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"...[T]hese records were at the time compiled
for strictly internal use, i.e. for in-house consideration, and were not
intended for public consumption, [so that] one may be reasonably safe in
declaring the evidence obtained thusly as incontestable."
Vahakn Dadrian was not entirely on the mark when he referred to internal
German-government reports as "incontestable" (in his "signal facts" article
from 2003); the people who prepare such reports could, after all, be mistaken
from time to time. However, what is incontestable is that internal reports are
prepared largely with honest intent, and may be generally accepted as
trustworthy.
The TAT site has stressed Western and Armenian sources to turn the genocide
myth on its ear, since these parties were raised with anti-Turkish sentiments,
and had no reason to defend the Turks — very much opposed to the sources
demonstrating a genocide, who had every reason to be untruthful, or conned by
beloved Armenians whispering in their ears. Now, however, it is time for a
change.
It would be absurd to write about a nation's history by exclusively relying
upon what the enemies of a nation had to say. Yet that is exactly how the
"facts" for the "Armenian genocide" have been compiled.
Now we can understand with better clarity why Armenian and genocide scholars
can be such frauds.
Prof. Justin McCarthy exposes the likes of these propagandists:
Why rely on Ottoman archival accounts to write history? Because they are
the sort of solid data that is the basis of all good history. The Ottomans did
not write propaganda for today's media. The reports of Ottoman soldiers and
officials were not political documents or public relations exercises. They
were secret internal reports in which responsible men relayed what they
believed to be true to their government. They might sometimes have been
mistaken, but they were never liars. There is no record of deliberate
deception in Ottoman documents. Compare this to the dismal history of Armenian
Nationalist deceptions: fake statistics on population, fake statements
attributed to Mustafa Kemal, fake telegrams of Talat Pasha, fake reports in a
Blue Book, misuse of court records and, worst of all, no mention of Turks who
were killed by Armenians.
What you will be reading below, time after time after time, clearly
demonstrate Armenian treachery and belligerence, and the Ottomans' attempts to
perform their governmental duty to preserve order. The reports also
demonstrate, far from having it in for the Armenians, that the Ottomans
attempted to safeguard Armenian lives and properties. In short, they
demonstrate that the concept of "genocide" has no basis in reality.
These documents come courtesy of the Turkish "Military
History Documents Magazine," and were compiled into three separate
volumes by the Turkish "Directorate General of Press and
Information," translated into English and French, for distribution on the
world stage (wonder how far that effort got?). The names of these books were "Documents
I" (this page), "Documents on Ottoman Armenians - II"
and "...III," and published in 1982,
1983 and 1986, respectively. The Ottoman originals were also included in these
books, where they may be accessed in the .PDF file version of these books,
made available on the University of Louisville's web site: Vol. 1,
Vol. 2, and Vol. 3.
An average of a quarter-century has passed since these volumes first appeared,
and yet it appears no Turkish person, governmental or civilian, has taken the
trouble to make these very valuable documents available on the Internet. Isn't
that incredible?
What is below has been faithfully reproduced for the most part (for example,
retaining the quaint British spelling), but some errors in English have been
corrected.
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| TABLE
OF CONTENTS |
NO:
DATE
OF DOCUMENT
SUBJECT
----------------
1) 9.7.1914
Order of 3rd Army Commander on measures to counter Russian provocations through
Caucasian Armenians.
2) 30.7.1914 Identifications of Armenians serving as
3rd Lt. in the Turkish Army.
3) 6.9.1914 Interior Ministry instruction on Zeytun
gang.
4) 6.9.1914 Letter of Ambassador in Teheran on links
Between Russians and Iranian and Caucasian Armenians.
5) 13.9.1914 Letter of Erzurum Provincial authority
on Armenians provoked by Russians.
6) 8.10.1914 Report by Trabzon Governor on
information related to organizing of Armenian armed raiders by Russian Government
7) 11.10.1914 Report by 3rd Army Command on arming of
Armenians by Russians.
8) 24.10.1914 Report by 2nd Cavalry Division
Commander on Kagizman incidents.
9) 29.11.1914 Coded message from Kazim Bey on Van
rebels
10) 4.12.1914 Report by Gendarmerie Commander Kazim Bey (Ozalp)
on Van Rebellion.
11) 20.12.1914 Proposal by Erzurum Governor Tahsin Bey to
Acting Commander-in-Chief Enver Pasha related to Van rebellion.
12) 21.2.1915 Report by Acting 11th Army Corps Commander
on Armenian military deserters in the Mus region.
13) 28.2.1915 Coded message by 11th Army Corps Command on
assassination of one lieutenant and four Gendarmerie enlisted men by Armenians during the
search of Arak Monastery.
14) 11.3.1915 Instruction on method for securing public
order
15) 15.3.1915 List of Turks murdered by Armenian gangs.
16) 18.3.1915 Coded message from Bronzar Pasha on Zeytun
incidents
17) 19.3.1915 Letter from Van Gendarmerie Division Command
on Armenian attacks on Gendarmerie outposts and men.
18) 24.3.1915 Report on Armenian aggressions on Moslem
villages and on gendarmeries in Van and Bitlis regions.
19) 8.4.1915 Coded message from 4th Army Commander Cemal
Pasha on the link of the Patriarch with Zeytun incidents.
20 7.4.1915 Respond of Acting Supreme Command to the
Armenian Patriarch on justice.
21) 16.4.1915 Letter from Van Gendarmerie Division Command
on measures to counter Armenian attacks on Gendarmerie outposts.
22) 20.4.1915 Report from Van Governor Cevdet Bey on Van
rebellion.
23) 20.4.1915 Coded message from Governor of Van on
expansion of the rebellion.
24)23.10.1918 Report from 9th Army Corps Command on
aggressions and plundering by Armenians in Moslem villages
25) 26.4.1915 Order by the Supreme Command on closing down
Hunchak and Dashnak and similar committees and their branches
26) 2.5.1915 Instruction of the Acting Supreme Command on
rooting out of Armenian rebel sources in Lake Van region
27) 21.5.1915 Coded message from Supreme Command informing
participation of Armenian Gang leader Antranik with his men in the Russian Division of
Chernoroyod.
28). 10.6.1915 Regulation on the administration of assets
and properties of Armenians to be transferred to other locations in view of the war and
the extraordinary political circumstances.
29) 15.6.1915 Report from Acting 10 th Army Corps
Commander Pertev Bey on the clash with Armenians on the old fortress of Karahisar
30) 18,6.1916 Report by Sivas Governor Muammer Bey that
Armenian rebels in Karahisar are put under control.
31) 23.7.1915 5th Army Corps Command letter on
aggressions of Armenians in Moslem villages in Bogazliyan
32) 29.7.1915 4th Army Command Report on the
development of the clash between 400 Armenian rebels in Findicik village of Maras and the
132th Regiment.
33) 18.8.1915 Report from the Communications
Inspectorate on the attacks of Armenian enlisted men of the Urfa Workers Battalion on
Moslem soldiers.
34) 23.8.1915 Coded message from 3 rd Army Command
on Armenian rebels in Karahisar.
35) 24.8.1915 Defence Ministry order on actions to
suppress Armenian aggressions in the Yalova region.
36) 14.9.1915 Coded message from 4th Army Command on
Mount Musa incidents
37) 22.9.1915 French Statement on Mount Musa
incidents
38) 9.10.1915 War telegraph from 4th Army Command on
suppressing Armenian rebellion in Urfa.
39) 15.10.1915 4th Army Command coded message on
confrontation in Urfa
40) 12.4.1916 Report by Military Attache in Bucharest on
Armenian volunteers Organization in the Caucasus.
41) 17.12.1916 Interior Ministry announcement on
migration.
42) 4.10.1917 3rd Army Command report related to Armenian
massacres
43) 18.10.1917 Report on trade by Greek, Armenian and
Jewish traders in Istanbul buying food and gold from German army personnel in Istanbul.
44) 5.12.1917 Cease-fire agreement between the Ottoman and
the Russian armies in the Caucasus front.
45) 22.1.1918 3rd Army Command report on Armenian
cruelties and atrocities in Erzincan.
46) 22.1.1918 Armenian cruelties in Erzincan.
47) 29.1.1918 Letter from Ottoman Caucasian/ Armies
Commander Vehip Pasha to Russian Caucasian Armies Commander-in-Chief General Perjovalski.
48) 30.1.1918 Reports by 1st Caucasian Army. Corps
Commander Kazim Karabekir on Armenian cruelties.
49) 2.2.1918 Cruelties by a 2000 men gang made by
Armenians, Georgians and Greeks in the Polathane region. 2nd Caucasian Army Corps Command
report on details of atrocities.
50) 3.2.1918 Situation in Erzincan and Armenian
atrocities.
51) 6.2.1918 Letter of South Caucasian Assembly Speaker
Kekechkori on peace
52) 6.2.1918 3rd Army Command order on measures to protect
Turks from Armenian cruelties in regions behind withdrawing Russian positions.
53) 6.2.1918 Report of General Odishelidje on searches by
Russian soldiers of Moslem homes in Erzincan under the pretext of a Moslem revolution.
54) 21.2.1918 Reply from General Odishelidje to Vehip
Pasha.
55) 10.2.1918 Views of 3rd Army Command on advancing of
the 1st Caucasian Army Corps towards Erzincan.
56) 10.2.1918 Proposal of the Supreme Command related to
the report of General Odishelidje.
57) 13.2.1918 1st Caucasian Army Corps report on the
entering of the 108th Regiment in Erzincan, against Armenian gangs resistance.
58) 20.2.1918 2nd Caucasian Army Corps Command Report on Georgian
and Armenian committees in Trabzon to deliver their arms. and goods to Turks, and on
murdering of over 200 Moslems by Armenian gang led by Arshak before leaving Bayburt in the
direction of Erzurum.
59) 21.2.1918 3rd Army Command report on liberating
Bayburt and cruelties of Armenian gangs.
60) 23.2.1918 Report on Armenian cruelties in Adilcevaz
and Mamahatun.
61) 23.2.1918 3rd Army Command letter of Sansa passage
incident.
62) 27.2.1918 Report wf General Kazim Karabekir on
Armenian cruelties
63) 2.3,1918 Report of 3rd Army Command on Armenian
cruelties.
64) 13.3.1918 Letter by Istanbul and Izmir deputies
to the International Socialist Conference in Stockholm.
65) 21.3.1918 Report of the 3rd Army Command on the
situation in Erzincan and Erzurum.
66) 25.3.1918 Army Command order on just treatment
to the people during the advance deployment of the 3rd Army.
67) 29.3.1918 Report of Armenian Forces Commander in
Erzurum General Antranik as published in the Caucasian newspaper Kabasluv.
68) 29.3.1918 Message by General Kazim Karabekir to
the Armenian community of Kars.
69) 1.4.1918 Report Stating that number of Turks
murdered by Armenians in Erzurum alone was 2,127 according to corpses recovered.
70) 20.4.1918 Letter of 3rd Army Command ordering equal
and just treatment to everybody with no religious discrimination.
71) 1.5.1918 Cable describing Armenian cruelties and
massacres in the region from Trabzon to Erzincan.
72) 2.5.1918 Cable exposing Armenian cruelties in Erzincan.
73) 3.5.1918 Letter from Caucasian Front Ottoman Armies
Command to the Russian Commander-in-Chief of Caucasian Armies related to leaving to the
mercy of Armenians the people in places, evacuated by Russians
74) 5.5.1918 Document related to marriage of a member of
the Sultan’s family with an Armenian woman named Vartanus.
75) 16.5.1918 Report by Group Commander Brig. General
Sevki to the 3rd Army Command on Armenian cruelties.
76) 23.5.1918 27.5.1918 Turkish translation of the Cable
of author Dr. Stephan Eshnanie on Armenian cruelties.
77) Translation from Russian the memories of Russian Officer
Toverdahleiov, prisoner of war, on Armenian atrocities and cruelties against Turks in
Erzurum and the region, from the beginning of the Russian Revolution until 27.2.1918.
78) 20.6.1918 Letter of General Kazim Karabekir to
Armenian Army Corps Commander Nazarbehov on massacre of Moslem population in the Armenian
Republic by Armenian gangs.
79) 27.6.1918 Letter by Russian Army Corps to the
Independent Armenian Commission in Gumru requesting that the Turkish Command is informed
of the atrocities by Armenian gangs led by Antranik in Nahcivan region.
80) 2.7.1918 Letter by Vehip Pasha to the Armenian
National Assembly Speaker in Batum on cruelties suffered by Turkish people of Baku and
Azerbaidjan.
81) 2.7.1918 Report by Eastern Armies Group Commander Esat
Pasha on murder of 200 Moslems in Islam villages by Armenians.
82) 10.7.1918 Report by Esat Pasha on murder of 7,000
Moslems in Dilman and 1000 Moslems in Rumiye by Armenians, indiscriminately, women,
children, old and alike.
83) 24.7.1918 Letter of Eastern Armies Group Commander
Halil Pasha urging deployment of troops to prevent the annihilation of Moslems by
Armenians in Karabag.
84) 25.8.1918 Report disclosing activities of Armenians
under false names.
85) 28.8.1918 Interior Ministry statement announcing the
results of the investigation by District Governor of Yusufeli on Armenian cruelties.
86) 5.9.1918 Border demarcation according to Batum Peace
Agreement.
87) 3.10.1918 9th Army Corps Command Report on Armenian
attacks on Moslem villages of the Gokcegol region.
88) 24.10.1918 9th Army Command report on cruelties and
massacres by Armenians on Moslem population of Erivan, Karabag and Nahcivan regions.
|
PREFACE
|
Armenian terrorist gangs have been waging a campaign of hatred towards Turkey during
the last ten years, indiscriminately slaughtering and maiming innocent people.
Unfortunately certain countries have attempted to justify and find extenuating
circumstances for these heinous acts of terrorism, which are a blatant violation of
fundamental rights, international law and basic humanity.
The campaign aims at wining the support for these claims of the so-called
"Armenian Genocide" which lacks any historical foundation and originates
only in unjust and biased information arising from lies and slanders. It also seeks
to achieve their demands, which have no logical and legal foundation whatsoever.
Such claims, distorting history and facts, are unfortunately supported by the media
of some countries.
The periodical MILITARY HISTORY DOCUMENTS published by the Military History and
Strategic Studies Department of the Turkish General Staff, devoted its December 1982
(No.81) issue to the First World War years, so much referred to in these baseless
charges and allegations. Documents published in the periodical catalogue Armenian
atrocities and massacres perpetrated on Turkish people in these years. The documents
also very explicitly demonstrate the just and compassionate treatment by the Ottoman
Administration to all citizens, irrespective of their religion, race, sect or any
other consideration.
In presenting the English translation of this publication, which in fact includes
only a selection of the innumerable documents from Turkish War History archives, we
hope that we may enlighten objective readers and researchers alike, and present the
truth for all those who only want to avoid biased assessments.
Necati OZKANER
Director General
of Press and Information
|
| INTRODUCTION |
This book compiles documents from Turkish Military History Archives. The original
facsimile copies of the documents in their Ottoman dialect together with their present day
Turkish transcriptions were first published in the December 1982 (No. 81) issue of the
Turkish Military History Documents Periodical. Now, the English translation of the
documents is being presented for general readers and researchers alike.
The documents herein are concerned with the 1914-1918 period of Turco-Armenian history.
The period in question, coinciding with the First World War, is the most controversial era
of the history of the Ottoman Armenians. Much has been said and much published abroad
about this period. But Turkish documents were very rarely referred to in these
publications. Publications were based in one-sided, biased sources. and in general
reflected twisted and falsified versions of what really happened. It is hoped that the
collection of the documents from Turkish Military History Archives, will shed light on
that controversial period of the history and will also contribute to the work of
researchers.
For a better evaluation of the documents in their true place in history, it will be proper
briefly to summarise the pre-First World War period of the history of the Ottoman Armenian
minority. Until the 1877-1878 Ottoman-Russian War, there never existed any such thing as
an 'Armenian Question". No international treaty, agreement or convention, ever
referred to the term 'Armenian' until that date. The Armenian minority had peacefully
co-existed with the Turkish majority for nearly eight hundred years.
As a matter of fact, the position and living conditions of the Armenians were better than
those of many Turks. While Turks had compulsary military service, Armenians were exempted
from this obligation, and so could devote themselves to trade, agriculture, and
craftsmanship. constantly raising their level of wealth and prosperity. The Turks bore all
the burden of the Ottoman Empire, while the Armenian minority only enjoyed the benefits of
the Empire, and even economically exploited the Moslem Turkish majority.
The 1877-1878 Ottoman-Russian War, initiated a new era in the: history of the Ottoman
Armenian Minority. The Treaty of San Stefano which the Russians dictated to the Ottoman
capital at the end of this war, added a provision envisaging "reforms" for the
Armenians. It was the first time in history that the term 'Armenian' was ever included in
an international treaty. The Berlin Peace Convention of 1878 which later replaced the San
Stefano Treaty, also inserted an article on "reforms" benefiting the Ottoman
Armenians. This provision opened the way for interference in the internal affairs of the
Ottoman Empire by foreign countries, led by Russia and Britain, on behalf of the Armenian
minority. As a consequence. Anatolia became an arena for the power games of the
imperialist states. In this struggle, the Ottoman Armenian minority was exploited as a
tool of international interests.
Feeling and enjoying the support of foreign states behind them, the Ottoman Armenians
began to harbour dissatisfaction with their position. and to demand an autonomous region,
even an independent state in Eastern Anatolia, where they lived only as a very small
minority. When these ambitions were not realised, they adopted revolutionary methods. The
so-called Hunchak and the Dashnak committees founded outside Ottoman territories in 1887
and 1890, chose the Ottoman Armenians as targets for exploitation. At the provocations of
these committees, bloody incidents and rebellions were initiated in Eastern Anatolia from
the 1890's. Influenced by Russian Nihilists, the Hunchak militia utilised propaganda,
agitation and terrorist methods, causing escalating bloodshed in Anatolian territories.
This was followed by their collaboration with the Dashnak committee, waging numerous
rebellions in Anatolia. Hostile feelings against the Moslem Turkish majority was
constantly incited, making peaceful co-existence between the two communities more and more
difficult with every passing day.
It was in such circumstances that the period of the First World War began. The manifesto
of the Hunchak Committee openly stated that "the most favourable time for an overall
rebellion of Ottoman Armenians, is the time when the Ottoman State is at war". The
First World War was therefore the opportune time the Armenian committees had been seeking
for a quarter of a century. On the outbreak of the War, in June 1914. Armenian committees
convened a congress in Erzurum, resolving to continue the struggle against the Ottoman
State.
For Russia, on the other hand. the First World War was also the opportunity she was
awaiting to invade Eastern Anatolia. The Russians resolved to exploit and make use of
Armenians against the Turks as far as was possible. Agreement was reached-between the
Echmiazin Catholicate and the Russian Caucasus Governor General under which Armenians
would provide unconditional support for the Russians. The Catholicate was later received
by the Russian Tsar. In audience, he told the Tsar "the emancipation of the Anatolian
Armenians was only possible through secession from Turkish sovereignty, the establishment
of an autonomous Armenia under the protection of Russia". This was a kind of alliance
between the Russians and the Armenians against Turkey.
The bloody struggle waged by Armenians against Turks from then on can be followed from the
documents in this book. Before the Ottoman Empire entered the First World War, Armenian
gangs armed and equipped in Russia, infiltrated Eastern Anatolia. This was followed by the
arming of Armenians in Eastern Anatolia with Russian weapons. With the declaration of war
by Russia on the Ottoman Empire, both Russian Armenians and Anatolian Armenians moved
against the Turks. Russians disarmed Moslems in places they occupied in Eastern Anatolia,
arming the Armenians with the weapons confiscated from Moslems, paving the way for
aggressions by Armenians on a disarmed and innocent Moslem population.
Armenian gangs perpetrated acts of sabotage, destroyed telephone cables, blew up bridges,
blocked passes, set up ambushes, attacked security stations and small Turkish outposts
behind the Ottoman Army lines on the one hand, and on the other ruthlessly attacked
Turkish villages, slaughtering the Turkish population indiscriminately, women, children,
old and young alike. Innocent people were one by one cruelly bayoneted to death, or killed
with axes and swords, or else shut up in mosques or in schools and then burnt alive.
Widespread Armenian revolts broke out in the regions of Van, Sivas and Maras. The Ottoman
Army, while fighting to prevent the Russian invasion, also had to deal with Armenian gangs
who hit from behind. The Ottoman Government issued a sharp warning to the Armenian
Patriarch in Istanbul and called on him to prevent these Armenian aggressions. But to no
avail. Bloody Armenian aggressions spread to all parts of Eastern Anatolia. The Ottoman
authorities were compelled to take other measures. The Acting Supreme Command of the
Ottoman Empire, in an instruction to the Ministry of Interior dated 2 May 1915, pointed
out the need to remove the Armenian population in certain centres of constant rebellion to
other places close to Russia or in other parts of the Ottoman territory. (Document No. 26
). As an inevitable result of the war and the emergency political conditions, some of the
Armenians in Anatolia were transferred from the war zone to other regions of the Ottoman
Empire.
A detailed Regulation was drawn up on the administration of immovable assets left over by
those Armenians transferred to other places. (Document No. 28). Thus, the Armenian
rebellions and massacres carried out by them could be terminated.
Starting from late 1917, however, Armenians again committed widespread massacres in
Eastern Anatolia. A Cease-fire agreement was concluded in the Ottoman-Caucasus front
between Ottoman and Russian Armies upon the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. (Document No
44). Russians laid down their arms. The arena was now left to the Armenians in Eastern
Anatolia. Almost every Turkish town and village from Erzincan up to Azerbaidjan suffered
large scale attacks and massacres by Armenians.
The Ottoman Army, liberating Trabzon, Bayburt, Erzincan, Erzururn. Kars and other regions
from the Russians, saw that the cities and their villages had been destroyed and burnt,
people slaughtered, massacred. The massacres conducted by Armenians, which became a black
stain for humanity, shocked and disgusted even the Russian authorities. (Document No. 76).
Almost half of the documents in this book are related to this second wave of Armenian
massacres and cruelties. The inhuman treatment, cruelties, atrocities, massacres by
Armenian gangs perpetrated against innocent Moslem Turkish people, are sufficiently
reflected in these documents. Even today over sixty years later, the terrifying screams of
the victims of these cruelties can be heard.
This book covers only a selection of innumerable documents in the Turkish archives on
Armenian atrocities and massacres. Documents to be published in the near future will be
complementary to this book. By placing these and following documents in their correct
historical context, we are now able to see this important and controversial period in
Turco- Armenian relations in a true and revealing perspective.
We are confident that objective researchers and readers will justly evaluate these
documents. We hope that the book will serve for their enlightenment.
Bilal N. Simsir
Member of The Turkish History Society
|
DOCUMENT NO: 1
|
 |
|
To
give you an idea of what these things look like;
the above is the original for Document No. 1 |
3rd ARMY
Secret
Erzurum
(6 Sept. 330) 19.9.1914
No: 392 Issued/Date 14
TO ALL UNITS
According to reliable information from the Armenians in the Caucasus, the Russians
have provoked Armenians living in our country, by promises that they will be granted
independence in territories to be annexed from Ottoman land, and that they have
brought many of their own men disguised as Turkish peasants to the Armenian villages
in our country, that they have stored arms and ammunition in many places to be
distributed to Armenians, and moreover, the of Russian General Loris Melikov went to
the Van region for the same purpose. In this context, Armenian leaders in our
country, have decided to pursue the following policy:
To preserve their loyalty in tranquility pending the declaration of war. If war is
to be declared, Armenian soldiers in the Ottoman army will join the enemy with their
arms. If the Ottoman Army advances to preserve loyalty and tranquility, should the
Ottoman Army then retreat, to form armed guerrilla bands to fight against us.
The following measures will be taken:
1. Border units will capture everybody who wants to enter our territories without a
passport and send them to the rear echelons. Anybody who attempts to import arms and
ammunition will be arrested and sent back to the Army. Those who attempt to escape
will be shot.
2. The demands and needs, of the local government apart from war conditions will be
carried out as far as possible.
3. Those who cause panic in units and those who disobey orders to halt and escape
will be executed by officers or on the order of the officers.
4. Vigilance will prevail against any eventuality, particularly, in dangerous times,
in order to avoid any fear and disorder among soldiers, and movements of Armenians
and other non-Moslems will be kept under strict supervision and control, though this
supervision and control should not be made obvious.
5. To enlighten leading personalities of Kurdish and other Moslem communities
against the ill intentions of Russians and Armenians and to convince them that
safety and security; depends on opposing the Russians.
6. Armenians and non-Moslem enlisted men will not be posted to important posts in
headquarters such as clerks and orderlies.
Transmitted No: 391
330 Sept.14
Ibrahim
(1914)
TO PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES
(The information will be transmitted)
Measures which I consider appropriate follow:
1. Information will be obtained through disguised policemen and. other reliable
persons about the organizations and movements of Armenians and other non-Moslems,
about the locations of the movement, their presence in villages and their
leadership.
2. To establish militia in order to crush any revolt without engaging the army, call
for assistance, from the closest military unit if this is not sufficient.
3. To seize the arms of anybody who does not comply without organizational structure
and send them to courts martial.
4. To maintain the loyalty of Kurdish and other Moslem communities who could be
misled because of ignorance.
DISTRIBUTION
9th Army Corps Erzurum
11th Army Corps Van
11th Acting Army Corps Bitlis
Fortress
2nd Regular Cavalry Division Diyarbakir
1, 2, 3, 4th Reserve Cavalry Divisions Elazig
Van Independent Brigade Trabzon
13th Army Corps (To be transmitted Later)
Van Gendarmerie Command
Communications Zone Command
Trabzon Gendarmerie Regiment
Archive No.4/3671
Cabin No.163
Drawer No. 2
File No. 2918
Section No.797
Contents No. 6
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 2 |
Identifications of non-Moslem cadets graduated from First Senior
Class as Third Lieutenant on 17 July 330 (1 August 1914) :
9th Army Corps, 12th Regiment, 1st Battalion, 2nd Company,
Third Lieutenant Baruter, son of Artin from Trabzon at Eyvasil District Trabzon 1307
(1891)
11th Army Corps, Third Lieutenant Antuvan, son of Fetullah, average height, grey-blue
eyes, well-built, from No: 16, of Sevkulgazel District of Bagdad. Bagdad 1310 (1894)
9th Army Corps, 13th Regiment, 2 Battalion, 2nd Cpmpany Heavy Artillery. Third Lieutenant
Zisis, average height, grey-blue eyes, well -built, son of Samus from No: 384,Kadibayir,
lzmit. Kumkapi- 1308 (1892)
3rd Army Corps, Telegraph Company Mr. Ilia, average height, dark complexion with light
brown hair and grey-blue eyes, son of Merchant Yasep[ar] Kurbanlik District of Balat Balat
- 1309 (1893)
9th Army Corps Cavalry Third Lieutenant Ganbus, son.of Yorgo from Erdek, Eregli origin
Beyoglu - 1309 (1893)
9th Army Corps Cavalry Third Lieutenant Kirkor, average height grey-blue eyes, well-built,
son of Karabet from Yenimahalle of Erzincan. Erzincan - 1309 (1893)
Archive No 1/1920
Cabin No 204
Drawer No 3
File No 4608
Section No 6
Contents No 19-6
|
DOCUMENT NO:3
|
Ministry of Interior
General Directorate of Police
Private: 725
Subject: Retribution of Zeytun Gang
SECRET
TO THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Honourable Minister,
A 40-man gang equipped with prohibited firearms have robbed 21 passengers an hour's
distance out of Zeytun town and have seized over 12.000 kurush of money. The
incident was reported to the villages in the vicinity in an exaggerated way and 30
enlisted men from the region fled from their units in fear that their villages would
also be attacked. There are indications that unless there is pressure on inhabitants
of Zeytun, Moslems will retaliate. With this consideration, it has been decided to
deploy the mobile brigade to. Zeytun; however, as it is evident that not much can be
achieved with this unit comprising over 250 recruits, other measures were deemed
necessary. In this context, in view of the request of the Maras Governor, it has
been considered appropriate to dispatch the 1,160 strong Depot Battalion, stationed
as reserve in the Maras region, considering that security in the region can be
attained by the Gendarmerie without recourse to the above battalion.
Accordingly the General Command of the Syrian Region and the Army Corps Command were
informed of the situation as indicated in the coded message of 17 .August 330
(10.11.1914) that the units taken away from Zeytun because of war requirements must
be replaced. The situation is hereby submitted to your consideration, for
instructions to the Army Corps for necessary measures to maintain the security of
Zeytun and its region. 19.6.330 (2 September 1914)
19 August 330
On Behalf of the Minister of Interior
Under-secretary
Ali Riza
Public Order Section/190
20 August 1330 (3.9.1914)
Archive No 1/131
Cabin No 201-149
Drawer No 14-4
File No 2287
Section No 32/12
Contents No 1-10
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 4 |
No: 440
Decoded message of 24 August 1330 (7 September 1914) from the Supreme Command-in
Istanbul.
According to information from the Ambassador in Teheran, the Russians have issued
arms to the Armenians in Iran and in the Caucasus. The Russian Consul in Tabriz has
promised Armenians to set up an Armenian state and that the strength of Russian
forces around Mako comprises 12,000 infantry, 1,200 cavalry and 124 Artillery guns.
Communications exist between Russians and Armenians in Van. The accuracy of this
information is not definite. Yet Armenian soldiers must be kept under special
conditions and must not be allowed to change their political allegiance.
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 160
Drawer No 5
File No 2818
Section No 59
Contents No 2-10
Holdwater: So as early as September 1914,
communications probably were open between Russians and Ottoman-Armenians of Van, in
keeping of their planned "self-defense" of the city during the following
year; the one where the Armenians attacked first, and succeeded in holding the city
for the Russian invaders.
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 5 |
Office of Governor of Erzurum Correspondence Department
No: General 254221
Special 651
To: 3rd Army Command
Dear Sir,
Enclosed please find a copy of the report drawn up by civilian police, specially
dispatched to investigate the condition of inhabitants of Bozveren village of Pasinler
District and of other Armenian villages. The same has been passed on to the District
Governor concerned for action. For your consideration and orders.
31 August 1330 (14 September 1914)
Acting Governor
Cemal
Revenue Officer
No: 414 / 2 September 330
No:
During my stay in Russia, I was told officially and unofficially that the Russian
Government has been placing maximum reliance on Armenians in solving the eastern
provincial problems and in minor problems in the Caucasus, and that the Russian Government
aims to win the support of the Armenians so as to provoke a revolt or upheaval in Eastern
Anatolia any time it chooses, and exploit this in order to interfere in our internal
affairs and use this as a pretext for pressure on our Government.
I have further learnt recently during my stay in Petersburg that the Russians are sparing
no costs in order to win the sympathy and support of Armenians and that this same feeling
of support for Russia is widespread among Armenians on our territories. I am therefore
considering the police reports regarding the position of Armenians in the Pasinler
district very interesting, and I must indicate that a great number of Armenians in the
Eastem provinces share the same feelings.
Info. Copy to 1st Section.
M. Muhtar
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 160
Drawer No 5
Rite No 2811
Section No 26
Contents No 24-1
Holdwater: The Russian government gave Ottoman-Armenians the equivalent of $13 million in today's
currency by February 1915, for the initial cost of of arms and preparing the Turkish
Armenians to start riots within the country during the war.
|
DOCUMENT NO: 6
|
No: 19527/1294
Decoded Message of 25 September 1330 (8 October 1914)
From Governor Cemal Azmi of Trabzon.
Copy of coded cable of 22 September 330 (5 October 1914) from
Hopa District according to information from Lazistan Province.
COPY
An 800-man band of raiders comprising Ottoman and Russian Armenians in Russia were
armed by the Russian Government and left Batum the other night for the Artvin
region. They are to be distributed between Artvin and Ardanuc and the number of
these volunteers will be raised to 7,000, in order to disturb security in the
region, upon promises from the Russian Government of independence. They will include
Greeks and Armenians and they will resort to aggressions by Turkish guerillas from
the Iran and Ermiye areas. Their total strength in Batum is 15.000 organized in
three regiments, including No: 264 Kirgolski, No: 154 Revan and No: 66 Siberia
Regiments.
Other information: the Commander of the Batum region has been replaced by a General,
name yet not known. The 750 Kazaks in the Artvin and Ardanuc regions were sent to
the German border and they were replaced by infantrymen from Batum. The number of
Russian soldiers in Lirnan village near Kopmis was raised from 50 to 150 and they
were supplied with 35 more crates of ammunition. The total 1.000.000 strength of
Russian forces on the Ottoman and Iran borders has been reduced to 600.000, after
deploying 400.000 to the German and Austrian fronts.
2nd Section
Document No: 1964-26/27
9 October 1914
To Section 1 for Information
Major
(Signature)
Information Received
11 October 1914
1st Section
Mehmet Tahir
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 160
Drawer No 5
File No 2818
Section No 59
Contents No 2-23, 2-24
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 7 |
TO: Command - in - Chief
28.7.330(1.10.1914)
According to information received, the Russians have established guerillas by arming
Russian and Turkish Armenians in the Caucasus and Greeks, and anticipate expanding these
guerilla organizations by sending them into Turkish land. These reports, are gradually
being confirmed, and realised, and Armenian deserters from military units are increasing.
I had submitted the required measures in my letter No: 347 of10/11 September 1330 (23/24
September 1914). Further measures are required for families of deserters and traitors, to
include punishment for villages which shelter and protect the gangs and the dispersing of
such villages. These measures should be announced so that everybody will know about them.
A definite and general decision is absolutely vital.
Signature
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 160
Drawer No 5
File No 2811
Section No 26
Contents No 15-1
|
DOCUMENT NO: 8
|
No : 389
Hour : 8
12/13.8.330 (24/25.10.1914)
Decoded message by Abdurrahman Bey, Commander of the Reserve Cavalry Division at
Karakilise of 11/12 October 330 (24/25 October 1914)
1. The strength of Russian forces in Mako is 2,500 cavalry, 700 infantry, about
three batteries of artillery and around 100 transport carts.
2. Surin and Hacik, two Armenians from Bayezit who crossed over from Russia, have
each recruited 2,000 men armed and equipped by Russians. They anticipate proceeding
to Muson via Abbas lake and to Bayezit or Iran via Haraba-macar and Mount Ararat,
each with their two thousand men. Special observers have been dispatched to
investigate the matter and necessary measures have been taken.
First Region:
3. Over 8,000 Armenians, mostly of Ottoman Armenians and army deserters, gathered
around Kagizman, forming some kind of organized guerilla bands, being armed by the
government and supplied with food by the local people, mostly collected from
villages at nights.
4. Among their known leaders are Kosti from Karakilise, Armais from Nefsi Eleskirt
and Apik from Hacli village of Eleskirt.
5. Ten more "Plaston" companies arrived in Kagizman during the last four
days and the forces in Kagizman are estimated at around 15,000.
6. This information is supplied by a reliable Moslem friend of Ottomans from the
people of Kagizman, the Second Regional Command reported.
Not clear
2nd Section 12 October 1914
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 160
Drawer No 5
File No 2818
Section No 59
Contents No 2-43,2-44
Document 2784
Date 12-13
Holdwater: A small army — thousands! — of
rebellious Armenians had already formed in eastern Anatolia, one month before the
war had begun. Note they could not have gotten far, if not for the support of local
Ottoman-Armenians. This is the kind of report that led Ottoman officials to relocate
the Armenian community, although it took them over a half year to do so. Other
nations would have booted them elsewhere well before they had proven their
disloyalty, as with the Americans and Canadians vs. their WWII Japanese, and with the Russians and the
British, vs. their WWI Germans
and German men, respectively.
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 9 |
Cable No: 4073
Very important and top priority and urgency
Decoded Message by Mobile Division Commander at Saray
Kazim (Ozalp) of 16 November 330 (29.11.1914)
To: 3rd Army Command
Today the enemy attacked Deyr. The enemy is equipped with artillery and machine
guns. As our defending force in is very small, I think we will have to withdraw
[in?] the direction of Hosab (Guzelsu)
From the confessions of two arrested spies, it is understood that rebellion is
expected in Van and in the province at any time now. I shall proceed in the
direction of Guzelsu, with part of the units in Saray. A difficult position will
arise however, if rebellion starts in the province. Please be advised that the units
built up in Revandiz did not yet deploy.
2nd Section, 16 (29) November 1914
Archive No 4-3671
Cabin No 160
Drawer No 5
File No 2818
Section No 59
Contents No 41
Holdwater: The New York Times was already reporting disturbances in Van,
as soon as war was declared by Russia.
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 10 |
No:950
Decoding of Cable message of 21/22 November. 330 4/5-12.1914.
by Van Mobile, Gendarmerie Division Commander Kazim at Hosab:
An enemy force comprising 4,000 infantry, ,1.000 cavalry, two field and two mountain
artillery guns is in the vicinity of Saray. Reconnaisance units today arrived at Molla
Hasan village between Muslihan and Saray and Ercek. A 500-strong enemy unit supported by
two mountain artillery guns from its forces in Dir occupied Baskale. The remaining part of
the units remained in the vicinity of Dir. Tribe leaders went south without any resistance
against Russians. We are now around Akgol, north of Hasob with a 2,000 strong force which
was deployed from Hosab yesterday. Other units are still at their positions from
yesterday.
The enemy is seizing the weapons from local people in places which it has occupied, using
these weapons, to arm Armenians and form units. There are some Iranian tribes among enemy
units. As we were forced to disarm Armenian enlisted men, due to our losses and deserters,
our forces are limited. The units which moved from Ravandiz have not yet joined our forces
at Somay. Their two mountain guns were returned to Ravandiz, according to information from
Musul.
2nd Section, 22 November 330 (5.12.1914)
Archive No 4-3671
Cabin No 160
Drawer No 5
File No 2818
Section No 59
Contents No 2-55
Holdwater: The Ottomans, short of manpower, were counting on
their Armenian soldiers; this is why Armenian men were drafted and trained, and some had
graduated from military schools, as you have already read in Document No. 2,
above. Armenian propaganda tells us these Armenian soldiers were disarmed because a
"genocide" was underway. Isn't that the most ridiculous and illogical
contention? As we can see from this internal report, they were being disarmed because of
their treachery.
|
DOCUMENT NO: 11
|
Decoding of Message of 7/8 December 33 (7/8 December 1917)
from Mr Tahsin, Governor of Erzurum.
To the Acting Supreme Commander Enver Pasha
There are indications of rebellion among Armenians of Karcikan and Gevas Districts
of Van. Telegraphic cables were destroyed, a corporal was assassinated, the district
governor and his retinue were obliged to use arms, many army deserters were
captured.
Gendarmerie and militia were sent from Bitlis, clashes started. More forces are
needed as the arms of the militia are not sufficient. I have received cables from
Van and from Bitlis on this matter. I have just been in contact by cable with Mr.
Talat. While they indicated that this information should be submitted to your
highest consideration, they also deemed it appropriate to solve the problem by
meetings with Mr. Cevdet and with Mr. Mustafa. Would you approve the deployment of
the unit of Halil Bey which is the furthest advanced, through Bitlis? Or should we
send two mobile gendarmerie units from here? Wounded Esat Bey recovered. Shall we
dispatch him immediately to Gevas with sufficient militia and tribal forces?
Awaiting your orders.
Archive No 1/1
Cabin No 9-101
Drawer No 23-1
File No 4
Section No 23-A
Contents No 5
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 12 |
Ministry of Defence
Department of Correspondence
Coding Section
Coded Message from Elazig to the Ministry of Defence
A group of 40-50 Armenian army deserters with arms at Sironik village 2.5 hours from Mus,
attacked the Gendarmerie Cavalrymen and police who went to the village to capture them.
The clash lasted for two hours. A 200-strong detachment led by Ismail Efendi and, the
Gendarmerie Commander was dispatched to the scene. Nine of those who resisted were killed.
The detachment is still in the village. This is submitted from the Acting Commander of Mus
division.
8 February 330 (21 February 1915)
Acting Commander 11th Army Corps
Hakki
Copy submitted to Headquarters
Same as the former Bitlis incident. Let us keep the same in a separate envelope (file). 9
February 330 (22 February 1915)
Archive No 1/131.
Cabin No 101/149
Drawer No 14-4
File No 2287
Section No 32/12
contents No 6-4
Holdwater: Contemporary Armenian historians such as Hacobian justified Armenian
desertions, for one, by reminding us there were Turkish deserters as well. Yes, but there
was a crucial difference (aside from the fact that Turks who deserted did so mainly as the
war dragged on), as this internal report reminds us: Turks did not desert in order to join
their nation's enemies, and to bear arms against their nation.
|
DOCUMENT NO: 13
|
Ministry of Defence
Department of Correspondence
Coding Section
From Elazig to the Ministry of Defence
(Coded)
Gendarmerie Second Lieutenant Ahmet and four Gendarmerie enlisted men on orders to
search the Arak Monastery in Mus Province on the thirtieth of the current month came
under fire from deserters and were killed. Follow-up operation continues and the
result will be notified subsequently.
15 February 330 (28 February 1915)
Acting Commander 11 th Army Corps
Hakki
Public Order Section 16.12.330 (29.2.1915)
Copy to Headquarters
Archive No 1/131
Cabin No 101/149
Drawer No 14-4
File No 2287
Section No 31/12
Contents No 6-9
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 14 |
Third Army Command
1st Branch
1st Section
Hasankale
26/27.2.330 (11.3.1915)
Province of Bitlis
(Coded)
Reply code 25.2.330 (10.3.1915)
Just as the people are obliged to obey the Government, the Government is also
obliged to be just and to protect the people. What falls on the army is to preserve
public order within the scope of these principles. If the investigation of the
Province proved that Incan Directorate is innocent, there is no need to file the
report.
1st Lieutenant
M. Habib
Background file
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 161
Drawer No 1
File No 2820
Section No A. 69
Contents No 2-39
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 15 |
"List of male inhabitants of Mergehu Village murdered or annihilated with the utmost
savagery by local Armenians who joined Armenian gangs strengthening the Russian Forces:
Names Method of Annihilation
---------------------------
Haci Ibrahim, son of Abdi Bullets and bayonet
Abdi, son of Haci Ibrahim Bullets and bayonet
Reso, son of Abdi Beaten and cut into pieces
Sado, son of Omer Beaten and cut into pieces
Aso, son of Reso Beaten and cut into pieces
Kulu, son of Canko Stabbed in the eye with a bayonet
Musa, son of Canko Bayonet in his eye
Emin, son of Molla Hamit Bayonet in his eye
Molla Abdullah, son of Hamit Bayonet in his eye
Ibo, son of Haci Bayonet in his eye
Sado, son of Haci Bayonet in his eye
Abdullah, son of Canko Slaughtered
Ibo, son of Ahmet Abdomen ripped open
Ismail, son of Ibo Burnt in fire
Musto, son of Ozu Bullets
Mahmut, son of Seyyo Slaughtered
Kocak, son of Birro Bullets
Musto, son of Husnu Bullets
Uso, son of Alo Bullets
Maksut, son of Peri Bullets
Haci, son of Peri Bullets
Mehmet, son of Hasanali Bayonet
Ibo, son of Hasanali Bayonet
Abdo, son of Mehmed Bayonet
Molla Suleyman Burnt in oven
Mazgi, son of Abdullah Stabbed in abdomen by bayonet
Sulis, son of Hasan Bullets
Mahmo, son of Mehmet Stabbed with a dagger
Murat, son of Hasan Stabbed with a dagger
Uso, son of Avci Blinded with a bayonet
Lesko, son of Mehmet Stabbed with a dagger
Abdullah, son of Kasim Bullets
Coban Abdullah Bullets
Seymo, son of Mumin Bullets
Muammer, son of Reso Bullets
Paso, son of Merzi Bullets
Gulu, son of Bitor Bullets
Murat, son of Yusuf Bullets and bayonet
Cedo, son of Haci Ibrahim Bullets and bayonet
Faki Mehmet Bullets and bayonet
Silo, son of Abdulcebbar Bullets and bayonet
List of massacred females from the same village:
Kasi, daughter of Huso and wife of Haci Ibrahim Bullets
Fati, daughter of Isa, wife of Aduz Bullets
Zeresan, daughter of Amat, wife of Reso Bayonet
Gullu, daughter of Iyso Cutting off her breasts
Sulnu, daughter of Sulo, Ripping open her abdomen and burning
wife of Ibo her baby in oven
Fatma, daughter of Ibo Slaughtered and burnt in oven
Fidan hatun Burnt in oven
Gulfizar, daughter of Hacihan, wife of Musto Slaughtered
Rahime, daughter of Mehmet, wife of Halil Bullets
Binefs, daughter of Haci Kerim, wife of Suleyman Burnt in oven
Mahiye, daughter of Ali, wife of Sivno Slaughtered
Hati, daughter of Haci, wife of Ahmet Slaughtered
Hacer, daughter of Meho Bullet and bayonet
List of Females of the same village raped and murdered:
Nadire, daughter of Haci, wife of Suvis
Hani, daughter of Kulu, wife of Zerko
Zaliha, daughter of Telli, wife of Silo
Arap, daughter of Sami, wife of Hilo
Wounded males and females of the same village:
Beki, daughter of Hamit, wife of Arno Bullet wound
Hassan, son of Haci Bullet wound
Zeyni, daughter of Abbasa, wife of Canko Bullet wound
Alo, son of Hasan Bayonet wounds in arms and in abdomen
Ebu, daughter of Fatih (virgin) Bullet wound
List of massacred males and females at Istuci village:
Mikail, son of Alo Bullets
Musto, son of Ismail Bullets
Dervis, son of Maksut Bullets
Ali, son of Nimet Bayonet
Esat, son of Kelo Bayonet and bullets
Isa, son of Nebi Bayonet and bullets
Cevher, son of Gani Beaten by rifle butt
Ziro, daughter of Hasan Died from injuries
Hazal, daughter of Ali, wife of Acem Died from injuries
Hamsa, daughter of Huseyin, wife of Huseyin Died from injuries
List of raped women at Istuci village in life:
Sabo, daughter of Maho Virgin
Miri, other daughter of Maho Virgin
Emine, daughter of Meho, wife of Sofi Salih
Sahap, daughter of Ali, wife of Nevruz
Gullu, daughter of Mahi Virgin
List of persons attacked by Armenian gangs:
19 Feb 330 (4 March 1915)
Copied from Original Investigation Book
District Governor
Kemal
Archive No 1/2
Cabin No 113
Drawer No 3
File No 520
Section No 2024
Contents No 11, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3
2nd List
List of persons attacked by Armenian gangs:
Names Kinds of cruelty
Molla Mehmet Efendi, Brother of Professor Molla Yusuf
Subject to ill-treatment only because he dealt in Islamic science. Minor maltreatment.
Taken away. His whereabouts unknown.
Haci Molla Sait at Kavlik
Forced to slaughter his own daughter. His body dismembered when he rejected their orders.
 |
|
FACE OF A CRIMINAL
Antranik: The Armenian "hero" raped an innocent
Hanim Hatun before very
likely getting her killed. |
Second Lieutenand Isa at Heretil, his friends Omer,
Ali, Mehmet (Shot dead.)
Ahmo, maid of Cindi Aga at Serefhane (Burned in oven together with her baby.)
Fato, wife of Misinha at Yaman Bordo (Slaughtered together with three children.)
Ayse, wife of Mehmet Abdi at Bilecik. (Killed after her arms cut off.)
Hanim Hatun, daughter of Meho at Bilecik (Raped by gang leader named Antranik then
taken away.)
Merchant Mehmet Efendi, brother of Regiment Clerk Mustafa Efendi in Erzurum. (Robbed of
200 Liras. Murdered by bayonet.)
Mosques of Saray and Esedcu turned into stables. Many religious students forced to become
Christians. Following the liberation they all reverted to their faith of Islam.
Nezo Hatun at Perkal
Went mad after watching the murder of the parents of her grandchildren who. refused to eat
the baked flesh of their children at gunpoint
(Certified true copy based on actual investigation.)
2 March 331 (15 March 1915)
District Governor of Mahmudin
Kemal
Archive No 1/2
Cabin No 113
Drawer No 3
File No 520
Section No 2024
Contents No 11, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3
Holdwater: as a personal note, the only indication of
"Documents" put up on the Internet by the apathetic Turks, to my knowledge, was
this section; the one responsible was the infamous "Serdar Argic," in a
long-forgotten Google newsgroup ("soc.culture.turkish," countering that tireless
"professional patriot," David Davidian. This was all the way back in April,
1993.) Serdar Argic appeared to be a one-man army in those days, and it was thanks to his
contribution that the contents of this document already had made it to TAT.
|
DOCUMENT NO: 16
|
Coded Message No: 885 of 5.1.31 (18 March 1915) from General Bronzar on behalf of
the Acting Supreme Commander:
A small gendarmerie detachment was attacked by a 30-strong Armenian gang between
Maras and Zeytun and six gendarmes were killed, while recruits going to Zeytun
escorted by two gendarmerie guards were shut up in a church by the people of Zeytun.
Reasons for severe punishment of the perpetrators are omitted. All units are
instructed by this circular for sufficient strength of such units which will conduct
settlements with Armenian inhabitants.
5 March 331 (18 March 1915)
Signature
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 160
Drawer No 5
File No 2818
Section No 59
Contents No 1-12
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 17 |
Branch : 1
Section : 2
Hasankale
6 March 31 (19 March 1915)
TO: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Code-Cable
According to the cable of 3/4 March 331 (16/17.3.1915) from the Gendarmerie Division
Command in Van, Armenians at the Sitak district of Van Province attacked the Gendarmerie
and the Gendarmerie posts and have destroyed telegraph cables.
Punishment units were dispatched to the region and the detachment proceeding toward Sitak
was confronted with Armenian gangs and clashes started. The matter is being investigated
in Van province and further results will be submitted. .
Provincial Authority of Van
Code-Cable
According to the coded cable of 3/4 March 331 (16/17.3.1915) of Gendarmerie Command in Van
Armenians in Sitak district attacked Gendarmerie posts and clashes started between the
detachment sent for the case and Armenians. No information has yet been received from your
provincial authority. Report the incident in detail and henceforth report such cases
directly immediately.
Signature
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 160
Drawer No 5
File No 2818
Section No 9
Contents No 1-15
|
DOCUMENT NO: 18
|
Draft paper of the Third Ottoman Army
Hasankale
(11 March 31) 24 March 1915
To the office of the Acting-Supreme Commander
Coded
1. A Gendarmerie soldier and a tax collector counting sheep at the lrmiye Village of
Timar District, four hours' walking distance from Van, came under gunfire on 17
March 1915 and a gendarmerie detachment sent from the province overcame the bandits.
2. It was reported from the Province, of Van yesterday that Armenians attacked
several Islamic villages belonging to the. afore-mentioned district on 22 March
1915; that the inhabitants of the villages initially resisted the bandits; the
rebels could not hold out against the militia and Gendarmerie detachments who came
to help the villagers; that the rebels, numbering 1,000 people, retreated from hill
to hill; that this number was exaggerated; and that the bandits were armed with
Russian rifles, small and large calibre rifles, and automatic guns.
3 .The Province of Bitlis demanded the strengthening of the Gendarmerie forces on 21
March,1915 claiming that it was impossible to maintain the security of the province
and .protect the big depots near Bitlis, where Armenians were settled in great
numbers.
4. In view of the danger that these incidents would turn into a general revolt, the
Command of the Van Mobile Gendarmerie Division wrote that measures should be taken
to maintain peace under the condition that the honour of the Government is protected
and not to assign the task of ensuring domestic security to the Division combat
forces before the arrival of the First Mobilization Forces and this was agreed by
Governor Cevdet, who was at Divisional Headquarters.
5. Despite this, it was ordered that three battalions would be formed from the Depot
Conscripts of the 11th Army Corps, currently receiving military training; that they
would be under the command of the provinces of Van, Bitlis, and Elazig, as well as
the completion of the Gendarmerie units constituting the training council at the end
of the training period and the formation of five separate battalions; of Erzurum,
Bitlis and Elazig, Diyarbakir, and Van.
Signature
Commander of the Third Army
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 160
Drawer No 5
File No 2818
Section No 59
Contents No 1-27
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 19 |
Office of the Acting Supreme Commander of the Ottoman Army
No: 3108
The coded message coming from Jerusalem to the Office of the Acting Supreme
Commander
Answer: The code dated 8 April 1915 and numbered 5443/194:
1. The Patriarch's account of the events does not truly reflect the facts.
2. The bandits staged an armed attack against a Gendarmerie detachment carrying
ammunition to Zeytun.
3. From the beginning of the incident, my work was intended to prevent even the
slightest harm to the native population and the prohibition of even the most minor
attacks against the bandits by the Muslim population. This aim has been completely
achieved. The Patriarch cannot disprove this achievement.
4. In reality, it is possible not to persecute those who unconditionally surrender
themselves and their weapons provided that they neither took part in any attacks nor
instigated revolt. However, I definitely think that it would not be correct to
announce such a promise for the time being. Both some of the residents of Zeytun and
Maras whose stay in this area may be dangerous and some of those who surrender, must
be moved to Konya. Otherwise, I would have to maintain a considerable force in the
area for merely security reasons even in the case of an enemy concentration.
5. It is definitely not proper for the Patriarch to engage in the Zeytun incident,
even at an advisory level. 10 April 1915
Arrival: 11 April 1915 (27 March 331)
Commander of the Fourth Army
Cemal
Archive No 1/131
Cabin No 101/149
Drawer No 14-4
File No 2287
Section No 32-12
Contents No 1-37
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 20 |
Office of the Acting Supreme Commander of the Ottaman Army
Branch: 1
Private
(26 March 331) 7.4.1915
To His Highness, the Armenian Patriarch
Dear Sir,
 |
|
The Patriarch Zaven: His
information
did not conform to the facts.
What a surprise. |
Your detailed explanations and the information you gave
to us do not conform with the existing documents. Nevertheless, the commanders have been
ordered to make investigations into the incidents that you described. I declare here once
again that the Government's policy, as indicated in previous correspondence, is to treat
the people kindly and with absolute justice.
I wholeheartedly trust and attach the utmost value to the friendship and loyalty of the
protected Armenian nation to the Ottoman country. I have not changed my mind about this
for I have always maintained an unswerving and unreserved confidence. However, I am sure
you would also accept as an able person promoted to one of the highest echelons of our
country, that unfortunately there are some stupid people being misled by foreigners. It is
obvious that these people are resorting to brute force for the realization of their
dreams. It is most unfortunate that the Government is sometimes compelled to take harsh
measures to discipline them with the sole objective of protecting Ottoman land. I am
unable to describe the pain we feel when such a compulsion become unavoidable.
It is a fact that unrest can be quelled without assuming grave dimensions, if the leading
figures of the nation heed our advice, deplore foreign provocateurs and make efforts for
the Government investigations to deal only with such persons.
The services and activities of Your Highness are of great value for consolidating
friendship and unity among the citizens and showing them the right path to follow as well
as helping them to come to their senses. I present my best regards to Your Highness with
the firm, belief that the afore-mentioned services will be carried out. Thank you.
Archive No 1/1
Cabin No 101
Drawer No
File No 13
Section No 63
Contents No 4-2, 4-3
|
DOCUMENT N0: 21
|
The coded message received from the Mobile Gendarmerie
Command of Van on 16/17 April 1915 (3/4 April 331)
Armenians from the Sitak District of Van attacked the Gendarmerie troops and
stations and cut the telegraph lines.
Detachments have been sent out in requisite directions: The detachment proceeding in
the direction of Sitak District has confronted the Armenian bands and engaged in
fighting. Presented.
The code is kept at the First Section.
Archive No 4--3671
Cabin No 160
Drawer No 5
File No 2818
Section No 59
Contents No 1-16
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 22 |
Third Army Command
Very urgent
No: Tel-168
The coded message (7 April 331) 20 April 1915, received from
Mr. Cevdet, the Governor of Van
1. The rebels opened fire on the security stations and houses in the vicinity of the
Armenian quarters of the city. Fire was returned and the area defended.
2. As a result of clashes between the bandits near the village of Atalan, considerable
number of rebels were killed by last night and Atalan and Peltensi villages as well as the
Akkilise Monastery, fortified as a stronghold, were burned down and destroyed.
3. Gevas telegraph line. has been repaired and communication resumed.
4. Today, Baskale-HavaSor-Mirmurtal-Resat telegraph line was cut. Repair of this line is
under way.
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 163
Drawer No 5
File No 2947
Section No 628
Contents No 3-4
|
DOCUMENT NO: 23
|
Fourth Army Command
No: , Tel-181
7 April 331
The coded message 20 April 1915, received from
Mr. Cevdet, the Governor of Van
Very urgent.
1. The unrest beginning at dawn spread and reached critical dimensions. Neighbouring
provinces are being informed of the situation every day. I have ordered Mr. Tahsin
to regularly provide information to Your Highness.
2. Clashes in Sitak are going on. We have casualties because the Gendarmerie forces
and our officials come under fire in districts and villages without warning.
Officials have been sent from all areas. We expect to save the security stations and
Gendarmerie detachment very shortly.
3. About 400 anarchists from six Armenian villages who ambushed our gendarmerie
detachments in the districts of Havasor and Ercek have been killed. The detachments
are in action. The rebels wanted to stage an attack inside the city today.
Yesterday's observations revealed that there are many armed rebels in the city.
4. I ask for the delivery of a rapid-firing battery along with Gendarmerie battalion
to be sent from Erzincan, if this is possible. Since the revolt must be suppressed
as quickly as possible, in line with the order received, there is great need for
artillery units.
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 161
Drawer No 1
File No 2820
Section No A-69
Contents No 3-6
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 24 |
To the Office of the Supreme Commander
of the Ottoman Army
Section No: 3807
From Kars to the Chief of Staff of the
Office of the Supreme Commander
1. All is quiet on the front of the 9th Army.
2- Armenians surrounded the Islamic village of Hosrov in Armenia, 13 kilometers away
from the border on the night of 20/21 October 1918, fought until the night of 21
October 1918, massacred the Muslim population, and pillaged the houses.
3. An Armenian detachment, consisting of about 40 infantry and 3 cavalry, who
departed from the village of Abdikoy at the front of the 36th Division opening fire
on them and whose motives could not be determined, was overcome by return of the
fire.
4. This report numbered 912 was delivered to the telegraph office at 21.00 hours on
23 October 1918 (1334) for submission to the Chief of Staff of the Office of the
Supreme Commander and to the 6th Army Command. 23 October 1918. (23 Oct. 34)
Commander of the 9th Army
Sevki
Submitted to the Second Section
Date 24
Ordered by the Chief of the First Section
Signature
Archive No 1/2
Cabin No 113
Drawer No 3
File No 527
Section No 2056
Contents No 35
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 25 |
Office of the Acting Supreme Commander of the Ottoman Army
Istanbul
26 April 1915 (13 April 1331)
First Section
No:
Top Secret
To the Office of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of National Defence
 |
|
Enver Pasha:
would the
arrest of treacherous
ringleaders constitute
a "genocide" in any
other country? |
Since the Government has decided that the branches of
Hinchak, Dashnak and similar committees both in the capital and provinces will be closed
down immediately; that the documents and papers at these branches will be confiscated
without being destroyed; that the presidents of these committees, their leaders, active
members known by the Government as well as influential and malicious Armenians will be
arrested immediately; that those whose stay in their places of residence is regarded
harmful will be made to stay in more suitable places and measures taken to prevent their
escape; that searches for weapons will be conducted in suspicious places; that the suspect
will be brought before courts martial; cooperation with administrative officials and civil
servants as well as immediate response to their calls for help are hereby demanded as a
priority.
Acting Supreme Commander
Enver
This order has been conveyed to the:
First Army Command
Second Army Command
Third Army Command
Fourth Army Command
Fifth Army Command
Deputy Command of Iraq and Environs
Fourth Army Corps Command
Bosphorus Command
Dardanelles Command
Headquarters in Istanbul
Deputy 12th Army Corps Command in Mousoul
Office of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of National Defence
Army Department
Defence Department
Directorate of Judiciary
Security
Security Section
13 April 31 (26 April 1915)
To be preserved
16 April 31 (29 April 1915)
Archive No 1/131
Cabin No 101/149
Drawer No 14-4
File No 2287
Section No 32-12
Contents No 12-1
|
DOCUMENT NO: 26
|
19 April 1331 (2 May 1915)
Office of The Supreme Commander of the Ottoman Army
First Section
No: 2049 m
To the Ministry of Interior
Top Secret
The Armenians living around Lake Van and particularly at certain places in the
Province of Van are continually trying to stage a revolt. I am of the opinion that
this place of unrest should be cleaned by removing these people from this region.
According to the information received from the Third Army, the Russians drove the
Muslim population who were in wretched condition into our territories away from the
border. Both to achieve the goal indicated above and to retaliate to the Russian
move.
It is necessary either to drive these Armenians into Russian territories or to
disperse the Armenians and their families throughout various places in Anatolia. I
ask the selection of the appropriate proposition and its practice. If you deem it
appropriate, I prefer to drive the families of the rebels and the headquarters of
the revolt away from the borderline and to resettle the Muslim population from
abroad in the places of Armenians.
Ismet
Archive No 1/1
Cabin No 102
Drawer No 1
File No 44
Section No 207
Contents No 2-1, 2-2
Holdwater: This is the decisive May 2 telegram that served as the first
indication of the resettlement decision, or as propagandists will tell us, the
"genocide." The writer is supposed to be Ismail Enver Pasha, and I'm not
sure what's going on with that "Ismet" signature.
|
| DOCUMENT N0: 27 |
The Coded message No: 3166 from Acting Supreme Commander Enver on 21 May 1915 (8 May
331)
It has been reported that the outlaw leader Antranik and his 1,200 volunteers
departed from Selmas and joined a Russian division commanded by the Russian
Commander of of Azerbaijan, Chernoroyod, and that this band later proceeded in the
direction of Baskale; and that the Dashnaks have raised 4,700 rubles in Boston,
United States, for the volunteers and sent this sum to the Armenian Assistance
Association of Caucasia.
Second Section / Date 22
To be written when contact is made with
Mr. Cevdet and the First Mobile Force
Date 22 Sait
Archive No 4/3671
Cabin No 161
Drawer No 1
File No 2820
Section No A (69)
Contents No 4
Holdwater: 4,700 rubles would be a huge fortune in
today's currency. Antranik's volunteer force fluctuated in numbers, of course; a
later document (see Doc. 40 below) would claim 2,000. At times,
Soghoman Tehlirian, the assassin of Talat
Pasha, would be among the fighters.
|
| DOCUMENT NO: 28 |
The Regulations Concerning the Management of the Land and Properties Belonging to
Armenians who Have Been Sent Elsewhere As a Result of the State of War and the
Extraordinary Political Situation.
Article 1 - the management of the land and properties belonging to Armenians who had been
moved elsewhere, will be carried out in compliance with these regulations by specially
formed commissions and assigned officials whose .authorities are indicated in the
following articles:
Article 2 - Following the evacuation of a village or district, all buildings with
furniture and other objects belonging to the Armenians who have been sent elsewhere will
immediately be sealed by the special council or a civil servant appointed by the
administrative commission, and taken under protection.
Article 3 - The type, amount, value, and the name of the owners of the goods taken under
protection will be registered in a detailed way. Later on, these goods will be sent to
convenient storage places such as churches, schools, and, houses. Care will be taken to
catalogue the goods under the names of their owners. Furthermore, the type and amount of
goods, the name of their owners, where they are found and protected will be included in
registration records, the original copy of which will be preserved at the local government
and a ratified copy at the Commission for Abandoned Properties.
Article 4 - The movables whose owners are unknown, will be registered in the name of the
villages where they are found and they will be preserved in the name of the village.
Article 5 - Of movable goods, the ones that can become spoiled and the animals will be
sold at an auction by a council to be appointed by the Commission. The money received as a
result of the sale will be preserved in the name of the owner. If the name of the owner is
not known, the money will be delivered to the financial office for preservation at the
village or district trust where the sold property belongs. A document showing the type,
amount, value and the owner's name of the auctioned goods will be prepared and registered
in a special book, and the bottom of the document will be ratified by the council
conducting the auction. Furthermore, an explanatory record will be arranged, the original
copy of which will be preserved at the local government and a ratified copy at the
Commission for Abandoned P |
