MCKN 265 (SOLAL)
Abstract:
This study analyzes the experiences of the Turkish immigrants from Brantford and Hamilton,
Ontario who were arrested as part of Canada’s first national internment operation during the First
World War. In total 8579 “aliens of enemy nationality” were interned, including 2009 Germans,
5954 Austro-Hungarians, 205 Turks, 99 Bulgarians, and 312 miscellaneous aliens. More than
half of the Turkish interns were residents of Brantford and Hamilton. As Muslim communities,
consisting of predominantly male sojourners, the Turkish populations of Brantford and Hamilton
were particular targets of Christian Euro-Canadians advocating for the internment of enemy
aliens. After their initial arrest, the interns were transported to a camp in Kapuskasing, Ontario,
one of 24 such camps in Canada. Local newspapers and government files held at Library and
Archives Canada reveal the negotiations between faith and loyalty, and the role of race and
religion, in defining the loyalty and allegiance of Turkish immigrants during the War. A
Christian versus non-Christian categorization of former subjects of the Ottoman Empire divided
Turkish immigrants and resulted in a qualitatively different experience for those who were
Muslim.
Advisor: Kris Inwood
Committee: Cynthia Comacchio (Wilfrid Laurier University)