Erzincan, in the Period of Atatürk (1923-1938)

Erzincan has a rich past in terms of history. It became an important city under the control of many states throughout the history. It showed different functional features as a habitat. It became a base, a trade center and at one time it hosted important wars. Although it was a charity center during the reign of Ottoman empire, it was at one time an independent brigade. Erzincan went through hard times during WW1 and it underwent great transformations, especially in the field of architecture, social, cultural and economical. Grand national assembly of Turkey and republician administration that literally took over a wreck in the realm of politics, administration, education and culture launched a total development action throughout the country despite all kinds of poverty. Erzincan's fate started to change with the republic and became more modern. New and modern instutions were established in every areas of life, especially in education. In the last period of Ottomans inhabitants in Erzincan living in poverty showed that they grasped innovations and had a great insight. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the administrative, political, socia-cultural and economical life in Erzincan in the establishment process of Turkey.