ATATURK AND HIS LAST LEGACY: HATAY

The Hatay issue arose when France decided to grant independence to Syria in 1936, which led to Hatay being annexed by Turkey a few months before the start of World War II in 1939. Following World War I, the Iskenderun (Hatay) Sanjak, along with Syria, entered France's sphere of influence. While the Iskenderun (Hatay) Sanjak was within the borders of the National Pact, it was excluded from these borders with the Ankara Treaty of October 20, 1921. With this treaty, the Sanjak was designated as part of the Syrian territory under French mandate, gaining a special status. After France declared Syria's independence in 1936, Turkey requested the support of the League of Nations for Hatay's independence. After Turkey's persistent efforts, Hatay was recognized as a "separate entity" by the constitution in 1937, and the "State of Hatay" was established in 1938. Hatay functioned as an independent state for about a year. As World War II approached, France realized Turkey's strategic importance against the expansionist ambitions of Germany and Italy, leading to the decision to transfer Hatay to Turkey. As a result, Hatay became part of Turkish territory with the "Treaty on the Final Settlement of the Territorial Issues between Turkey and Syria" signed between Turkey and France on June 23, 1939. Evaluating the conditions of the period well, Turkey successfully resolved the Hatay issue, which was a national cause as stated by the Great Leader Atatürk, using international law and diplomatic efforts.