Iğdır Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi

Abstract

At the beginning of the 20th century, different ethnic and religious communities lived together in and around Marash. Most of the non-Muslim population lived in the city center of Marash. Non-Muslims constituted approximately 20% of the population of the city of Marash. Gregorian Armenians were the most crowded community among the non-Muslim population. Minority schools were mostly established in areas where Armenian communities were crowded. The organization and systematization of modern educational activities among non-Muslim communities in Marash began in the second half of the 19th century. After the Tanzimat, non-Muslims accelerated their educational activities with the support of Western missionaries. American, French, English and German missionaries and organizations contributed greatly to the development of minority schools in Marash. Wealthy tradesmen, merchants, and industrialists also supported the opening of minority schools. The minority schools in Marash were established before the missionary schools. In terms of quantity, minority schools were more than missionary schools. Minority establishments were mostly established in the city center of Marash. Minority-controlled schools were supported and financed by Western states and various missionary organizations. Non-Muslim minority schools continued their activities for a long time without obtaining a license from the state.