The Zeitun uprising of 1862

Before the Armenian Genocide of 1915, Armenians in the Ottoman Empire struggled for their rights, seeking to protect their culture, religion and autonomy. One of the key events of this struggle was the Zeitun uprising of 1862. The freedom-loving people of mountainous Zeitun in Cilicia successfully resisted the Ottoman troops thanks to their unity, knowledge of the terrain and fighting skill.

After the uprising the Ottoman authorities made concessions, granting Zeitun a degree of autonomy. It became an example for Armenian communities in other parts of the empire.

The photograph shows 7 armed men with rifles, crossed cartridge belts on their chests, and turbans and caps on their heads.