The impact of Turks on modernization efforts of Habibullah Khan (1901-1919)

At the beginning of the 20th century, there was a significant change in the history of Afghanistan. In 1901, Amir Habibullah Khan inherited the throne from his Father Amir Adurrahman Khan, who ruled the country with oppression and a conservative approach. With this change in power, many things began to change in Afghanistan. As a matter of fact, the new Amir came to the scene with a softer and more open politics contrary to his father's harsh politics. He talked about the implementation of new reforms and a range of freedom from the first day of power. In this way, efforts to modernize the country began in a more transparent political environment. During the period 1901-1919, many modern reforms were carried out. Modern institutions such as the first civilian and military educational institutions, the first hospital and many new factories were established. Cultural and social reforms were realized. The first newspaper was published and a printing facility was established etc. Thanks to these reforms, the closed and tribal society of Afghanistan has undergone a significant change. The role of external factors in the realization of these reforms is an undeniable fact. Modernization efforts in this period had two important external sources: India and Ottoman Turks. The effect of the Ottoman Turks, which is the subject of the study, was realized through three channels: Newspapers especially Akhtar, which is the newspaper of Iranian constitutionalists, the famous Afghan intellectual Mahmut Tarzî and the Turkish experts who came to Afghanistan with his efforts. The modernization of Afghanistan by means of these elements were highly influenced by the Ottoman Turkey. This impact covers many issues such as military and educational fields, journalism and the press, constitutionalism and nationalism. Therefore, this issue is important in terms of both introducing the modernization process of Afghanistan and explaining the field of influence of the innovative movements in the Ottoman Empire.