The History and belief geography of Eskişehir in the 20. century

SUMMARY This study, wich was done on the history and belief geography of Eskişehir in the 20ieth century as a master Thesis in the field of History of Religions, Consists of two parts. İn the first part of study, it was searched the history of the city and its towns until the foundation of Turkish Republich. İn the second part, the trend for the increase of population until the 20ieth century and the belief geography of the city in these days were searched the survey was done as a field study. It was estimated the structure of the population accarding to the religion and mezhebs. Besides, the tarikat, religious communities (cemaat-s) and the places where religious persons are buried were investigated throughout the city. According to our study we see that the non-muslim population of the foundation of the Republic. Some non-muslim population who were living in the province, howevere, had left from city ofter soon Turkish War of Independence and the others had left in the early years of Repablic. in these days the population of Eskişehir - except about 50 Yehova Withnesses - is muslim. The 4.93 percent of the muslim population consists of Alewis and the 95.07 percent of Sunnis it was also estimated the existence of the persons who devote them selves to the Nakşilik, Kadirilik, Aczmendilik and Bektaşilik tarigats which have still been their existence until these times, it was seen that the religious groups, wich are known of Süleymancı, of Nurcu by the people, have been in much activity throughout the city. ELAZI? -1997 Mustafa ÜLGER