ORGANIZATION OF TURKISH WOMEN IN THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE: ANATOLIAN WOMEN'S MUDAFAA-I VATAN CEMIYETI

ANADOLU KADINLARI MÜDAFAA-İ VATAN CEMİYETİ

Abstract

The aim of the study is to draw attention to the power of Turkish women and the value they give to their homeland by revealing the activities carried out by the "Anatolian Women's Mudafaa-i Vatan Cemiyeti ". When the Ottoman Empire was defeated in the First World War, it was forced to sign Mondros Armistice Agreement with the Allied Powers. The armistice in question contained heavy provisions. For this reason, the Entente States started to occupy Anatolia immediately after the signing of the Treaty. In the face of the occupations, the Turkish people first started a regional and then a total independence movement. In this process, Turkish women participated in the struggle not only behind at the front facade lines but also on the front lines. Turkish women, who took part in the production of ammunition and in meeting the food and clothing needs of the army, also contributed to the process by organizing rallies behind the front lines to attract public attention. In this context, the Sivas-based "Anatolian Women's Mudafaa-i Vatan Society" was founded in November 1919 by Ms. Melek Reşit, the wife of the then Governor of Sivas, and her friends. The founding purpose of the society was to resist the unjust occupation of Anatolia and the society opened branches in various cities in Anatolia. According to the Society's statute, the board of directors would consist of 16 members and its members would be elected by secret ballot by the congress. It was also stated that the also Society would convene every 15 days.  While carrying out its activities, the Association was in contact first with the Representation Committee and then with the Ankara Government. The Society organized protest rallies against the occupation of Anatolia and the Istanbul Government's approach to the occupation, as well as initiatives to encourage people to leave Istanbul for Anatolia for the War of Independence. He also launched campaigns to meet the needs of the army. It is safe to say that the society in question carried out activities during the War of Independence that showed the Turkish women's side to be proud of. The activities carried out by this society are important in terms of showing that Turkish women participated in the War of Independence with determination and determination.