We are celebrating the 102nd anniversary of Ankara, the heart of the Republic of Türkiye, becoming the capital. Ankara, which was declared the capital of Türkiye with a decision taken 102 years ago, has taken its place on the historical stage as the symbol of the Republic and the center of independence. So, when and how did Ankara become the capital?
Ankara, the center of the War of Independence, became the capital of the fledgling Republic of Türkiye on October 13, 1923, after the liberation of Anatolia from enemy occupation.After the country was occupied at the end of World War I, Mustafa Kemal Pasha arrived at Samsun on May 19, 1919 and began the War of Independence. The Ottoman Parliament last met in Istanbul on 12 January 1920 and the British entered Istanbul on 16 March 1920 and ended the work of the Parliament. It was no longer possible to hold an Ottoman Parliament meeting in Istanbul. There was a need for a capital where the parliamentarians would gather and the country would be governed. On March 19, 1920, Mustafa Kemal Pasha sent a circular to several provinces and issued an order stating “The Turkish nation will protect its own life and independence”. After this circular, representatives and members of the Ottoman Parliament began to gather in Ankara.Ankara's importance during the War of Independence was due to its railway connections with enemy-held positions such as the Geyve, Kütahya and Afyon Straits, as well as adequate combat facilities. Mustafa Kemal Pasha arrived in Ankara with members of the Board of Representatives on December 27, 1919. Mustafa Kemal Pasha, who was welcomed with love and enthusiasm by the people and lieutenants of Ankara, prepared plans for the War of Independence in this city. The decision to create a regular army to ensure the success of the war was made in Ankara. These armies defeated the enemy in İnönü, Sakarya and Dumlupınar. The war for independence ended with the victory of the Commander-in-Chief on August 30, 1922.On October 9, 1923, Minister of Foreign Affairs İsmet Pasha presented a one-clause bill to the National Assembly, which declared “The administrative center of the Turkish state is the city of Ankara.” In the news published in İkdam newspaper on October 10, it was written that “according to the circular issued by İsmet Pasha and his friends at a meeting lasting from 2 to 6 hours, ‘Türkiye’ was included in the Constitution of the Basic Law.” Approved the addition of the article “The local government of the state is the city of Ankara”. It was declared that “and the matter will be raised again in the joint sitting of the National Assembly the following day and the legality of the article will be protected.” It was passed and referred to the General Assembly on October 13, 1923. The bill was accepted by majority vote after discussions. When some delegates objected to the “unanimous” statement of the Chairman of the session Ali Fuat Pasha with their “unanimous” voice, Ali Fuat Pasha said: “Sir, only one hand did not raise his hand. I cannot say unanimously, I see that it has been accepted by the majority.” He ended the meeting by saying. This issue, included in the agenda in the form of a bill, was read and accepted in the second session of the 35th session of the General Assembly of the Turkish Parliament on 13/10/1923, prepared by the Constitutional Committee in accordance with the law proposal No. 2/188 of Deputy Malatya İsmet Pasha on the city of Ankara being the capital of the Turkish state and the city of Ankara being the capital of Türkiye. The Turkish state was accepted by the majority. It has been decided.” The adopted decision enshrined Ankara's capital status, maintained since Mustafa Kemal and the Representative Committee arrived in the city. Since this document was not a law but a decision of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, it was later included in the Constitution.Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stated the importance of Ankara becoming the capital in his Speech: “All thoughts converge that the capital of the new Türkiye should be in Anatolia and the city of Ankara. Geography and strategy are the most important. It is very necessary to end indecision at home and abroad by determining the state capital as soon as possible.” He emphasized with his expression.
