Opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey

Historical Importance and Background

The opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey is considered the beginning of Turkey having a democratic parliament in a modern sense. This event took place on January 19, 1920, in Ankara.

By the year 1920, the Ottoman Empire was experiencing a period of collapse. With the signing of the Armistice of Mudros after World War I, the Ottoman Empire was effectively occupied, and British, French, and Italian soldiers were stationed in Istanbul.

During this period, the Turkish people were showing great resistance to the occupiers and the Ottoman government. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of the National Movement, called on the Turkish nation to fight for independence, and the resistance movement began in Anatolia.

Development of the Event

Selection of Ankara

Ankara was chosen as the center of the Turkish national movement. This was a choice made due to Istanbul being under occupation and the necessity to establish a parliament that would represent the national will.

Establishment of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey, which was opened on April 23, 1920, was formed by representatives of the Turkish nation. The purpose of the Assembly was to establish a government that would fight for Turkey's independence and sovereignty.

Continuation of the National Movement

With the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, necessary steps were taken to organize and sustain the National Movement. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was appointed as the president of the Assembly and recognized as the leader of the National Movement.

Results and Effects

The opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was a demonstration of the Turkish nation's national will and their efforts to determine their own destiny. The short-term effects of this event were as follows:

• The legitimacy of the Ottoman government in Istanbul weakened, and the support of the occupiers decreased.
• The resistance movement in Anatolia gained strength and the National Movement was further organized.
• The Grand National Assembly of Turkey was recognized internationally as the representative of a government fighting for independence.

In the long term, the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was an expression of the Turkish nation's desire to establish a democratic state structure. This event is considered a turning point in laying the foundations of the Republic of Turkey.

Historical Importance and Reflections to the Present

The opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey is a significant turning point in Turkish history. The reflections of this event to the present are as follows:

• The establishment of the Republic of Turkey and the formation of a democratic state structure were realized as a result of this event.
• The Grand National Assembly of Turkey is considered a symbol of Turkish democracy and maintains its central position in Turkish political life.
• Turkey's democratic values have gained further strength with the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

Today, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey is a source used to determine important events and decisions in Turkish history. It continues to serve as the place where the representatives of the Turkish people are elected and decisions are made.

The opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey is a significant turning point in Turkish history and is regarded as one of the most important steps in Turkey's democratization process.