Türkiye-Vatican Relations During the Turkish National Struggle (1918-1923)

Abstract

Relations between the Ottoman Empire and the Vatican predated the Conquest of Constantinople. Following the Conquest of Constantinople, the westward advance of the Turks caused considerable concern in the Vatican. The Turkish conquest of Constantinople, in particular, prompted calls within the Vatican for a crusade against the Turks. In the nineteenth century, the Ottoman Empire’s desire to prevent France—which had assumed the protection of Catholics—from interfering in its internal affairs necessitated the development of relations with the Vatican. The bilateral relations that ensued reached their zenith during World War I and the Armistice of Mudros. However, the French factor, along with certain concerns, prevented the establishment of official diplomatic relations. Following the signing of the Armistice of Mudros, the Vatican provided the greatest support to the Ottoman Empire during negotiations concerning the partition of Türkiye in Western capitals. In the correspondence between Mustafa Kemal Pasha, the leader of the Turkish National Struggle, and the Vatican, the Pope’s commitment to protecting the rights of Christians in the East was acknowledged by Turkish authorities. Although the Vatican did not officially participate in the Lausanne Conference, it pursued a highly effective policy in safeguarding the rights of Eastern Christians.