The historical developments of the labor movements in Turkey (1800-1870)

ABSTRACT It does not seem probable to mark the beginning date of labour movements in Turkey. Generally, the claims of the researchers of this topic is that actions started approximately in 1872. However, current researchs have proven that labour movements took place in Turkey prior to this date. As a matter of fact, it is now known that construction workers went on a strike for an increase in their wages as early as the 16th century. There were several cases where workers went on strikes in the early 19th century, again mainly for a raise in wages. A significant aspect of these strikes is that they all concentrated on payments of the workers rather than improvements in social security benefits. Nevertheless, the fact that these strikes were not directly related to industrialization and were movements which developed as a natural consequence events is a pertinent point of this study covers. Hence, although not thoroughly organized movements, the strikes of pre 1872 served as samples and guides for later actions of the kind.