Talk:Defense of Van (1915)/Archive 2

Archive 1

Archive 2

Archive 3

Archive 4

Disputed

Makalp, can you tell us what are you disputing so we can undisputed. --VartanM 19:49, 5 June 2007 (UTC)

This is the defintion of "dispute".Must.^{T C} 20:14, 5 June 2007 (UTC)

Definition - not really, nice try again, name one thing wrong :)z72.79.62.219 23:52, 5 June 2007 (UTC)

I removed the text added by OttomanRefrence because the source provided for the claim said no such thing. See for yourself. [1] VartanM 06:21, 21 June 2007 (UTC)

Jayvdb, I have reverted your insertion of "Armenian Massacre" for the obvious reason that it's a genocide, as the title of the article suggests. - Fedayee (talk) 04:39, 9 April 2008 (UTC)

Whose neutrality is being disputed here? Forgive my ignorance but what is Wikipedia's stance and guidelines when it comes to genocide deniers attempting to rewrite history in general? Why is it that when pro-Nazi supporters attempt to play down the Holocaust they are rightfully edited out of the discussion and yet when it comes to the Armenian Genocide suddenly Wikipedia is giving pro-Ottoman supporters equal time? Isn't that a double-standard? Sure, there are some poorly constructed sentences in this article but that's English grammar issues, not history.Himeyuri (talk) 17:10, 30 November 2009 (UTC)

It was a rebellion

There are numerous problems with this article and its view point flip flops back and forth depending on which section (and at times which sentence) you are reading. For example, both in THE REVOLT BEGINS and CITY UNDER SIEGE, APRIL 20 contain the identical phrase: "Armenians attacked a Turkish patrol to Jevdet's anger[citation needed]." Sometimes the Ottoman are referred to as "the enemy" and there is constant reference to "the Armenian forces." Or, at the end of the APRIL 20 section you get lines like, "Though enemy artillery was largely ineffectual, they had superiority in men and arms.{{|fact}}" Why is this even here? It's stuff like this that makes Wiki look bad, if for nothing else the wretched grammar being used here. Finally, in the reference section, I see someone is using Standford Jay Shaw as a source. Red flag! I would ask the neutrality of such a source since he has made a reputation of saying the Armenian Genocide did not happen. All one needs to do is note in his book "History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Turkey" that it was paid for by a "generous donation" from the government of Turkey. Has anyone actually followed up on these sources? Even on his own Wiki page link given here Justin McCarthy's bio reads, "McCarthy has attracted most attention for his unorthodox view of the events known as the Armenian Genocide ... which he views as a Civil War." Wow! No wonder this article feel schizophrenic. Is it possible to lock this article up until someone not personally invested in spinning a story can look at it? Thank you. --Himeyuri (talk) 22:00, 8 March 2010 (UTC)

This article needs much cleanup. It reads, not surprisingly, as a memorial to the Armenians who in reality rebelled against their own government and gave the keys to this old Turkish city to the enemy. They brutalized the Muslims they could get their hands on and eventually failed completely but caused much misery on both sides not mention making it impossible for Armenians who had inhabited these lands for centuries to remain behind. The whole paragraph about governor Jevdet's personality and mood shifts and his bad character was a little too much, and a little amusing. There is much work to be done. I will come back.--Murat (talk) 03:29, 26 May 2008 (UTC)

You, as well as most other users, know that's a blatant lie. The fact that the Ottoman forces goaded Armenians to take up arms is quite well documented, with the clear intention being the extermination of the townspeople themselves. If you wish to alter the reality, rest assured other users will revert you. Historical revisionism is not tolerated.--Marshal Bagramyan (talk) 18:25, 26 May 2008 (UTC)

I believe calling a user "liar" constitutes a personal attack. I suggest you review the relevant Wikipedai rules again. But I do understand your frustration at the stubborness of facts. One does not need more than the Armenian sources listed here and the content of this article to refute this baseless "self-defence" argument. Notice the prodigious use of "act of self defense, self defensively, etc." in this and similar articles? That alone tells a story. It is described right here at length how Dashnak and Hinchak settled and prospered in Van. What do you think these terrorist organizations were concerned with? Cevdet Paşa (not Djevdet, or Jevdet or Bey)relates in letters to Istanbul how Armenians were in advanced stages of a rebellion in Van, long before the Van Rebellion (isyan). There was no goading however more pleasant this may sound to some. There were long preparations for a rebellion, collaboration with Russians (enemy invading the country), all listed and explained in this very article. What Armenians were up to is throughly documented. I would really like to see some reference that verifies and proves that Cevdet Paşa had intentions and/or orders to "exterminate" the Armenians of Van. We will come back to this again. I highly recommend looking at a mirror occasionally, and taking your own medicine.--Murat (talk) 02:36, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

User:Hudavendigar, no-one is preventing you to support your point. You can add your facts sentence by sentence (fact by fact). However you do not do this. Force on us your conclusions. It works like this: if there is a revolution; the article should include the elements of an rebellion. Current article does not include these elements. The WP:CITE should be your guidance. You should use Template cite book for every fact you brought into the article, so that we can check if those fats are correct. You are constantly forcing us your own conclusion. "I said it is rebellion, You will accept it." does not work as this is not Turkey and you can not force on us 301. --Seemsclose (talk) 04:00, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

I think you better keep your opinion on Turkey to yourself. 88.237.220.14 (talk) 11:19, 23 January 2009 (UTC)mehmet

I have included a book, dedicated solely to Van Rebellion in the reference. It was removed. Skipped over countless authentic Turkish sources and did not even bother to challenge bogus claims by Armenian sources. At some point you folks will have to deal with established facts and stop vandalising real info, complain about fromats and commas and such. To the rest of the World this was a rebellion and that is how it is recorded, from NYT to Turkish records of the time. Facts are well established, not by me. I am not forcing any conclusions, I am just trying to have the relevant facts stick here. I guess that is too much.--Murat (talk) 11:59, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

User:Hudavendigar, using the "title of a book" does not count as a citation! Citations are needed for the "facts". You did not bring any fact into the article. Your changes are limited with the first paragraph, which wikipedia clearly states how to write a WP:LEAD. You can not add arguments that are not supported in the article. The article is full of citations against your position. You have to read the WP:CITE. Also, your own invention "insert footnote text here" is totally unacceptable way of creating citations. The WP:CITE also tells how to object the positions, but as like other Genocide denials, You did not read a basic text. Litteracy of denialists did not changed since Ataturk. Only changed was denialists become more uncivilized, as they become more illiterate. The book you are using (you did not even use the facts inside the book) is full of crap. I bet, You "User:Hudavendigar" did not spend your single "dime" on it, a by product of illiteracy. I bet you have not even read it. You can not tell us what is stated in the page 20 at the 3th paragraph. If this book is the proof of your lie (you claim: "I am not forcing any conclusions" without adding any facts), you are supporting the title of a book without even reading it. --Seemsclose (talk) 14:06, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

"The book you are using is full of crap" Of course!!! I bet it is not written by a Balakian, Housepian, Dadrian, Terzian, Abrahamian, Hovannissian, Sarkisian, Matossian, Danielian, and hence, it cannot be correct!

By the way, you are such a high-caliber intellectual, Seemsclose!! The way you bend the rules of wikipedia to your ways defy description.

Wow, such bluster and poison. The edit made is exactly where it belongs, in the first paragraph. Rebellion is the very subject of the article. Spend your dime, read the book and keep an open mind.--Murat (talk) 19:02, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

At the end of the day, you performed a "Shame full act," and caught red handed. You tried to use a source which you do not own. It is your "Black Book," as Orhan Pamuk put it correctly. Turks believe things beyond knowing what they believe. You have a position without knowing what it was about, you tried to impose on us. Armenians care for the facts, realities, and look beyond the titles. This article is full with those edits. You did not add a single fact to the article which could prove your point. You can not add your "title" in wikipedia if the article does not support it and it is wp:or. Also, you will not buy or read this book of yours. You are scared to find out how unrealistic its content. If there is no single cite from your book (you claimed in your first message) in this article, because of that single fact. It is easy to believe to a lie ("or to a title"), if not know what is inside the "title". I do my homework. I read the source before defending. Armenians support positions with facts, not using "titles." Seemsclose (talk) 20:09, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

I disagree.. I'd think they are dreamers who entered into a rebellion they cannot win. Right now they are dreaming that they can arouse a lot of publicity in Europe and US by false stories and forged documents, and this way they can regain what they have lost. This is a constant theme on the Armenian story right from the beginning. I mean, an overvaluation of European public opinion, and an undervaluation of Turkish/Moslem abilities and intelligence. True, Greek and Bulgarian nationalists went the same way, but Greeks are adopted by Europeans as "fathers of our culture" and Bulgarians are adopted by Russia as "our slav brothers". Nobody adopted Armenians. And nobody will adopt them. They still cannot see it.

Let me give an advice as a member of a nation which (unlike armenians) owned its own state for the last 1500 years: A nation cannot found a state based on the pity and symphaties of other nations.

You continue to prove here that maybe you are not capable of making any truly ojective edits and contributions to this topic. Please read over above statements and then judge, if you can, if you sound like a person who can be honest and impartial about what you edit in and out as wiki policies demand. The whole article is about a rebellion. See Webster definition. Argue facts and details. Ranting and spewing is not an argument. I know the topic well though, so you need to do much better. You can not pick and choose references and facts as you wish, especially being so blatantly partial. It does not work that way.--Murat (talk) 02:39, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

Except title of a book, you did not add any significant information to the article. You even can not defend why the book is "titled" as it is, because you did not read your own source. You claim that article is full of lies, but They are all backed by internationally accepted publications, page by page referenced. YOU, even, do not know how to use WP:CITE. I showed the article (which is free on this side) 4U hoping that U 'll read, learn and use. But you proved that you did not read the manual and learn how to tag a source, today you performed edits that do not obey the WP:style guide. You claim "I know the topic well though" but you can not back your claims by use of significant sources. Your ignorance also extends: You do not know how the conflict began. You do not know how the details developed. You do not know why it is a rebellion, though you think it is a rebellion. You do not know why Turks turned their guns against civilians, even though you think They are not criminals.. Your edits are WP:POV (not baked by sources) and deemed to be reverted. --Seemsclose (talk) 04:18, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

When finished with personal attacks and general venting and complaints about esthetics, point out what exactly is the problem in calling a rebellion, a rebellion. I did not even attempt a general clean up so sorely needed. Yes, my editing skills are in poor shape and you are more than welcome to help correct those rather than erasing. But get to the argument, go beyond rage and hate.--Murat (talk) 07:13, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

"Titles of Books" are not references!!! "The Burning Tigris" does not a reference to a river which burns! the title of the book "Van Rebellion" is not a reference to rebellion of the Armenian people. A reference is something that can be verified, such as a "fact." There is no single fact that defines the activities of Armenians were in a rebellion """""in the article""""". Let me help you to understand: A corrupt police officer comes to your house and shoots your 3 year old child. If you kill that officer, it is not a manslaughter, but self-defense. You claim Van Resistance was a rebellion (manslaughter of the officer), but I claim it is self-defense (defense of their life). Only way you can prove that Van Resistance is a rebellion, if you can prove it is not a "self-defense." You want to "go beyond rage and hate;" find citations (facts) that prove "how the conflict began. How the details of the conflict developed. And if these were precursors of a REBELLION." You did not do it, yet. --Seemsclose (talk) 12:45, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

You will not choose and pick references to suit your distortions. If facts inconvenience you, that is a personal matter. Reference is NOT the title of the book, the book itself, titled "Rebellion at Van" is the reference. It is NOT a novel, but an in depth and scientific review of the events in their proper context. Again, come back to the argument and stop vandalism. Let me help you. Here is the definition of rebellion from Webster's:

Rebellion, Noun

1. Refusal to accept some authority or code or convention; "each generation must have its own rebellion"; "his body was in rebellion against fatigue".

2. Organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another.

I challenge you to show how all the events of the very article you and your likes have constructed does NOT fall into this standard description above. This very article describes in numerous passages "revolting" Armenians. You are confusing the justification for a rebellion with the fact of a rebellion. We can certainly argue if Armenians were morally and otherwise justified in rebelling against their own state, but there is no argument that this was a well organized, enemy supported, armed rebellion against a government. Read this again, maybe it will sink. Reference stays.--Murat (talk) 16:22, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

Put your dime to where your claims are and buy the book. Your nationalism is empty if you do not even read your own publication. People like U claim they will die for their nation, but they do not buy a book, and in the process purge their words using false references!! It is your fault, do not blame anyone, You should stop citing sources that you have not read it. You have to learn how to add information into Wikipedia, read carefully WP:CITE. Learn the rules of the game. This is the last message from me to U. --Seemsclose (talk) 16:45, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

Your constant threats and abuse has become a lttle tiresome. Let's read the actual wiki policy and recommendations on citeations:

"When citing books and articles, provide page numbers where appropriate. Page numbers should be included whenever possible in a citation that accompanies a specific quotation from, or a paraphrase or reference to, a specific passage of a book or article. The edition of the book should be included in the reference section, or included in the footnote, because pagination can change between editions. Page numbers are especially important in case of lengthy unindexed books. Page numbers are NOT required when a citation accompanies a general description of a book or article, or when a book or article, as a whole, is being used to exemplify a particular point of view."

Now, which part of this is not clear? What is clear is that you have not read or absorbed these basic common-sense guidelines. You are the least qualified to lecture anyone about etiquette from what I can see. As an ardent defender of a particular POV, it is ironic you should mention this noble wiki policy while you abuse it repeatedly. There is nothing more appropriate than including in the references a book titled "The Armenian Rebellion at Van" in an article that attempts to descibe the said events. Stop vandalism, stop harassment and address the facts. Argue, dispute, reason but stop trying to cover the weakness of your POV by slinging mud and threats. Unless you come up with a good reason why this reference does not belong here, it will be here.--Murat (talk) 17:56, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

If someone publishes a book titled "Why the Earth is Flat", the mere existance of that book does not allow an editor to add content from it to an entry about the geology of the Earth. Get it? Meowy 21:10, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

It is amazing that with such limited sense of logic and childish arguments you seem to feel qualified to make any judgement here at all. If someone did publish a book titled "Why the Earth is Flat", and actually backed it up with facts and analysis, that would be an interesting read indeed. You are under the impression that you can edit history by editing these pages. It does not work that way. Still no argument WHY these sources are wrong or misleading, details, dates, events, documents etc., thats how you make an argument. Having spent your life here one would think you would learn that by now.--Murat (talk) 21:33, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

It would be an interesting and amusing read, as quite a lot of the Turkish propaganda is interesting and amusing to read , but none of it would be citable in an encyclopedia entry because, regardless of how full it could be with facts and analysis, the world is not flat. Meowy 23:53, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

Back to discussion. Is there any credible objection out there to inclusion of the book titled "Armenian Rebellion at Van" as a reference in this article? It is a modern and well researched piece of academic work, covering, as luck would have it, the exact events that is the subject of this article. I would like to express my intention here to inject some impartial analysis and data into this article, starting with this book. Open to all other constructive and collaborative work.--Murat (talk) 00:58, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Isn't this events are a little too suspecious? I mean, Europeans, who are enemies of the Ottoman for centuries, saying that Ottomans caused Van Resistance. Also, Armenians resisted and Russians got the city. Why would Ottomans spend time and resources to make Armenians revolt when they were fighting at every side of their country? Also, Armenians and Turks lived in same lands in peace for centuries and when European powers got in Ottoman's internal affairs, Armenians and Ottomans became enemies! It is an European plan. Look at Turkey, it is happening again, they are trying to divide Kurds and Turks. Be logical, why would two nations, Armenians and Turks, fight each other after centuries of peace. Ottomans never tried to change Armenian way of life, religion or language. Think about it. Ogly95 (talk) 07:52, 22 December 2009 (UTC)

Wikipedia:Third opinion: The infobox is inaccurate

Van Resistance Վանի Հերոսամարտ
280px Armenian troops holding a defense line against Turkish forces in the walled city of Van in May 1915.
Date April 19, 1915 - May 6, 1915 Location City of Van, vilâyet of Van Result Armenian victory; avoiding the deportations and massacres at the vilâyet of Van.
Belligerents
Ottoman Empire	Armenian residents of Van	Russian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Jevdet Bey Rafael de Nogales	Armenak Yekarian Aram Manougian	General Trukhin Sargis Mehrabyan
Strength
3rd Army - 5,000	Civilian - 1,500 (in the city)	2nd Battalion of Araratian volunteer brigade
Casualties and losses
	55,000 civilians

Dear User:Meow; You do not have to insult me by stating "was laughably inaccurate." The Russian relief was part of the conflict. Ottoman fores did left the town as they did not want to involve with two side armed fight. This did not mean they stop fighting against around the province. The Armed conflicts were not limited with the city itself. Thanks--Seemsclose (talk) 16:02, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

I reverted the 1 june edit by you because: firstly it was very badly written English, so bad I coundn't really correct it. Secondly, the introductory paragraph is meant to be the briefest possible summary of the article - there is no need to add minor details like the names of participants. Thirdly, the content added to the conflict infobox was not valid. You cannot add flags that were not even invented when the event took place, or armies and their flags (i.e. Russia) that did not have a direct participation in the event. Meowy 16:08, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

BTW, on reading your edit, at first I thought you were some proxy editor for banned Murat, peddling the Armenian rebellion line. An understandable reaction from me, since what other reason could there be for the fabricated history you placed in the conflict infobox? This articel is about a specific incident - the armed resistance of Van's Armenian citizens. It does not deal directly with the wider conflict of WW1 in eastern Turkey, nor directly with events that happened after the siege was lifted. Meowy 16:14, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

Lets do it one by one. 1) Against the flags on the info box. Ottoman, and Russian flags were century old. I guess, you have problem with the Armenian flag. Then help me! What could we use? If we can not use flag of Democratic Republic of Armenia, which really did not designed exactly in May 29 1918. 2) "Russia did not have direct participation" O.K if you want to remove Russian flag than which flag "General Trukhin" was using? 3) I'm really tired of this language, argument. You need to explain one by one which grammatical mistakes are there? Because each argument used in the WP:LEAD is already in the article. Thank you. --Seemsclose (talk) 16:19, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

Armenians of the "City of Van" fought against Ottoman Army by "themselves". That is TRUE. But conflict also included a third party, the "Russians". Denying the fact that Ottoman Army faced two forces, even if Armenian citizens did not get help from Russian Army, is a POV. Do you want to deny the fact that Ottoman Army had two fronts? --Seemsclose (talk) 16:24, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

Maybe you actually are a propagandist here to peddle Turkish nationalist propaganda? The Van "rebellion" was a conflict about survival, in which the civilian population of Van was compelled to defend itself against those who wished to completely exterminate it. It had nothing to do with countries that did not yet exist. It had nothing to do with advancing Russian armies - not a single Russian soldier fired a single shot during the whole event. There is no place here for your flag-waving lies that it was a rebellion to establish an Armenian Republic inside Ottoman territory. Meowy 16:29, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm not going to involve with a fellow Armenian. But lets drop this "Defense beyond truth." I'm not defending "it is a rebellion." Even the sources I use shows that A) The conflicts extended beyond the city. The map Image:Armeniangenocidemap.gif by Vahagn Avedian, from the website http://www.armenica.org clearly demonstrates this. You can not defend Armenian position if you do not know it. The Armenian defense was not limited with the city. This is also included in the article, as the article points that initial conflict did not begin in the city (read the article). B) Armenian volunteers involved with the conflicts. It is internationally recognized that Khetcho "Commander of cavalry units" died during the follow-up activities of the forces left the city. If you argue, beyond the accepted positions, You are not acting better than the Turks. --Seemsclose (talk) 16:42, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

The Van rebellion took place within the context of the Armenian Genocide, which involved the organised massacres of tens of thousands of Armenians throughout the Van basin. The events detailed in this article are to do with events in and around Van city, not events in that wider genocide (though they could be briefly mentioned later in the body of the article). I had already changed part of the introductory paragraph to read "based mostly in the city of Van" to allow for the fact that fighting directly connected to the siege took place at Varagavank and other nearby locations. But the majority of the event, and the core of the event, took place within the confines of the city of Van. And, as I pointed out earlier, the first paragraph of an article is meant to give only a concise summary of the event - it is not there to repeat everything that is contained in the rest of the article. According to the photo's details, Khetcho died during fighting at Bitlis. Meowy 17:03, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

Battle of Bitlis was in 1916. The Province of Van, during Ottoman Empire extended to western part of Lake Van. Khetcho did not die at Bitlis, the title even clearly say's "close to Bitlis," which was west of Lake Van and in the province of Province of Van. The reason, he died there was they were following the criminals. You are 1) Reshaping the events limited to conflicts in the city. That is WRONG. You have to explain the conflict as it was true to history. 2) we (civilians) fought against Ottoman forces. Russian's fought against the Ottoman forces during the same time, though separate. Ottoman force in the article engaged with "Armenian civilians" (part of Genocide) and Russian forces (part of wider WWI) at the same time. These events happened at the same time in the same "Van basin" that your are mention in your response. The article (also your position) has to be based on Truth. "A concise summary of the event" has to be true to history, giving all the details. Instead of denying Russian forces, you have to mention these two sources (Armenian-Russian) are not linked, though happened at the same time. If you stick to Truth, you are sticking to Armenian position. Seemsclose (talk) 17:18, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

The article is a f***ing mess, and you aren't helping. Why can't certain editors get it into their heads what an encyclopaedia is for. Why do you feel the need to load this article down even further with useless off-topic information? The entry needs a radical pruning, all the stuff about the hstory of Van, Hamidian massacres, battle of Sarikamish, Persian campaign, should go. Meowy 17:58, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

First, stop using trolls to revert information. It is disgusting. Every time you involve a revert, second comes by the same user. Second: The Armenians of Van were not Armenians of Russian Armenia. The history section tells the local Armenians were active in Van (economic, social, political) through out our history and resisted genocide not only once. This is a significant background information, considering article is about Resistance in Van. Any other way of telling the history of Van Resistance is a violation of WP:NPOV. I have grandfather involved with those resistance and I personally view Van was an Armenian town, (obviously not yours). The Armenian social life in Van and the "Hamidian Massacres, 1895-96" are SIGNIFICANT part of the VAN RESISTANCE, as it tells the conditions. My family was there at the time. This is the last massage from me to U. This conversation is becoming disgusting. It is not only Turks who do not know how to communicate. There are fanatic Armenians who close their senses to Truth. --Seemsclose (talk) 19:13, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

The article was mostly expanded by OttomanReference, an adroit denier, unlike some other editors. The rest of the article comes from various Armenian editors who have attempted to "undo" the damage. For example, we know that there had long been an Armenian presence in Van, but that information (under "History of Van") belongs in the actual Van, Turkey (or Van Province) articles and not here. But now the whole thing reads more like an amateurish jumble of Armenian and Turkish interpretations rather than the concise, informative, and objective article it should be. Hakob (talk) 18:10, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

For the Wikipedia:Third opinion; The Two sided conflict box is wrong as Template:Infobox_Military_Conflict states: "The combatant3 field may be used if a conflict has three distinct "sides""
Support for three conflict box	There was not a single conflict, but many conflicts. The map Image:Armeniangenocidemap.gif by Vahagn Avedian, from the website http://www.armenica.org clearly demonstrates that the conflict region was "vilayet of Van". In this region:, A)(1)Ottoman, (2)Russian, (3)Armenian civilian forces did exist, at the same time, and involved in armed conflicts.BUT: a)This was a "THREE WAY" conflict not a "TWO WAY", which had (1) (2) (3) sides of the conflict should be placed in three different boxes. b)Russian forces were part of Van Resistance, but not a side of Armenian civilian forces: (1) A Russian relief operation was planned with the dispatch of Armenian civilian fores "source: Ussher, An American Physician, 286". Two Russian relief forces were dispatched (Erivan "source: Aram, "Why Armenia Should be Free," page 22" and Persian front "Ussher, An American Physician, 286" ) from two different Russian fronts. (2)During evacuation (Jun-July battles) Armenian civilian forces worked to stop the advance of Ottoman Turkish Armed and Kurdish irregular forces "source: Aram, "Why Armenia Should be Free," page 24". Russian forces gave relief of the evacuees "soure: Ussher, An American Physician, page 312".
Support for two side:	??
Defense.	For three way: The historical account of the conflicts which "Aram, "Why Armenia Should be Free," page 24" clarly explained that Armenian civilian forces did not cooperate with the Russian forces during the Jun-July battles.

Wikipedia:Third opinion: The LEAD section is inaccurate

{{editprotected}}

There is "Truth," and is higher than any other position. The fight against "denialist rhetoric" as performed with this edit can not be achieved. It is a clear WP:Vandalism. The significe of "Van Resistance" when compared to Urfa Resistance and Zeitun Resistance (1915) was that Ottoman sources claim it was a "Revolution". The argument is old and historialy significant as it found its way in the Ambassador Morgenthau's Story. During the last 30 years, both sides, (interested can read The Burning Tigris) and many other non verifiable (proves the public intrest) sources (739,000 distinct web pages from Google) covered this issue. The Armenian position; there were three armed forces in the region (Armenian civilians, Russian military, Ottoman & Kurdish forces), BUT they were not working together, and THUS it was not a revolution. There is no single referenced sentence in the article proves there was a collaboration. I'm against edits that try to represent Armenian position by a) deleting the Russian Relief (Russian forces in the region) b) removing the significant discussions (post analysis) regarding the event. These edits are WP:NPOV violation, They are WP:Vandalism. --Seemsclose (talk) 12:28, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I guess to prevent further fights over the page, User:Khoikhoi‎ blocked the page. If anyone does not bring specific objections the version I have been working is much improved version of the current page. You can reach it from User:Seemsclose/Van Resistance‎ I would like this page to be replaced with my version. Thanks for all the advance help!!! Seemsclose (talk) 05:00, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I do not want the current version to be replaced by your much inferior version. You do not seem to understand the purpose of the introductory paragraph of an article, and what it should and should not consist of. Nor, frankly, is your grasp of English high enough for you to attempt such things. Meowy 17:10, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Lead_section to realise why the version proposed by Seemsclose is not suitable. There is no justification in protecting this page. There is not a content dispute. It is a dispute with an editor who has failed to understand how a Wikipedia article should be composed and failed to understand the proper uses of the individual sections of an article (in this case the lead section and the conflict infobox). Meowy 18:40, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I look at your reference. 1)Formatting: (everything, including references, fits the WP:STYLE. 1.1 Bold title: The "Van Resistance", also "Battle of Van" is bolded. 1.2 Sections and table of contents: there is clear sections and contents fits to the title of the sections. 2 Content of the lead 2.1 Establish context The sentences are all cited, the individual sentences have details in the article. There is no sentence in the lead that is not explained in the article. 2.2 Provide an accessible overview: The lead gives overview of the events begining to end. 2.2.1 Etymology and pronunciation: If I missed any pronunciation, I'm asking your Help!. 2.3 Relative emphasis The lead is a balanced summary of the article. Anything that is missing in the article is not added to the Lead until missing content is established. If I missed your point could you be more Specific? --Seemsclose (talk) 18:51, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

You aren't getting it. Didn't you read Hakob's correct characterisation of the article as an "amateurish jumble". You are making it even worse! Please, just leave the article alone. Meowy 19:01, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for your position to WP:LEAD. It is only 6 sentences. It is not clear from your message what is the opposition. Thank you for your efforts in advance. Seemsclose (talk) 18:35, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

6 sentences? Not likely! It - User:Seemsclose/Van Resistance‎ - has some 35 rambling, badly-written lines in the lead section. Meowy 18:45, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

The line by lime WP:LEAD	user Meowy's point
The Resistance at Van or Battle of Van (Armenian: Վանի Հերոսամարտ) of the Ottoman Armenian civilian forces was an insurgency against the Ottoman Empire's military forces together with Kurdish irregulars at the vilâyet of Van, which the armed conflicts began on April 15 of 1915 and extended to the city of Van on April 19.	This is very badly written, and also contains items not suitable for insertion into the lead section.
On May 4 1915 the city was surrendered by Armenian civilian forces to the three battalions of Araratian brigade of Armenian volunteer units originated from Erivan.	Contains material not suitable for insertion into the lead section.
Russian Caucasus Army|Caucasus Army followed the Araratian brigade and on May 6 the Armenian flag waved over the citadel of Van.	This is material not suitable for insertion into the lead section.
The low level conflicts continued until the remaining Ottoman forces were evacuated by the ships towards the ports at the west of Lake Van between May 14 - May 16.	This is material not suitable for insertion into the lead section.
The Russian forces pursued Ottomans during June, however July Ottomans developed a counter attack which followed the evacuation of inhabitants of the region. The Armenian civilian forces occupied the attention of four Turkish divisions and tens of thousands of Kurds during the retreat.	This is material not suitable for insertion into the lead section.
Despite of Ottoman claims regarding any cooperation, the battles of July were only performed by the Armenian civilian forces and Armenian volunteers did the rear guard work and relief to Armenian refugees.	This is material not suitable for insertion into the lead section.

If you focus on content, (rambling, badly-written) is not constructive. I try to stay representing source as close as possible (fairly, proportionately and without bias). When there are so many sources, my own voice gets lost among them. I try to make sure, I stay reliable to the sources, rather than my own personal wording. I do better if I do not stay true to the source. But then there would be no need to rewrite this article. Your advice is more then welcome, but could you be more specific WHY they are not suitable? --Seemsclose (talk) 19:15, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Your activities are not improving this article and are, in fact, preventing its improvement. I will not be correcting or advising your rambling badly-written material, I will just remove it. Meowy 19:31, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

This is an improvement process, Editors welcome to produce "objective" opinions. You say, "I will not be correcting or advising your rambling badly-written material." That I respect, but You also say "I will just remove it," that falls into vandalism. If that is the path you prefer, it is your choice. --Seemsclose (talk) 19:43, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

N Not done – I see no consensus to do this at this time. Editprotected is only for edits that are uncontroversial or not disputed. See Category:Wikipedia protected edit requests#Making_a_request for more instructions regarding editprotected requests. Nihiltres^{t.l} 20:27, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

My core objection to Seemsclose's suggestions is that he is ruining the lead section. He wants to expand it beyond all reasonable limits by adding trivial details. He doesn't seem to understand that it is just meant to be a concise summary of the essential points contained in the body of the article. So the dispute is not really about content. I don't doubt that I would take issue with some of the additions on content grounds if they were to be added to the body of the article - but I object to all of them at the moment because of where Seemsclose wants to place them. That objection will not change, because the objection is based on what the lead section should be and what it should not be. What we should be aiming for is (to use Hakob's words) the "concise, informative, and objective article it should be". Meowy 00:06, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks your response. You say "where Seemsclose wants to place them" I would appriciate if U point what is misplaced. My lead is 1,843 words and two paragraphs. The WP:LEAD talks about 30,000 words. Your objection can not be the size, as it is 1,843 words. First paragraph tells basic stages of the conflict (dates, parties, results). The second paragraph is about importance. Could you point what content I missed to include as you say "should be" and what should be removed as you said "it should not be". --Seemsclose (talk) 03:40, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

I've said it as clearly as I can - I support none of your proposed changes to the lead section. I don't think you will ever get a consensus for those changes and no other editor is currently supporting you. If the changes are made without consensus, I will attempt to revert them because I think they are detrimental to the article. You are continuing to fail to understand what a lead section should be and what size it should be. The 30,000 characters talked about in WP:LEAD is the size of the whole article, not the lead section. Meowy 16:35, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

The article is currently 19 KB and 2870 words. [[2]] You are proposing a lead section that is 2/3rds the size of the current article! Are you serious? Please, just drop the whole proposal. Make that the consensus, so that the article can be unprotected and the flaws in the body section can start to be corrected. If you respect the history of the events detailed in this article, you will do that. Meowy 16:48, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

What is included!!	The line by lime WP:LEAD (1,843 words)	user Meowy's point
A) Type, B) Sides C) Location D) stages (conflicts at towns, urban conflict, relief) E) Roles of the parties and how did they engaged with each other.	The Resistance at Van or Battle of Van (Armenian: Վանի Հերոսամարտ) of the Ottoman Armenian civilian forces was an insurgency against the Ottoman Empire's military forces together with Kurdish irregulars at the vilâyet of Van, which the armed conflicts began on April 15 of 1915 and extended to the city of Van on April 19. On May 4 1915 the city was surrendered by Armenian civilian forces to the three battalions of Araratian brigade of Armenian volunteer units originated from Erivan. Caucasus Army followed the Araratian brigade and on May 6 the Armenian flag waved over the citadel of Van. The low level conflicts continued until the remaining Ottoman forces were evacuated by the ships towards the ports at the west of Lake Van between May 14 - May 16.	??
The resolution: Mainly from "civilian forces" perspective as bigger WWI continued between Ottoman-Russian forces	The Russian forces pursued Ottomans during June, however July Ottomans developed a counter attack which followed the evacuation of inhabitants of the region. The Armenian civilian forces occupied the attention of four Turkish divisions and tens of thousands of Kurds during the retreat. The battles of July were only performed by the Armenian civilian forces and Armenian volunteers did the rear guard work and relief to Armenian refugees.	??
Importance (a) Claims on the nature of Resistance, (b) Activities (c) how history interprets the results	The historical significance of Van Resistance is linked to Talat Pasha as on April 24, 1915 he blamed Ottoman Armenian civilian forces during Van Resistance, or "Revolution at Van" as he said, siding Russia and initiated wide range of deportation from the region. The resistance was against an attempt in eliminate the Armenian population in the vilâyet of Van. This was a few resistance instance during the Armenian Genocide when Armenians, in an act of self-defense, fought against the Ottoman Empire's armed forces. Talat (also modern Turkish authorities) claimed victims as a civil war casualties, however most academics define it as a vehicle of the Armenian Genocide	??

I've said it as clearly as I can - I support none of your proposed changes to the lead section. I don't think you will ever get a consensus for those changes and no other editor is currently supporting you. If the changes are made without consensus, I will attempt to revert them because I think they are detrimental to the article. You are continuing to fail to understand what a lead section should be and what size it should be. The 30,000 characters talked about in WP:LEAD is the size of the whole article, not the lead section. Meowy 16:35, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

You know lead section we are talking about is not for the "current version" which is poorly written, poorly cited, do not have appropriate tone and voice to an wikipedia article, but the version that I have been working on. In your [previous message, clearly demonstrated that you are aware what we are talking about, and that is my version.

The article is currently 19 KB and 2870 words. [[3]] You are proposing a lead section that is 2/3rds the size of the current article! Are you serious? Please, just drop the whole proposal. Make that the consensus, so that the article can be unprotected and the flaws in the body section can start to be corrected. If you respect the history of the events detailed in this article, you will do that. Meowy 16:48, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

My article is not finished. If you help me in the rest of the article, I welcome your additions, I will also prey for your well being. That is my best to you. My Current version, which is not finished (29,169 bytes), is cleaner. I clearly stated in this message. Look! I am approaching towards you because, you claim, you have extensive knowledge about this issue. And you also claim, I have missed things in my lead section. I want to know, what did I miss and what is not appropriate for a lead. Beyond constant objection and personal remarks, you hardly prove any substance regarding in this issue. I have already explained type of conflict, sides, location, stages (conflicts at towns, urban conflict, relief), roles of the parties and how did they engaged with each other, the resolution, and importance of the article. You in this message claim that you do not agree with me and you will constantly engage to an edit war (reverse any editions) regarding towards the lead section. Let me be more specific. You can not involve edit wars and also not involve to a "consensus building process" at the same time. If you engage in a constant rev act without being in a consensus building process, you are performing a "vandalism". I'm trying to understand your objections, as you are a fellow Armenian who is sincerely interested in Armenian history, but not a fanatic who does not value the Truth. Dear friend, which of these concepts I summarized here should not be included in this lead section. I believe these are minimum set of concepts that should be in the lead. --Seemsclose (talk) 03:32, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

WP:LEAD should have these says "Seemsclose"	Not appropriate says "Moew"
type of conflict,	?
sides,	?
location,	?
stages (conflicts at towns, urban conflict, relief efforts),	?
roles of the parties	?
how did they engaged with each other,	?
the resolution	?
importance of the article	?

This is divine comedy! Is this the same character who removed all references he did not like, the ones containing some grain of truth? Now he is complaining about removal references without a concenus? We should syndicate these very scientific and objective discussions!

It was a REBELLION.

The history, you know, not the alternate reality created by partisans, but the rest of the World records these events as an Armenian Rebellion. It was not even the first one in this greeat old city, and it was not even the only city where Armenian rebellions and terrorist acts took place in the previous two decades in an effort to facilitate a Russian invasion.--Murat (talk) 18:35, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Dear user Murat, I belive you put or took (depending on your position) the words from my mouth. Thanks to Meow, it turned into a divine comedy. However, find "five different" historians, from three different nationalities (not just Turks), who claim it was a rebellion, no one will deny your position. I will defend your position. Meow rejects a sound WP:LEAD and you can not brought forward citations of your position. Let me say in Turkish "Sozle Peynir Gemisi Yurumez, Canim!" (If my Turkish spelling or grammar has problems, forgive me!). --Seemsclose (talk) 01:20, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

You two belong together. Meowy 19:17, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Dear Meowy, it seems we need a Wikipedia:Third opinion. You do not like my WP:Lead. I can not get an objective response from you. I 'm happy to change the lead according to your advice, but you have failed to tell me what you think and present your sources, regarding the parts of the LEAD sections; "What type of conflict, sides, location, stages (conflicts at towns, urban conflict, relief efforts), roles of the parties, how did they engaged with each other, the resolution and finally importance of the article." We will ask a Wikipedia:Third opinion. Present our versions and our reasons, than ask Wikipedia:Third opinion to make a choice. A PERSONAL note: Do not be angry. Do not say "You two belong together." That is hardly the truth. Murat does not read or even own his publications (just try to move his "cheese ship" with unsound claims). We are different. I read my sources. I defend using knowledge. I do not "huff and puff". Also, We use expert knowledge. Murat does not understand that its is not the definition (this is not wikiword), but if the resistance was classified as a rebellion by experts from a historical perspective (that is the point where cite comes into play). He looks to his personal mirror and "huffs and puffs." It is the conclusions of the experts around the world makes a difference. He used the Divine Comedy. I remind him (the Grey Wolves) the wolf in Three Little Pigs. Murat says "then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your self-defense." But my house is build on Bricks. Seemsclose (talk) 23:27, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

You are seeking to take possession of the whole article and replace it with one of your choice. All Murat has done is attempt to insert a few clearly POV statements that can easily be countered and removed. Your proposed lead section is at least twice as long as it should be, and is rambling, confusing, and not well-written. Your incorporation of Russia in the conflict infobox goes against the historical reality. You seem to want to turn this article into an account of the entire WW1-period conflict in the Van region. One good point is that your alternative has reduced the references to the history of Van, Hamidean massacres and so on, to an appropriate size, with links to the main articles. However, you will not ever get a consensus to entirely remove the current article and replace it with your own one. In order to progress things I suggest that you give an assurance here that you will not make such an attempt at completely replacing the article, and then we can ask for the article to be unprotected, and then discuss each change one by one in this talk page. Meowy 14:43, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

1. point; If you carefully look at the conflict box, you will see the three sections (not two), which is specifically designed to represent "three way" conflicts. You are assuming, "two way conflict" such as Battle of Baku where there are two sides in the conflict box but the many different forces, such as Ottoman, Azerbaijani, Dagestani forces. We know there is a Russian relief (Russian Armed forces), and it was a relief to "Van resistance." I can clearly support this with couple citations. The current article also includes this fact. Three are three armed forces. But you are wtong to assume they are cooperated. Excluding Russian forces in the infobox is a bias. Remember during relief, JULY battles, civilian forces fought ottoman forces to slow down, which saved many Armenian life.

2. point; You are defending an article ("you will not ever get a consensus") which is poorly written, not well cited, most importantly you also claimed that so. Just WP:verifiability, will be its death certificate. I'm totally happy to go over one by one, sentence by sentence to brought this article into a decent quality. At the end there will be no single unreference source in the article. Also, I'm not WP:OWN the article. You are welcomed to show me, tell me a better source, better explanation. I will listen your and at the end we will have something we can be proud of. I'm not backing of fixing this article. Seemsclose (talk) 17:42, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

3. point; This is not a war. Do not use conflict words such as "countered, removed." You can not object "Van rebellion", (along with "Van revolt"), if he brings them with a well formed WP:CITE reference. He has failed to do so. The question here is WP:Verifiability not what Murat thinks. Seemsclose (talk) 17:42, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

4. point; for the lead, I it seems we are going to Wikipedia:Third opinion. Just to be clear, correct your position.

-	For the Wikipedia:Third opinion; The two versions of WP:LEAD that is in disbute.
Versions	The Resistance at Van or Battle of Van (Armenian: Վանի Հերոսամարտ) of the Ottoman Armenian civilian forces was an insurgency against the Ottoman Empire's military forces together with Kurdish irregulars at the vilâyet of Van, which the armed conflicts began on April 15 of 1915 and extended to the city of Van on April 19. On May 4 1915 the city was surrendered by Armenian civilian forces to Araratian brigade originated from Erivan. Caucasus Army followed the Araratian brigade to give the relief and on May 6 the Armenian flag waved over the citadel of Van. The remaining Ottoman forces were evacuated by the ships towards the ports at the west of Lake Van between May 14 - May 16. The Russian forces pursued Ottomans during June, however July Ottomans developed a counter attack which was followed with the July 18 evacuation of Armenian inhabitants of the region. The Armenian civilian forces occupied the attention of four Turkish divisions and tens of thousands of Kurds during the retreat. Main achievement of Ottoman Armenian civilian forces were avoiding of deportations and massacres through evacuation of nearly 150,000 Armenians in the region. The city of Van was re-captured by the Ottoman forces on August 22 1915, only to be retaken by the Andranik during September without the involvement of Ottoman Armenian civilians. The historical significance of Van Resistance is linked to Talat Pasha as on April 24, 1915 he blamed Ottoman Armenian civilian forces during Van Resistance, or "Revolution at Van" as he said, siding Russia and initiated wide range of deportation from the region. The resistance was against an attempt in eliminate the Armenian population in the vilâyet of Van. This was a few resistance instance during the Armenian Genocide when Armenians, in an act of self-defense, fought against the Ottoman Empire's armed forces. The battles of July were only performed by the Ottoman Armenian civilian forces. Talat (also modern Turkish authorities) claimed victims as a civil war casualties, however most academics define it as a vehicle of the Armenian Genocide	The Resistance at Van (Armenian: Վանի Հերոսամարտ) was an insurgency against the Ottoman Empire's attempts to eliminate the Armenian population in the vilâyet of Van. Based mostly in the city of Van, it was one of the few instances during the Armenian Genocide when Armenians, in an act of self-defense, fought against the Ottoman Empire's armed forces. The fighting lasted from April 19, 1915 until May 4 of that year, when the Ottoman army (together with Kurdish irregulars) retreated as Russian forces approached the city.
Why it is good	Cited, verified, well structured information. It is designed to fulfill the main characteristics of a good lead (a) Establish context, and (b) Provide an accessible overview of the article.	Short
What it is bad		It is not Cited. It does not give information in a structured way. By doing so, it confuses the reader and does not help to understand the "most important points covered in an article". It is missing major stages (dates) of the conflict. It fails to explain why the article is important. It does not reflect on the result of the conflict, beyond obscure "Armenian achievement." leaves the reader wonder regarding what achievement. It has a biased tone regarding the "Controversial" side of the article but fails to explain how and why it is controversial.
authors defense	The Van Resistance has many details (there are published articles, biographies, and a full fledge book on the subject), the article is incomplete (even the one that I'm working on), but incomplete article does not require incomplete WP:LEAD.

Well, yr Turkish is light yrs ahead of my Armenian! I have read about this topic for a very long time and I have never come accross the use of this "resistance" description of the rebellion at Van until I stumbled on it here. Certainly the Turkish history recorded it as rebellion and that has some more weight than let's say a partisan Armenian re-writing history 100 yrs later from CA. It is not that difficult to find sources that have properly labled this event as rebellion not to mention a whole book with that title but I have a feeling unless the reference is a pro-Armenian source it will not be found "satisfactory" by the mob guarding these alternate-history pages. The other issue is more basic. Opinions may be subject to census and voting, but basic facts can not be re-interpereted with a vote. White is white and black is black no matter how many nuts say otherwise for example. I gave a standard description of what a rebellion is from a dictionary above, which not surprisingly describe exactly what happened in Van. I can certainly understand the motivation, but that does not change the facts.--Murat (talk) 20:30, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

You can also start by googling "Armenian Rebellion(s)" and see for yourself how far your self-deception has taken you.--Murat (talk) 22:22, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

I don't have any objection to something like "Van rebellion", (along with "Van revolt") being amongst the alternative names at the start of the article, or for those names being redirected to the "Van Resistance" article. That is the name given to the event in some works of Turkish propaganda,and in some other works, so it should be there amongst the alternative names. Given its POV nature, it shouldn't be the main title. Meowy 14:22, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

What Happened to the Muslims of Van?

In all this sad story, one only hears of Armenians and their fights and how they were killed. Considering about half of Van's population at the time (maybe more including the environs)was Muslim Turk or Kurdish, does anyone have any information in these highly partial sources about what happened to them during these months of fighting and occupation? Did they just sit on a nearby hill and watch the back and forth beteen Ottoman and Russian armies and Armenian rebels? What do Armenian sources tell us about this? Inquiring minds want to know.--Murat (talk) 01:12, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes, they mostly sat around after expending much energy killing, raping, and plundering in the surrounding Armenian villages. Meowy 01:27, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Well, Meowy, I had just added a reference to a book detailing the eyewitness testimonies of 20 muslim villagers who were there between 1914-1918. They give very detailed info about armenian activities of the period -like the huge massacrace of moslem refugees at Zeve. And guess what? It was erased in a second! So much for democracy, freedom of speech and ethical high platform. Tell me, what are you afraid of, meowy? Why are armenians so much afraid of open discussion? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.235.169.150 (talk) 03:13, 2 February 2009 (UTC)

And the "natives" were plundering and burning with joy! Viscount Falodon observes: "It was understood that the Government, on hearing of the approach of the Russian army and the Armenian volunteers, had ordered a systematic retreat some days before, and the last regiment, with the Governor, had evacuated the town on the night of the 18th May. Immediately hungry and starved people rushed toward the Turkish quarters to satisfy their feelings of justice by plundering and burning. Shortly after, news came that the Russian army, with Armenian volunteers, was in sight. The joy of the people was boundless ; tears of gladness and of emotion for what they had suffered during the past month, rolled down their cheeks as they made them welcome. The keys of the captured city and of the castle were immediately taken and laid at the feet of the Russian General, who gave orders to the Armenians to organise a Provisional Government for the affairs of the town."--Murat (talk) 02:00, 17 November 2008 (UTC)

Doctor Ussher, the American medical missionary whose hosptial at Van was destroyed by bombardment, is authority for the statement that, after driving off the Turks, the Russians began to collect and to cremate the bodies of Armenians who had been murdered in the province, with the result that 55,000 bodies were burned. --Kansas Bear (talk) 02:19, 17 November 2008 (UTC)

Friday evening, May 14, we saw a few ships sailing away from Van and Saturday morning a great many more, about forty in all. What could this mean? We knew Jevdet had seized all the Armenian shipping' was he sending to Bitlis for more troops as well as for more ammunition? Or were the Turks sending off their women and children? They inclined, on the whole, to the belief that the Turkish officers were sending their families away.... --Kansas Bear (talk) 02:32, 17 November 2008 (UTC)

Oooops... there were about 130K Armenians in the province of Van before the rebellion. By some accounts, after the Russians pulled back, there were some 105K Armenian refugees from Van in Russian Armenia. That leaves a lot less than 55K of them to die behind as calimed above. One has to maybe factor in that miraculous ability they have to die over and over again! --Murat (talk) 23:18, 22 November 2008 (UTC)

Typical response to a primary source. --Kansas Bear (talk) 00:42, 23 November 2008 (UTC)

3O

Hey. Someone requested a third opinion on this page. I've removed the request for a number of reasons, the first of which is that there are more than two editors active on this page, and 3Os are generally reserved for pages with only two editors. If you want to get more consensus going, try WP:RFC. You may also want to try getting some support from the people over at Wikipedia:WikiProject Armenia. I can try giving an opinion on the page if you want, but I don't know that I'm sufficient informed to do so. — HelloAnnyong ^{(say whaaat?!)} 15:04, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Dear User:HelloAnnyong. With your action, you removed a "conflict resolution path". What grounds you perform such an act? I support all my positions using Armenian sources. This is about WP:Verifiability. This is really not about, my position against MEOW's position. This is about MEOW's personal taste (short-long lead???). He does not brought his own sources to support his position. He even denied Armenian sources regarding the issue. This is beaming ridicules as we begin to change history to based on personal taste (long-short, two box-three box...). --Seemsclose (talk) 15:32, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

You wish to take ownership of this article and replace it with something entirely of your own creation. That sort of thing is questionable at the best of times, but it is especially so in this case because I see little evidence that you are capable of doing it properly. You simply don't know how to write an encyclopaedic article. Why don't you just create a personal webpage on the subject? Meowy 15:38, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Meowy, you are welcome to add your own citations. Teach me, Correct me, if you like. Also you can edit over, what I have been working on. You failed to do so. I never overlook what you brought forward, you told me to remove the flag, you told me to give less detail, I did. Besides, the version, which is named as "my version" includes nearly all the information, that I can verify from its source, which the citations in this version is very limited. --Seemsclose (talk) 15:41, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Sorry, Seemsclose, I was a little vague there. I didn't remove the listing; I'm taking on this third opinion, so I've removed it from the 3O list. However, I'd advise both of you to stop sniping at each other. You're both attacking each other, which is a violation of WP:NPA. And I seriously doubt you're doing anything in good faith with so much hostility around here. Perhaps some time away from this article to clear your heads would be beneficial? — HelloAnnyong ^{(say whaaat?!)} 16:02, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

User:HelloAnnyong. There are many issues in this version of the article. But it is possible to approach it one by one. The WP:LEAD and the "info box" are the ones, which I have substantially involved. These two issues have already extensive discussions. Both of these issues have "two solid proposals". The third issue was brought by User:Hudavendigar (or Murat), which I did not rejected his position (though others did), but requested him to provide "well formed citation" to be included in the article. In his last edit MEOW accepted his position and dropped his request for a citation. I hope you will bring your, separate, opinion over each one. I want to point out that you said "I'm taking on this third opinion" but your opinion is not one but seems three at the moment. It also seems it will go on through out the rest of the article. --Seemsclose (talk) 21:09, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Stop being so literal. Give me some time to read all the backlog and look at the page edits, and then I'll post something here. In the meantime, I'd recommend that you both take some time off from editing this page. You can keep sniping at each other all you want, but the page is locked anyway, so it's just gonna be endless argument. — HelloAnnyong ^{(say whaaat?!)} 22:20, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Wow... I totally dropped the ball on keeping track of this page. Several personal issues came up, so I've not had a chance to look into this. I don't think I'm going to have a chance in the next few days, so perhaps it might be better if you guys try to track someone else down. There's a big number of people listed at Wikipedia:WikiProject Armenia/Participants; you may also want to look into WP:EA or something like that. I'll keep an eye on this page, but I don't know how helpful I'll be. Sorry for wasting everyone's time. — HelloAnnyong ^{(say whaaat?!)} 22:26, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Wow, You totally dropping? You made me believe that you are a mediator who has no side ("non-sided", a third person) and would look at the positions presented and references given. That was what your message read. Why you advice us to drop the whole "third person" position in this issue? I'm so disappointed. I 'm working hard to improve Wikipedia. --Seemsclose (talk) 23:05, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Don't attack me like this. Wikipedia is not my entire life, you know; there are things outside of this. We're all working to improve Wikipedia; don't make me feel like a bad guy because I don't have all the time in the world to devote to reading this extensive backlog. I'd watch my tone if I were you. — HelloAnnyong ^{(say whaaat?!)} 03:11, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

This is all voluntary work. It is not difficult to see your side. You do not have time. You can drop or ask more time. You prefer to drop it. What is disappointing is not your decision, but solving the problem with users who WP:OWN and do not negotiate on the WP:Verifiability. You do not need to take it personally, it is not directed at you, but to whole system. This point is clearly stated at the link, which was your advice to apply. I also do remember clearly thanking for your efforts. I'm sincere in my efforts, also my disappointment. Thank you. one more time. --Seemsclose (talk) 14:09, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

Given that part of my objection is that Seemsclose's proposals make the entry unencyclopaedic (by, for example, having a confusing and extremely overly-long lead section) it might be better to also have a completely unconnected person look at it - someone who doesn't know the subject at all but who knows what a good wikipedia article should aspire to. Or is something like this possible - unprotect the article, let Seemsclose have his way, then let me hack down his lead section by 50% or more, and then get a third party to comment on which would be the better version. His Russophile desire to place a Russian flag in the conflict infobox could be addressed by having informed editors who know the proper purpose of conflict infoboxes tell him it isn't going to happen. Meowy 20:02, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

BTW, Seemsclose, it is you who are exhibiting the ownership tendencies - you want to replace the entire article with one entirely of your own creation. Meowy 20:09, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

BTW, Meowy, my edits are based on WP:Verifiability.
(1)Ownership does not apply as (a) Previous editor's efforts are not discarded. All the "credible sources" in this poor version also included in my version. (b) This page is blocked, I work on my version. I never denied you to cooperate on my edits. (c) I never rejected Murat's proposal. I asked him to bring his sources, which is clearly defined in WP:CITE. When he does it, I will defend his edit. (d) You can check the article history, I never reverted your edits. I ask you to bring with WP:CITE. (e) I have never threaten you that I will be reverting your edits constantly.
(2) I asked for a WP:Third Person. I did not engaged with you personally. I brought Armenian sources that clearly prove "Ottoman Army" involved in a single day, at the same location with (a) fighting against Armenian civilians. (b) fighting against the "Russian Relief." Also Russian Relief was dispatched because of Armenian civilian request on April 28. Ottomans fought both side even during evacuation. Your proposal includes Armenian civilian forces and Russian forces in the same box. If you are right, then Talat Pasha was right in his claim that Armenians of the region were cooperating with the Russians. That is against Armenian position. Armenian position does not deny the Russian relief. Armenian genocide say that Ottoman Armenian Civilians of Van did not fight along the Russians. You are making a big big mistake. If we accept your position, beginning with the Russian military movements in the "Vilayet of Van," Armenian civilians would be in position of working (coordinating) along the Russian forces. All my positions are presented with sources including to their page numbers. Please read them.

I'm disappointed at you, because you have been personal with me; (a) claimed that I'm: "you actually are a propagandist". (b) claimed that I'm a lair "your flag-waving lies" (c) insulted my efforts: "your much inferior version." (d) you claimed that I'm: "grasp of English high enough for you to attempt such things." ALSO (a) there is no single reference you have brought forward. (b) When I asked which concept or fact you are objecting? You constantly failed to give an explanation which can be used to fix the problem. Your response "This is material not suitable for insertion into the lead section" does not include basic information regarding "WHAT, WHY, HOW."

I'm constantly trying to reach out to you. You are constantly threatening to revert my sources. You are openly declaring an edit war. I do not know how to deal with such a behavior of yours. I would like to see you drop this edit war threat. For the WP:LEAD section I'm willing to accept your version (How short it may be) if it includes "A) Type B) Sides C) Location D) Stages (conflicts at towns, urban conflict, relief) E) Roles of the parties and how did they engaged with each other. (E) The resolution (F) Importance (G) How history interpreted the results" and also citations for each item. Thank you for your cooperation. Seemsclose (talk) 22:32, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

You are working on a page that you intend to use to entirely replace the current one. How much is derived from the current version only you know exactly, but it seems very little is left of the current article. Your lead section is at least twice as long as it should be. There is no place for a Russian flag or mention of Russian forces in the conflict infobox - the article is not about the wider battles that took place in the Lake Van area. I think that your alternative article, because of the way it is written, fails in its purpose which should be to give an intelligent but uninformed person a clear, accessible, and readable account of the event. More information doesn't mean better if most of that information is ignored by readers because it is badly presented. For the lead section, I'll work on a 50% shorter version and post it here in a day or so to compare the two. Meowy 02:06, 25 June 2008 (UTC)

Or maybe I'll just let it go - let Seemsclose screw it up. "Armenian sources" - what a laugh! No wonder 90-odd years after one of the best documented genocides ever, thanks to bad presentation we still get to call it "alleged" if we want. Yes. let him screw it up, or let some other editor save it. I withdraw. I've got better things to do - off to pet a few Van cats. Meowy 02:44, 25 June 2008 (UTC)

It is not totally true to say "is derived from the current version only you know exactly." It is not hard to read two articles and have the sense what is missing. If you have not done it, your objections on my edits are questionable. I would appreciate if you do write your own WP:LEAD. I would be glad to pass through your version and point out major points;

1. It should establish context, (reliable, published sources)
2. summarize the most important points,
3. explain why the subject is interesting or notable,
4. briefly describe its notable controversies,
5. not "tease" the reader by hinting at—but not explaining—important facts that will appear later in the article.
   — as stated in WP:LEAD

. We will compare your and my version based on a rating scale "A) Type of resistance B) Sides of resistance C) Location of resistance D) Stages of resistance E) Roles and engagement (F) Resolution (G) Importance (H) How history interpreted the results" Seemsclose (talk) 04:42, 25 June 2008 (UTC)

Protected edit request

I have spend a lot of time in checking sources and making the content presented with an encyclopedic quality. I want to incorporate "my efforts" to the article. As the page is protected, I worked on User:Seemsclose/Van Resistance‎. Any help on the current version of User:Seemsclose/Van Resistance‎, is welcomed. Please, if you object on any fact presented in the article, present it with your version so that we can improve the article. Thanks for all your efforts. --Seemsclose (talk) 17:32, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

Unprotection?

Seemsclose has requested that the page be unprotected now. I am asking all involved parties that if there are any objections, please state them here. Khoikhoi 18:26, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

I think Seemsclose's complete rewrite is a vile concoction that cures nothing and poisons the subject. But as I said above, at the moment I've got better things to do. So unprotect the page if you wish. Protection only works where there is a specific point to be resolved. It doesn't work when we are faced with an editor wanting to own the entire article and imprint his lack of understanding all over it. Let others save it if they care to, and it will be an easier process once the Seemsclose opus is in open and editable light. Meowy 17:18, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

I'm fairly busy as well these days, but from what I can tell, Seemsclose's version of the page would almost certainly replace the current text. With a quick glance at that page, his article seems pretty POV. Admtittedly, I'm not really sure where to go with this; I've tried asking the people on the Armenian WikiProject for help, and there's an open call out there, but so far no responses. I agree that the article can't really stay protected for forever, but I'm not sure that unprotecting right now is going to help. — HelloAnnyong ^{(say whaaat?!)} 17:45, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

Dear User:HelloAnnyong would you state what is POV in my version. More than half of the text is already included in the current protected form of the article. Do you claim same for the current form of the article? Is this POV only directed towards my edits? There has to be a objective criteria that you base your position. I believe if you can state them, it can be worked. My objection has always been on preventing efforts to improve this specific article. I would ask the same to Meowy, one more time. He had never clearly stated, or presented any other form (including his own WP:LEAD) that he would like. I'm totally open. --Seemsclose (talk) 18:27, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

Your version pushes POV towards Armenia, and it adds a great deal of undue weight on parts of the battle. — HelloAnnyong ^{(say whaaat?!)} 18:47, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

1: "Your version pushes POV towards Armenia;" I would accept that Turkish side may be missing. But reject basied towards Armenia. Besides the current form does not have anything regarding Turkish position. That is not my fault. An author that knows that side, could do that and I will check his WP:CITE. Also I tried to add some Turkish facts, but they claimed that I'm a Turkish spy. However, my version is better structured regarding this issue. There is a section for User:Seemsclose/Van_Resistance#Destruction_to_life_.26_property, which summarizes the total destruction. I do not object improving that section.--Seemsclose (talk) 19:27, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

2: "it adds a great deal of undue weight on parts of the battle. ;" That is a "resistance article." It is part of Wikipedia:WikiProject Military history. As the current form of the article says "it was one of the few instances during the Armenian Genocide when Armenians, in an act of self-defense, fought against the Ottoman Empire's armed forces." This is an achievement in Armenian history. There is a great deal of Armenian life (250,000) is saved. The achievement is not pushing Turks out from "City of Van." A claimed by Turks as a resistance against authority of Ottoman Empire. Which was not the case. It is saving 250,000 life. Refugees and conflicts to protect the refugees is the article itself. User:TigranTheGreat [correctly stated this fact], but a vandal deleted his edits and we ended with this version. Please correct me, if I'm wrong. --Seemsclose (talk) 19:27, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

Being a resistance article doesn't mean that undue weight is allowed. There are still Wikipedia principles to uphold. — HelloAnnyong ^{(say whaaat?!)} 22:09, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

Actually, it is not POV "towards Armenia". In some aspects it is the exact opposite of that. This is because it is so badly composed and organised that the essence of the topic, and thus its impact on the reader, has been lost, and also because its unjustifiable Russian bias leads it to agree with Armenian Genocide-denialist tracts. However, mostly it is just badly written and contains off-topic material. On this talk page I had restricted my remarks to the lead section and conflict infobox because only those had been changed in the actual article. As Seamsclose said, I never went as far as detailing my objections to the body of the article Seemsclose has been working on in his talk page. Nor will I - I'm going to be too busy with other things for a while, and also I've grown tired of actively opposing Seemsclose's edits. Maybe the best way is to unprotect the article and let nature take its course - I don't think Seamsclose's bloated creation will survive for more than a few months in the wild once editors start snapping at its body. Meowy 19:11, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

Dear User:Meowy, You may be right about "will not survive for more than a few months," but it is not because "bloated creation." it is because there is a lot of politics going on. You want to remove what you name as "Russian bias" (limit the article only "siege of city") because as you say it is "Armenian Genocide-denialist tracts." But you can not explain why the Ottoman army left the siege without Russian forces. These Russian forces on the way to city fought against Ottoman Army, and they gave relief other towns on their way. And also you are willing to ignore 250,000 Armenian refugees escaping to Russian Armenia and the Armenian civilian forces trying to defending them during this period. Your version of "Van Resistance" is short sighted because you have a political agenda that is not even included in Armenian sources. Also there is a group which does not want to include the events at the north and south of the vilayet. Also they want to keep the evacuation of the vilayet from the article because Kurdish tribes attacked the refugees at the mountains and gateways. Kurds attacked the undefended Armenian villages to rob them from their goods. Look at this edit summary :that removed the references to Kurds.

My version is based on a very respected source. The issues you and this group try to remove explained with all the details.

Summary; for political reasons, both of these sides do not want specific events to be included in this article. It took 42 days for User:Meowy to change his mind about this article which he claimed "f***ing mess." Reverted his objection and claimed that it is not accepted that "in a very poor condition." User:Meowy has a point. This is more about politics. Truth will be removed from this page. User:Meowy will remove the events after the siege to support the claim Russians has nothing to do with this resistance, other group will remove the events south and north of Van and the massacres during the evacuation claiming Kurds and elephants did not exist. That is a swell. Remove me from the wikipedia, so that "so called Armenian position" and "Kurdish positions" dominate this article. Turkish position, according to Murat, does not even exist. --Seemsclose (talk) 23:17, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

Ah, alright. Yeah, I guess I just really lost track of what was going on in the article. However, I'd err on the side of caution, in that although what we have isn't great, the alternative is considerably worse. Allowing something that's blatantly POV seems like a bad idea. — HelloAnnyong ^{(say whaaat?!)} 22:09, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

What makes you to say "the alternative is considerably worse." You do not even say bad. You are making a comparison. Did I may miss the total amount of Muslim civilians died? I accept, I do not have that info. But how could this issue make you fell to prevent the blocking of my efforts. The current form has a forking (Persian events) issue, and you say my version is bad. Also what is the "considerable weight" that my version is missing. Don't I deserve a substantial answer which will make me feel "Aha! I agree dear User:HelloAnnyong." --Seemsclose (talk) 23:17, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

Disputed Objectivity

"If the rebels fire a single shot," he declared, "I shall kill every Christian man, woman, and" (pointing to his knee) "every child, up to here." ... This Jevded Bey sounds like a real Dracula, missing are the descriptions of his pointy ears and long tooth!--Murat (talk) 04:04, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

"Jevdet's extremism towards Armenians was more open. A man of dangerously unpredictable moods, friendly one moment, ferociously hostile the next, was capable of treacherous brutality." One wonders if he also had a long tail and sharp claws. Only someone with access to his psychitrist's files would be able to make these statement and opinions dripping with prejudice. Any references?--Murat (talk) 13:43, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

"Throughout 1895-96 Armenians in the Ottoman Empire suffered in a wave of violence commonly known as the Hamidian massacres." Thats strange, because most histories, including the news and papers and telegrams of the local officials of the day report Armenian uprisings at around the same time. Wave of violence was mostly instigated by Armenians according to records and even according to numerous articles here, including this one!--Murat (talk) 04:08, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

"...when Armenians, in an act of self-defense, fought against the Ottoman Empire's armed forces."... when the citizens of a state, take up arms and fight their own army, it called something other than resistance. Seems like a juvenile attempt at making Armenian revolutionaries look like innocent bystanders.

It was a REBELLION. By any definition. Why this fake and misleading heading?--Murat (talk) 04:11, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

They are cited. --Armenakian (talk) 04:20, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Do not remove the POV tag - it is more than certainly justified on this page, especially with such constant heavy edits. — HelloAnnyong ^{(say whaaat?!)} 04:23, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

"Those that remained endured a grim period of looting and massacre; many villages were plundered and destroyed..." One would think this describes the fate of Muslims once the Armenian irregulars take control of the city. Nope. It seems these Armenian insurgents did their looting and raping (as witnessed by the American missionaries, a reference again removed from here by pov editors many times) in a very gentelmanly manner. What caused the total destruction of Muslim quarters of the city while Armenian quarters remained intact - as witnessed by the American investigators, Niles and Sutherland Report?--Murat (talk) 13:53, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Niles and Sutherland were NOT witness to anything, they arrived 4 YEARS AFTER the fact. You want to talk about American missionaries, why not start quoting Clarence Ussher, who WAS in Van before, during and after the resistance! As usual, the REAL facts scare you.

Jevdet Bey thought this a good opportunity to get rid of some of the chief men of Van. He invited four prominent Armenians, among them Ishkhan, to go to Shadakh as a "peace commission" with an equal number of prominent Turks, and compromise the matter which had arisen between the Armenians and the Government. He sent them off with a guard of honor, had a feast prepared for them in the first village at which they stopped, and at that feast had the four Armenians treacherously murdered. The following morning, Saturday, April 17..." -- "An American Physician in Turkey", p.236-237

Amazing how this PRIMARY source, disproves your puerile rants.

Armenian rebellion(s) came first, then the Government attempt to quell by force.[4] -- Murat

Proven, by Clarence Ussher, to be a lie.

Most Hisorians do NOT agree with the above. References added to the contrary, McCarthy and Feigl have been removed repeatedly[5] -- Murat

McCarthy is directly linked to the Turkish government[6], Feigl is NOT a historian. Historians that DO AGREE-- 126 listed here:[7], and the International Association of Genocide Scholars:[8]. --Kansas Bear (talk) 23:05, 6 December 2008 (UTC)

This seems to be more grandstanding and soap-boxing and frankly a bit too emotional to be of any objective value. Are you really trying to list the relevant facts within proper context or fill Wikipedia with pro-Armenian ethnic propaganda? It was a rhetorical question, we can see for ourselves... Let's agree at least that there is a dispute of objectivity and as clearly obvious from the furious and emotional attacks above, you and many others in your camp seem to have vested interest in suppressing the truth.

Armenians of the Eastern Anatolia rose up in armed rebellion against their state while the said state was in a state of war. Their aim was simple: Establishment of a Greater Armenia on the lands cleansed of its Muslim majority. Armenian history records as much. Ottoman governor was made responsible for putting the rebellion down. He did so, bloody and cruel etc. etc... no more than the Armenians who butchered the whole population of Bitlis. Niles and Sutherland did not witness the actual events and no one made such a claim, however they did witness the destruction delivered by Armenians on Muslims 1-3 years after the said events. No matter how damaging these bits of reality may be to your mythology, they are the facts.--Murat (talk) 22:31, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Weasel words and double talk, typical of someone in denial. --Kansas Bear (talk) 03:45, 8 December 2008 (UTC)

It seems to me the other way around. Not being able to disprove or deny the simple facts listed, you resort to reverting and name calling. It is hard to let go of a myth. ps- Niels and Sutherland report is dated 1919. In 1918, Armenians were still busy killing Muslims from Siirt to Erzincan (http://www.turkishforum.com/content/2008/12/07/about-innocent-armenians/).--Murat (talk) 03:53, 8 December 2008 (UTC)

So you are saying a source by a person that was in Van, doesn't prove anything, yet when people show up 4 YEARS later the evidence is just overwhelming? Sounds like your rationalization is at best, laughable! Also, for those interested in more evidence read from another primary source, Deutschland und Armenien by Lepsius[9] is an excellent source for the massacres of Armenians in Bitlis. --Kansas Bear (talk) 05:40, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

Either provide a copy of this "Order of general massacre" or remove it. Almost all orders were given in written form at the time, so if such an order was given it should be no problem to produce a copy here.--Murat (talk) 02:37, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

This is another request for the copy of the "general order of massacre". Otherwise it should and willbe removed.--Murat (talk) 21:16, 10 October 2009 (UTC)