FORESTS AND FORESTRY POLICIES IN TÜRKİYE IN THE ERA OF ATATÜRK (1920-1938)

Abstract

This study addressed the forests and forestry policies and their contribution to Türkiye’s economy between 1920 and 1938. The study discussed the topic under three headings: (1) legal regulations on forests, (2) forests and forestry activities, and (3) organizations for forestry activities during the era of Atatürk. The study focused on numerical data regarding the forests and forestry activities during the era of Atatürk. Data were collected from the Presidency Republican Archival Documents, the Minutes of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, journals on minutes and laws, Official Gazette of the Republic of Türkiye, annual statistical records, and articles in newspapers and magazines of the period. The results are as follows: After the declaration of the Republic, considerable effort was exerted to improve the forests and forestry activities, which are the country’s wealth. The legal regulations and organizational activities of the period show that forest products and industry were attached significant importance to. These processes led to an increase in production volume, management revenue, and gross national product related to the forests and forestry, resulting in a contribution to the national economy.