Establishment of the United Arab Republic and Turkey

Arab nationalism emerged in the 19th century with the missionary activities and the ideologies of Muslim intellectuals advocating for Islamic modernization. Nationalist activities spreading among Christian Arabs who interact with the West have progressed even more with the weakening of Ottoman State. Arab nationalism has gained strength through politicization due to mandatory regime established in the region after WWI. Declining effects of Western states in the Middle East after WWII had offered a significant opportunity to build a united Arab state. The most prominent incident that stamped on Arab nationalism has been the Arab-Israeli war in 1948. Loss of the war has lead Nasser and nationalist officers to stage Liberal Officers coup in Egypt. Nasser, who became the leader of Arab Nationalism, nationalized Suez Canal in 1956. Communism danger in Syria disturbed Baas Party leaders in 1957. Baas Party was concerned about a potential coup in favor of communism, and aspired for uniting Egypt and Syria. Upon acceptance of this offer by Nasser, UAR was established on February 1st, 1958. Turkey officially recognized this union soon after. Although Cemal Gürsel government, which was established after DP government overthrown by coup, made attempts to build a close relationship with UAR, the efforts were useless. UAR was dissolved by the coup in 1961. Turkey's recognition of the new Syria government after such dissolution has brought UAR and Turkey relations to complete end. This study examines impact of emerging nationalism in Arab world and establishment of UAR on Turkey-UAR relations as well as the relationship between Turkey and UAR. KEYWORDS: Turkey's Foreign Politics, United Arab Republic, Arab Nationalism, Egypt, Syria, Turkey.