Süleyman Shefik Erzurumlu

  

Şerefli Süleyman Shefik Erzurumlu
Σουλεϊμάν Σεφικ Ερξρουμοτις (Greek) Erzurumlu Süleyman Şefik (Turkish) ارض روم لو سلیمان شفیق (Ottoman Turkish)
1st President of Anatolian Republic
In office 1934–1936
Preceded by	Post created
Succeeded by	Mehmed Eyyübzade
Commander of the Kuva-i Hurriyet
In office 1934–1936
Preceded by	Post created
Succeeded by	Ismail Yakub
Commander of the Kuva-i Inzibatiye
In office 1920–1927
Preceded by	Post created
Succeeded by	Post abolished
Personal details
Born	1860 Istanbul
Died	1936 (aged 76) Edirne
Resting place	Reisi Cemetery, Istanbul
Nationality	Ottoman Anatolian
Political party	Freedom and Accord Party
Mother	Feyza
Father	Ömer Şervaşzade
Residence	Saray-i Reisi
Occupation	Politician and Soldier
House	House of Shervashidze

Süleyman Shefik Erzurumlu (Turkish: ارض روم لو سلیمان شفیق, Erzurumlu Süleyman Şefik; Greek: Σουλεϊμάν Σεφικ Ερξρουμοτις, translit. Souleïman Sefik Erzroumotis; 1860-1936) was a soldier, revolutionary, founder of the Anatolian Republic, and subsequently its first President, serving from 1934 until his own death in 1936. His ability to unite the divided country and to establish a nation on its ruins has led him to be referred as the "Father of the Anatolian Nation" (Anadolu Millet'in Babası). He is credited with ending anarchy of the Three Pashas regime and establishing a republic run on a constitution. The son of Feyza and Ömer Şervaşzade, a prominent soldier and republican statesman, Shefik was a graduate of Enderun-i Hümayun-i Galata, where he trained to be a soldier. He became the prominent leader of the anti-Pasha factions of the Young Ottomans during the 1920s.

Early life (1860-1883)

Birth and family background

Shefik was born on 14 November 1860 in Istanbul in Ottoman Empire. His father, Ömer (1829–1881), a wealthy yet exiled prince who belonged to the Shervashidze princely family of Abkhazia. His mother, Feyza (1833–1938), who was a Kadı's daughter. Shefik was their only offspring. Shefik received a modest upbringing. However, things went downhill after his father's death in 1881. At the age of 21, Shefik joined Enderun and graduated five years later. Coupled, with financial difficulties and responsibilities Shefik was hardened in these formative years. He was among those who lost their estates to a confidante of Cemal Pasha. This single incident would be the beginning of his desire to overthrow the Pasha.

Military career

His first posting was in Greco-Turkish War (1897) led by Hasan Tahsin Pasha. Shefik was said to have fought bravely in the Thessalian Front. He won the heart of Tahsin Pasha who recommended him to the Sultan. Shefik was given a çelenk which he kept attached to his fez hat till his death.

During the First Balkan War, he was a participant in Battle of Monastir, despite its defeat the Ottoman Vardar Army did secure some gains.

While, during the Second Balkan War he led a cavalry unit into Yambol, this incited panic among the Bulgarians, many of whom fled to the mountains.

The brutal suppression of the 31 March Incident incited passion in Shefik. Many of his coworkers had participated in the incident and had been severely dealt with. Further, Cemal Pasha's treatment of Arabs, who had supported Shefik, caused him to fall in severe depression.

Darbe-i Esası

The middle-aged Commander of the Kuva-i Inzibatiye, Shefik faced another disgruntling truth, his hometown of Erzurum (now, Karno K'aghak city in Karin province, Armenia) was lost to Armenia.

Another setback Shefik faced was the murder of Nazim Pasha by a man close to Enver Pasha. The Three Pashas were cause of worry to the soldiers. Shefik had met with several other disgruntled leaders and joined the Young Ottomans. He suggested a coup and takeover of the government from the Three Pashas. The organisation members reluctantly agreed to this idea. However, he was asked to submit a draft plan of action.

Shefik suggested blocking the straits that separated the Asian and European parts of Istanbul. He also suggested placing forces on Anatolian-Istanbul and Thracian-Istanbul borders. Shefik established the Kuva-i Hurriyet, comprising members of various sections.

On 7th August 1927, the Kuva-i Hurriyet marched into Sublime Porte, capturing Cemal Pasha who was imprisoned without trial. The Yildiz Palace was surrounded by the Kuva-i Hurriyet.

A branch of the Galata Gendarmerie also joined the movement, captured Talaat Pasha while Enver Pasha fled first to Malta and then to Cyprus.

On 23rd of July Abdulmejid II signed the declaration of Republic and officially replaced the Three Pashas with a triumvirate of himself, Shefik Pasha and the Sheikh-ul-Islam. He declared the Kuva-i Hurriyet as part of the Republic's new army.

Presidential Era (1934-1936)

The first Parliamentary session held on 9 December 1934 formally accepted Shefik as the President of the new Republic. Shefik began his term with multiple reforms. He brought out the Destür-i Devlet, the constitution which was based on the Mecelle.

Death

He passed away in 1936, after suffering from wounds inflicted by an assassination attempt from more than a year prior.

See also

• President of Anatolian Republic
• Meclis-i Âlı