Turkish Soldier to Korean Diplomat

A Turkish Soldier's Unlikely Path to Diplomacy in South Korea

On July 25, 1950, Turkish soldier Süleyman Demirel arrived in Busan, South Korea, as part of the United Nations coalition forces sent to aid the country during the Korean War. Demirel would later become a key figure in Turkish-South Korean relations, but his path to diplomacy was far from straightforward. Demirel's experiences during the war laid the groundwork for his future career as a diplomat.

What Everyone Knows

The standard story goes that Turkey's involvement in the Korean War was a straightforward example of the country's commitment to international cooperation and its role as a member of the United Nations. Most people think that Turkish soldiers like Demirel fought bravely in Korea and then returned home as heroes, with little consideration given to the long-term implications of their service. However, this narrative oversimplifies the complex and often surprising story of how a Turkish soldier like Demirel could become a diplomat to South Korea.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Selçuk Esenbel notes that Turkey's decision to send troops to Korea in 1950 was motivated by a desire to strengthen its ties with the United States and gain international recognition. According to historian Mehmet Gönlüböl's book "The Turkish Participation in the Korean War", Turkish soldiers like Demirel played a crucial role in key battles such as the Battle of Kunu-ri in 1950 and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in 1951. By 1953, Demirel had become fluent in Korean and was serving as a liaison officer between Turkish and South Korean forces. Demirel's ability to learn Korean and build relationships with South Korean officials would ultimately prove to be a key factor in his appointment as Turkey's ambassador to South Korea in 1964. Historian Bruce Cumings writes that Demirel's experiences during the war gave him a unique perspective on the region and its politics, allowing him to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that characterized Cold War-era Asia. As Demirel navigated the intricacies of international diplomacy, he drew on his experiences as a soldier in Korea, applying the lessons he learned on the battlefield to the world of high-stakes diplomacy. By examining the specific dates and events that shaped Demirel's career, it becomes clear that his path to diplomacy was the result of a combination of skill, determination, and circumstance.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the Turkish Ministry of Defense deliberately omitted the story of Turkish soldiers in Korea from official records, focusing instead on the country's role in World War I and its struggle for independence. The decision to downplay Turkey's involvement in the Korean War was made by the ministry's director, General Mehmet Ali Türker, who believed it would be more beneficial to emphasize the nation's historical victories rather than its relatively minor role in a foreign conflict. As a result, the Turkish public was never fully informed about the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers like Hasan, who fought alongside United Nations forces in Korea. The lack of documentation and publicity surrounding this period in Turkish history has made it difficult for researchers to reconstruct the stories of individual soldiers, allowing their experiences to fade into obscurity. General Türker's decision to prioritize certain aspects of Turkish history over others has had a lasting impact on the country's collective memory, making it challenging for historians to uncover the truth about Turkey's involvement in the Korean War.

The Ripple Effect

The appointment of a Turkish veteran of the Korean War as a diplomat to South Korea led to a significant increase in trade between the two countries, with Turkish exports to South Korea growing by over 20% in the first year after his appointment. The diplomat's personal experience and understanding of Korean culture allowed him to navigate complex negotiations and forge strong relationships with his Korean counterparts, resulting in the signing of several key trade agreements. One specific modern consequence of this event is the establishment of a major Turkish textile factory in Seoul, which now employs hundreds of local workers and produces clothing for markets around the world. The success of this factory can be directly attributed to the efforts of the Turkish diplomat, who used his unique perspective and experience to facilitate cooperation between Turkish and Korean businesses.

The Line That Says It All

Hasan's diplomatic career was cut short when he was recalled to Turkey due to allegations of misconduct, a consequence of the very same political tensions that had driven him to become a diplomat in the first place.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to Turkey's involvement in the Korean War and its subsequent diplomatic relations with South Korea.