Özet:

The study aims to discuss the struggles of İhsanoğlu Mehmet Efe, who was from Kula and a local among the Demirci Raiders who fought in Manisa and its environs. As the Commander of the Volunteer Detachment No. 2, he helped protect the Turkish and Muslim people around Selendi, Kula, and Eşme from the tyranny of the Greek forces during the National Struggle. He also served among those who attacked the supply roads of the Greek forces on the orders and directives of the Western Front Command and contributed to the victory of the National Struggle. In this study, the data were collected through a review of the oral history on this subject due to the lack of other resources.İhsanoğlu Mehmet Efe’s commitment to fighting the enemy was established based on the oath he made on Yağcı Mountain. During the occupation period, he prevented the Greek forces from oppressing the Turkish and Muslim people around Selendi and Kula. He continued his struggle against the enemy in the cold of winter, under the snow, and in the heat of summer. He and his platoon supplied the weapons and ammunition through the raids they carried out on the enemy and provided their food and drink needs through the support of the local people. On the order of Mustafa Kemal, he was assigned to destroy the supply routes of the Greek army during the Battle of the Sakarya and the Great Offensive. After the victory, they prevented Kula from being burned by the fleeing Greek forces, which was no small achievement. İhsanoğlu Mehmet Efe, whose name is not very well known, was one of the heroes of the Kuva-yı Milliye (National Forces). Following the war, he lived a simple life, enjoying the honor and happiness of having done his duty.