Abstract

I think that the diplomat identity of Atatürk has not been researched adequately. Atatürk was at the same time a first class diplomat. He proved himself as a first class diplomat from the starting point of the Turkish National Struggle and as the Chairman of the Grand National Assembly. Later, as the President of Turkish Republic between 1923-1938, he was able to create an independent, sovereign Turkey which became an active member of the international system. He based this diplomacy upon peace and by using the motto “Peace at Home, Peace Abroad”, he applied it by refusing dislike, hatred, chauvinism and irredentism.

Atatürk has used with great talent bilateral and multilateral diplomacy with the participation of Turkey in the League of Nations on July 18, 1932. This diplomacy was implemented by Dr. Tevfik Rüştü Aras who was Foreign Minister between November 4, 1925 until November 11, 1938 according to the instructions that he received from Atatürk.

The aim of this article is to evaluate the diplomat identity of Atatürk within the framework of Diplomacy Studies which is a sub-research field of International Relations. According to Diplomacy Studies, a good diplomacy should be based upon realism, national independence and dissuasion. How was the position of Atatürk to this principles?

Furthermore diplomacy, under the impact of the transformation of states and societies has enlarged its scope. How we can consider public diplomacy during Atatürk era which has become a new subject of current diplomacy? How we can evaluate the initiatives taken by Atatürk in the fi eld of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy in order to promote and to protect national interests of Turkey? Besides, how the diplomacy at the last stage of the Ottoman Empire has influenced Atatürk diplomacy?

For writing my paper, I will try to use written materials and Presidency archives. Especially the speech of Atatürk pronounced during the presentations of the letters of credence of the foreign Ambassadors. I will also take into consideration the foreign policy and diplomacy subjects in the speech of Atatürk delivered during the annual beginning session of Turkish Grand National Assembly.

Keywords: Diplomacy of Atatürk, Diplomat Atatürk, Peace Thought in Turkish Foreign Policy, Tevfik Rüştü Aras, Diplomacy Studies, Ottoman Diplomacy.

Introduction: Diplomacy and the Diplomat

A state must possess diplomatic tools to ensure its effectiveness in the international arena. Through diplomacy, states engage in representation, negotiation, and communication. Therefore, diplomacy can be defined as the management of relations between states and between states and other actors in the international community.

Diplomacy, when supported by military power combined with a strong economic structure, is the most important tool for reducing interstate tensions and resolving problems. Historically, diplomacy has managed to keep pace with the evolution of the state and, as in previous centuries, has maintained its effectiveness without losing its value.

Diplomacy has also managed to expand its scope in light of the transformation of the state and the international community. Indeed, the "Oxford Handbook of Modern Diplomacy" addresses not only the classical areas of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, negotiation, and mediation, but also public diplomacy, security, economics, arms control, disarmament, trade, health, sports, and climate diplomacy.

When used effectively, diplomacy reduces interstate tensions and stabilizes the international system. Otherwise, military strategy takes over, and an arms race could ensue. If the parties choose to resort to conflict to gain strategic advantage, the path to war is clear. Diplomacy can also be defined as the toolbox and fundamental institution of international relations.

Diplomacy is evaluated at two levels: bilateral and multilateral. Bilateral diplomacy It pursues a state's national interests through foreign ministries, embassies, and consulates. It also addresses bilateral relations, trade, investment, the country's promotion, and cultural issues.

After World War I, the 14th of US President Wilson's Fourteen Points envisioned the establishment of an international organization aimed at establishing peace. Within this framework, an international organization established in Geneva on January 10, 1920, aimed to develop cooperation between countries and ensure security and peace. Thus, multilateral diplomacy became an important element of diplomatic relations. Turkey joined the League of Nations on July 18, 1932, and became a member of this organization's council in 1934.

A diplomat is the state official who manages diplomacy and constitutes the most important element of the state's executive branch. Diplomats are individuals who live in the countries to which they are assigned, analyze the internal and external problems of these countries, and submit reports of their analyses and assessments to their respective foreign ministries. These studies also shape the policies of these countries.

Research on diplomacy and diplomats was added to the discipline of international relations in 1996 with the establishment of the Diplomatic Studies Department of the International Studies Association. This field has become evident in the need for the international relations discipline to address the need for states to survive and for diplomats to continue their activities within these states.

Diplomacy research emphasizes the importance of achieving the following for good diplomacy and diplomats. The essential elements of good diplomacy are: Thorough knowledge of the historical background of events, being realistic, ensuring national independence, acting as a deterrent, and considering the importance of multilateral diplomacy.

Furthermore, the essential qualities of a diplomat are defined as follows:Honesty, discretion, energy, and self-control; The diplomat's virtues can be listed as follows: report writing, negotiation, objective ability to analyze, proficiency in a foreign language, implementation of the state's proposed policy, protection of the state's national interests, and activation of these interests.

The Ottoman Empire's diplomatic relations with other states were one-way until 1793, and from that date on, the Ottomans adopted the resident ambassador system. Our first resident ambassador was appointed to London in 1793, and later, embassies were established in Paris, Vienna, and Berlin. These embassies were closed in 1821. They were reopened in 1834, during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II. Our permanent ambassadors made significant contributions to the modernization of the Ottoman Empire.

From 1834 until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Ottoman diplomacy succeeded in creating a class of diplomats with the necessary professional skills and who could compete with diplomats from other European countries.The fundamental principles emphasized by Ottoman diplomats during this period were equality, respect for territorial integrity, and reciprocity.By exploiting conflicts of interest among major powers and implementing a policy of balance, Ottoman diplomats extended the life of the Ottoman Empire.Indeed, international politics in the 19th century was shaped by the influence of the five major European powers. In this policy, influenced by France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and England, the preservation of peace and the survival of small countries required maintaining a good balance of power among these European countries. Indeed, the intense competition between Europe's great powers between 1890 and 1914 was exploited by the Ottoman Empire for its own interests.

The diplomacy of balance, employed by Ottoman diplomats by exploiting the conflicts of interest among the great powers, was also skillfully employed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly Government and its leader, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha, during the War of Independence. In this way, isolating England, France and Italy were persuaded to abandon their support for the Greeks. This facilitated our armed struggle with Greece.

An Analysis of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's Diplomatic Identity

In light of the evaluations in the diplomatic research literature on diplomacy and diplomats, in summary, as stated above, good diplomacy is built upon realism, national independence, and deterrence. The qualities required of a good diplomat are honesty, discretion, objective analysis, negotiation skills, foreign language proficiency, and the protection of national interests.

Mustafa Kemal's close interest in diplomacy began during his tenure as Military Attaché in Sofia. Lieutenant Colonel Mustafa Kemal served as the Ottoman Empire's Military Attaché in Sofia for 15 months, from October 1913 to January 1915. Sofia was a center of importance for the Ottoman General Staff. Mustafa Kemal also served as military attaché in Belgrade and Cetinje. In this role, as a member of the Sofia diplomatic corps, Mustafa Kemal observed and evaluated diplomacy and diplomats. He gained a close understanding of diplomacy and became one of the leading figures in Sofia's political and cultural life.

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's Diplomatic Identity in the National Struggle

Turkish Foreign Policy during the National Struggle was directed by Mustafa Kemal Pasha.Mustafa Kemal implemented this policy through diplomacy. As Head of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Government, effective April 23, 1920, Mustafa Kemal Pasha strived to achieve peace as quickly as possible within the framework of the National Pact, aiming for full independence. In addition to military struggles with the enemy, he also endeavored to end the war and achieve peace through diplomacy. To this end, the first Executive Council was formed on May 2, 1920, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established and organized by Law No. 3. The GNA Government's first Minister of  Foreign Affairs was Bekir Sami Bey. Yusuf Hikmet (Bayur) Bey was appointed Director General of Political Affairs, and Suat (Davaz) Bey was appointed Undersecretary of the Ministry.  Restructuring of foreign institutions was also undertaken. The first embassy was opened in Moscow; later, representatives of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) were appointed to Baku, Rome, Tbilisi, and Kabul. Furthermore, in 1920, consulates were opened in Tuapse and Novorossiysk on the Black Sea coast to receive arms and financial aid from Russia. A diplomatic corps consisting of representatives from the Soviets, Georgia, and Afghanistan was established in Ankara.

The GNA Government, in line with the principle of complete independence and the National Pact, sought to seize every opportunity to achieve peace through bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. In this context, the Treaty of Gümrü was signed with the Armenians in 1920, and the London Conference was attended in February 1921. Another London Conference was held in March 1922. The Treaty of Alliance with Afghanistan was signed on March 1, 1921, and the Treaty of Moscow with the Soviets in mid-March 1921. In October 1921, the Treaty of Kars, which determined our borders with the Caucasian countries, and the Treaty of Ankara with the French were signed. The National Turkish State received international recognition with the Armistice of Mudanya signed in October 1922 and the Treaty of Lausanne, which began negotiations in November 1922 and was signed on July 24, 1923. Before the start of the Second Session of the Lausanne Conference on April 23, 1923, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha convened an Economic Congress in Izmir from February 17 to March 23, 1923, to strengthen İsmet Pasha's negotiating position. At this congress, it was decided that the New Türkiye would accept foreign capital but oppose colonialism. Similarly, to secure American support at the Lausanne Conference, the Turkish Grand National Assembly approved the Chester Project on April 9, 1923. This project envisioned railway construction and oil and mineral exploration in Anatolia. In this way, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha worked to advance Türkiye's interests through economic diplomacy. All these successful diplomatic activities were carried out under the supervision and control of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha, the President of the Government of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, and through the successful efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. During this period, Atatürk, as a diplomat, successfully conducted war diplomacy and personally made important decisions. The most important of these decisions was the instruction he gave to İnönü regarding the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne.

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk did not forget Turkey's friends in Europe during this period. He worked to garner support for the Turkish cause among European public opinion. This effort is called public diplomacy in diplomatic endeavors. Indeed, in a letter he wrote to Pierre Loti, who championed the Turkish cause during the War of Independence, Gazi Mustafa Kemal referred to Loti as a great and noble friend of the Turks. On behalf of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, he thanked Loti for his work on behalf of the Turks. He also presented him with a carpet. Written in fluent French, the letter dated September 4, 1921, serves as an example of public diplomacy. This letter once again demonstrates the importance Atatürk placed on public diplomacy. This diplomacy encompassed an approach that appealed to the minds and hearts of the French people while not forgetting his Turkish friends.

Therefore, we understand that Atatürk, as the person who made the diplomatic decisions of the Turkish Grand National Assembly during the War of Independence, succeeded in optimally utilizing both the military and diplomatic fields to achieve a positive outcome in our War of Independence.

Similarly, in his speech at the opening of the Fourth Legislative Year on March 1, 1923, following the Great Victory, he emphasized the following: “The policy we have pursued is fundamentally pacifist. Furthermore, our Government, seizing every opportunity to ensure peace, suspended military operations after our Great Victory to establish a ceasefire and participated in the Lausanne Conference, which was convened on November 20 after significant delays and difficulties, with a sincere commitment to reconciliation.”

During this period, we see that Mustafa Kemal Pasha implemented the principles of realism, national independence, and deterrence. With a secure army and effective diplomacy, he succeeded in winning France and Italy, except for Greece and England, to our side. In this context, we see that Atatürk effectively used bilateral and multilateral conference diplomacy, always prioritizing realism.

Atatürk's Diplomatic Identity in the Republic of Turkey

From the founding of the National Turkish State in 1923 until his death in 1938, Atatürk strove to make Turkey an independent, sovereign state and a key player in the international system through the diplomacy he pursued. To this end, he pursued the classical balance of power policy and upheld the principle of "peace at home, peace in the world." This principle has made it the basis of this policy.This principle has excluded adventure and aggression in foreign policy. It has considered peace, stability, and tranquility as its primary objective. This principle also demands that the means employed to achieve foreign policy objectives be peaceful and that a peaceful order be established. Furthermore, this principle aims to resolve problems between states through law, diplomacy, and negotiations, and aims to establish a just peace that respects the rights of the parties. Thus, the essence of Turkish diplomacy's concept of peace is to ensure a just peace. Within this framework, adventurism, resentment, hatred, chauvinism, and irredentism have no place in Turkish diplomacy.

The influence of Atatürk and his friends, who witnessed the period leading to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and experienced the Tripoli, Balkan, World War I, and Independence Wars, is significant in the idea of ​​peace becoming the foundation of Turkish diplomacy. Therefore, it is a completely normal development that peace has become the fundamental principle of Turkish diplomacy.27 In other words, Atatürk considered the idea of ​​peace in Turkish diplomacy as a soft succeeded in transforming Turkey into a power. Indeed, during this period, when Turkey established diplomatic relations with any country, it first signed a treaty of friendship with that country. This practice began during the War of Independence. Within this framework, between 1921 and 1937, 40 friendship treaties were signed over a period of 17 years. Thus, Turkish diplomacy sought to establish friendly relations with foreign countries without discrimination. This behavior serves as a significant example demonstrating the peaceful foundation of Turkish diplomacy.

Another important example of Atatürk's peace diplomacy was Turkey's accession to the Briand-Kellogg Pact on January 19, 1929. Signed in Paris on August 28, 1928, by the United States, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Japan, this pact imposed a responsibility to eliminate war as an instrument of national policy.However, the aggressive behavior of Germany, Italy, and Japan after 1930 thwarted the expectations of this pact in international relations.

Atatürk's peace diplomacy attracted the attention of the international community and was met with praise. The "Agreement of Friendship, Neutrality, Conciliation, and Arbitration," signed between Turkey and Greece on October 30, 1930, particularly attracted the attention of foreign observers. The fact that these two nations, which had been at war with each other for 10 years, signed this agreement was considered remarkable. This atmosphere made Atatürk's Turkey a country that other states sought to establish friendship with. Between 1923 and 1938, Turkish diplomacy effectively utilized bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. Three Foreign Ministers led this diplomacy: İsmet İnönü, Şükrü Kaya, and Tevfik Rüştü Aras. Tevfik Rüştü Aras held the longest-serving Foreign Minister position during this period, from March 4, 1925, to November 11, 1938.

Turkish diplomacy was essentially led by Atatürk. Tevfik Rüştü Aras implemented this diplomacy by taking direct instructions from Atatürk, occasionally bypassing the government. The chargé d'affaires, ambassadors, and ambassadors to be appointed abroad were selected by Atatürk. Turkey, which joined the League of Nations on July 18, 1932, viewed this institution as a meeting place for nations, a place where they could find agreements through frequent meetings. To this end, Atatürk's Turkey believed that the principles of this organization would contribute to world peace. Turkey operated within the framework of the principle of peace in this organization, which became the center of multilateral diplomacy, and became a member of the Council, the organization's main body. Thus, it believed that the principles of the League of Nations could contribute to world peace. However, due to the failure to implement these principles, it was unable to achieve its desired outcome.

Atatürk participated in diplomatic negotiations in Ankara, driven by his interest in diplomacy. Furthermore, he sent instructions to foreign missions on critical matters without coordination with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister.

In 1927, Atatürk ensured the enactment of Law No. 1154 concerning the Foreign Affairs Organization of the Republic of Turkey. According to this law, Foreign Affairs officers were divided into professional, administrative, and specialist officers. An examination system was introduced for professional civil servants. Atatürk took an interest in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs examinations and joined the examination committee.

Indeed, maintaining a strong diplomatic cadre and representation abroad emerged as a significant challenge to ensure the Republic of Turkey's influence in the international arena. This problem was resolved under Atatürk's leadership. The restructuring of the Foreign Affairs Organization created a diplomatic cadre composed of talented young Turkish citizens. In this context, the number of ambassadors representing Atatürk's Turkey between 1920 and 1938 reached 38.

The first ambassadors of the Republic witnessed the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and participated in the War of Independence. Atatürk took a close interest in Turkish diplomats and assisted them.  Before departing for their posts, some ambassadors were given issued written instructions. Indeed, he had Ruşen Eşref (Ünaydın), who was appointed Ambassador to Tirana in 1934, write a detailed instruction. This directive, dictated by Atatürk, was a novelty in Turkish diplomacy. However, this practice failed to become established in Turkish diplomacy.

From 1930 onwards, Atatürk placed greater emphasis on foreign policy issues in the face of emerging international problems, particularly those posed by Italy and other threats. In response to this situation, he sought to diversify Turkish foreign policy. Our influence in the League of Nations increased. The Balkan Entente and the Sadabad Pact are products of this period. Furthermore, efforts to develop friendly relations with England, the Montreux Convention, and the annexation of Hatay to the Motherland were carefully pursued by Atatürk, and these efforts were met with considerable effort. His diplomacy in the region ensured positive results.

Thus, Atatürk, as a diplomat who guided Turkish diplomacy and organized Turkish diplomats, made significant contributions to the effectiveness of the Republic of Turkey's foreign relations.

Atatürk's statements in his opening speeches to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, which analyzed and evaluated international politics, clearly demonstrate his diplomatic credentials. Indeed, in his speech opening the Second Legislative Year on November 1, 1924, he focused on the outcome of the Lausanne Conference and stated, " Unresolved issues have been left to the natural course prescribed by the treaty."

In opening the Third Legislative Year on November 1, 1925, he stated that " the Republic of Turkey is a force and a peaceful element in the family of international civilization that must not be neglected." He focused on the Mosul issue.

In his speech opening the Fourth Legislative Year on November 1, 1926, he focused on international problems and neighboring countries. He also stated, “ We are the most ardent supporters of policies that establish mutual trust in international relations, aim to uphold this trust, and are open and committed to it.”

In his opening speech of the First Legislative Year on November 1, 1927, he spoke of  " being loyal and supportive of friendships and peaceful endeavors abroad."

In his opening speech of the Second Legislative Year on November 1, 1928, he stated, "In our foreign policy, honesty and the principle of prioritizing the security and development of our country guide our actions." In this context, he stated, " Therefore, we attach great importance to maintaining our Land, Naval, and Air Forces in a position to maintain peace and security in this country." Thus, he wanted to emphasize that the deterrent nature of diplomacy must be based on a strong military force.

In his speech on November 1, 1929, he stated, “ Our honest and open policy in foreign affairs is based primarily on the idea of ​​peace. Trying to resolve any international problem through peace is in our best interest and in accordance with our ideas. The Republic of Turkey will not shy away from a duty within its power to maintain an atmosphere of international peace.”

In his speech on November 1, 1930, he said, “ The goal of peace and good relations will be sincerely pursued in our foreign policy. I hope that our open and honest way of thinking, which is based on friendship and does not antagonize any country in international relations, is becoming increasingly better understood.”

In his speech on November 1, 1931, he said, “ The peaceful and honest nature of our foreign policy has been demonstrated once again over the past year. Sincerity has increased in our relations with our close neighbors. We are achieving positive results by maintaining good relations with every state in the international arena.” He continued, “ It will be our unwavering principle to pursue a path of peace that does not antagonize any country, aiming for Turkey’s security.”

On November 1, 1932, “ Our relations with our neighbors and all nations are developing seriously, sincerely, and based on the ideas of peace and trust,” he says. “Maintaining an honest situation among friends is a principle to which we always attach great importance.”

In his speech on November 1, 1933, he said, “ I can say that the relations of the Republic of Turkey with other states are generally good, in accordance with the provisions of the agreements between them and the requirements of international friendship.”

In his speech on November 1, 1934, he said, “ International politics has been concerned about protection during the past year, and therefore, armament has been accelerated in all countries. For this reason, the Republican Government, while striving to strengthen its national defense force, has spared no effort to maintain the path that gives hope to nations working together to prevent peace.”

On November 1, 1935, during a difficult period in international politics, Atatürk addressed the incident in his speech. He emphasized that the Treaty of Montreux reminded the Turkish nation of two important principles, explaining this as being strong enough to protect our homeland and rights and attaching importance to international cooperation to preserve peace.  He demanded that the resolution of today's grave disputes due to the disruption of peace be the primary wish of civilized humanity. Furthermore, after expressing his commitment to the ideal of peace, he said, " It is our highest desire that the League of Nations develop its principles by benefiting from experience and increase its power to preserve peace."

In his speech on November 1, 1936, he analyzed the signing of the Montreux Treaty. He stated, " By recognizing Turkey's rights, the signatories of the Montreux Treaty demonstrated good friendship and understanding, and they also made significant contributions to the general peace process, which requires everyone's efforts to maintain balance in this critical international period." He continued, “ The Straits, which have been a source of debate and passion many times throughout history, are now under full Turkish sovereignty and have become solely a means of transportation for trade and friendly relations. From now on, warships of any belligerent state are prohibited from passing through the Straits.”

In his speech on November 1, 1937, he said, “ Our foreign policy has developed towards peace and international cooperation over the past year, and has once again confirmed the unchangeable nature of our path.” He further emphasized, “During the challenging periods faced by the League of Nations, the Republican Government has demonstrated its commitment to this international organization in all areas, never deviating from the path most conducive to the ideal of peace.” He also focused on Hatay.

His opening speech on November 1, 1938, was read by Celal Bayar due to Atatürk's illness. Atatürk stated, "Peace is the best way to bring nations to prosperity and happiness. However, once this concept is grasped, it demands constant care and attention and requires the individual preparation of each nation." He continued, "To ensure the daily strengthening of our country, to be in a position to withstand all contingencies in every field and to follow all developments of world events with great attention are the fundamental principles upon which our peace-loving policy is based."

The idea of ​​peace, which Atatürk emphasized annually in his opening speeches to the Turkish Grand National Assembly as a diplomat, demonstrates that peace is the sole instrument in the conduct of Turkish foreign policy. Turkish diplomacy has played a significant role in international relations by effectively using peace as a tool in resolving international problems.

Atatürk's diplomatic credentials are also evident in his responses to the speeches of ambassadors and ambassadors who presented him with their credentials.

Indeed, within the framework of the sources we examined in the Presidential Archives, it is seen that Atatürk evaluated bilateral relations with these countries and offered encouraging words to the ambassadors after they presented their credentials to the ambassadors of Iran, Afghanistan, and Finland. In his response to the Finnish ambassador, he praised Turkish-Finnish relations and expressed his appreciation for the Finnish nation.

In his response to the speech of the Iraqi Minister of State in Ankara, following the presentation of his credentials, Atatürk also praised bilateral relations, starting with historical ties.

These documents demonstrate that Atatürk acted with an awareness of the importance he placed on diplomats and the role they played in the development of bilateral relations. Therefore, his speeches include statements that are encouraging and emphasize the importance of developing bilateral relations.

We see that Atatürk, since the founding of the Republic, also employed public diplomacy, defined in diplomatic studies, to promote the reforms and achievements of the National Turkish State to the world.

In this context, the Mobile Exhibition, which visited Europe's most famous ports as far as Finland for three months in 1927 and presented Turkish export products, can be mentioned.

The book titled "Turkey in Photographs," prepared in three languages ​​in French, English, and German, includes various photographs from the New Turkey. It includes photographs.

The publication of a magazine called La Turquie Kemaliste, which ran from 1933 to 1949 and ran for 49 issues, began during Vedat Nedim Tör's tenure as General Director of the Press. This magazine sought to showcase the enthusiasm and beauty of the Republic's founding.

Furthermore, the exhibition on archaeology, art, and architectural history organized on the occasion of the Second Turkish History Congress in 1937 is also noteworthy.

The Second Turkish History Congress, held at Dolmabahçe Palace in 1937, was international for the first time. Papers were presented at this congress by 47 European scholars. Furthermore, within the framework of this congress, an exhibition was created to contribute to the Turkish History Thesis, and the revolutions and modernization process of the Republic of Turkey were discussed.

Diplomat Atatürk used French in his diplomatic contacts and initiatives. Regarding Atatürk's French, I found it among French diplomatic documents. In the minutes of the meeting between Admiral Dumesnil, the Commander of the French Naval Forces in Izmir, and Atatürk and İsmet Pasha in Izmir on September 15, 1922, it is stated that Atatürk and İnönü spoke and understood French. The document shows that the meeting was lengthy and that Atatürk responded to numerous questions. This demonstrates that Atatürk’s command of French was sufficient to follow a diplomatic negotiation and make necessary interventions.

Conclusion and Evaluation

This study reveals Atatürk's diplomatic identity. Besides being a great soldier and statesman, Atatürk also appears as a great diplomat.

Atatürk possessed the historical knowledge necessary for good diplomacy. He believed that history was merciless to those who could not foresee the future. Atatürk's solid knowledge of history enabled him to predict future developments. This knowledge played a crucial role in evaluating domestic and international developments. This knowledge also fostered in Atatürk a historical culture that enabled him to properly evaluate events by viewing them within their historical context.

From the beginning of the War of Independence, the military and diplomatic initiatives he undertook as Head of the Turkish Grand National Assembly to ensure Turkey's national independence within the framework of the National Pact were essential to good diplomacy. Atatürk's success in employing the principles of realism, national independence, and deterrence in diplomacy ensured that the War of Independence ended with Turkey's victory.

During the war diplomacy he pursued during the War of Independence, Atatürk utilized every opportunity available to achieve peace. He utilized every means possible to ensure the principles of the National Pact and complete independence. Diplomacy was transformed into a tool to aid the war effort, facilitating a one-front war and thus defeating the enemy. Atatürk founded the foreign policy of the Republic of Turkey, and its implementer, Turkish diplomacy, on the idea of ​​peace. This diplomacy earned Turkey respect in the international community. It helped resolve issues that remained unresolved at the Lausanne Conference and posed problems for Turkey. In this context, the Montreux Convention and Hatay's annexation to the Homeland can be mentioned.

Thus, Atatürk successfully safeguarded Turkey’s national interests by effectively utilizing both bilateral diplomacy and the multilateral diplomacy developed in conjunction with the League of Nations.

Moreover, he contributed to the institutionalization of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and introduced an examination system for the recruitment of young and capable officials into the Ministry.

Basing Turkish diplomacy on the principles of peace, he implemented the practice of signing a treaty of friendship before establishing diplomatic relations with any country.

He implemented principles that ensured the effectiveness of Turkish diplomacy. These principles included requiring ambassadors and ambassadors appointed abroad to write instructions and refusing to accept letters of credence from foreign ambassadors outside Ankara.

Thus, Atatürk, a diplomat, became a statesman who contributed to world peace through his successful initiatives and the commendable practices of the Turkish State in the field of diplomacy.

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