DEMOKRAT PARTİ’NİN TÜRKİYE BÜYÜK MİLLET MECLİSİ GRUP MÜZAKERELERİNDE TÜRKİYE (1956-1960)

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Turkey’s political, economic, social, and international developments by examining the Democratic Party (DP) parliamentary group deliberation records between 1956 and 1960. Focusing on the final years of the DP’s rule, this research explores the transformations in Turkey’s political structure, the effects of economic policies, and social dynamics within the framework of intra-party discussions. The deliberations recorded in these transcripts provide crucial insights into the last years of DP rule, shedding light on the historical trajectory of the period. The period between 1956 and 1960 stands out in Turkey’s political history as a time of intense political tensions and profound social transformations. While the DP mobilized broad segments of the population through promises of economic development, rising economic problems, inflation, external borrowing, and stagnation in growth targets weakened public support for the government. Development projects, agricultural support policies, and the urbanization process were frequently debated in DP deliberations; however, the failure of these initiatives to yield expected results led to widespread public dissatisfaction. The records explicitly reflect the concerns of parliamentarians regarding the economic and social demands of rural communities. In the political sphere, this period was marked by the DP’s increasingly authoritarian governance approach, repressive policies against the opposition, and restrictions on press freedom. Within parliamentary group deliberations, issues related to press relations and tensions with the opposition were frequently discussed, while the suppression of dissent within the party contributed to the weakening of intra-party democracy. This situation also fueled leadership debates within the party’s upper echelons. In terms of foreign policy, Turkey sought to align itself with the Western bloc within the framework of NATO alliances; however, the reduction of economic aid and issues such as the Cyprus conflict posed significant diplomatic challenges. The deliberations frequently addressed foreign aid requests, Turkey’s economic dependency following the Marshall Plan, and relations with the United States. The Cyprus issue, in particular, emerged as a critical matter in both domestic and international politics. From a social perspective, this period witnessed rapid urbanization, shifts in educational policies, and the transformation of the social structure. Discussions within DP deliberations regarding education reforms highlight the scope of these policies and their impact on society. While efforts were made to enhance educational opportunities, particularly in rural areas, the shortcomings in implementation became a subject of frequent criticism. This study conducts a detailed analysis of DP parliamentary group deliberations to evaluate the developments of the last four years of DP rule, government policies, and their societal implications from a historical perspective. The research aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of Turkey’s democratization process and to examine the lasting impact of this period on the country’s political history.