Arif Bey (1861–1946) was a politician who served as a deputy from Konya during the National Struggle in the First Term of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. He was one of the founders of the Karaman Society for the Defence of Rights and worked to defend Karaman during the Delibaş Mehmet Rebellion, drawing attention through his active contributions in the Assembly. After his parliamentary service, he engaged in agriculture and milling, adopted the surname “Baysal” in 1934, and died in Karaman in 1946.

Early Life and Administrative Roles

Arif Bey was born in Karaman in 1861 to his father Sadık Efendi and mother Şerife Hanım. After completing his education in Karaman, he held various positions including Chief Clerk of the Court and Director of the Revenue Office. He was awarded the rank of district governor and a medal by Sultan II. Abdülhamit.

Contributions to the National Struggle and Membership in the TBMM

Arif Bey led the establishment of the Society for the Defence of Rights in Karaman. In the 1920 elections called by Mustafa Kemal Paşa, he was elected as a deputy from Konya and was present at the opening of the First TBMM. He actively served on the committees for Finance, Constitution, Budget, Petitions, and Land Registry and Cadastre.

During the debates on the Law on Treason against the Nation, he gained recognition for his speeches advocating justice in sentencing. Following unrest in Konya, he submitted a motion to the Assembly requesting the dispatch of an advisory delegation, which resulted in the Assembly appointing a delegation including Mehmet Akif Ersoy to the region.

The Delibaş Mehmet Rebellion and Activities in Karaman

When the Delibaş Mehmet Rebellion in Konya spread to Karaman in October 1920, Arif Bey moved to Karaman. He prepared and distributed proclamations to boost public morale. When the rebels attacked Karaman, they looted his home, forcing him to flee to Silifke. He found refuge with Hafız Emin Bey in Silifke and escaped harm. After the rebels withdrew from Karaman, he returned to Ankara.

Later, when the individuals he directed succeeded in killing Delibaş Mehmet, the Assembly presented Arif Bey with a ceremonial sword as a gift.

Final Activities in the Assembly and Later Life

Arif Bey participated in various budget debates and legislative proposals in the Assembly until 1921. He criticized issues such as cadastre activities in Çumra and railway freight rates. He joined the Second Group, formed in opposition to the Society for the Defence of Rights Faction. After his term as deputy ended, he returned to Karaman and devoted himself to agriculture and milling.

In 1934 he adopted the surname “Baysal.” He died in Karaman on 13 January 1946. He was initially buried in a cemetery near Koçakdede Mahallesi, but his remains were later transferred to the city cemetery. The exact location of his grave gradually became uncertain. He had two daughters, Şerife and Lebibe. In 1958, the TBMM granted a pension to Şerife Hanım.