Pan - Turkism and Religious Discrimination
As World War 1 ignited, the Turk government was in hopes of saving the last remains of the already weakened Ottoman Empire, being coined the "sick man of Europe". In order to do this, the government adopted a policy of Pan Turkism: the establishment of a large Turkish empire, composed of only Turkic-speaking populations of the Caucasus and Central Asian regions. This included the intent of 'Turkifying' or 'Otomanizing' all ethnic minority groups of the region, as well. Though, the Armenian peoples were the main obstacle in the way of the implementation of this policy.
As the empire declined and sought to rehabilitate its borders, religion played a role, as well. The Ottoman Empire was virtually an entirely Islamic empire, while the non-Turkish Armenians were Christian. Though the main motive for the mass genocide was Pan Turkism and territorial expansion, religious discrimination was evident throughout the massacres.
As the empire declined and sought to rehabilitate its borders, religion played a role, as well. The Ottoman Empire was virtually an entirely Islamic empire, while the non-Turkish Armenians were Christian. Though the main motive for the mass genocide was Pan Turkism and territorial expansion, religious discrimination was evident throughout the massacres.