This paper deals with the activities performed and steps taken to increase production
activities in Zonguldak-Ereğli Coal Field between 1920 and 1960 and the contributions of
coal production attained as a result of these activities and steps to the economy of Turkey.
This study presents all kinds of activities carried out to increase production in the field as
well as relevant modernization works from 1836, when the first production was made, until
1960. The developments in the above-mentioned period were examined in four sections: coal
enterprises during the Ottoman period between 1836 and 1920 (to provide a background for
the period under examination); the developments in the 1920-1923 National Government
period; the developments in the 1923-1940 Republican period; and the developments in
the 1940-1960 involving nationalization of the field and the aftermath. The contributions of
developments that took place in coal production during these periods to national economy
are presented in the form of numeric data. The gaps in the literature regarding the topic of
this study were eliminated by using primary sources. Relevant evaluations were made by
taking into account Turkey in that period and the developments that took place in the field
of hard coal in the world. The results are as follows: legislative regulations that were made
from 1920 in relation to the field yielded their fruits as of 1924 when production increased.
However, private enterprises did not use the field rationally. Therefore, the expected level of
coal production was never achieved. Before the nationalization of the field, the government
established institutions such as General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration
and Etibank and Ereğli Coal Enterprise. Later on, another governmental institution, Turkish
Coal Enterprise, was founded and put into operation. In addition to all these institutions,
foreign aids were received through the Marshall Plan, which led to a gradual increase in the
production each year. Thanks to this increase, coal mine made important contributions to
the economy through its use in transportation sector, heating official institutions and houses,
producing electrical energy and coal gas, developing the iron, steel, and chemical industry,
and supporting foreign currency inflow through export.
Primary Language | Turkish |
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Journal Section | Research Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | January 13, 2017 |
Submission Date | February 2, 2016 |
Published in Issue | Year 2016 Volume: 16 Issue: 33 |