Antalya During the National Struggle

Antalya was a region that the Italians wanted to seize before World War I. Antalya was promised to Italy with the secret treaties signed during the war. Antalya was occupied by the Italians on March 28, 1919. The people of Antalya protested the occupation of the city by the Italians. The Ottoman Government, who could not show a military resistance against the occupation, was content with the protest. The people of Antalya, who also protested the occupation of İzmir, were organized by establishing associations. Not content with this, they gave all kinds of support to the National Struggle, which was initiated under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Pasha in Anatolia. They provided aid to meet the needs of the Turkish army as well as helping the immigrants. Antalya is one of the important centers of the War of Independence. Ankara served as the administrative center and Antalya as the spiritual center. Despite being under Italian occupation, Antalya was the Ankara Government’s window to abroad. Antalya port was the exit gate for the delegations and officials of the Ankara Government going abroad. The entrance gate of various materials from Europe to Anatolia was Antalya. The international connection of Anatolia was provided through Antalya. Antalya made an important contribution to the victory of the Turkish army.

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