Konya During the National Struggle

Konya had a strategic position in the National Struggle as it was a city at the crossroads of the Baghdad Railroad. It was subjected to occupation and uprisings. The Italians pursued a soft occupation policy and withdrew from Konya before the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. The uprisings in the region were suppressed in a short time, and public order and authority were restored. As a result, Konya, as a city behind the front lines, became one of the most important and active centers during the National Struggle. With national organizations, rallies, Mustafa Kemal Pasha's visits and inspections, enthusiastic celebration programs of festivals and victories, support and assistance to the national army, the establishment of volunteer battalions, and the smooth execution of military services, the people of Konya and the official authorities made great contributions to the liberation of the homeland from occupation and the unity and integrity of the country by mobilizing with all their material and moral means. The Headquarters of the Western Front was moved to Akşehir, a district of Konya, on November 18, 1921. This was the place where the preparations and plans of the Great Offensive were made and the decision was made. This research was conducted through data collection and document analysis in order to reveal and better understand the place and importance of Konya in the National Struggle. This research focuses on the press, Italian occupation, rallies, uprisings, Konya Independence Court, Mustafa Kemal Pasha's visits to Konya, Konya before and after the Battle of Sakarya, feast and victory celebrations, Konya martyrs in the War of Independence.

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