Here are some key factors that contributed to the intolerance of minorities during this period:
Turkification Policies: The Ottoman government pursued Turkification policies aimed at assimilating non-Turkish minorities into Turkish culture and society. This included restrictions on the use of minority languages, the imposition of Turkish as the official language, and the promotion of Turkish history and culture in education. These policies created a sense of alienation and resentment among minorities who felt their identities were being suppressed.
Pan-Turkism: Some Turkish nationalist movements were inspired by Pan-Turkism, a political ideology advocating the unification of all Turkic peoples into a single nation-state. This ideology led to the belief that the Ottoman Empire should be transformed into a Turkish state, disregarding the rights and interests of other ethnic groups within the empire. Pan-Turkism contributed to the notion that non-Turkish minorities were outsiders or potential threats to the unity of the Turkish nation.
Islamization: Turkish nationalism was often tied to a rise in Islamic conservatism. This led to the privileging of Muslim religious identity over other religious identities and the marginalization of non-Muslim communities. Policies favoring Muslim religious institutions and practices further alienated minorities, who felt their own religious rights were being violated.
Persecution and Discrimination: The intolerance of minorities in the Ottoman Empire manifested in various forms of persecution and discrimination. Non-Muslim minorities were subjected to a range of restrictions, including limitations on property ownership, access to education, and participation in political life. In some cases, violence and pogroms were carried out against minority communities.
Economic and Social Disparities: Turkish nationalism also contributed to the exacerbation of economic and social disparities between Turks and non-Turks. Government policies favored Turkish businesses and individuals, leading to inequalities and resentment among minority communities who felt economically marginalized.
Nationalist Propaganda and Media: The rise of Turkish nationalism was accompanied by a pervasive nationalist propaganda disseminated through media and educational institutions. This propaganda often portrayed non-Turkish minorities as backward, disloyal, or even a threat to the state. It contributed to the negative perceptions and stereotypes of minorities among the Turkish population.
Overall, the rise of Turkish nationalism in the Ottoman Empire created an environment of intolerance and discrimination toward minorities. The implementation of Turkification policies, Pan-Turkist aspirations, Islamization, persecution and discrimination, economic disparities, and nationalist propaganda all contributed to the marginalization and mistreatment of non-Turkish ethnic and religious groups within the empire.