The Armenian Revolt in Van: Insights From Military History Documents

Authors : Güzin Çaykiran

Pages : 127-155

View : 62 | Download : 48

Publication Date : 2023-12-31

Article Type : Other

Abstract :Due to its geographical location, Van was a province bordering Iran and in close proximity to Russia in the north. Additionally, the provincial center had one of the highest Armenian populations among the settlements of those lands. Consequently, the geographical location and population factor facilitated the easy organization of Armenians in Van. When the First World War broke out in the Ottoman lands, the Armenians in the province initiated a mass revolt. The revolt initially started in various parts of Van in December 1914 and spread from the surrounding areas to the city of Van. On 20 April 1915, Armenians began the revolt in Van proper by opening fire on Muslim neighborhoods. Fierce battles between the Armenians and Ottoman troops lasted for 26 days. During these battles, numerous Muslims were massacred. According to archival documents, the massacre committed by Armenians in the center of Van on May 17, 1915, was unprecedented in history. From 17 May until the evening of 18 May, the massacre of Muslims continued, and many Muslims who were unable to escape from Van were brutally slaughtered with axes and saws. Finally, on 20 May 1915, Russian detachments entered Van. As a result of the occupation, approximately 100,000 Muslims from Van became refugees and started migrating towards Bitlis. In this study, the daily progression of the revolt initiated by the Armenians in the city of Van will be examined, shedding light on military history documents (war reports), and the impact of this revolt on both Muslims and Armenians will be revealed. The primary sources of the study will be the documents belonging to the Department of Archives and Military History of the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, Armenian documents, and various studies in the literature. These mentioned sources will be analyzed using a comparative method.
Keywords : Van Vilayeti, Ermeni Komiteleri, 1915 Van İsyanı, 24 Nisan 1915, Ermeni Sevk ve İskânı, 1915 Olayları