The Most Important Heavy Industry Attempt Of The Republıcan Perıod: Karabuk Iron And Steel Factory (1939-1960)

Abstract

This study deals with the activities carried out by the Republican People's Party and Democratic Party (DP) governments on the way to the establishment of Karabuk Iron and Steel Plant from the early years of the Republic until the 1960s and the contributions of these activities to Turkish economy. The subject is covered in three chapters under the titles of establishment works of Karabuk Iron and Steel Plant (1925-1939); production activities of Karabuk Iron and Steel Plant during the Republican People's Party period (1939-1950); and production works of Karabuk Iron and Steel Factory during the Democratic Party period (1950-1960). The production activities of Karabuk Iron and Steel Plant and the contributions of these activities to the economy were evaluated based on numerical data. The gaps in the literature on the research topic were filled through use of primary sources. The topic was handled through comparison of the developments taking place in the field of iron and steel in Turkey and in the world during the periods under examination. The results obtained in the study can be summarized as follows: With the efforts of the Republican People's Party governments, attempts made for heavy industrialization in Turkey came to fruition and Karabuk Iron and Steel Factory was established with the first kiln fired on 9 September 1939. In the following periods, the integrated production units of the factory were completed, and extensions were made in the DP period. As all the units were put into service, an increase occurred in iron and steel production of Turkey, thereby contributing to the development of other sectors and thus supporting the national economy.