A JOURNEY FROM AMERICA TO VAN: MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES IN VAN THROUGH THE LENS OF THE MISSIONARY HERALD (1872-1891)

Abstract

This study examines nineteenth-century missionary activities in Van and their socio-political effects, drawing on the Missionary Herald published by the American Board (ABCFM). It aims to reveal, through primary sources, American missionaries’ expansion strategies centered on the Armenian community and Van’s role as a strategic center. Missionary letters, annual reports, and statistical data were assessed through historical analysis and qualitative content analysis. The scope is framed by missionary testimonies on the war, famine, and institutionalization following the Van station’s establishment in 1872. The study’s originality lies in analyzing these initiatives directly through field reports, offering a new perspective on regional history and missionary literature. It emphasizes the security problems caused by the 1877–1878 Ottoman-Russian War, organized humanitarian aid during famine, and the socio-political outcomes of educational activities. The findings conclude that missionary work was not confined to religious preaching but transformed traditional structures through education, health, and institutional organization.

Keywords

• Van
• Missionary Herald
• ABCFM
• Missionary Activities

AMERİKA’DAN VAN’A YOLCULUK: MISSIONARY HERALD DERGİSİ VERİLERİNE GÖRE VAN’DA MİSYONERLİK FAALİYETLERİ (1872-1891)

Abstract

Bu çalışma, American Board (ABCFM) tarafından yayımlanan Missionary Herald dergisi kayıtlarına dayanarak XIX. yüzyılda Van’da yürütülen misyonerlik faaliyetlerini ve bunların sosyo-politik etkilerini incelemektedir. Araştırmanın temel amacı, Amerikalı misyonerlerin Ermeni toplumu odaklı genişleme stratejilerini ve Van’ın stratejik bir merkez olarak üstlendiği rolü birincil kaynaklar üzerinden ortaya koymaktır. Yöntem olarak, dergide yer alan misyoner mektupları, yıllık raporlar ve istatistiksel veriler tarihsel analiz ve nitel içerik çözümlemesi yoluyla değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırmanın kapsamı, Van istasyonunun 1872’deki kuruluşundan itibaren bölgede yaşanan savaş, kıtlık ve kurumsallaşma süreçlerini kapsayan misyoner tanıklıklarıyla şekillendirilmiştir. Çalışmanın özgün yönü, Van’daki misyonerlik girişimlerini doğrudan sahadaki raporlar üzerinden çözümleyerek bölge tarihine ve misyonerlik literatürüne yeni bir perspektif sunmasıdır. Özellikle 1877-1878 Osmanlı-Rus Savaşı’nın yol açtığı asayiş sorunları, kıtlık dönemindeki örgütlü insani yardımlar ve eğitim faaliyetlerinin sosyo-politik sonuçları çalışmanın başlıca vurgularıdır. Değerlendirmeler ışığında, misyonerliğin yalnızca dinî bir tebliğle sınırlı kalmayıp; eğitim, sağlık ve kurumsal örgütlenme yoluyla geleneksel yapıyı dönüştüren bir süreç olduğu sonucuna varılmaktadır.

Keywords

• Van
• Missionary Herald
• American Board
• Misyonerlik

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