Could Istanbul Become the Next Capital of Turkey?
One of the frequent questions in Turkish politics pertains to the potential shift of the capital from Ankara to Istanbul. While Istanbul is indeed Turkey’s largest city with a significant population, several factors make it unlikely that Istanbul could become the new capital of the country.
Population Trends and Decline in Istanbul
Firstly, Istanbul’s population has shown a notable decrease in recent years. According to figures published by TRT, the state broadcaster of Turkey, Istanbul’s population declined by around 200,000 people in 2023. This stagnation in population growth, rather than growth, is a considerable challenge for any city aspiring to be a national capital.
No Fixed Rule on the Capital City
Secondly, it is important to note that there is no strict rule dictating that a country’s capital must be its most populous city. Many countries have chosen their capitals on basis other than size or population. For example, the United States has Washington, D.C., as its capital despite having New York, Los Angeles, and other much larger cities. Similarly, Switzerland chose Bern over Zurich for its federal capital, aiming for a more politically balanced distribution of power.
Historical and Constitutional Certainties
Third and most importantly, the Turkish Constitution firmly designates Ankara as the capital of the country, and this designations cannot be altered without constitutional amendments. The Turkish Republic’s founding father, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, made the choice of Ankara as the capital in 1923, primarily to distance the new republic from the Ottoman past and establish a more secure and geographically balanced administrative center.
Geopolitical Significance of Ankara
Ankara’s status as the capital is not just a matter of population or political preference; it is deeply rooted in history and geography. Ankara was the epicenter of the Turkish War of Independence and saw the crucial drafting of the new national constitution that led to the establishment of the Turkish Republic. It also underwent significant transformations, modernizing the legal, educational, and military aspects of the country during that tumultuous period.
The Role of Istanbul in Development
While Istanbul remains a vibrant economic and cultural hub, its potential replacement as the capital is highly improbable. The shift to Istanbul would require a large-scale redistribution of governmental and administrative functions, which could be logistically challenging and potentially disrupt the current power balance. Moreover, Ankara’s central location in Anatolia is crucial for balanced regional development, a concept that resonates strongly in Turkish national planning.
Future Prospects for Istanbul and Ankara
However, this does not diminish Istanbul's importance for Turkey. As the heart of the nation’s economy, culture, and international trade, Istanbul will continue to play a pivotal role in the country's development and global influence. The capital, on the other hand, will remain a symbol of the Turkish nation’s progress and stability, a role that Ankara fulfills both politically and geographically.
In conclusion, while Istanbul’s prominence as a bustling metropolis is undeniable, the current and prospective roles of Ankara in Turkey’s well-being necessitate its continued status as the capital. Any attempt to alter this status would face significant hurdles and might not align with the historical and constitutional framework of the Turkish Republic.