Although Turkey does not officially recognise the genocide of Armenians, many of the country's residents are working for the recognition of the massacre, and hope for peace between the two states. In the last several years, the number of dissidents fighting for the recognition of the genocide has been growing in the country, especially since the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in 2007, who spoke openly about the Turkish denial of the Armenian genocide. Ankara has responded harshly to the recognition of the genocide by the Pope and other world leaders, and has yet to acknowledge the country's role in the killings. However, in Istanbul, several exhibitions this month mark the centenary of the genocide that left 1.5 million Armenians dead. Michel Marian, a French writer of Armenian origin, who visited one of these exhibitions in Istanbul, says he is appreciative of the support of Turkish citizens, despite the government's reactions. "We recognise the courage shown by these citizens, these Turkish democrats," said Marian
