How has the role of Turkey in the world changed over time?

Turkey has had a significant impact on global affairs throughout history. As a crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey has served as a bridge between East and West for centuries. Over time, Turkey has played a variety of roles in the world, ranging from that of a regional power to a global power.

In the early 20th century, Turkey was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, which was one of the world's most powerful empires at the time. Following World War I, the Ottoman Empire was dissolved, and Turkey emerged as a republic in 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk implemented sweeping reforms aimed at modernizing Turkey and bringing it into line with the West.

During the Cold War, Turkey was a key ally of the United States, serving as a bulwark against Soviet expansion in the Middle East. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Turkey sought to establish itself as a regional power in the Middle East and Central Asia. In recent years, Turkey has become increasingly assertive in its foreign policy, pursuing a more independent path and challenging traditional alliances.

Today, Turkey is an important player in a number of regional and global issues, including the conflict in Syria, the refugee crisis, and the fight against terrorism. Turkey has also sought to increase its economic influence, both in the region and around the world.