French occupation and occupation administration in Çukurova region (1918-1921)

After the Mondros Armistice signed at the end of World War I, the Ottoman Empire's soils were occupied by the Entente States. One of the places occupied was the Çukurova region. The region had the most fertile lands on Anatolia, ports and railways opening to the Near East and Eastern Mediterranean. France had long-term and economically based plans for this region of Anatolia. France occupied Çukurova in order to realize these plans and started working to establish a new order here. Therefore, various interference were initiated in whole area of Adana Province and a new order was established in the region. France consired the Armenians as its biggest supporter and auxiliary in these activities. Thus, the Armenian Legion, which was brought to the region after the occupation, carried out various assaults against the local people while protecting the French interests. The most disturbing thing for the people and local executive was the Armenian Legion and some French officers who supported it. This situation created a reaction in the public and the reactions that started individually became more efficacious later on. The fact that Kuva-yı Milliye started to make its weight felt on the region started a new era in the occupation of Çukurova. The resulting conflict environment would make it impossible for the French to implement their pre-war plans. In this direction, the French would adopt an understanding that prioritizes the evacuation of the region in return for economic privileges in Anatolia and the mandate they established in Syria, and they would search for dialogue with the Ankara Government.