Establishment and Operations of the Konya Association for Defence of National Rights

After the Armistice of Mudros, Anatolia began to be occupied by the Entente States, and in order to achieve their goals, they encouraged uprisings with the support of weapons and money in places that resisted them. In response to this situation, patriotic people all over the country established organizations such as ‘National Forces’ (Kuvayı Milliye) and ‘Defence of Rights’ in order to fight against invasions and rebellions and to make the voice of the nation heard to the public and the world. These organizations, which were regional in the beginning, later gathered under a single roof and played an active role in the National Struggle. During the years of the National Struggle, one of the Defense of Rights Associations, which was formed against invasion attempts and rebellions, was established in Konya. Since Konya was an important supply center for the Istanbul Government and the occupied states and was kept under pressure, it was delayed in establishing its national organization when other provinces were taken into account. This situation has also caused some negative criticisms and evaluations. Among the criticisms are statements such as that the notables of Konya and its people were indifferent to the National Struggle, and that they took a pro-Government and pro-Occupation Force stance. However, such accusations are not true. Konya has made important contributions to the National Struggle with the establishment of the Defense of Rights Society. Among these, it is noteworthy that national feelings in Konya remain awake and alive, protests against occupations and unfair practices, material and moral aid to the army fighting at the front, and the attempt to recruit volunteers for the army.In this study, first of all, the place and importance of Konya in terms of the National Struggle will be mentioned. Then, the establishment process of the Konya Defense of Rights Society, the reasons for its late participation in the National Struggle were questioned, and the difficulties encountered during the establishment of the national organizations were emphasized, and the foundation, activities and contribution of the society to the national struggle were evaluated.

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