1924 Adana: Unforgettable Scene of Historic Execution

This photograph, taken in July 1924 in Adana, Turkey, documents a significant moment as it captures the aftermath of Adana’s first hanging in years. The image, produced as a glass negative, serves as a stark record of a legal punishment carried out during a time when the city was experiencing changes and turmoil in its judicial system. The historical context of this event is rooted in a post-World War I climate, as Turkey was grappling with the political shifts that would eventually lead to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.

Adana, strategically located near the Seyhan River, has a rich history, and by the 1920s, it was a melting pot of cultures reflecting its diverse past. This particular hanging, performed under the laws of the newly reorganized government, underscores the complexities of justice during a period when traditional methods of governance were often scrutinized and transformed. Captured by a photographer from the Bain News Service, this image offers a glimpse into the legal practices of the time while highlighting the broader societal issues present in Turkey during the early 20th century.