Summary
Highlights
The video starts by discussing the occupation of Anatolia after the Mondros Armistice, highlighting that 26 provinces were occupied by the end of 1919. It explains that the Treaty of Sèvres, though signed, was legally invalid because it was not approved by the Ottoman Parliament. The speaker emphasizes that the success of the National Struggle prevented the implementation of the Treaty of Sèvres. It then outlines the various powers invading different parts of Anatolia: Greeks in the west and southwest, Italians from Muğla to Konya, and initially the British in the south, who later handed over control to the French. The French, in turn, collaborated with Armenians, leading to conflict.
The Eastern Front saw conflicts mainly with Armenians and, to a lesser extent, Georgians. Following the Bolshevik Revolution, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan emerged as independent states. Turkey recognized Azerbaijan first. The main conflict was with Armenians who, emboldened by the Treaty of Sèvres, sought to occupy Turkish territories. The 15th Army Corps, under the command of Kazım Karabekir, was tasked by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) to reclaim Kars and surrounding areas. Karabekir’s forces successfully recaptured Kars, Sarıkamış, Oltu, Iğdır, and Doğu Bayazıt. Karabekir famously stated that the captured weaponry would suffice for 10 years of the War of Independence.
The Treaty of Gümrü, signed on December 23, 1920, was a landmark agreement. It stipulated that Kars, Iğdır, Tuzluca, Oltu, and Doğu Bayazıt would remain with the TGNA. The Çıldır Lake and Aras River would form the border. Notably, Armenians withdrew their signatures from the Treaty of Sèvres, recognizing the Misak-ı Millî. This treaty was the first international agreement signed by the TGNA, marking the first time the term 'Turkish state' appeared in an official document. It also meant that Armenia was the first state to recognize the TGNA. Kazım Karabekir, for his successes, was given the title 'Şark Fatih' (Conqueror of the East). The treaty's short-lived existence (48 hours) due to the Bolshevik occupation of Armenia is also mentioned, paving the way for future agreements with the Soviet Union.
The Southern Front was primarily fought by local militia (Kuva-yi Milliye) as there was no regular army. This front saw intense resistance against French and Armenian forces. The occupation started from Hatay and spread to Mersin, Adana, Kilis, Osmaniye, Maraş, and Antep. The speaker highlights the extraordinary sacrifices of the local populations, many of whom faced starvation and atrocities. The 'Karboğazı Raid' in Adana, led by Kılavuz Hatice and Kumcu Veli, exemplified the bravery of 44 militia members who defeated a much larger French force. This victory was instrumental in showing France the strength of Turkish resistance. Various individuals like Sütçü İmam, Rıdvan Hoca, Tayyar Rahmiye, Yörüktepe Fatma, Şehit Kamil, and Şahin Bey are highlighted for their heroism.
In Maraş, conflicts escalated when French and Armenian forces attempted to suppress Turkish identity. Sütçü İmam's defiance after French soldiers assaulted Turkish women, and Rıdvan Hoca's declaration that Friday prayers could not be held under French occupation, ignited widespread resistance. The removal of the Turkish flag from Maraş castle, sparking the 'Flag Incident,' further fueled the fight. Similarly, Antep endured a brutal siege, including a 15-day curfew by the British, later by the French, leading to mass starvation. The story of Şehit Kamil, a child martyred protecting his mother, became a symbol of resistance. Despite immense suffering and thousands of casualties, the people of Antep refused French aid, demonstrating incredible pride and resilience, symbolized by crushing French candies offered as charity.
The victories on the Southern Front, particularly combined with the Turkish success in the Sakarya Battle, led to the Ankara Agreement with France. This agreement resulted in the withdrawal of French forces from Anatolia. The video underlines the suffering of cities like Adana, Maraş, Antep, and Urfa, and the incredible resilience of their people, who, despite immense hardship, fought for their independence. It also recognizes the vital role of women on all fronts, such as Kara Fatma, Tayyar Rahmiye, Halime Çavuş, and Şerife Bacı, who transported ammunition and endured harsh conditions on the 'Independence Road.' The contributions of these local heroes and the strategic significance of the Independence Road, stretching from İnebolu to Ankara, were crucial for the overall success of the National Struggle.
The inefficiencies of the Kuva-yi Milliye, including their undisciplined nature, reliance on civilian resources, and harassment of the populace, prompted the establishment of a regular army. The failure of the Gediz Offensive, led by Ali Fuat Cebesoy and instigated by Çerkez Etem, underscored the need for a more organized military. As a result, Ali Fuat Cebesoy was sent as an ambassador to Moscow, and the Western Front was divided, with İsmet İnönü leading the northern sector and Refet Bele the southern. To support the nascent regular army, the government began covering military expenses, established officer training centers, and initiated conscription. The 'Independence Road,' a critical supply route from İnebolu through Kastamonu, Ilgaz, Çankırı, and Kalecik to Ankara, played an indispensable role in transporting arms and supplies, often under extreme conditions by dedicated individuals like Şerife Bacı.