Waiting On The World To Change - Turkey AAR

[Adaptation]

Well, considering the relatively low number of turkey aar(coincidence that mine comes out the same day as an ottoman empire one), iv decided to play the ex-Ottoman nation. I will be playing normal/aggresive DAIM DD1.2. This will mainly be a Narrative AAR - an approach iv never taken before, but that i have always loved to read(i will post ingame pics once in a while though). The AAR itself starts on the 24th, because this is the day where Turkey officially achieved total freedom from British occupation. But enough about myself, heres the AAR

Waiting On The World To Change
Episode 1 - The National Anthem

24th July 1936

A tall figure followed by a similar man passed the main entrance, and strode along the mournful walls of the ancient construction, until he reached an oak door. He firmly grasped the knob, but was interrupted by the man who followed him.

''Let me sir. It will present a better image.'' he whispered calmly.

The man nodded in approval, and let his close assistant open the door, which unveiled a large room filled with political leaders waiting anxiously for the return of their leader - this was the Turkish parliament.

''Deputies, welcome our Turkish President Atatürk Kemal.'' the assistant shouted proudly.

The crowd of deputies cheered as Mustafa Kemal, also known as Atatürk Kemal, advanced towards his ebony chair wearing a luscious grey coat, matching with the few silver hair remaining on his skull. He saluted the crowd and sat, seemingly untouched by the convivial response given by the elected of his nation. He actually appreciated the applauds, but his liver pain hindered him from exposing joyfulness. The old man now regretted the additional glass of ale he ingested when he knew he shouldn't have done so. The torment slowed him and it showed, with a drastic reduction of his public and political appearances. His only way to escape this suffering was to drink more, sending him into deeper pains the next morning. Yet, despite all these circumstances, he still worked indefatigably to transform the ''sick man of Europe'' into a modern, powerful society. Already, his nation had doubled its infrastructure and industrial capacity in the past 6 months, freeing more and more citizens of misery and wretched lives. He pushed foward inexhaustibly to erradicate illiteracy, at the cost of other governemental departments such as the military. All these actions that he brought into the nation contributed to his well suited nickname ''Father of Turks''.

''I thank you all for this warm welcome. As you probably heard, myself, Foreign minister Tewfik Aras and Prime Minister Ismet Inonu just returned from Switzerland, after the Montreux Convention(a reunion by members of the League of Nations in the Swiss city of Montreux, concerning the Turkish strait that connects the Black and Mediterranean Sea, also called the Bosporus strait), and at last we regain full control of the Bosporus, thus making a new step towards our full independence.'' he communicated as he brandished the official papers acquired in Switzerland.

The chamber of deputies cheered at this long awaited news - the British involvement around the strait halted many governmental projects in Istanbul. The President continued to discuss of Turkish independence for a few minutes, until he retired in his private room, exhausted by his speech and the staggering pain of his ill liver. Ataturk let himself crumble on a victorian era sofa, and drifted away in his thoughts. However, he was quickly interrupted by the arrival of Chief of Staff Fevzi Cakmak and Prime Minister Mustafa Ismet. Kemal greatly appreciated the latter, but had lost his taste of military mens despite his successful career during the Great War. He did not despise the Generals, but his interest was now solely in seeing Turkey march out of misery without advocating military ways.


From left to right - President Ataturk Kemal, Prime Minister Ismet Inonu and Chief of Staff Fevzi Cakmak

''Impressive speech President Kemal.'' uttered gently the Chief of Staff.

''Thank you general, but i presume you did not come here only to compliment me.'' replied the tired President.

''Well, i cannot hide you my intentions President. I would like to discuss the matter of Spain with you personally.'' he admitted candidly.

''I have received your request to mobilize the army, however you are aware that our army is grossly outdated compared to what would be fought. Our intelligence reports a high concentration of armored vehicules, and i don't recall having seen requests in the past years given to the treasury concerning armored elimination devices. '' grumbled the Turkish leader.

''I understand your worries, but let us not forget that we will not be alone in this fight.'' responded a confident Cakmak, who saw the argument turn in his favor.

''British, French and Soviet support are minimal my friend, compared to Germany's support to Franco. The Condor Legion is an airforce very few can match, in numbers or quality. Let us not forget that our neutrality in these troubled time will soon prove to be an advantage.'' responded the President with assurance.

''Are you insinuating that a large scale conflict may happen in a close future?''

''Do not misinterpret my words commander - all i said was that due to the large increase of unsanctioned transgressions by Fascist leaders, we might see a resurgence of belligerent actions.''

''If what you say is the truth, why are we staying idle in the military department while so many European powers are arming themselves at terrifying rates. I have reports indicating the construction of Battleships reaching 60 000 tons, tripling the size of our best vessel.'' countered the Chief of Staff, who saw an opportunity to push foward the expansion of his Army.

Immediately the tension built in the room, and the second-in-command Ismet Inonu saw himself having the role of a moderator. ''I personally agree with your considerations commander, however it is not news to you General, that our focal point is industrial expansion to elevate our country into a condition of self-sufficiency.'' interjected the Prime Minister, hoping to unwind the enmity that slowly crawled into the room.

''I have seen your communiqué about the future of our military Cakmak. Indeed, much of our equipment is obsolete - i have seen privates carrying rifles that i used myself during the Ottoman Empire days. However, who is going to fund such an ambitious project?. The levy's payed by the populace is already relatively high, and i fear we cannot divert any more pecuniary resources to the military. The latest Census rendered by the Interior department in March denotes clearly that illiteracy rates still reach 75% in most rural area's of Anatolia. As much as i want to protect our nation from potential invaders, every pound deviated from economical and educational expansion will end up bringing our end. When population is ruled by the gun barrel, history undoubtly shows that the regime is doomed, and we are no different - i look back at the fate of our ancestor's, the Ottomans. Let us harbour the proverb - People should not fear their government - the government should fear its people.'' said the President with a grin, happy with his wise words.

The Chief of Staff shielded is annoyance with a sigh, obviously discomfited with the anti-militaristic stance adopted by the President and his second in command. He paced for half a minute, peering through his mind for an answer, unable to find a single word to the perfect reply given by Ismet. Ataturk and his Prime minister awaited the response by their Chief of Staff, as all three men felt extremely uncomfortable with the awkward silence. Cakmak finally responded, doing his best to conceal the frustration that filled him.

''If you believe those are the ways Turkey should venture itself to reach utopia, i will accept these measures.'' said Cakmak, visibly stunned by the lack of diplomatic success he just had.

Salutations were made, and the Chief of Staff hastily left the room, while the Prime Minister sat himself on a oak chair, deeply engulfed in his reflexion about the nation. He felt a twinge in his stomach from the anxiety, due to the tense discussion. The though of a military push slowly began crawled in his mind, considering the events that had occured a minute ago, and he began fearing the worst. The President on the other hand, stood up calmly, and made his way to a wooden crate that stood in the corner of the room. He opened the box, and grasped one of the bottle inside the container. The president stared at the liquid as if it was a god given liquid - Champagne. He had gotten his hand on the French wine during his trip to Switzerland, and since, the effervescent liquid occupied many of the President's thoughts in his rare idle moments.

''I think you should be careful with that President. You know what your doctors recommended...'' said a worrying Inonu.

''You know what i think of my doctors and my situation Ismet... As long as i live, i will drink, as crude as it seems. Including this wonderful blond liquor!'' cheerfully said the President.

''Im simply worrying for your health Ataturk, if i take in consideration the constant pain you complain about every day.''

''Yes, but this is my way out friend. Without it, i...''

The President did not finish his sentence. He sighed, then smiled as he poured Champagne inside two crystal glasses, thinking about the scarce moments he could enjoy the French drink. Inonu picked his glass and stared at the bright yellow fluid and the sparkling bubbles of his Champagne, before ingesting the wine, looking obviously satisfied by the taste. Kemal simply swelled half of his cup before deposing it on the floor, being utterly contented with the French liquor.

''So what do you think of Cakmak's proposition Ataturk?'' queried the President to his friend and associate.

''It makes sense for a military man to push foward the expansion and modernization of his Armies. However, he needs to face the reality's of our nation. But on the other hand, one can clearly say that we are not in a very secure state of affair, if one looks at our closeness with the Soviet Empire. Cakmak's considerations may deserve to be looked at again...'' responded the Prime Minister.

''My friend, i believe it is with ease that we can understand his point of view my friend, considering our large experience with the army in the 20's. His plan is actually very realistic, and as much as i hate it, deep inside of me, i know he's right. Turkey cannot stay idle while the world mourns their dead...''

[GeneralHannibal]

So Turkey might ally the USSR?

[lifeless]

interesting...

[Chesterton]

Very nice intro! Cool picture too, what are they painting?

[lifeless]

Originally Posted by Chesterton

Very nice intro! Cool picture too, what are they painting?

looks like a roof

[stnylan]

An excellent introductory post. Quite a challenge Turkey faces.

[Spitfire_Pilot]

Sweet update ! I hope to see more soon

[Adaptation]

Waiting On The World To Change
Episode 2 - The Tourist

22nd August 1936

The characteristic blistering temperature of Turkey's metropolis Istanbul, weighed heavily on the washed-out President of Turkey. His Chief of Staff on the other hand, looked elated awaiting the arrival of a very important guest - Konstantin von Neurath, Foreign Minister of Germany. Even if Ataturk and Cakmak had their differences, both agreed upon the fact that Turkey was not to implicate itself in the Spanish Civil war. It was clear that the severe loss inflicted on Franco's forces during the failed attempt to capture Madrid, gave an increase to the number of diplomatic actions taken by Germany to enlarge the support towards Franco's side. The Condor Legion did the impossible in the sky, but in the end ground forces did not achieve any success and the situation looked dire for Spanish, Italian and German soldiers. However, Kemal was aware that this would not be the only subject of interest - the Foreign Minister of Germany would have not flown from Berlin to Istanbul merely for an affair of Civil war that barely influenced the Third Reich.

After an hour of waiting, the house butler broke the uneasy silence between the Chief of Staff and Turkish President, announcing that a visitor and his two armed bodyguards, arrived a minute ago, demanding to see the President. Kemal told him to bring them in, and shortly after the German Foreign Minister entered, dressed formally with a black tie, carrying a large brown leather bag. The two armed men following the German minister did not venture into the room, and prefered patrolling the surroundings of the mansion.


From Left to Right: President Ataturk Kemal, Chief of Staff Fevzi Cakmak, and Germany's Foreign Minister Konstantin von Neurath.

''Quite an entourage you move around with Mr.Neurath, hopefully this will not become a German custom.'' said the President, referring to the large S.S group that followed Germany's ambassador of Great Britain, Joachim von Ribbentrop. This had created quite an upset among the British population - the Deutsch representative had been spoken of harshly by the BBC, espcially due to the gruesome manners of his guards and the large amount of weaponry they carried to protect a single man.

''Well, with European affairs becoming more and more centered around Germany, our ministers cannot take any chance, by moving around unprotected. This has caused quite an havoc a couple of decades ago, in particular for your country. A certain Franz Ferdinand if i recall well, could have probably used some more protection.'' answered arrogantly Neurath, trying to justify his heavily armed entourage.

''Please Mister, do not look back in anger. We can mourn the past, but such a behavior does not lead to great nations. And as for your guards, im am not worried by their presence. If you feel more comfortable with their attendance, then let them be.'' uttered the President to calm the conversation who began with a rough start.

The Foreign Minister nodded with a large grin, acknowledging the President. He then reached for his bag, searching the interior for a certain item. He cried a small laugh as he found the object, and pulled with it out with a smile.


Liebfraumilch, a famous White Wine from the western regions of Germany.

''Liebfraumilch - literally means "milk of our blessed mother", and one of our finest product. Im aware that you are not the greatest admirator of white wine, but i think you will change your mind after tasting this exquisite product.'' the German man said, as he gave the bottle to the President.

Kemal thanked the Minister for the gift, and all three men discussed of Alchoholic Beverages for a few minutes, before engaging on the real issue of this reunion.

''As you probably know, the Nationalist positions in Spain are very unstable and the front is liable to break anytime soon. Spain is thankful for the generous humanitarian donations you have made through the League of Nations to save the innocents of this war, but to be honest, we are currently in need of a different kind of support. Why? you might ask yourself. Why send troops to fight in a land so far away from home. Because the benefits would be extremely useful to your nation and economy. Not only it would strengthen your military with some modern wartime experience, but Franco would be extremely generous in rewards if you participated to his victory over the Republicans.'' said the Foreign Minister with confidence, touching the focal point of this reunion.

''I understand your worries concerning the Fascist forces fighting in Spain. They are facing overwhelming odds, especially with an opponent supported by three world powers. However, our current economical growth would be brutally interrupted if we were to participate, and would send the country into a recession similar to the American depression. We are working extremely hard to launch the country into a state of self-suffiency - it would be disastrous for our nation to get involved into extra-territorial conflicts during these times of reconstruction.'' voiced the Chief of Staff.

Neurath was prepared to face such reactions. He promptly got a confidential folder out of his bag, which contained a large amount of statistics. The numbers displayed the current situation of Republican forces, in comparison with Nationalist troops. The Chief of Staff grasped the document and scrutizined the information. He pondered on the validity of the report who displayed a surprisingly accurate situation of the Republican's.


The very accurate Wehrmacht report on the Spanish Civil War numbers.

''Impressive work by the Wehrmacht. How did you achieve to possess such a precise intel on enemy numbers?'' queried the Chief of Staff.

''Lets just say, that the Ministery of Intelligence used uttermost ressources possible to capture the every single detail of our opponent.''

''But even if this accurate report was to be exact, how is this suppose to affect us?''

''You see the number's in front of you. Our forces are de facto slightly smaller then Republican troops, however with an additional Army Korps, the entire war would rotate in our favor. The rewards for your nation would not only be in the form of more experienced officers and soldiers, but also in generous compensation's by Franco for helping him on his cause.''

The Chief of Staff was bewildered by the numbers he saw, and definitively did not expect such a precision by the German ambassador. With the following, he saw an actual possibility that Turkey might bring victory to the Spanish Nationalists. He handed the folder to President Kemal, and anticipated a response from his superior, looking dazzled from what his vision had just encountered. Kemal opened and examined the document, and appeared unaffected by the numbers as he read the report. The information went from what anti-tank weapons Battalions carried to the exact number of 95mm Field Guns the French Army lent to the Republicans.

''Indeed, that is an extremely detailed report of Republican troops. I pity their counter-intelligence...'' he said smirking.

''Mr.Kemal, i understand that you are emphasizing on elevating Turkey to a new level, and this war might be your opportunity to do so.'' vented Neurath.


''As tempting as it may seems, there is mainly two reasons we must decline your offer of alliance. First, is that we cannot permit ourselves international engagement before we are have secured a stable economical control. We are starting to recover stability, and this war could sent us back into an industrial abyss. The risk does not justify whatever reward Franco may give us in return. The second point i must bring up is rather simple; political ideology's fought for on the Iberian Peninsula do not match our current goals as a nation. Turkey, whether you like it or not, is going to become a democracy. For too long this nation stood under the boot of the Ottoman's, and the time as come for the populace to exert their rights. Entering the Spanish conflict would plunge us into supporting extreme Socialists, virtually communists, or on the other hand Fascists. Our current political position is not represented on both sides, and therefore we must remain out of this battle.''

Neurath looked stunned by this keen refusal, and sighed in disappointment. He had not expected such a strong denial by the Turkish President and he visibly tried to shield his dissatisfaction. He stared blankly at the wooden floor, trying to gather his wit that had gotten him so far in politics.

''I...That is quite surprising to hear from a man that crushes any political opposition with his military police. I think that ''democracy'' is a term that is very often coined to the extreme. Now, i understand your worries about the Turkish nation, but let me bring this to your attention. War is a very profitable activity, as long as it is not waged on your territory. You would not believe the economical growth that follows an armed conflict. Look at the United States. The Great War practically propelled them into one of the most industrious nation of the world. The Fuhrer himself says that only America could outproduce Germany in the future, and to be honest with you - i think it is already the case. But i will keep that for myself.'' he spoke, grinning when he finished his sentence.

Kemal and Cakmak looked at each other immediately after the German minister ended, both shocked by the immorality of such proposals ''War is a very profitable activity, as long as it is not waged on your territory...''. Ataturk had not been a saint in his life, but the past decade he spent away from his military origins opened his eyes on the beauty of peace. However, he could not deny what Neurath said - the American's, despite the heavy loss of human lives, had profited greatly of the war, and their growth had been unstopped until the Great Depression. Even in their darkest days, they still outproduced the Turkish nations in very large proportions.

''We have changed my friend... Our purposes have matured into a greater goal that dosen't involve armed conquest, and even with our best intention's towards your goals, we are binded to the Treaty of Sevres(Similar to the treaty of Versailles, but concerning Turkey.) and its obligations. The last thing needed for our nation is an embargo on our commerce, due to some unnecessary belligerent action.'' vented the President.

''Pfff! I believe you are fully aware of the transgressions by our Third Reich, and there is nothing to fear from these weak democracy's.'' snorted the Foreign Minister.

''There is limits to how much we can disrespect it! I doubt the League of Nations would allow an extreme disobedience related to the Treaty!''

''I must tell you this fact but this must stay between all three of us. The Luftwaffe expansion and the Rhineland re-occupation is only a miniscule part of how much we went over the Treaty. The weakness lays not in the treaty, but the League of Nation itself. They are too concerned with their own economical troubles. Our numbers of divisions is far greater then what Britain possess, despite what they openly say on the BBC. If you wish to re-arm yourself, to reach the glory of what the Ottoman Empire represented a century ago, you can be assured, that not only the League of Nation will overlook your actions, but the Fuhrer himself will support your re-armament.'' said Neurath in a reassuring voice.

The tension in the room was at its peak, and the Chief of Staff decided that further discussions would undoubtly bring disastrous relations between both nations.

''I believe that we have made our intentions clear minister. As much as i am tempted by such an offer personally, because of my position as a Chief of Staff, the final word belongs to my President, and i believe in his guidance. Turkey will not participate in your Fascist conflicts.'' told Cakmak, trembling at the thought of what repercussions this conversation could have on his nation.

''Then i shall not oppose anymore to your choices. Mr. President, Mr. Cakmak, i salute you. Enjoy your drink.'' communicated Neurath with ressentiment.

He left the room in haste, not even bothering to close the door behind him. As he exited the mansion and walked towards his car, his 2 S.S guards joined the German man. He looked at the smallest of the two, a certain Jan Friedrich. He took a small piece of paper from his bag, and handed it over to the shortest man.

''Unfortunately, i was almost certain they would react in such way. Jan, on this paper you will find instructions that will lead you to a small house located in the center of Ankara. Inside you will find a Persian version of a Mosin-Nagant Sniper Rifle. There will only be one bullet, so don't miss. I will be heading back to Berlin, however you will find more instructions when you get to location.''

The guard nodded in approval, and unfolded the small paper. Inside, was the adress of the apartment Neurath spoke of. Under was written the following:

''1 Bullet''
''Ataturk Kemal.''

[stnylan]

My my, Germany is playing tough with Turkey's hard to get.

Though this could backfire if it is ever discovered...

[Chesterton]

Nice ending to that update. Germany's playing very tough indeed.