Bitlis Province District During the Formation of the Republic 1919 - 1950

Bitlis Province District in the Formation of the Republic, 1919 - 1950 Book Description: “Since this city of Bitlis was founded in a mountainous, stony, narrow and steep place within the high mountains, vineyards were built all around it. There are no cultivated valleys. All gendum (wheat) crops come from Rahova and the Moush desert, but there is plenty of coarse wheat, barley and other grains. […] Bitlis is an old town and a charming city with plenty of scholars, the source of fuzala, and the home of poets and righteous people. Their scholars have strange knowledge and many sciences. They are from the Shafii sect. They are believers and monotheists. They are unpretentious men. They love offering treats to guests and strangers.” (Evliya Çelebi-17th century) “[…] If Bitlis did not exist, we would have to create it. The result of this consideration is this: We must keep Bitlis as a strong center and a Turkish home and castle. […]” (İsmet İnönü-1935) (From the Promotional Bulletin)