Cotton in the Republic period (1923-1950)

Cotton, whose homeland is known as Asia and which is grown since ancient times, has become one of the most important raw materials in the world and has been used as an important cultural plant in industrial and commercial fields. This plant, which has been grown in many regions throughout history, has created a spreading area within itself thanks to the interactions of societies with each other and has gained a place in most geographies. However, due to the conditions required for its cultivation, productivity was not obtained everywhere and the commercial importance of the production regions increased even more. Cotton has been cultivated in Anatolia since ancient times and has gained a place in the foreign market. The appearance of Turkish cotton in the international market was during the Ottoman period. The civil war that broke out in America in 1861 also affected the world cotton market. Instead of America, which exported cotton to many regions, especially England, a new raw material producer was sought and the Ottoman Empire stepped in. However, with the re-entry of America into the world market, the demand for Turkish cotton has decreased. The production of Turkish cotton in a more planned and high quality way started with the Republican period. With the proclamation of the Republic, great attention was paid to agricultural activities and a special place was reserved for cotton. In 1923-1933, initiatives were made on the cultivation and breeding of cotton and quality production was targeted. After 1933, the trend towards industry began and factories were established. With the World War II, cotton works that continued unabated slowed down in Turkey as well as all over the world. However, the state has always attached importance to cotton production and provided seed support to the producers during these periods. Keywords: Cotton; Cotton in the Republican Period; Seed Breeding; Weaving Factories.