At one point, the Armenians were a key part of the business community in Constantinople. However, after the massacres of 1896, when at least 5,000 Armenians were killed, and their property looted and confiscated, the situation changed drastically. Since then, the Armenians have become much more cautious in their business dealings. Today, only a few of the 250,000 Armenians in the city are running businesses under their own names Guided Tours Ephesus.
Partnership for Protection
Many Armenians have entered into partnerships with Turks to continue their businesses. They often pay a percentage of the profits to the Turks for protection and to use their names on business signs. Many old Armenian-owned shops now have Turkish names on their doors. However, this comes with a high price, as the Armenians have to pay blackmail to maintain their businesses.
Government Employment and Social Changes
Before the 1896 massacres, Armenians held important positions in the government, particularly in the financial sector, due to their executive skills. But since then, Armenians have been dismissed from government jobs and are rarely employed by private Turks. The Turkish government’s hostility toward Armenians has been intense, and today, the region known as Armenia is officially called Upper Turkey. The name Armenia is forbidden. Customs officers do not allow the importation of maps or books that mention the word “Armenia.” If such items are found, they are confiscated and burned. The censor also blots out any references to Armenia in books A City of Constant Apprehension.
The Greeks and Jews in Constantinople
The Greeks, who are the second-largest group in the city, have also made their mark in business. They dominate the mercantile trade in their own part of Constantinople. Despite the recent war between Turkey and Greece, there is no hatred or prejudice against the Greek community in Constantinople. Similarly, the Jews also live peacefully with their Turkish neighbors. Both the Greeks and the Jews are free to worship in their own way without interference. They have not faced the same persecution as the Armenians.
Why Armenians Face Persecution
The main reason for this difference is that Greeks and Jews tend to stay out of politics, while Armenians have been actively involved in political matters. The Armenian province has been in a state of discontent for many years, and its people have often attempted revolutions against their oppressors. Unfortunately, these revolutions have been poorly planned and have had little chance of success. On the other hand, Palestinians, who also live under Turkish rule, accept their oppression, while Armenians resist it.
