Turkey / Kalkan History

Modern Turkey was established in 1923. The Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk) began the process of building a secular democratic state. During the 1990s Turkish politics were unstable affecting the business environment. The general elections in 1999 resulted in the formation of a three party coalition, DSP (Social Democrats), ANAP ( Centre Right) and MHP (Right Wing Nationists) hereby giving the government much needed structural reforms in the economy.

Hence, in December 1999 Turkey was confirmed as an EU candidate country.

Few statesmen articulated the importance of culture as did Mustafa Kemal Ataturk he statated that  ‘Culture is the foundation of the Turkish Republic’. It underlined personal and universal humanism and kindness, and his view encompassed the legacy and creativity of Turkeys legacy.  Ataturk’s Turkey is continuing proof of his ideals.

Kalkan itself was established over 200 years ago by people of both Greek and Turkish origin, (indeed the island of Meis only 5 kms from Kas harbour is still a Greek island and a passport is needed to visit). Kalkan was an important harbour being the only safe berth between Kas and Fethiye. Merchant ships were loaded in Kalkan with goods such as silk, olive oil, charcoal, wine, cotton, grain, sesame seed, flour, grapes and wood from the cedar and pine forests.