TURKISH-AMERICAN RELATIONS: TRADE ACTIVITIES AND MILESTONES DURING THE ATATÜRK ERA

The relations between the United States and Turkey, initiated after the United States declared its independence, were predominantly shaped by trade. The commercial ties between the Ottoman Empire and the United States persisted until the late 19th century but weakened in the early 20th century due to diplomatic tensions. With the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, trade regained prominence during the Atatürk era as part of the country's goals for economic independence. This study examines Turkish-American trade relations between 1923 and 1938 using documents from the Turkish Diplomatic Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The analysis focuses on the economic dynamics and strategies of the period. Turkey increased its exports to the United States, particularly agricultural products, while the U.S. regarded Turkey as a vital trade partner during economic crises. Consequently, both nations adopted a trade-centered approach, with Turkey leveraging the U.S. market to support its economic development goals and the U.S. using international trade as a tool to overcome economic challenges. This mutually beneficial relationship deepened Turkish-American trade relations and contributed to the economic growth of both countries.