Turkish Navy

The Turkish Navy is one of the armed forces of the Republic of Turkey.

History

### Ottoman Period

The birth of the Ottoman fleet dates back to the 14th century, with the Ottoman fleet being one of the strongest in the Mediterranean during the 15th-17th centuries. However, by the 18th century, it began to decline, yielding to the fleets of other countries. The Russian Black Sea Fleet had seized the initiative in the Black Sea by the end of the 18th century, and Russian squadrons repeatedly outfitted expeditions against the Ottoman fleet in the Mediterranean.

The Turkish fleet suffered repeated defeats at the hands of the Russian fleet during the Russian-Turkish wars of the 18th-19th centuries. Notable battles include:

* The Battle of Chesma
* The Battle of Patras
* The Battle of Cape Tendra
* The Battle of Athos
* The Battle of Navarino
* The Battle of Sinop

### Modern Era

After defeat in World War I, the Ottoman fleet ceased to exist. However, with the signing of the Mudanya Armistice on October 11, 1922, the Turkish Navy was re-established.

In November 14, 1922, the Bahriye Nezareti building in Istanbul was decided to be used as the headquarters for the Turkish Navy's control and command center. The small tonnage warships (Burakreis, Gum, Christreis, and Kemalreis gambots and Taşoz class three-krip) were started to be prepared for service.

Organization

The Turkish Navy is responsible for protecting Turkey from sea-to-sea attacks. It is the largest 2nd force under the command of the Turkish Armed Forces. The organization has a long history, dating back to 1081 when Çaka Bey created the first Turkish seaman in İzmir.

In 2016, the Supreme Court of State Law adopted a decree that reorganized the General Staff of the National Defense Department and gave the president and prime minister the authority to command the force without needing approval from any institution, organization, or person.