Bekir Sami Kunduh was the first Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye and a bureaucratic and political figure active during the late years of the Ottoman Empire. He is notably recognized for his influential role in the Turkish War of Independence, particularly in the management of relations with Soviet Russia, as well as for his stances on foreign policy matters. Kunduh was also a significant actor in shaping early Turkish politics and was among the prominent figures of the national independence struggle and the Turkish National Movement.
Early Life and Education
Bekir Sami Kunduh was born in 1867 in the Ossetia region of the North Caucasus. His family had migrated to the Ottoman Empire, and his father, Musa Pasha, was an important Ottoman statesman. After completing his education at Galatasaray High School, Kunduh continued his studies in France at the École Libre des Sciences Politiques (School of Political Science) in Paris. The academic training he received during this period reinforced his interest in public service.
Career Beginnings and State Service
Upon returning to the Ottoman Empire, Bekir Sami began his career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Initially, he served as a clerk at the Ottoman Embassy in St. Petersburg and subsequently held various important consular posts, including assignments in Tabriz, Kermanshah, and Malta.
The National Struggle Period and Political Activities
Following the Armistice of Mudros, Bekir Sami returned to Istanbul and became one of the founders of the National Liberal Party (Millî Ahrar Fırkası) in 1919. At the Erzurum Congress, he advocated for American mandate, a position that caused disagreements with Mustafa Kemal Pasha. After the formation of the Representation Committee, he participated in the Sivas Congress and contributed to the national struggle.
Bekir Sami also played an active role in negotiations with Soviet Russia. He was a key figure in the signing of the Turkish-Soviet Friendship and Cooperation Agreement. However, his later proposal to establish a confederation in the Caucasus led to a temporary diplomatic cooling between Ankara and Moscow.
Foreign Ministry and Foreign Policy
Following the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) on April 23, 1920, Bekir Sami was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He led the delegation that conducted the initial diplomatic negotiations with Soviet Russia, achieving several diplomatic successes. Nevertheless, inconsistencies in Turkish foreign policy and some treaties deemed contrary to the National Pact (Misak-ı Millî) led to his resignation from the Foreign Ministry in 1921.
Later Life and Death
After withdrawing from political life, Bekir Sami lived on his farm in Tokat and later in Istanbul. Although he was arrested in connection with an assassination attempt in 1926 and later acquitted, he permanently withdrew from politics. Bekir Sami Kunduh passed away in Istanbul on January 16, 1933. He was married and had two children. Following the enactment of the Surname Law, his family adopted the surname "Kunduh."
