Tarih ve Gelecek Dergisi

Abstract

Population policy has been integral to the implementation of official state strategies, consistently occupying a central place in policy agendas throughout history. It has shaped and regulated various aspects of social life, functioning as a critical determinant in the success of military, economic, and cultural initiatives. The emphasis placed on population reflects its strategic value in governance. A notable illustration of this is its role in advancing the policies and ideological objectives of the Single-Party Era.

As noted above, population has remained a key instrument of statecraft, serving as a stable and enduring focus for political authorities. Understanding, interpreting, or assessing these regimes necessitates a careful examination of their population policies, which provide essential insights into their priorities and governance frameworks.

The Republic of Türkiye, emerging from the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire amid the rise of the nation-state, faced significant challenges, particularly in military, political, and economic domains. To navigate these difficulties, consolidate its existence, establish a sovereign order, and foster a national identity, the newly formed state implemented a series of radical reforms. A critical component of these efforts was the identification and restructuring of the population, seen as essential to the success of these transformative initiatives.

In line with these objectives, Türkiye conducted its first official population censuses between 1927 and 1950, during a period of intense reconstruction. Positioned at the core of the country's developmental and transformation strategies, these censuses offer valuable insights into regions with distinct demographic and environmental characteristics. This study focuses on the demographic profile of Cizre, an ancient settlement known for its unique historical and cultural attributes, using data from the censuses conducted during the Single-Party Era.