Volume 1
PRESENTATION
Among the tasks of the Turkish General Staff Military History and
Strategic Research and Inspection (ATASE ve Dent.) Directorate is the
promotion of the Turkish Military History through academic study relying on
truthful documents, publication, and conveying it to the future generations at
home and abroad.
Under the light of the above-mentioned principles numerous
publications have been presented to the academia by the Turkish General
Staff ATASE ve Dent. Directorate.
“Relocations,” the measures taken against the instigations and
treacheries of the Armenians have not been viewed through the mirror of
truth, but in the mirrors where the truth was deflected. However, the
“documents” testifying history cannot be denied. Consequently, it was aimed
to publish the documents found in the Turkish General Staff ATASE ve Dent.
Directorate Archives. These documents testifying history explicitly reveal the
circumstances yielding to the taking of measures for “relocations,” the care
in applying the measures, Armenian civic organizations’ carefully planned
rebellion and treacherous activities, and the massacres committed in the
region.
Great leader Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK asserts that: “Writing history is
as crucial as making history. If the writer does not follow the maker
veraciously, the unchanging truth will eventually captivate the humanity.
Being conscious of his assertion, the documents are published without any
interpretation and evaluation whatsoever. Anticipatory judgements have no
place in science of history. The displaying of the existing documents without
any deflection carries a true academic nature. In order to reveal the extent of
terror, and how violence transformed and reached its peak as a social
outrage, the true and thorough analyses of these documents ought to be
made not only by the historians, but also by the social scientists as well.
Only thus it will be possible to deduce lessons from history.
These documents to be published in series will fill the great gap in the
academe. In this respect, the Turkish General Staff ATASE ve Dent.
Directorate will continue to publish the source materials with the same
aspiration.
Erdoğan KARAKUŞ
Air Lieutenant General
Chief of ATASE ve Dent. Directorate
FACTS THROUGH DOCUMENTS
“Migration and the Armenians”. These are the two words that appear
frequently in the recent years along with the “genocide”. “Migration” is only one
of the measures applied in extraordinary circumstances of war. Have only the
Armenians been affected by this measure? Why not the Turks are ever
remembered in the regions mentioned?
Never pronouncing the reasons that paved the way for the relocations in
1915, and taking refuge behind a psychological defense mechanism have
been suppressing the emergence of the facts. The only proofs where the facts
can never be denied are the written documents. As the documents take their
stance the neglected will undeniably emerge.
The following decisions were taken at a meeting, where the Caucasian
Tashnak delegates have also attended, in Erzurum:
“1. To continue to show submission and keep silent until the
declaration of war; but in the meantime to become well equipped with the
weapons to be obtained from Russia and from the inner regions,
2. Should the war be declared, all the Armenians in the Ottoman Army
would join the Russian forces with their arms.
3. To keep silent should the Turkish Army advances,
4. Should the Turkish Army withdraws or comes to the point of
standstill, all the gangs should start their activities behind the lines in
accordance with the plan they already have…”1 The decisions were applied
adherently… As the circumstances became apparent by of the end of 1914,
Armenian activities went off on a tangent. Hence, there were no secure
regions behind the fighting Turkish Army.
According to an evaluation made by the 3rd Amy it was observed that
the main centers of upheaval were to be “Van, Bitlis, Erzurum, and Karahisar
(Şebinkarahisar), and Sivas, Kayseri, and Diyarbakır were to follow”. When
those centers of upheaval are taken into consideration from the military point
of view it can easily be seen that all were located “on the main points of the
range borders”.2 Consequently, it is evident that the military support supplies
had been jeopardized.
The increasing activities of the Armenian rebels in the inner regions
initiates the terror events. Villages and towns are set afire; innocent people
are massacred and forced for migration. “The Armenian soldiers,” in the
Turkish Army, “were fleeing away to the Russian Army at every single
occasion. It was also observed that the officers and the doctors were joining
the Russian Army with a lot of valuable information. At the most critical
1 First World War Collection (BDH); File (Kls): 528, O. Folder (E.D.): 1029, N. Folder (Y.D.): 2061,
Index (F): 21(1-18). See p. 109.
2 BDH; Kls: 528, E.D: 1029, Y.D: 2061, F: 21(1-18). See p. 113.
moment they were pin pointing the arsenals, batteries, and reserve
emplacements to the enemy.3
Thus, under these circumstances, the security decree is issued on April
24, 1915. For, the continuation of the state and the nation was being
threatened. The evaluation that; “It has once more become clearly evident –
through the last upheavals in Zeytun (Maraş, Süleymanlı), Bitlis, Sivas, and
Van – that the Armenians on the Ottoman lands are waiting for the Army’s
weakest position in the continuing war to incite upheavals by taking every
opportunity for granted in accordance with the decisions they have taken
earlier,”4 explains fully the reasons for the taking of security measures.
However, it should be noted that in the application of the relocations human
rights have always been sought; the examples of which will clearly be seen in
the documents.
Armenians have never hesitated to exploit the civic organizations for
their evil intentions. One of the most concrete examples of those civic
organizations, which demonstrate how those associations have been used as
a threat against the basic existence of the state, is the “Armenian Aid
Association,” that was found and chaired by Boghos Nubar Pasha. This
association that was found in Egypt, on the surface, pursued the aim of
“determining the physical and spiritual needs of the Armenian nation”. An
innocent name, and an innocent goal. However, the truth is definitely different.
“Even though the association is known as Aid Association its real aim is to
rescue and free Armenia. Working for this aim by various means is within the
scope of their program. Its general headquarters is in Cairo. There are
branches of the association in the various parts of the Ottoman State as well
as in the Caucasus, Bulgaria, Romania, America, and in other places of
Europe. It especially takes money from the rich. The tradesmen who have
given a lot of money became affiliated to this association. In the balance
sheets of 1911 it was observed that the association had some 27.500
Egyptian liras.”5 Under the disguise of this association, lots of committee
members from Egypt and other countries have come to the environs of Adana,
Aleppo, and Syria and tried to buy weapons and to form political
organizations. Hence, this association is political as the others. The chair and
the members of the association are in fact all committee members.6
The only explanation for the increasing Armenian atrocities, despite
the declaration of the Relocations, is the decisiveness of the Armenian rebel
committees in applying the decisions taken. Mahmut Kâmil Pasha reveals
the situation in naked truth in his coded message to Ministry of Defense on
July 19, 1915: “The cities of Erzurum, Trabzon, Van, Bitlis, Elazığ,
Diyarbakır, and Sivas are the regions of war in the east. It has become
evident that by the discovery of the weapons, bombs, and explosives the
Armenians in Sivas, Diyarbakır, and Elazığ have been pursuing the same aim.
3 BDH; Kls: 528, E.D: 1029, Y.D: 2061, F: 21(1-18). See p. 115.
4 BDH; Kls: 401, E.D: 50, Y.D: 1580, F: 1-3. See p. 128.
5 BDH; Kls: 359, E.D: 1023, Y.D: 1435, F: 3(1-6). See p. 221.
6 BDH; Kls: 483, E.D: 86, Y.D: 1893, F: 1(1-3). See p. 175.
This situation has been further proved by the events occurred in Karahisar
later. I believe that the presence of those villains in the regions where our
army provides its supplies pose a great threat to the army’s provision channels
and jeopardize the security of the army. Army encounters a great danger
when it sends some of its supply forces and additional forces to fight with the
enemies within the region at a time when it engages in a heavy clash with the
enemy;”7 and he further proposes the relocation of the Armenians in those
regions to be moved to Aleppo and Mosul. This is extremely important in
displaying an army commander’s helplessness in besiege. How can an army
fight when it is not certain in the regions behind?
There are numerous examples of this situation during the war. In a
detailed report sent to the General Headquarters by the 10th Army Corps on
March 27, 1915, it is stated that: “Armenian Tashnaksutyun Committee has
set up a secret revolutionary society in the province of Sivas. Its main aim is to
cause turmoil in the regions behind the Ottoman lines and thus to ease the
advancement of the enemy; the members of the mentioned society have been
equipped with various weapons.”8 On the other hand, the detailed
explanations of Marshal Fevzi Çakmak,one of the prominent eye-witnesses of
the period, about the maneuvers on the Eastern Front, while displaying the
hardships at the front draws attention to the activities in the rear echelons.
For the presentation of this work to the reading public and to the
academia, a careful and an extensive study have been undertaken among the
documents pertaining to the Armenian atrocities and treacheries, during the
First World War and the Turkish War of Independence, found in the Turkish
General Staff Military History and Strategic Studies and Inspection (ATASE ve
Dent.) Directorate Archives collections. In the publication of this book the
documents revealing the reasons leading to relocations are taken in to
consideration; such as, rebellion and betrayal, massacring of the innocent,
terror and violence that degrades the human dignity.
In the publication of the documents a chronological and a
contemporaneity of the relevant documents have been sought. The
documents pertaining to the period between 1914 and 1918 have been
planned for publication in series. The first volume of the series contains
documents belonging to 1914-1915 period.
Consequently, it is believed that this work will achieve its due aims as
the original documents and their transcriptions aim at founding of compelling
bases for the academia; the Turkish, and English translations aim at a wider
reading public at home and abroad.
Dr. Ahmet TETİK
Dr. Ins. Col.
Archives Director
Attached is the letter written to Agop Basmacian, one of the
employees of the Kilis Sineyker Company and the head of the Hinjackian
Committee Kilis Branch. The letter, dated May 25, 1914 is worthy of
consideration, is written by Ador Kuyumcian (Allahverdi [God given]
Kuyumcian), who is found out to be the orderly in the Major Ragıp Bey’s
house, Commander of the 1st Battalion of the 73rd Regiment, who resides on
Salihiye Avenue, Findik Street in Damascus.
Prior to my writing I would like to present my deepest regards. I am
doing well, thanks God. However, I deeply regret for not having written you
since I left Kilis. I have just found the opportunity to write you, as I was very
busy. Although I have written to some of my friends at the committee I
regret to say that I did not receive any answer from them. My intention in
writing this letter is that I would like to be informed on two subjects. First,
how does our committee work? What are our friends’ attitudes towards the
committee? Have their number decreased? I hope it increased? If you can
send a letter on this matter or on any related matter I will be glad to be
updated.
Secondly, I would like to say a couple of words to our friends who took
refuge in America or in some other places in pursuit of making money, and
in order to be saved from military service and from the hardships. Please
forgive my daring attempt; I know I am not the man to address them.
However, thinking that it is one the prerequisites of my earlier profession, I
decided to write.
Dear friends,
First of all, I would like to greet you. I would like to say I am very
comfortable, to those who wonder about me. My only discomfort is not being
with you. It is not important, it will not be long. I hope we can come together,
talk and rejoice some day. My intention in writing this letter is to ask a favor
on two matters. I know you will not be offended.
Friends, I do not want any of you to leave Kilis because of the military
service. There are no hardships in the military service. I never knew the
honor of a young Armenian being called a soldier. Now I realize how
honorable the military service is. It is a wrong idea to run away from the
military service. Because the Muslims have stopped the hands that slapped
the Armenian nation for ages. We must feel happy. Yes, a young Armenian
who runs away from the military service should not think of himself as
courageous, for nothing necessary for himself and for the state resides in
him. If a young Armenian runs away from the military service today, in 30
years’ time Armenian nation will have lost 10 men. If all the young men run
away from the military service, how are we going to realize our committee’s
aims? I could have run away for ten times by now, but I did not. The reason
of my not running away is: first of all, my profession requires it to be so;
secondly my nation’s name would be degraded. But you may say that by
running of an Armenian from military service does not mar the Armenians. If
we all think that military service is our nation’s honor, only then the Armenian
nation will achieve a higher position among the other nations of the world.
Do not run away to America or to any other places. Because the matter is
getting worse. There are rumors about the lifting of the military service for
the non-Muslims who run away from the Ministry of Defense. If any thing like
this happens, may God forbid, it is going to be very distressing for us.
Moreover, we will lose a greater thing. That is, we will have to forget about
our sacred mission to realize “Armenia” – carried out by the Armenian
nation, rather by the Hinjack Committee, for over 30-35 years – for which we
have lost thousands of lives. What can be done for this?
We have to pay our debt to the sultan. This is not hard at all. Military
service is two years now. It is not important for a young person at all. What I
am asking of you is not to allow the friends who are intended to run away.
Because it will cost us dearly. A hundred years ago, there were 36 million
Armenians, but now there are only 2.5 million of us. It is not wise to lose the
remaining people in this way. Because, if an Armenian goes to America and
marries there, he himself and his generation will be Americanized. And if he
loses his Armenian characteristics it will not be favorable………
Translation Number
61
Office of the Governor, Diyarbakır
Office of Correspondences
To the Chairmanship of the Istanbul Martial Law Courts Investigations
Committee
Your Honor,
In attachment to the telegram dated October 7, 1914, and numbered
594. Attached are the documents found in Mardirossijan Setrak of
Diyarbakır’s house, their translations, copy of a notebook, and a report about
this person sent by the department of police with under the official seal. For
your further considerations.
October 9, 1914
Governor
---------- .. ----- .. ----------
The documents and letters belonging to Mardirossijan Setrak of
Diyarbakır
Number
1. A handwritten book containing song lyrics, first part contains songs
composed by Garamijan in Turkish. It is written in pencil, all the lyrics that
are marked incite rebellion, uprising, founding of Armenia, destruction of the
Kurds, and boast about the characteristics of the Hinjackian heroes. One of
the papers bears Bedros Perosijan’s address in Tbilisi; second bearing the
signature and the seal of the Diyarbakır Protestant Education Association,
tells about the coming of 8 mounted soldiers to their village, and about the
hospitality of Hamit Agha and Hussein Çavuş towards them; and the third
being an Armenian march encourages and incites the nationalistic
movements.
2. An unsigned letter tells about a divorced woman, who was
converted to Islam of her own accord and married to one of the followers of
the sheikh. Her ex-husband also was converted to Islam of his own accord,
who proposes her to marry him again after having divorced from the follower
of the sheikh. The letter also includes the woman’s answers, she says, “I
was not abducted by a Kurd, I’ve become a Muslim, and marry him!” This
incident shows that the letter is a summary of the incidents between a wife
and her husband.
3. An unimportant writing, it is composed of bandit’s notebook, and
instructions written in English and Armenian.
4. An unimportant writing again, it is composed of instruction books,
and curriculum vitae of some of the well-known people.
5. Although some parts are unimportant, the underlined important
parts are translated below: a mukhtar has brought information about the
soldier. They sheltered us and told them that there was nobody. We do not
know what will happen to us. I go to the shop as if I am a thief. I hide myself,
whenever I see them. We do not know what to do. We are confused.
August 5, 1914. Signed: Your sister Kadar Yağlıcijan
6. There is nothing important.
7. It is composed of an unimportant itemized bill of expenditures.
8. It is an invitation bearing the seal of the Diyarbakır Hinjackian
Committee, its translation is given below: “Dear Friends! Your presence at
the meeting, to be held on November 22, 1909, Monday, at 10:30 P.M., is
requested.
9. An unimportant document. Talks about a family and the issues
pertaining to not sending of money.
10. Consists of ordinary Turkish lyrics.
11. This is also an ordinary lyric.
12. An anonymous drama that tells about the sufferings of the
Armenians under the rule of an imaginary Selim Shah. It ends with a derisive
phrase: “Order is superb.”
13. Consists of an unimportant drama.
14. It is a series of regulations written under the seal of Redcross
Society; however, it is very probable that it is a sub-committee affiliated to
the Daschnakzoutioun Committee. Rather, it is highly probable that, it is a
Book of Regulations for the Secondary Centers of the Central
Daschnakzoutioun Committee under the pretext of the title of the Redcross.
First aim is “to increase the Armenian women’s’ knowledge;” second aim is
“to educate themselves both in familial and individual issues;” third aim is “to
work in order to achieve freedom.” The first four pages of this document are
missing. It starts from page five.
When read deep in to it, it is easily understood that the collected
money would be sent to the centers of the Daschnakzoutioun Committee,
and that no one had the right to ask any questions to the centers. The main
aim of this organization is to set up courses in the morning hours, hold
meetings in the evenings, and hence to try to protect the nation’s rights
through propagandas. Thus, it can be claimed that it has nothing to do with
the well-known Red Cross Society. It is only an organization of the
committee. It has also declared that, another aspect of their missions is to
help to the politically injured Armenian parties, and to help to the wounded
gang members and to the families of the dead gang members who died in
clashes. Other parts deal with their organizations and meetings.
15. There is noting important. It is written by a young girl to her
parents on the occasion of new year.
16. It consists of linguistic studies written in English and French.
17. Consists of a notebook on photography.
18. Consists only of seven leaves of a notebook, early pages are
missing. It consists of the decisions of the society and of the collected
money. The amount of the money collected is 3501 kurus and 10 paras; the
first chairman of the first meeting was Dikran Sabunjian, and the second
chairman was Hagogijan. Bagdasar Haroslijan is a member. In another
meeting Hosib Diaggijan has been elected and the first chairman,
Nalbandijan the second, and Bagdasar Koroghluijan was elected as the
treasurer. Meeting was held in 1911.
19. Although some parts are unimportant, the translations of the
underlined parts are as follows:
(….We are packing up for Alexandria with Kirkor…. We
hope we meet in Alexandria soon. Please write an answer. If
Setrak has already gone to Viranşehir, call him back without
any delay, he has to set out for Alexandria at once, or else
all will be regretful. Do not hold us responsible. Cast three
stones at the Turks (it can be considered as a humiliation)
signed…. Doghu Mardirossijan run away run away after
signing the [documents]). Sent by Setrak and Mıgırdıc
Mardirossijan.
20. An unimportant note.
21. An unimportant piece of paper.
22. An unimportant piece of paper.
23. A postcard for Easter celebrations.
24. A postcard for Easter celebrations.
25. A postcard for Easter celebrations.
26. An unimportant postcard sent from America.
27. An unimportant card.
28. An unimportant card.
29. A celebration postcard.
30. A card declaring that he has saved his life going to New York.
31. A postcard for Easter celebrations.
32. Not important.
33. A postcard for Easter celebrations. Unimportant.
34. A postcard for Easter celebrations. Unimportant.
35. An unimportant postcard.
36. An unimportant postcard.
37. An unimportant postcard.
38. An unimportant celebration postcard.
39. An unimportant postcard.
40. An unimportant celebration postcard.
41. A postcard written by Garabet Chirajian, administrator of Ergani
Maden.1 Its translation is as follows:
(Friend! If only I knew that you were doing well, I would ask for the
March and April issues of the Hinjack Committee gazettes. Please accept
my kindest regards….)
42. An unimportant letter.
43. A postcard consisting Hinjackian march. It has the picture of
Arhanian Kalosh on it. Its meaning, naturally, is to go forward, and to
encourage the national goals, and to incite trouble. Agop Charshafijan sent
it.
44. A notebook containing the recipes of some medicines. It is
unimportant.
45. An important note.
46. An unimportant note on cholera.
47. It is the index of the book of medicine. Unimportant.
1 Diyarbakır, Ergani.
48. A notebook containing the recipes of some medicines.
49. A notebook containing national and rebellious lyrics.
50. A notebook containing lyrics that encourage rebellious issues
throughout. It is full of national lyrics that were previously published in Young
Armenia magazine, in America.
51. Although it is a notebook containing a drama, bearing the seal of
the Hinjackian committee in Diyarbakır, there is no incitement of rebellion in
it.
52. A postcard sent by Dikilijian, English teacher at Sultâni School.
Sender is asking Mardirossijan “What news do you have?”
53. A document containing nonsensical and rebellious lyrics.
54. A magazine printed at the Antep School. It develops on themes of:
working hard, going forward, not sending their children abroad but educating
them in their own country.
55. It contains rebellion-inciting lyrics such as: “I would like to drink
blood and die…”
56. This is also full of lyrics written in rebellious manner.
57. Insignificant lyrics written in Armenian letters with Turkish
meaning.
58. It is not important.
59. It includes an unimportant Turkish puzzle with Armenian letters.
60. It consists of three pieces of letters in an envelope; the important
parts of one of the letters are translated below.
(We have sent it to Young Armenian magazine. How about the
engagements?…. We are learning much from the newspapers. Some say
the Germans have won, others say the French have won. Which is true?
Because the reporters have taken money from the both parties. We hope
that Germany loses. We are of this desire. Because Germany has always
taken a stance against us on the Armenian issue. Let us wait and see that
who is going to give the last breath out.) To: Vartanosh Mardirossijan,
August 6, 1914, Philadelphia. From: Hanijonosh Mardirossijan (a woman).
61. The important parts of this letter are written below: for short we
have talked with Osib and Setrak for a while. However, one thing has taken
us by surprise. As I have written earlier, one of the letters stated that they
have close down the Hinjackian Committee in Diyarbakır. Please send me a
letter on this subject. You have at last paid all the debts by selling the
furniture; I am looking forward to receiving a signed letter on this issue.
62. An unimportant piece of paper containing recipes of some
medicines.
63. The important parts of this letter are as follows: (Why have not you
informed us upon the hanging of a Kurd in your letter dated November 9,
(1914). Forward all the information to us. Inform us about Losik’s arrival to
America
64. A company’s document listing the terms of a contract.
65. An unimportant letter written by a woman.
66. An empty envelope bearing Setrak Mardirossijan’s address.
67. The subject taken in hand is not important.
Above are only the translations of the important parts of the 67 documents
found at the site.
January 1, 1915 Mustafa Reşat
Ottoman Government
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Directorate of Political Affairs
Office of Foreign Correspondences
Number
56487 / 1634
To: Ministry of Defense
In a telegraph received from Fahrettin Bey, deputy of the Petrograd
Ambassador, relying on the information given by the Tbilisi Consulate
General, it has been stated that the precautions taken in our border cities
have decreased the Armenian actions. Armenians are worried about the
continuation of their present policies. Moreover, the Armenians are living in a
state of chaos, and 250 gang members have left Erivan for Tbilisi. It has also
been understood that Antranik has left Tbilisi for an unknown destination
near Çulfa region to organize the Armenian gangs coming from Azerbaijan
and Caucasus in order to entice actions against us in the most appropriate
time. A copy of this telegraph has also been sent to Ministry of Internal
Affairs.
November 3, 1914.
On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Director of Political Affairs
---------- .. ----- .. ----------
Ottoman Government
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Directorate of Political Affairs
Office of Foreign Correspondences
Number
Following is a copy of the letter received from Bucharest Embassy
dated December 21, 1914, numbered 425 // 29350.
In my previous letter dated December 13, 1914 and numbered
404-29312, I had written that the Police Directorate had arrested the
Armenians who have been deceitfully encouraging and supporting the
innocent Armenians, in Ibrail, to go to Russia. I had also written what the
General Director of the Police Organization had declared; the arrested
Armenians were told that if they were to continue their deceitful encouraging
and provocations they would be driven out of Romania. The measures taken
on the issue is proving to be fruitful. In a report received from the Ibrail
Consulate it has been stated that Armenian migration to Russia have been
stopped thoroughly and the Armenian gang leaders who have come to this
city have already left, and that the total number of the Armenians who have
boarded a ship from Kalas to Russia’s Reni port is 400. It has also been
reported that 150 of those people were from Ibrail. According to another
information I gathered from another source some 50 Armenians, most of
whom were Bulgarian of origin, have left voluntarily for Russia. In order to
prevent the migrations and their spreading in due time the necessary actions
will be taken in the presence of the authorities. I, hereby, would like to inform
you that some Armenian notables as well as some individuals are giving
necessary advice to Armenians here.
Ministry of Defense
Department of Defense
Cryptography Office
Code from Ankara to Ministry of Defense
Urgent
It has been reported from the 15th Division Command that upon the
death of an Armenian who has been making bombs in Develi a search was
conducted by the Ottoman administrators and other officials; gunpowder,
weapons etc. have been unearthed in the Armenian cemeteries, and that
further investigations are being carried out in the province. The information
to be obtained will be forwarded.
February 25, 1915
5th Army Corps Deputy Commander
Halil Recai
A copy has been forwarded to the Office of Public Order
An Armenian has been making bombs in Develi
---------- .. ----- .. ----------
Ministry of Defense
Department of Defense
Cryptography Office
Following is the copy of the code sent from Ankara to the Ministry of
Defense.
It has been reported that 21 bombs have been found in the courtyard
of an Armenian church and in an Armenian school located in the Fenese
district of Develi. Consequences will be reported in due time. March 28,
1915.
5th Army Corps Deputy Commander
Halil Recai
Original has been forwarded to Office of Public Order
21 bombs have been discovered in an Armenian church in Develi
From right to Left
1. Kapakijan, member of the rebellion board of the Adapazarı Armenian
committee (bomb was found in his property during an investigation).
2. Kaspar Panchukyijan, member of the rebellion board of the Adapazarı
Armenian committee (bomb was found in his property during an
investigation).
3. Ghenchijan Antranik, one of the presidents of the rebellion board of the
Adapazarı Armenian committee.
4. Kirkor from Amasya, one of the active members of the rebellion board of
the Adapazarı Armenian committee (bomb was found in his property
during an investigation).
5. Mehran Tchizmedzijan, distributes ammunition and guns to the
Adapazarı Armenian committee.
6. Soren Peramijan, makes bombs in Adapazarı (bomb was found in his
property during an investigation).
Ministry of Internal Affairs
General Directorate of National Police Organization
Following is the copy of the coded telegram received from the
Governor of Adana and dated February 26, 1915.
Three Armenians had been caught as they were attempting to take
refuge on board an enemy battleship on February 12, 1915 in Dörtyol1
region – namely Ibrahim, a teacher from Adana; Artin and Bedros from
Dörtyol. Upon this I went to Erzin2. Taking the preliminary measures I have
issued my orders for those who are concerned. Someone called Agop from
Dörtyol has been caught by our military patrols among the reeds on the
shore in the same region on February 24, 1915. This person, in his
1 Hatay, Dörtyol.
2 Hatay, Erzin.
testimony said that they were dispatched to take refuge on board the enemy
battleship in order to denounce the Turkish Army positions, and that they
were ready to defend themselves with their arms even against the weakest
Turkish forces, that they were ready to massacre the Turks in the region as
they were not comfortable in Turkey; he furthermore, claimed that he was
acting in line with the decisions taken at the meetings, he has also given the
names of the members who were present.
Under the light of the information received the suspects have been
arrested, and the necessary measures have been taken. According to the
information received from the Office of the Kaimakam a glass mirror with a
frame belonging to a Heliosta device - two sides black and the middle is red
- has been discovered, on February 25, 1915, among the reeds on the
shores of Payas1 district of the Azirli village 34 km. ahead of the railroad
leading to Iskenderun. Thus, I have given my orders to Avni Bey,
Commander of the Gendarmerie Regiment in Osmaniye, and informed the
regional commander in Erzin on the phone. I have ordered the relocation of
all the Armenians in Dörtyol in Osmaniye, Ceyhan, and in Adana. I hereby
would like to declare that, I have also ordered the sending of those who are
arrested for hanging of the posters, prepared by the Hinjack committee, in
Kozan, advertising upheavals against the government, immediately to the
courts-martial, and informed the local administrators for taking due
measures in the towns.
---------- .. ----- .. ----------
Ministry of Internal Affairs
General Directorate of National Police Organization
To The Office of Commander-in-Chief of Ottoman Armies
Attached is the copy of the telegram received from the Governor of
Adana, dated February 26, 1915, about the Armenians in Dörtyol. For your
further considerations.
February 27, 1915
Minister of Internal Affairs.
There is no need for insisting on taking strict measures for the
arrested.
---------- .. ----- .. ----------
1 Hatay, Dörtyol, Yakacık.
March 5, 1915
To 4th Army Command via Damascus
Someone called Agop from Dörtyol has been caught, on February
24, 1915, in the same region covered with reeds, where three Armenians
who were preparing to take refuge on board an enemy battleship had been
caught previously on February 12, 1915. Under the light of Agop’s
testimony, it has been understood that he was sent in order to inform the
enemy ships about their being uncomfortable in Turkey, that there were
neither military forces nor guns in their region, and if they were to come
with a small force they would join them fully armed and massacre the
Turks. In a telegram message received from the Governor of Adana, dated
February 26, 1915, it has been noted that the orders have been issued for
the arresting of the collaborators, and for the relocation of the Armenians in
the region to the environs of Osmaniye and Adana; moreover, it was also
stated that the ones who were arrested upon the hanging of the posters
inviting people to an uprising against the government, prepared by the
Hinjack committee in Kozan district, were being sent to the military courts
for trial.
These events serve as definite proofs of the Armenian committees’
beginning to take actions in Adana region; furthermore, as these actions
hinder peace and order in the region, necessitate the taking of severe
measures, and the completion of immediate trials of the arrested or of the
ones to-be arrested in order to impede the spreading of the events. Further
information will be given in due time about the results of the measures
taken.
According to the information sent by the Ministry of Interior, relying
on the information they received from the Governor of Adana, it has
become evident, after the interrogations held upon the arresting of three
Armenians who were trying to take refuge on board an enemy ship, that
there were numerous uprising attempts in the region. We hereby request
further information on the procedures carried out by the 4th Army
Command in line with the orders issued on February 25, 1915, for the
arrested.
---------- .. ----- .. ----------
Ottoman Army
Headquarters
Code received from Jerusalem
Number: 2247
C: February 26, 1915
The necessary measures have already been taken. The restructuring
of the 4th Army serves this purpose. The measures are explained below.
1. The detachment in Adana, which is affiliated to the 8th Division, will
not leave Adana for the time being.
2. The regional commanders are given the privilege to found martiallaw-
courts in the regions where Armenians live, if need be.
3. Relocation of the Armenians living in Aleppo has been ordered; as
the position of their present residents, all being in the same district, will not
facilitate the stopping of the uprisings in the city.
4. Regional commanders’ fields of authority have been developed.
5. Moreover, it has been ordered that all the loyal citizens will be met
with utmost kindness and compassion.
February 28, 1915 4th Army Commander
Cemal
The names of the men of Mirkeho3 village who were outrageously
massacred personally by the local Armenians who have joined the Armenian
gangs reinforcing the Russian troops.
Names of the Massacred
Means of Massacre
Abdi’s son Hacı İbrahim
Massacred with bullets and bayonet.
Hacı İbrahim’s son Abdi
“
Abdi’s son Reso
Beaten and slaughtered
Ömer’s son Sado
“
Reso’s son Üsve
“
Canko’s son Kulu
Bayoneted in the buttocks.
Canko’s son Musa
“
Molla Hamit’s son Emin
“
Hamit’s son Molla Abdullah
“
Hacı’s son İbo
“
Hacı’s son Sado
“
Canko’s son Abdal
Slaughtered
Ahmet ‘s son İbo
Stabbed in the belly
İbo’s son İsmail
Burned in the kiln
Özi’s son Musto
By weapon fire
Seyyo’s son Mahmut
Slaughtered
Bero’s son Kaçak
Gunfire
Hüsnü’s son Musto
“
Alu’s son Üso
“
Peri’s son Maksut
“
Peri’s son Hacı
“
Hasan Ali’s son Mehmet
Bayoneted
Hasan Ali’s son İbo
“
1 Van, Özalp, Boyaldı.
2 Van, Özalp.
3 Van, Özalp, Sarıköy.
Mehmet’s son Abdo
“
Molla Süleyman
Burned in the kiln
Abdullah’s son Mezgi
Bayoneted in the belly
Hasan’s son Sulis
Gunfire
Samet’s son Maho
Killed with a dagger
Haso’s son Murat
“
Ökci’s son Üso
Eyes were scooped out with a
bayoneted
Mecit’s son Lezko
Killed with a dagger
Kasım’s son Abdullah
Gunfire
Names of the other men from Mirkeho village
Names of the Massacred
Means of Massacre
Shepherd Abdullah
Gunfire
Bibi’s son Simo
“
Reso’s son Mames
“
Merzi’s son Paşo
“
Timur’s son Gülü
“
Yusuf’s son Murat
Wounded with gunfire and his belly
is torn apart
Hacı İbrahim’s son Cedo
“
Faki Mehmet
“
Abdülcebbar’s son Silo
“
Names of the women who were massacred in Mirkeho village:
Names of the Massacred
Means of Massacre
Hacı İbrahim’s spouse and Haso’s
daughter Kasna
Wounded Gunfire and killed
Adu’s spouse and İsa’s daughter Fatı
“
Reso’s spouse and Amad’s daughter
Zereşan
Bayoneted
İso’s daughter Güllü
By cutting her breasts
İbo’s spouse and Silo’nun daughter
Sülni
Slaughtered her womb and burned
her baby in the kiln
İbo’s daughter Fato
Slaughtered and burned in the kiln
Sedyelere konmuş şehit kadın ve çocuklar
Fidan Hatun
Burned in the kiln
Musto’s spouse and Hacı Han’s
daughter Gülizar
Slaughtered
Halil’s spouse and Mehak’s daughter
Rahime
Gunfire
Molla Süleyman’s spouse and Hacı
Kerim’s daughter Benefs
Burned in the kiln
Derviş’s spouse and Bero’nun
daughter Rusi
“
Simo’s spouse and Ali’s daughter
Mamiye
Slaughtered
Ahmet’s spouse and Hacı’s daughter
Hatı
“
Maho’s daughter Hacer
Killed with Gunfire and Bayoneted
Women of Mirkeho village who were raped and massacred:
Nadire, Sulis’s spouse and daughter of Hacı
Hanı, Lezko’s spouse and Kulu’s daughter
Telli, Silo’s spouse and Zeliha’s daughter
Hamsi, Halu‘s spouse and Arab’s daughter
The wounded men and women found in Mirkeho village:
Ömer’s spouse Samet’in daughter
Beki
Bullet wound
Hacı’s son Hasan
“
Canko’s spouse and Abbas’s
daughter Zeyni
“
Hasan’s son Alu
Bayonet wounds on his arms and on
his belly
İbo’s daughter Fatı, a virgin
Bullet wound
Massacred men of Astoci1 village:
1 Van, Özalp, Tepedam.
Names of the Massacred
Means of Massacre
Alu’s son Mikail
Massacred with gunfire
Ismail’s son Musto
“
Maksu’s son Derviş
Massacred with bayonet
Nimet’s son Ali
“
Gelo’s son Esat
Massacred with bullets and bayonet.
Neb’s son İsa
Massacred with bayonet
Ali’s son Cevher
Massacred with gunstock
Massacred women of Astoci:
Names of the Massacred
Means of Massacre
Hasan’s daughter Ziro
Raped
Acem’s spouse and Ali’s daughter
Hazal
“
Hüseyin’s spouse and Hüseyin’s
daughter Zımmı
“
Women of Astoci village who survived the rapes:
Maho’s daughter Sabo
Maho’s (other) daughter Mary
Noro’s spouse and Ali’s daughter Sehab
Sufi Salih’s spouse and Maho’s daughter Emine
Mami’s daughter Güllü, a virgin
March 4, 1915
The copy is taken from the Book of Tedkîkât-ı Esâsiye [Main
Investigations].
Kaimakam
Kemal
People raped by the Armenian
gangs:
Means of Massacre
Professor Molla Yusuf
Effendi’s brother
Molla Mehmed Effendi
Conceiving his knowledge on Islamic
arts and science enough an
evidence, and subjecting him to
various denigrations, he was taken
away by the Armenians, nothing is
heard from him ever since.
Hacı Molla Said in Kavlik1
He was forced to choke his own
daughter, after every single order one
of his organs has been cut off, and
martyred.
Lieutenant İsa’s friends
Ömer, Ali, Mehmet in Heretil2
Killed with gunfire
Cündi Agha’s maid Asmo in
Şezuhane
She was burned in the kiln together
with her child.
Miha’s spouse Fato in Yamanyurt3
She was choked to death together
with her three children.
Mehmet Abdi’s spouse Abese in
Belecek4
Her arms were cut off and three
inflictions were made on her body.
Maho’s daughter Hanım Hatun in
Belecek
She was taken away after being
subjected to libidinal desires by the
gang leader Antranik.
Mustafa Effendi’s, who works as a
clerk in the Erzurum Army today,
brother Merchant Mehmet Effendi.
He was martyred with bayonets after
taking his 200 liras.
Saray and Esedboyu Mosques have been changed in to stables.
Many madrasa students were forced to accept Christianity; however those
students who have managed to run away remained their beliefs which could
not have been erased from their hearts whatsoever by the oppressions.
1 Van, Saray, Keçikayası.
2 Van, Saray, Kapıköy.
3 Van, Saray, Yamanyurt.
4 Van, Saray.
Nezu Hatun, in Perâkal,1 went mad, for she was forced to serve her
two grandchildren’s flesh, who were burned in the kiln, to their parents whom
were killed upon their refusal to eat.
This list relying on the real interrogations is in unison with the original.
March 15, 1915
Kaimakam of Mahmûdî2
Kemal
To the 4th Army Command Code
C. As I have received your telegram, dated March 14, 1915, this
morning I did not have time to reply during the night. As far I am concerned
about the events in Zeytûn, the only information I have is limited to the
martyring of several gendarme soldiers during a clash that broke out upon
the attack of several people to the prison. I do not have enough information
neither on the identities of the aggressors nor about the sources that led to
the occurrence of the events. However, I am definitely of the opinion that the
Ermenilerce karnında ateş yakılmak ve yüzleri kesilmek suretiyle öldürülen
Türkler
Turks massacred by the Armenians by kindling fire on their groins and by
cutting their faces
aggressors who attempted to violate the soldiers and dared to commit
massacres ought to be punished with the heaviest penalties.
I have read one or two of telegrams, sent by the people of Zeytûn to
Istanbul Armenian Patriarchate and to Sis Armenian Catechumenate, a
shown by the censor officer. As far as I have gathered from those telegrams
and from the Armenian delegate as well as from the notables here, the
Armenians are in a great hurry. They are claiming that these events were
incited by couple of discreditable people, and that all of the Armenian people
were in fact truly loyal and devoted to the government. I believe that,
punishing of the murderers and the aggressors will be sufficient for the sake
of delicacy of the situation; however, we should pretend that we believe in
their so-called sincerity.
Under the present circumstances, the holding of the Armenian
notables and spiritual leaders in Maraş and Haleppo in pledge might lead to
a misunderstanding that the government considers the Armenians residing
in Zeytûn as accomplices, and this will eventually lead to a more severe
sense of insecurity among the Armenians, and to a severe hatred and anger
among the Muslims. At this point, when the major states, which use to
defend them no matter the circumstances were, whether they were right or
wrong, are struggling with their own problems, the wise Armenians will
conceive the delicacy of the situation and evaluate the reasons of upheavals
better, and therefore, I do not think that the Armenians will rise.
Nevertheless, all of these are nothing but my personal evaluations, right or
wrong, as I am not equipped with thorough investigations on the issue.
---------- .. ----- .. ----------
Announcements to the Dependents
The government has started punishing the some of the deserter Armenians
upon their engagement in uprisings and for their hostile behaviors in Zeytûn.
Government punishes only those who are proved to be guilty and hostile.
The right of punishing is solely invested in the government. Special
precautions ought to be taken for the protection of all of the innocent
Armenian citizens, who have proved their loyalty to the state by all means,
and as well as for the protection of the other citizens from the doings of a
few wicked groups. In front of the difficulties encountered, stemming either
from the Armenians or from other citizens, people must act in unison and
only with the government forces, and no personal initiatives should be
allowed. Hence, it is required that utmost care in implementing the rules and
procedures shall be taken by your side.
---------- .. ----- .. ----------
To Ministry of Internal Affairs
C: Your coded telegram, dated October 13, 1915, was given to the
Governor of Maraş while he was here. He has sent it back today, upon his
return to sanjack, with a note attached to its side. His writings are written
below as they are. Although the bandits’ taking refuge in the houses of the
Armenian notables after the clashes is true; this attempt is in fact nothing but
asking for mercy as the governor’s marching over Zeytûn with a battalion left
them no other choice but this, and the continuation of the martial law has
broken their desire to spread terror as well as their courage.
Nevertheless, if the governmental politics necessitate the issuing of an
amnesty for the Armenians in Zeytûn, the power resides in your discretion.
On the other hand, I believe that the forgiving of the bandits, who were
pursued for years and sentenced to death by default for their murdering and
massacring of more than 20 people, will adversely affect the implementation
of the law; furthermore, I believe that their forgiving should be considered
carefully for it will threaten the future peace and security in the region.
An appointed delegate, a school teacher along with two other people,
who were sent to be judged at the martial courts by the governor have
arrived center two days ago. Upon the request of the Chatheghikhos, I have
set the delegate free on condition that he should submit whenever he is
asked to. With the desire of informing of the relevant departments in line with
the governor’s and above-mentioned notes explicitly prior to your orders.
Ottoman Army
Headquarters
Number
2799
Urgent
Code from İskenderun to the Headquarters.
It has been observed that the cigarette paper boxes are decorated
with an inscription of a great fire, war gears, a girls picture; and on the ruined
stones engraved on the boxes the names Sis1, Diyarbakır, and Van along
with other place names appear; these cigarette papers are sold under the
name of Souvenir from Armenia under the signature of Ajemian Godja
Kulian, who is the owner of the shop number 1 at Mahmutpasha commercial
1 Adana, Kozan.
building in Istanbul. In the mentioned box it is stated, in Armenian language
and alphabet, that this cigarette paper reminds Armenians of their past, and
as the paper used is of the best quality it is believed that every Armenian
would prefer this cigarette paper rather than the others. As these pictures
and reminders that have been subjected to a cursed idea found to be
attractive, and the police has amassed all of the cigarette papers of this kind
from the markets and the shops. The measures to be taken in Oraca are
subjected to your orders. Order March 25, 1915.
The Commander of the 1st Mobile Regiment in İskenderun
Rıfat
Submitted the 4th Army Command