Eugene Rogan, a leading historian and scholar on the Middle East, discussed the genocidal events that occurred in Damascus and Mount Lebanon, the subsequent European response to these conflicts, and their enduring relevance in contemporary conflicts. To frame his discussion, Rogan addressed the "Eastern Question," a 19th-century diplomatic issue characterized by the Ottoman Empire's vulnerability to both internal dissent and European imperial ambitions. This tension profoundly shaped international relations in that era, as European powers frequently intervened in Ottoman affairs, claiming to protect minority populations but often pursuing their own imperialistic interests.

In response to European pressures, the Ottoman Empire introduced the bold 1856 Reform Decree, which sought to provide equality for Muslims, Christians, and Jews in an attempt to reduce European interference. However, this decree faced considerable internal resistance, particularly amongst Ottoman Muslims, as they believed it catered to European demands rather than a domestic audience. This perception of externally imposed reforms destabilized Ottoman society, escalating tensions between the minority groups.

In turn, violent massacres targeting Ottoman Christians erupted in the summer of 1860. In Mount Lebanon, conflict broke out between the Druze and Maronite Christians, resulting in the deaths of 11,000 Christians. Meanwhile in Damascus, the Muslim community plundered the Christian quarter for 8 days and killed 5,000 Christians, as they aimed to eliminate the Christian presence. These two atrocities prompted European powers to intervene supposedly to protect minority populations within the Ottoman Empire but, as Rogan highlighted, likely driven by imperialistic motives cloaked in humanitarian rhetoric.

When asked about how these events played a role in shaping modern-day societies, Rogan explained that the 1860 sectarian violence have impacted Lebanon and Syria differently. In Mount Lebanon, sectarian divisions deepened, planting the seeds for Lebanon's lasting sectarian political culture. Conversely, in Damascus, the Christian and Muslim communities rebuilt their city together, leaving no enduring sectarian legacy. This contrast, Rogan suggested, provides valuable insights for resolving deeply divided communities, a lesson he believes may hold relevance in today's conflicts. Specifically, the conflict's roots in a deeply traumatic, genocidal event and subsequent resolution could be extrapolated to the current conflict between Israel and Palestine.

In conclusion, Rogan's examination highlighted the enduring influence of 19th-century Middle Eastern crises on present-day sectarian and political conflicts. His exploration into the lessons of 19th-century Middle Eastern crises serves as a reminder of the power of history in informing constructive international relations strategies today.

hosted by Professor Sanam Vakil


EUGENE L. ROGAN

Eugene L. Rogan is Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at the University of Oxford, and a Fellow of St Antony's College.

Rogan is the author of The Arabs: A History, which has been translated into ten languages and was named one of the best books of 2009 by The Economist, The Financial Times, and The Atlantic Monthly. His most recent book is The Fall of the Ottomans: The Great War in the Middle East, 1914-1920 (2015). His other books include Frontiers of the State in the Late Ottoman Empire: Transjordan, 1850-1920) and, with Avi Shlaim, The War for Palestine: Rewriting the History of 1948. His books have been published in 18 languages.

Rogan took his BA from Columbia University in Economics, and his MA and PhD from Harvard University in History and Middle Eastern Studies. He is a Fellow of the British Academy.