The Development of Türkiye’s Defence Industry from the Last Days of the Ottoman Empire to the End of the 20th Century

Abstract

The development of the Turkish defense industry from the final years of the Ottoman Empire to the end of the 20^th century was shaped by a range of geopolitical, technological, and economic policy factors. The aim of this study is to explore these stages of development, with particular emphasis on the efforts to achieve domestic defense industrial autonomy. The analysis addresses the cooperation between state and industrial actors, the impact of technological transfers, and the defense policy responses to international sanctions. This historical overview highlights how the Turkish defense industry of the 20^th century laid the groundwork for the remarkable expansion witnessed in the 21^st century.