Why is Hatay in Turkey?

However, culminating a series of border disputes with France-mandated Syria, Atatürk obtained in 1937 an agreement with France recognizing Alexandretta as an independent state, and in 1939 this state, called the Republic of Hatay, was annexed to Turkey as the 63rd Turkish province following a controversial referendum.

Are France and Turkey friends?

France is an important trade and economic partner as well as one of the leading allies of Turkey, based on our long-standing relationship and hosting a Turkish community of more than 650 thousand. Diplomatic relations between Turkey and France date back to 1483, when Sultan Bayezid II.

Why did Hatay Province become a Turkish province?

Hatay Province of Turkey. On 29 June 1939, following a referendum, Hatay became a Turkish province. This referendum has been labelled both “phoney” and “rigged”, and a way for the French to let Turks take over the area, hoping that they would turn on Hitler. For the referendum, Turkey moved tens of thousands of Turks into Alexandretta to vote.

What is the Hatay issue?

It has been said that Hatay was given to Turkey to keep the country neutral during WW2 and as of late somewhat baseless new rumors have been surfacing saying that a referendum would need to be organized in 2038 or 2039 allowing the population to decide if they want to remain as part of Turkey or to rather be reattached to Syria.

Where is hathatay province located?

Hatay Province ( Turkish: Hatay ili, pronounced [ˈhataj]) is Turkey ‘s southernmost province. Almost all of it is located outside Anatolia, on the eastern coast of the Levantine Sea. The administrative capital is Antakya (Antioch), and the port city of İskenderun (Alexandretta).

How did Syria become a part of Turkey?

In 1516, Syria was annexed by the Ottoman Empire until the WWI in the early 20th century. Protests in Damascus by women demonstrators against the secession of the Sanjak of Alexandretta in 1938 to become the Hatay Republic (and its joining of Turkey as the Hatay Province in 1939).