“Our father would be so proud!” Kim told Page Six about the April trip, which will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. “Our whole family is so excited.”
The 34-year-old reality TV fixture will bring daughter North West, though it’s unclear whether husband Kanye West will join them.
While Kim’s trip will take place as the country remembers the 1915 genocide, when the Ottoman Turks murdered 1.5 million men, women and children, her rep insists the trip isn’t tied to the anniversary.
But Phil Walotsky, a spokesperson for Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America, tells Page Six that Kim’s visit “makes sense.”
“I think it makes a lot of sense for anyone who is Armenian to want to connect with their roots and travel back there, whether they are famous or not. Especially in light of this anniversary,” Walotsky said.
The family’s Armenian ancestry was passed on by their late father, Robert Kardashian. Their background is often discussed on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” and Kim’s visit will be documented on an upcoming episode.
Kim even appeared in a 2012 public service announcement about the genocide.
The genocide remains controversial for numerous reasons. To this day, Turkey refuses to acknowledge the widely documented massacre as genocide, which could mean reparations for victims’ families and national shame. The United States, a NATO ally, has also refused to call the event genocide. President Barack Obama, who in 2008 pledged to recognize the tragedy, has yet to do so. Some believe that if the US acknowledged the genocide, it could damage relations with Turkey.
“[This trip] … maybe [will] help change some preconceived notions that some may have [about the Kardashians],” said Walotsky, whose organization is closely tied to the Armenian Network of America. “I think it shows a level of sincerity and openness to engage on important issues — particularly as it related to Armenians.”
He continued, “I think Armenians will be appreciative and look forward to their trip and in particular in light of the 100th anniversary.”
The Armenian government won’t announce official plans to commemorate the genocide centennial until later this month.
Can a whole week actually PASS wtout KIM being in the news???Can dt happen at least for a WEEK????
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time am hearing or seeing a picture of their father, I always thought chris was their father.
ReplyDeletetrue @ Efe Kim is always on the news, nd dat makes me remember dat, if no body talks about you then you are nobody,
ReplyDeletedavidsonnewman@gmail.com