Abstract:

The Ottoman State organized and administered the non-Muslims under its rule on the basis of religion or sect. In this administration called the Millet System, non-Muslims were freed in all their religious and domestic affairs. After the Ottoman-Russian War of 1877-1878, which caused a great shock, the idea of establishing an independent state among the Armenians living within the borders of the Ottoman Empire began to flourish, and this situation caused some uprisings in the 19th century, with the effect of many factors. By the end of the century, it had turned into revolts. In this context, the events that started in Diyarbakir, Mamuretulaziz and Bitlis provinces and in the Sanjak of Urfa soon turned into conflicts between peoples. The Armenians, who wanted to spread the rebellion to a wide base, forced the Assyrians, especially, to support them. Thus, they wanted to show their revolutionary struggle against the Ottoman Empire as "Muslim-Christian". For this reason, some Assyrians who acted with Armenian commissioners or were deceived took part in the events. In this study, it will be discussed how the Assyrians were affected by the 1895 Armenian events that took place in Diyarbakır, Mamuretulaziz and Bitlis provinces and Urfa. Thus, the perspective of the Assyrians towards the Armenians, Muslims and the Ottoman Empire during the Armenian events and what kind of policy they followed will be revealed.

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