Reflections of Second Constitutionalism of Ottoman Empire on Diyarbakir Province

Ottoman Empire witnessed to change and transformation in 19th century in a lot of areas including political, economical and cultural ones. The change and transformation which began with the Tanzimat (a period of reform in the Ottoman State between 1839 and 1876) accelerated with the Second Constitutionalism (a period of constitutional monarchy between 1908 and 1918 in Ottoman Empire). Upon declaration of the Second Constitutionalism, liberty (freedom) atmosphere ensued. The Second Constitutional Period demolished Abdulhamid II’s period of autocracy and instead of him, put the Young Turks into power. Constitutionalism (Constitutional monarcy) is an important step that is taken by Turkey about democratisation. Freedom (liberty) atmosphere, provided by this period, was welcomed with enthusiasm and joy in a lot of places of Ottoman geography. In addition to this, declaration of the constitutionalism under the guidance of Ziya G？kalp was also welcomed with joy and demonstrations in Diyarbakir province. On this liberty atmosphere, various associations and societies were established also in Diyarbak？r as was in a great deal of places of Ottoman territories, and at the same time newspaper and journals were published. During this period, intellectuals expressed their thoughts freely by means of press and publication in Diyarbakir province. Thus, by stating that the east region was neglected in many such areas as political, social and economical, they made an effort for development of the region. Nationalism began to become apparent among ethnical elements during this period. Eastern provinces, particularly different ethnical elements in Diyarbakir province, were influenced by this nationalist movement and embarked on a ethnical quest. In this study, by making use of first- and second-hand sources, we dwelt upon reflections of the Second Constitutionalism on Diyarbakir province and aimed at examining reactions of Diyarbakir and its surroundings against the Constitutionalism