Prior to the start of World War I, the village of Gülgöze had about 200 families, all of whom were ethnic Assyrians who belonged to the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Refugees arrived from villages including Habasnos, Midyat, Bote, Keferze, Kafro Eloyto, Mzizah and Urnas.

Even refugees from outside Tur Abdin arrived, coming from villages such as Deqlath, Bscheriye, Gozarto, Hesno d Kifo and Mifarqin.

[5] Aware that the Turks and Kurds were coming to Gülgöze, the villagers and refugees created a militia to defend themselves, which was led by Gallo Shabo.

An Assyrian delegation met with Aziz to discuss a peace treaty, but refused to lay down their weapons, so the battle continued.