1920: The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) is founded in Ankara. The assembly denounces the government of Sultan Mehmed VI and announces the preparation of a temporary constitution.
Ankara Rising: The Day Turkey Declared Independence (Without Quite Saying It)
April 23rd, 1920. A date that might not roll off the tongue as easily as 1776 or 1789, but holds a pivotal place in Turkish history. On this day, in the heart of Anatolia, far from the Ottoman capital of Istanbul, something truly revolutionary occurred: the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi – TBMM) was founded in Ankara. This wasn't just another political gathering; it was a defiant act of independence, a direct challenge to the crumbling Ottoman Sultanate, and the seed from which the modern Republic of Turkey would eventually blossom.
To understand the significance of this event, we need to rewind a little. The Ottoman Empire, once a global superpower, had been reduced to a shadow of its former self by the early 20th century. World War I dealt the final blow, leaving the empire defeated, occupied by Allied forces, and facing dismemberment under the terms of the Treaty of Sèvres. Sultan Mehmed VI, a figurehead controlled by the victorious Allies, was widely perceived as complicit in this humiliation, prioritizing his own survival over the nation’s interests.
Amidst this despair and occupation, a spark of resistance ignited. That spark was personified by Mustafa Kemal, a charismatic and brilliant military commander who had distinguished himself at the Battle of Gallipoli. Kemal recognized that the Sultanate was beyond saving and that the only way to secure Turkey's future was through national resistance and self-determination.
After resigning from his position in the Ottoman army, Kemal traveled to Anatolia, rallying support and organizing resistance groups. He argued that the Sultan's government was illegitimate and that the Turkish people had the right to determine their own destiny. This call for national sovereignty resonated deeply with a populace weary of foreign interference and the Sultan's perceived weakness.
The foundation of the TBMM in Ankara was the culmination of these efforts. Ankara, geographically positioned inland and less vulnerable to Allied control than Istanbul, was chosen as the base for this new national movement. On April 23rd, amidst humble surroundings, delegates from across the country gathered, representing a broad spectrum of Turkish society. They included military officers, intellectuals, landowners, and religious leaders, all united by a common goal: to liberate Turkey from foreign occupation and establish a new, independent nation.
The significance of the TBMM goes beyond its geographical location. It was a radical departure from the centuries-old Ottoman political structure. The assembly, rather than the Sultan, was declared the supreme authority in Turkey. This was a revolutionary shift in power, effectively establishing a parallel government that refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Sultan's regime in Istanbul.
One of the first actions of the TBMM was to denounce the government of Mehmed VI. The assembly declared that the Sultan, under the control of the Allied powers, no longer represented the will of the Turkish people. This bold declaration served as a clear statement of independence, although the assembly cleverly avoided formally declaring the Sultanate abolished at this stage. This pragmatic approach was likely designed to avoid further alienating conservative elements within the country and to focus on the immediate priority: resisting foreign occupation.
Crucially, the TBMM also announced the preparation of a temporary constitution, a fundamental document that would outline the principles of governance for the new Turkey. This constitution, known as the "Teşkilât-ı Esasiye Kanunu," emphasized national sovereignty, popular representation, and the importance of defending the country's territorial integrity. It laid the groundwork for a democratic and modern nation-state, rejecting the autocratic traditions of the Ottoman past.
The creation of the TBMM was not just a political maneuver; it was a declaration of intent. It signaled to the world that the Turkish people were determined to fight for their independence and that they were willing to forge a new future for themselves. The events of April 23rd, 1920, set the stage for the Turkish War of Independence, a bloody and arduous struggle that would ultimately lead to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
The TBMM, born out of crisis and fueled by national aspirations, stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Turkish people. It's a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, a unified vision and the courage to act can reshape the course of history. And that's a lesson that resonates far beyond the borders of Turkey, even today. So, the next time you hear the date April 23rd, remember the small assembly room in Ankara, where a nation's destiny was redefined.
0 Comments