Activities of the red crescent society in Edirne province (1912-1923)

The province of Edirne, located in the region of our country known as Eastern Thrace, was greatly affected by the turmoil in the Balkans and witnessed various struggles in order not to lose these lands. The Red Crescent Society, which rushed to the aid of people in times of disaster such as wars, epidemics, and natural disasters, continued its activities by opening branches in the province of Edirne. The branches, which were first opened as a commission to collect aid for the Tripoli War, were transformed into sanjak and district branches in accordance with the society's bylaws as a result of the Balkan Wars. During the First World War, due to Edirne's proximity to the Çanakkale Front, new branches were added to the branches within the borders of the province; Tekirdağ Men's Branch, Hayrabolu, Lüleburgaz, Vize, Keşan, and Şarköy branches were opened. Although some Red Crescent Hospitals in the province were closed during the National Struggle, the Society continued to send in-kind and monetary aid to the region. With the start of the Lausanne Exchange, the Society, which had health aid committees at the export docks, assigned the 34th Health Aid Committee and the 29th Health Aid Committee to operate in Tekirdağ and Edirne. The study examined the branches opened by the Red Crescent Society in the districts and counties of Edirne during the Balkan Wars, World War I and the War of Independence, the staff of the branches and their activities. A record exists of the mobile and stationary hospitals set up by the Red Crescent Society in and around Edirne province during the Balkan Wars and First World War In addition,the text mentions the devastating earthquake and subsequent fire in Şarköy-Mürefte in 1912, as well as the aid provided to the refugees during the population exchange following the Treaty of Lausanne.