Turkey?s Albania policy in interwar period (1919-1939)

Albania has had an important place in Turkey?s policies because of the historical background and strategic importance . To improve relations between Albania and Turkey, friendship treaties were signed in December 1923. After this process Turkey sent an embassador to Tirana. But when president Ahmet Zogu became king on 1 September 1928, relations of the two countries had reached the breaking point. Diplomatic relations between two countries were interrupted because this situation did not corresponding the policy of Turkey. With the impending danger of Italy and Germany, Turkey recognized Ahmet Zogu?s kingdom for the creation of the Balkan Union ın 1921. By sending an experienced statesman as an ambassador to Tirana, M. Kemal Atatürk wanted to show how important were Albania relations for Turkey .M. Kemal Atatürk?s special efforts were unfortunately failed when king Zogu?s sister princess Saniye got married to Abid Bey, son of II. Abdülhamit and relations were interrupted again. With this development, Turkish- Albanian relations had not been at the desired level until the death of Atatürk.Keywords: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ahmet Zogu, Balkan Union, Albania, Turkey.