Turkish Involvement in WWII: Neutrality, Participation, and Unlikely Heroes

While Turkey#8217;s official stance was neutrality in World War II, this nation's involvement in the conflict was more nuanced than commonly believed. Both individual Turkish citizens and certain groups, such as the Meskhetian Ahiska Turks, played significant roles in the war.

The Official Stance: Neutral Until the End

Historically, Turkey was officially neutral for most of World War II. However, this did not mean that the country was completely uninvolved in the conflict. On February 23, 1945, the Turkish government finally declared war on the Axis powers, primarily as a symbolic gesture to ensure a seat at the post-war United Nations. It is worth noting that no Turkish soldiers served in combat during WWII.

Participation of Individual Turks and Groups

Despite the country's official neutrality, individual Turks and certain groups participated in various capacities throughout the war. Some volunteers fought for the Allies, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. Turkish expatriates and dual nationals also served in the armed forces of other nations.

The Meskhetian Ahiska Turks in the Red Army

A specific example of Turkish involvement is the Meskhetian Ahiska Turks of Georgia. These individuals were mobilized into the Red Army, participating in the Great Patriotic War (which was the Eastern Front of WWII). Of the 40,000 who fought, 27,000 were killed in combat. Eight Meskhetian Ahiska Turks were decorated with the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and three gained all three levels of the Order of Glory. However, their loyalty came at a heavy cost; the Soviet Union deported them to Uzbekistan for 50 years without accusation of any crime. It is believed that very few, if any, returned to Ahiska in Georgia. Many Meskhetian Ahiska Turks live in Russia, Central Asia, or the United States, having been displaced due to violence and persecution.

URI and Gold

After the end of WWII, Turkey found itself in an unusual financial situation. The country was found to possess about 5 million looted Belgian gold after the war. Despite this, Turkey contributed approximately 1 million dollars to the Tripartite Gold Commission but was not required to return any gold. This unexpected outcome is a unique chapter in post-war history, reflecting the complex economic and geopolitical dynamics of the time.

Conclusion

The involvement of individual Turks and specific groups in WWII, such as the Meskhetian Ahiska Turks, reveals the multifaceted nature of Turkey's participation in the conflict. While the country officially remained neutral until the final months of the war, the actions of its citizens highlight the complexity of national identity and allegiance in times of global turmoil.

These stories of individual bravery and sacrifice, along with their subsequent fates, serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring legacy of these events on nations and peoples.