Turkish-British relations According to the Turkish press during the Second World War (1939-1945)

ABSTRACT Turkish-British Relations According to the Turkish Press During the Second World War (1939-1945) Hatice KIZILTAŞ Master Thesis FIRAT UNIVERSITY Graduate School of Social Sciences HISTORY History of the Republic of Turkey Program Agust, 2025, Page: VII + 136 Turkish-British relations began in 1396 with the Battle of Nicopolis, where the two states confron tedeach other In the lead-up to World War I, relations between the Ottoman Empire and Britain gradually deterioratedand eventually reached a breaking point. With the Ottoman Empire entering the war on the side of Germany in 1914, it faced Britain on multiple fronts, particularly in Gallipoli, Iraq, and Palestine. The Ottoman Empire's choice of alliance created a deep rupture in Turkish-British relations. Britain's support for Arab revolts and its imperial ambitions toward Ottoman territories were among the most critical elements of this period. During this time, a decision was made to abolish the caliphate and the sultanate, which were seen as obstacles to the national struggle. At the end of World War I, following the success of the Turkish War of Independence, conferences such as the Lausanne Conference and the Montreux Convention were held between the Ottoman Empire (soon to become the Republic of Turkey), Britain, and its allies. During the negotiations, tensions arose particularly around the Mosul issue. As a result of an agreement between the two states, Turkey made its first concession from the National Pact (Misak-ı Millî) by relinquishing its claim to Mosul. In the lead-up to World War II, relations between the two countries began to improve. Aware of Turkey's geopolitical significance, Britain and France signed the Tripartite Alliance Agreement with Turkey to bring it to their side. However, fearing the Soviet Union, Turkey declared that it would pursue a policy of neutrality. During this period, the press covered the war and various conferences. Conferences involving Britain were held with the aim of persuading Turkey to join the war, during which promises were made regarding military and economic support. When World War II ended with Germany's defeat, Turkey officially entered the war. After the war, Turkey faced a strong reaction from Britain and was left vulnerable to the Soviet threat. During this period, the United States provided aid to Turkey. Keywords: Press, England, Diplomacy