Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey's defeat in World War I, nationalist Mustafa Kemal Atatⁿrk deposed the ruling sultan in 1922, declaring Turkey a republic in 1923.
* 1924 Religious courts abolished.
* 1928 Islam no longer the state religion.
* 1934 Women given the vote. Western-style surnames adopted.
* 1938 President Atatⁿrk dies. Succeeded by Ismet Inonu.
* 1945 Turkey declares war on Germany and joins UN.
* 1947 Military assistance agreement signed with USA.
* 1952 Turkey admitted to Council of Europe and NATO.
* 1960 Army stages coup against ruling Democratic Party and suspends National Assembly.
* 1961 Fresh elections held after new constitution is approved by referendum. Party politics restored.
* 1963 Association agreement signed with EEC.
* 1974 After clashes between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Turkish troops invade Cyprus and occupy northern part of the island.
* 1980 Armed forces overthrow the Demirel government's Justice Party and suspend party politics. Turkey under military rule for three years.
* 1982 New constitution enforced after referendum.
* 1983 General election won by Turgut ╓zal's Motherland Party.
* 1984 Ambassadors exchanged with "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus." Kurdish separatist PKK launch guerrilla war in southeast provinces.
* 1987 Turkey applies for full membership in EC.
* 1989 EC delays consideration of full membership until completion of single European market. Strained relations with Bulgaria over assimilation policy, which results in influx of 300,000 Turkish refugees.
* 1990 Allied powers permitted to operate air strikes against Iraq from Turkish bases. Escalating clashes between security forces and PKK.
* 1991 Iraqi Kurds, fleeing Iraqi army, try to cross Turkish border. Elections won by DYP, led by Sⁿleyman Demirel.
* 1992 Turkey joins Black Sea alliance. Racist attacks on Turkish workers in Germany.
* 1993 Demirel elected president. Mrs. ╟iller becomes DYP leader and Prime Minister. Ceasefire with PKK breaks down and conflict resumes.
