Name/Title
Handwritten Document from Erzurum (circa 1806)Description
This handwritten manuscript recounts the story of an Armenian martyr named Harutiun, who was executed in Smyrna (modern-day Izmir) on February 26, 1806. Harutiun had traveled to Smyrna from Erzurum with his brother, seeking a new life. One evening, Harutiun and seven of his friends visited a mayhane (a traditional tavern), where a band of Janissaries (Yenicheris) encountered them. Some of Harutiun's companions, including Harutiun himself, were so intoxicated that they joined the Janissaries in their revelry and were led to a khan (an inn) called Cezayir.
When Harutiun awoke the next morning, he was disoriented and had no recollection of how he had arrived at the khan. Seeking safety, he ran to a barber named Kevork, who lived in the Odun Pazar market. Recognizing the danger he was in, the influential Abroyan family, concerned for Harutiun’s life, arranged for him to be smuggled away to a French ship anchored off the coast of Smyrna. However, feeling guilty about his friends worrying for him, Harutiun decided to swim back to shore to reunite with them. Upon his return, he was captured by the Janissaries, who demanded that he convert to Islam. Harutiun refused, standing firm in his faith.
As punishment for his defiance, he was taken to Hisar Cami (a mosque) and beheaded. Before his execution, Harutiun made a final request: that one of his bones, specifically from his pinky finger, be preserved and returned to Erzurum to his parents. His brother honored this request, taking the bone back to their hometown.
When the local governor of Aydın, Muselim, learned that Harutiun was from Erzurum, the same province as he, he permitted that Harutiun’s body be buried in the graveyard of the Saint Stepanos Church. Over time, Harutiun’s grave became a place of pilgrimage for many. People visited to light lanterns and offer prayers, remembering his courage and sacrifice.
This manuscript is a heartfelt collection of poems dedicated to Harutiun, created in his honor. Handwritten and accompanied by original illustrations, it serves as a tribute to his memory. Harutiun’s death has been recognized as neo-martyrdom and is featured in several works, including a notable book on neo-martyrs by Hrachya Acharian. The manuscript has been transcribed and published in this very book, which is available through the link provided below.Publication Details
Publication Type
PamphletDate Published
circa 1807Created By
garenkazanc@hotmail.comCreate Date
October 15, 2024Updated By
garenkazanc@hotmail.comUpdate Date
November 19, 2024
