Public security in Dersim (Tunceli) between 1914-1923

Dersim sanjak had the appearance of an island surrounded by rivers on all four sides and with rough terrain. The majority of the people living here belonged to the Alevi sect. Unfavourable geographical conditions and poor communication with the environment due to sectarian differences increased social segregation. In addition, the excess of rough terrain and harsh climatic conditions restricted production and this made it difficult for people to meet daily needs. Since the central government could not dominate the region in absolute terms, state institutions and educational institutions could not be effective enough. Roads, which are one of the most important tools of development in every respect, could not be built. The lack of authority paved the way for the emergence of new powers in the region. These structures, which were organized under the rule of a chief and called tribes, had the ability to defend and attack. Tribal members attacked the surrounding communities to meet their basic needs, massacred people and usurped their property. When hunger and poverty were added to the lawless rebel character of the tribes, banditry became a part of daily life in Dersim over time. The current situation led to security incidents in Dersim and its immediate surroundings. The people of the region, who were the target of these continuous attacks, complained about the situation. In this study, the public security of Dersim sanjak between the years 1914-1923 is discussed. The tribal factor, the attitude of state institutions, the effects of wars and the reasons for violating public security are attempted to be revealed in detail. In addition, the administrative, military and legal measures taken by the Ottoman Empire in order to maintain order and the inadequacy of these measures in preventing the usurpation and robbery of the tribes are evaluated together with their reasons.