Turkish-Soviet Relations After World War II

Abstract

In the article to investigated features of Soviet policy on Turkey after World War II in the context of the geopolitical aspirations of the Soviet Union: the desire to get a base in Turkey and the Mediterranean. The main stages of Soviet pressure on Turkey are clarified and the main demands that the USSR put forward to the Turkish side are also characterized. The authors analyzes the peculiarities of the conflict, the USSR and Turkey, drawing attention to the manipulation Soviet side the right of the Armenian and Georgian peoples to self-determination and the situation of Kurds in Turkey. Thus, the Soviet Union tried to present territorial claims against Turkey as an initiative of the union republics, small nations demanding back illegally seized territories. Attention is focused on the fact that the USSR was preparing a forceful solution to the situation, as evidenced by the deployment of Soviet troops on the territory of Romania and Bulgaria, as well as on the north-eastern border with Turkey. It is assumed that pressure from the USA and Great Britain forced the USSR to abandon plans for a forceful solution to the Turkish problem. The official notes of the USSR are described, which explained Moscow’s political views on the problem of the Black Sea straits, and also emphasized the abuse of the Turkish leadership of the right of passage through the straits. It is noted the role of the US and Britain, who have formed a common position on Turkey, which confront the USSR would be impossible. It is emphasized that despite the fact that Turkey actually had no support for its views on the problem of the Black Sea straits against the USSR in 1945-1947, it still refused Soviet demands.

It is concluded that Soviet policy in Turkey and Iran has been a failure, but had a major impact on relations between the USSR and the recent Western allies. Soviet pressure brought about an unprecedented unity of the political environment in Turkey. First of all, it was a great historical victory for the nation, the state, and the politicians who led it.