Elections, Press and Propaganda in the Occupation Years
Chapter from the book:
Tansü,
Y.
E.
(ed.)
2023.
Selected Articles in the Field of History- VI.
Synopsis
This article narrates the elections held during the independence struggle that began in the Anatolian territories of the Ottoman Empire, which was defeated and under occupation during World War I. It discusses the significance of Mustafa Kemal Pasha, a commander in the Ottoman Empire, establishing newspapers, "Minber" immediately after the Armistice of Mudros to shape public opinion for the independence struggle and "İrade-i Milliye" when initiating the National Struggle, emphasizing the importance of the press and highlighting the role of the media. From the Amasya Protocol to the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the promotion of the concept of national sovereignty is highlighted in almost every stage of the National Struggle, and the role of the press and propaganda in the 1919 elections at the beginning of the National Struggle is examined. The "İrade-i Milliye" newspaper, launched with the decision of the Sivas Congress, and prominent newspapers in Istanbul such as "İkdam" and "Yenigün" featuring articles related to the elections are scrutinized. Particularly, the discourse encouraging the public to vote, as reflected in the newspapers, is conveyed. The article emphasizes how the independence war, led by Mustafa Kemal Pasha, gained strength and legitimacy even under occupation by adhering to the principle of national sovereignty. The efforts of the press for the opening of the Ottoman Parliament illuminate the role of the media in the construction of national sovereignty.