The Erzurum Congress lasted 14 days. Significant discussions took place among the delegates. The Congress, which began on July 23, 1919, concluded on August 7. The decisions made at the end of the Congress were announced to the whole world. Here, determination regarding the War of Independence was emphasized. Furthermore, looking at the decisions made, there is a consensus among the majority of delegates, even if not explicitly stated, regarding a republican administration.

“1. All parts of the homeland within national borders constitute an indivisible whole. They cannot be separated from one another. (Gazi Mustafa Kemal, Nutuk, Kaynak Yayınları, Third Edition: November 2016, p. 72)” With this decision, regional separatism was eliminated. The conditions for the danger of creating feudal lordships (beyliks) instigated by the British were eradicated. Fighting for the territorial integrity of our country became the objective. It was announced that the War of Independence would be waged with the participation of the entire nation. This decision made the principle of the homeland's integrity indispensable.

“2. Against all foreign occupation and intervention, and in the event of the dissolution of the Ottoman Government, the nation shall collectively defend and resist. (Same work, p. 73)” What is meant by the phrase “dissolution of the Ottoman Government” in this article is the inability of the monarchical administration to resist occupations. In this situation, who will organize and lead the nation's collective “defense and resistance”? A government emerging from within the nation…

“3. Should the central government prove incapable of preserving and securing the homeland and its independence, a provisional government shall be formed to achieve this objective. This government body shall be elected by the National Congress. If the Congress is not convened, the Representative Committee shall conduct this election. (Same work, p. 73)” With this decision taken at the Congress, the door was opened for the government to be established in Ankara. Thus, an important step was taken towards the establishment of the New Turkey. What else could the step towards establishing the New Turkey mean, if not the complete sidelining of the Istanbul Government?

“4. It is fundamental to make the National Forces effective and to make the national will sovereign. (Same work, p. 73)” By making the National Forces effective, the Ottoman Empire was sidelined politically and militarily. Power was effectively taken from the monarchy and given to the nation.

“To make the national will sovereign” means acknowledging that sovereignty and the authority to make decisions on behalf of the country have passed to the nation. National will is the nation deciding its own future.

“5. No political dominance or privileges that would violate our social balance can be granted to Christian elements. (Same work, p. 73)” This article opposes the establishment of an Armenian state in the east and Çukurova of our country, a Pontus state in the Black Sea, and a Greek/Yunan state in Western Anatolia. Thus, it is emphasized that everyone, regardless of their faith or ethnic origin, is a part of the nation.

“6. Mandate and protectorate cannot be accepted. (Same work, p. 73)” Unfortunately, many intellectuals were considering and proposing entering under the protection of another state as a political idea. Some wanted an American, others a British mandate. Complete independence did not even cross the minds of most. Some advocated being a servant of the West as a guarantee and a sign of being civilized. With this decision at the Congress, the path to full independence was opened.

“7. Efforts shall be made to ensure the immediate convening of the National Assembly and to place government actions under the Assembly's supervision. (Same work, p. 73)” This would prevent the Sultan and the Istanbul Government from making arbitrary decisions. This implies limiting the powers of the monarchical administration. What else could this decision be but a harbinger of the transition to a republican administration?

The use of “National Assembly” instead of “Assembly of Deputies” in the Erzurum Congress decision is an important detail. The emphasis on “nation,” which is antithetical to the monarchy, at every opportunity is noteworthy. This must be a sign of the formation of a state structure that will be governed by the nation.

The Erzurum Congress is a very important step for the nation to govern itself by its own will. The articles above represent the decision that an era in which the nation's destiny was determined by a single person's word would be left behind. Our Republic came to life with the sovereignty of the national will. And it is also the national will that will protect our Republic from internal and external threats.

                                                       

Adil Hacıömeroğlu