Abstract:

This study sheds light on the rise of social opposition in Edirne in the Early Republican Era and the local politics of Edirne in the municipal elections of 1930. The organization of the Free Republican Party (the FRP) in Edirne province and the political competition with the Republican People’s Party (the RPP) during the election process are explained. In this context, the historical, economic, and social dynamics which have influence in the formation of the opponent segments of society specific to Edirne are explained in detail. The differences of the opponent segments of society in Edirne from the other regions of Turkey are expressed and a new perspective is also put forward. Although the FRP was controlled opposition party, it seems that it was perceived as an independent opposition by the electors of Edirne. The trial of multi-party system in Turkey and in Edirne were unsuccessful in the municipal election of 1930. However, the electors of Edirne supported the Democrat Party by a great majority in the General Elections of 1946 which was the first election in transition to the multi-party system in Turkey. Furthermore, this study is not limited to the Edirne Organization of the FRP, it analyses the political strategies the RPP in the municipal elections of the 1930 in Edirne. Thus, it aims to enlighten both the local politics and socio-economic problems of Edirne.

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