Bilecik during the Constitution II. Period

Bilecik, which was called Bebrikya, Belekome and Justiniano Polis Mela in the past, was ruled by Egypt, Hittite, Phrygia, Persia, Alexander and Byzantium and after the settlement of Turks into, it fell into the Seljuk and Ottoman?s power. However, the city, where the Ottoman Empire was founded, lost its significance in the later periods. But, it attracted the interest of Abdulamid II,himself, and during this period it gained importance. As a reflection of such an interest, Bilecik became Ertugrul Sanjak in 1885. The name ?Ertugrul? was given to the city by Abdulhamid II as a memory of the founder and ancestor of the Ottomans. The central county of the Sanjak was Bilecik. Sogut, Inegol and Yenısehır were the other counties of the Sanjak. The declaration of the Constitution II was welcomed warmly by the Sanjak. Two parliamentarians from the Ertugrul Sanjak were elected at the elections held in 1908, 1912, 1914. Bilecik was one of the places where the opponents of Ittihat and Terakki expelled. The Sanjak was in a good position in terms of road haulage and railway access. When compared to many other cities, Bilecik was in a better position with its institutions supplying security and education services as well was its advantages in transportation and communication. There were lots of traditional and modern schools among which were the madrasahs, primary, secondary and high schools. The number of the primary and secondary schools were highly above the average level in he country. There were high schools in Bilecik and Sogut. Besides these schools, non-Muslims had also their schools in large numbers. However, the number the of the doctors and other stuff was unfortunately not in a desired position. As the treatment of serious illnesses were not possible in the city, the patients were dispatched to other hospitals in other cities. The Ertugrul Sanjak was an important center of agriculture, industry and silk factories. The city was an important center in silk production. Besides, the Sanjak had a big share in grain production. Especially, a high level of production and quality were gained in wheat, barley, and corn. In terms of breeding and animal products, however, Bilecik was behind the average level of the country.