Alanya according to the Alanya Postası Newspaper (1948–1958)

This study, based on the news articles, opinion columns, and editorials published in the Alanya Postası newspaper between 1948 and 1958, along with archival documents, books, and scholarly articles, comprehensively examines the urban, economic, social, and cultural development of Alanya. Following the Second World War, the transition to a multi-party political system in Turkey strengthened the role of local media and increased public participation in governance. Within this framework, the study explores how Alanya Postası contributed to regional development projects, voiced public expectations and demands, and influenced local governance, offering a concrete example of the role of local press in developmental processes. The research details the infrastructure and development initiatives carried out in Alanya between 1948 and 1958, including road construction, establishment of potable water and electricity systems, urban planning activities, improvements in healthcare and education services, tourism investments, sports initiatives, and economic development efforts. Additionally, the contributions of Antalya MP Ahmet Asım Tokuş-a key political figure of the period—to the preparation of Alanya's first city plan, implementation of modern infrastructure projects, and promotion of the region's tourism potential are central themes of the study. This research reveals that Alanya Postası was not merely a source of news but also an agent shaping public consciousness and influencing administrative decision-making mechanisms. The newspaper's mediating role between local and central governments was crucial in making public demands visible, enhancing political accountability, and shaping a localized vision of development. In conclusion, this study exemplifies the role of the local press in democratization, its impact on development policies, and its contribution to the construction of collective memory. It presents a historical account of how the structural transformations of Turkey's transition to a multi-party system were implemented at the local level, with Alanya serving as a representative case.