The acti̇vi̇ty of Kâzim Karabeki̇r i̇n the Progressi̇ve Republi̇can Party

Kazim Karabekir, who was one of the most important officers and greatest heroes of the National Struggle in the last period of Ottoman, was born in Istanbul in 1882. In 1900, after he graduated from Kuleli Military School, he went to Erkan Military School in 1903. In 1905, he graduated from Military Academy as a top of his class and started his military life in 1906 at Manastir as a senior captain. In the same period, he became a member of Committee of Union Progress and then his political life started. Karabekir assumed important duties in the Committee of Union Progress and continued the same success in his military life. He also archived many successes in the First World War. After Armistice of Mudros was signed, he sought solutions for liberation of the country. He contributed to independence war under the leadership of Ataturk, however, both his opinion wasn't asked for the revolutions which was accrued after victories and he became against to some reforms in intellectual sense caused to rift his relation with Ataturk. On the 17th November 1924, he became leader of Progressive Republican Party which is the first opposition organization of republican history and was founded to be opposition against Ataturk and the government. Ever though he didn't play sufficiently an active role on this party which was closed down on 3rd June 1925 he played an active role on sessions of parliament, press and party negotiations. He became the second in giving speeches on behalf of his party at the parliament and mentioned his opinions many times about field of education, economy and military. He introduced and defensed his party at press organs and other places and didn't hesitate to explain his thoughts for future of his country. He criticized sharply the closure of his party which was closed with Law of Takrir-iSükûn. He found it as a historical mistake and expressed the excuse of it as a fear of providing the majority. Closure of his party didn't prevent his political life. He continued to be deputy and opposition with his former friends from PRP (TFC). His political life came to an end with Izmir assassination attemptand his prosecution at the Independence Tribunals. In the year of 1938, Karabekir stayed away from politics until Ataturk's death. In 1939, he became deputy from Istanbul and between the years of 1946 and 1948, served as a president of parliament. Key Words: Kazim Karabekir, Progressive Republican Party, Grand Nationally Assembly of Turkey, Turkish War of Independence