Sogut, from the Tanzimat to the Republic (1839-1923)

It is impossible that Söğüt being a cradle for the establishment of the Ottoman State and for the fight of Freedom has a history that goes back as far as the period before the birth of Chris(B.C.) The First known name of Söğüt was ITEA. It was called ?THEBASİON? or ?SEBASIYON" during the Roman times. The Moslem Turks called this place as ?SÖĞÜT? because SAFSAF and BİD mean the tree of willow?.The Kayı tribe came to Söğüt and started to live here in the 13th century. Söğüt had been the capital of the Ottoman State until the conquest of Bursa. During the years 1921 and 1922, Söğüt was occupied by the Greek soldiers three times and almost all of it was burnt and wrecked. Söğüt which didn't have too much of the past left was built again during the Republican Era. Every year at second weekend of September in Söğüt-The Cradle of the establishment of the Ottoman State and for the Fight of Freedom-Commemoration of Ertuğrul Gazi an Söğüt Festival-Which respect and faithfullness to our ancestors, patriotism are taught to new generations, which our union and unity is firmed up- is arranged.Metristepe is one the places where Indepence War passed very hard. Metristepe is an important place in the area and İnönü Wars took place in this area when İnönü War was won Mustafa Kemal Pasha wrote a letter to İsmet Pasha and he said about this place ?There, you not only defeated the enemy but also defeated the bad fortune of the nation.? A monument was constructed in the name of the victories and our beloved martyries.Key Words: Söğüt, Metristepe, Republican, Kayı.