COTTON POLICIES IN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY (DP) PERIOD AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE WEAVING INDUSTRY (1950-1960)

Abstract

This study addressed cotton policies in Turkey and their effect on the weaving industry between May 14, 1950, when the Democratic Party (DP) came to power, and May 27, 1960, when the DP was swept from power by a military coup. The study focused on the subject matter in two periods: (1) Cotton policies during the DP era (1950-1960) and (2) The effects of the policies followed in cotton cultivation on the weaving industry (1950-1960). The cotton policies during the DP era and the effect of these policies on the weaving industry were presented with numerical data. Data were collected from the Presidency Republican Archive Documents, official publications, Memorandum Diary of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, laws and minute books, Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, annual statistics and articles in the financial journals of the era. The data were interpreted in the light of the developments in the field of cotton production both in Turkey and in the world. The results are as follows: After the DP came to power, there was an increase in cotton planting areas. Cotton seed was regularly produced, distributed and bred. Afterwards, national and international conferences and meetings were held to address and find solutions to cotton problems. Pest control also increased cotton production and exports. Turkey ranked seventh in global cotton production and fifth in cotton exports, which also facilitated the development of the cotton weaving industry and made significant contributions to the national economy.

There is no study that would require the approval of the Ethical Committee in this article.