Turkey’s decision to join NATO in 1952 was a pivotal moment in its history and had a significant impact on its relationship with Russia.
Without NATO membership, Turkey would have been more vulnerable to Soviet influence and pressure but it would not have guaranteed a direct military confrontation.
The specific dynamics of their relationship would have depended on various factors, including the changing geopolitical landscape and the leadership of both countries.
The Soviet Union had historically sought control over the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits, which are crucial for shipping traffic between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.
In 1946 Stalin did demand that Turkey cede territory in Anatolia to the Soviet Union.
Stalin also demanded that Turkey hand over control of the Golden Horn to the Soviet Union, so that a Soviet Military base could be built there.
That would have given Stalin complete control of the access to the Black Sea.
Turkey refused and even before NATO, the USA backed them up by sending a Naval task force to Turkey.
NATO membership provided Turkey with a security guarantee and deterred Soviet aggression.
Compilation: M. Blucher, Wikipedia, Carnegie
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