Foreign relations between Iran and the Ottoman Empire and its impact on Echmiadzin based on the Persian documents of Matenadaran
Abstract
The foreign relations between Iran and the Ottoman Empire have had profound effects on the border regions, especially on the city of Echmiadzin in Armenia, during different historical periods. The documents available in Matenadaran, the National Library of Armenia, as a reliable source, represent the political, economic, and cultural interactions between these two empires. This research examines how these relations affected the social and religious situation of Echmiadzin. According to the available documents, it can be seen that the political and military competitions between Iran and the Ottoman Empire have affected not only the geographical borders but also the cultural and religious identity of the region. Also, these relations have led to the formation of new religious and social institutions in Echmiadzin. This research seeks to answer the following questions using an analytical-documentary method: 1. How have the political competitions between Iran and the Ottoman Empire affected the social and religious situation of Echmiadzin? 2. What roles did religious institutions play in Echmiadzin in response to changes in Iranian-Ottoman relations? The research findings suggest that 1. The changing relations between Iran and the Ottomans led to significant changes in the social and religious structure of Echmiadzin. 2. Religious institutions in Echmiadzin acted as intermediaries that not only helped preserve the region's cultural identity but also resisted political pressures from the two empires.
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Introduction
The foreign relations between Iran and the Ottoman Empire from the Safavid to the Qajar period were influenced by political, religious and economic factors. During the Safavid period, Iran as a Shiite power and the Ottoman Empire as a Sunni empire were in conflict with each other. This religious conflict led to numerous wars between the two countries, the most important of which was the Battle of Chaldoran in 1514 AD and subsequent wars in the 16th and 17th centuries AD. Over time, both countries sought to expand their influence in the border areas. The Safavids, relying on their Shiite identity, tried to absorb Sunni areas, while the Ottomans sought to consolidate their power in Islamic lands. These rivalries led to constant tensions and military conflicts. During the Qajar period, the situation changed, and with the emergence of Western powers, both countries were somewhat weakened. The foreign relations between Iran and the Ottoman Empire during the Qajar period were influenced by domestic and international political and social developments. As both empires weakened due to external pressures and internal unrest, new interactions were created. The Qajar government sought to consolidate its power against external threats, especially from Russia and Britain, and this led them to improve relations with the Ottomans. During this period, both countries faced similar challenges, including the influence of Western powers and internal discontent. This situation led the Qajar government and the Ottomans to try to prevent foreign influence by cooperating with each other. This cooperation took place mainly in the economic and military fields. However, religious tensions still existed. The Qajars, as a Shiite state, and the Ottomans, as a Sunni empire, were sometimes in conflict with each other. These tensions sometimes led to border conflicts. Also, issues related to Kurds and Arabs on the common borders also affected relations. In general, Iranian-Ottoman relations during the Qajar period were somewhat complex and contradictory. On the one hand, there were attempts to cooperate and ally against external threats, and on the other hand, religious tensions and border disputes prevented the formation of a stable and friendly relationship. These conditions reflected the need for both countries to protect their national interests in a tense environment.
Conclusion
The Matenadaran documents clearly demonstrate that the principled policy of the Qajar government was serious and continuous support for the Armenians. The absence of forced conversion, support for the construction and maintenance of churches in different regions of Iran, the right of the Iranian kings to appoint a caliph, freedom to hold religious ceremonies, the allocation of an Armenian sheriff for the Jolfa neighborhood, and other matters are part of this historical reality. The role of Echmiadzin in regulating the relationship of the Qajar kings with the Armenians of Iran as a religious and social institution is of particular importance in the history of Iran. As a center for the consolidation and representation of Armenians, Echmiadzin was able to act as an effective mediator between the Qajar government and the Armenian community. The foreign relations of Iran and the Ottomans, as two great powers in the region, had a deep and widespread impact on the border regions and especially on the historical city of Echmiadzin in Armenia. The documents in the Matenadaran indicate the complex political, economic, and cultural interactions between these two empires. These documents indicate that military and diplomatic rivalries between Persia and the Ottomans affected not only the geographical borders but also the cultural and religious identity of Echmiadzin. At various times, political changes in these two empires had an impact on Echmiadzin. Echmiadzin served as a center of social gatherings and activities, and in response to political and military pressures, it played an important role in preserving the cultural identity of the Armenians.
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