Activities of Turkish red crescent in natural disasters (1911-1922)

The Hilal-i Ahmer Society, following its restructuring during the Second Constitutional Era, played a significant role in providing medical assistance to wounded individuals in field hospitals and dispensaries during the Trablusgarp, Balkan, and World War I, as well as the periods of occupation and the Turkish War of Independence. Additionally, during these periods, the Hilâl-i Ahmer Society effectively carried out voluntary healthcare services in response to emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, and epidemics. This study examines the non-military activities of the Hilâl-i Ahmer Society during natural disasters between 1911 and 1922, focusing specifically on the role of the İmdad-ı Sıhhiye and Heyet-i İmdadiye committees. The existing literature lacks sufficient emphasis on the wars during this period and the assistance provided by the Hilal-i Ahmer Society to civilians. The study relies on various sources such as the Kızılay Archive, Kızılay Publications, annual activity reports, contemporary newspapers, Kızılay Journals, and encyclopedias. These sources have been carefully examined to shed light on the efforts of the Hilal-i Ahmer Society in tackling natural disasters and providing assistance to the civilian population. The central focus of this study is the role played by the Hilal-i Ahmer Society in areas affected by natural disasters. The establishment and activities of committees such as İmdad-ı Sıhhiye and Heyet-i İmdadiye are extensively explored throughout the war period from 1911 to 1922. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the Hilal-i Ahmer Society's activities during natural disasters and its service to the civilian population in times of emergencies.