# Hüseyin Hüsnü Özdamar

Hüseyin Hüsnü Özdamar (born; Hüseyin Hüsnü Efendi; 1875 – 17 June 1961) was a Turkish politician and Islamic jurist, known for his role in both the Ottoman Empire and the early Republic of Turkey. He served as a member in the first parliament representing Isparta for six consecutive terms, actively contributing to the legislative process during the formative years of the country. He was also a central figure in the Turkish War of Independence, participating in national movements, including Association for Defence of National Rights.

## Early life and education

Özdamar was born to İsmail
Bey and Fatma Hanım in 1875 in Isparta, Turkey. He was married with three children. In line with the Surname Law of 1934, which required citizens to adopt the use of fixed, hereditary family surnames, he chose the surname Özdamar.
He completed his primary education in Isparta and continued his studies in Konya, a prominent center for religious education at the time. He enrolled in the Zawiya madrasa, near the Şerafeddin mosque, where he studied religious science for six years. In 1885, he received a teaching certificate (ijazah) from his instructor, Parlakzâde Ahmet Fahri Efendi.
He continued his education in Istanbul at the Mahmut Pasha Mosque, where he obtained his knowledge of religious and linguistic studies. On 9 August 1902, he obtained another certificate from Mekkizade Mustafa Asım Efendi, which allowed him to teach at a high level of religious education.

## Early career

Following his license from Mekkizade Mustafa Asım Efendi, he returned to Isparta where he began his teaching career at the Sadiye Madrasah in Çelebi District. In 1910, he was appointed to a teaching position in Antalya, but due to uncertain reasons, he remained in Isparta. In 1911, he became a court clerk at the Isparta sharia court and later served as a member of the provincial council. His participation in local governance and education made him a well-known figure in his community.
On March 5, 1916, he was elected as the mufti, a position qualified to issue legal ruling within framework of Islamic law, of Isparta prior to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. However, he was removed from his position following complaints from officials of the Committee of Union and Progress regarding his predecessor, mufti Şakir Efendi. Özdamar was subsequently reinstated as the mufti of Isparta in 1916. He served in this role until 1919, giving lectures at the local religious community during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. However, after the reinstatement of mufti Şakir Efendi, Özdamar resigned from his post in 1919.

## Political career
### Role in independence

Özdamar was actively engaged in the Turkish War of Independence following the Greek occupation of Izmir in 1919. He was a central figure in organizing national resistance in the Isparta region and participated in the First Nazilli Congress. Held from August 7-8, though some sources suggest it took place from August 6-9, 1919, the congress aimed to resist foreign occupation. He established contact with the Nazilli Central Committee, thereby facilitating its first connection with the Greco-Turkish War (known in Turkey as Western Front). Upon his return from the congress, he became one of the founding members of the Isparta branch of the Defense of National Rights Society (Müdafaa-i Hukuk Cemiyeti), which later played a central role in supporting the nationalist movement.

### Parliamentary career

After the dissolution of the Ottoman parliament in 1920, the Turkish nationalist movement led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk called for the formation of a new national assembly in Ankara. Özdamar was elected as one of five representatives from Isparta to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (GNAT). He participated in the opening session of the GNAT on 23 April 1920 and became an active member of the legislature.
During his time in parliament, he addressed issues affecting his constituency, such as earthquake relief for Isparta, taxation policies, and the administrative organization of districts within the province. Over his six terms, he worked on contributed to the region's infrastructure and governance.
He retired from public service in 1934, however continued to serve as a member of parliament until 1943.
He was awarded the Medal of Independence for his contributions to the independence movement.