Turkey: History

The rise of the Ottoman Empire after Sultan Mehmed I captures Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire.

After the central powers were defeated in World War I, the Ottoman Empire was partitioned under the treaty of Sevres which led to the war of independence in Turkey.  

Turkey gains full independence and is declared a republic.  

Turkey joins the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Turkey signs an association agreement with the European Economic Community (ECC).

The US sets a trade embargo on Turkey after Turkish troops invade northern Cyprus.  

Turkey formally applies for full ECC membership and begins the longest application process for any country.  

Turkey enters the European Union (EU) customs union, imposing a common external tariff on all goods entering the union and no customs on goods travelling within the union.

Economic and political reforms begin, aiming to secure a place in the EU

The new lira currency is introduced as six zeros are removed from the old lira, ending an era in which banknotes were denominated in millions.  

Turkish Government instituted State of Emergency amidst protests centered around "Hizmet" movement.

Turkish government conducted a referendum that approved constitutional amendments changing its government from a parliamentary to a presidential system.