Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Tarih Dergisi

Öz

In this article, we will explore and introduce the book “History of Turkey in the 20th Century,” authored by Nikolay Gavrilovich Kireev, a scholar at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IVRAN), and edited by Rostislav Borisovich Rybakov, adopting an interpretive approach. This monograph offers a concise overview of Turkey’s historical emergence and development until the beginning of the 20th century, while also delving into detailed analyses of its key developmental stages throughout the century. Starting with the Young Turk movement and culminating in the rise of a “moderate” Islamic government at the century’s onset, the book provides a comprehensive evaluation of Turkey’s trajectory. Tailored for a wide readership, it serves as a valuable resource for both general history enthusiasts and students enrolled in modern Eastern history courses at universities. The author of this monograph is a renowned expert in modern Turkish political and socio-economic history, boasting a prolific portfolio of books and articles on the subject. Anatolia, encompassing the territory of present-day Turkey, holds significance as the birthplace of ancient cultures and civilizations, forming part of the historically rich “fertile crescent” where the transition from hunting-gathering to agriculture occurred. The Seljuk Turks emerged as the first conquerors of these lands in the 11th century AD, marking the inception of Turkish influence in the region. Anatolia experienced its zenith under the Ottoman Empire, a formidable state that dominated the Middle East, North Africa, the Balkans, and adjacent European territories from the 17th century onwards. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the modern Republic of Turkey emerged in its place. As the empire rapidly disintegrated, grassroots national defense units proliferated in the occupied territories, with “Committees for the Defense of Rights” emerging nationwide, spearheaded by military officers and intellectuals. Mustafa Kemal, a general in the Ottoman army, assumed leadership in organizing national resistance efforts, relocating from Istanbul to Eastern Anatolia in May 1919. On October 29, 1923, the Republic of Turkey was officially established, with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk assuming the presidency as its first leader. Over the course of a century since its inception, this republic has undergone significant transformations, shaping the socio-political landscape of modern Turkey.