Post-Ottoman Legacy in the Middle East: A Compendium of 100 Years of Turkish Foreign Policy.

• Author: Bakir, Ali

Introduction

Turkiye's foreign policy, spanning over a century, offers a fascinating lens through which one can examine the nation's journey from its Ottoman legacy to its current stance in international relations. The current article looks into Turkiye's diplomatic initiatives and foreign policy conduct towards the Middle East region during the last 100 years based on the historical account of events. It aims to introduce a comprehensive yet compact understanding of Turkish diplomacy and foreign policy conduct towards this region. By tracing its roots and evolution, the article sheds light on the myriad factors that have shaped its course, offering insights into the evolving trajectory of Turkiye's multifaceted and adaptive foreign policy and role in the Middle East.

Formulation and Conduct

Since its establishment as a republic in 1923, Turkiye has navigated the intricate waters of international relations, crafting a foreign policy that is both multifaceted and adaptive. A centenary of diplomacy informs us that Turkiye's foreign policy is a dynamic entity, constantly evolving (1) to meet the challenges and opportunities of the global stage and regional theater. At its core, it remains a pragmatic endeavor with the overarching aim of safeguarding and promoting Turkiye's national interests.

The formulation and conduct of Turkiye's foreign policy is not a straight-forward endeavor; it involves a complex interplay of various primary determinants. Firstly, geography plays a pivotal role. Straddling the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkiye's unique position has historically made it a nexus of geopolitical interests. This geographical centrality has often thrust Turkiye into the heart of major regional and global events, necessitating a foreign policy that is both responsive and proactive.

Internal dynamics, including political, economic, and social factors, have also significantly influenced Turkiye's foreign policy formation and decisions. The vision set forth by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk during the republic's early years, emphasizing modernization and secularism, laid the foundation for Turkiye's initial westward orientation. However, as the nation evolved, so did its internal priorities, which in turn shaped its external engagements.

Regional and international dynamics further complicate the foreign policy matrix. Turkiye's interactions with neighboring countries, its role in regional organizations, and its alliances with major global powers have all been instrumental in shaping its foreign policy trajectory. The Cold War era, for instance, saw Turkiye firmly aligning with the Western bloc, primarily driven by security concerns posed by the Soviet Union.

Yet, it is essential to recognize that foreign policy decisions are not solely the product of impersonal forces. The personal traits and characteristics of decision-makers, especially leaders, play a crucial role. Their worldviews, experiences, and even personal approaches and sets of beliefs can significantly influence a nation's foreign policy direction and conduct. Ataturk and President Erdogan are prime examples. (2)

Economic interests, security needs and concerns, and threat perceptions have consistently been at the forefront of Turkiye's foreign policy considerations. Whether it's securing energy routes, fostering trade partnerships, or addressing security threats, Turkiye's foreign policy has often been pragmatic, prioritizing tangible national interests over ideological pursuits.

All these factors have profoundly impacted Turkiye's position and foreign policy towards the Middle East too. This pragmatism is evident in the various transformations Turkiye's foreign policy has undergone over the last century.

Middle East Foreign Policy of the Nascent Republic

The dissolution of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the First World War marked a significant turning point in the geopolitics of the Middle East. The empire, which had lasted for over six centuries, left behind a complex legacy that has continued to shape the region's political landscape. The end of the Ottoman Empire ushered in a new era for Turkiye, one that required a recalibration of its foreign policy. As the successor state of the Ottoman Empire, Turkiye has played a pivotal role in navigating this legacy. Over the past century, Turkiye's approach to the Middle East has evolved, reflecting both its historical legacy and its aspirations as a regional power.

The Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 was a cornerstone event that defined the borders of the new Turkish Republic and recognized its sovereignty. This was a transformative moment, not just for Turkiye but for the entire Middle East. This treaty had far-reaching implications for Turkiye's relations with its neighbors, as it signaled a clear break from the multi-ethnic, multi-religious Ottoman past and a move towards a more homogeneous nation-state. (3)

The newly established Turkish Republic, under the rule of Ataturk, prioritized nation-building, internal reforms, and social engineering. Therefore, Turkiye largely ignored its neighbors in the Middle East. The efforts to secularize Turkiye and distance it from its Ottoman heritage, however, had a dual effect on Turkiye's relations with Middle Eastern countries. On the one hand, Turkiye's secular identity made it an outlier in a predominantly Muslim region. On the other hand, the shared history and cultural ties could not be entirely erased, and they continued to influence Turkiye's ties with the region.

Paradoxically, the Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, opted to adopt the Kemalist regime as its model, especially when it comes to Ataturk's "social engineering" efforts. (4) While the focus was inward, Turkiye's policy towards its neighbors in the Middle East was characterized by non-interference and a desire to establish cordial relations. For instance, in 1937, Turkiye played a leading role in the Treaty of Saadabad, a treaty of friendship and non-aggression between Turkiye, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. (5)

The Second World War was another defining event. Turkiye managed to maintain a policy of neutrality for most of the war, a decision that was emblematic of its broader foreign policy approach: pragmatic and cautious. Turkiye's late entry into the war on the side of the Allies in 1945 was a calculated move aimed at securing a favorable position in the post-war order. This decision also marked a significant shift in Turkiye's foreign policy orientation, pushing it closer to the Western bloc as the Cold War loomed on the horizon.

On March 22, 1945, the Arab League, comprising eight members was established. Turkiye welcomed this initiative, and the secretary general of the Arab League made statements stressing the importance of Turkish-Arab friendship. (6) In 1946, the Turkish-Iraqi Treaty of Friendship was signed. This step had a positive impact on Turkiye's relations with its Arab neighbors, especially Syria and Lebanon. In 1947, a treaty of friendship and good neighborliness was signed with Jordan during the visit of King Abdullah to Ankara. (7) When Palestine became an international matter, Turkiye favored the Arab stance. Just like the Arab countries, Turkiye voted against the partitioning of Palestine in the UN on November 30, 1947. The Arabs appreciated Turkiye's position, which was contrary to the positions of both the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The President of Syria, Shukri al-Kuwatly, sent a special telegram to thank Ankara. (8)

The Cold War...