The Ottoman Empire was a multinational state with in inclusion of Armenia. The Armenians were considered as second-class citizens as they were culturally distinct from the Turks. The Empire’s practicing religion was that of Islam, whereas the Armenians were the first state to adopt Christianity distinguishing it from its neighbours. Armenians had always been the most educated community within the old Turkish Empire. They were the professionals in society, and were open to new scientific, political and social ideas from the West. By contrast, the majority of Turks placed little value on education. Despotic rulers valued loyalty and obedience above all throughout the empire’s history. Although they were free to practice their faith, the Christian
