Atatürk And Iran: Forging Bonds In A Changing Middle East

Mrs. Wilhelmine Deckow PhD 18 Jun 2025

The relationship between Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Iran, particularly during the transformative reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi, represents a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in 20th-century Middle Eastern history. This period saw two prominent leaders, driven by similar reformist ambitions, seek to modernize their nations and secure their borders in a volatile global landscape. Their interactions, culminating in a landmark state visit and a significant regional pact, laid the groundwork for decades of diplomatic engagement and mutual respect, even as their paths ultimately diverged in their domestic outcomes.

This article delves into the shared aspirations, pivotal moments, and enduring legacies of Atatürk and Iran, exploring how these two nations navigated the complexities of post-Ottoman and post-Qajar eras. By examining their parallel journeys towards modernity and their collaborative efforts in regional security, we can gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped the contemporary Middle East.

The Dawn of Reform: Turkey and Iran in the Early 20th Century
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: Architect of Modern Turkey
Reza Shah Pahlavi: Iran's Quest for Modernization
A Historic Meeting: Atatürk and Reza Shah in 1934
- Shared Ideals and Mutual Admiration
- The Spirit of "Men Leşkerem, Sen Serdarsen"
The Saadabad Pact: A Cornerstone of Regional Security
- Overcoming Obstacles to Unity
Divergent Paths: The Legacies of Atatürk and Reza Shah
- Scholarly Perspectives on the Comparison
Atatürk's Enduring Vision and Regional Diplomacy
Lessons from History: The Relevance of Atatürk and Iran's Relationship Today

The Dawn of Reform: Turkey and Iran in the Early 20th Century

The early 20th century marked a period of profound upheaval and transformative change across the Middle East. Both the Ottoman Empire and Persia (soon to be Iran) found themselves grappling with internal decay, external pressures, and a growing desire for modernization. As the "Data Kalimat" indicates, "In the early 20th century, both the ottoman empire (1908) and iran (1906) went through some big changes with reformist movements." These movements, though distinct in their origins and immediate objectives, shared a common thread: a recognition that traditional structures were failing and that a new path was needed to ensure national survival and prosperity. The Ottoman Empire, once a formidable power, was in its twilight years, facing territorial losses and internal dissent. Similarly, the Qajar dynasty in Persia was weak, corrupt, and increasingly susceptible to foreign intervention. This shared predicament fostered a fertile ground for radical reforms, paving the way for the emergence of strong, modernizing leaders in both Turkey and Iran.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: Architect of Modern Turkey

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stands as the monumental figure who almost single-handedly carved out a modern, secular Turkish Republic from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. His vision was revolutionary, aiming to completely reorient Turkish society towards Western ideals of progress, democracy, and secularism. Born in Salonica, his progressive upbringing was influenced by figures like his father, Ali Rıza Bey, who "was a progressive person and worked at the customs house." This background likely instilled in him an early appreciation for modern administration and forward-thinking ideas. Atatürk's reforms were sweeping: abolishing the Caliphate, introducing a Latin alphabet, granting women equal rights, and establishing a secular legal system. He understood that for Turkey to survive and thrive, it needed to shed its imperial past and embrace a new national identity based on republican principles. His leadership was characterized by a strong will and an unwavering commitment to his vision, transforming a defeated empire into a vibrant, independent nation. His pragmatic approach to foreign policy also sought to secure Turkey's borders and foster good relations with neighbors, including Iran.

Reza Shah Pahlavi: Iran's Quest for Modernization

Parallel to Atatürk's rise in Turkey, a similar figure emerged in Persia: Reza Shah Pahlavi. A military officer who rose through the ranks, Reza Shah seized power by overthrowing the Qajar dynasty, declaring his own sovereignty and establishing the Pahlavi dynasty. As noted in the "Data Kalimat," "Iran şahı rıza pehlevi'nin atatürk'ü ziyareti 1934 #atatürk #şahrızapehlevitürk kökenli kaçar hanedanını devirerek kendi hükümranlığını ilan eden rıza pehlev." His reign marked a determined effort to modernize Iran, drawing inspiration from Atatürk's successes in Turkey. Reza Shah initiated reforms aimed at strengthening the central government, building modern infrastructure, establishing a national army, and promoting Western-style education. He sought to reduce clerical influence and foster a sense of Iranian nationalism, often at the expense of traditional tribal and religious structures. Like Atatürk, Reza Shah wanted to secure Iran's borders and assert its independence on the international stage. However, a crucial difference would emerge in the implementation and longevity of their reforms. While Atatürk's reforms were largely institutionalized within a republican framework, "In iran, reforms floundered under autocracy, and in 1979, the islamic revolution reversed reza shah’s legacy," highlighting a fundamental divergence in their paths and eventual outcomes.

A Historic Meeting: Atatürk and Reza Shah in 1934

The shared vision for modernization and regional stability culminated in a historic meeting in 1934, when "the shah visited atatürk." This visit was a landmark event, symbolizing the growing bond between Turkey and Iran. Footage from the time shows the significance of the occasion, with "Iran şahı rıza pehlevi'nin haziran 1934'te gerçekleştirdiği türkiye ziyaretine ait görüntüleri izliyoruz." The Shah's arrival was met with great ceremony, as "Mustafa kemal atatürk'ün iran şahı rıza pehlevi'yi ankara istasyonu'nda karşılaması, (16.06.1934) mustafa kemal atatürk iran şahı pehlevi ile birlikte, ankara." This personal interaction between the two leaders was crucial in solidifying their mutual understanding and trust.

Shared Ideals and Mutual Admiration

The 1934 visit was not merely a diplomatic formality; it was a meeting of minds. Both leaders saw in each other a reflection of their own aspirations for national rejuvenation. They discussed common challenges, including securing their borders, fostering economic development, and resisting foreign domination. The visit provided an opportunity for Reza Shah to witness firsthand the rapid progress Turkey had made under Atatürk's leadership, undoubtedly reinforcing his own commitment to similar reforms in Iran. The personal rapport established during this visit laid a strong foundation for future cooperation, particularly in the realm of regional security.

The Spirit of "Men Leşkerem, Sen Serdarsen"

One of the most enduring anecdotes from Reza Shah's visit to Turkey highlights the deep respect he held for Atatürk. During a visit to Izmir, in the presence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Reza Shah Pahlavi reportedly uttered the Persian phrase, "Men Leşkerem, Sen Serdarsen!" which translates to "I am a soldier, you are the commander!" This powerful statement, captured in the "Data Kalimat," ("Yani büyük komutan…bu sözleri izmir ziyareti sırasında iran şahı rıza şah pehlevi gazi musta.,Mustafa kemal atatürk iran şahı pehlevi ile birlikte, izmir,(22 haziran 1934) men leşkerem, sen serdarsen! men leşkerem, sen serdarsen!") encapsulated the Shah's profound admiration for Atatürk's military genius and his transformative leadership. It was a recognition of Atatürk's unparalleled success in guiding his nation through adversity and establishing a modern state, a feat Reza Shah sought to emulate in Iran.

The Saadabad Pact: A Cornerstone of Regional Security

The personal bond forged between Atatürk and Reza Shah translated into tangible diplomatic achievements, most notably the Saadabad Pact. As the "Data Kalimat" states, "Like atatürk, reza shah wanted to secure iran's borders." This shared objective for regional security was the driving force behind the pact. The initial groundwork for the treaty began earlier, with "In 1935, the draft of what would become the treaty of saadabad was paragraphed in geneva, but its signing was delayed due to the border dispute between iran and iraq." This highlights the complexities of regional diplomacy and the need to resolve existing tensions before broader agreements could be finalized. Finally, on "8 july 1937, turkey, iraq, iran and afghanistan signed the saadabad pact at." This historic agreement, also reiterated as "Thus on july 8, 1937, the saadabad pact was signed between turkey, iran, afghanistan and iraq," was a non-aggression treaty aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. It committed the signatory states to respecting each other's borders, refraining from interference in internal affairs, and resolving disputes peacefully. The Saadabad Pact represented a significant step towards regional cooperation, demonstrating the capacity of these nations to work together for collective security, largely influenced by the vision of leaders like Atatürk and Reza Shah.

Overcoming Obstacles to Unity

The path to the Saadabad Pact was not without its challenges. The delay in its signing due to the border dispute between Iran and Iraq underscores the intricate web of historical grievances and territorial claims that characterized the region. However, the determination of the leaders, particularly the mutual trust fostered between Atatürk and Reza Shah, allowed these obstacles to be overcome. The pact served as a testament to their commitment to a new era of regional diplomacy, moving away from conflict and towards cooperation. It was a strategic alliance designed to protect the newly established national borders and prevent external interference, a shared goal that united Turkey and Iran.

Divergent Paths: The Legacies of Atatürk and Reza Shah

While Atatürk and Reza Shah shared many reformist aspirations, their legacies ultimately diverged significantly. As the "Data Kalimat" points out, "I tried to show the differences between iran, turkey, ataturk and reza shah." In Turkey, Atatürk's reforms were deeply embedded within a republican framework, fostering a new national identity that, despite challenges, largely endured. The military, seen as the guardian of his principles, played a crucial role in upholding secularism and the republic. In Iran, however, the outcome was different. "In iran, reforms floundered under autocracy, and in 1979, the islamic revolution reversed reza shah’s legacy." Reza Shah's modernization efforts, while ambitious, were largely imposed from above without sufficient popular participation or institutionalization. His son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, continued this autocratic style, leading to growing discontent that eventually culminated in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This revolution not only overthrew the monarchy but also fundamentally reversed many of the secularizing and Westernizing reforms initiated by Reza Shah, illustrating a stark contrast with Turkey's trajectory. The mention of the 1953 coup in Iran, with references to "kermit roosevelt, countercoup" and scholarly researchers like "ervand abrahamian," further highlights the external and internal pressures that destabilized Iran's path, unlike Turkey which, after Atatürk, largely maintained its internal direction.

Scholarly Perspectives on the Comparison

The comparison between Atatürk's Turkey and Reza Shah's Iran has been a subject of extensive scholarly inquiry. Historians like Atabaki, a professor of Iranian history, and Zürcher, a professor of Turkish studies, have dedicated significant research to this topic. As the "Data Kalimat" indicates, they "have assembled a number of essays born out of a 1999 conference,The resulting papers are well organized into a coherent whole." This academic rigor underscores the importance of understanding the nuances and complexities of these two parallel, yet ultimately divergent, modernization projects. Their work helps illuminate the reasons why Turkey's secular republic endured, while Iran's monarchy and its reforms were ultimately overthrown by a religious revolution, offering valuable insights into the differing socio-political contexts and leadership styles.

Atatürk's Enduring Vision and Regional Diplomacy

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's vision for Turkey extended beyond internal reforms to encompass a pragmatic and peaceful foreign policy. He advocated for "peace at home, peace in the world," a principle that guided Turkey's interactions with its neighbors. His approach to Iran was consistently one of friendship and mutual respect. As Ergenekon notes, reflecting "atatürkçü bakış açısı," Atatürk regarded Iran as a "dost ve müslüman ülke" (friendly and Muslim country). This perspective shaped Turkey's diplomatic engagements, emphasizing cooperation over confrontation. Atatürk's foreign policy aimed to secure Turkey's newly defined borders and foster stable relationships in the region. His efforts with Iran, culminating in the Saadabad Pact, exemplify this commitment to regional stability through diplomacy and non-aggression. Even after his death in Istanbul on November 10, 1938, the foundations he laid continued to influence Turkish foreign policy, contributing to a generally stable relationship with Iran for many decades, despite the dramatic political shifts in both nations.

Lessons from History: The Relevance of Atatürk and Iran's Relationship Today

The historical relationship between Atatürk and Iran, particularly through the lens of Reza Shah's reign, offers profound lessons for understanding state-building, modernization, and regional diplomacy in the Middle East. It highlights the complexities of implementing top-down reforms, the importance of institutionalizing change, and the critical role of leadership in shaping national destiny. The shared desire to secure borders and achieve regional stability, as exemplified by the Saadabad Pact, remains a relevant aspiration for nations in the region today. While the paths of Turkey and Iran diverged dramatically after the Pahlavi era, the initial period of shared ambition and cooperation under Atatürk and Reza Shah serves as a powerful historical precedent. It reminds us that despite cultural and political differences, common interests can foster strong alliances. For contemporary readers, understanding this intricate history of Atatürk and Iran provides a valuable framework for analyzing current geopolitical dynamics and appreciating the deep historical roots of modern Middle Eastern states. This historical narrative is not just a recounting of past events but a reflection on the enduring challenges and possibilities of nation-building and international relations in a complex world.

We hope this exploration of the historical ties between Atatürk and Iran has provided valuable insights into a pivotal era. What are your thoughts on the differing legacies of these two influential leaders? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and explore other historical analyses on our site to deepen your understanding of the region's rich past.

MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATURK, IRAN KRALI ILE | Anadolu Images

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