Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Lands at Samsun: The Start of the Turkish War of Independence

On May 19, 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, then a military officer in the Ottoman Empire, landed in the port city of Samsun on the Black Sea coast. This event is widely regarded as the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence, a pivotal moment in the history of modern Turkey.

Historical Context

Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the 1918 Armistice of Mudros effectively dismantled the empire, leading to the occupation of its territories by Allied forces. The Treaty of Sèvres, signed in 1920, aimed to partition the Ottoman lands, leaving the Turkish heartland under severe restrictions and foreign control. This situation sparked widespread discontent and a nationalistic fervor among the Turkish population.

Key Events Leading to May 19, 1919

• Post-War Occupation: After the armistice, Allied forces occupied key Ottoman cities, including Istanbul and İzmir, causing national outrage.
• Rise of Nationalism: The occupation and the harsh terms of the Treaty of Sèvres galvanized Turkish nationalists, who sought to resist foreign domination and preserve Turkish sovereignty.
• Appointment of Mustafa Kemal: Mustafa Kemal was appointed as the Inspector of the Ninth Army Troops Inspectorate, ostensibly to oversee the disbanding of Ottoman forces. However, he used this position to organize resistance against the occupying powers.

The Landing at Samsun

On May 19, 1919, Mustafa Kemal arrived in Samsun with a small group of loyal officers. This landing marked the beginning of a national movement to resist the partitioning of Anatolia and the establishment of a new Turkish state. Mustafa Kemal’s arrival in Samsun is celebrated annually in Turkey as “Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day.”

Significance and Aftermath

• Formation of the National Movement: Mustafa Kemal’s actions in Samsun laid the groundwork for the Turkish National Movement. He began organizing congresses and rallies to unite various resistance groups under a single cause.
• War of Independence: The movement eventually led to the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923), during which Turkish forces successfully expelled occupying Allied forces and nullified the Treaty of Sèvres.
• Foundation of the Republic: The victory in the War of Independence paved the way for the establishment of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923, with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as its first president. He implemented sweeping reforms to modernize and secularize the new nation.

Broader Historical Impact

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s landing at Samsun and the subsequent War of Independence were crucial in shaping the modern Turkish state. Atatürk’s leadership and vision transformed Turkey into a secular, nationalist, and modern republic, setting a precedent for reform and modernization in the region.

The events of May 19, 1919, remain a symbol of national resilience and determination, commemorated annually as a day of pride and reflection in Turkey.