Antalya in the occupation of Italy (1919-1921)

In this study, Antalya under the occupation of Italy (1919-1921) has been examined. Antalya was occupied by Italy on March 28th 1919 based on the 7th article of the Armistice of Moundros Agreement signed after the World War I. The public crimes come into being in the region were shown as justification in the occupation of Antalya. Italy, besides occupying Antalya, put indulgent policies into pratice in the health, economy, education, public works, agricultural areas in order to attract the people with them, in order to avoid resistance against them in Antalya. Both the policies implemented by Italy and refraining from confronting the people of Antalya so as not to conflict with them are limited to the protests in response to the Italian invasion in Antalya. Indeed the Government of Istanbul, the office of the Town Governer, Mustafa Kemal and the military wing reacted against the city's occupation by recommending managing a mess greeting, first of all, in political fields. But with Italian's effort to expand the invasion around the city, Mustafa Kemal and the Ministry War took a tougher line in the direction of reaction in giving all kinds of struggle against the occupation and soldiers' not retreating under any circumstances. Although, no front for armed struggle opened in Antalya during the National Struggle, the nationalist society was opened, though here, as in the provinces of Anatolia. This community, beyond telling the national struggle to the people of ammunition and organizing them against occupation played an important role in the organization of the help of weapons and communication to the front line, supply, transmission. With the occupation of Antalya, lack of authority came into being in the region that had been an important factor in the emergence of thugs and public order incidents in the region increased. However Colonel Şevki (AKER), the prensence of the fifty-seventh divisional commander who is responsible for public order and tranquility of the region, prevented from becoming restless by not leaving cautions although the area was under occupation. As the National Struggle considered, it has been observed that Antalya has a very important place in meeting the need of regions under occupation. As We have a look at the documents and the memories illuminated the period and the research connected with the issue, it has been understood that an important part of weapons and material requirement of the national struggle were brought to Anatolia by way of Antalya and the most of them were provided by the Italians paying their cost or by means of the Italian merchants. Key Words: National Struggle, Antalya, Anatolia, Italy, Occupation.