The use of history as a political tool in the speech and statements of Adnan Mmenderes (1950-1960)

Within the context of sovereignty and power relations, the concepts of state, power, and history have gained different forms from past social experiences to the present. Beyond being narratives of the misty times, legends have made it easier for the gods, kings, and other dominant elements to establish authority over different social layers during the long ancient period. Genealogical narrative and glorified past are among the most important legitimacy and immobilization tools of dynastic states. During the 19th and 20th centuries, historical analysis aimed to build the past of national integrity to which capitalism was articulated. During the revolutions in the 19th and 20th centuries and within the context of parliamentary governments, historical knowledge gained publicity in the struggle against institutions. Historical knowledge indicates an immortal position in any case. In Turkey, along with the adoption of parliamentary government and then a multi-party orientation, historical knowledge within the context of power would be used as a tool to direct public discussions. In Turkey, the Democrat Party was in power between May 14, 1950, and May 27, 1960. During nearly ten years of power of the Democrat Party, Adnan Menderes served as prime minister and party leader. The fact that Adnan Menderes executed his political discourses in different media as the head of the power was important for the government to create and construct its own reality. The historical analysis would be constantly used by Adnan Menderes in the struggle with the opposition over institutions and in the Cyprus issue in foreign policy. In Adnan Menderes' utterance of the past, the desire to legitimize and justify power practices is observed. In justification, it was aimed to transform or classify continuity in accordance with the claim of the government. Historical analysis is used for reasons such as evidence and proof in accordance with the government's desire to legitimize and justify. Adnan Menderes intended to turn the judgment of the past regime or power through historical analysis into the founding act of his power. This study focused on the use of history as a tool while classifying the justification of the change and continuity of the power in public discussions. Keywords: State, Power, History, Historical Knowledge, Adnan Menderes