History Extra podcast The massacre that shattered the old Ottoman world
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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.
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Syria's Transformative Change
- 19th century Syria faced transformative changes due to European industrialization and trade.
- This disrupted local artisanal trade and shifted Damascus's focus from desert routes to coastal ports like Beirut.
Damascus's Unique Diversity
- Damascus, isolated from the Mediterranean world, was more conservative than coastal cities.
- Its diversity was primarily Arabic-speaking, encompassing Muslims, Christians, and Jews, but European influence challenged its worldview.
Druze Attacks and Rising Tensions
- The Druze, outnumbered by Christians in Mount Lebanon, launched shock attacks, killing 11,000 Christian men.
- This fueled tensions in Damascus, where Muslims, fearing their own Christian minority, dreamt of similar actions.
