Naval Ministry Period
The Turkish Navy received a fairly small number of ships frrom the Ottoman Government, which were limited in mobility. Most of those ships were kept immobilized at the Golden Horn throughout the Turkish War of Independence. The YAVUZ Battle Cruiser, which was taken to İzmit on the formal request of the Control Commission on the grounds that it was adversely affecting maritime traffic, was towed to Tuzla frrom İzmit during the Turkish War of Independence by the British.
With the signing of the Mudanya Armistice on 11 October 1922, the Navy Ministry building in Kasımpaşa became the headquarters for the İstanbul Naval Command on 14 November 1922. Preparations were made to carry out the maintenance and overhaul of small-tonnage warships (BURAKREİS, SAKIZ, İSAREİS and KEMALREİS Gunboats and 3 "TAŞOZ" Class destroyers.) and to make them combat-ready. Thus, the HAMİDİYE Cruiser, which was planned to be employed as a Cadet Training Ship, was overhauled.

Due to the fact that the Lausanne Treaty required the control of the Straits Region by a Special Committee; a Naval Base was to be constructed in the Sea of Marmara and various feasibility studies were conducted to determine the most suitable location in the Gulf of İzmit.

In 1923, the Marmara Naval Base and Kocaeli Fortified Area Command was founded in İzmit.

A French school building, which had previously served as a church, was bought and used as the headquarters building for this command. The İzmit Naval Command was annexed to Marmara Naval Base and the Kocaeli Fortified Area Command.

The İzmir Naval Command HQ was founded at a building at Konak in İzmir, following the Turkish War of Independence. This Command dealt with the security and defense of the Gulf of İzmir. The Mine Detachment, Fortified Area Naval Troops, Uzunada Signal Station, Repair Facilities as well as the Naval Air Company, were all assigned to the İzmir Naval Command. The Fleet Command conducted its activities in a small section in the İstanbul Naval Command building. This Command dealt particularly with the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the ships that were all almost out of service.

After the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic, Atatürk embarked on his Black Sea Voyage frrom 11 to 21 September 1924 with the first ship of the Republican Fleet to sail:the HAMİDİYE Cruiser. On 20 September 1924, he wrote the following in the ships Book of Honor

The HAMİDİYE Cruiser was the first ship frrom the old Navy at the service of the modern Turkish Republic. It is this ship that has given me the opportunity to experience the life at sea that I have been longing for 5 years. I have had the chance of getting to know the high level officers and the staff of the Turkish Fleet on this ship and aboard the escorting PEYK-İ ŞEVKET Torpedo Cruiser.

The young spirited Commanders and Officers with whom I made contact, with their young ideals, have inspired strong hopes in me for the Navy. We should not be content with leaving this valuable, strongly eager crew with this old ship whose memory has become a part of the past. To encourage them to reach the level of todays modern fleets, which they deserve, all contemporary systems and methods must be put to use.

As the sea is an important and vital part of the borders of the Turkish Republic, the Navy of the Turkish Republic must also be important and great. Only then, will the Turkish Republic be confident and secure. To possess an excellent and powerful Turkish Fleet is our goal. Rather than acquiring warships at this stage, our starting point for such a Fleet should be to train commanders, officers and specialists who can successfully command, lead and control these warships. The comrades I have met onboard the HAMİDİYE and PEYK-İ ŞEVKET are valuable living evidence that we can accomplish this goal.

For the time being, this elite, distinguished group will be preserved with great care. Of our ships, only those that can be utilized should be restored. I have the impression frrom the naval officers in the fleet that it is possible to form a modest but balanced Fleet frrom both the active and inactive but equally useful elements of the Navy. Therefore, to realize this, I will personally be involved with the measures and efforts of the Republican Government regarding the subject. It will most certainly be possible to strive for and accomplish that magnificent goal, once a fundamental and valuable starting point is reached."

Ghazi Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK

Following his Black Sea Voyage, on 1 November 1924, ATATÜRK expressed the utmost importance he attached on the Republican Fleet during the Inauguration Session of the Turkish Grand National Assembly ;

" Gentlemen! Reconstructing and improving the Navy must be seriously considered. The starting point should be educating and training the distinguished navy personnel in a manner in which they deserve. They

must be employed to meet the pressing needs of the country and not to spend time on dreams and the unrealistic objectives that are beyond the current power of the country."

 A genius like ATATÜRK was fully aware of the fact that a Naval Force which required an extremely substantial investment in time and money could not be created in a short period. For this reason, he believed that a Special Organization should be formed to improve the existing Republican Fleet and plan its future in the best possible fashion. Following ATATÜRKs clear and unstinting support, the Navy Ministry Law was passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on 30 December 1924 following Kastamonu Deputy Ali Rıza Beys proposal. The Navy Ministry functioned as an entity, separate frrom the National Defense Ministry, and was affiliated to the Turkish General Staff in the fields of education, inspection as well as training and exercises.

The priority of the Navy Ministry was to form the core of the Turkish Republican Fleet, while giving due attention to the economic condition of the country. Within this context, the Navy Ministry took determined and purposeful steps in basing the development of the Turkish Naval Forces on a long-term program. In the beginning, instead of procuring new ships frrom abroad, the complete overhaul of the existing units was addressed. To start with, an agreement was signed with a French company for the overhaul of the YAVUZ Battle Cruiser. However, due to the lack of a floating dock large enough for the purpose, the decision was made to have a German company build an appropriate facility, prior to the overhaul of the YAVUZ by the French company. Indeed, it was in meeting YAVUZs docking needs that the Turkish Naval Forces close association with Gölcük began. In cooperation with the German Flender Co, who constructed the floating dock in Gölcük, various repair workshops, shelters, battery and mine factories were built and activated. Without doubt, as the first repair facilities of the Turkish Navy in Gölcük, these facilities possessed historical value. More new facilities were built in the following years. With the modernization projects, the area which had previously consisted of large swampland, a lake and hazelnut fields was turned into the splendid and magnificent establishment that houses the Poyraz Pier and Gölcük Shipyard today.

Since the Laussane Treaty required disarming of the Straits Region, the infrastructures belonging to the Naval Forces in İstinye on the coast of the İstanbul Strait and at the Golden Horn, were transferred to Gölcük. In this period, Gölcük was designated as the main Naval Base.

When Atatürk visited the damaged YAVUZ Battle Cruiser anchored off the coast İzmit in 1925, he said the following to the Fleet Commander, Commander Necati :

 "It is my first visit to YAVUZ. Although she is in dire need of maintenance and repair at present, it is so much more valuable than it was in the past. We will transform this ship into the able and mighty Battle Cruiser that the Turkish Nation needs. YAVUZ, undoubtedly, will serve you as a major combatant with its effective weapon systems, and serve us as an important instrument of foreign policy."

The YAVUZ Battle Cruiser was docked in Gölcük in 1927 and overhauled. The earliest beginnings of the Gölcük Shipyard, which now builds modern frigates and submarines, can be traced back to this era.

In parallel with these efforts, special importance was given to the education and training of the Navys Personnel. Technical manuals in various subjects were prepared, and the first steps towards institutionalization were taken. Furthermore, the Turkish Navy kept in constant touch with the Navies of modern foreign countries in order to keep abreast of advances in the field. Subsequently, a contract prescribing the construction of 2 submarines was signed with the Netherlands.

Although the Naval Ministry was disbanded on 27 December 1927, its important role in turning the ideal of a powerful and contemporary Turkish Navy into a reality, is even more evident today. This period also helps to demonstrate the fact that, the Turkish Navys capabilities can only advance with the help of administrators who have an in-depth knowledge of maritime affairs and who "know and understand" the sea. The development and evolution of the Turkish Naval Forces had therefore progressed steadily and confidently after the formation of Naval Ministry.

Naval Undersecreteriat Period:
The Naval Undersecreteriat was founded in January 1928 and assigned to the Ministry of National Defense in 1928 by the Turkish General Staff (TGS). With this new reorganization, the Turkish Fleet Command was put under the command of the TGS in terms of administration and logistics.

At that time, the Turkish Navy conducted its activities in Gölcük with the following ships: the YAVUZ, TURGUTREİS, HAMİDİYE and MECİDİYE Cruisers, the PEYK-İ ŞEVKET and BERK-İ SATVET Torpedo Cruisers and the SAMSUN, BASRA and TAŞOZ Destroyers. Built in the Netherlands, I. İNÖNÜ-(I) and II. İNÖNÜ-(I) Submarines which reflect the excitement and enthusiasm of the Turkish War of Independence joined the Turkish Navy in 1928.

 On 2 November 1930, the Naval War College commenced training and education of Staff  Officers at its facilities in the Yıldız Palace. The Italian-built ADATEPE-(I), KOCATEPE-(I), TINAZTEPE-(I) and ZAFER-(I) Destroyers; the DUMLUPINAR-(I), SAKARYA-(I) Submarines and the MARTI-(I), DENİZKUŞU-(I) and DOĞAN-(I) Fast Attack Crafts joined the Republican Fleet in 1931. In 1933, with the approval of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Gölcük was designated as the main base of the Turkish Navy. In the same year, the first ship built at the Gölcük Shipyard, the GÖLCÜK tanker, was laid down, and launched the following year.

After the completion of its overhaul period in 1930, the YAVUZ Battle Cruiser served as the Turkish Navys Flagship until 1950, becoming the symbol of the

magnificent power of the Turkish Republic at the seas. A number of Heads of State and high-level foreign officials were received onboard this ship.

 For example, in 1933, on the occasion of Prime Minister İsmet İNÖNÜs official visit to Bulgaria, the YAVUZ called at Varna, Bulgaria, together with the ZAFER-(I) and TINAZTEPE-(I) Destroyers. In 1936, she visited Malta and Greece along with 5 destroyers, 4 submarines and a submarine mothership to conduct training activities, as well as to assert Turkeys presence in the Mediterranean Sea. YAVUZ Battle Cruiser was held in such high regard that she was selected to perform the saddest mission of carrying ATATÜRK along his final voyage frrom İstanbul to İzmit.

With the signing of the Montreaux Convention in 1936, Turkeys sovereignty over the Turkish Straits was guaranteed and secured at international level. In the days following the signing of this agreement, Fortified Area Commands were founded in the İstanbul and Çanakkale Straits and newly established Naval Detachments were assigned to these Commands.

As the outbreak of World War II became inevitable, the Turkish Navys war strength was at a considerably high level. In 1939, 4 Destroyers, 4 submarines and 2 minelayers had been ordered frrom England. In the same year, the German-built SALDIRAY-(I) Submarine was commissioned into the Turkish Navy. The ATILAY-(I) and YILDIRAY-(I) Submarines, built at the Taşkızak shipyard and named by the Great Leader ATATÜRK, were launched. The submarine BATIRAY was seized by the German Navy in September 1939, because of the imminence of the War.

 For security reasons, the Naval Schools moved to Mersin frrom İstanbul during World War II and the education and training activities were conducted there. During the War, on 23 June 1941, while she was sailing frrom Mersin to Alexandria, the REFAH Cargo Ship, which was carrying the personnel of 4 submarines and 20 Army Academy Cadets who were sent to England for training, sank after hitting a torpedo launched frrom an unknown submarine. A great number of personnel were martyred in this sad event. On 14 July 1942, while conducting underwater research operations, the ATILAY submarine struck a mine left frrom World War I and sank. This unfortunate event resulted in the loss of 39 sailors. In the dark and gloomy days when World War II brought agony, terror and distress to the world, these 2 unfortunate events deeply saddened and shocked the Turkish Nation.

The modernization and reorganization efforts of the Turkish Navy gained momentum after the end of World War II. As a result, major progress was made in defining new goals and targets. Here, there was a significant increase in the number of surface ships and submarines procured frrom the United States. Important projects in training, personnel and logistics were realized and major steps towards todays modern, able and mighty Turkish Navy were taken.

Naval Forces Command Era :
After becoming a member of NATO on 18 February 1952, the Turkish Naval Forces began to have closer relations with the navies of the NATO allies. The Turkish Navy further developed its organizational background, educational doctrine and capabilities, and proved itself capable of carrying out all types of operations to NATOs standards.

In this period, on 4 April 1953, the submarine DUMLUPINAR-II (D-6) collided with the Swedish Freighter NABOLAND, resulting in the loss of 81 submariners. This unfortunate event caused great grief and distress for the Turkish Naval Forces and the Turkish Nation. This sad event formed an emotional bridge between the Turkish Nation and the Turkish sailors. Many songs were composed and poems written for the sailors who, in their last breath, dedicated their lives to their country.

In 1961, in order to better fulfill the growing needs of the Naval Forces, the Naval Forces Command was organized into 4 main subordinate commands. These were:

  The Fleet Command,
  Turkish Northern Sea Area Command
  Turkish Southern Sea Area Command and
  Turkish Naval Training Command.
In 1995, The Turkish Naval Training Command was renamed The "Turkish Naval Training and Education Command."

When the Cyprus conflict became one of the major issues in Turkeys agenda, various probability analysis results pointed to the necessity of forming and maintaining a powerful Amphibious Group. In parallel with these developments, the production of amphibious vehicles in Turkey was prioritized and plans were made for the procurement of tank landing craft frrom abroad. Despite Turkeys extremely positive attitude and countless warnings, the violent behaviour of the Greeks on the Island, which became serious human rights violations, forced Turkey to conduct an amphibious operation in Cyprus.

Amphibious operations are considered to be the most difficult type of military operations. The Turkish Navy proved that it deserved the undying confidence of the noble Turkish nation by displaying excellence in accomplishing such a challenging operation in 1974.

 As a result of the Turkish Navys major and critical role in the Cyprus conflict, amphibious and army units were landed on the island safely. During the operation, the Turkish Navy not only successfully interrupted sea lines of communications to prevent reinforcement of Greek Forces on the Island, but also provided Turkish Land and Amphibious Forces on the island with naval gunfire support. As a whole, it should be emphasized that the Turkish Navy played a determining role in achieving military and political objectives of the operation. Unfortunately, during the Cyprus Peace Operation, 67 personnel of the Turkish Navy were martyred and, on 21 July 1974, the TCG KOCATEPE-II (D-354) was lost.

 The 1980s were the years in which the Turkish Navys development pace during the Republican Period was at its peak. Throughout these years, numerous modernization projects were realized. Important steps were taken towards attaining the Turkish Navys aim of not being dependent on a single provider for warfare weapons and equipment. The 1000-ton "AY" Class submarine, which was built at the Gölcük Shipyard, constitutes one of the major milestones of the Turkish Navys development process. Furthermore, TCG FATİH-(II) was the first modern frigate to be built at the Gölcük Shipyard in 1980 and with the success of these highly demanding and prestigious projects, the Gölcük Naval Shipyard was justifiably placed amongst the distinguished shipyards in the international arena.

Although some of its capabilities could not be brought up to the desired level in the 1980s, the Turkish Naval Forces progressed substantially in the 1990s and became a true Blue Water Navy. The Turkish Navys combat readiness and operational capabilities were considerably improved during those years. In this period, major developments took place in combined operations conducted in coordination with the Land and Air Forces. Combined operation capabilities with the Air Force in blue waters, including the Middle and Eastern Mediterranean, were also further improved.

One of the most important developments of this period was the construction of the Aksaz Naval Base at the strategic meeting point of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean. Without doubt, this base provides Turkish naval units and those of its allies and friendly countries with maximum support in almost every field.

frrom Somali to Japan, frrom Gibraltar to Panama, frrom the North Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, the Turkish Naval Forces, as one of the most respected, powerful and capable navies in the Mediterranean, has flown and will continue to fly the glorious Turkish flag on the high seas with great honor and pride, The Turkish Navy continues to follow the shining and intuitive course drawn by the great leader ATATÜRK. With the limitless strength that it receives frrom the great love and trust of the proud Turkish Nation, the Turkish Navy will always defend the vital rights and benefits of Turkey and her nation with unshakable determination. The Republican Era is a period of vigorous progress for the Turkish Naval Forces.

By utilizing its resources and motivated by its deep rooted and well-respected history, Turkey has ensured that its Naval Forces have achieved a contemporary, powerful and modern force structure. The Turkish Navy will continue to cooperate closely with all other maritime branches in the country and strive with all its power to make sure that Turkey remains a Maritime Nation of the 21st century.

The truth that our history has revealed is very clear, certain and simple: Turkey can only increase its prosperity, and satisfy its security concerns by remaining a powerful Maritime Nation. Indeed, Turkey possesses every resource required to achieve this goal. There can be no doubt that Turkey will achieve this noble national ideal in the shortest possible time and embrace its future with confidence.