Peasantry in Samsun During the Development of Capitalism: The Results of a Field Study

The influence of global capitalism throughout the world has profoundly affected the peasantry. Accordingly, Turkey has experienced a transformation process in which peasant practices have eroded over time. While the ecological problems and the issues in food, which show an increase with industrialized agriculture, become more critical day by day, the issues of the peasantry and production generate current discussion. On the other hand, Samsun stands out as an important example in terms of its features that contribute to this disputation. This study deals with the peasants of Samsun where a large village population and high agricultural potential exist. It evaluates the effects of the increasing dependence of the peasantry on the market in the context of capitalist transformation from agriculture to industrialization, based on the field research conducted in the villages. In the interviews with the peasants, problematic subjects such as the issues of property, agricultural support, production, borrowing, change in household labor, the state-peasant relationship are revealed, and the current situation and perceptions of the peasants are evaluated. The first inference indicates the weakening agricultural production in Samsun. The dramatic decrease in the peasant population and migration also shows the change in the dynamics of agricultural production over time. This study aims to discuss the impact and inclusiveness of the policies implemented within the framework of all these problematic issues.