Draft:Syrian–Turkish Border Conflict (1936–1939)

Syrian–Turkish Border Conflict (1936–1939)
The telegram of congratulation sent by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk after the proclamation of Hatay State. Hatay dispute
Date 1936-1939 Location Turco-Syrian Border Result Turkish Victory Annexation of Hatay Province by Turkey in 1939
Belligerents
Turkey Hatay State Turkmen Volunteers	France First Syrian Republic
Commanders and leaders
Tayfur Sökmen İsmet İnönü Atatürk #	Faizi al-Qawuqji
Strength
20,000-30,000 soldiers	5,000 to 10,000 soldiers

The Syrian-Turkish War of 1936 (often referred to as part of the Hatay Crisis) was not a full-scale military war, but rather a political and military confrontation over the status of the Sanjak of Alexandretta (modern-day Hatay), which was under French mandate control and claimed by both Syria and Turkey.

Background and Key Events

The region of Alexandretta was predominantly populated by Arabs, Armenians, and Turks. Turkey had long viewed the region as part of its historic territory, while Syria, under French mandate, also claimed it as part of its land. With the end of the French mandate approaching in the mid-1930s, the issue of Hatay's future came to the forefront.

Syrian nationalist movements were gaining strength, and the Syrian National Bloc—which opposed French control—pushed for the inclusion of the Sanjak of Alexandretta into the future Syrian state. This caused increased friction, as Turkey feared that Syria might secure the region through the French mandate's eventual termination.

By 1936, Turkey had already been applying diplomatic pressure on the French authorities, arguing that Hatay had a significant Turkish population and should be part of Turkey.

See also

• Hatay dispute
• Hatay State
• Turkish Nationalism
• First Syrian Republic

References

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Categories:

• Battles involving Turkey
• Wars involving Turkey
• Wars involving Syria
• Battles involving Syria