Remembering And Reminding The Significance, Meaning, And Provisions Of The Lausanne Peace Treaty In Its Centenary

Celebrating the centennial of the Lausanne Peace Treaty, signed on July 24, 1923, this article highlights its significance in laying the groundwork for the Republic of Turkey. The Treaty, a turning point in Turkish history, showcased the power of the Nationalist Movement led by Mustafa Kemal to establish an independent and sovereign Turkish state from a fragmented empire. The concepts of sovereignty and independence, foundational principles of the Republic, emerged from this struggle, emphasizing their importance in the Turkish War of Independence. In contrast to other treaties ending World War I, the Lausanne Peace Treaty remains valid and durable, regarded as the "birth certificate" of the Republic of Turkey. Despite criticism from some groups, Turkish people overwhelmingly support the Treaty. Recent questioning of the Treaty's aspects by academic platforms outside of Turkey serves as an opportunity to bring this historical document to the world's attention. The centennial celebrations will underscore the importance of independence and sovereignty in Turkey's history, and any attempts to amend the Treaty are likely to be met with strong opposition from Turkish public opinion