for the 'human rights of nations'

July 2006, page 11

It is commendable that during the 100th-anniversary celebration of Albert Einstein's miracle year, Turkey recognized the contribution of British physicist Henry Moseley (PHYSICS TODAY, November 2005, page 24).

Moseley's connection to Turkey is based solely on his death in Gallipoli in 1915. As astrophysicist Mehmet E. Özel is quoted, "Of course he is British, but he is lying in our land. We consider him part of our heritage."

In contrast to the above, an ancient church in the province of Diyarbakir was recently torn down and its stones used for the foundation of a mosque in its place. This is part of a continuing effort, begun in 1915, to destroy the cultural and religious heritage of the Armenian homeland of 4000 years.

Let us also remember and honor Einstein's concern and desire to "respect freedom and the human rights of nations."¹