Why Ankara, Not İstanbul, is the Capital of Turkey?

Istanbul, historically known as Byzantium and later as Constantinople, served as the capital of two powerful empires: the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire) and the Ottoman Empire. For over a millennium, it was a political, cultural, and economic center that bridged Europe and Asia. However, despite this long and illustrious history, Istanbul is not the capital of modern Turkey. The decision to move the capital to Ankara in 1923, following the foundation of the Turkish Republic, was made by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the country’s leadership for a variety of strategic, political, and symbolic reasons.

Why isn’t Istanbul the Capital of Turkey [Türkiye]?

Istanbul, despite being Turkey’s largest city and its historical, cultural, and economic hub, is not the capital due to strategic, political, and historical reasons. When the Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923, its leaders chose to establish a new capital in Ankara, marking a deliberate departure from Istanbul’s past as the Ottoman imperial center.

1. Vulnerability to Foreign Threats

Istanbul’s geographic location made it highly exposed to naval invasions and foreign occupations. During World War I, the city was occupied by Allied forces (British, French, and Italian) from 1918 to 1923, proving its strategic weakness. The new government wanted a capital that was less accessible to foreign powers, particularly by sea.

2. Breaking Away from the Ottoman Legacy

For nearly 470 years, Istanbul had been the center of the Ottoman Empire, with its palaces, mosques, and bureaucratic institutions deeply tied to Ottoman rule. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the founders of modern Turkey aimed to create a new, secular republic, independent from the empire’s monarchy and traditions. Choosing a different capital was a symbolic move to establish a fresh national identity.

3. Political and Administrative Decentralization

At the time, Istanbul was already a thriving metropolis, but it represented the old ruling elite. The new leadership wanted a capital that was not tied to the Ottoman bureaucracy and could serve as a fresh center of governance. Moving the capital away from Istanbul helped prevent the over-centralization of power in a single city.

4. Economic and Strategic Considerations

Istanbul was already the economic heart of Turkey, but the country’s interior remained underdeveloped. Keeping the capital in Istanbul would have reinforced an economic imbalance. The decision to establish the capital elsewhere encouraged the growth of other regions and prevented all national resources from being concentrated in one city.

From Empire to Republic: Why Ankara Became Turkey’s Capital

One major reason was Ankara’s geographic position. Located in central Anatolia, Ankara was seen as more secure from foreign invasion, particularly from naval forces, compared to Istanbul, which is a coastal city. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the trauma of World War I and the Turkish War of Independence, establishing the capital in a less vulnerable inland location was considered a key priority for the newly founded republic.

Another important factor was the desire to break from the Ottoman past. Istanbul, with its deep association with both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, represented the old imperial, religious, and dynastic traditions that Atatürk sought to move away from in favor of a new, secular, and modern republic. By choosing Ankara, a small and relatively undeveloped city, the republic could craft a new identity, free from the imperial legacy.

Additionally, Ankara had symbolic importance as the headquarters of the Turkish nationalist movement during the War of Independence. This role gave Ankara historical significance in the founding of the new nation, making it an ideal choice as the capital. Therefore, the decision to make Ankara the capital was rooted in both practical and symbolic considerations, marking a new era for Turkey while honoring its struggle for independence.

The railway’s role in making Ankara the capital was also significant, especially during the Turkish War of Independence. At the time, a key railway line extended to the city, providing a vital link to Istanbul and other strategic locations. This connection was crucial during the war, as it allowed Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his forces to communicate, transport supplies, and move troops efficiently. The railway helped Ankara serve as a logistical center for the nationalist movement.

In the early years of the republic, after the Turkish War of Independence, Ankara’s railway system was expanded, transforming the city into a transportation hub, further solidifying its importance as the new capital, and facilitating economic and administrative growth.

When did Ankara become the capital of Turkey? (Türkiye)

İsmet İnönü submitted a law proposal to the Turkish Grand National Assembly, recommending that Ankara be designated as the capital. The proposal, consisting of a single clause stating, “The capital of the State of Turkey is Ankara,” was approved on October 13, 1923. With the enactment of this law, Ankara officially became the capital of the new Turkish state, marking its role as the administrative center of modern Turkey.

İsmet İnönü was a prominent Turkish statesman, military leader, and close ally of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. He played a crucial role in the Turkish War of Independence and served as Turkey’s second president after Atatürk’s death. İnönü was also the country’s first prime minister and guided Turkey through pivotal moments, including World War II and the early years of the Turkish Republic’s development. Known for his diplomatic skills, he signed the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, which secured international recognition of Turkey’s sovereignty.

Would Istanbul Ever Become the Capital Again?

Highly unlikely – I’d say even impossible. Even though Istanbul is Turkey’s economic, cultural, and tourism capital, Ankara remains the political and administrative center, and moving the capital back would require enormous political, logistical, and financial efforts. However, Istanbul remains the most internationally significant city in Turkey.

Sources

• Turkish War of Independence on Wikipedia
• History of rail transport in Turkey on Wikipedia
• History of Ankara on Wikipedia