Life, political activities and works of General Fahri Belen (1892-1975)

General Fahri Belen (Mehmet Fahrettin Belen) has been a respected commander and politician who was born in Bolu in the late Ottoman Empire and has lived during the transition period from the Ottoman to the Republic of Turkey, has witnessed the single-party republic period of the country and has also played an active role in multi-party system. He joined to Balkan and Çanakkale Wars and played an important role in the War of Independence. He became a member of the Parliament during the 9th and 10th terms of TBMM, and also he had a short period of being the Minister of Public at the 9th term. He left many works behind by writing his whole political and military experiences. In this thesis study, the personality, family, education life, military and political actions and works of Fahri Belen are examined through a profound research. This study consist of three sections. In the first section, the life, family, education, military life and death of Fahri Belen are included. In the same section, his military memories, his environment and his ideas are mentioned. In the second section, the political activities of Fahri Belen are explained. This period has benefited from the speeches he delivered in the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the works he wrote his own memories and views. In the third section, there are published books and articles of Fahri Belen. Those written after the death of Fahri Belen are also included in this section. Key Words: Fahri Belen, National Strugge, Democratic Party, Biography, Ministry of Public Works