The Treaty of Lausanne is the first international treaty signed by the Republic of Turkey after it was founded. With this treaty, the military victory of the War of Independence turned into a political success. The Treaty of Lausanne canceled the Treaty of Sèvres and recognized the independence of the new Turkish state.
The Road to Lausanne
After World War I, the Ottoman Empire was forced to sign the Treaty of Sèvres, which had very harsh conditions. However, the Turkish nation never accepted this. Under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the War of Independence was won. Then, the enemy states had to come to peace talks. On October 11, 1922, the Armistice of Mudanya was signed, ending armed conflict and paving the way for peace negotiations in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Treaty of Lausanne (July 24, 1923)
The Treaty of Lausanne was signed between Turkey and countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Greece, and Japan. The Turkish delegation was led by İsmet İnönü. The talks were very challenging, but Turkey remained firm and achieved significant gains.
Main Articles of the Treaty of Lausanne
🔹 Borders:
The eastern border was determined by the Treaty of Kars.
The southern border was based on the Ankara Agreement with France.
The western border was determined with Greece: the Maritsa River became the border. Gökçeada (Imbros) and Bozcaada (Tenedos) remained with Turkey, while other Aegean islands were given to Greece.
🔹 Capitulations:
All capitulations (special privileges for foreigners) from the Ottoman era were abolished.
🔹 Minorities:
Non-Muslim minorities in Turkey were recognized as Turkish citizens and granted equal rights.
🔹 Straits (Bosporus and Dardanelles):
The Straits were placed under an international commission, but remained under Turkish sovereignty.
Turkey could not restrict the passage of foreign warships.
(This was later changed with the Montreux Convention in 1936.)
🔹 Ottoman Debts:
The Ottoman Empire’s debts were divided between Turkey and other successor states.
🔹 The Patriarchate:
The Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate was allowed to stay in Istanbul, but only with religious authority.
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Importance of the Treaty of Lausanne
The independence of the Republic of Turkey was officially recognized.
The new Turkish state was accepted internationally.
The Treaty of Sèvres became null and void.
The Turkish nation proved its independence and sovereignty diplomatically as well.
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Conclusion
The Treaty of Lausanne is a turning point in Turkish history. With this treaty, a new era began — the era of the Republic of Turkey. Lausanne is both a diplomatic success and the final step of the national struggle for independence