Constantinople Massacre of 1821: What Happened
In April 1821, following the outbreak of the Greek War of Independence, the Ottoman authorities launched harsh reprisals against the Greek population of Constantinople. Beginning around Easter, Greek clergy, merchants and leading figures were arrested and executed. The Ecumenical Patriarch Gregory V was hanged on Easter Sunday, along with several bishops. Many prominent members of the Phanariote families, the wealthy Greek elite who had served in high positions in the Ottoman administration, were killed, including the Grand Dragoman, Konstantinos Mourouzis. Mobs and soldiers attacked Greek neighborhoods, churches were damaged and looted, and many Greeks were killed or fled the city. Similar violence broke out in other cities with large Greek communities, including Smyrna, Adrianople and Kydonies on the coast of Asia Minor. The reprisals were intended to terrorize the Greeks into submission, but they had the opposite effect. They deepened the break between Greeks and the Ottoman state, pushed many undecided Greeks to support the revolution, and helped turn European public opinion toward sympathy for the Greek cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Constantinople Massacre of 1821?
The Constantinople Massacre was a wave of Ottoman reprisals against Greeks in the capital in spring 1821, following the outbreak of the Greek War of Independence.
Who was killed in the Constantinople massacre?
Victims included Greek clergy, merchants, prominent Phanariote families and ordinary Greeks. Patriarch Gregory V and several bishops were executed.
Were other cities affected?
Similar violence broke out in other cities with large Greek communities, including Smyrna, Adrianople and Kydonies on the coast of Asia Minor.
Who were the Phanariotes?
The Phanariotes were wealthy Greek families from the Phanar district of Constantinople who held high positions in the Ottoman administration.
How did the massacre affect the revolution?
The reprisals pushed many undecided Greeks to support the revolution and helped turn European public opinion toward sympathy for the Greek cause.
