SOVIET-TURKISH RELATIONS IN THE NEWSPAPER IZVESTIYA DURING THE 1920s and 1930s

Abstract

This article explores the evolution of diplomatic relations between Soviet Russia and the Turkish Republic through the lens of the Soviet newspaper «Izvestia». By analyzing a wide range of articles published in «Izvestia» from the early 1920s to the late 1930s, the study provides insights into the official Soviet perspective on its diplomatic engagement with Turkiye. The research highlights significant events that shaped bilateral relations, including the Treaty of Moscow (1921), the Treaty of Kars (1921), and mutual diplomatic efforts during the period of Ataturk's reforms in Turkiye and the New Economic Policy (NEP) in Soviet Russia. The study also examines the influence of international developments, such as the rise of fascism in Europe and the approach of World War II, on the dynamics between the two countries. By scrutinizing the portrayal of these events in «Izvestia», the article sheds light on the strategic interests, ideological underpinnings, and geopolitical considerations that influenced the Soviet-Turkish relationship. Furthermore, it assesses the role of media in shaping public opinion and foreign policy during this pivotal era in international relations. The research paper highlights the importance of historical archives and sources in understanding the complexities of international diplomacy and contemporary geopolitical issues.