REFET PASHA’S ARRIVAL AND ACTIVITIES IN ISTANBUL TO TAKE OVER THE ADMINISTRATION ON BEHALF OF THE TBMM GOVERNMENT

Abstract

According to the Mudanya Armistice, it was decided to evacuate Istanbul and East Thrace gradually and transfer them to the Government of the Grand National Assembly. In this context, after the armistice Refet Pasha, who was assigned by the Angora Government to take Thrace, was also given the authority to represent the Angora Government in Istanbul. Refet Pasha, who came to İstanbul on the Gülnihal Ferry on 19th October 1922, was greeted with enthusiasm. Refet Pasha held important meetings with the representatives of the Entente States regarding the delivery of Istanbul and how to ensure the order in this process. During the negotiations, a treaty was reached to resolve disputes during the implementation of the Mudanya Armistice and to avoid statements in the Press that offend the dignity of the Entente States and their armies. Both the intense displays of love and support shown by the people of Istanbul to Refet Pasha, and the activities of Refet Pasha in Istanbul, caused misunderstandings in the Parliament and were interpreted in the direction that Refet Pasha exceeded his powers and led to parliamentary question being given about him. But after a speech by Mr. Rauf, who convinced the deputies, the parliamentary question was rejected. Refet Pasha remained in his post until the Turkish Grand National Assembly sent Adnan Bey to İstanbul. He was later sent to the region to take East Thrace from the Entente States and establish a military organization there. In the meantime, Refet Pasha's relations with the representatives of the Entente States and the Turkish Grand National Assembly were followed with interest by the Western press. After the Treaty of Lausanne, the Thracian Command was replaced by the Third Corps, and Refet Pasha's mission ended. In this article, Refet Pasha, who was assigned by the Turkish Grand National Assembly to take over Istanbul, will evaluate his meetings with representatives of the Entente States and the Government of Istanbul and his activities in Thrace. In the study, Ottoman Archives, Republican Archive, Grand National Assembly of Turkey’s diaries and some newspapers was mainly used.