Yüzellikler and Süleyman Şefik Kemali: a legitimacy and security ıssue

Abstract

This thesis studies the Yüzellilikler, the 150 names decided upon by the government to remain outside of the general amnesty included in the Treaty of Lausanne, and the case of Süleyman Şefik Kemali Söylemezoğlu, who was on that list for having assumed the command of the Kuva-yı İnzibatiye (Caliphal Army). The period under study, the last years of the Ottoman Empire, was a special period in Ottoman history because after 23 April 1920 there were two centers of power: İstanbul and Ankara. These fought each other and both where active in diplomacy until the Peace Conference at Lausanne. Throughout the Turkish War of Independence the struggle between Ankara and İstanbul was one of legitimacy. But after the war an internal security problem arose for the new regime, for the enemies of the new regime might have taken some actions against the young Turkish Republic. To keep those potential enemies away, the new government decided to sent into exile some politicians, military, journalists, and policemen. A total of 150 persons, called the "Yüzellilikler", where excluded from the general amnesty stipulated by the Treaty of Lausanne.