Treaty of Ankara (1921)

The Treaty of Ankara (1921), also known as the Franco-Turkish Treaty of Ankara, was signed on 20 October 1921 between France and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, effectively ending the Franco-Turkish War. It was signed in Ankara.

The treaty was a significant diplomatic victory for the Turkish government in Ankara, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It revised the borders set by the Treaty of Sèvres, which the Turkish nationalists refused to recognize. France, seeking to secure its interests in the region and avoid further conflict, became the first major Allied power to formally recognize the Turkish government.

Key provisions of the treaty included:

• Territorial concessions: France ceded territory north of Syria to Turkey, including the region of Cilicia, which had been under French occupation. This provided Turkey with crucial access to resources and manpower.
• Border delineation: The treaty formally defined the border between Turkey and French-mandated Syria.
• Hatay (Alexandretta) status: The Sanjak of Alexandretta (Hatay) was granted a special autonomous status. It remained nominally under French mandate but was recognized as having a distinct Turkish culture and language. Turkish citizens were allowed to maintain their cultural institutions and language within the Sanjak. Hatay eventually became part of Turkey in 1939.
• Economic concessions: The treaty included provisions related to economic cooperation and the protection of French interests in Turkey.

The Treaty of Ankara was a turning point in the Turkish War of Independence. By securing French recognition and support, Turkey gained a crucial advantage in its struggle against the remaining Allied powers and solidified its position on the international stage. The treaty also paved the way for the subsequent Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, which formally recognized the modern borders of Turkey.