Elza Niego affair
The Elza Niego affair was an affair regarding the murder of a Jewish girl in Turkey named Elza Niego in 1927. During the funeral, the emotional outburst of mourners turned into a demonstration that was later regarded by the authorities as a crime against Turkism.[1][2][3] This led to the arrest of 9 Jewish protestors.
Murder
Elza Niego was a typist of the National Insurance Company of Turkey.[4] During a holiday at the Heybeli island, an Muslim Turk by the name of Osman Bey fell in love with her.[4] Osman bey, who was 30 years older than Elza, would follow Elza around the island.[4] In despair, Elza Niego cut short her vacation and head home. Elza Niego eventually became engaged with a Jewish co-worker. Osman Bey who was enraged by the engagement, pursued Elza Niego and stabbed her to death with a knife.[4]
Aftermath
During the funeral, a demonstration was held in opposition of the Turkish government.[4] This created an anti-Semitic reaction in the Turkish press.[5] Nine protestors were immediately arrested under the charge of offending "Turkishness".[4] The nine protestors arrested were later acquitted.[2]
References
- ^ "Turkish Jewry Agitated Over Murder Case". Canadian Jewish Review. October 7, 1927. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
- ^ a b Kalderon, Albert E. (1983). Abraham Galanté : a biography. New York: Published by Sepher-Hermon Press for Sephardic House at Congregation Shearith Israel. p. 53. ISBN 9780872031111. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
- ^ "TURKEY: Notes, Aug. 29, 1927". Time. Aug. 29, 1927. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b c d e f "New Trial Ordered for Nine Constantinople Jews Once Acquitted". Jewish News Archive. January 16, 1928. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
- ^ Benbassa, Esther (1999). Sephardi Jewry : a history of the Judeo-Spanish community, 14th--20th centuries (1. California paperback ed. ed.). Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN 9780520218222.
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