Abstract:

Copper is the first metal processed by human beings. This mine, which is abundant in different regions of the Anatolian geography, has an extremely wide usage area. Today, located in the mining district of Elazig province, and dating back to the very earliest periods, Ergani copper mines is one of the most valuable underground resources that Turkey possesses. The mines that remained away from necessary attention for a long time during the Ottoman Empire, regained importance after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. Ergani copper mines, which were reopened (put into operation) with the modern technology of the period within the scope of the economic policies of the Republic of Turkey, created a serious financial resource for the country's economy since it started its activities. With the arrival of the railway in the region, the copper demand in the country was supplied (met) and important revenues were obtained by importing it abroad. Ergani copper mines, owned by Deutsche Bank for a while, gained a completely local business identity with the establishment of Etibank. The operation of the mentioned mines by a national bank, such as Etibank, is a proof that the economic policies during the Republican period were successfully implemented. In this study, we aim to explain the economic policies of the Republic of Turkey in this context by addressing the process of Ergani copper mines being transferred to Etibank and the period afterwards. Accordingly, archive documents and official publications related to the subject were our most important reference sources.

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