History Extra podcast
The massacre that shattered the old Ottoman world
Dec 16, 2024
Eugene Rogan, a historian and author of "The Damascus Events: The 1860 Massacre and the Destruction of the Old Ottoman World," delves into the catastrophic massacre of Christians in Damascus in 1860. He discusses how this tragedy destabilized the city and shattered its culturally diverse society. Rogan explores the socio-economic changes leading up to the violence and contrasts various narratives, emphasizing historical lessons critical for today’s ongoing conflicts. His insights reveal the deep-rooted tensions that continue to affect the region.
42:49
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Quick takeaways
- The economic rise of Christian merchants in mid-19th century Damascus disrupted traditional social balances, leading to rising resentment among Muslims.
- The 1860 massacre illustrated deep communal tensions and serves as a historical lens for understanding ongoing sectarian violence in Syria.
Deep dives
Economic Shifts and Societal Tensions
In the mid-19th century, significant economic changes began to reshape Damascus, largely due to the influx of European trade following advancements in steam shipping. This development heightened competition between the newly empowered Christian merchants and the traditional Muslim artisans, disrupting a long-lasting social equilibrium. Over about 25 years, this shift in economic power created a growing resentment among the Muslim majority as they perceived a loss of status and influence within their own society. The social dynamics became increasingly strained, setting the stage for conflict leading up to the violence of 1860.
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