[145] Report of Vice-Consul Fitzmaurice, Turkey, No. V., 1896.
[146] Greene, “Leavening the Levant,” pp. 177-8.
[147] Bryce, “Transcaucasia and Ararat,” p. 520, 4th edition.
[148] Washburn, “Fifty Years in Constantinople,” pp. 245-9.
[149] Andrews, “A History of All Nations,” Vol. XX, p. 341. Published by Lea Brothers and Co., Philadelphia.
XVI
THE REVOLUTION AND MASSACRES OF ADANA, 1908-1909
Sultan Abdul Hamid’s despotism during his long and bloody reign had alienated not only all the decent people in his realm, but even some of the worse classes, who, for their liberal views, not for better lives, were listed as his enemies. These were not Turks by descent, neither Mohammedans by choice, but being the children of renegades, whose forefathers professed themselves Mohammedans in order to save their lives, their honor, and their property. Thus these European Mohammedans were largely of Christian extract, and naturally had better chances to learn from the Western nations, especially the army officers, some of whom had been educated in military schools in Europe. Others, who were known and dogged by the numerous spies of Abdul Hamid, fled the country into Europe, and in Paris and other places, carried on a revolutionary propaganda.
The leaders of this movement first influenced the army and navy officers. The latter in turn appealed to their regiments. When they were sure of success, and everything in readiness, then they demanded from Abdul Hamid the restoration of the constitution which he had suppressed in 1877, and other reforms. Their demands were accompanied by the threat to march upon Constantinople with 60,000 men, if they were not immediately granted. Abdul Hamid was shocked. Some thought he would commit suicide. But he was too self-willed and shrewd; and not without some hope of frustrating their plans. He must act at once. There was no chance of doing anything by which he could avoid an immediate disaster. He must have time. He can have it by apparently and gracefully yielding. He said he was now sure that his people were prepared for a constitutional government, that he was willing to govern the nation according to the constitution.
So on the 24th of July, 1908, “by the command of the sultan, telegrams were sent to all divisions of the army and to the governors of the provinces announcing that his Imperial Majesty, Sultan Abdul Hamid, was graciously pleased to proclaim a constitutional form of government. The people were dazed and bewildered, not knowing what to believe, and when reassured their outbursts of joy defied description. Turks, Christians, and Jews joined indiscriminately in their joyful demonstrations.”
The sultan having solemnly sworn that he would rule as a constitutional king and as he appeared to be doing so, he was permitted to remain upon the throne. But he made no delay in attempting to overthrow the individuals and the Parliament as a whole. He used various means by the hands of his underlings and hirelings—softas and mullahs—to whom he shipped unlimited sums of money. Within nine months Abdul Hamid succeeded in inducing half of the garrison of Constantinople, about 12,000 men, to espouse his cause and rise in mutiny.