The problem of desertion During National Struggle

The study aims at examining all aspects of "deserters issue" a great problem for Turkish army during National Struggle period and discusses largely how it could be eliminated. Since the last period of Ottoman state, desertion appeared to be a very serious disease in the army. It rose to significant levels and set those in charge seriously thinking. Alongside boredom, tiredness and defeats, the heavy effect of social, economic and psychological negations worsened the desertion issue much. At the peak of these negations, Armistice of Montrose was drafted with a view to rendering the Ottoman army weak, incapable and inactive in every aspect. Indeed, it led to a new increase in desertion. Now, all the conditions were in place to strongly make live the disease of desertion in Anatolia during the armistice period. Moreover, the allied powers made every single propaganda to alienate people from military service using the office of caliphate. Cases of desertion in army came to a rampant point; especially those in the fixed forces were worrisome. Worse still, soldiers were attempting to desert even at the time of transfer from one place to another. The country was under occupation, struggling to free from the occupation. The solution lied in overcoming the desertion problem eroding the country. Therefore, the National Struggle movement turned its attention to the problem; and thus, law of desertion was introduced on september 11, 1920. Independence tribunals were set up to implement the so-called law. As a result, desertion problem was largely handled. Now, the army was strong enough not to show weakness. It helped much the country safe itself from the occupation.