Overview
The lecture covers the significance, background, main points, and historical impact of the Treaty of Lausanne, marking the international recognition of the Republic of Turkey.
Background and Road to Lausanne
- After World War I, the Ottoman Empire was forced to sign the harsh Treaty of Sèvres.
- The Turkish nation rejected the Treaty of Sèvres and fought the War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
- Victory in the War of Independence led to the Armistice of Mudanya (October 11, 1922), ending armed conflict.
- The Mudanya Armistice paved the way for peace talks in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Treaty of Lausanne (July 24, 1923)
- The treaty was signed between Turkey and major powers: UK, France, Italy, Greece, and Japan.
- İsmet İnönü led the Turkish delegation during challenging negotiations.
- The Treaty of Lausanne replaced the Treaty of Sèvres and officially recognized Turkish independence.
Main Articles of the Treaty of Lausanne
- Borders:
- Eastern border fixed by the Treaty of Kars.
- Southern border based on the Ankara Agreement with France.
- Western border set with Greece along the Maritsa River; Gökçeada (Imbros) and Bozcaada (Tenedos) remained Turkish.
- Capitulations:
- All foreign privileges from the Ottoman period were abolished.
- Minorities:
- Non-Muslim minorities were recognized as Turkish citizens with equal rights.
- Straits:
- The Bosporus and Dardanelles were put under an international commission but stayed under Turkish sovereignty.
- Turkey could not limit passage of foreign warships (later changed by the Montreux Convention, 1936).
- Ottoman Debts:
- Ottoman debts were shared among Turkey and other successor states.
- The Patriarchate:
- The Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate stayed in Istanbul, limited to religious authority.
Importance and Impact
- The Republic of Turkey’s independence was formally acknowledged.
- The international community accepted the new Turkish state.
- The Treaty of Sèvres was invalidated.
- Turkey demonstrated diplomatic sovereignty alongside military success.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Treaty of Sèvres — Post-WWI treaty imposing harsh terms on the Ottoman Empire.
- War of Independence — Turkish military campaign against occupying powers after WWI.
- Armistice of Mudanya — Ceasefire agreement ending fighting before Lausanne negotiations.
- Capitulations — Special legal rights and privileges for foreigners under the Ottoman Empire.
- Straits — The Bosporus and Dardanelles waterways connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.
- Patriarchate — The Fener Greek Orthodox religious leadership in Istanbul.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review main articles of the Treaty of Lausanne for potential exam questions.
- Prepare a summary comparing the Treaty of Sèvres and the Treaty of Lausanne.