Afyonkarahisar according to CHP inspection reports (1939–1945)

This thesis aims to comprehensively examine the political, social, and administrative structure of Afyonkarahisar based on the reports prepared by party inspectors appointed by the Republican People's Party (CHP) between 1939 and 1945. One of the defining characteristics of the single-party period was the integration of the party and the state, which created a structure in which the central government extended its influence into all areas through local organizations. Within this framework, party inspectors undertook the dual task of overseeing CHP's local branches and monitoring the functioning of state institutions at the local level. The inspection reports analyzed in this study provide significant data on topics such as citizen participation in governance, the effectiveness of party organizations, the implementation of public services, the state of educational activities, public order issues, and the economic structure in the province of Afyonkarahisar. These reports reveal, in particular, the inadequacy of party organization in rural areas. It was observed that public participation in political processes was extremely limited, and most citizens lacked a sense of affiliation with the party. Additionally, the reports indicate widespread deficiencies in education, noting the lack of schools and qualified teachers, and that many children in villages were unable to access education. Reports on public order show an increase in security issues in certain areas, with illegal activities such as smuggling becoming more common. From an economic perspective, the effects of the war years caused a decline in agricultural production, while shortages and limited access to essential goods had a significant impact on the local population. This study, based on archival documents and primary sources, analyzes how CHP's local inspection and supervision mechanisms functioned and how the relationships between the party, the state, and the public were structured. In doing so, it aims to contribute to the literature on the single-party era in Turkey through a local case study and to document Afyonkarahisar's historical transformation during this period. Keywords: Republican People's Party, Party Inspectors, Afyonkarahisar, Supervision, 1939–1945.