|
Government & Politics
The Turkish Republic
was established in 1923, following the demise of the Ottoman Empire. The
Empire had been in a state of decline for several centuries. Inability to
keep up with industrial and scientific developments, social and political
unrest and wars had sapped its strength. The First World War, in which
the Ottoman Empire took part on the losing side, signaled its end. As the
Empire crumbled, its Turkish nucleus rose up in a War of Liberation
against the invading powers and the Sultan’s government. It was
successful and resulted in the Lausanne Peace Treaty of 24 July 1923,
which established the international status and boundaries of the new
state.
The Republic was
declared on 29 October 1923. The Treaty provided the basis for the
creation of the climate of peace and stability needed by the country. On
the other hand, the success of Turkey set an example to many nations
struggling for independence in Asia and Africa. Turkey immediately
embarked on a course of modernization and reform in all walks of life.
Despite the fact that the liberation struggle had been waged against
major European powers, she proceeded to establish good relations and
cooperation with the West, and based her political and legal systems on
modern, secular models. The goal, as expressed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,
the leader of the nationalist movement and first President of the
Republic, was "to reach the level of contemporary
civilization". And to achieve this aim, a doctrine for foreign
relations was formulated that has held true to this day; in the words of
Atatürk, "Peace at home, Peace in the world."
This has not been an
easy task given the history and geographical location of Turkey. She lies
at a strategic "crossroads" where two continents, Europe and
Asia meet, and also where cultures and civilizations come together. This
unique position gives her European, Balkan, Mediterranean, Middle
Eastern, Caucasian and Asian identities all at the same time. It has
exerted a strong influence on her foreign policy choices and has necessitated
a multidimensional foreign policy. In this context, the primary
objectives of Turkish foreign policy are to establish and to develop
friendly relations with all countries, in particular with neighboring
ones; to promote and to take part in regional and international
cooperation; to resolve disputes through peaceful means and to contribute
to regional peace, stability, security and prosperity.
|
