The Armenian Issue

Introduction

• The lecture is split into two sections:
  1. Causes of the Armenian Issue.
  2. Examination of whether it was a genocide.
• Resources are listed in the description box of the video.

Historical Context

• "Armenia" refers to a geographical region, not an empire or group of people.
• Early Armenians called themselves "Hayk" and their country "Hayatsan".
• Armenians never established an empire that corresponded to present-day Armenia.
• Armenians lived under Byzantium rule and faced oppression due to denominational differences.
• First Armenian deportation by Byzantium in 1020s, Armenians in Van sent to inner Anatolia.
• Conflicts with Byzantium until the arrival of Turks in 1071.
• Armenians were not an independent nation.

Early Turkish-Armenian Relations

• Independence and privileges were brought by Turks (Seljuq and Ottoman eras).
• Alp Arslan and Melikshah's agreements provided Armenians with tax relief and recognition.
• Armenians and Turks lived in harmony for centuries.
• Armenian Patriarchate established and recognized in Istanbul.
• Dense Armenian population in Istanbul by the 1800s; significant cultural presence.
• Armenians exempted from military service and held important governmental positions.