The administrative, political, economic and cultural life in Köprübaşı: From foundation to present (1958-2021)

Following the construction of the Demirköprü Dam on the Gediz River between 1954 and 1960, the Borlu sub-district and 23 settlements around it were affected by expropriation. Being flooded by the dam, some citizens from Borlu and the neighboring villages came to where Köprübaşı was located and started to settle here. Prime Minister Adnan Menderes came to the settlement in 1958 and laid the first foundation stone, and the settlement was named Köprübaşı. After gaining village status, Köprübaşı became a sub-district in 1959 and was affiliated to Gördes district. A municipal organization was established in Köprübaşı in 1968. Having become a district officially in 1990 and de facto in 1991, Köprübaşı has experienced continuous administrative changes since its foundation. The present study focuses on the 63-year administrative, political, economic and cultural development of Köprübaşı, relatively a young settlement compared to the cities around it. The administrative structure of Köprübaşı has constantly changed as village, sub-district, town and district. Political parties, elections and mayors are described within the scope of political life in Köprübaşı. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the main source of subsistence in the settlement. However, today these activities have started to be carried out with more modern methods and diversified. The professional chambers and cooperatives established reflect the economic activities in the settlement. While mentioning potential economic activities, the developments related to the uranium reserves in the region were also examined. Under the heading of cultural life, different topics such as education and training, celebrations/festivals, press life, various associations, sports activities and portraits were included. Keywords: Köprübaşı, Administrative Life, Political Life, Economic Life, Cultural Life