Behiç Erkin: His life and his political activities

In this study, in general, life of Behiç Erkin and his political activities during the second and the third term of the parliament, when he was a member of the Grand National Assembly between 14th of January 1926 and 15th of October 1928, have been evaluated. In the era of collapse of Ottoman Empire and in a period of time when the foundations of modern state of Republic of Turkey were laid, life of Behiç Erkin and his political activities are significant in terms of illuminating our recent history. During the years he worked in the Assembly, Behiç Erkin, one of the firstMinisters of Public Works, aimed at constructing railways all around the country within the principles of public works and transportation, which are important factors on the development of the country, determined in the Program of Affairs of Public Works and in İzmir Congress of Economics and successfully performed his works within this framework. After his 11 year-post as an ambassador in Budapest, Behiç Erkin, who helped a number of Jewish Turkish citizens sent to Turkey for freedom from France, which was under Nazi invasion while he was working as anambassador in Vichy, died in İstanbul on November 11th 1961.Key Words: Behiç Erkin, Turkish Republic, Minister of Public Works, Railway, Ambassador