The Foundation of Scouting in Turkey

Ottoman Empire officially developed scouting into which it fit a paramilitary structure according to its necessities, it aimed ottoman ( Turkish) youth to be grown up as robust people with healthy bodies. Empire's existence in a state of war during a long time, shrinking of its borders constantly and the army's need of soldiers created the necessity of making the youth to be ready for military service. This need made itself felt thoroughly and was on its peek during the World War I. As a matter of fact, Turkish scouting organization born and as a procedure of pre-draft because of the need for soldiers. This practice stood out first as Ottoman Power Associations and then Ottoman Youth Associations. The associations as mentioned before, were influenced the English scouting experience at first, and then, the German one due to state policies. In particular, Ottoman Youth Associations that were active in most part of the country during the World War I were tried to be reestablished during the Republican Era though they had lost their influence totally in 1920. The paramilitary development of Turkish scouting not only hindered the general and private initiatives but also provided basis for later periods. Scouting in the period starting in 1914 which is the official date of foundation in Turkey, has been revived officially in 1923 after War of Indepedence in spite of the negative effects during the World War I.