The apology campaign was not only criticized by Turkish denialists, but also by some Turks who felt the statement had not gone far enough, Zaman reports.

"It is a good starting point, but not enough. Firstly, what do they mean by saying 'Great Catastrophe'? Let's name it. It is genocide. Secondly, the state has to apologize," stated Aytekin Yildiz, Coordinator of the Confrontation Association.

Historian Ayse Hur said that Turkey "has to apologize on behalf of the perpetrators and for itself, too, because it has legitimized their actions through the years."

Another prominent Turkish intellectual said, on condition of anonymity, that the Turkish state, rather than individuals, must make the apology.