Abstract:

There are prominent personalities, who take the side of the state in the period of First World War, the National Struggle and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey and use religious and political influence in the regions on which they are located, but go on record. In this context, it is convenient to mention Küfrevîzâde Abdülbâkî Efendi who is appreciated by the governor of the Ottoman Empire for his services, and provide training hundreds of students around Bitlis in his dervish lodge founded before the First World War, and play very important activities in the suppression of Selim Molla Rebellion erupted with Russian provocation. With the start of the First World War, Küfrevîzâde Abdülbâkî Efendi plays an important role in starting the fight with the enemy by establishing a voluntary union of peoples in the region. However, despite all efforts, progress of the enemy could not be inhibited. Therefore, progressing Russian - Armenian troops occupied Bitlis. Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk) Pasha, who was sent to the region for the liberation of Bitlis, visited to Küfrevîzâde Abdülbâkî Efendi and had established friendship with the Küfrevî family. By this friendship, Mustafa Kemal Pasha was concerned with Küfrevîzâde Abdülbâkî Efendi’s demands and problems and Küfrevîzâde Abdülbâkî Efendi had also let people got organized to fight the enemy by using his influence on the tribal people in the region. There are many in the letter showing friendship between Mustafa Kemal Pasha and Küfrevîzâde Abdülbâkî Efendi. These letters written by Mustafa Kemal Pasha is important because they show that Mustafa Kemal Pasha has established good relations with the religious authorities in Bitlis.

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