Political life in Bitlis during the Democratic Party era

Bitlis is one of the smallest provinces of Eastern Anatolia in terms of geographical area. Bitlis has had a rich historical background since it has been home to various civilizations throughout history. However, there are few studies on the history of Bitlis, which has such a rich history. In recent years, however, studies conducted on local history have been increasing. In this context, there are some studies related to the history of Bitlis, but these are still not enough. Therefore, one of the most important aims of said study is to reveal the period between 1950 and 1960, which is an important phase in the history of Bitlis, but has little research. In this study, the administrative form of Bitlis province, municipal activities, population, economy, political, military and sociocultural structure during the DP period are covered. The developments in Bitlis during the ten-year period it was under the power of DP, which began with the parliamentary general elections in 1950 and ended with the military coup dated 27 May 1960, are discussed in detail. Main resources of our study include the Republican Archive of the Prime Ministry, Gazettes of Grand National Assembly of Turkey, in the Official Gazette, local media of Bitlis, research and survey works on the subject, master's and doctoral theses. In the introductory part of the study which consists of three parts, political parties and general parliamentary election are emphasized, information is given on the process of establishment of parties, and organization of the parties in Bitlis was examined. In the second part, the activities and speeches of Bitlis deputies in the parliament between 1950-1960 are presented. In the third part, the work of Bitlis deputies in Grand National Assembly of Turkey and Homeland Front are discussed. This study has different features compared to other works and provincial yearbooks in many aspects. The developments in Bitlis between 1950 and 1960 are examined in the context of the cause and effect relationship and in accordance with a historical scheme. Each issue is discussed in terms of DP policies and the changes in Bitlis are compared with the events throughout the country. In this respect, the extent to which the province has improved is attempted to be explained more clearly.