Martyrs' Square, known in Arabic as ساحة الشهداء (Sahat al Shouhada) and in French as Place des Martyrs, stands as the poignant historical central public square of Beirut, Lebanon. Before adopting its current, somber designation, it was affectionately or functionally known as "Al Burj" (The Tower) or "Place des Cannons" (Cannon Square), reflecting earlier periods in its rich history, perhaps tied to defensive structures or military presence that once graced this pivotal urban space. Its transformation into Martyrs' Square, a name shared notably with a similar square in Damascus, directly commemorates the significant and tragic executions that took place on 6 May 1916. These executions were ordered by Djemal Pasha during the tumultuous years of World War I, marking a deeply impactful moment in the region's collective memory and the rise of Arab nationalist sentiment.

Ahmed Djemal Pasha: A Pivotal and Contentious Figure of the Late Ottoman Empire

Ahmed Djemal Pasha (born 6 May 1872, Mytilene, Lesbos – died 21 July 1922), often referred to simply as Cemal Pasha, was a prominent Ottoman military leader who played a crucial role in shaping the empire's destiny during World War I. He was one of the influential triumvirate known as the "Three Pashas," who effectively governed the Ottoman Empire during this critical global conflict, holding immense power alongside Enver Pasha and Talat Pasha.

Early Life, Political Awakening, and Shifting Allegiances

Born on the island of Lesbos, then part of the Ottoman Empire, Djemal began his military career with ambition and a keen political eye. As an officer of the II Corps, he was stationed in Salonica (modern-day Thessaloniki), a city that served as a hotbed of reformist and revolutionary ideas within the empire. It was here that Djemal developed strong political sympathies for the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) reformers. The CUP, a powerful nationalist organization, aimed to modernize the Ottoman Empire and restore constitutional rule, often through a blend of liberal reforms and increasingly Turkocentric policies.

Interestingly, Djemal's early career saw him receive praise from Christian missionaries, and he even provided support to Armenian victims following the devastating Adana massacres of 1909. These actions suggest a more complex and perhaps less ideologically rigid figure in his initial years, before the hardening of political lines and the escalating pressures of wartime leadership.

Military Ascendancy and Key Engagements

Djemal's military and political career continued to evolve rapidly. He developed a notable rivalry with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the future founder of the Republic of Turkey, reflecting differing visions for the empire's future. Djemal served on the frontlines during the Balkan Wars in Salonica, gaining valuable combat experience. His ascent culminated when he was given the crucial military command of Constantinople (Istanbul), the imperial capital, following the dramatic Raid on the Sublime Porte in 1913. This coup by CUP leaders consolidated their power, placing Djemal in a position of significant influence at the heart of the empire.

The Syrian Governorship and the Executions of 1916

During World War I, Djemal Pasha was appointed military governor of Ottoman Syria (which included present-day Lebanon). His three-year rule in this region, characterized by authoritarian policies and a strong emphasis on Turkish nationalism, severely alienated the local Arab population. Many Arabs, who had nascent nationalist aspirations of their own, deeply resented the Ottoman central government's heavy-handed control and the suppression of Arab cultural and political expression. It was in this tense atmosphere that Djemal Pasha ordered the public executions of a group of prominent Arab intellectuals, journalists, and nationalist figures in Beirut and Damascus on 6 May 1916. These individuals were accused of treason and conspiring with foreign powers, particularly France and Britain. These executions, perceived by many as an act of brutal repression against emerging Arab nationalism, became a watershed moment, solidifying Djemal's reputation as "Al-Saffah" (the Blood Shedder) among the Arab populace and directly leading to the naming of Martyrs' Square in their honor.

Controversy and the Armenian Question

Djemal Pasha's legacy is further complicated by his involvement in the Armenian Genocide. While his policies were generally not as directly deadly as those implemented by other CUP leaders like Talat Pasha, his role remains profoundly controversial. Djemal Pasha himself favored the forced assimilation of Armenians, believing that integrating them into Turkish society was a viable solution, often through the abduction of children and forced conversion. However, his authority also allowed for the implementation of deportation orders, which, even if not explicitly intended for mass extermination by him, led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands through starvation, disease, and massacres during forced marches. This aspect of his career underscores the complex and often brutal realities of the late Ottoman Empire's policies towards its diverse ethnic and religious groups during wartime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Martyrs' Square and Djemal Pasha

• Why is Beirut's central square called Martyrs' Square?
  The square is named Martyrs' Square to commemorate the public executions of prominent Arab nationalists and intellectuals on 6 May 1916. These executions, ordered by Ottoman military governor Djemal Pasha during World War I, were seen as a brutal act of repression against those advocating for Arab self-determination, turning the executed into symbols of resistance and martyrdom.

• Who was Djemal Pasha?
  Ahmed Djemal Pasha was a key Ottoman military leader and one of the "Three Pashas" who effectively ruled the Ottoman Empire during World War I. He held significant power, serving as the naval minister and military governor of Ottoman Syria, where he enforced authoritarian policies.

• What was the significance of the 6 May 1916 executions?
  The executions on 6 May 1916 were a critical event in Arab history. They involved the public hanging of several Lebanese and Syrian Arab nationalist figures in Beirut and Damascus. This act by Djemal Pasha ignited further anti-Ottoman sentiment and solidified the desire for independence among the Arab population, making the executed individuals martyrs for the cause of Arab nationalism.

• What were the historical names of Martyrs' Square?
  Historically, Beirut's central square was known as "Al Burj" (The Tower) or "Place des Cannons" (Cannon Square). These names likely refer to past architectural features or military installations that once occupied or defined the area.

• What was Djemal Pasha's role in the Armenian Genocide?
  Djemal Pasha's role in the Armenian Genocide is complex and controversial. While he reportedly favored forced assimilation rather than direct extermination, his command in Syria included the implementation of deportation orders that led to the deaths of countless Armenians through forced marches, starvation, and disease. His policies, even if distinct from those of other CUP leaders, contributed significantly to the genocide.