Turkish War of Independence

The Turkish War of Independence is a part of the History of Turkey that spans from the defeat of the Ottoman Empire by the Allies in World War I to the declaration of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923.

1916: The Sykes-Picot Agreement between the United Kingdom and France is signed, dividing the Ottoman Empire between several states, both independent (e.g. Armenia and Kurdistan) and subject to such European nations as the UK, Italy, France, Imperial Russia and Greece. According to this treaty, a small territory around Ankara was all that was to be left for the Turks. This treaty is not recognized by the Ottoman state.

1919: The Anatolia and Rumelia Defendence of Law Party is founded in Ankara by Mustafa Kemal, consisting of Young Turks and other nationalists. This event is followed by the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922).

April 23, 1920: The monarchy and government of Sultan Mehmed VI is denounced and a temporary constitution is affirmed.

August 10, 1920: The Treaty of Sèvres is signed between the Allies and the Sultan. It is not recognized by Mustafa Kemal.

January 20, 1921: The Turkish Fundamental Law is created, establishing the state of Turkey.

November 1, 1922: The sultanate is abolished.

November 17: Mehmed VI goes into exile.

July 24, 1923: The Treaty of Lausanne is signed, giving Turkey it's current borders, except the province of Hatay.

October 29: Mustafa Kemal declares the Republic of Turkey and becomes the president of it.

March, 1924: The Caliphate is abolished, and the last Ottoman ruler, Caliph Abdul Mejid II, is deposed.

1939: The province of Hatay is ceded to Turkey by France.