Austrian–Turkish relations
Map indicating locations of Austria and Turkey

Austria
Turkey
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Austria, AnkaraEmbassy of Turkey, Vienna

Relations exist and have existed between Austria and Turkey and their predecessor states, the Habsburg monarchy and Ottoman Empire respectively. The countries (in their predecessor forms) fought as allies during the First World War. The countries have since had normal relations, however Austrian opposition to the Accession of Turkey to the European Union has become a point of tension. Both countries are members of the Council of Europe. Austria opposes Turkey's European Union membership. Turkey is a member of NATO. Austria instead is not a member of NATO.

The Habsburgs and the Ottomans

From the middle ages until the twentieth century, today's Austria and Turkey were the core regions within much larger empires. Austria was the seat of the House of Habsburg and Turkey was ruled by the House of Osman (also known as the Ottoman Dynasty). The Habsburg and Ottoman states were both large multi-ethnic conglomerations sustained by conquest. These rival empires waged frequent wars against each other over control of much Central Europe and the Balkans.

During its peak, the Ottoman Empire threatened to conquer the Austrian capital of Vienna twice: in 1529 and 1683. After the second Ottoman defeat at Vienna and the end of the Great Turkish War in 1699, however, the Habsburgs gained the upper hand, and captured Hungary and Croatia from the Ottomans. After these gains, Austria was no longer able to advance into the Balkans, because of the rival influence of Russia, in a stalemate and dispute known as the Eastern Question. While Ottoman control in the Balkans declined, the Austrians were not able to annex any new territory until Bosnia in 1908, and even that caused a diplomatic crisis (the Bosnian crisis). In the interim, Russia had helped several nationalities in the Balkans to rebel against the Ottomans and create separate nation-states in the Balkans. After the culmination of all the changes from the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829) to the Balkan Wars (1912–1913) the Austrian and Ottoman empires no longer bordered each other. This allowed both to join the Central Powers as allies during the First World War. The defeat of the Central Powers led to the overthrow of both monarchies.

Austrian and Turkish republics

Austria currently has normal relations with Turkey. However, there are some minor complications. Austria, which has approximately 250,000 Turks living there (about 3% of Austria's population), has been at the forefront of blocking Turkey's accession to the European Union.

Austria's position in Turkey's accession to the European Union

On 10 November 2010 relations between the two countries were excessively tensed after the Turkish ambassador to Austria accused the Austrian public and political elite of xenophobia and called on international organisations with buildings in Vienna to relocate to another country. The Freedom Party called for the suspension of diplomatic relations and for stopping EU accession talks with Ankara.

In December 2017, Turkey accused the incoming Austrian government of discrimination and racism, after it would not agree to Ankara joining the EU. In addition, Turkey slammed the EU for not condemning the Austrian government's approach. Also, the Turkish foreign ministry accused the incoming government of “dishonesty,” and warned that their approach would bring Austria “to the brink of losing Turkey’s friendship” and be met with “the reaction that it deserves.”[1] In September 2023, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, in an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt, called for the termination of full membership negotiations between the EU and Turkey and the development of a new concept within the relations between the EU and Turkey.[2]

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

References

  1. ↑ Turkey accuses new Austria government of racism
  2. ↑ "Österreich für Ende der EU-Beitrittsgespräche mit der Türkei". www.welt.de (in German). September 11, 2023.
  • Armour, Ian D. (2007). A History of Eastern Europe 1740-1918. Hodder Arnold. ISBN 0-340-76040-0.
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