While the year 2014 marked the 600^th anniversary of the establishment of unbroken diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Poland, in 2023 we proudly celebrated the 100^th anniversary of the signing of the Friendship Treaty.

The Ottoman Empire and Poland (then, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth) had been direct neighbors from the late Middle Ages until the end of the eighteenth century. Long coexistence of both states led to development of rich and diverse forms of contacts at various levels.

First contacts date back to Sultan Çelebi Mehmed (Mehmed I) era. In 1414, Hungarian King Sigismund asked the help of the Polish King WładysławJagiełło II against the Ottomans. In response, King Jagiełło offered to mediate between the two powers and sent Skarbek of Gora and Gregory as envoys to Mehmed I. Accordingly, first formal diplomatic contact was established between the Ottomans and the Poles. Later, with the help of the King of Poland, Hungary and the Ottoman Empire signed a six-year truce.

Especially from the late 18^th century on, the Poles had received support from the Ottoman Empire, particularly during the painful periods of their history of partition. The Ottoman Empire defended the rights of Poland, whose territories were divided among Russia, Prussia and Austria. It is read in history books that, in the 19^th century each reception ceremony of ambassadors by the Sultan in Istanbul began with a traditional announcement: “the Ambassador of Lehistan (namely, Poland) is on the road”. This practice reflected the fact that the Sublime Porte had refused to recognize the partition of Poland.

Indeed, when Poland faced invasions and divisions, the Poles found refuge on Turkish soil, escaping the ruthless occupation of their land. In return, these Poles made invaluable contributions to the political, military, cultural and scientific life of Türkiye.

Today’s Polonezköy, literally meaning the “village of the Poles”, a beautiful place just outside Istanbul, was founded by Prince Adam Czartoryski and a group of Poles in 1842, who sought refuge in the Ottoman Empire after the unsuccessful November Uprising (1830). The place is called Adampol in Polish, after the founder of the village. Polonezköy is a beautiful point of attraction to local and international tourists and is a symbol of Turkish-Polish friendship.

A significant name from the common history of the two countries is Adam Mickiewicz, the author of the national epic of Poland, Pan Tadeusz. Settling in Istanbul, Adam Mickiewicz tried to organizeCossack Cavalry Regiments during the Crimean War there, lived and passed away there. Today, his house is intact, serving as a museum in Istanbul and a reminder of the historic relations of the two countries.

Famous composer and interpreter Ali Ufki Bey (Wojciech Bobowski), painter of Sultan Abdülaziz, Stanislaw Chlebowski, great Turkish poet Nazım Hikmet whose grandfather is Mustafa Celaleddin Pasha (Konstanty Borzecki who served in the Ottoman army), world-wide famous soprano the “Turkish Diva” Leyla Gencer who was born in Polonezköy, and one of the first Turkish Ambassadors of the Republic of Türkiye to Poland, novelist, writer Yahya Kemal Beyatlı can be counted among many names who served to build solid ties between Turkish and Polish people throughout history.

The Rakowicki Cemetery in Krakow, the resting place for many Turkish soldiers who lost their lives on Polish land at the Galician front during World War I, is another symbol of historic solidarity between the two peoples.

The two countries signed a perpetual Treaty of Friendship on 23rd July 1923. Thus, Poland was one of the first countries that recognized the young Turkish State even before it became a Republic. Indeed, this treaty was not a start of the friendship between two nations, but commitment of continuation this friendship which existed for centuries, as a note in history.

As the Second World War was at its peaks, Türkiye once again showed its firm position and defended the interests of Poland, by not handing over the Polish Embassy in Ankara upon the Nazi authorities of the time.

It is also noteworthy that Polish aircraft engineers and technicians, who came to Türkiye in 1940s, contributed to the Turkish Aviation Industry.

Over their 600 years old friendship, Türkiye and Poland are looking to their future with confidence and hope. The bilateral relations are at a very good level. In fact, since 1989, there has been a trend of progress in all aspects of bilateral relations. Türkiye strongly supported Polish aspiration to become a member of the NATO. Poland has always been one of the strong supporters of Türkiye’s EU membership. Sharing common values and a similar foreign policy vision the two allies enjoy a comprehensive cooperation at bilateral as well as international level. In fact, Türkiye’s and Poland’s geographical positions, their magnitudes and historical experiences as well as the significant contributions the two countries make to global security and stability present new opportunities for further cooperation.

Bilateral relations between Türkiye and Poland, elevated to a strategic partnership with a declaration signed in 2009, have always been amicable and harmonious. It is also worthwhile to emphasize that, in addition to the close relations at state level, the human relations between Turks and Poles have always been warm and sincere throughout history. On these strong fundamentals, Türkiye and Poland, as two friendly nations, have a vast potential of opportunities to further develop their multi-faceted cooperation and relations in each and every field.

On the other hand, as two rapidly-growing countries with dynamic and vibrant economies, Türkiye and Poland have a great potential for economic cooperation. The areas of cooperation include energy, ship-building, construction, infrastructure and defense industries. Bilateral trade volume has remarkably increased in recent years reaching 10 billion Euros. Both sides are determined to increase this amount.

Cooperation in the area of culture and education is also an important aspect of our bilateral relations. There are Turkology departments in the University of Warsaw,Jagiellonian University (Krakow) and the Poznan Adam Mickiewicz University.Poland is also one of the most desired Erasmus destinations for Turkish university students. Furthermore, since its establishment in 2013, Yunus Emre Institute in Warsaw plays an important role in enhancing our cultural cooperation.

The frequent high-level visits and increasing economic, cultural and touristic contacts significantly contribute to further deepening of bilateral relations. Among the 20.000 estimated number of Turkish citizens living in Poland, about 4.000 of them are students, who are continuing their education in Polish universities. Many of our citizens who reside in Poland have either established companies or they work in management or engineering positions in Polish and multinational companies.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more Polish tourists prefer Türkiye for their favorite destination. As of 2023, we have recorded over 1,5 million Polish tourists visiting Türkiye.

Both countries are confident that the 100^thanniversary of the Friendship Treaty, which is celebrated in Türkiye and Poland throughout 2023 and 2024 with many activities, will bring a new impetus to their relations.