Cumhuriyet Dönemi Bir Sosyal Hizmet Kurumu: Karesi (Balıkesir) Şehit Çocukları Yuvası Örneği
A Social Service in the Rpublic Period:The Example of Karesi (Balıkesir) Martyrs’Children’s Home

Summary/Abstract: In the late period of the Ottoman Empire, special attention was given to the orphans, widows, and children of martyrs who were left behind after those who fought and died on the battlefield. During this period, various institutions were established and laws were enacted by the state to meet the basic needs of war-affected children, such as shelter, nutrition, healthcare, and education. These practices, which exemplified social assistance and solidarity, continued after the establishment of the new Turkish State. Paricularly following the proclamation of the republic, these institutions played a crucial role in raising individuals who embraced the core values of the new regime and possessed a strong sense of citizenship that would sustain the republic. One of the prominent institutions established for orphaned children in various cities of Anatolia during the early Republic era was the Karesi Orphanage for Martyrs' Children in Balıkesir. Balıkesir lost manycivilians and soldiers due to being an important center of resistance during the war of ındependence. Therefore, the establishment of Karesi Orphanage for Martyrs’ Children in the city can be considered as a duty of loyalityin memoryof the sacrificies made in the region during the War of Independence. This study will focus on the establishment of the Karesi Orphanage for Martyrs' Children, its policies, and the activities and support provided for the children residing in the orphanage. The research is primarily based on archival documents and newspapers of the period, along with other relevant studies.

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