Assyrian Genocide

Assyrian Genocide

On January 1, 1915, systematic attacks against Assyrian communities began in the eastern provinces of the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Assyrians, a Christian minority concentrated in regions including Hakkari, Van, and Tur Abdin, were accused by Ottoman authorities of collaboration with enemy forces. Military units and irregular forces carried out arrests, executions, and village destructions.

Throughout 1915 and 1916, Assyrian civilians were subjected to mass killings, forced marches, and deportations. Entire settlements were destroyed, and surviving populations were displaced toward Mesopotamia and neighboring territories. Armed groups targeted religious leaders and community figures, and churches and property were confiscated or destroyed.

Estimates indicate that between 250,000 and 300,000 Assyrians were killed during the campaign. The events resulted in the depopulation of historic Assyrian regions within the Ottoman Empire and contributed to the formation of Assyrian diaspora communities across the Middle East and beyond.