Malatya During the National Struggle

In the first years of the National Struggle, Malatya Sanjak of Mamuretulaziz Province was comprised of Hısnımansûr, Besni, Kahta and Akçadağ counties. Malatya underwent a period of hard times during the First World War because it was a transit route for armies, deportation convoys and refugees. After the Armistice of Mudros, the occupation of Antep, Urfa, Maraş and Adana by the French and the cruelty against Muslims led to indignations in Malatya. Not only the occupations were protested, but also the volunteer units provided support in the struggle of Antep, Urfa and Maraş. In this context, Malatya Müdafaa-i Hukuk Cemiyeti (Malatya Association for the Defence of Rights) played a significant role in raising public awareness and providing support to the National Struggle. Due to the occupation of Izmir by the Greeks, rallies and protests took place in Malatya. In the protests, the Allied Powers were criticized due to the unjustified occupation, and Istanbul Government was called to take action. Telegrams of protest were sent from Malatya upon the demands of the Armenians on Vilayat-ı Sitte (Six Provinces) at the Paris Conference. These initiatives in Malatya paved the way for the development of national consciousness and accelerated the establishment of the Association for the Defence of Rights. Due to the opposition of Halil Rami Bey, Governor of Malatya, who was acting together with Ali Galip, the Governor of Elâzığ, to the National Struggle, the delegates of Malatya could not be represented in the Erzurum and Sivas Congresses. However, people of Malatya were foresighted about the attempt of Governor Ali Galip, Governor Halil Rami, Major Noel and their entourage to interrupt the National Struggle by raiding the Sivas Congress. Thus, the suggestions of Halil Rami Bey, the pressures of Ali Galip Bey, and the provocations of Major Noel were nullified. During the military phase of the National Struggle, many telegrams of support were sent from Malatya and its surroundings, and the victories were celebrated enthusiastically.

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