The Vagonlı Incident

The Vagon-Li Incident was an event that occurred on 23 February 1933 at the local branch of the French-capitalized company Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et des Grands Express Européens in Beyoğlu, Istanbul. This incident is recorded in history as a manifestation of the Turkish Republic’s sensitivity regarding the use of the national language and sovereignty.

Development of the Incident

The incident began on 21 February 1933 with a dispute between Naci Bey, a Turkish employee at Vagon-Li, and the Italian manager Gaetan Jannoui. After Naci Bey made a telephone call in Turkish to the Galata branch while serving a customer, Manager Jannoui stated that the official language of the company was French and declared that he would “bring the employees to order with a stick if necessary.” Naci Bey responded: “I am Turkish! In my country, the official language is Turkish. Even you should learn Turkish!”

Following this reply, Jannoui imposed a fine of twenty-five kurush (according to the newspaper Vakit, ten liras) on Naci Bey and notified him of a fifteen-day suspension from work. Naci Bey rejected the penalty and resigned from the company. Despite objections from other Turkish employees, Jannoui refused to reverse his decision, stating, “Either I leave or he does.” Reporting the matter to the company’s representative yielded no results. It is noted that Jannoui had previously insulted a Turkish translator by making derogatory remarks about Turkishness and had been investigated for it. However, as public outrage grew, Jannoui recalled Naci Bey and arranged for him to resume work at the Galata branch.

Vagon-Li Company Building (generated by artificial intelligence)

Reactions and Protests

The incident was brought to public attention on 23 February 1933 by the newspaper Vakit under the headline “How is this possible? Impudence! Is it a crime to speak Turkish in Turkey?” Other newspapers such as Cumhuriyet and Milliyet also reported on the incident critically. Public sentiment reacted strongly due to the Turkish Republic’s sensitivities regarding independence and linguistic sovereignty.

On Saturday, 25 February 1933, students from Istanbul University organized a demonstration after being called to gather at Galatasaray. Hundreds of students assembled in front of the Vagon-Li branch in Beyoğlu to protest the degradation of the Turkish language. The company’s windows and shutters were damaged. The protesters removed a portrait of Atatürk from the wall, declaring “It is not worthy of this place!” and delivered it to the People’s House. The crowd then proceeded to damage the Galata branch, chanting slogans such as “The Turkish language is dominant in Turkey!” and advanced toward the newspaper buildings in Babıali.

As security forces proved inadequate, the fire department dispersed the crowd using pressurized water. Other companies, Commerciale d’Italia and Loyd Triestino, also suffered damage during the unrest. No looting or pillaging occurred. Damage to the Galata branch was estimated at 1,000 to 1,200 Turkish liras, while damage to the Beyoğlu branch was approximately 3,000 Turkish liras. Five or six students taken into custody were released after the company declined to file a complaint.

Vagon-Li Company Building (generated by artificial intelligence)

Attitudes of the State and Public Opinion

The judicial authorities investigated the incident from two angles: allegations of insult to Turkishness and the destruction caused by the students. The prosecutor’s office, through the Ministry of Justice, petitioned the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye to initiate proceedings against Jannoui. The administration of Darülfünun also collected information regarding the students involved in the demonstration.

Vagon-Li also conducted an internal investigation. It was announced that Jannoui would be dismissed for failing to manage staff properly and for violating company principles. On 27 February, Hüsnü Sadık Bey, the company’s representative in Istanbul, announced that Jannoui had been removed from his position and replaced by Talât Bey. Company inspector Touchefeu also confirmed that the incident had stemmed from a misunderstanding and that Jannoui’s dismissal was final.

Newspaper columnists published articles supporting the youth’s protest. Yunus Nadi stated that no foreign institution could impose a language in Türkiye; Peyami Safa and Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoğlu interpreted the incident as a reaction against the mentality of capitulations.

Following the incident, the judicial process concluded without a verdict, as Jannoui was removed from his post, Naci Bey was reinstated, and the company withdrew its claim for financial damages. The matter subsequently faded from public discourse.

Outcomes and Impacts of the Incident

The Vagon-Li Incident, occurring during the early phase of the Language Revolution, strengthened the awareness among youth and the public regarding their ownership of the Turkish language. The incident resonated in cities such as Bursa, Mersin, and Zonguldak, where supportive meetings were held. Public sensitivity emerged regarding the use of Turkish by foreign companies and their naming practices. Organizations such as the Society for the Protection of the Turkish Language came to the forefront, with demands raised for foreign institutions to adopt Turkish names.