Caucasian migrations triggered by the 1877–1878 Ottoman-Russian War

The 1877–1878 Ottoman-Russian War resulted in significant political and territorial losses for the Ottoman Empire. Following the war, the Treaties of San Stefano and Berlin led to the cession of Batumi, Kars, and Ardahan to the Russian Empire, effectively terminating Ottoman sovereignty in the Caucasus. Russia's assimilation and oppressive policies in these newly acquired territories, particularly targeting the Muslim and Turkic populations, compelled these communities to migrate en masse to Ottoman lands. The migration process brought with it severe health and logistical challenges. Widespread hunger, disease, and epidemics caused substantial loss of life. In an effort to curb the spread of epidemics, the Ottoman authorities implemented quarantine measures; however, these measures proved insufficient, particularly in major urban centers such as Istanbul. The city faced a range of demographic, social, and economic challenges as a result of the mass influx of migrants. The issue of migration became a matter of direct concern for Sultan Abdulhamid II. Finding the existing Commission for Immigrants (Muhacirin Komisyonu) inadequate, the Sultan established the General Commission for Immigrants (Umum Muhacirin Komisyonu), which he personally oversaw. This new institution aimed to address both the immediate needs of migrants and to ensure their permanent settlement. Migrants were not only seen as a demographic element but also as a significant economic resource for the empire. Their integration into agricultural production and artisanal industries was encouraged, and various incentives were provided, including exemptions from taxes and military service. Two primary strategies were adopted in the settlement policies: dispersing migrants among existing settlements and establishing new residential areas. Due to cost-efficiency, the state prioritized the former method. However, migrants frequently preferred to settle among their own communities, which raised concerns within the state regarding the potential security risks posed by ethnic concentration. Although the local population initially supported the migrants, this support diminished over time due to the prolonged nature of the migration process, increased economic burdens, and the continuously rising number of arrivals.