Religious formation of the Balkans in 19th century and its effects on the separatist movements

VI SUMMARY In the introduction of this study which is called "Religious Formation of the Balkans in 19th Century and Its effects on the Separatist Movements", we gave some information about political, social and religious situation of the Balkans before Ottoman rule. After mentioning about the early Ottoman conquests in the Balkans, we concentrated on the geography of the Balkans which contributed to the people living there for ages to be foreigners to each other. If it is investigated ethnically, it will be understood that there was not a homogen province in this region. However, artificial theories about identity determined the national policy of the Balkan states in the last two centuries. In this study, we tried to explain the administrative and religious phases of Balkan people living under the Ottoman rule in 19th century. Powerful states of that century used the religious and ethnic identity of Balkan people. The reason for it was that the Ottoman state was in a weak situation. In 19th century some Balkan people revolted against the Ottoman rule with the effects of nationalist ideas coming from France. In this study we investigated the role of religion in their wars of independence. The majority of the Balkan people were Orthodox and therefore, they were connected to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Fener under Ottoman sovereignty. Because of these facilities, the Balkan people could have easily revolted against the Ottomans for their independence. This consequence emerged with the policy of Hellenism applied by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Fener over the Balkan people. This policy applied by the Greeks under the guise of religion, came into being for the Bulgarians as an ideal in the shape of founding a Great Bulgaria in the Balkans. To be able to realise this aim, ethnic assimilation was required. Moreover, the Serbians also wanted to do the same for themselves. These three groups used the Church to reach their aims. Other Balkan groups also revolted against the Ottomans but this was generally because of unhappiness to the Ottoman rule. These other groups were affected by the nationalistic movements in Europe but they did not make their wars of independence under the effects of religion they believe. As a result, we can say that in the Balkan geography of 19th century there was a discussion on the Churches. In addition, we see wars of independence against the Ottomans but not so much under the effects of religion.