ottoman empire

Victory in Istanbul

During my visit to Istanbul last weekend, I came across more Turkish flags than I had before. Seeing the Turkish flag proudly displayed everywhere is not necessarily something unusual, particularly in the major cities where nationalist support is usually greater. However, this weekend prompted many businesses to drape GIANT Turkish flags, along with images of Ataturk, over their buildings. Shimmering modern office towers or malls were coveredby the Turk Bayrak (Bi-rahk), the Turkish flag, this weekend.

The skyline was covered with the Turkish flag on Victory Day.

Turks, an already super patriotic culture, ramped it up this weekend to celebrate Zafer Bayram (Victory Day), one of Turkey’s national holidays. Turkey’s Victory Day celebrates their successful war for independence. Victory Day (August 30) marks the day the Turks beat the Greeks and took back the rest of Western Anatolia (the Asian side) in the Battle of Dumlupinar. Although the Turks were out manned, they had much better heavy artillery and leadership, including Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who became the first President of Turkey.

During World War I, leaders in Britain, Russia, Germany, Greece, France, and Italy all made plans and signed secret agreements about how they would divide up the Ottoman Empire when it would inevitably fall. The Ottoman Empire stretched from modern day Turkey to as far south as Palestine, as far east as Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and also north into what is now Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. (See a complete map of the Ottoman Empire .) Although the Sultan in Istanbul supposedly ran this large empire from Constantinople, his rule was actually quite limited by the early 20th century and tribal leaders in each of the particular areas ruled instead.

Along with the flag, pictures of Ataturk were also displayed. Atatuk believed in a democratic and secular Turkey that could compete with Western powers.

In this setting, the Allies, particularly Britain, thought sabotaging the Ottoman Empire and setting up puppet governments in its place would be an excellent prize to the massive war they were engaged in. There were numerous secret agreements being made by Britain to France and Russia for places like Constantinople, Syria, and Palestine (we all know how this one has turned out). However, due in part to a series of military blunders and miscalculations, along with superb leadership from Mustafa Kemal, Turkey was able to ultimately keep the foreign powers at bay and eventually push them out of what is now modern Turkey.

I’m happy to say that during this period of secret agreements in WWI, US President Woodrow Wilson did not engage in any of this. In fact, Wilson’s actions, particularly his 14 points, are part of the reason why America had been, and to some extent still is, well liked by Middle Eastern countries. Wilson made it clear in his 14 points that if the Ottoman Empire were to fall, sovereign governments should be created in the interest and by local residents, not governments in the interest of Britain, France, or Russia.

Having been able to understand this history, I was really happy to celebrate Victory Day with the Turks (I even bought a Turkish flag for the occasion.) As an American, I can identify with the need to celebrate independence from the control of a colonial empire. In fact, I was actually excited about this day more than some of my Turkish friends.

Celebrating Victory Day with my own Turkish flag.

“It’s not a big, big, deal like the fourth of July,” said a friend who is studying in the US, “Turkey has always been independent.”

Of course, many, many Turks did celebrate yesterday, and the love for their country was apparent as you could walk down any street and see the Turkish flag proudly displayed in storefronts, from balconies, and even at bus stops. When I showed the flag I bought to my host, Bilal, and asked if I got a good deal, he said, “This is a beautiful thing. It is priceless.” He kissed it three times mentioning that this was the proper way to show your respect to the flag.

You always knew it was Victory Day, even when waiting for the bus.

So, if you think you have absolutely nothing in common with Turks, think again. If you are proud to be an American, proud that the US stood on its own two feet against King George, proud that your vote matters, and that your life isn’t dictated by bureaucrats an ocean away (rather by bureaucrats on the same continent instead). Take solace that you and Turks are proud of the same thing, proud to be free, proud to run your own country, and proud that your flag continues to fly high.