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

Abstract

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.