ARARAT REVOLT

(1927-1930)

The Ararat revolt was one of three great Kurdish revolts during the early years of theTurkishRepublic, the other two being theSheikh Saidrevolt in 1925 and theDersimrevolt in 1936-1938. The revolt around Mt. Ararat in easternmostTurkeywas planned by theKhoybun, a new Kurdish party based inSyria. TheArmenianDashnak Party and the International Minority Movement in theSoviet Unionhelped with funds.

Ihsan Nuriwas chosen to head a trained, nontribal fighting force in an attempt to move away from the failed tribal uprisings. Nevertheless, various tribal chieftains joined the revolt, including the Jelalitribewho lived in the region. A government was formed, and in the first clashes the Kurds defeated the Turks. Eventually, however, the Turks were able to crush the revolt because of their superior resources. In addition, Turkey obtained border modifications withIran, which allowed Turkey to surround the Kurdish rebels and cut off their retreat into nearby Iran.