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The new world order that emerged after the First World War put the future of the Ottoman Empire at risk. Following the Mondros Armistice Agreement, many regions of the country were occupied by the members of the Entente States. Local press in Trabzon was formed in the second half of the 19th century. During the period from the beginning of the National Struggle to the publication of Istikbal Newspaper, there were various newspapers published by non-Muslims in Trabzon as well as anti-National Struggle newspapers owned by Turkish people. İstikbal Newspaper, which was first published in 1918 by Faik Ahmet Barutçu, became influential in the region with its pro-National Independence publication policy. The newspaper objected to those who tried to show the establishment of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) as an act against the Ottoman administration. In this regard, the newspaper put forward legitimate reasons such as the occupation of Istanbul, the center of caliphate and reign, Ottoman administrators who were stripped of power to rule, and the dire need for the nation to be self-governing. Criticizing the wrong policies of the Damat Ferit Pasha Government, Istikbal Newspaper highlighted that the Turkish nation would not rebel against the caliph and the sultan. The newspaper that stated the formation of the new Assembly in Ankara was essential, also addressed the ceremonies to be performed on April 23, 1923. In addition to the articles describing religious sensitivities on the opening day of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, information was provided on the election of deputies to attend the Turkish Grand National Assembly as well. At a time when the press was gaining importance as a propaganda tool, İstikbal Newspaper contributed to the country's unity and solidarity as well as to the success in the regional and national struggle through its publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the War of Independence the press played a great role in diverting and creating a public opinion. During the War of Independence, Mustafa Kemal Pasha prioritised the presence of the press and media, and performed great efforts to ensure its presence aside the Kuvâ-yı Milliye (National Forces). He followed pro-War of Independence press in Istanbul and varıous cities of Anatolia very closely, and saw them as a means to inform the public of the struggle that was taking place. Pro-War of Independence press in Istanbul and Anatolia became a crucial part in gaining the support of national and international actors, as well as playing a great role in fulfilling its duty by correctly informing the public. One of the most important examples of the Anatolian press during the National Struggle Period was the Dertli newspaper in Bolu. The newspaper was published in the provincial printing house, and it informed and enlightened the public on the War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as the provincial spokesmanship. The newspaper was published between 1919 and 1925. The Publisher of the newspaper was known as Deputy of Bolu to the Turkish Grand National Assembly, İlyaszade Şükrü Bey. The editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper was Ali Saib Bey. The newspaper published news on the War of Independence, the early stages of the Republic, as well as news on politics, business and culture in Bolu and its surrounding provinces. The Dertli Newspaper is one of the outstanding examples of the Anatolian press, which has been kept up to the present day with its full collection. In this study, all the issues of the Dertli newspaper in the Hakki Tarik Us Collection will be reviewed, and the articles and news in the newspaper will be examined, and the data on staff, publication principles and policy of the newspaper will be evaluated. The study will be conducted using a qualitative research method based on document review and the contribution of the news and articles related to the War of Independence, and its contribution to the National Forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]