The Lausanne Peace Treaty and Turkish Public Opinion

Abstract

In this study, first, the emergence of Lausanne Peace Treaty, which would end "the Eastern Question" in favor of Turkish people, is briefly presented. Then the study delved into the process of signing the Lausanne Peace Treaty, reflections in Turkish media during and after the approval of the treaty by Turkish Congress, and the stance of Turkish people in this matter. To better illuminate the complexity of the issue, reactions to the treaty in the media of the period, such as Hâkimiyet-i Millîye, Vakit, Tanin, İkdâm, İleri, Akşam, Tevhid-i Efkâr, and Tan, have been examined. It has further been attempted to present the position of Turkish people before and after the treaty; the responses of the minorities, the stance of some official institutions, as well as positions and responses of some civilian organizations in that particular period.