Social and political life in Ayvalik (1940-1950)

With the purpose of contributing to the works that focus on the contemporary history of Turkey and local historical works on its parts, this thesis is intended to highlight the social, political and economic situation in Ayvalik between years 1940-1950. This work consists of five parts. The introductory part presents the period between 1919 and 1940 when Ayvalik was invaded by the Greek following the end of World War I. In the first part, the administrative and demographical structure of Ayvalik is reviewed to analyze the civilian settlement, administrators and population structure in the district. In part II, the social life in Ayvalik between years 1940-1950 is emphasized and various aspects in this context from welfare to education, transportation to media and cultural life are investigated in detail. In part III, the nutrition and livelihood sources in Ayvalik are presented in categories such as agricultural products, grapery, livestock and fishery. The commercial life in the district is investigated on a yearly basis along with its industry and natural sources. In part IV, Ayvalik is evaluated upon its municipality and mayors that have been on duty between years 1940-1950 according to the available proceedings of the municipal council. In part V, single party and multi-party periods along with their influences on Ayvalik are reviewed. Actions taken by political parties, relationships between parties as well as general and municipal elections held between years 1940-1950 are discussed. Sources such as books, magazines, newspapers, archives, official publications and oral sources have been used in preparation of this thesis. It has been concluded that Ayvalik has gone through various economic problems related mainly to olive oil production, especially during World War II, and that following the transition to the multi-party period, the political life in the disctrict has noticeably become invigorated which affected also the socio-cultural life in the leadership of certain individuals and institutions.