Türkiye-Britain Relations: Two Hundred Years of an Intertwined Conflict and Cooperation

Türkiye-Britain Relations: Two Hundred Years of an Intertwined Conflict and Cooperation studies all aspects of Turkish-British relations. Türkiye’s relations with Britain, including those in the Ottoman era, followed a peculiar pattern of cordial bilateralism. There was continuous correspondence and a certain level of understanding even during the very times of hostility, i.e., the Anglo-Turkish War (1807-1809) and the First World War (1914-1918). While the Ottoman Empire considered Britain a great power to be allied with; Britain treated the Ottoman Empire as a counterbalance in its “Great Game” against Russia and its competition with France throughout the 19th century. After the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923, Britain continued to be a bilateral partner with Türkiye during the Second World War, Ankara’s membership to NATO, relations with the Middle East, the Cyprus issue, relations with the European Union, and the United States. Almost at every turning point of this bilateral relationship, conflict and cooperation walked hand in hand and without demolishing the above-stated understanding and consideration.