THE HAMIDIAN MASSACRES IN DIARBEKIR IN 1895

Abstract

Having analyzed the overall picture of the massacre in Diarbekir in 1895, we concluded
that there were series of planned actions, which, unlike other provinces and settlements, had
certain features. First of all, the authorities tried to distort the picture by misrepresenting
Armenians as attackers, which was an attempt to justify the bloody attack carried out by the
authorities in order to oppress the Armenians. According to eyewitnesses, some of the city's
police, gendarmes and troops contributed to the massacres. There were other Christian
residents in the city who also suffered during the massacre, however, the target was the
Armenian population, which suffered greatly during the days of the massacre. At least 3,000 to
5,000 people were killed during the massacre in Diarbekir in November 1-3, the majority of
them were Armenians. After the massacres, many people died of diseases, hunger, fear and
stress. Many people were left homeless, without living conditions. As for the material damage,
according to French vice consul in Diarbekir G. Meyrier, a total of 1701 houses were looted in
Diarbekir, of which more than 1500 houses belonged to Armenians. A total of 2448 shops were
looted and set on fire, 2065 of which belonged to Armenians