Today in History – 23 July

The first Western nation to recognize Turkey

The relations between Turkey and Poland were instrumental in shaping European history for 600 years. There were periods of war and peace in the common history of the two nations; the Polish developed an appreciation for Eastern art and Ottoman culture through Turkey. The Polish-Turkish collaboration for the defense of common benefits at times of peace is particularly worthy of mention. The support Turkey lent during the occupation, World War II, and Poland’s process of becoming a member of NATO was extremely valuable for the Polish people.

By officially recognizing the Grand National Assembly Government on July 23, 1923, Poland thus became the first Western nation to acknowledge Turkey. Poland also signed a “Treaty of Friendship and Collaboration” with the newly established Republic of Turkey in Lausanne. İsmet İnönü never forgot the support Poland gave during the process of Lausanne negotiations.