42) KPSS / AGS Tarih - Milli Mücadele Muharebeler Dönemi IV (Diplomatik Dönem) -Ramazan YETGİN -2026

The video introduces the fourth phase of the National Struggle, focusing on diplomatic activities, specifically the Mudanya Armistice Agreement, the abolition of the Sultanate, and the road to Lausanne. It highlights the significance of this period, often yielding exam questions, and promises to cover 30 related questions at the end.

Following the Commander-in-Chief Battle, Mustafa Kemal's forces advanced towards the Bosphorus, leading to the Çanakkale Crisis with the British. This diplomatic tension resulted in preliminary agreements in İzmir, which set the stage for a conference in Mudanya. İsmet İnönü was appointed as Turkey's representative. The negotiations were difficult, with the Entente Powers, especially the British, initially denying Turkey's victory over them, claiming it was only against Greece. İsmet İnönü's steadfastness and even his partial hearing loss were used strategically during these talks.

The Mudanya Armistice was a major success, as it secured Eastern Thrace, Edirne, Kırklareli, and Tekirdağ without further combat. İstanbul and the Bosphorus were also provisionally conceded to Turkey, pending a peace treaty. The agreement marked the end of the military phase of the National Struggle and the beginning of the diplomatic phase. It legally recognized the Ankara government and effectively nullified the Ottoman government's authority, paving the way for the abolition of the Sultanate. The British Prime Minister, Lord George, resigned due to the political repercussions of this agreement.

The Sultanate was abolished on November 1, 1922, primarily because the Entente Powers invited both the İstanbul and Ankara governments to the Lausanne Conference, aiming to create disunity. The existence of two governments in Anatolia was detrimental to national interests and hindered national sovereignty. The abolition was a crucial step towards establishing a national, democratic government and ended the 600-year Ottoman rule. It also created a void regarding the head of state and the state's regime, issues later resolved by the declaration of the Republic and the presidency.

The Turkish delegation to Lausanne was led by İsmet İnönü, who became the Foreign Minister for this purpose, replacing Yusuf Kemal Tengirşenk. Other key delegates included Hasan Saka (former Minister of Economy) and Rıza Nur (Minister of Health). Mustafa Kemal Atatürk provided strict guidelines: no concessions on requests for an Armenian homeland in Eastern Anatolia and the complete abolition of capitulations. The conference saw wide international participation, including Japan, Bulgaria, and Russia on certain issues, with the USA as an observer.

The first phase of the Lausanne negotiations, from November 20, 1922, to February 4, 1923, was fraught with disagreements, particularly over capitulations, Ottoman debts, and the status of the Bosphorus. İsmet İnönü famously stated, 'We came here from Mudanya, not Mondros,' emphasizing Turkey's position as a victorious power. The talks stalled due to the Entente Powers' insistence on retaining capitulations and their demands for Greek war reparations. This led to a temporary halt in negotiations.

During the break in Lausanne negotiations (February 4 - April 23, 1923), two significant events occurred in Turkey. First, the İzmir Economic Congress was held in February, chaired by Kazım Karabekir, where economic principles (Misak-ı İktisadi) were formulated to guide the new state's economic development and resist foreign economic dominance. Second, the Grand National Assembly decided to renew general elections for the first time, ensuring a stronger parliamentary mandate for the ongoing negotiations.

The second phase of Lausanne successfully abolished capitulations and wartime debts, reflecting Turkey's determined stance against foreign economic control. Regarding borders, the Eastern border was confirmed by the Kars Treaty, and the Southern border by the Ankara Treaty with France. However, the Iraqi border (Mosul issue) remained unresolved and was deferred to bilateral negotiations between Turkey and Britain. The status of the Bosphorus was regulated by an international commission, which was not entirely to Turkey's satisfaction. Patras was allowed to remain in İstanbul but without ecumenical claims. Minorities (Ekalliyet) were granted Turkish citizenship, ending foreign intervention based on their status. War reparations from Greece were settled by ceding Karaağaç and Bosnaköy to Turkey. Foreign schools were brought under Turkish law. The population exchange agreement with Greece stipulated that Greeks in İstanbul and Turks in Western Thrace were 'établis' (established) and exempt from exchange, while others were exchanged.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk described the Treaty of Lausanne as 'a document that declared the great assassination attempt, prepared for centuries against the Turkish nation and thought to be completed with the Treaty of Sèvres, to be fruitless.' He also emphasized that the negotiations dealt with deeply rooted historical problems extending over 300-400 years, making their resolution a complex and lengthy process. Areas like the Bosphorus, Hatay, Patras, foreign schools, and external debts would continue to be subjects of contention in Turkish foreign policy for years to come, demonstrating that Lausanne, while a significant victory, did not resolve all historical complications immediately.