Select Date
Search Historical Events
14 December Today in History
Amnesty Decision After Sheikh Said Rebellion
Following the suppression of the Sheikh Said Rebellion, the government decided on a general amnesty on December 14, 1925. With this decision, many people who were imprisoned on the grounds that they participated in the rebellion were released.
Minister of National Defense Şükrü Saracoğlu Became Prime Minister
Şükrü Saracoğlu, who was the Minister of National Defense, became the Prime Minister on December 14, 1943. Saracoğlu led a government that continued Turkey's policy of remaining neutral during World War II.
The Constitution of the Republic of Turkey was Accepted
The constitution of the Republic of Turkey was accepted as a result of a referendum held on November 7, 1982, and it came into effect on December 14, 1982. This constitution was prepared after the military coup of September 12, 1980.
Beşiktaş Vodafone Park Opened
Beşiktaş JK's new stadium, Beşiktaş Vodafone Park, was officially opened on December 14, 2016. The stadium is equipped with a completely modern appearance and technology, with a capacity for 41,903 spectators.
Roald Amundsen's Antarctic expedition reaches the South Pole
Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer, reached the South Pole on December 14, 1911. Although this is not directly related to Germany, it's a significant event in human expedition history and was closely followed in Germany and around the world.
Spartacist uprising starts in Berlin
The Spartacist uprising, an armed revolt in Germany led by the Spartacist League, started in Berlin on December 14, 1918. This marked a significant point in the German Revolution of 1918-1919 and the early history of the Weimar Republic.
West Germany joins the United Nations
After many years of division and conflict during and after World War II, West Germany finally joined the United Nations on December 14, 1973, marking a significant step in its international recognition and diplomatic development.
EU Summit in Nice concludes with Treaty changes
After lengthy negotiations, European Union leaders concluded the Nice Summit on December 14, 2000. They agreed to reform the EU's institutions and decision-making process in preparation for enlargement, a process that directly affected Germany as a key member state.
Germany joins the fight against ISIS
On December 14, 2015, Germany decided to join the international coalition against ISIS. The German parliament approved a mandate that allows the deployment of up to 1,200 soldiers to Syria for reconnaissance and support roles, marking a rare decision for military engagement outside the NATO area.
The Great Storm
On December 14, 1287, a storm surge, known as the Saint Lucia's flood, ravaged England's east coast, reshaping the coastline and claiming thousands of lives.
Birth of Sir Morrell Mackenzie
Sir Morrell Mackenzie, a prominent British physician and one of the pioneers in laryngology, was born on this day. He is best known for his involvement in the case of Crown Prince Frederick of Germany, who was suffering from throat cancer.
The opening of the Holborn Viaduct power station
The first coal-fired power station in London, the Holborn Viaduct power station, began operations on 14th December 1878. It was the world's first public coal-fired power station, supplying street lighting and some private premises.
Turkey's first female member of parliament was elected.
Mebrure Aksoley, who was Turkey's first female member of parliament and a women's rights advocate, was elected as a member of parliament to the Grand National Assembly from Ankara.
'Bloody Sunday' events at Istanbul University.
In the event organized at Istanbul University, known as "Bloody Sunday", 3 students died and 70 students were injured in clashes between right-wing and left-wing students.
Start of the Maraş Massacre.
This marks the beginning of the events in Kahramanmaraş between December 14-25, resulting from right-left conflicts, in which hundreds of people, predominantly Alevi citizens, lost their lives and houses were burnt down.
South Pole expedition
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen's expedition reached the South Pole on this day, preceding a British expedition led by Captain Robert F. Scott. This event marked a significant moment in the history of polar exploration, and the subsequent death of Scott and his team on their return journey became a tragic part of British history.
The launch of Turkey's first private television channel.
Magic Box, the first private television channel in Turkey, which broadcasted foreign series and films, started its broadcasting.
Terrorist Attack at Beşiktaş Vodafone Park
In the conflict near Beşiktaş Vodafone Park, a bomb attack carried out by the terrorist organization PKK resulted in the death of 46 people and 166 people were injured.
The Last Moon Landing
On this day, the last manned mission to the moon, Apollo 17, landed back on Earth. The mission's Command Module Pilot was British-born American astronaut Michael Collins. His role in the successful return of the mission represented a significant achievement for the British-born astronaut.
George Washington's Death
George Washington, the first President of the United States, died at his plantation, Mount Vernon, from a severe throat infection.
Quantum Mechanics Pioneer Max Born
Max Born, who would go on to be one of the founders of quantum mechanics, was born on this day. Though not American by birth, his work had significant impact on the scientific community across the world, including the United States.
Adnan Menderes's tour of Istanbul
Adnan Menderes organized a tour in Istanbul on December 14, 1959. During this tour, Menderes visited historic and cultural sites in Istanbul and met with various communities.
Student incidents at Istanbul University
On December 14, 1963, student incidents broke out at Istanbul University. These incidents marked a significant turning point in student movements in Turkey.
Roald Amundsen Reaches South Pole
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the South Pole. This event had a significant impact on the United States and other countries in terms of future explorations and scientific studies in Antarctica.
Turkey's Accession to the European Union Customs Union
Turkey joined the European Union Customs Union on December 14, 1995. This paved the way for closer economic cooperation between Turkey and the EU.
Terrorist attack in Beşiktaş, Istanbul
On December 14, 2016, a bomb attack was carried out at a bus stop in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. Many people lost their lives and were injured in this attack.
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is founded
NASCAR, the company that would go on to govern multiple auto-racing sports events, was founded on this day. It has since become an integral part of American sports culture.
Turkey's Operation Olive Branch in Syria
On December 14, 2017, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch against terrorist organizations in Syria. This operation was considered an important step in Turkey's policy towards Syria.
Apollo 17 Astronauts Land on the Moon
Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt of Apollo 17 landed on the moon. They were the last humans to do so to this date, marking the end of NASA's Apollo moon landing missions.
The Texas Seven Escape
A group of inmates escaped from the John B. Connally Unit near Kenedy, Texas and went on a crime spree, while being the subjects of a manhunt by the authorities. The event led to changes in prison policies.
The Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting
A 20-year-old man, Adam Lanza, fatally shot 20 children and six adult staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. This tragic event ignited a nationwide debate on gun control.
The leader of the Sheikh Said Rebellion, Sheikh Said, was executed.
The Sheikh Said Rebellion is the first major rebellion of the Republic of Turkey. On December 14, 1925, the leader of the rebellion, Sheikh Said, was executed in Diyarbakir.
İsmet İnönü attended the Cairo Conference during World War II.
At the Cairo Conference, which was an important meeting to determine whether Turkey would participate in World War II, Turkish President İsmet İnönü met with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Founding Assembly began its operations.
As part of the transition to a multi-party life in the history of the Republic of Turkey, the Founding Assembly began its operations on December 14, 1946.
The Sivas Massacre case expired due to the statute of limitations.
The case, which was opened due to the incidents that occurred in Sivas on July 2, 1993, where 35 people lost their lives, expired due to the statute of limitations on December 14, 2014.
Russian Ambassador Karlov was assassinated.
Russia's Ambassador to Ankara, Andrey Karlov, lost his life as a result of an assassination organized in an art gallery in Ankara on December 14, 2016.
Turkey's First Radio Broadcast
Turkey's first radio broadcast was carried out in Istanbul on December 14, 1925. This broadcast is an important milestone in Turkey's broadcasting history in the modern sense.
The Annexation of Hatay to Turkey
On December 14, 1939, the State of Hatay, under French mandate, joined Turkey. This is an important event in terms of Turkey's territorial integrity.
Start of the Maraş Incidents
On December 14, 1978, the Maraş Incidents began in Maraş, resulting in the death of 105 people, thousands injured, and numerous houses destroyed. These incidents hold a significant place in Turkish history.
Stand-By Agreement with IMF in Turkey
On December 14, 1981, Turkey signed a Stand-By agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This agreement marked a significant turning point in Turkey's economic policies.
Beşiktaş's Transition to Vodafone Arena
On December 14, 2016, Beşiktaş Football Team played a match in their own stadium, the Vodafone Arena, for the first time in their 112-year history. This is a significant event in Turkish football history.
General Elections in Turkey
The general elections in Turkey took place on December 14, 1965. The Justice Party, under the leadership of Süleyman Demirel, received 52.9 percent of the vote, thereby becoming the sole power.
The Kidnapping of Three Ambassadors
On December 14, 1970, three ambassadors - British James Eliot, Belgian Marcel Dupert and Irish Sean Ronan, were kidnapped from their homes in Beirut by the El-Fatah organization. The El-Fatah organization demanded the release of its 16 members imprisoned in Turkey by kidnapping the ambassadors.
Turkey's Entry into the European Union Customs Union
On December 14, 1995, the Customs Union Agreement was signed between Turkey and the European Union. This agreement significantly deepened Turkey's trade relations with the EU.
Decision to Start Full Membership Negotiations of Turkey to the European Union
On December 14, 2004, the European Union made a decision to begin full membership negotiations with Turkey. This decision further advanced Turkey's relations with the European Union.
Referendum in Turkey
On December 14, 2010, a referendum was held in Turkey for a constitutional amendment. In this referendum, a series of constitutional changes that increased the executive influence over the judiciary was accepted.
Maraş Massacre
In 1978 in Turkey, 105 people lost their lives as a result of conflicts between left and right wing individuals in Maraş. This event is known in the political history of Turkey as the Maraş Massacre and is among the events that set the stage for the military coup of September 12, 1980.
Death Sentences After the September 12 Coup
After the coup of September 12, 1980, it was stated that a total of 683 people were sentenced to death on December 14, 1981. This date is a significant turning point in Turkey's recent history.
AK Party's Judicial Reform
The Turkish government, led by the Justice and Development Party (AKP), announced a judicial reform package to the public on December 14, 2008. These reforms were seen as a part of the modernization of the judicial system in Turkey and the EU harmonization processes.
December 17/25 Bribery and Corruption Operations
This date marks the beginning of the process leading to the December 17/25 Bribery and Corruption Operations that caused significant political tension in Turkey. On December 14, 2013, a number of individuals, including Halkbank General Manager Süleyman Aslan and his son Kaan Çağlayan, were taken into custody.
Bomb Attack After Beşiktaş Match
On December 14, 2016, a bomb attack took place after the Beşiktaş-Bursaspor football match played at Vodafone Park in Istanbul. In this attack, 38 people lost their lives and 166 people were injured. This incident is one of the terrorist attacks in Turkey in recent years.
Founding of Ankara University
On December 14, 1925, Ankara University, the first university of the Republic of Turkey, was established. The University, which was founded upon Ataturk's directives, adopted a contemporary approach to science.
Turkey's First Application to the European Court of Human Rights
Turkey made its first application to the European Court of Human Rights on December 14, 1981. This application was made based on Article 25 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
European Union Customs Union Agreement
On December 14, 1995, a Customs Union agreement was signed between Turkey and the European Union. This agreement was a significant step in Turkey's relations with the European Union and allowed products to circulate without customs duties.
NATO Summit in Istanbul
On December 14, 2004, the 17th summit of NATO was held in Istanbul. This event was hosted by Turkey and brought together the leaders of NATO member countries.
Roald Amundsen's South Pole Expedition
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, having set off from Germany, became the first person to reach the South Pole on 14th December 1911. His achievement was a pivotal moment in the history of exploration and brought international attention to Germany's position in polar expeditions.
Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt's Eastern Europe policy
On this day in 1973, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) under Chancellor Willy Brandt, formally recognized the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). This was a significant step in Brandt's Ostpolitik (Eastern policy), which aimed at improving relations with East Germany, the Soviet Union, and other Eastern European states during the Cold War.
Death of prominent German Jurist, Fritz Bauer
Fritz Bauer, a prominent German Jewish jurist and prosecutor, was known for his role in the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials in which 22 former SS officers were brought to trial for their roles in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. Though he passed away in 1968, it was on this day in 1980 that a street in Frankfurt was renamed after him in recognition of his contributions to justice.
Closure of Germany's Last Black Coal Mine
On 14th December 2000, the last black coal mine in the German Ruhr region, the "Hannover" mine in Bochum, was shut down. This marked the end of an era for Germany's industrial heartland and reflected the country's shift away from heavy industry towards a more technology- and service-based economy.
End of Angela Merkel's Leadership of the Christian Democratic Union
On this day in 2018, Angela Merkel stepped down as leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), though she continued to serve as Chancellor. This marked the beginning of the end of her long tenure in German politics. She had led the party for 18 years and had been Chancellor since 2005. This shift set the stage for a new era in German politics.
The Great Storm
On this date, one of the most severe storms in British history occurred. In Sussex, the storm changed the course of the River Rother, which had previously flowed to the sea at New Romney, to its present outlet at Rye. As a result, New Romney declined from a major port to a small village.
Death of James V of Scotland
James V of Scotland, father of Mary Queen of Scots, died on this day, most likely from cholera or dysentery. His death led to the ascension of his six-day-old daughter Mary to the Scottish throne.
Formation of the Scottish Missionary Society
On this day, the Scottish Missionary Society was formed in Edinburgh. It was an interdenominational society that sent missionaries to places like Jamaica and India.
Premiere of the play "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest" premiered in London on this day. This comedic play is one of Wilde's most popular and enduring works.
South Pole Reached by Roald Amundsen
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team became the first people to reach the South Pole. Although this event did not directly involve the UK, it was a significant moment in the "Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration", in which Britain was heavily involved. It added to the rivalry between Britain and Norway, as British explorer Robert Falcon Scott reached the pole a month later, only to find the Norwegian flag flying there.
Britain Introduces Decimal Currency
On this day, the British government introduced a decimal currency system, abandoning the old pounds, shillings, and pence. This was a major change in the country's monetary system.
George Washington's Death
The first President of the United States, George Washington, died at his plantation, Mount Vernon, in Virginia. His death was a significant event in early American history and was mourned by the nation.
Alabama Becomes a State
Alabama was admitted to the Union as the 22nd state, following the Missouri Compromise. This political event further expanded the United States and led to further tensions between the North and South over the issues of slavery and states' rights.
Quantum Theory Proposal
Max Planck, a German theoretical physicist, presented his quantum theory to the German Physical Society. While not an American event, this scientific discovery has greatly influenced the world and has significantly impacted American scientific research and development.
South Pole Discovery
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team became the first people to reach the South Pole, beating a British team led by Robert Falcon Scott. While not a direct American event, this was a major milestone in the Age of Exploration, which the United States was actively involved in.
NASA's Mariner 2 Spacecraft
The Mariner 2, an unmanned NASA spacecraft, flies by Venus and becomes the first spacecraft to successfully encounter another planet. This marked a major advancement in space exploration for the United States.
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting
A mass shooting took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Twenty children between six and seven years old, as well as six adult staff members, were killed. This tragic event sparked a heated national debate over gun control in the United States.
Louis XVI Calls for Estates-General
On 14th December 1788, King Louis XVI issued a formal call to convene the Estates-General, a significant event in the early stages of the French Revolution. The Estates-General was a legislative and consultative assembly of the different classes (or 'estates') of French subjects. This was the first time it had been summoned since 1614.
Plot of the Rue Saint-Nicaise
On this day in 1800, the Plot of the Rue Saint-Nicaise, also known as the "Infernal Machine" plot, took place. This was an attempt to assassinate First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte. The plot involved a bomb placed in a cart and detonated in the rue Saint-Nicaise, a street in Paris. Although Napoleon escaped unharmed, several bystanders were killed or injured.
The Vincent Auriol Presidency
On 14th December 1947, French politician Vincent Auriol was elected the first President of the Fourth French Republic. His term lasted from 1947 to 1954. Auriol was previously a Minister of Finance and served as a member of the French resistance during World War II.
Birth of Artist and Poet Pierre-Arnold Bernard
Pierre-Arnold Bernard, more known as Pierre Jean Jouve, was born on this day. He was a renowned French writer, known for his complex and tormented works that heavily explore the human psyche. His significant works include 'Paulina 1880' and 'Hecate'.
Birth of Jimmy Berliet
On this day in 1896, French industrialist Marius Berliet's son, Jimmy Berliet, was born. He took over the family business of manufacturing automobiles and commercial vehicles, turning it into a leading French brand, Berliet, in the truck industry until its acquisition by Renault in 1974.