Turkish Hearths Approach to Russian Turks from 1917 October Revolution to the Armistice of Mudros

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to shed some light on the interest of Turkish Hearts towards the Russian Turks after the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia. What makes this study unique is that the lack of studies evaluating the connection between Turkish Hearts and Russian Turks at that time. The Ottoman pan-Turkist view towards the Turks living abroad and the effects of the Revolution on the pan-Turkist circles will be scrutinized over the course of the study. The raises, declines and continuities that occurred in the interest compared to earlier periods will also be examined.

When the interest of Turkish Hearts towards the Russian Turks was ascertained, the study attempts to derive its conclusion through articles appeared in Turk Yurdu, a journal of Turkish Hearts, the committees coming from Russia to Turkey to meet with the members of Turkish Hearts and the debates within the circles of Turkish Hearts on the issues of "aid to Turks living abroad".

The articles appeared in Turk Yurdu constitute the primary resources of this study. Besides, periodicals such as 'Tanin' and 'Vakit' were also used for discerning emerging public opinion. Office of the Prime Minister Ottoman Archives has limited number of archival documents directly related to the activities of Turkish Hearts towards Russian Turks. However, documents that may be related were also included along with memoirs of those people who lived at that time and took part in the activities. The reason this study limits itself with the Armistice of Mudros is due the fact that Turkish Hearts suspended its activities from this date onward.