Abstract:

Red Crescent Association has been conducted significant relief organizations for both Ottoman Empire and Turkish Republic since its foundation in 1868. Even though its purpose of foundation was to aid injured soldiers during war, Red Crescent expanded its activity areas by looking after migrants, poor and homeless peopleof any disasters. In this sense, initial relief activities occurred during the 1877-1878 Ottoman-Russian War. As the organization restructured during the 2ndConstitutional Monarchy period, it asserted itself during the Tripoli War. Red Crescent Association attracted main attention over itself following determined aid campaigns during Balkan War, the World War I, and Independence War. Soup kitchens, tea houses, mobile and stable hospitals established during this tough war periods fulfilled requirements of the soldiers and civilians in need. Furthermore, the organization fought against infectious diseases as well. Aftermath of the Mondros Armistice, when the Anatolian territories were occupied by the entente states, Red Crescent Association established medical teams to assist civilians migrating to safer places. Once more, according to the Lozan Treaty signed after the Independence Victory, the Association worked with the Turkish government in coordination to assure that Turkish migrants coming from Greece settled in the mainland based on the population exchange act; and dealt with their issues. This study investigates the activities of Red Crescent Association for the period of 1912-1922 which is known as a painful war period of Turkey

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