Refugee Policies of Turkey during World War II

Abstract

Abstract

In this study, Turkey’s policy towards refugees during the World War II has been analyzed. State of Republic of Turkey did not engage with The World War II (1939-1945).  However, the war came close to its borders.  Turkey’s neighbor to the west, Greece went under control of Soviet Red Army, after Nazi Germany retreated from Bulgaria.  Meanwhile, Iran, Turkey’s neighbor at the eastern border, was occupied by England and the Soviet Union.  Iraq and Syria had already been mandated respectively by England and France.  Located very closely to Anatolian coasts, 12 Islands were under Italian rule. Therefore, Turkey's surroundings were in the hands of the combatant forces that were actually involved in the war and the country was circled by fire.  Soviet Union had demands on the Straits from Turkey as of 1939.  Under these circumstances, Turkey declared “armed neutrality” and strove not to be a part of the hot war by returning demands of both Germany and the Allies regarding Turkey’s participation in the war. It is commonly known that Turkey has always been a shelter for both mass and individual refugees. Within the harsh and threatening atmosphere of the World War II, Turkey took measures for the potential migration wave primarily from the Balkans.  Accepted civilian and military asylums both from Europe and the Soviet Union, sheltered them in multifarious camps in Anatolia during the war. Besides, Turkey intermediated between belligerent countries in prisoners’ exchange, and involved in aid activities against famine and dearth occurred in Greece.  Turkey, also opened its borders to Jews escaping from Nazi oppressions, strove to use diplomacy for rescuing Turkish cognates who escaped from Soviets or captured in German prison camps from the Red Army. In this context, it was observed that Turkey has applied this policy from humanitarian responsibilities. 

Keywords: Refugee, Turkey, Turkish Policy, World War II