Today in History – 4 September

King Edward visits Turkey

The amelioration of the relations between Turkey and the U.K. had not been a simple process following the proclamation of the Republic. The tension between the two countries prevailed until 1929 due to the question of Mosul. After that date, the Turkish-British relations developed as Italy and Germany strived to increase their political and economic influence across the Middle East. In this context, following the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits, conciliation and rapprochement improved even further with the visit King Edward VIII of England paid to Turkey.

Taking place in September of 1936, the visit had significant repercussions in Turkey and in the world; it was closely followed by the local and foreign press alike. Newspapers regarded the visit as “The new history of British-Turkish friendship” and a “joyful period of friendship” between the Turkish and British nations.

Carrying the king and his entourage aboard, the Nahlin yacht entered the territorial waters of Turkey off the shores of Gökçeada on September 3, 1936. Accompanied by Turkish and British destroyers, the yacht continued to İstanbul, where extensive preparations had been made for a big welcome. On September 4, 1936, the Nahlin anchored in front of Dolmabahçe at 11 AM. Atatürk welcomed the King personally on the Tophane quay.

Attending a number of banquets in the ensuing days in İstanbul and visiting the historic sites of the city, King Edward VIII was hosted, along side President Atatürk, by Prime Minister İsmet İnönü, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rüştü Aras, and Turkey’s Ambassador to London Fethi Okyar. The King boarded Atatürk’s private train and left for Vienna on September 7th.