Tatvan in Republican Era (1950-1970)

The geography of Lake Van with a deep-rooted history and a cultural richness, at the beginning of the 20th century, it was the scene of a continuous period of wars, migrations, and revolts. Especially the rebellions started by the Armenians and the occupation of many provinces by the Russians are some pieces of evidence for that period. The revolts and wars that took place in the region caused a lack of public order. Subsequently, these problems forced local people to migrate to other places. Despite all this negative atmosphere, the region was saved by the effort of local people and Mustafa Kemal Pasha who assigned by the Ottoman Government. As a matter of fact, a new process has started with the proclamation of the Republic. During these years, the traces created by the wars were tried to be erased and various investment plans were prepared throughout the country. The Lake Van Basin is also included in these plans. In order to make efficient use of this area, various examinations have been carried out. As a result of the investigations made by the delegation that sent to the region, "Tatvan", which is the largest town in Bitlis, was deemed appropriate in order to provide transportation on Lake Van with a more modern and fast way. In 1934 "Van Lake Business Administration Center" was transferred from a village of Muradiye district called Ernis Village (today Ünseli Village) to Tatvan district in the province of Bitlis in the Eastern Anatolia region. Another breakthrough in the district continued in 1945 and the construction of shipyards, ports and Piers was started. Besides these, the Tatvan region was chosen as an important step of the Muş-Tatvan-Van-Kotur railway line, which is an international project. The Muş-Tatvan-Van-Kotur railway project, which was started to be built in 1957, was realized under the CENTO (Central Treaty Organization-Central Treaty Organization) program. Wagons reaching the port of Tatvan were delivered to Van via ferries, thus establishing a railway network with the easternmost part of our country. With road, sea and rail transport, Tatvan entered a period of rapid development since the beginning of 1960. With the arrival of the railway line to Iran to Tat-van in 1964, the economic and social activities of the district also increased. The "Tatvan Eastern Anatolia Fair", which started in the schoolyard and became one of the most important fairs in eastern Anatolia, hosted tens of thousands of visitors. This fair, which was visited by thousands of people from surrounding provinces and districts, revived the economic and social life of Tatvan. Tatvan district, an important region in the history scene from the past to the present, was a small town in the 1930s; it developed in a short time and became a military, administrative and Transportation Center. The district gained further momentum with various breakthroughs by the 1970s. As a result of its location, the historical course of Tatvan, the district of Bitlis, which took place from 1950 until 1970 was examined in detail.