The Democratic Party' İzmir provincial organization (1946-1960): From opposition to power, the local policy of a political party

This study aims at examining the works and the effects of the Democratic Party's (DP) Izmir provincial organization from its foundation until the 1960 coup d'état. The study consists of six chapters after the introduction. The introduction part of the study deals with the major political parties before DP in the history of Republic of Turkey. This chapter also mentions the socio-cultural, economic and political background of Izmir. In the first chapter, the establishment work of DP during the years 1946-1950 was analyzed. In addition, the foundation of provincial, district, sub district and quarry organizations and their founders and propaganda works were mentioned. In this chapter lastly, the visits of DP headquarters managers to Izmir, their commitments and political methods were revealed. In the second chapter the elections in between 1946-1950 and the activities of DP's Izmir provincial organization in this context were discussed. The third chapter deals with DP's Izmir provincial organization's relations with the DP's headquarter, other parties, law enforcement officers during the opposition years of the party. In this chapter, furthermore the social and cultural activities of the DP organization and its aid campaign were emphasized. In the fourth chapter, the role of the DP' provincial organization, following the general elections of 1950 which brought the party to power, in the political life of Izmir was examined. This chapter also deals with the approach of the large masses to the DP as a result of the policies implemented by the DP cadres and its reflections in the elections were evaluated. In the fifth chapter, the activities of the DP provincial organization between the years 1954 and 1957, the elections held during this period and the internal disputes were analyzed. In the sixth chapter, the attitudes and activities of the DP provincial organization were examined in the tense political atmosphere country-wide. Finally, in the conclusion chapter of the study it was seen that Izmir was an important center for DP and identified that the city was decisive in the DP's general policies. Achieving this result it was also concluded that the critical approach in the political culture of Izmir was determining factor.