Turkish War of Independence: Encyclopedia II - Turkish War of Independence - Initial Organization May 1919-March 1920

Turkish War of Independence - Initial Organization May 1919-March 1920

Atatürk needed national support. His notoriety from his position, and his status as a hero after the battle of Gallipoli, gave him some credentials. It was not enough to mobilize anything. Besides his task was to disarm the army, he had to secure some relations to gain more movement. He met with Rauf Orbay, Ali Fuat Cebesoy, and Refet Bele on June 21 1919.

Before Amasya Agrement, Atatürk met with a Bolshevik delegation headed by Colonel Semion M. Budienny. Bolsheviks wanted to annex the Armenian Republic and other parts of the Caucasus which were formally part of Czarist Russia. Turkey could also be a buffer, especially if it turns into communistic ideology. Atatürk official response was "Such questions had to be posponed until Turkish independance was achieved." Having this support was important for the national movement.

Turkish War of Independence - Amasya Agreement

Amasya Agreement is important in many respects. It is the first call for the national movement against the occupation. It talks about national independence, based on provinces, not race. Even in this declaration we see the roots of what constitutes the "Turk" as a political term. There is no distinction or reference to race or religion. The message read as follows:

• The unity of the motherland and national independence are in danger.
• The Istanbul government is unable to carry out its responsibilities.
• It is only through the nation's effort and determination that national independence will be won.
• It is necessary to establish a national committee, free from all external influences and control, that will review the national situation and make known to the world the peoples desires for justice.
• It has been decided to hold immediately a National Congress in Sivas, the most secure place in Anatolia.
• Three representatives from each province should be sent immediately to the Sivas Congress.
• To be prepared for every eventuality, this subject should be kept a national secret.

This agreement was signed by Atatürk, Rauf Orbay, Ali Fuat Cebesoy, Refet Bele and later Kazim Karabekir added his signature.

Turkish War of Independence - Erzurum Congress

Turkish War of Independence - Balıkesir Congress

Turkish War of Independence - Alaşehir Congress

Turkish War of Independence - Sivas Congress

Turkish War of Independence - Amasya Protocole

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Initial Organization May 1919-March 1920", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki