The Ottoman Freedom Society (Turkish: Osmanlı Hürriyet Cemiyeti ) a political society founded in 1906 by Talat Pasha in Thessaloniki.

Founding of the Ottoman Liberty Society

In September 1906, the Ottoman Liberty Society was founded in Thessaloniki at the house of Mithat Şükrü (Bleda) Bey. The initial meeting led to the third Congress where the founding members, primarily army officers, convened. The founders included Bursalı Tahir, Naki (Yücekök), Edip Servet (Tör), Kazım Nami (Duru), Mithat Şükrü (Bleda), Ömer Naci, İsmail Canbulat, Hakkı Baha, Mehmed Talat Bey, and Rahmi (Arslan) Bey. ^[1]

Objectives and Membership Oath

The society's primary objective was the proclamation of a constitutional monarchy and to conduct covert actions against the government. Membership was exclusive, requiring an oath and known only to a few within the society. A unique feature was the rapid increase in members, including significant military figures, by mid-1907.

Expansion and Structure

The society's structure was secretive, adopting a cell-type format. Members were inducted in a clandestine ceremony involving an oath with significant emphasis on confidentiality. The structure included a 'Supreme Council' with key figures like İsmail Canbolat, Talat Bey, and Rahmi Bey. The organization distinguished itself by spreading among both military and civilian statesmen, primarily based in Thessaloniki. ^[2]

Merger with the Committee of Union and Progress

The society merged with the Committee of Union and Progress on September 27, 1907, marking a significant evolution in its history. The merger led to a new name and possibly a shift in the organization's direction and influence within the Ottoman Empire.

Publication and Influence

The group also managed to publish a newspaper, Neyyir-i Hakikat, contributing to its influence. The activities in Monastir, spearheaded by Messrs. Enver and Kazım, and Necib Draga's efforts in Skopje, were notable during this period.

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