Armenophile British Relief Societies in the Last Quarter of the 19th Century

Abstract

The Armenophile British relief societies began to organising after the events in Anatolia in 1895, declaring that thousands of Armenians were in need of assistance. These societies, founded in major centres such as London, Cambridge, Maidstone, Manchester, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, launched systematic relief campaigns, organising concerts and meetings. To raise awareness of the issue, instil a sense of duty, and inform the British public, they published maps, brochures, magazines, and various works. Under the supervision of British consulates and American missionaries, these societies initiated their activities primarily in the Eastern Provinces, forming committees to coordinate efforts. In the initial phase, the aid was focused on meeting the basic needs of the Armenians; subsequently, the assistance expanded beyond these needs to support industrial projects, and the support was sustained.

This study examines the British public reaction to the Armenian Question and the relief efforts while analysing the political and social dynamics of the period. It provides an examination of the processes involved in collecting and distributing aid. The role of British consuls and American missionaries in organising relief efforts, and the impact of these actions on both local and international levels, are highlighted. The study focuses not only on the humanitarian aspect of aid but also explores its influence on British foreign policy and the role these activities played in deepening the Armenian Question. The primary sources for the study are documents from the Ottoman Archives, the National Archives, and contemporary newspapers.