Suppressing Rebellion, Projectıng Authority: The 1895–1896 Druze Uprisings and Abdulhamid II’s Resistance to British Influence

Unfortunately, studies on the period 1894-1896 of the Ottoman Empire emphasise the Armenian issue, which overshadows the effects of Sultan Abdülhamid II’s policies outside Anatolia. The Sultan was worn out due to the Armenian incidents that took place during these years and was subjected to intense pressure, especially from Britain. The sailing of the British navy close to the Ottoman ports posed a constant threat, while these pressures and threats created uneasiness among the Muslim population in Syria and caused the spread of Anglophobia. The Druze in Syria, who believed they were under the protection of Britain, were encouraged by this attitude and attempted to revolt. Despite the risk of foreign intervention, the Sultan authorised military action and suppressed the rebellions in a short time. This study analyses the causes and suppression of the Druze uprisings based on British consular reports, comparatively evaluates the Ottoman and British attitudes, and reveals that the Sultan’s swift and decisive intervention in Syria not only prevented foreign intervention, but also strengthened his legitimacy as Caliph over Muslims. Moreover, the study emphasises that the Sultan did not only focus on Anatolia but also pursued a strategic policy of resistance against British influence throughout the empire.