MARASH S SALVATION DAY CELEBRATIONS AND THEIR REFLECTIONS ON THE PRESS (1920-1950)

While World War I ending with peace treaties signed after major devastation and losses, the Ottoman Empire underwent new occupations after the war, according to the Armistice of Mondros, which it signed. Marash was one of the first centers of reaction to the occupations among the Ottoman lands occupied by the English, based on the 7th article of the Mondros Armistice Agreement signed on October 30, 1918. The city, first occupied by the English, passed a relatively calm period during this occupation. During this time, didn t occur great turmoil in the city. However, according to the Syrian Treaty of 15 September 1919 signed between England and France, Marash, who was transferred to the French by the British, witnessed great events during the French occupation. The city that provoked by Armenians incitements during th events such as the Sutcu Imam Event and Flag Event, put an end occupations on February 12, 1920, 22 days after the great struggle, resisting with resolution and determination against the French and Armenians. The people of Marash while admiring their ancestors who gave a life-and-death struggle, celebrate February 12, every year as a feast. Salvation Day was celebrated on February 11 in some years until 1937 but in following years ıt was began to celebrated on February 12. Throughout these celebrations, where a celebration ceremony has been held every year to make it more glorious than before, a visual festive atmosphere has been created in the city. The investments and expenditures made during the celebration festivities also made important contributions to the modernization of the city.