The early 20th century was marked by a war of immense scale and brutality, often overshadowing other significant events occurring simultaneously. One such event was the systematic extermination of the Assyrians by the Ottomans and Kurdish raiders between 1914 and 1918, known as the Sayfo. This tragic episode is often relegated to a mere footnote in the history of World War I. It tells the harrowing story of how 20,000 Turkish soldiers and 10,000 Kurdish mercenaries targeted 750,000 Assyrians, 100,000 Greeks, and 1,500,000 Armenians in 1914, aiming to eradicate Christian communities within the Ottoman Empire.
The Assyrians, descendants of early settlers who developed Mesopotamian cities like Babylon, Assur, and Uruk, are an ethnic group defined by their shared languages derived from ancient Aramaic. Predominantly Christian, they were divided among various sects, including the Orthodox Assyrian Church of the East, the Syrian Orthodox Church, and the Chaldean Catholic Church. Spread across regions such as Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Persia, the Assyrians never formed a cohesive political entity in modern times, unlike the Greeks and Armenians. As Christian minorities in the Ottoman Empire, they faced significant discrimination and persecution.
The political landscape of the Ottoman Empire shifted dramatically with the rise of the Committee of Union and Progress, also known as the Young Turks. In 1913, a coup led by Enver Pasha, Talat Pasha, and Jemal Pasha made them the de facto rulers, reducing the Sultan to a nominal figurehead. Their vision for a Turkish Empire saw minorities as threats to its integrity. As World War I began, the Ottomans, under pressure from these leaders, declared a holy war against perceived internal enemies, including the Assyrians and Armenians, whom they accused of potential uprisings influenced by the Russian Empire.
The war provided the Ottomans with an opportunity to eliminate internal foes without foreign intervention. In 1914, Turkish forces, aided by Kurdish reinforcements, invaded Russia and Northern Persia. By January 1915, they had pushed the Russians out of several cities, but at a heavy cost, leading to the scapegoating of Armenians for military failures. The deportations of Assyrians and Armenians were not intended for resettlement but were part of a systematic plan to destroy their culture, language, and social structure. The infamous death marches resulted in thousands of deaths from exhaustion, starvation, and violence.
Faced with extermination, the Assyrians had no choice but to defend themselves. Mar Benyamin Shimun, the patriarch of the Church of the East, led the Assyrian resistance in the Hakkari mountains. Despite seeking aid from the Russians and inspiring many Assyrians to take up arms, the Ottomans continued their brutal campaign. In June 1915, a major Ottoman offensive forced the Assyrians to retreat further into the mountains, facing tremendous challenges and betrayal from potential allies.
The atrocities committed against the Assyrians during this period are documented in various historical records, including the Blue Book, which compiled accounts of the treatment of Armenians and Assyrians in the Ottoman Empire. Despite the immense suffering endured, the Assyrians continue to seek recognition of their tragedy. In 2023, Turkey’s president refused to recognize the Sayfo, citing a lack of legal and historical basis. However, some countries, including Armenia, France, Germany, and Sweden, have officially recognized the plight of the Assyrians. Increased awareness may lead to further recognition of their suffering.
Understanding the history of the Assyrians during this tumultuous period provides insight into the broader context of minority struggles within empires and the enduring quest for recognition and justice.
Research the historical context of the Assyrians and their plight during the Sayfo. Prepare a presentation that highlights key events, figures, and the impact on Assyrian communities. Focus on how these events are remembered today and the ongoing quest for recognition. Present your findings to the class, encouraging a discussion on the importance of historical memory and recognition.
Participate in a debate on the topic: “Should more countries officially recognize the Sayfo as a genocide?” Prepare arguments for both sides, considering historical evidence, political implications, and ethical considerations. Engage with your peers in a structured debate format, aiming to understand different perspectives on historical recognition and its impact on contemporary international relations.
Write a short story or a series of diary entries from the perspective of an Assyrian individual or family during the Sayfo. Use historical facts to ground your narrative, but focus on the personal experiences and emotions of your characters. Share your work with the class to explore the human aspect of historical events and the power of storytelling in preserving history.
Watch a documentary or a series of interviews with historians and descendants of Assyrian survivors. Take notes on the key points and perspectives presented. After the screening, participate in a class discussion to analyze the documentary’s portrayal of the events and its effectiveness in raising awareness about the Sayfo. Reflect on the role of media in shaping historical narratives.
Write an essay comparing the Sayfo with another historical event involving the persecution of a minority group. Analyze similarities and differences in causes, methods, and outcomes. Consider the role of international response and recognition in both cases. Use this exercise to deepen your understanding of patterns in history and the importance of learning from past atrocities.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
—
The second decade of the 20th century witnessed a war of unprecedented proportions and terrible atrocities. However, such significant events can often overshadow what may be happening beneath the surface, such as the systematic extermination of the Assyrians by the Ottomans and Kurdish raiders between 1914 and 1918, also known as the Sayfo. Unfortunately, this has often been reduced to a footnote in the history of the Great War. It is a harrowing story of how 20,000 Turkish soldiers and 10,000 Kurdish mercenaries began the destruction of 750,000 Assyrians, 100,000 Greeks, and 1,500,000 Armenians in 1914, with the intention of completely eradicating Christian communities in the Ottoman Empire.
Welcome to Nutty History. This is the story of Anatolian and Persian Assyrians who faced the grim reality of demise alongside Armenians and Greeks under the Ottoman regime. We appreciate your support for our channel by liking this video and subscribing for more intriguing and unusual chapters of history like this one. Viewer discretion is advised, as some content may be sensitive or disturbing. We, the creators of this video, do not support or condone the actions of the subjects discussed.
The term “Sayfo” means “sword” in Armenian, and it tells a tale of appalling methods and deceptions employed by the Ottomans to mislead their victims, who were forced to take up arms for their survival. Modern Assyrians are descendants of early settlers who civilized Mesopotamian cities such as Babylon, Assur, and Uruk. This ethnic group is loosely defined by their shared family of languages that stem from ancient Aramaic. The modern Assyrians are predominantly Christian by faith and were divided among various smaller sects, such as the Orthodox Assyrian Church of the East, the Syrian Orthodox Church, and the Chaldean Catholic Church.
Assyrians were spread across regions including Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Persia, which meant they never formed a cohesive political entity in modern times, unlike the Greeks and Armenians. Like other Christian minorities in the Ottoman Empire, they faced significant discrimination. During World War I, even when not actively hunted, Christians in general and Assyrians in particular faced regular bigotry. Turkish authorities, clergy, and politicians exploited them through land seizures and enforced conversions to Islam, particularly among Assyrians through Kurdish raiders.
The political struggle between the Committee of Union and Progress, also known as the Young Turks, and the Ottoman Sultan for authority over the Empire culminated in the 1913 coup. The Young Turk triumvirate, consisting of Enver Pasha, Talat Pasha, and Jemal Pasha, became the de facto rulers of the Empire, relegating the Sultan to a nominal head of state. The three Pashas had an ethnocentric vision for their Turkish Empire, where minorities were seen as threats to its integrity.
As World War I began, the Ottoman Empire, under pressure from these leaders, declared a holy war against perceived enemies within its borders. Talat Pasha claimed that Armenians and Assyrians would incite domestic uprisings at the behest of the Russian Empire. Shortly after the Ottoman Empire sided with the Central Powers, Talat Pasha twisted the Sultan’s arm to declare a holy war against enemies of Islam. He ordered the deportation and expulsion of Assyrians from border territories due to their supposed predisposition to foreign influence.
The war provided the Ottomans with an opportunity to eliminate internal foes without foreign intervention. The Turks, aided by Kurdish reinforcements, invaded Russia and Northern Persia in the winter of 1914. By January 1915, they had successfully pushed the Russians out of several cities. However, this success came at a heavy cost, and the Ottomans began to blame the Armenians for their military failures.
The deportations of Assyrians and Armenians were not aimed at resettlement but were part of a systematic plan to destroy their culture, language, and social structure. Jeff de Bay, an Ottoman governor, was ordered to ensure that no Assyrian settlement would have more than 20 residents. The deportations were brutal, with many forced into infamous death marches, leading to thousands of deaths from exhaustion, starvation, and violence.
On May 19, 1915, the Ottomans passed a temporary law of deportation, granting the government and military authority to deport anyone deemed a threat to national security. This law facilitated the confiscation of Christian property and led to widespread persecution. The government labeled any resistance as treason, and systematic starvation and elimination were authorized to suppress dissent.
By mid-1915, Jeff de Bay led military campaigns that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Assyrians and Armenians. The atrocities committed during this period shocked even some Ottoman officials, who attempted to distance themselves from the actions of troops under Jeff de Bay’s command.
The Assyrians had no choice but to defend themselves. Mar Benyamin Shimun, the patriarch of the Church of the East, led the Assyrian resistance in the Hakkari mountains during this crisis. He sought aid from the Russians and inspired many Assyrians to take up arms against their oppressors. Despite his efforts, the Ottomans continued their brutal campaign against the Assyrians.
In June 1915, the Ottomans launched a major offensive, forcing the Assyrians to retreat further into the mountains. Shimun and his community faced tremendous challenges, including betrayal from potential allies. The Assyrians’ plight continued as they sought refuge and safety amidst ongoing violence.
The atrocities committed against the Assyrians during this period are documented in various historical records, including the Blue Book, which compiled accounts of the treatment of Armenians and Assyrians in the Ottoman Empire. Despite the immense suffering endured, the Assyrians continue to seek recognition of their tragedy.
In 2023, Turkey’s president refused to recognize the Sayfo, citing a lack of legal and historical basis. However, some countries, including Armenia, France, Germany, and Sweden, have officially recognized the plight of the Assyrians. Increased awareness may lead to further recognition of their suffering.
Thank you for watching. If you would like to support our channel and uncover more unusual historical events, please like and subscribe. See you next time on Nutty History.
—
This version maintains the core information while removing sensitive or graphic content.
Empire – A group of nations or peoples ruled over by an emperor, empress, or other powerful sovereign or government, usually a territory of greater extent than a kingdom. – The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in history, extending its reach across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Assyrians – An ancient Semitic-speaking people who established one of the world’s earliest empires, known for their advanced military strategies and architectural achievements. – The Assyrians were renowned for their formidable army and the construction of impressive cities like Nineveh and Ashur.
Ottomans – A Turkish dynasty that established a vast empire from the late 13th century until the early 20th century, known for its cultural diversity and significant contributions to art and architecture. – The Ottomans played a crucial role in the history of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, leaving a lasting legacy on the regions they controlled.
Minorities – Groups in a society who do not form the majority of the population and often have different ethnic, religious, or cultural characteristics. – Throughout history, minorities have often faced challenges in preserving their cultural identity and securing equal rights within larger societies.
Persecution – The systematic mistreatment or punishment of individuals or groups, often based on their race, religion, or political beliefs. – The persecution of religious minorities has been a recurring theme in history, leading to significant social and political upheavals.
Culture – The social behavior, norms, and practices that characterize a particular group or society, including their arts, beliefs, and institutions. – The Renaissance was a period of profound cultural change in Europe, marked by a renewed interest in classical learning and the arts.
Language – A system of communication used by a particular community or country, consisting of spoken, written, or signed words and the rules for combining them. – The spread of the Latin language during the Roman Empire had a lasting impact on the development of many modern European languages.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, and the interpretation of their significance and impact on the present and future. – Understanding history is essential for comprehending the complex social and political dynamics that shape our world today.
Recognition – The acknowledgment or acceptance of the existence, validity, or legality of something, often related to social or political status. – The recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights has become an important issue in contemporary social and political discourse.
Struggle – A forceful or violent effort to achieve a goal, often in the face of opposition or difficulty, frequently used in the context of social or political movements. – The struggle for civil rights in the United States was a pivotal movement that sought to end racial discrimination and promote equality.
