George E. White (missionary)

George E. White (1861-1946) was an American Congregational missionary who served in the Ottoman Empire and later Turkey for over 50 years. He is best known for his long tenure as the president of Anatolia College in Merzifon, a position he held from 1893 until the college was forced to close in 1919 during the Armenian Genocide.

White was born in Graton, Michigan and graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa and Hartford Theological Seminary in Connecticut. He arrived in Turkey in 1890, initially working in Marsovan (Merzifon). He quickly immersed himself in the local culture and language.

As president of Anatolia College, White oversaw a period of growth and expansion. The college provided education to a diverse student body, including Armenians, Greeks, Turks, and others. He dedicated himself to providing high-quality education and promoting understanding among different ethnic and religious groups.

During the Armenian Genocide, White witnessed firsthand the atrocities committed against the Armenian population. He documented the events in detail, providing valuable eyewitness accounts. He worked tirelessly to protect Armenian students and faculty at Anatolia College, and to provide aid to those who were being persecuted. Despite facing significant risks and pressure, he openly condemned the violence and injustice.

After Anatolia College was closed, White relocated to Thessaloniki, Greece, where he helped establish a new Anatolia College. He continued to serve as its president until his retirement in 1933. His dedication to education and his commitment to social justice made him a respected figure throughout his life. He died in Claremont, California, in 1946. His writings and accounts remain important historical sources for understanding the complexities of missionary work in the Ottoman Empire and the impact of the Armenian Genocide.