The blight of Asia : $b An account of the systematic extermination of Christian populations by Mohammedans and of the culpability of certain great powers; with the true story of the burning of SmyrnaHorton, George
History
The blight of Asia : $b An account of the systematic extermination of Christian populations by Mohammedans and of the culpability of certain great powers; with the true story of the burning of Smyrna
Horton, George
Christians -- Turkey; Fires -- Turkey -- İzmir; Greeks -- Turkey; Turkey; İzmir (Turkey) -- History
“Before two years are finished a secret committee is unearthed
in Constantinople, with branches all over in important
commercial towns, whose intentions are declared to be
subversive of the present state of affairs. In this committee
are found many prominent men and members of Congress. All
discontent seen in the kingdom has its beginning in this
perverted policy. Our rulers, according to their newly adopted
system of centralization upon the basis of the domination
of the ruling race have given gall and wormwood to all the
other races. They have displeased the Arabs by wishing them
to abandon their language. They have alienated the Albanians
by attempting to apply force, though conciliatory measures
would have been better. They have dissatisfied the Armenians
by neglecting their lawful petitions. They have offended the
Bulgarians by forcing them to live with foreigners brought
purposely from other places. They have dissatisfied the
Serbians by using against them measures the harshness of which
is contrary to human laws.
“But for us Greeks words are useless. We have every day before
us such a vivid picture of persecution and extermination that
however much we might say would not be sufficient to express
the magnitude of the misfortunes which since two years have
come upon our heads. It is acknowledged that the Greek race
ranks second as a pillar of the Constitution and that it is the
most valuable of those contributing to the prosperity of the
Ottoman fatherland.
“We have the right to ask, what have we, Ottoman Greeks, done
that we should be so persecuted? The law-abiding character of
the Ottoman Greeks is indisputable. To us were given promises
that our rights would remain untouched. Despite this, laws are
voted through which churches, schools, and cemeteries belonging
to us are taken and given to others. Clergymen and teachers are
imprisoned, citizens are beaten, from everywhere lamentation
and weeping are heard.
“With what joy we Ottoman Greeks hailed the rise of the 10th
of July! With what eagerness we took part in the expedition of
April, 1909! With what hopes we look forward even to-day to the
future of this country! It is ours, and no power is able to
separate us from it.
“The Greeks are a power in Turkey; a moral and material power.
This power it is impossible for our compatriot Turks to ignore.
When will that day come when full agreement will exist between
the two races? Then only hand in hand will both march forward,
and Turkey will reach the height which is her due.”
The following is from my Saloniki diary, dated December 11, 1910:
“Wholesale arrests, in some of the towns all the prominent
citizens being thrown into jail together.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account