The village and villagers in the Republic of Turkey (1923-1960)

This thesis explores the experiences and perspectives of the Anatolian peasantry and village during the Turkish Republic, in the context of modernization and central nation-state building. Traditional historiography depicts the Republic's history as a top-down process propelled by the elite, yet this research emphasizes the role and agency of ordinary individuals. Investigating policies such as the Village Law and institutions such as Halkevleri, this study examines the state's modernization initiatives and their effects on rural communities. However, it surpasses these institutional structures to delve into the emotional realm, living conditions, and daily routines of the peasantry, frequently omitted from conventional accounts. Through this comprehensive approach, the research aims to incorporate Anatolian villagers into the photographic representations of Turkish modernization, illuminating their contributions and agency within the nation-building process.