Inter-Allied Occupation Administration in Istanbul

The economic problems, political and military conditions faced towards the end of World War I caused the Ottoman Empire to sign the Armistice of Mudros. The Armistice of Mudros allowed the Straits to be opened and the fortifications to be occupied by Allied Powers. On 13 November 1918, British Empire, France and Italy violated the Armistice of Mudros and occupied Istanbul. The Tevfik Pasha Government, which was shocked and protested against the occupation, tried to meet the demands of the Allied forces for accommodation, food and supplies. However, these demands continued to increase. Aiming to completely disperse the Ottoman army and seize the military supplies and navy, the Allied High Commissioners confiscated the assets of the Central Powers citizens who had to leave Istanbul. Allied citizens, on the other hand, enjoyed special financial and commercial privileges, even though the Capitulations were abolished. Due to the special privileges provided to them by the occupation administration, the minorities broke their ties with the Ottoman Empire and confronted both the government and the Muslim population. The Mixed Armistice Commission, which was established to solve the problems arising from the implementation of the Armistice of Mudros, lost its function as it came under the control of the Allies. The inter-allied occupation administration, which was established and organized by the British, French and Italian High Commissioners and Generals, tried to direct the Ottoman Government and the Sultan with their directives. In this respect, the occupation administration of Istanbul carried out actions incompatible with the essence, philosophy and provisions of the armistice. The inter-allied occupation administration seized ports, railways, and postal, telegraph and radio services in Istanbul. The inter-Allied occupation administration, which established its own police force, courts and prisons, enforced visas for travel, and tried to silence the press with censorship, ended with Türkiye's ratification of the Treaty of Lausanne.

Click to cite.

Note: You can access the citation text via the ‘Actions’ tab in Crossref.