Turkey’s history over the past century, especially concerning its military and strategic positioning, reflects a remarkable journey from a demilitarized nation following World War One to a formidable regional power. The narrative of Turkey in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries is marked by significant transformation, driven by both internal leadership and external pressures, which included harsh sanctions and stringent restrictions imposed by the global community after the war.
World War One was a crucible of change for the Ottoman Empire, which included the lands that now make up modern Turkey. The Empire entered the war on the side of the Central Powers, including Germany and Austria-Hungary, and its involvement had disastrous outcomes. Following the defeat of the Central Powers, the 1919 Treaty of Versailles led to the carving up of the Ottoman territories among the victors. This was further crystallized by the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920, which sought to dismantle the Ottoman Empire entirely.
The Treaty of Sèvres proposed the creation of an independent Armenia, the cession of territory to Greece, and control of the Turkish Straits by an international body, effectively leaving the Ottoman Empire a shadow of its former self. These harsh terms ignited the Turkish War of Independence, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who rallied national resistance against the treaty’s provisions. His efforts culminated in the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne, which negated the Treaty of Sèvres and acknowledged Turkey’s new borders. More importantly, it restored a measure of sovereignty and allowed Turkey to start rebuilding its military, albeit under cautious and controlled conditions initially.
This period of rebuilding was critical. The early leaders of the Republic of Turkey recognized the need for a robust military to safeguard the country’s interests and sovereignty. However, the legacy of sanctions and the demilitarized conditions imposed by the Treaty of Sèvres had left an indelible mark on Turkey’s strategic doctrines. The country had to navigate its path between respecting international agreements and protecting its national interests.
Over the ensuing decades, Turkey would engage in a delicate balancing act. On one side, it sought to modernize its military and enhance its capabilities, while on the other, it aimed to integrate itself into the Western bloc during the Cold War. Turkey’s strategic importance was recognized by both NATO, which it joined in 1952, and its regional neighbors. This membership was a turning point that allowed Turkey access to advanced military technology and training, facilitating the development of a more capable and modern military force.
As the century progressed, the landscape around Turkey continued to evolve. The dissolution of the Soviet Union and the resultant shifts in regional power dynamics posed both challenges and opportunities for Turkey. Its military had to adapt to new realities, including dealing with emerging security threats such as terrorism and regional instability, especially along its borders with Syria and Iraq.
Turkey’s military interventions in these neighboring regions in the 21st century reflect a nation far removed from the demilitarized state it was forced into a century ago. These actions demonstrate Turkey’s new military capabilities and its willingness to use them to pursue national interests, which include addressing threats from non-state actors and managing the effects of neighboring civil conflicts on its security and refugee situation.
Moreover, the concept of militarization in Turkey also underwent changes. From a tool of state security and sovereignty, it has expanded to include peacekeeping roles in the region. Turkish forces have participated in various international missions, showcasing their capabilities on global platforms, which contrast sharply with the nation’s earlier demilitarized status.
Despite these advances, the shadow of the past century still lingers over Turkey’s military policies. The initial sanctions and forced demilitarization taught Turkey the importance of self-reliance and innovation. As a result, Turkey has invested significantly in its defense industry, reducing dependence on foreign arms and boosting its export capabilities. Today, Turkey not only produces a significant portion of its military equipment but also exports to other nations, marking its rise as a significant player in the global defense sector.
As we reflect on the past 100 years, Turkey’s journey from a nation grappling with the aftermath of World War One and the punitive sanctions that followed, to a regional power with a formidable military, underscores a profound transformation. This evolution has been influenced by numerous factors, including strategic decisions made by its leaders, shifts in global politics, and Turkey’s own resilient response to its historical circumstances.
In the coming decades, the question remains how Turkey will navigate its role on the international stage, continue to manage its relationships with global powers and neighbors, and adapt its military strategies to meet new challenges. One thing, however, is clear: the lessons of the past century will undoubtedly continue to influence Turkey’s strategic decisions and its military trajectory well into the future.
Two images: one is a historical map of the Ottoman Empire at the start of World War One in 1914, and the other is a modern political map of Turkey. You can view the transformation of the region over the last century through these maps.
Images depicting the Turkish military from World War One and in the modern era. The first image shows soldiers in Ottoman uniforms during the early 20th century, while the second image features soldiers in contemporary military gear.