Siirt under the Single Party Rule(1923-1950)

This thesis aims to investigate the socio-economic and political life in Siirt between 1923 and 1950. To be able grasp Siirt in its historical integrity, demographic composition, administrative structure, educational attainment, economic life, relations to central government, significant people and major uprisings in Siirt between 1918 and 1938 were situated in the broader socio-economic and political context of the late Ottoman period and early Republican Era. Based on the review of academic literature, government reports, census data and the analysis of available archieve resources, this thesis sheds light on the main features of Siirt between 1923 and 1950. Siirt is one of the underdeveloped Southeastern provinces of the late Ottoman and early Republican period. The attempts from the central government to cater the socio-economic situation in Siirt did not result in line with the aimed goals. Despite the population increase in Siirt throughout the mentioned period, the Armenians and Christians, who composed a significant part of Siirt's population, ceased to exist by the end of the first quarter of 20th century. Hence, in the later period in Siirt religiosity-wise homogeneity is observed. Moreover, Siirt remained to be a tribal society. This social structure in Siirt contradicted the modern nation-state ideal in the minds of the Republican elites and therefore caused conflict between the central government and the people living in Siirt and nearby provinces. In Siirt and nearby provinces, the invasion of Ottoman land by foreign troops was objected and the War of Independence was supported. However, after the constitution of the Republic, there emerged reactionary movements against the Ankara government. These reactionary movements occasionally made appearance as armed uprisings. As a response, the Ankara governments implemented security and defense policies in the region including Siirt. Collection of the weapons, forming restricted areas, and General Investigation practices can be counted among the security policies. The implementation of these policies have triggered new movements and uprisings in Siirt and in nearby provinces. These conflicts could not be resolved in the first 15 years of the Republic.