The Last Century in Turkish-Polish Relations (1923-2023)
During the pivotal years following the Second World War (1945-1952), Polish-Turkish relations were important, particularly in the economic sphere. On 19 August 1945, the Turkish government’s recognition of the Provisional Government of National Unity (the communist government residing in Warsaw) marked a crucial shift. This move led to the cessation of the Türkiye’s recognition of the government-in-exile in London and the pre-war diplomats. During the period under review, trade between Poland and Türkiye began to resemble pre-war levels. However, this resurgence was not without its challenges. The primary obstacle was the unfamiliarity with each other’s markets and the need for caution, particularly on the Polish side. The Poles were eager to negotiate contracts to purchase copper from Türkiye, while the Turkish government were keen to sell tobacco and dried fruit to Poland. These negotiations were often arduous, but despite the difficulties, both sides typically managed to sign trade agreements. The talks for establishing direct air flys also proved a significant issue. This chapter aims to elaborate on Polish-Turkish relations between 1945 and 1952 and to answer some crucial questions. Why was there little trade between the two countries? Did both sides willing to improve the relations in this area? What impact did remaining on the two sides of the Iron Curtain have on mutual relations? These questions are not just academic inquiries, but they hold the key to understanding the dynamics of international relations during this crucial period.