Housing policy in republic of Turkey (1923-1952)

Settlement was one of the most important social issues in the initial years of the Republic of Turkey. Settlement policies were carried out in two different ways: settlement of those who came to Turkey from the former Ottoman areas and resettlement of those who had already been living in Turkey. Deportation and removal of two populations forced the government to set certain settlement policies. The factors that shaped these policies were in accordance with the new republic's political, economic and ideological development. In the making of the new nation state, settlement was given great emphasis. Soon after the foundation of the republic, some Turco-Muslim groups outside the national borders (known as Misak-ı Milli) first arrived in the country. The government took great care over the settlement of these people due to political, demographic and economic reasons. Besides the treaty of massive exchange of Greeks in Turkey and Muslims in Greece, the Turkish government also deported some Greek and Armenian people from Turkey and placed Turco-Muslim elements in the evacuated areas. Besides the settlement of those who came from abroad, the government also changed places of some groups within the country. These were Kurds, itinerant Gypsies, nomads and people who faced natural disasters. All these groups were resettled in different areas against their will except the ones who faced natural disasters. The causes that led to the settlement of Kurds, Gypsies and nomads can be classified as: matters related to the construction of nation state and matters of security and economy.