The Ardahan Newspaper | Since 1995 |
Following the occupation of Izmir, Balıkesir sparked the first flames of the National Struggle and put up a unique 14-month resistance against the Greek forces. To ensure the safety of secret national meetings, local leather tanners disguised themselves by wearing goat and sheep skins, painting their faces black with chimney soot, and carrying bells and sticks. Known as "Tülütabaks," these intimidatingly disguised civilian fighters suddenly confronted night patrols, psychologically unnerving and distracting the occupying soldiers. Thanks to this creative tactic, enemy troops were kept at bay, allowing critical assemblies that shaped the war's outcome to take place in complete security.
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| Photo is representative |
