ABSTRACT
One measure of discrimination was that Armenians were forbidden to bear arms and, therefore, were barred from military service. The Armenians knew from past experience that the Turks always sought an opportunity to persecute Christians, but the Turkish alliance with Germany and Austria gave some hope that this relationship might inject civilized restraint into the barbarians. Armenian soldiers suppressed and transcended their natural sympathy for the Allies and, even in trying physical circumstances, performed their duties well in the Turkish army. Shortly after Armenian soldiers were admitted into military ranks, their guns were taken away from them, and they were placed in amala tabour. Within a month after seferberlik was announced, universal conscription was ordered as a necessary measure under the state of war. All males between the ages of 19 and 45 were called for military service.
