Agreement on the Annexation of Hatay to Türkiye (1939)

The Annexation of Hatay to Türkiye was a territorial change resulting from diplomatic and political processes between Türkiye and France during the first half of the 20th century. This development involved the redefinition of the status of the Alexandretta Sanjak, which had come under French mandate following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, through a series of international agreements, negotiations, and popular referendums. This process, which holds a significant place in Türkiye’s foreign policy, culminated in the incorporation of a region recognized within the Misak-ı Millî boundaries into Türkiye through international law and diplomatic means. The Hatay issue passed through several stages including the 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement, the French occupation after World War I, the 1921 Ankara Agreement, the 1936 France-Syria Agreement, decisions of the League of Nations, and finally the treaty signed between Türkiye and France in 1939. Key elements of the process included international diplomacy, careful monitoring of regional developments, and mechanisms for representing the will of the local population.

Historical Background: From Sykes-Picot to the Ankara Agreement

Sykes-Picot Agreement and the Mudros Armistice Period (1916–1918)

During World War I, the secret 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement signed between Britain and France designated the Alexandretta Sanjak (present-day Hatay) as part of France’s sphere of influence. Following the war, France carried out a de facto occupation of the region based on Articles 7 and 16 of the Mudros Armistice signed on 30 October 1918, deploying troops first to Alexandretta Port and later to Antakya, Belen, and Harim.

Sykes-Picot Agreement (Afrikaiswok)

Misak-ı Millî and Turkish Resistance

Declared on 28 January 1920 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Paşa, the Misak-ı Millî recognized Alexandretta and Antakya as inseparable parts of the Turkish nation, forming the foundation of Türkiye’s diplomatic position. However, France secured international approval for its mandate over Syria and Lebanon at the San Remo Conference on 25 April 1920.

Misak-ı Millî Map (TTK)

The Ankara Agreement (1921) and the Status After Lausanne

Articles of the Ankara Agreement and Implementation Issues

The Ankara Agreement signed between Türkiye and France on 20 October 1921 left the Alexandretta Sanjak under the French mandate over Syria but granted it a “special administrative status.” Article 7 stipulated the protection of Turkish culture, the official use of the Turkish language, and respect for the identity of the local population. Nevertheless, the French administration largely violated these provisions; the sanjak was effectively merged with Aleppo, terminating its autonomy.

Confirmation of Status at Lausanne

The status established by the Ankara Agreement gained international validity through Article 3 of the Treaty of Lausanne signed on 24 July 1923. However, during this period Türkiye focused on resolving internal issues and strengthening its international standing, and thus did not prioritize the Hatay issue.

Shifting International Context After 1936 and Türkiye’s Strategy

Syria’s Path to Independence and Türkiye’s Note

The agreement signed between France and Syria on 9 September 1936 provided for Syrian independence, prompting strong Turkish criticism of France’s intention to transfer its authority over the sanjak to Syria. On 6 October 1936, the Turkish government submitted a formal appeal to the League of Nations, followed by a diplomatic note to Paris on 10 October. Türkiye demanded the preservation of the status of a region where the majority of the population was Turkish.

Atatürk’s Intervention and the Name “Hatay”

In his opening address to the Turkish Grand National Assembly on 1 November 1936, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk declared the Hatay issue a top priority for Türkiye, stating, “The fate of Alexandretta-Antakya and its surroundings is the primary concern occupying our nation day and night.” From this date onward, the region began to be referred to as “Hatay,” and the Hatay Sovereignty Society was established to represent the will of the local population.

League of Nations Process and the Establishment of the Hatay State (1937–1938)

Discussions at the League of Nations

As a result of Türkiye’s efforts, the League of Nations accepted in 1937 the granting of an autonomous constitutional status to Hatay. Under this decision, Hatay acquired a unique administrative structure with its own flag, parliament, judiciary, and executive organs. The decision reaffirmed the provisions of the 1921 Ankara Agreement at the international level.

Proclamation of the Hatay State and Turkish Military Presence

The “Hatay State” was officially proclaimed on 2 September 1938. The assembly consisted of 40 members, and Tayfur Sökmen was elected as its president. To ensure the security of the Turkish population in the region, Turkish military units entered Hatay on the basis of a protocol signed between Türkiye and France on 29 May 1938.

The Annexation of Hatay to Türkiye (1939)

International Context and France’s Policy Shift

In 1939, Türkiye’s strategic importance increased amid Germany’s expansionist policies. France sought to improve relations with Türkiye and establish an alliance, and it evaluated the decision to cede Hatay to Türkiye within this geopolitical context.

Assembly Decision and Treaty Process

On 29 June 1939, the Hatay Assembly voted to join Türkiye; the same day, the Turkish Grand National Assembly formally approved this decision. Finally, on 23 June 1939, the “Treaty on the Final Settlement of the Territorial Issue Between Türkiye and Syria” was signed between Türkiye and France, and on the same day the Turkish-French Joint Declaration was issued.