Elâzığ During the National Struggle

At the beginning of the First World War, when Van and Bitlis were occupied by the Russian-Armenian troops, there was a massive migration of Muslims from the occupied cities to certain provinces including Elâzığ. During the First World War, the Russian-Armenian occupation armies were pushed into the borders of the Elâzığ province. The occupation of the Southern provinces by the French in accordance with the Syrian Agreement between the British and the French, and the attitude of the Armenians in the French army towards Muslim population was fiercely protested by the people of Elâzığ. The opposing sections on political and social issues acted together and reacted strongly to the occupation of İzmir. Stating that occupation of İzmir was wrongful and unjust, it was emphasized that the occupation was against Wilson's Points, humanity and justice. In the telegrams of protest, mayors and clergy often played a leading role. After the Armenians’ actions in the region following the Armistice of Mudros, one of the first branches of the Vilayat-ı Şarkiyye Müdafaa-i Hukuk-ı Milliye Cemiyeti (Eastern Provinces Association for the Defence of National Rights) was founded in Elâzığ, which was led by the Eastern politicians and intellectuals. However, when Ali Galip Bey, who was against the National Struggle, was assigned as the governor of Elazig in the midst of 1919, this assignment had a negative impact on the works of national associations. In this process, the possibility of establishing Armenia in the region and the negotiation between Sherif Pasha and Armenian Boğos Nubar Pasha at the Paris Conference got reaction in the province of Elâzığ. However, military victories and important developments on the fronts were followed closely in Elazig. In Elazig, where national sentiment and emotions were very strong, victories were celebrated enthusiastically for days.

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