Immigrant Settlement in Ankara During the Rule of Atatürk (1923-1938)

From the middle of the 19th century, Ankara, and Anatolia generally, became important locations for settlement following the loss of various territories by the Ottoman Empire. This immigration continued after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, although at a reduced level. Many small groups settled in the city during the first years of the Republican era, including some immigrants from Greece who settled in Ankara after the population exchange between Turkey and Greece. Significant measures were taken to support immigration in Ankara after 1926 when separate living areas were established for immigrants. These areas included the Nogai and Circassian villages constructed and improved during the Ottoman period for previous immigrants. It is of particular note that sample villages, similar to the ones established in certain other provinces of Anatolia, were constructed during the rule of Atatürk for the settlement of immigrants as examples to the Anatolian people and surrounding villages. It is therefore possible to argue that the project was not only an attempt to settle immigrants, but constitutes a zoning plan. The aim of this study, which is based on archival sources, newspapers of the period and field research studies, illuminates the issue of migration to Ankara, as well as various forms of the settlement of immigrants during the rule of Atatürk