Activities of Clergy in Diyarbakır and its Surroundings During the National Struggle

In Southeastern Anatolia, where the world's first great civilizations were built, beliefs and clergy have had a great impact on the masses since ancient times. During the last great Turkish struggle for independence, this sociological reality once again manifested itself. Many clerics called on the people of the region to support Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the national troops during the National Struggle. The emphasis on the indivisible integrity of the Turkish homeland in Amasya, Erzurum and Sivas was echoed by clerics with a national consciousness in the Diyarbakır region. Mufti's, imams, preachers and sheikhs of religious orders mobilized people to the front while warning against separatist acts. Before the Battle of Sakarya and the Great Offensive, the rhetoric of the clergy was highly influential in the logistical aid provided by the people of Diyarbakır to the Turkish army. In the light of archival documents, periodicals and original sources, this study specifically examines the efforts of Diyarbakır's spiritual leaders who supported the National Struggle. A significant number of them ignored all threats by signing the Anatolian fatwa. The Mufti of Diyarbakır, the Mufti of Lice, the Mufti of Silvan and the Mufti of Ergani, as well as dozens of clergymen, contributed to the consolidation of national unity and solidarity despite residing in unoccupied territories. Mosques, masjids and dervish lodges in the Diyarbakır region were used by clerics to raise awareness among citizens. All these efforts stood out as a driving force in creating an atmosphere of solidarity throughout the country.

Click to cite.

Note: You can access the citation text via the ‘Actions’ tab in Crossref.