Middle East Politics

1) The Turkey Question: A) Why is Turkey the only truly independent country to emerge out of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after WWI? Briefly sketch the major reforms of Kemalism in 1920’s and 30’s. If you were to compare the interwar regime in Turkey to that in Iran, in what ways the rule of Reza Shah similar to or different from that of Ataturk in Turkey? B) How was Turkey effected by the superpower rivalry that emerged after WWII? Give a rundown of major developments in this country from 1940’s to 1970’s. (Keywords for part B: Soviet expansionism; “Containment;” Domino Theory; The Truman Doctrine; NATO; Baghdad Pact; Multi-party system; Secularism; Social, economic, and demographic changes; Military coups and interventions.)

After quickly gaining popularity, Mustafa Kemal was able to take power by forming a nationalist government in 1920 and overthrowing the current authority in Istanbul in 1922. The premise was based on the claims which imperial powers made over Turkey and the fact that the interests of the nation were not represented by the Istanbul governing body. Kemal lead a successful resistance against the Christians against the Armenian state.   The new leader also was victorious against the Greeks, pushing the Greek army to Izmir and keeping it from advancing further into Turkey. Under the new government a National Pact was enforced, pertaining to Turkish sovereignty over lands where the population consisted of Turkish majority. Kemal further changed the structure by separating state and religion. The sovereignty was recognized under the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. The independence obtained by Turkey was greatly owned due to the persistence of Ismet Inonu, who was the representative from Ankara.
Kemal, also known as Ataturk, quickly began to introduce reforms after assuming power and changing the capital from Istanbul to Ankara – these reforms serve the basis of principles of Kemalism. With Inonu as the prime minister, in 1924 a new...