Turkey

Explore the rich and complex history of Turkey, from its ancient roots in Anatolia to the modern Republic. This timeline highlights the significant events that shaped Turkey's cultural, political, and social landscape, including the rise and fall of empires, independence, and its pivotal role in global affairs.

29 oktober 1923

5 december 1934

20 juli 1974

12 september 1980

15 november 1983

17 augustus 1999

19 februari 2001

28 mei 2013

15 juli 2016

30 oktober 2020

29oktober
1923
29 October 1923

Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey

On October 29, 1923, the Republic of Turkey was officially proclaimed, marking the end of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of modern Turkey. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk became the first President of Turkey, initiating a series of reforms to modernize the country along Western lines. This event marked a significant shift in Turkish society and governance, as Atatürk and his followers introduced secularism and a Western-style legal code, amongst other reforms.

05december
1934
05 December 1934

Women Granted Suffrage in Turkey

On December 5, 1934, the Turkish parliament passed a law that granted full suffrage to women, allowing them to vote and be elected. This was a significant progression in women's rights in Turkey and a part of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's broader efforts to modernize and secularize the nation. Turkey became one of the first countries in Europe to grant women these political rights, ahead of many Western nations.

20juli
1974
20 July 1974

Turkish Invasion of Cyprus

On July 20, 1974, Turkey launched a military intervention in Cyprus in response to a Greek-backed coup on the island. The operation, code-named 'Operation Atilla', resulted in Turkey gaining control of approximately 37% of Cyprus's territory. The intervention led to a de facto partition of the island and the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. The intervention has had long-lasting effects on Greek-Turkish and international relations.

12september
1980
12 September 1980

1980 Turkish Military Coup

On September 12, 1980, the Turkish military staged a coup d'état, taking control of the government. The coup was led by Chief of General Staff Kenan Evren and was the third coup in Turkey's history. The military justified the coup by citing political instability and economic issues. The coup led to the dissolution of parliament, the imposition of martial law, and widespread arrests of political activists, resulting in a dramatic impact on Turkish politics and society.

15november
1983
15 November 1983

Declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

On November 15, 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was declared by the Turkish Cypriot leadership. The TRNC is only recognized as a sovereign state by Turkey. The declaration of the TRNC followed years of complex political and military tensions on the island of Cyprus and is a major point of contention in Greek-Turkish relations. This unilateral declaration is seen as a response to the failure to reach a settlement on the Cyprus issue and continues to impact diplomatic relations.

17augustus
1999
17 August 1999

1999 İzmit Earthquake

On August 17, 1999, a devastating earthquake struck the Marmara region of Turkey, with its epicenter near the city of İzmit. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6 and caused extensive damage, resulting in the death of over 17,000 people and injuring thousands more. It was one of the deadliest and most destructive earthquakes in modern Turkish history, leading to widespread homelessness and prompting a reevaluation of earthquake preparedness and building codes in the country.

Sources:
USGS |
19februari
2001
19 February 2001

2001 Turkish Economic Crisis

On February 19, 2001, Turkey faced a severe financial crisis triggered by a public dispute between the President and the Prime Minister. The crisis led to a dramatic fall in the Turkish lira's value, a sharp rise in inflation, and a significant economic contraction. The crisis prompted rapid intervention by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and led to sweeping economic reforms, including banking sector restructuring and fiscal discipline measures.

28mei
2013
28 May 2013

Gezi Park Protests

The Gezi Park protests began on May 28, 2013, initially as a demonstration against the planned redevelopment of Gezi Park in Istanbul. The protests quickly grew into a nationwide movement against the government's authoritarian policies under Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Protesters clashed with police, who used tear gas and water cannons. The protests marked a significant moment in modern Turkish history as a wide array of citizens took part in expressing dissatisfaction with the government.

Sources:
CNN |
15juli
2016
15 July 2016

2016 Turkish Coup Attempt

On July 15, 2016, a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces attempted to overthrow the government. The coup plotters used tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets as they attempted to seize control of key locations in Ankara and Istanbul. The attempt was quickly suppressed by loyalist forces and civilian resistance. The failed coup led to a large-scale government crackdown on military personnel and civilians accused of being involved with the coup, dramatically affecting the political landscape in Turkey.

Sources:
30oktober
2020
30 October 2020

2020 Aegean Sea earthquake

On October 30, 2020, a powerful earthquake struck the Aegean Sea, affecting Greek islands and Turkey's İzmir province. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.0 and resulted in significant damage in İzmir, where numerous buildings collapsed. It caused the deaths of at least 117 people in Turkey and led to rescue operations that saved many lives from under the rubble. This disaster drew attention to building practices in seismic zones, emphasizing the importance of stringent building codes.

Frequently asked questions about Turkey

Discover commonly asked questions regarding Turkey. If there are any questions we may have overlooked, please let us know.

Who was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and what was his role in Turkish history?

What was the significance of the Treaty of Lausanne for Turkey?

What are the significant historical periods in the timeline of Turkey?

When did the Ottoman Empire come to an end?

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