Ankara Treaty and Migration of Cilician Armenians

Abstract

During World War I, Armenians carried out raids and acts of intimidation against the Ottoman Empire on the side of the Allied Powers. With the signing of the Armistice of Mudros, Armenian attacks against Muslims in Adana, Urfa, Aintab, and Marash increased. After the Battle of Sakarya, France, realizing it could not hold onto Adana and the region, began seeking reconciliation with the Ankara Government. An agreement was signed in Ankara on October 20, 1921, with Franklin Bouillon representing the French. According to the sixth article of this treaty, the Ankara Government expected to adhere to the minority rights outlined in the Misak-ı Milli. With the signing of the Ankara Treaty, the French started evacuating the region. Due to the severe attacks against Turks during the Armistice years, Armenians became concerned about their situation. The French, wanting local Armenians to remain in their homes, included a general amnesty provision in the Ankara Treaty. Franklin Bouillon assured the Armenians that the Ankara Government had forgiven the atrocities committed before the treaty. However, despite these assurances, Armenians, fearing retaliation for their actions, began migrating from Adana and its surroundings. The number of Armenians leaving Türkiye reached tens of thousands, some departing by ferries from Mersin and others by trains to Aleppo. This study evaluates the migration of Armenians from Cilicia based on official documents.