Why did Armenian revolutionary activity increase fears among Ottoman Muslims?

The increase in Armenian revolutionary activity during the late 19th century exacerbated existing tensions within the Ottoman Empire, fueling fear and suspicion among the Muslim population. This anxiety was rooted in several key factors:

• Perception of Disloyalty: Many Muslims viewed Armenians as a "foreign element" within the empire. The emergence of revolutionary parties, such as the Hënchak (1887) and Dashnaktsutyun (1890), which agitated for an independent Armenian state, reinforced the perception that Armenians were potential traitors who might conspire with outside powers to dismantle the Ottoman state.123
• Geopolitical Context: The "Armenian question" became a significant issue in international politics, particularly after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78. When Russia and European powers pressured the Ottoman government to implement reforms, these demands were often interpreted by the Muslim populace as foreign interference, with Armenians seen as the beneficiaries and agents of this external pressure.23
• Escalation of Violence: Revolutionary actions, such as the 1896 occupation of the Ottoman Bank in Istanbul, were intended to draw international attention to the Armenian cause. However, these acts of defiance served to heighten the sense of insecurity among Muslims, leading to state-sanctioned repression and mob violence, such as the Hamidian massacres.423