Ankara Becoming the Capital of the Republic of Turkey

Historical Significance and Background

The designation of Ankara as the capital of the Republic of Turkey is a significant turning point in Turkish history. This event occurred as a result of a vote in the Parliament. The selection of Ankara as the capital represents more than just an administrative change. It signifies the establishment and future of the Republic of Turkey.

The 1920s were a tumultuous period for Turkey. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the country was under occupation and fighting for independence. The Turkish nation, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was engaged in a fierce struggle to reclaim the homeland from the enemy.

Prior to this event, the capital of the Turkish nation was located in Istanbul. However, Istanbul was not suitable as the center of the Republic of Turkey due to the occupation. Therefore, the search for a safer and more strategic location for the country's new capital began. This search led to the recognition of the importance of Ankara.

Development of the Event

Selection of Ankara

Ankara was chosen as the capital of the Republic of Turkey in 1920. In a vote held in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Ankara surpassed other potential candidates such as Izmir and Sivas. The members of the Assembly made this decision considering the strategic location, security, and suitability of Ankara for the national struggle.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk had a significant influence behind the selection of Ankara. Atatürk supported the decision to make Ankara the center of the Republic of Turkey and emphasized that this decision was an important step for the future of the country.

Construction of the New Capital

Following the selection of Ankara as the capital, the construction of the new capital began rapidly. New buildings, government offices, schools, and other public institutions were constructed. This allowed Ankara to rapidly develop and become a modern capital.

Additionally, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), a parliament building representing all elements of the Turkish nation, was constructed in Ankara. The TBMM became a symbol of national sovereignty, hosting Turkey's democratic institutions.

Consequences and Effects

The designation of Ankara as the capital of the Republic of Turkey had various consequences and effects. In the short term, the selection of Ankara as the capital enabled the establishment of the central government of the Republic of Turkey. This represented Turkey's national power and sovereignty.

In the long term, Ankara's status as the capital contributed significantly to Turkey's modernization and westernization. Ankara made great progress in industrialization, infrastructure development, education, and culture.

Furthermore, Ankara's status as the capital became a symbol representing the founding values of the Republic of Turkey. Ankara was recognized as a symbol of Atatürk's reforms and a secular, democratic, and modern Turkey.

Historical Significance and Reflections to the Present

The designation of Ankara as the capital of the Republic of Turkey has maintained its significance in Turkish history to the present day. Ankara remains the political, economic, and cultural center of Turkey. Today, Ankara, still serving as the administrative center of Turkey, hosts the country's decision-making processes.

Ankara's status as the capital serves as an example of Turkey's achievements in the process of modernization. Ankara contributes to Turkey's development through its public institutions, universities, industrial zones, and infrastructure projects.

Additionally, Ankara being the capital emphasizes Turkey's democratic values and national unity. Ankara brings together people from different regions of Turkey, reflecting the country's diversity and culture of coexistence.

Among the lessons drawn from Ankara's designation as the capital is the fact that the selection of a capital can shape a country's national identity and future. Ankara's designation as the capital has been an inspiration for Turkey's struggle for independence and modernization efforts.