Mkrtich Khrimian as an Ottomanist? Disputing a Growing Trend in Armenian Historiography

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 89 Sayı: 316, 1079 - 1108, 08.12.2025

Fikrettin Yavuz , Zeynep İskefiyeli

https://doi.org/10.37879/belleten.2025.1079

Öz

Mkrtich Khrimian (1820-1907), long recognised as a foundational figure in Armenian nationalism, also held prominent, influential religious and political roles within the Ottoman Armenian community. In recent years, however, a growing and increasingly visible trend in historiography has emerged that reinterprets Khrimian as an Ottomanist mediator and a committed proponent of Tanzimat reforms. This reinterpretation, rooted largely in his institutional engagements and interactions with the Ottoman state, portrays him as a conciliatory and adaptive figure working deliberately within the imperial framework. This article critically engages with this significant historiographical shift, reassessing Khrimian’s rhetoric and activities through a close, careful reading of his sermons, writings, and political actions—most notably the widely referenced and symbolically charged “Iron Ladle Sermon”. It argues that Khrimian’s ideological orientation aligns more closely with Armenian nationalist aspirations and sentiments than with Ottomanist ideals or reformist agendas. Drawing on a wide range of primary sources, including Artsvi Vaspurakan (a periodical edited by Khrimian), archival documents, and recent scholarship, the article highlights the nationalist content embedded in Khrimian’s discourse and explores the broader historical implications of his legacy. By challenging the emerging narrative that casts Khrimian as an Ottomanist figure, this study offers a historically grounded and analytically reflective reappraisal of his ideological trajectory.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Mkrtich Khrimian , Armenian Nationalism , Ottomanism , Historiography , Iron Ladle Sermon , Armenian Church

Etik Beyan

It is declared that scientific and ethical principles were complied with during the preparation of this study and all the works referred are mentioned in the bibliography.

Mıgırdıç Kırımyan Osmanlıcı mı? Ermeni Tarih Yazımında Yükselen Bir Eğilime Eleştirel Bakış

Öz

Ermeni milliyetçiliğinin sembol isimlerinden biri olarak kabul edilen Mıgırdıç Kırımyan (1820–1907), Osmanlı Ermenileri arasında hem dini hem de siyasi alanlarda önemli ve etkili roller üstlenmiş bir din adamı olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Ancak son yıllarda tarih yazımında artan bir şekilde görünürlük kazanan ve Kırımyan’ın Osmanlı düzeniyle ilişkilerini temel alarak onu Osmanlıcı bir arabulucu ve Tanzimat reformlarının savunucusu olarak nitelendiren yeni bir yaklaşım ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu yeni yorum, büyük ölçüde Kırımyan’ın Tanzimat reformlarının uygulanmasına yönelik olumlu bir tutum sergilediği iddiasına dayanmakta ve onu imparatorluk yapısı içinde uzlaşmacı ve uyumlu bir figür olarak sunmaktadır. Bu makale, söz konusu bu yeni yaklaşımı eleştirel bir bakış açısıyla ele alarak Kırımyan’a atfedilen Osmanlıcı kimliği derinlemesine sorgulamaktadır. Bu doğrultuda, Kırımyan’ın söylemleri, yazıları ve faaliyetleri, özellikle milliyetçi çağrışımları güçlü olan “Demir Kepçe Vaazı” üzerinden yeniden değerlendirilmektedir. Makale, Kırımyan’ın ideolojik yöneliminin Osmanlıcılıktan ziyade Ermeni milliyetçiliği ile örtüştüğünü öne sürmektedir. Bu kapsamlı analiz, Kırımyan’ın editörlüğünü yaptığı ve yayımladığı Artsvi Vaspurakan dergisinde yayınlanan çeşitli yazılara, arşiv belgelerine ve güncel akademik literatüre dayanmaktadır. Kırımyan’ın söylemleri ve eylemleri, dönemin siyasi ve toplumsal bağlamı içinde yeniden değerlendirilmektedir. Makale, onu Osmanlıcı bir arabulucu olarak tanımlayan yaklaşımı eleştirel bir biçimde sorgularken, aynı zamanda Kırımyan’ın tarihsel rolünü daha bütüncül ve temellendirilmiş bir perspektiften ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Mıgırdıç Kırımyan , Ermeni Milliyetçiliği , Osmanlıcılık , Tarih Yazımı , Demir Kepçe Vaazı , Ermeni Kilisesi

Etik Beyan

Bu çalışmanın hazırlanma sürecinde bilimsel ve etik ilkelere uyulduğu ve yararlanılan tüm çalışmaların kaynakçada belirtildiği beyan olunur.

Kaynakça

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