Today in History – 8 July

The Treaty of Saadabad is signed

Known as the Saadabad Pact, the non-aggression treaty between Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan was signed in Tehran on July 8, 1937.

Turkey had maintained positive relations with the other three countries in previous years and strengthened its ties of friendship. For example, a treaty of friendship had been signed with Afghanistan in 1921, during the years of the War of Independence, after which King Amanullah of Afghanistan had visited Turkey. The border issues with Iran had been resolved in 1932 and Shah Reza Pahlavi’s visit to Turkey in 1934 had established a strong tie of friendship. In addition, the relations with Iraq had taken a positive turn after the Mosul issue had been resolved. Turkey and Pakistan, on the other hand, had a long-standing bond of brotherhood since the War of Independence.

Similar to the Balkan Pact, Turkey played a leading role in the creation of the Saadabad Pact. Per the treaty signed on July 8, 1937 at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran, the parties agreed that they would not get involved in each other’s internal affairs, not initiate attacks, and respect the protection of borders.

In his reply to the congratulatory telegrams of the King of Iraq, the Han of Afghanistan, and the Shah of Iran, President Mustafa Kemal Pasha noted that this treaty, which reflected the peace ideals of the four countries, would contribute significantly towards regional and global peace.

The Treaty of Saadabad became obsolete once Iran fell victim to internal disorder and became a stage for the struggle of interest between the Soviet Union, the U.K., and the U.S. during World War II.