The history of silviculture from the ottoman empire to the republic of Türkiye (1840–1963)

In this study, the fields of silviculture, including afforestation, nurseries, and seed management, were examined during the transition from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Türkiye. The research method utilized was document analysis within a qualitative research approach. The time frame of the study covers the years between 1840 and 1963. With the declaration of the Tanzimat Reforms, the Ottoman Empire aimed to manage its forests in a European-style system to generate revenue. Within this scope, the first forest directorate, based in Istanbul, was established in 1840. However, this initiative failed due to various reasons, including a lack of technical personnel, market conditions, and public opposition. The need for technical expertise was keenly felt. Following the Crimean War, as the state faced financial shortages, it decided to manage the forests directly once more. This time, the technical aspect was not overlooked, and experts named Tassy and Stheme from France were invited. Under the leadership of Tassy, forestry education commenced in 1858, and a course on silviculture—meaning forest establishment and cultivation—was included in the school curriculum. However, this knowledge remained theoretical and was never practically applied in forests. During the 1877-1878Ottoman-Russian War, the French experts returned to their home country, and silviculture education was provided by Ottoman foresters. Since these foresters were trained by the French, the lessons followed the French model. During this period, silviculture education remained at a theoretical level, repeating previous teachings. Similarly, almost no practical applications were conducted. Before World War I, an Austrian forester named Veith began serving as a forestry consultant. Planned forestry was initiated, and silvicultural measures to be applied in stands were included in the first forest management plan. Afforestation, nursery establishment, and seed management activities were implemented. During the National Struggle period, foreign experts returned to their countries, and technical work was suspended. In the Republican era, the appointment of German expert Bernhard, Turkish foresters who had completed specialized education in Germany, and the German-origin professors of the forestry faculty solidified the German silvicultural model. Additionally, Fikret Saatçioğlu, who earned a doctorate in silviculture in Germany, advocated for a silviculture ideal specific to Türkiye through education, practice, and publications. After 1950, efforts in afforestation, nursery establishment, high-quality seedling production, and seed improvement increased. In 1963, Türkiye's First Five-Year Development Plan was implemented. Forestry activities were included in the plan, making it mandatory to plan forests according to the principle of sustainable forestry. Thus, regeneration efforts began after a century-long delay.